From designer accommodations to dining destinations with distant characters, this batch of spaces range from various personalities and aesthetics, their common factor being an undeniable sense of individual style.

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.