People
The six local fitspirations who will finally get you moving

We get it: When it comes to working out, #TheStruggleIsReal. Faced with a busy schedule and the fact that you wouldn’t want to sweat even more in this already oppressive heat, it can be quite the challenge to put on your workout gear and head to the gym.
But let’s be real: Excuses, excuses. You know a little exercise never hurt anybody, and when you actually make the time and effort to pick up that dumbbell, you’ll see it’s worthwhile… especially when you see all the #gainz. So, how to finally sign up for that gym membership you’ve been delaying for, oh I don’t know, two years? All it takes is a little bit of inspiration.
Zee Lifestyle rounds up some of the city’s fittest. Scroll through this list, and we bet you’ll be saying #goals in your head at some point.
PIO SOLON

Pio Solon (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)
WHAT HE DOES Owner and personal trainer at Epic Performance and Fitness Solutions
HOW HE STARTED Studying sports science in college, and being an age-group swimmer as well as teacher and personal trainer
FITNESS ADVICE People should be consistent with their workouts. Beginners have to be consistent, as it’s the fastest way to achieve progress and meet goals
JAY CASTILLO

Jay Castillo (Photo by Arnauld)
WHAT HE DOES Regular gym and yoga.
WHAT GOT HIM STARTED Way back before, I used to be part of the badminton varsity team. Well, that says I really love to be fit.
SUPPORTING REGIMEN I don’t know if people would believe that I don’t have any supplements. Coffee is my pre-workout. Also, because of yoga, I’m an oriental vegetarian practitioner to prevent stiffening of the muscles.
FITNESS ADVICE Enjoy what you’re doing.
NICOLE CAMBAL

Nicole Cambal (Photo by David Gonzalo for CrossFit Subtero)
WHAT SHE DOES CrossFit, yoga and accessory work like body building
WHAT GOT HER STARTED A desire to be more active. I used to have a very sickly body. I’d stay in bed sometimes because of how weak I was. Before CrossFit, I was 92 pounds and very underweight. Now I’m 105 pounds and I feel better and look better.
SUPPORTING REGIMEN I am on the Zone Diet, in which you measure your carbs, protein and fat, and eat steadily the same amount throughout the day to keep insulin and hormone spikes at bay. The only supplements I take are protein shakes and fish oil.
FITNESS ADVICE Wear something cute! Buy cute training bras that will help liven your mood to work out.
ALAN CHOACHUY

Alan Choachuy (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)
FITNESS IS… about getting stronger, fitter and healthier.
WHAT HE DOES Owner and trainer at METAFit Fitness Boot Camp
WHAT GOT HIM STARTED Participating in The Biggest Loser and weighing in at 309 pounds. After coming out of the camp at 240 pounds, he incorporated fitness into his daily routine.
FITNESS ADVICE I’m living proof that you can be what you want to be, as long as you put your heart to it.
PAUL GABATAN

Paul Gabatan (Photography by Jon Lim: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2013)
WHAT HE DOES Professional TRX trainer
WHY HE LIKES TRX The workouts are very versatile and help you build a solid core and increase muscular endurance. It also benefits people of all fitness levels.
FAVORITE MOVEMENTS Atomic pushups, inverted rows, and single-leg jump squats as they give a total body workout.
FITNESS ADVICE I would strongly recommend hiring a certified TRX trainer to perform the exercises safely and effectively.
CHIP LOPEZ

Chip Lopez
WHAT SHE DOES Crossfit. I also do TRX, yoga and boxing when I get the chance.
WHAT GOT HER STARTED I used to be very sickly growing up. Exercise was the only thing that made me feel better.
SUPPORTING REGIMEN I’ve been on a plant-based whole foods diet for three years now. I always have my protein shake to cap off every workout. I either take Superfood Grocer’s Superforce or Garden of Life’s Raw Meal, and I incorporate Superfoods in my diet like chia, moringa, maca, spirulina and camu-camu.
FITNESS ADVICE Find your WHY. This will continually serve as your motivation when it’s hardest to get out of bed. Also, take time to figure out what’s fun for you and what feels like punishment.
People
The Cardinals–an Amazing Gallery of Portraits on Cardinals in the Philippines by Artist Jun Impas

by Jing Ramos
With the recent death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Catholic Church is now focused on the election of the new Pontiff. The succeeding Pope will be challenged with continuing Pope Francis’ appointments and reforms, which leaned heavily on social justice and environmental issues.
According to the Code of Canon Law, the two most important functions of a Cardinal are to advise the Pope on matters of Church governance and global issues, and most importantly, to assume a vital role in electing a new Pope when the Holy See (Sede Vacante) is vacant.
In 6th-century Rome, the first individuals known as Cardinals were the deacons of the seven regions of the city. Since then, Cardinals have become a privileged group among the Roman clergy. It wasn’t until the 11th century that Cardinals were officially granted the right to elect a Pope. They were given the honor of wearing a red hat, which soon became their symbol. Often referred to as “Princes of the Church,” Cardinals wear distinctive red attire and are addressed as “Eminence,” a title that conveys dignity and respect.
Currently, one of the most favored contenders to continue Pope Francis’ progressive agenda is Cardinal Luis Tagle. He brings significant experience as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of the First Dicastery. Also serving as President of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious, Cardinal Tagle is the Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Beyond his titles, he is widely known in the Vatican as a trusted figure within Pope Francis’ core group.

Cardinal Luis Tagle and artist Jun Impas
Jun Impas, a highly respected Cebuano visual artist known for his realistic paintings, shares his gallery of Filipino Cardinals. The artist’s accurate and detailed depictions capture not only the physical likeness but also the presence of his subjects. “As a realistic painter, my works revolve around human figures, religion, significant cultural events, and quintessential Filipino scenes. I believe in the beauty of the ordinary, and that the most touching and telling of any story is better felt when captured in infinite duration, as in a realism painting,” the artist concludes.

Cardinal Orlando Quevedo

Cardinal Archbishop Emeritus of Manila Gaudencio Borbon Cardinal Rosales

His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David, Cardinal Bishop of Caloocan

His Eminence Ricardo J. Vidal, Cardinal Archbishop of Cebu
Events
The First NUSTAR BALL

The NUSTAR Ballroom, a magnificent venue at the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu, sets the stage for last night’s first-ever NUSTAR Ball.

Black was the color of night at the Zee table.
Glamorous guests from Manila and Cebu converged at the NUSTAR Ballroom, an exquisite venue within the NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu. The evening unfolded with a seated 5-course dinner. The opulent feast started with Beetroot Salmon Gravlax, adorned with caper berries, caviar, set with delicate edible flowers; and a main course of Compressed Pork Belly with Crackling Skin and Baby Scallops. Another highlight was the auction of coveted items like Dior and YSL handbags, a limited-edition Bulgari watch, and an exclusive 2-night stay in Nustar’s opulent 3-bedroom villa—complete with a private pool and a dedicated butler. The charity evening benefited the Cameleon Association, an NGO based in Iloilo City created in 1997 that developed a global approach to act on the causes and effects of sexual violence against children.

Nora Sol, Beth Go, Frances Siao and Marylou Ong

Ina Ronquillo, Maryanne Aboitiz and Jackie Lotzof

Designers Jun Escario and Philip Rodriguez

Philip Rodriguez with NUSTAR Malls two power ladies: May Adolfo and Joanna Salazar

Lana Osmeña with Mariquita Yeung

PJ Castillo and Kaye Abad with Cary Santiago

Drew Sarmiento with LV Manager Adrian Decuigan

Cary Santiago with Eva Gullas

Manila socialites Julie Boschi and Ching Cruz with June Alegrado
It was a night of elegance, luxury, and unforgettable memories as ladies in long gowns and gentlemen in black ties danced the night away.
Design
Filipino graphic designer makes history, joins Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde among genre’s greats

PJ Ong of Inodoro, an internationally renowned graphic designer, is the first Filipino whose work will be part of the permanent collection of Switzerland’s Museum of Avant-garde
CEBU CITY — In a groundbreaking achievement, Cebu-based graphic designer and art director PJ Ong of Inodoro Design Studio, is set to become the first Filipino artist permanently exhibited at Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g) in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

Cebu-based graphic designer and art director of Inodoro Design Studio, PJ Ong
Ong’s recognition at MA-g places him among over 250 avant-garde artists, including iconic figures like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, signifying a profound milestone in museum history.
“Avant-garde,” is a term that refers to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
“I am extremely honored and humbled. It is a remarkable milestone in my creative journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a prominent platform. The acknowledgment, especially considering Switzerland’s exacting standards in art and design, is truly fulfilling,” said Ong.
Part of a stellar contemporary collection
Under the museum’s Contemporary Collection, Ong will join global contemporary agencies such as M/M Paris (collaborator of Icelandic singer-songwriter and composer, Björk), WORK Pte Ltd (brainchild of the “Godfather of Singapore Graphic Design,” Theseus Chan), Bedow (Stockholm), BVD Stockholm AB (Stockholm), Socio Design (London) and Milkxhake (Hong Kong), among others.
Ong’s music packaging design for the Filipino harsh noise duo, White Widow, will be featured in the museum. The band’s album “The God Uterus Dissolves” — released under Melt Records — features an unconventional cassette tape packaging incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, elevating it into a unique and bespoke collector’s item.
The museum’s selection process for its Contemporary Collection involved three categories: Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. Swiss-Canadian Fritz Gottschalk, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design, led the Graphic Design category.
“This is profoundly validating for me as a graphic designer. Being part of a museum’s permanent contemporary collection is a lasting testament to my capabilities as an artist,” said Ong.
‘Poetry you can touch’
The graphic designer from Cebu City further defined the album as a “deliberate departure from the ordinary,” stating that it was a testament to the artist’s and band’s dedication to pushing boundaries and offering the audience a unique and immersive experience.
“Careful consideration was given to every detail, including choosing a premium supplier for the cassette tape. Opting for a screen-printed cassette, where design elements were applied directly to the surface, gave it a contemporary and visually striking result, helping us reinforce the design narrative,” said Ong.
“From the cohesive placement of elements to using symbols instead of track titles on the spine and customizing fonts, every aspect was carefully thought out. Rather than opting for the conventional wire mesh treatment on print, I took a bold step by incorporating a hand-crafted wire mesh, adding a unique and sensory dimension to the album — almost like poetry you can touch.”
Profound honor
Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio under Ong’s leadership has garnered global acclaim for its bold design philosophy, spanning music, fashion, architecture, culture and technology. In becoming the first Filipino whose work will be on display at the MA-g, Ong stated that it is “particularly humbling.”
“Traditionally, these privileges are given to individuals who have amassed decades of experience, attained mastery in their craft, or even as a posthumous acknowledgment. To be among those selected is a profound and unexpected honor,” he said.
“Museums typically focus on visual artists, and for a graphic designer, especially within the realm of commercial work, recognition can be more elusive. I appreciate the challenges of this less conventional route and I am committed to proving the significance of graphic design in the broader artistic landscape.”
Art enthusiasts can anticipate viewing Ong’s work with “The God Uterus Dissolves” at MA-g, scheduled to open to the general public in 2025.
***
About The Museum of Avant-garde (MA-g)
The Museum of Avant-garde compiles an original body of work from private collections, providing a unique perspective on the cultural and artistic significance of avant-garde movements. These movements, synonymous with transformative ideologies and daring experimentations, played a pivotal role in challenging political and societal conventions. For more information, visit www.ma-g.org.
About Inodoro
Inodoro is the creative moniker of graphic designer and art director PJ Ong, a prominent figure in the Philippine design scene. Established in 2003, Inodoro Design Studio, based in Cebu, Philippines, has garnered international recognition for its bold and distinctive design, with a focus on thought-driven imagery and iconic visual language. The studio specializes in identities, custom typography, graphic design and art direction. For more information, visit www.inodoro-design.com.
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