People

Women Watch: Celebrating 12 women with beauty, style and passion

As the world celebrates women, Zee Lifestyle does the same by looking back at the very special 20th anniversary cover that looked back on the ladies who have graced our pages for their beauty, elegance, talent and passion for their endeavors.

As we celebrated our 20th year in the industry, it was only natural that we also celebrated the women who graced our covers. The team handpicked 12 women who are no strangers to our pages, but remain driving forces in their respective industries.

With March being National Women’s Month and March 8 International Women’s Day, we found it fitting to pay tribute. These women are no strangers to our pages, and will probably be fixtures on it for years to come. It’s not just for their beauty or their keen sense of style, of course. It is their elegance and individuality, and the strong drive to succeed in whatever their efforts are directed.

Amparito Lhuillier

When were you first on the cover of Zee? The August-October issue in 1996

Any memorable experience with Zee? It’s definitely my favorite!

What would you change about Cebu? There’s nothing to be changed. I love Cebu!

Wearing Philip Rodriguez

Margot Osmeña

Do you remember your first Zee cover? I have only faint recollections about my Zee cover shoot–might be attributed to my senior years! If my memory serves me right, it was done in Teresin Mendezona’s house.

What do you love most about Cebu? When I first arrived in Cebu around 30 years ago, it became very obvious to me that there was this strong sense of pride. “This is our home” kind of feeling was apparent in the Cebuanos. As we move forward, I pray that this attitude is passed on to our children and their children.

Wearing Philip Rodriguez

Mia Arcenas

Do you remember your first Zee cover? The first time I was on the Zee cover was the time I got back from the US in 2010. I had just finished my degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, and I was starting my career in fashion. I remember wearing Puey Quiñones with my first ever collection of accessories called Free Structure, made with abstract brass wire, crystal quartz and satin ribbons. Jon Unson shot it, while the hair and makeup was done by Romero.

Any memorable experience with Zee? The most memorable experience I’ve had with the magazine was when they co-hosted my first ever gala at the Oakridge Pavilion in Cebu. Zee has always been a big supporter ever since, and it was very heartwarming to have their full support.

Wearing Mia Arcenas

Fiona King

Do you remember your first Zee cover? My first cover was way back in college, when I was featured as a model. It was an unforgettable experience, but I must admit that the second time was bigger for me. It was in February 25, and I was honored to be featured as a real estate developer. Indeed, it was personally significant for me because Zee had seen and recognized my own life’s changes and growth, and found these to be cover-worthy.

What do you love about Cebu? I’m glad Cebu presents more opportunities for Cebuanos to thrive, evolve and make a difference. Cebu has always been bursting with opportunities, but we have to look around now to see that Cebu has exponentially grown. It is a city where entrepreneurs, artists, visionaries and people from various disciplines can make a name for themselves and become global without having to start in Manila. It is a city where people have become prouder of who we are and what we can do, and this pride has helped us to really redefine the Cebuano spirit and boldly succeed from the home-front to the world.

Wearing Vania Romoff

June Alegrado

Do you remember your first Zee cover? The first time I was on the cover was with good friends Bernie Aboitiz and Rochelle del Rosario. We had so much fun we didn’t notice the time. It felt like a get-together. Working with the Zee team was amazing. They took good care of us and were very professional. Artists were assigned to do our hair and makeup, and we were given choices of clothes and sandals to wear. The photographer and stylist helped us relax and loosen up, making it easy for us to project and feel comfortable in front of the camera. It was one of my most enjoyable experiences.

Changes that you’re happy about? I’m glad cellphones now have internet access. It has definitely made life more convenient–from buying clothes and paying bills to researching and learning new things. Keeping in touch with people to meeting new people. Accessing our music library, reading books and watching movies. But the past part of the smartphone is the camera, and the fact that my children and I can talk face to face even when they’re so far away.

Wearing Jun Escario

Christina Garcia Frasco

Do you remember your first Zee cover? The year was 2008. At that time, I had been living in Manila for 10 years already for school and work, and really missed Cebu. It was a memorable experience being on the cover of a magazine for the first time. I’m glad it was Zee, because to me, the magazine represented the best of Cebu–and being a Cebuana in Manila, I of course was fiercely proud of my home province.

Changes in Cebu you’re happy about? I’m happy to see Cebu strike a balance between being a center for world-class talent and locally made products, while being open to the influx of global brands and massive development. Hopefully our infrastructure can catch up very soon.

Wearing Dino Lloren

Kryz Uy

Do you remember your first Zee cover? Yes, of course! I was on the cover for the Youth issue, and I remember very clearly discussing with (then editor) David Cua his chosen copy for the cover. “Who doesn’t know Kryz Uy?” He was so set on having that line and I was so shy about it!

Changes in Cebu you’re happy about? The city is progressing quickly and we’re building a lot of companies, brands and even personalities that are competing well globally. That’s definitely something to be proud of!

Wearing Miranda Konstantinidou

Marguerite Lhuillier

Do you remember your first Zee cover? It is always flattering to be asked to do a cover, and of course, I willingly obliged. I had a great and fun time preparing for the shoot, what with the wonderful group from Zee Lifestyle. Everyone made the experience extra special.

Wearing Cary Santiago

Carla Yeung-McKowen

Do you remember your first Zee cover? It was an unforgettably fun experience. I was surrounded by the creative geniuses of Cebu–Cary Santiago, in Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom, and shot by Dan Ong!

A memorable experience with Zee? The latest shoot. Being with other Cebuano women who I think are superbly gorgeous and successful, coupled with the “village” of creative minds who choreographed everything–it had to be my most memorable experience with Zee.

Wearing Stella McCartney

Danessa Onglatco

Do you remember your first Zee cover? Yes, of course, as it was a memorable fantastic experience for me. It was my first time to be a cover girl in a magazine, plus considering Zee is the only lifestyle magazine in Cebu. I was really honored to be chosen. I would like to take this opportunity to thank one of Cebu’s top designer Philip Rodriguez for choosing me, Zee’s former editor Jing Ramos and publisher Eva Gullas.

Changes in Cebu you’re happy about? That Cebu has continuously grown to be a tourism destination worldwide, and has seen growth in other industries like hospitality, real estate and the different types of BPO’s.

Wearing Miranda Konstantinidou

Kym Maitland-Smith

Do you remember your first Zee cover? I was on the cover with my sister Divine for the October 2014 issue. It was a blast! We had so much fun shooting together, and everyone who participated from the makeup artists and stylists to the photographer and the location were all great. I remember rushing through the shoot because we had a flight to catch that morning, but everything went super smoothly. Divine and I were very happy with the photos and the article.

Wearing Miranda Konstantinidou

Alice Woolbright

Do you remember your first Zee cover? Yes, the November 2011 issue. It was a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving shoot with my sisters held at our ancestral home.

A memorable experience with Zee? My most treasured experience was the mother-daughter shoot. The timing was perfect as Erika was off to college that year.

Wearing Alexander McQueen

photography Jan Gonzales | creative direction Melo Esguerra | locale Marco Polo Plaza Cebu

Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, December-January 2017 issue.

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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

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

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.