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The Return of the Prodigal Daughter
I have a love/hate relationship with the city of my childhood. Strange I know this sounds.
I have a love/hate relationship with the city of my childhood. Strange I know this sounds.
I have happy memories of the Cebu of my childhood, going to the beach at Liloan before the bridge was built and the exodus to Mactan and the white sand beaches. Sailing with my father for literally hours on his hobie cat (since we would always get stranded and need to be towed back to shore). Then of course nursing painful sunburns after hours baking in the sun, it took me twenty years to embrace my paleness and realize that I would never be tanned. Plus the dawning of the era wherein people pay good money to achieve the unhealthy pallor that I was trying to rid myself of.
Carefree, happy years of going to school at CIS, swimming lessons at Cebu Country Club, hanging out at friends houses at weekends and sleepovers. CIS really was the best school.
Then the teenage years of STC, Bai disco, sneaking out to Inner Circle since that apparently was a den of Sin and we should not set foot in it. Made it all the more alluring and exciting. Generally sneaking out and finding ways to skirt our curfews.
Then the super fun Halloween parties at Country Club and the costume balls at Casino Espanol.
Then came college and the need to escape the small town. Leaving to study abroad and deciding that under no circumstance could I live in Cebu after graduation. It was too stifling. So I moved to Manila. This was a great time, Euphoria and Faces days plus started building my hotel career at Westin. And then I gave up the career, got married, packed up and moved to Baguio. Where in retrospect was another small town, however, it was a seasonal party with the constant flow Manila people. Nothing could beat a New Years party in Baguio. This was before Boracay became the party destination. My house was always full of house guests.
Years later, was the return to Manila and as well as my return to my hospitality career. In between were trips to Cebu to visit, the Cebu of my youth had changed and was developing into a cosmopolitan city. New people had moved in , new friends were made as well as the rekindling of old friendships. It was always nice to visit but I knew I could still go home to Manila . Could not fathom moving out of Manila.
But life is a circle and nothing ever stays the same. I finally found the opportunity to end my marriage and despite my doubts I came home. Not an easy decision to make, despite all the changes, Cebu is still a small town. A small town where news travels at light speed and everyone gets involved in your life. Everything I essentially ran away from. But it was where I had family and very close friends.
Before moving back I called a very good friend and asked if I could move back, his response, am so excited! That essentially clinched it.
I do not know how long I will be staying this time, whether this will be permanent or after finding myself again I move back to the big city, which I still miss. There are days I want to hop on that plane and get out, satisfy the gypsy in me. But most days I am grateful I am home, grateful for my peace of mind, my new life, my freedom my friends, my family. This love/hate relationship still continues but for the moment the prodigal daughter is home.
–JT
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 3
Christmas House No. 3
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Welcome to Christmas Home No. 3, where the season’s spirit is adorned in elegant white hues. This cozy abode is nestled near Cebu’s bustling IT Park, which radiates tradition and festive cheer. The homeowners, a delightful couple, eagerly await the arrival of their only daughter and her family from Manila.
As you enter this winter wonderland, a white Christmas tree takes center stage, adorned with glistening ornaments that shimmer in the soft glow of fairy lights. The white decor creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a snowy holiday retreat. Opting for a white-themed Christmas isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s an invitation to embrace simplicity, purity, and serenity during the festive season. The neutral palette provides a canvas for creativity, allowing each ornament to stand out and making memories more vibrant. It offers modern living and timeless elegance, creating a perfect backdrop for family celebrations. Peek inside the magic of a white Christmas as this welcoming home awaits the joyous reunion of loved ones.
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 1
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
This sleek house seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while exuding a modern aesthetic that sets it apart as one of the most stylish homes in Cebu. Upon entering, the interior’s clean lines and minimalistic design immediately capture the essence of contemporary living. The couple’s home reflects their impeccable taste and dynamic lifestyle, which revolves around work and travel. Every corner of the house seems to narrate a story of the couple’s journey through fashion and design.
The living area is adorned with carefully selected holiday decor that complements the overall simplicity. Large glass windows invite abundant natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor space from day to night. The choice of neutral tones enhances the sense of tranquility within, offering a retreat from the bustling energy of Cebu below. The residence is decked out in restrained holiday cheer, a curated canvas that mirrors the couple’s artistic inclinations. Every element, from bespoke furniture to curated art pieces, is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious environment that speaks volumes about the occupants’ creativity and global influences.
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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.
The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.
What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.
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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!
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