Events

This is the wishlist your Secret Santa never wrote

You love your manita, yes you do! Show your love for your Secret Santa with these perfect last-minute gifts, ranging from the relatively affordable to insanely indulgent. And why not? It’s called a wishlist, after all.

Even though you think you might know a person well enough, choosing gifts will always present itself as a challenge. With Christmas also fast approaching and those holiday parties happening one after the other, last-minute shopping can add to the pressure. So, what do you do when you don’t know what to get your Secret Santa? Zee Lifestyle steps in with all the possible answers, from the relatively affordable to more indulgent gifts.

Pro tip: You can drop a hint and share this list too! Who knows, your own manito or manita might be struggling on what to get you as well. 😉

HAPPY SKIN x DISNEY MOISTURIZING MATTE LIPPIE

Happy Skin is the first local brand in the Philippines that Disney has partnered with

Matte lipsticks were a big hit this year, and there’s no reason the trend wouldn’t continue in 2017. Pass it on to the new year with Happy Skin’s moisturizing matte lippie, which contains shea butter and collagen that hydrates lips while leaving a gorgeous matte finish. Happy Skin’s holiday collaboration with Disney also brings limited edition (read: must-have!) shades. ‘Snow White’ features an apple-red shade, while the ‘Anna’ has that roasted cherry tone that’s popular right now.

UGF, SM City Cebu | Facebook

HAVAIANAS IN GREENERY

This Havaianas top in Liberty Green is on point for 2017’s color of the year

Earlier this month, ‘Greenery’ was announced as the color of the year for 2017. Take this relaxing yet vibrant shade with you one step at a time as you conquer the Year of the Rooster, with a brand new pair of Havaianas. The neon green Top is definitely on point, while, the Liberty Green pair features a fun and whimsical print that’ll turn heads.

All Flip Flops | Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu

A 7-COURSE DINNER BY JASON ATHERTON

Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton of The Pig & Palm

If you’re looking to impress, you can’t go wrong with a dinner at The Pig & Palm. Just in time for the holidays, Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton is whipping up a special seven-course meal with an optional champagne and wine pairing. Slots for this two-day event (December 22-23) are extremely limited.

MSY Tower, Cebu Business Park | Facebook

READ MORE: Let Jason Atherton cook for you this Christmas (via zeelifestylecebu.com)

A STAY AT KANDAYA RESORT

Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan, Cebu (Photography by Dan Douglas Ong: Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, October 2015)

Okay, this is really pulling out the big guns, but who wouldn’t want to experience paradise? Kandaya Resort’s iconic infinity pool, luxurious rooms and myriad of activities from island hopping to a private beach in Malapascua Island to horseback riding guarantee that a stay in this gorgeous resort is on top of anyone’s wishlist.

Daanbantayan, Cebu | Facebook

READ MORE: Moon over Kandaya (via zeelifestylecebu.com)

SNAPBACKS FROM NEW ERA

The New Era store in Cebu has over 500 snapbacks to choose from

With the rise of the athleisure trend, sporty accessories have become acceptable in daily wear. Not sure where to start? Put your thinking cap on with New Era’s expansive selection of headgear. Their store in Cebu has over 500 hats to choose from, whether you’d like to root for your favorite sporting teams or show off your love for pop culture.

SM Seaside City Cebu | Facebook

LIMITED EDITION JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL

The limited edition Cebu bottle from Johnnie Walker Blue Label Philippine Crafts: Our Cities special collection

A bottle of whisky is always a classic gift, but there’s no reason it should be boring. Surprise your Secret Santa with a limited edition bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Philippine Crafts: Our Cities. With three distinctly Filipino designs to choose from—the Manila Jeepney, the Cebu Guitar, and the Davao Pearl—anyone would definitely appreciate having these added to their collections.

Available in leading supermarkets | Facebook

APOPHIS PUMPS FROM SALA CHAUSSURES

Sala Chaussure’s Apophis pumps in black (Photo: Facebook)

Personally, it’s hard to choose just one kind of footwear from this decadent shoe brand because there’s something for every girl. If we really had to recommend one thing though, it would be the Apophis pumps in black. It’s the classic black pump with a gorgeous twist—dragon wings. Perfect for the Khaleesis in your life.

Facebook

DR. MARTENS DM’S LITE

DM’s Lite in Newton Cherry Red

Why yes, men can be into shoes too. For your guy friend (or “guy friend”), a great addition to his growing footwear collection would be the DM’s Lite, the newest shoe from Dr. Martens. Featuring the brand’s signature style but in a new ultra-lightweight Phylon midsole, it’s both durable and even more comfortable. Go timeless with the black pair, or be a little more edgy with the Newton cherry red one.

General | 2F, Ayala Center Cebu | Facebook

READ MORE: The Doc Martens is in (via zeelifestylecebu.com)

PET STUFF FROM PESO STORE

Give your furry pal a debonair look with these cute bowties from Peso Store

With items at Php 88, it’s easy to buy a lot of stuff that any pet lover and their furry BFFs would certainly appreciate. Take your pick from colorful collars to cute food bowls, and fun harnesses to amusing chew toys. There’s also quite a selection of doggy t-shirts that Fido can wear for Christmas.

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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 Arcenas , 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