People
Zee Lifestyle celebrates 20 years of Cebu lifestyle with the Anniversary Issue
The Anniversary Issue brings back twelve of Zee Lifestyle’s most memorable personalities for its biggest cover ever.

As the year comes to an end, Zee Lifestyle is also set to culminate its 20th anniversary celebrations with the glitziest event of the season, the Emerald Ball, complemented with an Anniversary Issue featuring the magazine’s biggest cover ever.

Zee Lifestyle’s December-January 2017 Anniversary Issue: Marguerite Lhuillier, June Alegrado, Mia Arcenas, Kryz Uy, Amparito Lhuillier, Alice Woolbright, Fiona King, Margot Osmeña, Kymberly Maitland-Smith, Carla Yeung McKowen, Danessa Onglatco and Christina Garcia Frasco (Photography by Jan Gonzales)
Over the years, the Queen City’s most remarkable men and women of substance have graced the cover of Cebu’s premier lifestyle bible. From cultural icon Maia Franco on the maiden issue all the way to the talented Matteo Guidicelli for this year’s Fashion Issue (and his fourth cover at that!), Zee Lifestyle has accumulated quite the diverse roster of personalities in its two decade run.
This month, Zee Lifestyle brings back twelve of the most memorable faces on the cover.
- Fiona King, February 2015
- Kryz Uy, April 2014
- Carla Yeung-McKowen, February 2011
- Mia Arcenas, August-September 2010
- Margot Osmeña, February 1997
- Danessa Onglatco, October 2007
- June Alegrado, December-January 2011
- Kymberly Maitland-Smith, October 2014
- Christina Garcia Frasco, August-September 2008
- Alice Woolbright, November 2011
- Amparito Lhuillier, August 1996
- Marguerite Lhuillier, December-January 2010
We catch up with hoteliers Alice Woolbright and June Alegrado, restauranteur Carla Yeung-McKowen, social media influencers Kryz Uy and Kymberly Maitland-Smith, politicians Christina Garcia Frasco and Margot Osmeña, real estate developer Fiona King, fashion designer Mia Arcenas, entrepreneurs Marguerite Lhuillier and Danessa Onglatco, and philanthropist Amparito Lhuillier, and see how far they’ve come since being on the cover of Zee Lifestyle.
The inside pages also have the ladies decked head to toe in Miranda Konstantinidou. In preparation for her first ever fashion show in Cebu at the Emerald Ball, the Greek-German designer talks about her Cebu-manufactured pieces and how the city has become her home.
Alongside Miranda, Zee Lifestyle pays tribute to Kenneth Cobonpue, Philip Rodriguez, Cary Santiago, Arcy Gayatin, Vito Selma, Jun Escario, Monique Lhuillier and Lyndon Neri—eight Cebuano designers who have made a mark and become the most respected names in their respective industries in the past twenty years.
Additionally, girls-of-the-moment Stephanie Sharpe, Krishtal Freeland, Yasmine Sarlak and Alyssa Sacal and Cebu’s most promising talents Christina Linaban, Jarra Angbetic, Jonas Pacifico, and Chai Fonacier, Ted Paraiso, Maria Gigante and Samantha Solidum of Sutukil Sauce talk about being the city’s new breed, and why everyone should watch out for them.
Read more in Zee Lifestyle’s Anniversary Issue, out on stands this month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here, or download the Magzter app on your device and search for ‘Zee Lifestyle’.
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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