Events
The ultimate Sinulog survival guide
Despite efforts over the years, there’s really no stopping anyone from hitting the streets—and why would you? It’s Sinulog, after all! It’s going to be one crazy day, so make sure you live to tell the tale with these tips from those who’ve been there before.

Despite efforts over the years, there’s really no stopping anyone from hitting the streets—and why would you? It’s Sinulog, after all!
It’s going to be one crazy day, so make sure you live to tell the tale with these tips from those who’ve been there before.
THE BASICS
“Don’t start drinking in the morning, because by 4:00 p.m., you’ll most likely be passed out while your friends are dancing around and partying!” – JAMAECA NELMIDA, executive officer, Ardent ActiveLife
“Rehydrate. Go with the flow. Where the crowd is… follow. And wear your most comfortable outfit.” – JANNE SALINANA, production assistant, Spectrum Philippines
“Get a waterproof case for your phone. Hydrate. Make sure your feet are comfortable. Wear loose clothing. Don’t be afraid to get dirty!” – JOHN LUIS MAHUSAY, student
“Don’t bring expensive things. Chances are you’ll lose them because of dancing, walking through the crowd, stumbling, or all of the above.” – CIARA MENDOZA, marketing executive, KKA Productions
IN THE BAG
While you’re not supposed to bring a lot of stuff, make sure you’ve stowed away these essentials before hitting the streets.
Break down those big bills so you can give the exact amount (or close to it) for your purchases. A lot of places—especially on the streets—might not have enough change.
… and we mean the isopropyl type (or ethyl). Washrooms might be hard to come by, so best to have a tiny bottle to sanitize your hands and clean minor wounds.
Similarly, clean bathrooms may be far and few in between along the street party scene. Have a small pack of baby wipes that can also be used to clean surfaces if you’re fussy.
WATERPROOF PROTECTION FOR YOUR GADGETS
Beer showers are inevitable, as is being smeared on by paint. Protect your precious phones and cameras with a waterproof case, or #lifehack one with a Ziploc bag.
FASHION FORWARD
We all know the importance of looking your festive best this Sinulog, yet take it one step further and choose accessories that are not only stylish, but practical as well.
HAT
There won’t be any shortage of headgear during Sinulog, but our top pick goes to hats. It’ll protect you from extreme heat or sudden rain. Queen City cap by ZeroThreeTwo
BIKINI TOPS
For the ladies, switch your bras with swimwear instead. With all the beer showers and possible rain, getting wet during Sinulog is an inevitability.
PRACTICAL SHOES
Trust us: There’s more standing than drinking! Wear your most comfortable shoes—preferably closed, so you don’t have to worry about puddles and other ways your feet can get dirty.
MORE ON #ZEENULOG
- Here’s everything you need to know about Sinulog 2017 (via zeelifestylecebu.com)
- The five events you shouldn’t miss on Sinulog weekend (via zeelifestylecebu.com)
Events
Can Art Spark Awakening? Inside Oj Hofer’s Tribute to His Zen Master

by Emmanuel Hamoy
On April 4, 2025, the much-anticipated exhibit One Flower, One World: Brushstrokes of Compassion and Wisdom opened at SM JMall, blending contemporary Buddhist art with interactive experiences. The event brought together art students, enthusiasts, collectors, social luminaries, community leaders, international Buddhist practitioners, and Dharma masters to celebrate Oj Hofer’s tribute to Venerable Master Hsing Yun through calligraphy, Zen ink painting, and Ikebana.

Erwin Choa (Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Philippines), Marisa Fernan (Vice President of SM Prime Holdings Inc), Venerable Yung Guang (Head Abess of Fó Guāng Shān, Philippines), Marguerite Lhuillier (Social Luminary and Animal Rights Advocate), Sheila Go ( Adviser for Buddha’s Light International, Cebu)

Margie Lhuillier, artist Oj Hofer and Mariquita Yeung
Oj’s live calligraphy demonstrations captivated guests, offering them a unique chance to witness his creative process and receive personalised calligraphy pieces. The afternoon culminated in an exclusive cocktail reception featuring delicious vegetarian delicacies prepared by Nonki Japanese Restaurant.

Joy Uy, Francis Dravigny, Venerable Yung Guang, Marissa Fernan, Margette Sarmiento
Among the distinguished guests were Oj’s muse, society maven Marguerite Lhuillier, SM Holdings’ Marissa Fernan, Buddhist advisers Sheila Go and Erwin Choa, and, most importantly, Fo Guang Shan Philippines’ Head Abbess, Venerable Yung Guang, who shared reflections on Master Hsing Yun’s teachings and the role of art in spiritual practice.

Artist Oj Hofer and Paeng Batuigas (Senior Assistant Vice President, Visayas Marketing, SM Supermalls)
The exhibit was a resounding success, showcasing how art can foster reflection, connection, and understanding in a diverse, multicultural society. The event was made possible with the support of SM JMall, Buddha’s Light International Association, and Fo Guang Shan Philippines.
Events
Villa Mariquita: An Evening of Elegance, Laughter, and Fine Champagne

by Emmanuel Hamoy
Villa Mariquita opened its doors to a very select few. On cue, a server hands you a glass of Pol Roger as Mrs. Yeung warmly greets you, effortlessly chic in a perfect pair of Chanel jeans and a pullover. Conversations over food, between sips of wine and champagne, range from the mundane to the profound—each exchange punctuated with laughter, and then even more laughter.

Margie Lhuillier, Frances Siao, this writer and Mariquita Yeung

Mariquita Yeung sharing experiences with guests on art collection

Oj Hofer, Freemont Base, Eva Gullas, Frances Siao, Jun Escario, Margie Lhuillier, Cary Santiago, the host Mariquita Yeung, Phillip Rodriguez, this writer, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth and Pearl Atienza
Events
A Feast for the Senses

By Joanna Cuenco
June 8 – Mactan, Cebu | For one of its biggest dining events of the year as part of the highly anticipated Cebu Food and Wine Festival, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan curated an epicurean journey that brought guests on gastronomic flights of fancy, fine cuisine. A Feast for the Senses showcased the creativity and excellence of the resort’s culinary team through a dine-around event at its four dining destinations that invited guests to sample the best that each restaurant had to offer: international cuisine at Saffron, Spanish at Enye by Chele Gonzalez, Japanese at Aka by Naoki Eguchi, and desserts and more drinks at Azure Beach Club.

Maria Paz Perdices, Ambra Anzani, Ema Onda,Kate Anzani, Kumiko Onda, Daisy Barns

Tamsin Booth, Didier Belmonte, Frances Siao, Celeste Miranda, Bert Miranda, Bob Booth
Spirits were high and beverages flowed freely the whole evening, thanks to Philippine Wine Merchant, A Wine Company, The Wine Club, Don Revy, Sommelier Selection, Engkanto Brewery, M. Lhuillier Food Product Inc., Future Trade International, Happy Living Philippines, Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation, and Bauhinia Brewery.

Allan Barios at Saffron dessert station

Ulysse Jouanneaud

Margarette Lhuiller and Perl Jacalan
For the after-party and entertainment at Azure Beach Club, renowned mixologist Ulysse Jouanneaud took over the bar, crafting cocktails with Bacardi, Don Papa, Cointreau, and Sula Brands. Chef Allan Barrios presented a dessert spread that included key lime pralines, vanilla bourbon truffles, honey coconut cryos, and tiny flower-potted bamboo shoots that turned out to be made of pistachio. These little works of art were planted alongside vibrant green foliage, smooth stones, and a faux fog effect that created a tropical rainforest diorama out of the dessert table.

Lechon belly station at Saffron

Dessert display at Azure Beach Club

Yellowfin tuna tataki

Grilled mackerel with laksa boullabaise
The night sky and the distant lights of neighboring islands were the perfect backdrop for a high-energy LED dance performance and fantastic fireworks display that left guests in awe and applause.

Rose Hudson

Chele Gonzalez

Brava potato with chorizo at Enye

LED and Tron Dance

Aka Private Room
The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is supported by the Department of Tourism – Philippines, Visit Central Visayas, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Business Month, and Cebu Pacific Air.
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