Guests were pampered with beauty treatments from La Mer and MAC throughout the afternoon, until they had to dress up for cocktail hour. A five-course degustation by Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa executive chef Frank Bohdan and a raffle of exciting prizes including round trip tickets to the Maldives with a stay at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa preceded the main event of the evening—an exclusive fashion show featuring the A/W 2018 collection of Miranda Konstantinidou. Free flowing champagne, caviar and cheese kept the party going until the early hours of the morning.
The Zee Lifestyle Emerald Ball is presented by Arthaland, in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz Cebu, Rustan’s and Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu. Special thanks go out to Dedon Island, La Mer, MAC, and Jo Malone London.
photography Oliver Echevarria and Ezekiel Sullano
]]>The Sky Park is an elevated area set amongst a landscape of verdant foliage and soothing water features that offers a myriad of dining choices and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Sky Park is composed of three playgrounds: the Fun & Play, Water Play, and the Sky Play. SM Seaside City Cebu tapped award-winning industrial Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue to plan and execute the Sky Play, one of the three playgrounds, which brings to life the colorful world of children’s imaginations in hopes of nurturing a child’s creative thoughts through the simple joys of outdoor play. The whimsical and modern design by Kenneth Cobonpue perfectly coincides with SM Seaside City’s sophisticated design by Arquitectonica.
Kenneth Cobonpue with Marissa Fernan, vice president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. led the opening of the “gate” last September 23, 2016 in an Alice in Wonderland themed launch. The whole crew of The Mad Hatter, The Red Queen, and The White Queen graced the celebration. This sure delighted the kids including guests of honor Jack Booth, Ambra Anzani, and Sabi Fernan.
SM SEASIDE CITY CEBU
- South Road Properties
- 6332. 340 8735
- Visit the Facebook page
HALL OF FAME
District on 53rd (Photography by Ezekiel Sullano/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
Already well-known for their inventive food concepts, Marco and Kate Anzani take Cebuano diners on a culinary journey at DISTRICT ON 53RD. A culmination of 53 dishes from different world cuisines, the restaurant brings together a variety of flavors from Asia to the Mediterranean.
Meant to be casual and industrial, District on 53rd is inspired by warehouse and fish markets in Europe—although Kate reminds us that the location in fact has some history, being the location of the old Cebu City jail. The space has a quirky personality that’s approachable but stylish. Rich wooden tables, expansive wine displays, chalkboard menus and chandeliers made from mason jars create an interesting feel.
The couple also adds something new to the dining experience when they set up District on 53rd as a food hall with a wine bar and demonstration studio. Diners can go up to the counter to make their choices among the freshly made dishes on display, or choose to go about the traditional restaurant set-up and order a la carte. If you’re curious about what’s happening behind the scenes, the kitchen is separated from the dining area with just a glass partition to allow a peek.
All District on 53rd wants to do is express creativity in food, embrace Cebu’s new vibe, and introduce new flavors into the local restaurant scene. (by Gab Arcenas)
Cyberzone by Filinvest
Cebu IT Park, Lahug
6332. 261 7212 | Facebook
BLANK SPACE
Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
Seven years after it first opened, CANVAS BISTRO BAR GALLERY reinvents itself with an intimate yet industrial setting that highlights modern Australian dishes served in signature artistic flair.
The modern Australian cuisine restaurant haS relocated to a quiet nook along the Maria Luisa Road in Banilad. Save for the huge sign announcing the restaurant’s name, the façade of the new Canvas is understated, with floor to ceiling picture windows allowing a full view of the interiors.
While interior designer Sheila Solon and owners Chef Steve and Eya Shrimski utilized the existing materials from the previous restaurant, the unfinished industrial look is stronger in this reincarnation. Warm lighting complements the minimalist décor, while the eclectic mix of light fixtures evoke the feel of a gallery, highlighting both the restaurant’s food and the paintings hanging on the walls. Just like its former outlet, the paintings are by featured artists and are for sale.
As for the food, Everything is, of course, served with flair, making for quite the Instagrammable food shots. With the ever-changing selection of interesting artpieces and stylish-looking yet delicious food, it’s clear to see that Canvas truly lives up to its name. (by Patty Taboada)
One Paseo, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad
6332. 416 0895 | Facebook | Instagram
A NEW VIEW
Scape Skydeck (Photography by Philip Lapinid/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
With the ever-growing opportunities for travel and leisure, the development of emerging trends is unstoppable. Thus, to meet the demand for exciting and new adventures, SCAPE SKYDECK shows a different angle of Cebu.
From Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan Island, Scape Skydeck towers at the topmost floor of Azon Residences Condominium near the Marcelo Fernan Bridge. It offers the most beautiful view of Cebu’s skyline.
Surrounded by green and modernized rustic features, dining at Scape Skydeck is mostly al fresco, giving its visitors a clear view of the Mactan Channel and the city’s skyline. For private functions, Scape also has an indoor lounge with classic, saloon-like interiors. The best time to visit is right before the sun goes down—the evening crowd has yet to arrive, and the setting is perfect for a selfie.
Scape Skydeck promises a new side of the lovely Cebu, and a fresh take on flavors—the food is just as good as the view in front of you. This is the angle that Scape proudly gives locals and visitors, an angle that rekindles your appreciation for the Queen City of the South. (by Philip Lapinid)
Azon Residences
M.L. Quezon National Highway, Lapu-Lapu City
6332. 494 0898 | Facebook | Instagram
BRIGHT IDEAS
BRIGHT Academy (Photography by John Ong/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
“You know how, back in our time at school, visiting the principal’s office used to be so scary?” Cheryl Pages-Alba asks. In all fairness, the statement is pretty accurate—back in the days at the academia, being called into the principal’s office had its share of anxiety that comes with thinking you’ve done something wrong. Cheryl laughs at the thought. “Yeah, well that’s exactly what we didn’t want to happen here.”
A relatively small school with a very tight-knit community, BRIGHT ACADEMY is dedicated to preparing students for the real world with a well-rounded curriculum—extra-curricular activities and values education is just as important as scholastic ability. The teachers and administrative staff are notably approachable, which makes it easier for the students to go up to them with concerns.
The BRIGHT offices are able to embody that outlook with its bold color schemes, playful furnishings and glass partitions. Cheryl worked with interior designer Gerald Monreal for the layout, but had a hand in picking out the items used in the space.
BRIGHT Academy encourages play as much as they do learning, and it’s that spirit that they were able to embody in their administrative offices. Students are constantly making their way into the office to talk to teachers or just hang out. That certainly says something about how much the space has contributed to its sense of creativity and community. (by Shari Quimbo)
Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Banilad
TREASURE COVE
Mandaue City Treasurer’s Office (Photography by Ezekiel Sullano/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
It was like stumbling into a treasure cove—a comparison perhaps befitting, considering it was the MANDAUE CITY TREASURER’S OFFICE. It’s definitely unlike any other local government institution you’ll find yourself in, although Mandaue City Treasurer Regal Oliva is quick to point out that the place used to resemble the stereotypical office before he took over. “[It was] drab. It was devoid of color and style,” he recalls.
That was six years ago. Today, the City Treasurer’s Office inspires awe and amazement among visitors because of the interesting selection of classic and eclectic pieces and warm lighting complementing the wooden accents. The design is a collaboration between Regal, his interior designer sister Jul Oliva, and Marylou Ngo-Ang of Magna Crafts and Interiors, the latter of whom offered to make Regal’s office a showroom for her panel board products. The ceiling and three sides of the room are decked in polished dark wood, creating an old-world homey vibe when coupled with the warm recessed lights.
The office’s pièce de résistance is the pair of green Kenneth Cobonpue Yoda swivel chairs situated right in front of the desk. Used during last year’s APEC, the seats are Regal’s favorite items in the room. “The world leaders sat on these,” he shares. “I can see power emanating from them every time I look at them.”
With a distinct selection of furnishings, the Mandaue City Treasurer’s Office reinvents the typical government office and stands as a reflection of the furniture and accessories capital of the Philippines. (by Patty Taboada)
Mandaue City Hall
Edited from the originally published articles in Zee Lifestyle‘s May 2016 Design issue.
]]>Here are top five reasons to visit The Tinder Box.
A stylish, sophisticated lifestyle destination in the heart of the city
The Morals Lounge
The Tinder Box features a clean modernist architectural design, with all-white interiors serving as the perfect backdrop for the delicatessen and grocery’s colorful offerings. The wine cellar portion has an ambiance that’s both cozy and luxurious.
On the second floor, Anzani Prime continues the place’s pristine look, with conversation-starter bull heads of varying finishes mounted on one side and splashes of color in the form of murals.
Adjacent to Anzani Prime is Morals & Malice. The Malice Bar’s interiors were designed by Kenneth Cobonpue—the world-renowned designer’s first full-scale installation over a decade ago. The organic cocoon, created using steel and hand-tied bamboo with rattan, is complemented by a lit onyx flooring by Archt. Ed Calma. On the other end, the Morals Lounge gives a Garden of Eden vibe with accents ingeniously made out of up cycle blinds. It has trees springing from tables, and glass walls to allow natural light to come in.
The most comprehensive offering of steaks in the city at Anzani Prime
The Black Angus MB3 flat iron hanging tender from Anzani Prime (Photography: Oliver Echevarria)
Chef Marco and wife Kate Anzani’s latest venture is dedicated to highlighting meat in its best element. Anzani Prime, at the second floor of The Tinder Box, offers the most comprehensive listing in terms of cut, grading and aging. The beef is sourced from the finest cattle in the U.S., Australia in Japan, including the U.S. Ribeye Special, the signature Certified Angus Beef, MB3 Grade Wagyu Tenderloin, and the utterly indulgent Full Blooded MB 7 Grade Wagyu 600 Day Rotation Rump.
Quality cold cuts and sumptuous dishes at The Tinder Box
The Tinder Box
What started out as a smoke shop specializing in imported cigarettes and cigars has evolved into a whole new dining experience fusing elegance and comfort. There is an ample selection of cold cuts to go with your wine, and The Tinder Box also has a menu that caters to the tastes of both foreigners and locales. Additionally, the grocery is bountiful in international goods, from condiments to jams and more.
Craft coffee and cocktails at Morals & Malice
The Malice Bar
Morals is a lounge that highlights craft coffee and coffee cocktails. A first for the local scene is the craft coffee using beans specially chosen by coffee connoisseur Glenn Soco, and coffee cocktails which are harmoniously blended cups of caffeine with a hint of alcohol. They use customized blends from Brazil and Indonesia. A must-try is the Pumped Spice Latte which is a crafted white pumpkin rum with coffee liqueur and steamed milk topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.
Malice pioneers a craft cocktail culture which is already a hit in Europe. The bar has a wide selection of handcrafted signature cocktails made from plant-based home infusions and local ingredients, all creative exclusively by mixologist Kalel Demetrio and Lee Watson. The Burning Bush, comprised of ginger liqueur, fig syrup, Yoichi single-malt whiskey, Makers Mark bourbon, salinated herb, lemon, and a burnt rosemary twig, is definitely one of the most unique cocktails this side of the country.
An impressive array of wines from Bibendum at the wine cellar
The Bibendum Wine Cellar (Photography: Oliver Echevarria)
Another recent addition to The Tinder Box is the Bibendum Wine Cellar. Bibendum Wines is a leading source of a wide selection of quality fine wines from across the globe, meaning there’s always something for whatever occasion you may find yourselves in The Tinder Box for.
THE TINDER BOX
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Banilad
Open 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
6332. 234 1681 | Facebook | Instagram
ANZANI PRIME
6332. 888 7921 | Facebook | Instagram
MORALS & MALICE
Open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Morals),
6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on weekdays, 3:00 a.m. on weekends (Malice)
6332. 412 1922 | Facebook | Instagram
Zee Lifestyle, Cebu’s premier lifestyle bible, kicked off its 20th anniversary celebration with a weekend getaway at the Be Grand Resort in Panglao, Bohol. Dubbed the Bohol Break, the weekend began with the two journey to Bohol on board Supercat Ferry’s Business Class. On Saturday morning, VIPs were treated to a light breakfast of cucumber sandwiches and ensaimada, paired with their choice of either coffee, juices, and—in Butch Carungay’s case—wine. Zee Lifestyle‘s resident makeup artist Romero Vergara took it upon himself to serve the guests, much to the amusement of everyone. And spotted in one corner, interior designer Holly Dychangco entertained some people with tarot card readings.
With great food, fun music and the company of Cebu’s most fun people, the boat party set the tone for the weekend ahead.
Have more photos? Tag us on Facebook or Instagram and use the hashtag #bezeeat20!
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To maintain exemplary quality and ensure optimum storage and holding conditions, Bibendum utilizes refrigerated containers and climate-controlled storage facilities, including Vinecaves. At Bibendum Wines, you can try the wine prior to purchasing with their enomatic machine, which contains 8 different kinds of wine. The first taste is free, and the succeeding tasting portions are at a minimal amount.
With wines coming from France, USA, Chile, Spain, Australia, and South Africa, to name a few, choosing from perhaps the widest selection in Cebu may seem daunting. For those who simply do not know where to start, Bibendum provides a point system to make the selection process a lot easier. Professional wine critics have been using a simple 100-point rating to score wines, which is the quickest and most convenient way to determine the quality of wine.
Choosing good wine is made more convenient by looking at these ratings, which are indicated in Bibendum Wines’ labels. Bibendum Wines prides itself in having the best wine portfolio at the most affordable prices.
The Streetscape branch also has a small deli with the best sausages, cold cuts, and cheeses from premium shop, Santis Delicatessen to pair with your wine. An al fresco area with tables and chairs are available for those who want to enjoy their selection right there and then.
Bibendum also gives you the option to have wines delivered at your doorstep through Food Panda or their website.
BIBENDUM WINES
Streetscape, Maria Luisa Road
Banilad
6332. 261 6777
Open 10:00 a.m to 11:00 p.m.
Zee Lifestyle’s November 2015 Food & Entertaining Issue: Celebrations at 32 Sanson (Sittings Editor: Kate Dychangco-Anzani/Photography by Maitina del Gallego-Borromeo/Shot on location at 32 Sanson by Rockwell/All items from Rustan’s Home)
On the cover is a picturesque outdoor entertaining setup, shot on location at Rockwell Land’s first venture outside Metro Manila. 32 Sanson by Rockwell brings the art of fine living outdoors, with verdant greeneries, open spaces, and amenities that establish a sense of community.
Dean Taylor Pasquet, Nico and Noreen Tseng-Fernandez, and Holly Dawn Dychangco showcase the art of entertaining by granting access to their homes and intimate gatherings to show how they celebrate.
For this issue’s roundtable discussion, Jennifer Martinez, Mary Love Deen, Laurice Chiongbian, Oj Hofer, Marguerite Lhuillier, D’oro Barandino, Michael Karlo Lim, and guest editor Kate Dychangco-Anzani join The Lazy Chef’s Chip Lopez for a healthy dinner to talk about vegetarianism in Cebu; while Lorenz Florendo, Barbra Sia-Famador, Komiko Onda, Gretchen Choa-Uy, Kenneth Kokseng, Cecile Cuisia, and Kristine Kahler-Go have lighthearted Conversations on their thoughts on food.
This month, Zee Lifestyle gathers Cebu’s top chefs and challenges them to put a twist on a classic Filipino dish—the adobo. The Laguna Group’s Raki Urbina, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Stefano Verrillo, Crimson Resort & Spa’s Godfrey Laforteza and The Anzani Group’s Marco Anzani create decadent versions of the adobo that you’d never thought possible.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Food & Entertaining 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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