People
This up-and-coming florist is your new best friend
What’s in a name? A florist named ‘Xerxes’ would make everything beautiful.

At first sight, you would think of Xerxes Bernadez as a reserved guy. Dressed in a plain grey shirt sipping a frappe on a hot day, he is unassuming. However, he starts to warm up after a few minutes when he answers your questions in high spirits.
X, as his friends would call him, made a name for himself in the blogging world. His flair for words, fashion, and food prompted him to create his own dotcom even before blogging became a trend. Twenty blogs down the road and the rest, as they usually say, is history.

Xerxes Bernadez, the unconventional florist (Photography by Mark Philip Dales, grooming by Arnauld/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016)
An innate entrepreneur, X has dabbled in different businesses. Blogging is now a way for him to earn passively while making his way into other profitable projects. He has a spa and a wedding-giveaway business with friends and is still on the hunt for more ventures.
A drawback led X to pursue the fragrant world of flowers. When his partners backed out of an investment on a physical shop, X dove head first in operating the business.
Maison des Fleurs Cebu was born out of X’s go-getter attitude. With little knowledge of flowers but armed with an eagerness to learn, he set out to study floral arrangements. He researched, read e-books, took webinars, and trained with florists to master the craft by heart. It didn’t take long before he discovered his own magic touch with blooms.
Two days before Valentine’s last year, he soft opened his flower shop and was flooded with more than 50 orders of bouquets that he had to arrange on his own. This put him on the spot and honed his newly-acquired skill.
A year after, X still does everything for Maison des Fleurs Cebu. From the arrangement down to marketing and logistics, his is a one-man flower shop.
His savviness in business and passion for the online platform led him to create a unique business model for Maison des Fleurs Cebu. X has a physical shop in Talamban, Cebu City and a website where he delivers anywhere in the country. Flowers Café Cebu, the online component of the flower shop, allows him to reach more customers and spread the love to greater regions by positioning his shop to cater to every budget and need.
However, he is not your usual right-brained creative. He admits that his floral shop is backed by research and a sound business plan. He knows his market well and understands that balance is the key in the tough world of creative entrepreneurship. “Passion is nothing if you don’t do research,” he adds.
An unconventional florist, X calls himself rebellious. He mixes both classical and modern designs to create his fragrant masterpieces. He does not focus on a trend and believes style is personal and cannot be attached to the ever-changing trend. “Flowers are avenues for me to explore my artistry,” X thoughtfully noted.
His creative process? Stare at the flowers. Enjoy their colors and fragrance; and, be inspired by these objects of beauty. Clients also pitch in their ideas to create floral arrangements that are personal and unique. X ensures that every flower delivered is different from the next so an extraordinary design comes with every order. “I want to give a different flavor to each table,” he said.
But X also digresses. As an artist, he says, one needs inspiration. With a secret formula up his sleeves, he has a weapon on days when the muse is nowhere to be found. Sprinkling a few personal touches here and there, his creation is complete and ready to be delivered.
With his versatility and imagination, he continues to tread uncharted territories while pushing his boundaries. His defiance against the norm of floral arrangement is taking him to greater blooms. Expect a lot from this hungry up-and-coming florist. He is a dreamer who sees greater things for the future in the fragrant world of flowers.
MAISON DE FLEURS
Gov. M. Cuenco, Talamban
63. 929 798 2124 | website
photography Mark Philip Dales grooming Arnauld hair Gino Fonghe
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2016. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
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

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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