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Named after the Visayan word for making something, HIMÔ is a curated pop-up marketplace that encourages people to create a space that reflected their personality, by bringing Filipino artisanal products into their homes. At the helm of the trunk show is HoliCOW (Holistic Coalition), a company that believes in sustainable design, and bringing together traditional and modern techniques.

At HIMÔ, HoliCOW features home accessories like table napkins made of local fabrics, seagrass trays, napkin rings with “coral” details upcycled from surplus rubber, crocheted Christmas wreaths, among many others. Those looking for a fashionable fix will find accessories and jewelry from All That Glitters and Strozzi, as well as clutches from Neil Felipp. Foodies can enjoy delicacies from neighboring provinces, local cheeses from the Malagos Farmhouse in Davao, and bottles of Don Papa’s premium local rum. Selected paintings by Sio Montera are also on display for the art-inclined.

“We always look to the three values that began and uphold the essence of Holistic Coalition,” says communications offer Kae Batiquin about how they chose which products to put on display. “First is Sustainability—is your company or are your products espousing or working towards sustainability in production and design? Next is Community—does your product and company uplift a community in the Philippines within your value web? And lastly, Identity—authenticity and spirit, because in a world of copy-for-capitalism, Filipino products shine in their genuine artistry.”
“The companies we partner with are collaborators whose values intersect with ours, always with a community that is empowered and enabled,” Kae continues. “Within this circle of companies, we curate items that fit the lifestyle we envision as HoliCOW: sophisticated and genuine, with an identity all its own, that fit industry standards of safety and ergonomics. Everything we carry or are affiliated with is handcrafted.”

As the former headquarters of one of Cebu’s pioneering furniture export companies, 32 Sanson by Rockwell seems like the perfect place to celebrate local artisans and companies at the grassroots. “32 Sanson by Rockwell is one of the companies in the real estate industry that share and wholeheartedly believe in our values as well,” Kae shares. “Situated in a historical location within Cebu City, they have endeavored greatly—and to rewarding effect—to preserve the aspects of 32 Sanson that endear it to Cebuanos; from preserving the authentic ancestral showroom of one of our oldest furniture companies (and a HoliCOW-affiliated brand), to making breathable, private but open units that are truly ‘living spaces.’ A perfect meet-in-the-middle of what we aspire to do and be, with our products.”

Catch the last day of HIMÔ: A Space + Making Fair today, November 12, 2017 at 32 Sanson by Rockwell, Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City. Hours are from 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.
]]>Celebrating the Visayan craftsmanship, HIMÔ highlights locally-made and sustainable furniture, accessories, and home décor items that give life to space. This year, the gathering is set to make homemaking even more special for Cebuanos with local music, food, and art to accompany the fair. Local artists from the Qube Gallery will be invited to showcase their pieces; La Marea and ECHOstore will be setting up shop for the foodies in attendance, while Sistemang Pilipino and Hacienda Santa Rosalia Rondalla’s music will serenade guests.
Here are five stunning pieces that will be up for grabs at the fair:
32 SANSON BY ROCKWELL
32 Sanson Road, Lahug, Cebu City
6332. 417 3888 | website
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8:00 AM – Breakfast at YolkStart your day right with a hearty breakfast, and one at Yolk Coffee and Breakfast will definitely set the tone for a great day. The quirky, Instagram-worthy interiors will charm you once you walk in, but the selection of breakfast items (served all day) will have you falling in love. The Chorizo and Eggs in a Pan are a hearty selection, and the Eggs Benny gives the classic a twist a calamansi-infused hollandaise. Don’t forget a cup of joe—their coffee is some of the best in Cebu.
80 Tres Borces St., Mabolo, Cebu City
(032) 231 0411 | yolkcafeph.com
10:00 AM – Kenneth Cobonpue Showroom TourA designer who continuously gains recognition for his fluid and innovative designs, Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom is definitely a stop to make in the city for design enthusiasts.
3A General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City
(032) 233 4045 | kennethcobonpue.com
12:00 NN – Lunch at House of LechonA good number of locals will vehemently pronounce Carcar lechon as the best version of the roasted pig on the island—trouble is, tourists would have to drive more than an hour south to try the juicy meat and flavorful dipping sauce. That, fortunately, is no longer the case, with House of Lechon serving up the Carcar delicacy in the heart of the city, as well as original and spicy versions of the famous pig. And served in a cozy space conceptualized by none other than Vito Selma, it’s a pretty, photo-op worthy stop to your tour.
Acacia Street, Cebu City
(032) 231 0958 | Facebook
2:00 PM – HoliCowA portmanteau for Holistic Coalition, and a clever play on words, Holicow is a showroom that brings together local talent and celebrates creativity and innovation. The space hosts pieces from Debbie Palao, Detalia Aurora, Hacienda Crafts, Bunso, Neil Felipp, among others. The extensive collection ranges from furniture and home decor, to accessories and even fabric dolls.
Crossroads Mall, Gov. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City
(032) 232 0465 | holicow.ph
4:00 PM – Coffee at UNOSThe team behind UNOS Design Cafe was actually in the business of restoring vintage motorcycles, but when it came time to find a new place for their workshop, they decided to put in a cafe as well. It turns out to be just our luck, with UNOS decorated with the same attention to detail put into their bikes. From the individually hand-painted stools, the color-washed wooden tables or the mural on the white walls, your eyes will have a great time taking it all in while enjoying a cup of coffee and one of their amazing chicken curry puffs.
A. Del Rosario Street, Guizo, Mandaue City
(032) 520 9225 | unosdesign.com
7:00 PM – Dinner at KairosAfter a meaty mid-day meal, try something a little bit lighter at the Kairos Culinary Loft. The Pinterest-esque rooftop restaurant is by reservations only and serves delicious plant-based cuisine, with The Lazy Chef Chip Lopez hoping to educate Cebuanos about healthy eating. The menu changes everyday, depending on what’s available in the market or what Chip harvests from her own rooftop garden. With a wide range of flavors using spices, sauces and fresh vegetables, you’re definitely not going to miss the meat.
Mandaue City | Facebook
8:30 PM – Nightcap at Qube GalleryWhat better way to end a day than with a glass of cold beer, and Qube has whatever it is that you may fancy. The selection includes beers from all around the world, as well as locally brewed ones from Cebu Brewing Company. Besides the refreshing brewskies, take time to explore the gallery’s exhibition of the moment, which usually features local artists–both young and old. It’s an artistic answer to the nightcap, and one that’s perfect to wrap up a full day.
Crossroads Mall, Gov. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City
0918 807 4175 | qubegallery.ph
by Shari Quimbo
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory, December-January 2016. Like Zee Lifestyle Directory on Facebook.
Featured image from Travelieu.com.
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Zee Lifestyle‘s December-January 2016 Style Issue: Jennifer Helen Weigel-Sarmiento (Photography: Mark Philip Dales/Sittings Editor: Melo Esguerra/Production Manager: Shari Quimbo/Makeup: Ramil Solis/Hair: Ariel Tatoy/Locale: UVNS)
Gracing the cover is Jennifer Helen Weigel-Sarmiento. Known as Penny to her family and close friends, this businesswoman, philantrophist, mother, and Mrs. Asia International Metropolitan titleholder proves that when it comes to style, age is but a number.
Jennifer joins a bevy of Cebu’s most stylish personalities. Abigail “Bombom” Ngo, Carla Larrazabal-del Prado, Michelle Mulet-Yu, Raquel Choa, Alyssa Lao, Ayana Jimenez, Vanessa East, Timmy Gomez, Michael Karlo Lim, Jacob Pimentel, Stuart Violanda and Allan Ong Jr. showcase their individuality in looks that are entirely their own.

THE HIT LIST: Cebu’s Most Stylish Personalities (Photography: Dan Douglas Ong/Hair and Makeup: Kimberly Lam, Hollie Damaolao, Janice Barillo and Nicko dela Peña)
Beyond its people, Cebu as a city is also known for being stylish. The visual flair of the city’s newest destinations Unos Design, The Chocolate Chamber Boutique, Pigafetta and HoliCOW proves that Cebu is home to the creative entrepreneur—well deserving of being part of the Southeast Asian Creative Cities Network.
With the opening of new malls in Cebu, new lifestyle brands such as H&M, Pull&Bear and Sfera have made their way to our shores, bringing their latest collections for the locales to go crazy over. This issue also provides a backstage pass to the Fashion Weeks in Milan, London, Paris and New York. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Burberry, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Kate Spade are just some of the well-known names that unveiled their Spring/Summer 2016 collections
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Style Issue, out on stands this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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