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Take part in the most anticipated construction and design event of the season and get a glimpse of tomorrow. And if that’s compelling enough for you to go visit, here’s a few more reasons why you should:
This year’s PHILBEX Cebu 2016 attains distinction in its aim to gather the most influential players of the region’s construction and design industry all under one roof. In doing so, PHILBEX Cebu 2016 seeks to elevate the standards of the industry as it inspires ingenuity and excellence among its community. Guests will be able to go through a wide array of unique product and service innovations.
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Globally acclaimed for its distinct design identity and excellent craftsmanship, Cebuano design takes center stage at this year’s PHILBEX Cebu. At the Interior Designers Gallery, design enthusiasts and professionals alike are invited to marvel at the latest furniture designs of some of the region’s most influential interior designers including Sheryl Mariñas, Jose Mari Canizares, Polaris Anne Suarez Tiro, and Paul Gerard Almocera.
Over at the Architect’s Gallery, not to be missed are the works of region’s top architects such as Jose Mari Canizares of Canizares Architects, Runddy Ramilo of the International Design Associates, Zev Amarga of Amarga Architects & Associates, Ed Christian Kane Chua of K’nex Modular Cabinet, Michael Torres of Archiglobal Inc., and Maya Franco of the Maya Franco Design Group. A Furniture Gallery presented by Murillo Ferniture will also be one of the highlights of the expo.

The Projéto Furniture Design Competition is an open design contest for the region’s aspiring talents which seeks to provide them with a venue to showcase their talents and open up opportunities.
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Enough said.
The 13th PHILBEX Cebu
SM City Cebu Trade Hall
September 15-18, 2016
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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UNOS DESIGN

Unos Design (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, December 2015)

The Hyper Cebu squad hanging out at Unos Design (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2016)
Founded through James and Tasha Dixon’s passion for creating, Unos Design started as their personal hub where they could showcase their love for designing interiors, fashion, motorcycles, food and drinks. “The concept behind Unos Design is to build a lifestyle brand around an establishment that promotes art, music, and the freedom to express your passions under one roof,” says Tasha. The result is a coffee and cocktail bar that serves great brews, small bites, and signature drinks while displaying their customized bikes, leather bags, and accessories.
Befitting to this concept, Unos Design successfully treads a fine line between a homey vibe and a big city feel reminiscent of Hong Kong, London, and New York. “We encapsulate a relatively hipster feel and promote street culture through our selection of art, products, and music,” Tasha explains. The eclectic design is emphasized through the hand-painted chairs, the propriety art and photography, and the customized BMW on display. Tasha adds that she and James conceptualized all the elements, with everything fabricated, modified and painted by their team.
A. del Rosario St., Mandaue City
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The Chocolate Chamber Boutique (Photography by Mark Philip Dales: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, December 2015)
THE CHOCOLATE CHAMBER BOUTIQUE
International delegates involved in the recently concluded APEC have already had a taste of Ralfe Gourmet’s famed chocolates, bringing Raquel Choa’s vision of promoting local tableya as a world-class product one step closer to reality. In line with her ongoing efforts, the Chocolate Queen of Cebu recently opened The Chocolate Chamber Boutique, an offshoot of her eponymous restaurant. It’s meant to be a showroom of her products; but while dining customers are directed to The Chocolate Chamber down the road, there’s also a room designated for small functions and chocolate appreciation sessions.
With Raquel’s penchant for decorating and close attention to detail, no two visits to The Chocolate Chamber Boutique will ever be alike. The neutral color palette on the walls makes them ideal canvasses for Raquel’s chocolate paintings, including a big map of the Philippines on one side. The items on the shelves are constantly rearranged to highlight different products. The chocolate displays are always different, yet mouthwatering every single time. The pièce de résistance is an artistic, almost abstract mural of Raquel and her famous truffle set on the wall behind the counter. It’s a befitting tribute to Raquel, who has worked hard to elevate tableya into a Cebu delicacy.
G/F Sarrosa International Hotel
F. Cabahug St., Mabolo, Cebu City
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PIGAFETTA
Following the huge success of Zubuchon—yes, that restaurant hailed by Anthony Bourdain as having the ‘Best Pig Ever!’—Market Man Joel Binamira shifts his focus to a new dining concept in Cebu. Vastly different from his flagship restaurant, Pigafetta is—in Joel’s own words—a small watering hole for folks who want an authentic Italian meal in a modern setting. “It’s a place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and perhaps a plank of cold cuts before a bowl of pasta or a Neapolitan-style pizza,” says Joel. “It’s meant for a younger, cosmopolitan crowd that not only looks for Italian food, but an appealing setting as well.”
Pigafetta’s interior, designed by architect Maya Franco and executed by KG Builders, is meant to set the mood for a meal—a casual yet modern and slightly edgy feel than Joel’s other restaurants. The décor, is predominantly black and white, complemented by local machuca tiles, stainless steel surfaces, wooden tables, and metal chairs. Dining at Pigafetta is also a comfortable yet stylish affair, with carefully selected plates, cutlery, and glasses that are conversation pieces by themselves. Filament bulbs add a nostalgic touch, providing a softer light that creates an intimate and welcoming ambiance that invites guests to linger in the evenings.
AXIS Entertainment Avenue
N. Escario St., Cebu City
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CANVAS BISTRO BAR GALLERY
Seven years after it first opened at the Ayala Center Cebu, Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery reinvents itself with an intimate yet industrial setting—a canvas, if you may—for their dishes served in signature artistic flair.
The new Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery, located along the Maria Luisa Road in Banilad, utilizes the materials used in their previous restaurant. Interior designer Shiela Solon collaborated with owners Chef Steve and Eya Shrimski for an unfinished minimalist decor, complemented with warm lighting from the eclectic mix of light fixtures. Besides highlighting the artworks displayed in Canvas—it is a gallery, after all—the lighting also makes it easy to take some drool-worthy #foodporn posts, especially their new offerings, which range from healthy options to classic breakfast staples to all-time favorite comfort food.
One Paseo, Paseo Saturnino Road
Banilad, Cebu City
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CIRCA 1900

Chefs Jan Rodriguez and Chip Lopez have a quick chat over coffee at Circa 1900. (Photography by Christine Cueto/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, August 2015)
The rustic charm and lush greens of Circa 1900 has made it quite the popular destination for stylish #OOTDs and even wedding-related photo shoots. A scenic home-turned-restaurant tucked into one of Gorordo’s quieter streets, Circa 1900 is ideal for romantic dates and intimate group dinners. Picnic tables and benches are scattered across the property, although the grand staircase sitting underneath a porte-cochere beckons guests into the main area of the restaurant. At the top is a small porch with cozy lounges, cocktail tables and chairs, and an opening to the bar inside.
The menu is innovative, featuring international dishes while paying homage to the Filipino culinary heritage through the use of local ingredients. The food is ideal for foreigners who want to experience local cuisine, yet taste something that’s still familiar to them.
Sanjercasvil Road
Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City
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Did we miss any places? Have recommendations? Sound off in the comments below!
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