Events

What Bibliophiles are Reading at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2019

We talked to bibliophiles at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale Cebu 2019 and asked what’s in their carts!

by Raizza Alividao

Hold your carts, the infamous Big Bad Wolf (BBW) Book Sale finally returns to Cebu after its
huge success in 2018!

“Cebu has been petitioning for us to comeback since early this year. Actually, even when we
ended our Cebu [book sale] last year, we already received requests.” Jacqueline Ng, Founder of
BBW Book Sale, said.

The long wait is over and it’s time to take out your credit card or the cash you have saved up.
But with over a million of good books available in affordable prices, choosing which books to
purchase becomes a dilemma to every bibliophile. The massive collection of books ranges from
children’s books, fiction, non-fiction and premium books for all ages. If only you could take
them all!

Just like preparing for a battle, some readers thoroughly prepared a list of “must buy” before
going on a book hunt at the world’s biggest book sale. Here’s a tip! When looking for good
books to read, clicking around Goodreads, watching book review videos from your favorite
YouTuber, and browsing the bestsellers lists is your way to go.

Sheila Calog, a book worm who enjoyed collecting books since she was young, prefers
discovering new books and concepts rather than just having the popular ones. She took Fiction
books such as “Kumari: Goddess of Destiny”, “The Secret Life of Bees”, “The Witch of Salt and
Storm” and others. Also, she hoped to find books by Laini Taylor and Paulo Coelho.

“I gamble,” Sheila said. “In [Big Bad Wolf Book Sale], I like to get books with good synopsis and
obscure titles –titles you wouldn’t find anywhere else.” She added that she did the same at last
year’s book sale and it was worth it since she found unexpected amazing books.

A number of readers at the book sale flocked to the Young Adult section and grabbed books
from bestselling authors Rick Riordan, J.K Rowling, Stephen King and others. Carts had been
filled with novel series such as “The Maze Runner”, “Harry Potter”, “Percy Jackson and the
Olympians”, “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” and more. You can definitely tell that
fantasy books are well loved by Cebuano bibliophiles. For readers, fantasy novels serve as an
escape from reality, letting you experience something extraordinary. Who does not love
spectacular magical abilities and slaying monsters, right?

Sean Villacorta, a fantasy, crime, and science fiction enthusiast, picked up the books of Michael
Crichton, Dan Brown and Rick Riordan. His wide search focused on finding all books written by
them but unfortunately, only few were available.

“[It’s because of] childhood nostalgia. I’ve read [Rick Riordan’s] books before when I was young
so I bought it,” shared Sean when asked why he chose such books at the book sale. This
indicates that despite already knowing how the story goes, readers are willing to spend on
certain books they’re emotionally attached to.

It’s no wonder that the Romance fiction is one of the most popular genres. Whether you’re
happy being single or have already found your guy, romance novels won’t fail to excite and
captivate you. Readers loved swoon worthy reads from authors Nicholas Sparks, Rainbow
Rowell, Jane Green and others.

Readers are also checking out Arts and Photography, Reference books and others under non-
fiction but most especially, self-help books. A reader at the book sale even said it’s a must have
since this type of genre does well in motivating and inspiring you when you need it.
The books you’d want to read vary depending on your mood or own preference. However, if
you have no idea on which books to try, knowing other people’s favorites could be a big help.
We don’t know…you might surprise yourself and enjoy it as much as them.
Don’t waste the opportunity and get what you want at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2019 at IEC
Convention Center, which will be open 24 hours throughout its 11-day run until August 26,
2019. Enjoy this perfect haven for book lovers and support BBW’s advocacy in spreading the
importance of reading.

“Reading is beyond knowledge and education. It’s all about inspiring, empowering and making
books accessible especially to those who needed it,” Jacqueline Ng emphasized during the
Preview Day of Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2019 on August 15.

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Events

Some Enchanted Evening–Marguerite Lhuillier hosts a Despidida Dinner for Eva Gullas in her Fabulous Post-Modernist Maria Luisa Mansion

by Oj Hofer

The doyenne of everything bright and beautiful, Marguerite Lhuillier, hosted a dinner party in honor of her dear friend Eva Gullas at her effortlessly elegant home. She invited an intimate circle of guests for an evening of photo ops, fashion talk, positive vibes, and absolutely no politics—not even a whisper on the subject.

A 38-year-old Sapodilla tree with branches adorned with bird’s nest ferns and bromeliads that deepen its quiet, enduring beauty.

Upon entering the hostess’s expansive residence, guests were greeted by an open and welcoming space. A tall vase of fiery heliconias offered an instant boost of visual pleasure. Flanking this vibrant floral arrangement were two sacred sentinels: a Tibetan thangka of Compassion and Wisdom on the right console, and to the left, a serene image of Guanshiyin Pusa glowing with the aura of a Uruguayan amethyst geode. Completing this spiritual trio was a towering clear quartz cathedral geode. It felt as if each guest underwent a quiet cleansing and energizing upon stepping into a lush sanctuary framed by bougainvillea blossoms.

Marguerite Lhuillier, Mariquita Yeung, Frances Siao, and Christine Pelaez.

Cocktails were served at dusk. The usual spirits made their rounds—champagne, red and white wine—but this writer opted for a refreshing non-alcoholic cooler, which provided just the right kick. The extravagant tablescape featured a familiar array of cheeses and charcuterie, with my personal favorite, tortilla de patatas, delightfully arranged against the sparkling backdrop of Cebu City.

Standing Left to Right: Jun Pelaez, Dindo Fernan, Lilet Heredia, Oj Hofer, Marguerite Lhuillier, Maris Holopeinen, Frances Siao, Christine Pelaez, Manolet Heredia, Erwin Siao Seated: Angelique Gradne Salve,Iris Fernan, Eva Gullas, Mariquita Yeung, and Jiji Gullas.

Dinner followed in a buffet-style spread catered by Café Laguna. There were no place cards on the table, allowing guests the freedom to choose their seats. Naturally, the dinner crowd gravitated between the gracious hostess, Marguerite, and the guest of honor, Eva. I was particularly fortunate to be seated beside Jun Pelaez, art connoisseur and collector. Our conversation flowed effortlessly into the realm of the arts, creativity, and life’s finer pursuits—pausing only with the arrival of desserts (my absolute weakness).

Jiji Gullas, Christopher Darza, Manolet Heredia, Dindo Fernan, and Erwin Siao

The final course of the evening featured the hostess’s famous leche flan and Christine Pelaez’s signature bibingka—sweet reminders that, like dessert, life is fleeting, but friendships, shared stories, and enchanting evenings like this one linger long after the last bite.

Eva Gullas, soon departing on a well-deserved hiatus, left us wrapped in laughter, elegance, and warmth. It’s a gift to have friends whose presence makes coming home to worth it.

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