This became the inspiration for the dinner we hosted to kick off the holidays–after all, does anything feel as exclusive as sitting down for a five-course dinner on an intricately decorated table in the middle of a bustling department store, while other customers are rushing through their holiday shopping?
The shop floors of Rustan’s Department Store became host to a unique dinner experience that began with cocktails on the first floor. Amidst glittering Christmas decorations, guests enjoyed appetizers while sampling the selection of drinks–specialty ginger ale, a blueberry vodka cocktail and bottles of Moët & Chandon. In the middle of the refreshments and light chatter, the group was also treated to pampering sessions from the brands of Rustan’s Beauty Source.
After hors d’oeuvres, guests were escorted to their respective tables. Our dinner hosts Regal Oliva and Divine Maitland-Smith had invited a select group of friends for their respective tables.
Basil Cabaral of Rustan’s visual merchandising department had come up with luxurious and modern holiday table settings for the event. Divine’s table on the second floor is decorated with avian accents, golden details and pops of green. The highlight of the table is a golden spiked star sculpture, which guests had re-imagined as statement accessories. Upstairs for Regal’s table is a more traditional take, with Christmas trees featuring in the chargers and as sparkling centerpieces.
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The conversation was quick-witted and interesting, with topics that range from addressing the traffic problems in Cebu at Regal’s table (Margot Osmeña says the answer is discipline–not to kill the drivers next to you, the others added) to the best thing about holidays in Cebu at Divine’s (Butch Carungay and Jon Medalla got into a light argument about how happy we really are during Christmas).
As the night slipped into the later hours and Rustan’s shut its doors, the conversation and the wine continued to flow–the full story will soon be out in Zee Lifestyle’s next issue!
In the meantime, check out our teaser for what went on during the night here:
]]>One thing’s for sure, we certainly didn’t mind spending an afternoon with this batch of young women, and we’re sure the rest of Cebu would agree.
Krishtal Catherine Freeland, 26
Entrepreneur of Krish’s Kitchen | @krishtalcatherine
Krishtal Freeland wears her own cropped, ribbed sweater, and a brocade skirt.
What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? Within an hour’s drive, you could be high up in the mountains enjoying the cool air or chilling by the beach.
Where do you usually hang out in the city? I usually just stay home and bake.
Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? Veal pappardelle in Abaca, egg noodle homemade basil tagliolini in Anzani, and the churrasco dinner at Mövenpick.
Favorite local escape? Bantayan Island would be one of my favorite quick escapes in Cebu.
Where would you go for a night out? You’ll most likely see me in Craft Cafebar.
Something you wish were in Cebu? A wider variety of international cuisine
Favorite local brands and designers? Local Crag and SOLTI Activewear
Favorite travel destinations? I’ve recently fallen in love with Siargao and El Nido. And for the international destinations, Anguilla in the Caribbean (British Overseas Territory) is still on the top of my list.
Book that’s currently on your bedside table? My MacBook
Something about Cebu you wish would improve? I know it’s not easy to solve, but I hope we’ll be able to fix the traffic situation because it’s getting worse.
The best part about living in Cebu? One of the best parts of Cebu would be that it’s so centrally located. You could enjoy being in a variety of beautiful places without too much effort, like driving to the beaches up north, the waterfalls and whale sharks down south, or just renting a boat to go island hopping.
Stephanie Sharpe, 25
Director of Marketing & Product Development at CATCMI Trading | @stephaniesharpe
Stephanie wears her own white button-down and shorts
What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? There’s beauty everywhere in the world, depending on what you are looking for, and it’s not difficult to find. But what differentiates Cebu for me are the people and the relationships I have with them, and that’s why this is home.
Where do you usually hang out in the city? At friends’ houses, Zink Studio or YogaNow Center, especially if you catch one of their classes at the Yacht Club as the sun is setting.
Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? There’s a Korean restaurant next to the Marcelo Fernan bridge on the Mactan side. I’m not too sure of the name because it’s Korean, but it has a big sign that says “Kimchi” next to it. They have the best Bibim Naengmyeon. I crave it every once in a while. Also, you can find me in Luncheonette every other Sunday brunch for their consistently delicious Reuben.
Favorite local escape? Either one of the many sand bars around Cebu, or somewhere in the bukid. It doesn’t actually take too long to get as far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can be alone with the sounds of nature.
Where would you go for a night out? The Pig & Palm is definitely our go-to for Girls’ Night Out, but most of the time if I want to see friends for something more casual, it will almost always be Craft in BTC. Everyone goes there, and no matter how busy it is, it still has fast service.
Something you wish were in Cebu? Parks in the city. With Cebu’s rapid growth, it would be nice to have a park in the middle of all the buildings for people to have the option to just be outside.
Favorite local brands and designers? Hands down, SOLTI Activewear. Designed and made by Kym Maitland-Smith and her amazing team. It’s perfect for me because I work out as often as I can, and I love spending time outdoors, whether at the beach or on a hike. Everything is handmade by Cebuanos from 100% recycled material, so it’s as local as you can get. Everything is also reversible, so you have more options–perfect for someone like me who is trying to cut down on owning things. I’m completely obsessed with her line, and so proud to have a fellow Cebuana reaching for a more sustainable future.
Favorite travel destinations? Siargao is my little slice of paradise. I go there as much as I possibly can. It’s the most beautiful place in the world to me and no other place comes close. For something completely opposite, Whistler in BC is just as beautiful in the winter as it is in summer. You have to check it out if you like the outdoors.
Book that’s currently on your bedside table? A friend so graciously lent me her HBR’s 10 Must-Reads on Strategic Marketing, which is a nice change from the fiction novels I usually like to read.
Something about Cebu you wish would improve? I feel like a broken record when I say the road system. Not just for the cars, but the sidewalks as well. It would be nice to have the option to be able to walk from A to B safely. It would promote people to be more active and use cars less, which means less air pollution for us when we start walking everywhere.
The best part about living in Cebu? The fact that you are perpetually tanned here. I find dark skin one of the most beautiful features on anybody. I wear my tan with pride.
Yasmine Sarlak, 17
Student at Cebu International School | @homiesags
Yasmin wears a James Isara Diana top and Makiko Eve trousers from ASTO GROUP.
What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? There was always something about Cebu that had my heart, whether it may be the beaches, nightlife, adventure or the people. This place will always be my home.
Where do you usually hang out in the city? You can always find me in either Streetscape or BTC, probably eating. I used to hang around Kontiki in Mactan a lot earlier this year for my 6 AM dives!
Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? Antica is this small restaurant hidden between Canvas and the Lohas clinic in Paseo Saturnino, and they have hands down the best pizza I’ve ever tasted in my entire life! I recommend the parma ham and arugula pizza.
Favorite local escape? North Sandbar is my favorite place not too far from the city. It’s only an hour or so by banca boat, and it’s a great place to escape from the city with a group of your good friends and barbecue!
Where would you go for a night out? My go to place is always Craft. My friends and I call it home because we’re always there. It’s sort of like our comfort zone, and they always play the best music. They have the friendliest staff too, by the way!
Something you wish were in Cebu? I honestly wish we had a really cool theme park already!
Favorite local brands and designers? My favorite local brand would have to be SOLTI Activewear that my good friend Kymberly Maitland-Smith launched not too long ago.
Favorite travel destinations? I haven’t traveled too much, but within the country I’d have to say Boracay is always my favorite. I’m stuck between LA, Zurich and Paris though, if we’re going international. They’re all so different, so I can’t come to a decision.
Book that’s currently on your bedside table? Honest, my Psychology textbook and my Arts guide.
Something about Cebu you wish would improve? The roads. Please!
The best part about living in Cebu? That the mountains are so close to the sea. You can literally go on a road trip to the mountains for a hike, get back into the car for an hour or two and jump right into the sea.
Alyssa Sacal, 18
Student at Cebu International School | @lyssssx
Alyssa wears a Viña Romero collared seamless top from ASTO GROUP, and her own jeans.
What makes Cebu different from other places around the world? What makes Cebu so different is definitely the amazing people here and the beauty within the island.
Where do you usually hang out in the city? It depends. On a daily basis, you would usually find me and my friends either at Streetscape, Crossroads or BTC grabbing something to eat. If not, we’re probably at the gym—in Zink or Fitness Nation, possibly exercising or making chika. On weekends, if I don’t have any school or sporting event, I’d be at the beach by day and in Morals and Malice by night.
Favorite restaurants and dishes you recommend? Favorite go-to restaurants are definitely Nonki and Kanyoen because my favorite cuisine is Japanese! For Nonki, I basically love everything on the menu, from the sashimi to the cha soba to the spicy tuna maki. While in Kanyoen, everything except the red meat, since I don’t eat it. Other restaurants I really enjoy are tapas places—The Pig & Pam for the sashimi, kinilaw, grilled squid, chicken, and the dessert with goat cheese ice cream; and Gorliz for the pulpo and paella negra.
Favorite local escape? Sometimes on Sundays, I go on long drives to either Mactan or the mountains to escape the city. Usually the plan would be a nice Sunday brunch by the beach, or a long drive to Balamban to get some corn or fresh air. And boating to nearby islands, because boating is always a good idea when the whether cooperates.
Where would you go for a night out? Of course Morals and Malice!
Something you wish were in Cebu? I really wish that Cebu would have cleaner streets, better public transportation, parks and places to just “sit around and hang out.” This is something that I am really fond of when I visit other countries—walking around and just basking in the beauty of the city as you can get a glimpse of the culture, the people and the lifestyle by just strolling around.
Favorite local brands and designers? Barbie Alvez and Arcy Gayatin
Favorite travel destinations? I love the beach, so domestic destination would be Siquijor, as it became a tradition for my family to spend a week or so at our beach house every year. Also, I really like the remote island destinations that we usually explore by boat, like Islas de Gigantes. Internationally, I would honestly say Australia because I fell in love with it when I went there this summer! Other favorite destinations would be Santorini, Mykonos and Paris, which are beautiful places as well.
Book that’s currently on your bedside table? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
Something about Cebu you wish would improve? No doubt, the traffic and the roads! Oh, and the slow processing of everything, from license to travel documents, and event checks at restaurants!
The best part about living in Cebu? The fact that it is such a tight-knit community! Everyone knows each other. Whenever you go to a place, you seem to know at least one familiar face who greets you with a smile. It’s nice how that (when there is no traffic) everything is almost ten to 30 minutes away, from the beaches and mountains to the places that I usually hang out. As I have lived here all my life, my heart will always belong here, along with all the people I grew up with, and the memories we’ve made. Cebu will always be home.
photography Dan Douglas Ong | stylists Blaq Mafia | hair and makeup Arnauld and Eunice Enrera | locale Zink
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, Dec-Jan 2017
]]>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
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Zee Lifestyle’s December-January 2017 Anniversary Issue: Marguerite Lhuillier, June Alegrado, Mia Arcenas, Kryz Uy, Amparito Lhuillier, Alice Woolbright, Fiona King, Margot Osmeña, Kymberly Maitland-Smith, Carla Yeung McKowen, Danessa Onglatco and Christina Garcia Frasco (Photography by Jan Gonzales)
Over the years, the Queen City’s most remarkable men and women of substance have graced the cover of Cebu’s premier lifestyle bible. From cultural icon Maia Franco on the maiden issue all the way to the talented Matteo Guidicelli for this year’s Fashion Issue (and his fourth cover at that!), Zee Lifestyle has accumulated quite the diverse roster of personalities in its two decade run.
This month, Zee Lifestyle brings back twelve of the most memorable faces on the cover.
We catch up with hoteliers Alice Woolbright and June Alegrado, restauranteur Carla Yeung-McKowen, social media influencers Kryz Uy and Kymberly Maitland-Smith, politicians Christina Garcia Frasco and Margot Osmeña, real estate developer Fiona King, fashion designer Mia Arcenas, entrepreneurs Marguerite Lhuillier and Danessa Onglatco, and philanthropist Amparito Lhuillier, and see how far they’ve come since being on the cover of Zee Lifestyle.
The inside pages also have the ladies decked head to toe in Miranda Konstantinidou. In preparation for her first ever fashion show in Cebu at the Emerald Ball, the Greek-German designer talks about her Cebu-manufactured pieces and how the city has become her home.
Zee Lifestyle’s December-January 2017 Anniversary Issue: The Emerald Ball
Alongside Miranda, Zee Lifestyle pays tribute to Kenneth Cobonpue, Philip Rodriguez, Cary Santiago, Arcy Gayatin, Vito Selma, Jun Escario, Monique Lhuillier and Lyndon Neri—eight Cebuano designers who have made a mark and become the most respected names in their respective industries in the past twenty years.
Additionally, girls-of-the-moment Stephanie Sharpe, Krishtal Freeland, Yasmine Sarlak and Alyssa Sacal and Cebu’s most promising talents Christina Linaban, Jarra Angbetic, Jonas Pacifico, and Chai Fonacier, Ted Paraiso, Maria Gigante and Samantha Solidum of Sutukil Sauce talk about being the city’s new breed, and why everyone should watch out for them.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Anniversary 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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