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Uncovered, Under Covers

Anyone can be an internet celebrity nowadays, and Ellen Adarna is one who has used this to her advantage. She has made a name for herself in showbiz, rising above the bumps often encountered by superstars-in-the-making, scathed and furled by none of them. This month, Ellen lands herself a giant billboard on EDSA, cementing her sexy-star status. Zee Lifestyle takes this risk with her as she bares it all.

Anyone can be an internet celebrity nowadays, and Ellen Adarna is one who has used this to her advantage. She has made a name for herself in showbiz, rising above the bumps often encountered by superstars-in-the-making, scathed and furled by none of them. This month, Ellen lands herself a giant billboard on EDSA, cementing her sexy-star status. Zee Lifestyle takes this risk with her as she bares it all.

Thousands of websites and social networking sites pretend to be Ellen Adarna online or, at the very least, associate themselves with her. The site www.ellenEllen.com, for example, is mostly about automobiles, car donations and tips on how to resolve parking problems, but it sports Ellen Adarna’s name and even uses her photo as the main image in every article—obviously enterprising on her celebrity status if only to divert website traffic. Some stalkers have even raked in as much as Php 90,000 with hacked and fake accounts, making the young Cebuana sick to her stomach. “We all ‘lurk’ at one point in time,” she declares, “but stalkers, seriously, they need to get a life. Find a job, a hobby, or anything productive!”

Once dubbed as the “Philippines’ Internet Queen,” Ellen has accomplished quite a feat in slowly-but-surely shedding her internet-only celebrity status. Now she is more focused and intent on diving into the fray that is known by many as the country’s mainstream entertainment biz.

Cast regularly on GMA’s Bubble Gang (the Philippines’ longest-running TV gag/parody program) since 2010, Ellen also took the role of Katrina “Kat” Lazatin in the 2011 Captain Barbell TV series, and now stands as a semi-regular in the 2012 TV series Alice Bungisngis and her Wonder Walis.

On the big screen, Ellen was Aryanna in the 2010 GMA Films feature Si Agimat at si Enteng Kabisote, and will star in the upcoming Topel Lee-directed horror feature, Basement. She is taking everything that comes her way as an opportunity to win over the audience with flying colors.

Says Ellen, “Thankfully, the roles I’ve been offered have been more comedic in their character personas, but in no way am I saying that doing comedy is easy. Trust me, it’s not easy. I believe the real challenges for me will come when I would have to do something like a kissing scene or a simulated sex scene. But I’m doing a movie now, one where I play the role of a manananggal.” She is a trooper and thinks the whole experience is great, even if the role of a half-bodied folkloric monster requires her to be hoisted up in a harness most days of shooting.

With an unfinished history that has long been riddled with controversy and intrigue, Ellen is indeed one for the books, with an “origins tale” that touches on the often met ubiquity of the de facto compromising with the de jure. Zee Lifestyle recently caught up with her, and she answered plainly the questions that hound her less-than-perfect yet consistently fruitful career.

In various online bio-blurbs, forum sites, and message boards, you are pegged as a “Cebuana socialite turned internet queen, turned actress.” This may be what they say, but who is Ellen Adarna really?

I guess, in small parts, I am all of those things. However and more importantly, I remain to be someone who tries to be a good daughter to her parents and a reliable and loving sister to her siblings.

Given that your family owns a chain of motels in different parts of the country, casual observers are quick to point out similarities between Paris Hilton’s career path and yours. Is there anything you would like to comment regarding this kind of association?

I guess there are similarities but it is purely situational.

Given that you are the eldest child in the family, how did your folks take the news of you opting to be in showbiz?

My mom has been very supportive, but my father thinks it’s all a waste of time. Everytime I see him, he would ask, “What are you still doing in Manila?!”

How do you see yourself—more of an actress or more of a model?

More of an actress.

As an actress, what’s the most devastating role/scene that you could see yourself in?

Most probably… a rape victim.

As a model, what was your worst gig? What was your best?

I don’t really recall any bad experiences, but the most recent gig I really enjoyed was when I did a shoot for my friend’s swimwear line. I did my own makeup and they did the styling. My friends and I were just having fun with a camera.

What’s your take on social network lurkers and those who use your name/image for their personal gain?

I just hope that they wouldn’t use my pictures, but there is really nothing I can do. Things are just how they are, in the long run.

Have you ever been a member of an online group? 

I contribute to my friend’s beauty blog.

As a Cebuana, how has Manila been to you, particularly those you work with in the fields you are engaged in? Really good! Everyone has been very kind and accommodating.

Any chance of you deciding to go local, like becoming an actress who is active in Cebu’s entertainment industry?

If the opportunity presents itself, I don’t see why not.

When talking about relationships, there are those who are afraid of falling and those who are afraid of flying. Which type are you?

I’m not afraid of either.

What is to be learned from being Ellen Adarna?

Know what you want and fight for it. Everything I have, I had to work hard for. There were a few wrong turns along the way, but I never saw myself as unlucky. I had to learn how to be a fighter.

The encounter, short and sweet, revealed that there is actually more to the Ellen Adarna persona propagated in cyberspace, a testament to the truth in the saying, “There are masks behind façades.” In Ellen’s case, what was unveiled is a humble and candid 24-year-old, one who is serious in succeeding in her chosen career. Before heading off, she sheepishly confessed, “I can truly say that I’m growing up… slowly, but surely.” And with a smile and a wink, she took off.

  • by Yasunari Ramon Taguchi 
  • creative director David Jones Cua 
  • production assistant Christine Cueto
  • photography Jan Gonzales 
  • fashion stylist Pia Echevarria
  • hair and make-up Jessie Glova
  • hair and make-up assistant Jamaica Mondigo
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People

A Destination Wedding in Capiz; A Love Story in Focus

by Oj Hofer | photography by Pat Dy | styling by Romero Vergara | bridal gown & groom’s tuxedo by Oj Hofer

As June draws to a close—a month filled with vows, veils, and wedding bliss—it’s only fitting to end with a love story that began not in a chapel, but behind the lens of a camera. Meet the groom, Phillip Novo: a seasoned maritime officer commanding international vessels by profession, and a passionate hobbyist photographer in his downtime. Mr. Novo has captured countless scenes from around the world, but nothing compares to his candid portraiture study of the woman he would soon marry—Mitch Alianza—in a heartfelt ceremony at the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Roxas City, Capiz.

Philip keeps it classic in sun-washed Seychelles beige linen.

Mitch channels Persephone in a gown that blossoms with spring’s charm

Capiz became the couple’s destination of choice as an homage to the bride, who hails from the province. Historically, Capiz was the second Spanish settlement established in the Philippines. With its 80-kilometer coastline and a mesmerizing stretch of rivers and swamplands, the province offered a natural allure to the wedding party. Yet for the groom, it was more than scenery—it was about honoring his bride’s heritage and heart.

Their love story spans continents, email inboxes, and a few overpacked pieces of luggage. Phillip recalls their serendipitous encounter involving jumpsuits, hot air balloons, and the rhythm of a life lived in sync.

The Sacred Heart Shrine in Capiz, transformed into a lush tropical dreamscape.

Wicker baskets, solihiya chairs, and cascading greens brought understated elegance to the naturalistic reception at Istorya Forest Garden.

How did you meet Mitch?
Right after covering a friend’s wedding. I spotted her navigating the space with this quiet confidence. We didn’t even speak—just exchanged a look. Later came a few messages, a first date, and her walking toward me in a black jumpsuit. That moment? Unforgettable. I thought, “Ka-Vogue!”

When did you know she was the one?
Honestly, from the start. I had just closed a big chapter of my life—career goals, family responsibilities—and when I held her hand for the first time, I didn’t want to let go. Everything just aligned.

You proposed in Turkey—why there?
Cappadocia. Picture it: fairy chimneys, floating hot air balloons, and this surreal landscape. It felt like a dream, and in that dream, I asked her to marry me.

Who plans your trips—beach bum or mountain guy?
I map out the adventures, and Mitch plans what we wear on them. She packs only what fits and flatters—and trust me, she always looks like she stepped out of a fashion editorial. Our luggage deserves its own Instagram.

If you had 10,000 lives, would you marry her each time?
Every single time. Even if we met in another galaxy.

What’s one quirky thing you love about her?
She’s endlessly resourceful. Whether it’s an outfit or a life goal, Mitch can pull it together like no one else. She’s sharp, creative, and once she sets her mind on something, there’s no stopping her.

What’s your message to Mitch as you set off on this next big adventure together?
Hi, Love—keep holding my hand. No matter how the winds blow, let’s keep making memories, telling stories, and seeing the world—together.

A Sky Full of Balloons, a Heart Full of Yes — Philip Proposes to Mitch in Magical Cappadocia

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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

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Events

The First NUSTAR BALL

Janine Taylor, June Alegrado, Jackie Lotzof, Frances Siao, Ina Ronquillo and Christine Pelaez

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.

 

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