Vol. 22 No. 5
JUNE-JULY 2017
a g u i d e t o H E ALT H & w e l l ne s s
P150 • US$10
The
Beauty Issue
Pie Calayan
Half of the team behind aesthetic clinic Manny and Pie Calayan, the doctor talks about building a beauty empire and why family plays an important role in staying on top
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The
BEAUTY Issue
CONTENTS 8 contributors Meet the people behind the issue
10 editor's note
94 cover story
The Power of Beauty
Pie Calayan and her commitment to skincare
11 look book
104 home
The season’s best beauty trends
Simon Miles and Jun Escario’s Bohol escape
18 men's grooming
110 travel
TUF and 22 Thatcher
Camp Ngeyngey’s Crusoe-like adventure
21 vanities
115 art
Personalities share their beauty routines
Pierre Marie Brisson and Mariko Jacinto
31 style news
122 events
A look at the designer lines and products of the season
A backstage pass to the city’s happenings
44 la vie en rose
130 last page
Mayenne Carmona in Italy
Cary Santiago talks about the Queen of Cebu
46 in the club A look at the city’s best members-only establishments
53 makeup moves Inspired beauty looks
61 island girl Lea Duhaylungsod and her Siargao life
71 health and wellness Today’s relevant issues
83 changing the game The personalities that are helping to change Cebu’s wellness landscape
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ON THE COVER
Bvlgari orchid amethyst Serpenti Reverie shelley in fine twill silk
Pie Calayan photography Joseph Ong hair and makeup Janice Barillo styling Blaq Mafia and Janno Novenario locale Jaime Chua's Flower Farm
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executive editor EVA GULLAS editor-at-large MELO ESGUERRA managing editor SHARI QUIMBO assistant editors KATRINA LABRA, CARLO RIVERA copy editor JANET ALFAFARA fashion editor OJ HOFER online consultant MICHAEL JEROME SANCHEZ contributing editors MIA ARCENAS, KATSY BORROMEO-CHIONGBIAN creative director EDWIN JAVIER JR. layout artist JEAN LIM
JUNE-JULY 2017 • Vol 22, No. 5
publisher EVA GULLAS administrative officer JAYLENE GIPALA senior account manager AMY UNDALOC Manila Office: AILYN TASIC Unit 806 Cityland Pioneer, 128 Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City Tel No. (02) 634-5532, Mobile No. (0939) 493-7184 ZEE Publications, Inc. 888 Plaridel St., Umapad, Mandaue City Cebu, Philippines 6000 Tel. No. (032) 328-4163, (032) 234-2636 Cel. No. (0908) 810-1812 • (0920) 970-1394 Email addresses: EDITORIAL editorial@zeelifestylecebu.com ADMINISTRATIVE jaylene@zeelifestylecebu.com CEBU ADVERTISING amy@zeelifestylecebu.com MANILA ADVERTISING manila@zeelifestylecebu.com
Zee Lifestyle is published by Zee Publications, Inc. Publication schedule: February issue – February 15 • March issue – March 15 • April issue – April 15 May issue – May 15 • June issue – June 15 • July issue – July 15 August/September issue – August 15 • October issue – October 15 November issue – November 15 • December/January issue – December 15 © All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. www.zeelifestylecebu.com | facebook.com/zeelifestyle | @ZeeLifestyle
Zee Lifestyle magazine is available in the Business Class sections and Lounges of Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Silk Air and also distributed in the rooms of Alpa City Suites, Alta Cebu Village Resort, Bayfront Hotel, BE Resorts Mactan, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan, Harold's Hotel, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, Montebello Villa Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa, Radisson Blu Cebu, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa Cebu, The Henry Hotel.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Ella Sarmago
“When I have a good hair and skin day.”
Micah Almazan
“When I’m proud of what I’ve written, and when I’m told I’m loved.”
Sam Despi
“I feel most beautiful on Sundays, when there’s nothing to do and I can snuggle in bed without a worry.”
When do you feel most beautiful? The personalities featured in this issue’s Makeup Moves story share their views.
Sirah Elumba
“I feel the most beautiful when I am confident about myself and genuinely happy with my life.”
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Mariana Varela
“Beauty radiates from within. I feel most beautiful when I find it in me to look past what I see in the mirror and to be able to emanate strength.”
Lyka Ruale
“Whenever I’m in an oversized sweather.”
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
T he P ower of Beauty
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o you believe in the Power of Beauty? Of course you do! Otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this Beauty Issue. Most of us have known since we were kids that beauty holds power, influencing our judgment. The topic of beauty and its influence on others has been debated among cultures throughout human history. The old saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” simply means that what we consider beautiful is based on the stories we tell ourselves—a subjective experience influenced by our personal beliefs, collective unconscious, and by the culture at large. Asians are obsessed with white skin. A most recent survey conducted by an independent research group noted that four out of ten women surveyed in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines and South Korea used a skin whitening cream. History of skin whitening in Asia dates back to ancient China, India and Japan, according to the report. “In ancient dynastic times, those with fair skin implied wealth and nobility, as opposed to servants who labored outside under the scorching sun.” In our case, being colonized for almost 400 years by Spain and another half a century under the US, when Hollywood became our standard for what’s beautiful, there was no escape from the ‘white supremacy’ trap. To me, it’s a trap to see ourselves inferior because of our color. Brown is beautiful. Check out our feature on the ultimate island girl Lea Duhaylungsod on pages 61 to 69, and together let’s celebrate the beauty and power of our brown skin. To further understand how we give importance to beauty, then, we need to acknowledge the power of first impressions. First impressions linger in the mind and influence the way we see and treat others. Once an impression is firmly established, it takes so much to change our attitude towards someone. And for this reason, we should be taking care not only of how we look from the outside, but more importantly how we feel inside. We have lined up insightful features about health and wellness, and profiled personalities with inspiring stories. On our cover is Dr. Pie Calayan. Her story is not a fairy tale—her struggles were real, and that only made her as strong as any woman who never gave up on the power of beauty. A health issue close to my heart is HIV and AIDS. I have been an advocate to stop the spreading of HIV in the Philippines for years now. I attended the AmFAR Gala in Hong Kong recently, which raised millions of dollars for this cause. The alarming increase of HIV infection in Cebu and the country as a whole is an issue we should not take lightly. On a lighter note, our travel feature in this issue is an island destination like no other. Be the first to discover it and find your way to get lost in that paradise, and get your perfect tan!
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MELO E. ESGUERRA Editor
photography by BJ Pascual
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Look Book The Ready-to-Wear runways for Fall 2017 didn’t just give us inspiration for our closets— the powers-that-be in beauty gave the rest of the world guidelines on how we’re going to be making up our faces. From colored lids to ultra-short hair, here are our favorite looks for the season, and the products that will help you get the look yourself.
Benefit They're Real! Gel Eyeliner Pen
Medusa's Makeup Neon Warrior
MAC In Extreme Dimension Mascara
MAC Eye Shadow
Chanel Ombre Premiere Longwear Powder Eyeshadow
Can Hue See The color wheel has been an inspiration for many a beauty look, and this season it’s popping up on models’ peepers. With some imagination, the look can easily go from playful as in the two-tone lids at Oscar de la Renta, to subtly glamorous like Valentino’s burgundy cat-eyes, or even all-out artsy inspired by the graphic shapes at Maison Margiela. J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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CROP TOP
LOOK BOOK
Since the rampant popularity of the lob, models have been chopping off their locks for their runway looks. The ultra-short crop at Prada allows the angles of the face to really pop, while the wavy bob with side-swept waves for a chic Parisienne look. The bejeweled headband at Chanel and beret at Christian Dior are ontrend pieces that the length can be accessorized as well.
Kerastase Spray a Porter
Not Your Mother's Texturing Sea Salt Spray
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Acca Kappa Beechwood Hair Brush
Bumble and Bumble Texture
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Zara turban-style headband
Missoni Mare turban
Top of Mind Forever 21 flower headband
Deepa Gurnani Headband
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It seems this season isn’t shy about bringing out the head gear—there are the thin black bands wrapped around retro-style buns at Comme des Garcons, an 80’s throwback with bejeweled headbands atop volumized hair at Chanel, and the the glamorous and colorful crowns at Dolce & Gabbana.
Benefit They're Real! Double the Lip Liner + Lipstick
Bobbi Brown Lip Pencil
Chanel Rougle Double Intensite
OCC Lip Tar
KISS CAM
Forget the perfectly lined lips of yesteryear—this season’s models look like they just got of a passionate lip-lock backstage. Erin Fetherston does the ombre lip for a subtle take on the trend, while Giambattista Valli brings on the gloss for some drama. Of course, you could take on a literal trend such as at Preen, where color smudges beyond the edges for a true just-kissed look.
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolour
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LOOK BOOK
Happy Skin Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer
MAC Prep + Prime Essential Oils
Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain
BARE WITH ME Benefit Soft & Natural Brows Kit
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Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm
Almost as if an antidote to previous season’s ultramade up contouring and defined Instagram brows, many of this year’s shows sent out models in barely there makeup. Brushed out brows, a slight hint of blush and the most natural lips gave the girls at Coach 1941, Isabel Marant and Stella McCartney an insouciance that’s definitely covetable.
Girlactik Black Star Base
Calligraphe de Chanel Longwear Intense Cream Eyeliner
BLACK EYE Eyeliner remains one of the easiest ways to glam up your beauty look, but the RTW shows of Fall 2017 prove there are a number of different ways to do it. Balmain’s dramatic smoky eye is punched up with a glittery copper highlight, while a thick and exaggerated cat eye ups the drama at Versace. A more graphic take was seen at Marni, where eyeliner follows the different eye shapes for a truly artistic look.
Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara
Kat Von D Liquid Eyeliner Kylie Cosmetics Kyliner Kit J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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T RENDS
The Manual
Vanity is no longer a concept exclusive to women. These days, men are just as concerned about the appearance they present. These spots in the city are for the distinguished gentlemen who understand that masculine styling isn’t just about a haircut—it’s about a lifestyle. by Carlo Rivera
22 Thatcher Identifying itself as a boutique for the mindful modern man, 22 Thatcher Barbershop + Cafe is the embodiment of a crusade for the ultimate grooming experience. “Everything from start to finish is purposefully engineered to allow a man to sit back and be himself in a great environment, while professionals take care of his hair, coffee and whiskey,” says one of the owners Mick Yu. According to Mick, the idea of the barbershop came about during a project called Grant-A-Wish by JCI Manila and JCI Zugbuana, where the partners raised money for the therapy of Noli, a child with autism and ADHD. “We organized a men’s grooming event that involved hairstyles, suits, shoes and single malt whiskey,” Mick recalls. “It was awesome, and we’ve been going down the rabbit hole ever since.” As another place to get groomed in the city, 22 Thatcher veers away from signature cuts. “Hairstyles should depend on each person’s preference and comfort level,” Mick shares. They invest in the barber’s ability to adapt to different hair types, head shapes and personalities. The Barbershop immerses men in their own element. Most of the details in the shop are testament to craftsmanship and thoughtfulness in each element. Its interiors are rustic industrial—a classic barbershop meets a cigar lounge inside an old warehouse. The distressed brick walls, dark wooden shelving and monochrome floors would feel right at home in the 1920s, especially as you listen to the soft jazz playing from the functional turntable. Another highlight of the place are its beverages. Every single element is considered and controlled by their elite baristas, ensuring one gets coffee
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perfect each time. Also, for seekers of a different kind of poison, their bar is stocked with 22 single malt whiskeys derived from five different regions. While the grooming landscape is constantly evolving, 22 Thatcher benchmarks on its equipment, products and techniques, with global standards to make sure they are on track. As they say in this place, a gentleman “walks in with a reason, and walks out with purpose.” Streetscape, Paseo Saturnino, Banilad, Cebu City 0995 103 5415 22 Thatcher PH
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TUF photography Ezekiel Sullano
Capitol Square, Escario Street; Across USC-TC Gate 1, Talamban; Bonifacio District, Kasambagan; Basement 1 Service Lane, Ayala Center Cebu; Avida Tower, Cebu IT Park TUF Barbershop @tuf barbershop
Men can totally step up their hair game with TUF. An acronym for The Urban Fade, TUF has since become the go-to shop for Cebuano’s hair styling needs. “It started with the idea of having a unique barbershop that would stand out and be a second home to the gentlemen of Cebu,” shares Stuart Violanda, TUF’s Operations Officer. “Our motivation is the passion the grow the barbering scene in Cebu, and build a solid community and culture around it.” A first of its kind in Cebu, TUF Barbershop offers more than haircuts. “It is a concept barbershop that specializes in the fade technique, and provides the best grooming services and products for discerning male customers,” Stuart continues. The term fade refers to a cut that has the hair on the sides and back of the head tapered in length gradually. Showing off their passion for styling, TUF has produced four signature cuts that Stuart promises will turn you into a brand new you. The Gents, Bastard, Hooligan and Bugsy were developed to showcase how the fade technique can be executed through different hairstyles. Of course, it’s not just about the cuts—TUF also carries hair products that help men style their looks themselves, including international brands and a special local pomade collaboration by Eight Wolves. The barbershop also has a minibar, where guests can order beer, tea, coffee and other beverages. The interiors are done in a distinct black and white motif that was inf luenced by hiphop, and accentuated by wooden fixtures. Around the space is murals by Archie Geotina, who is better known by his handle chichimonster. Celebrating two years in the business, TUF is will soon be five branches strong. “The main driver of this success is recognizing the craft that our barbers possess,” Stuart shares. “This in turn translates into their passion to provide our customers with the best grooming services and great quality cuts.” Z J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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T RENDS
Fragrance Spree
As the new season begins to bloom, discover these fragrances worthy to have in springtime.
L’OCCITANE TERRE DE LUMIÈRE L’Occitane’s new eau de parfum is inspired by the special time of day known as the Golden Hour. The first gourmand aromatic fragrance embodies the contrast between the aromatic freshness and the soft warmth—zesty and aromatic at first, it consist primarily of edible “notes” such as honey and almond. Rustan’s at Ayala Center Cebu MON GUERLAIN The house’s new fragrance is a tribute to today’s femininity. A strong, free and sensual femininity, Mon Guerlain is inspired by Angelina Jolie. The fresh oriental fragrance enhances exceptional raw materials. Rustan’s at Ayala Center Cebu GIORGIO ARMANI SI Giorgio Armani Si accolades to modern femininity, an irresistible combination of grace, strength, and independent spirit. Si opens with deep blackcurrant nectar that softly recedes to airy f lorals. Rustan’s at Ayala Center Cebu HERMES EAU DES MERVEILLES BLEUE Eau des Merveilles Bleue by Hermes is an aromatic aquatic fragrance for women. Launched in 2016, the nose behind this fragrance is Christine Nagel. The fragrance features patchouli, woody notes and sea notes. Rustan’s at Ayala Center Cebu MIU MIU L’EAU BLEUE Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue came in February 2017 with fresh interpretation. The new edition is announced as light, fresh and happy scent of spring awakening and the fragrance of new beginnings. www.fragrantica.com
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VANITIES Given people’s high fashion consciousness at the present time, looking good and presentable in the crowd is a should have. This month, Zee Lifestyle takes a peek to the beauty essentials of Alyssa Aldeguer, Doyzkie Buenaviajie, Essa Santos, and Ken Onozawa as they prove on why a little bit of vanity is important for both men and women.
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VANIT Y
Andrea Andrea Aldeguer, 22 Student
How do you define beauty? I always thought of beauty as something that radiates from within. It can be shown physically through your personality, intellect or health. What’s your skincare regimen? I’ve been using my mom’s pharmaceutical skincare brand Regimen+ for years now. It helps my dry skin feel hydrated with just a cleanser, exfoliating toner and moisturizer. Although once in a while, I’ll use beauty oils and serums when my skin really needs it. What’s your everyday beauty routine? I like to keep things as simple as possible in the morning. I’ll just cleanse and moisturize my skin, then for makeup, I like putting on tinted moisturizer, concealer, mascara, blush and lipstick. That’s it. If I’m feeling extremely lazy, I’ll just do mascara and a tinted lip balm. What’s the big change you make to your routine on occasions you have to glam up? MAC Diva lipstick always does the trick for me. A celebrity whose beauty looks you always admire? I’ve recently been enjoying the minimal French girl makeup style of Jeanne Damas
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or Jess Clements. For more glam inspiration, I think Olivia Culpo does it so right. The three beauty products you always have in your purse? I never really carry anything else other than a handful of lip products. Your favorite lipstick? It’s a toss-up between MAC’s Velvet Teddy, or NARS Audacious lipstick in Raquel. If you could only use one beauty product forever, what would it be? Moisturizer! The best beauty advice you’ve received? To master the art of smiling, and invest in skincare!
Ken
Ken Onozawa, 32 Creative Director
Do you think men can be beautiful? All is fair in love and in war. Ladies are gwapa, men are gwapo. What’s your skincare regimen? No chemicals, all natural for me. I use VCO and Moringa Oil by Mother Earth (formerly The Daily Farm) before I sleep at night. Since it’s all natural, my skin doesn’t stay oily. It gets absorbed and skin feels good! What part of your routine takes up the most time in the morning? Shower time! I love a nice shower in the morning (or any time of the day for that matter). But when I’m in a rush, fixing my hair takes the number one spot. Gotta look neat! The products you can’t live without? My all-natural man soap! It all started with this natural moringa soap that my mom started making and selling at Echo Store. After my first try, I never used any chemical-based soap ever again. It moisturizes my skin quite well. I don’t really put lotion na after the shower. After some years of using my mom’s moringa soap, I decided to modify her recipe for men—that’s when I started the M Plus
(M+) brand of all-natural moringa peppermint soap. Yes, I can’t live without it—even when I travel. M+ Soap is available at Echo Store and Bluewater Maribago Resort. The most indulgent thing you’ve done for your face/skin? I’m not sure if this counts, but during my first trip ever to Boracay, I was with a friend who said that rubbing sand on your skin makes it smooth— like exfoliating, I guess. So I tried it out and it felt quite nice. It smoothed out my skin, for sure! The best place for guys to get a
haircut? Most guys follow their barber through the years, whichever shop they end up at. My barber is Nestor, currently at Bruno’s Ayala. My buddy has a really cool barbershop called TUF—a lot of guys love it there. The best beauty advice you’ve received? You are what you eat. Growing up with Mother Nature (mom), we were taught that our skin is a giant sponge. Just like we eat food through our mouth, our skin absorbs anything we put on it. So if we put chemicals on it, our body absorbs all that sh*t. Best advice? Go all-natural!
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VANIT Y
Doyzkie
Doyzkie Buenaviaje, 32 Lifestyle blogger/entrepreneur
Do you think men can be beautiful? Of course, and looking presentable does a lot of wonders, not only to a man's career, but also his love life. Haha! What's your skincare regimen? I have oily skin, so I always bring a pack of oil control film with me, which I use every hour when I'm out. I keep a bottle of Nature Republic Aloe Vera Spray in the car so I can easily perk up my skin. Before retiring to bed, I use witch hazel cleanser, then I apply Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel and Nature Republic Collagen Dream Skin Booster. What part of your routine takes up the most time in the morning? Hair. I have thick, wavy hair, and drying it after showering takes about 15 minutes of my morning routine. The products you can't live without? Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel and Gatsby Oil Control Film! I love this combo. The most indulgent thing you've done for your face/skin? I personally love the Flawless Beauty Drip. It's a condition of collagen, vitamins, glutathione, and other antioxidants administered through an intravenous process. It gives the skin a natural, healthy glow. The best place for guys to get a haircut? I get mine at Salon de Rose. I have a stylist who knows my style. The best beauty advice you've received? Always wear sunscreen and moisturize.
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E ssa Essa Santos, 27
Business Development Manager
How do you define beauty? For the longest time, I thought that physical beauty could be acknowledged and appreciated on its own. However, I’ve come to realize that much about being attractive has to do with someone’s personality and how they carry themselves. I find myself really taken by those who radiate confidence and positivity, regardless if they are dropdead gorgeous or otherwise. What’s your skincare regimen? My skincare regimen is actually extremely basic. After a day of being out and about, I remove my makeup with an oil-based remover (I find the water-based ones to be less effective in removing mascara), and then I wash my face with water and Cetaphil. That’s basically it. However, recently I’ve been obsessed about adding color to my naturally pale complexion, so I’ve been applying self-tanning water after my whole routine. What’s your everyday beauty routine? After washing my face, I spray on Prep + Prime and wipe on exfoliating lip balm before I put on anything else. After that, I apply bronzer and blush (because again, I hate looking pale and pasty), then I dab on highlighter on my cheekbones, forehead, chin and noseline, curl my lashes and apply mascara, brush up my brows with transparent brow gel to keep them in place, and then I finish up with lipstick. What’s the big change you make to your routine on occasions you have to glam up? I apply foundation, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and I fill in my eyebrows! It probably doesn’t sound like much, but for someone who’s not as skilled and educated about the magic of makeup, that’s already a ton of effort.
A celebrity whose beauty looks you always admire? Emma Watson. I’ve always loved how she keeps it simple. Her looks are always clean and fresh, and as opposed to using makeup to alter her appearance, she uses makeup to highlight her features and emphasize her natural look. The three beauty products you always have in your purse? Lipstick, blush and bronzer. Your favorite lipstick? I have tons! Clinique Pop (Lip Colour + Primer) in Cola Pop, Stila lip tint in Acai Crush, Makeup Forever Artist Rouge Matte in 102, Kylie Lip Kits in Ginger, Kristen and Leo. If you could only use one beauty product forever, what would it be? Probably lip and cheek tint. The best beauty advice you’ve received? I came across this quote by Karl Lagerfeld that struck me so hard. It goes: “Beauty—or the desire to be beautiful—is in itself a dangerous motivation. Someone (I forgot who) once said, ‘Does the person who loves someone for their beauty really love them?’ So don’t focus on beauty. A respectable appearance is sufficient to make people interested in your soul. It is the sum of our experiences that make us interesting, and having been through a time in your life in which you were in a bad place (or what you perceived as a bad
place) physically can be useful. It can even be necessary.” Growing up, I can look back at certain phases in my life where I got so consumed and concerned about looking a certain way. I placed so much importance on my physical appearance, and I was hard on myself every time I didn’t feel adequate—I’d get so upset over a zit or gaining a few pounds, I’d compare myself with other girls, and stuff like that! It was so exhausting. As with everything, balance should be applied. It is well and good to care about how you look, as long as you don’t completely tie your self-value to it. Ultimately, beauty is an amalgamation of your physical assets, your personality, and your attitude towards life in general.
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ADVERTORIAL
AZPIRED TRAVEL by Angeli Denise R. Jingco
A
AZPIRED Travel - A new player in the travel and tourism industry that has made one of the biggest impact as a travel agency earlier this year. Since their grand launching last January 2017, AZPIRED Travel has unceasingly lived up to their tagline “Your epic travel experience starts with us.” You will be mesmerized from the moment you step into their airplane-inspired office, book your flights, and even until you get back from your trip. AZPIRED Travel is not just your typical travel agency because it's the first in the industry to offer a more personalized customer assistance, hasslefree bookings, and a classy office that will make you want to keep your wanderlust souls travel more for less. The Company AZPIRED is a world class outsourcing center with a number of locations in the Philippines, two offices in Cebu and one in Cagayan De Oro City. Following the success of their 10 year-old BPO Company, AZPIRED ventures into the travel and tourism industry bearing the name AZPIRED Travel. Almira Absin, the Chief Operating Officer, together with her husband, Scott Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer of AZPIRED Inc. bring employees to Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States for quarterly trainings, conferences, and trade shows. It was a humdrum for Almira to personally arrange everybody’s airfare, hotel, and visa arrangements, so she decided to open her own travel agency. Now, the agency provides her and the other clients their satisfactory travel needs. AZPIRED Travel has already achieved so much, in only a short amount of time in the industry within a few months of opening, they were
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accepted as ticketing partners to some of the major airlines including Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and Cathay Pacific affiliate, has acquired an IATA number and is being trained by the Agency Training Program of FETA Travel Depot. It started its operations last October 2016 and to-date, AZPIRED Travel has booked numerous airline and shipping line tickets, and tour packages, both in domestic and international destinations with the most competitive low-cost rates. AZPIRED Travel also works with other corporate accounts, various travel agency affiliates, and a large number of individual travelers. The agency specializes in organizing leisure travel, business trips, and location-specific journeys in the Philippines and around the world. AZPIRED Travel recently started giving travel incentives to their deserving employees. Now they can have the same personal service and buying experience that their clients do. 2017 is by far going well for the agency. Foreseeing the rest of the year,
the agency will also be participating in travel expos, tourism events, concerts, festivals, and the like, to expose their products and services. Despite the vast competition of all the other travel agencies and booking sites, Almira is confident in the abiding pertinence of person-to-person travel agencies like AZPIRED Travel. The Office Situated at the Lower Penthouse of Park Centrale Bldg. in Cebu I.T. Park, is a 750 square-meter office that details a sophisticated and modern airplanethemed lounge that resembles an airline business class lounge. The awe-inspiring sight of airplane windows, turbines, and wings, along with their plush airplane seats and food-trolley inspired tables is what welcomes you as you arrive the office. There are no posters, flyers, nor tarpaulin banners hanging and standing around the walkway to the office. Z You can contact AZPIRED Travel at 0917.310.9568 or 0998.599.5963 or email them at reservations@azpiredtravel.com.
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ADVERTORIAL
Bai The Way
After holding positions in the hospitality industry in Manila and the Asia-Pacific region, Alfred Reyes comes home to introduce a new standard of Cebuano hospitality at Bai Hotel.
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lready the modern lines of Bai Hotel's facade has been grabbing attention at the North Reclamation Area. The 23-storey structure is set to be an exciting addition to Cebu's hospitality scene, with 668 rooms, eight dining options and 12 function rooms. Its strategic position in one the city's most excitingly emerging business districts, and close proximity to the Mactan Cebu International Airport is set to make Bai Hotel one of the developments to watch this year. Leading the team is Vice President for Operations and General Manager Alfred Reyes, who has returned home after spending years in the industry in Manila and around the Asia Pacific. A graduate of Hospitality Management at the University of San Jose Recoletos and a recipient of the Certificate in General Manager's Program from Cornell University, Reyes began his career in hospitality at the Cebu Plaza Hotel. From there, he went on to Manila to work at the Hyatt, Westin Philippine Plaza, The Bayview Park Hotel, and The Pan Pacific Hotel. He returned to Cebu as the General Manager of Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino, before joining the team at Grand Formosa Regent Taipei of the
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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and the Jakarta Hilton. From there, though, Reyes heeded the call to return home and take the role as General Manager at The Linden Suites in Manila. Receiving multiple awards for his service, he went on to opening the Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center, and managing the Widus Hotel and Casino in the Clark Freeport Area. All this is culminated with his return to Cebu in 2016. Under his watchful eye through construction
and training the team of seasoned hoteliers, Bai Hotel offers a modern take on Filipino hospitality that respects the local culture. After all, Bai Hotel is a 100% Filipino brand, and a proud member of the internationally renowned Worldhotels, a group of world-class and independent hotels in six continents. It's natural to be excited of what Bai Hotel has to offer when it opens later this year, and with someone like Alfred Reyes at the helm, we're almost sure to get a new experience of fuss-free fivestar service. Z
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PROFIL E
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STYLE A look at the hottest designer lines and products this season
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FA SHION
Foot Fetish Classic lines and sophisticated silhouettes made Salvatore Ferragamo’s Fall 2017 a study in contemporary female power dressing, but we find ourselves a bit more grounded. Unusual shapes and flattering cuts give the brand’s version of the ankle boot an inspired update.
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DEEP IMPACT. Create the illusion of height with these boots—not only do you get a boost from the stacked heel, the strategically placed V elongates the leg.
UP HEEL. In rich velvet, the unusual heel for this pair is perfect for those who like taking fashion risks.
THE COLOR PURPLE. Add some oomph to your outfit with a pair of shoes that bring a rich hue and a fashion-forward shape together.
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Arm Candy More than just something to place your essentials in, the truly fashionable know the best bags are the ones that make a statement. These two designs are our favorites this season—small but bright and bold, they’re the perfect way to spruce up even the most basic outfit.
Bvlgari Serpenti Forever flap cover bag in pink spinel calf leather
Alexander McQueen's The Box Bag
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Tod's Sella Bags
Jimmy CHOO Light Olive Croc Printed Nubuck with Star Trim
Kate Spade Hayes Street Isobel Bag
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COUNTRY STRONG
Coach 1941 channels the Little House on the Prairie, with country elements that juxtapose modern city girl elements with feminine country charm The charm of Americana took centerstage at the Coach Fall 2017, where creative director Stuart Vevers used prairie house elements as the backdrop for his modern country girl aesthetic. Thick shearling coats and biker jackets added a tough touch to the wispy f loral dresses and colorful appliques, while the brand’s leather bags move from girly printed versions to classic statements in rich leather.
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he Hermès time fosters the ‘extravagant’ idea of reconciling rigorous discipline with whimsical fancy. It take a clever ability in handling paradoxes to imagine that the calling of watch should be to kindle and spark emotions—such that the purpose Slim d’Hermès L’heure impatient endowed with complication that invite us to look forward to life’s any upcoming moment. Its jubilant ritual consists of setting the counter of the watch to the time of the eagerly awaited event that will take place in less than 12
hours. An hour before it occurs, the mechanical hourglass is set in motion and its progress can be followed at 6 o’clock on the dial. This complication that stirs feeling and heightens the sense of pleasurable expectation is an exquisite torture that culminates when the note rings out. The striking mechanism has been primarily designed to ensure a lasting, velvetysmooth sound that is delightfully modulated for the wearer’s ears only. The playful and quirky ‘Impatient Hour’ impediment is based on this companionable rapport.
Powered by the Manufacture Hermès H1912 movement, the effervescence of the wait is entirely summed in module measuring just 2.2 mm thick. This compact caliber house in a spacious case, the use of thinner than usual crystals, and nally the 1mm dial that resonates with the vibration of the striking mechanism—everything contribute to optimizing the volume of air within his watch distinguished by its blend of aesthetic and technical nesse. Hermès creates objects, shaped by the hands of artisans to make the true companions for those
Beyond Time
Slim D’Hermes L’heure impatiente takes a clever way in designing time.
who wear them. Practical, functional and stemming from uncompromising expertise, they radiate the lightness of the unexpected. They make everyday life their playground, and each instant a uniquely special moment. As for Hermès, time is also an object. Its inherent tension is translated by the house into a singular characteristic, rather than measuring, ordering, and seeking to control it. Dares to explore another time, Hermès is designed to arouse emotions, open up interludes and create spaces ultimately for recreation and spontaneity.
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Watch This
A different take on the classic, the OMEGA Speedmaster 38 mm collection is sophisticated, and furnished with thoughtful design elements that’ll match any distinguished lifestyle.
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he OMEGA Speedmaster is one of the most recognized chronographs in the world. Now, OMEGA introduces this refined 38 mm collection—the famous look and heritage is still at the heart of the creation, but the enduring design has been given a pure and new aesthetic touch. For wearers who appreciate both classic and contemporary style, each piece has been crafted with simplicity, size and color in mind. With 14 new models, the Speedmaster 38 mm collection has variations that appeal to both men and women. At first glance, it is clear to see that each Speedmaster 38 mm includes horizontal oval subdials and a vertical oval date window positioned at 6 o’clock. Inspiration for this design comes from the oval subdials that OMEGA used in the past on several of its De Ville timepieces. On certain models, OMEGA has been able to add a diamond-paved bezel, while also keeping the Speedmaster’s famous tachymeter scale. This dual bezel design has enabled the brand to add the elegance of diamonds and also retain the sporty DNA of the original Speedmaster.
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CAPPUCCINO Nicknamed after the caffeinated drink, this model is made from stainless steel and 18K Sedna gold, and features a strap made from taupe-brown leather.
WHITE WATCH Stainless steel, a white motherof-pearl dial and a white leather strap give this model a clean and sophisticated look. The oval subdials feature a diamond trim, and the hands are rhodium plated, except for the chronograph function hands that are in 18k rose gold.
ICE COLD Made from stainless steel, this model is done in shades of blue—a sun-brushed ice blue dial and a blue aluminium bezel—with a polished-brushed OMEGA bracelet. The hands are rhodium-plated, except for the chronograph function hands that are in blue.
GOLDEN TOUCH This model has a case made from stainless steel and 18k yellow gold, an opaline-silvery dial, a green aluminium bezel and a green leather strap.
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ADVERTORIAL
On The Table
More than a promise of food and drink, The Table from Golden Circle at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is an invitation to discover pleasant surprises and joyful stories through epicurean moments.
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s one of the premier hospitality brands in the world, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts understand that epicurean experiences are often worth savoring. The Table from Golden Circle is a food and beverage loyalty program that presents the finest experiences in dining. Whether one is a discerning traveler seeking homegrown tastes or a food enthusiast uncovering unexpected flavors, The Table responds to it through a series of unique rewards, curated dining experiences and authentic culinary
Tea of Spring's Chef Bun Boon Hoe
exchanges, exclusively for Golden Circle members. Members get access to unique destination experiences from Shangri-La restaurants and bars worldwide, and at the same time earn and redeem GC Award Points on qualifying transactions. Jade and Diamond members also receive elite rewards through bonus earnings and complimentary signature tastes in restaurants. Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa takes part in this global initiative, starting with lavish offerings in its award-winning
Tea of Spring
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Acqua's Chef Andrea Burzio
Chinese restaurant Tea of Spring, and Italian restaurant Acqua. Tea of Spring’s Chef Bun Boon Hoe sets a mouthwatering feast for guests as he prepares the classic Peking Duck, zested and roasted to succulent perfection in the traditional way. It is available for lunch daily at P2,888 net per order. Meanwhile Acqua’s Michelinexperienced Chef Andrea Burzio invites guests to try a generous array of his signature Italian dishes with the 2FOR1 promotion. Guests receive a complimentary dish when ordering from the The Table menu. It includes delightful fare such as traditional Italian caprese, the bestselling veal marsala with handmade gnocchi, mango and chocolate semifreddo for dessert and more. The promotion is valid until June 30, 2017. There are plenty more exciting experiences #FromTheTable that guests may unlock in the coming months. Z To know more about The Table from Golden Circle, interested guests may call Restaurant Reservations at 032 231 0288, or send an email to fbreservations.mac@shangri-la.com. Guests may also follow @TheTable on Instagram and share their own stories #FromTheTable.
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La Vie En Rose by Mayenne Carmona
Eat, Pray, Shop
Mayenne Carmona shares experiences of her recent trip to Italy, from a holy audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, to making stops at the designer fashion houses to admire the season’s sparkling new trends.
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Gelato of all flavors!
Chef Jessie, who invited our small group to Rome for an informal audience with Pope Francis poses with one of the guards at St. Peter's Square.
Yummy strawberry tart
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Marc and Hera Geriene, Mayenne Carmona, Chef Jessie, Vicky Schmid and Lily O'Boyle
Sea bass embellished with poppy petals and shaved carrots
hen Pope Francis came to Manila last year, chef par excellence Jessie Sincioco, of Chef Jessie’s chain of restaurants, was chosen to be his chef while he was in town. In those four days at the Papal Nunciature, Chef Jessie developed a friendship with all of the Pope’s entourage. When she was extended an invitation to the Pope’s informal weekly audience at the St. Peter’s Square, she invited a small group of her friends to join her. It was a fun time with close friends who shared the same interests when traveling. After all, what better place than Italy to eat, pray and shop! EAT For us, Italy is noted for pasta, pizza and gelato. We indulged in those, but also enjoyed many other Italian delicacies. Their cheeses, the prosciutto con melone, and the wide variety of cold cuts and desserts were hard to resist. As expected, we thoroughly enjoyed dining with Italian wines and bubbly. It is safe to say that our every meal in Rome was a gastronomic experience. Our favorite restaurant turned out to be Vecchia Roma, which had excellent food and great ambiance.
At the altar of St. Peter's Basilica
His Holiness Pope Francis
PRAY Being in the presence of Pope Francis was an unforgettable experience. I felt the presence of God at St. Peter’s Square the minute Pope Francis walked in. Such is the force of his charisma! Every person in the square chanted “Papa Francesco!” over and over again. When he sat in his Papal Chair and started his homily, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. It was the most blessed day of my life! In Italy, there are churches on almost every street. Beautiful medieval churches in Baroque and Gothic architecture built as early as the 10th century abound in Italy. The Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican is a museum in itself, and a mustsee in one’s lifetime. Right after our audience with the Pope, our small group—composed of Lily O’Boyle, Vicky Schmid, Hera and Marc Geriene, and myself—went inside the Basilica
Gucci embroidered sneakers
to thank God for our blessings. Our leader, Chef Jessie, had to cook for the Cardinals, so she could not join us. We visited so many other churches during our stay in Rome, and in each new church we visited, we made three wishes. On my part, I never failed to wish to come back to Rome and have another audience with the Beloved Pope Francis, the People’s Pope. SHOP Who can resist shopping in Italy? They have everything that is dear to a woman’s heart—shoes, bags, clothes, jewelry. We did the rounds of the brand names first before going to the small boutiques. At Gucci, the shoe and bag collection was varied and interesting, but the clothes were too old-fashioned and over-embellished along the lines of the Belle Epoque
Alberta Ferretti show window
In Milan, the Duomo is breathtaking.
era. Dolce & Gabbana was more sedate than Gucci for a change. I noticed that rhinestones and other bling were on most of the shoes and bags. Sparkles seem to dominate the fashion of this season, whether in clothes, shoes and bags. Even the informal espadrilles, which are shoes worn only in the summer, are embellished with embroidery or rhinestone buckles. Roberto Cavalli has a retro collection that featured Chineseinspired prints, as well as jackets and bellbottom pants reminiscent of the 70s. I personally liked the shoes at Roger Vivier—what caught my fancy were the sandals with embroidery on the heels and their rhinestonestudded espadrilles. This is a season to sparkle, both at night and during the day—so it’s time to bring out all your beaded dresses and accessories from seasons past! Z
Roger Vivier espadrille with rhinestone buckle
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photography Steffen Billhardt
URBAN
ESCAPE
Zee Lifestyle goes beyond the fences of the city’s premier country clubs to share the perks and privileges bestowed for those in these prestigious inner circles. produced by Carlo Rivera
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here is a sense of prestige that comes with country clubs— the manicured lawns and golf courses, the amenities, and especially the exclusivity are some of the things that draw those on the upper echelons of society to membership. By definition, a country club is an institution that provides members-only access to their selection of recreational activities and facilities. Avid golfers, for example, can have their pick of tee times, and enjoy a perfectly maintained course that only a limited number of people can play in. Golf isn’t the only reason many choose to obtain membership at these clubs, though. There are a number of other perks and privileges that the lucky few can enjoy, depending on individual lifestyles. Special by-invitation events are a great way to network with people, while children’s activities are appealing for those with families. Professionals can choose to hold meetings in the club’s dining areas—it’s especially useful
when you’re meeting someone you want to impress. Certainly that’s one of the things that come with a country club membership—there is a prominence that people associate with its members, and that’s not just for its relatively steep membership fees. In Cebu, for example, many of those affiliated with these clubs have been so for years, their families gathering at these establishments for generations. There is that sense of history. And with that history also comes camaraderie, which, in the end, is really one of the biggest appeals of being part of a country club. “It provides a feeling of familiarity and belongingness, not only among members, but with the staff as well,” says Noel F. Alicaya, the President at City Sports Club. “At City Sports, you see each other during meetings, Sunday mass, or even just mid-week lunch. Your kids know each other, and you feel safer with them hanging out here after school. It’s having a bigger family outside your home.” The same goes for Casino Español, which particularly
reinforces that sense of history. “The club celebrates many annual Spanish-inspired social functions, and conducts periodic sports and recreational activities to enhance the intimate fellowship of its members and families. These activities in so many ways create a special bond, which builds a sense of belongingness among its members,” says House Chairman Eduardo Gonzalez. “It is considered by its members as their second home, and a family-oriented venue for them to socialize and relax.” This, of course, comes with a membership fee—a price that many feel is a great value for what you actually get in return. “Of course it’s a good investment,” says Cebu Country Club General Manager Lorezo A. Osorno Jr. “You get to expand your friends and your network, plus you get the chance to see business partners in the future.” No man is an island, and there’s no community quite like a country club. If you’re looking at becoming part of a members-only establishment, Zee Lifestyle has listed some of the best in the metro. Z
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CEBU COUNTRY CLUB photography Steffen Billhardt
Tucked in busy Banilad sits the scenic Cebu Country Club. Formerly known as the United Service Country Inc., the club traces its beginnings to the early 1900s as a nine-hole golf course built by British and American executives. Today, almost a century after, it has blossomed into a premiere and the oldest golf course in Cebu. Now with a famous 18-hole championship golf course, it is the site of the annual Philippine Airlines Interclub Gold Tournament and some legs of the Philippine Golf Circuit. The carabao grass is perfectly embedded into the ground, their are side-hill putts along the course, and
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the trees that border the fairways are some of the oldest in the city. Cebu Country Club also takes pride in the food it serves, with a variety of American and well-loved Filipino dishes. The club’s expansive veranda allows members to enjoy the popular salpicado and paksiw na isda, while meals are usually capped off with some ice cream. The club is definitely a link to the past—besides being the first golf course of the Visayas, its Board of Directors have seen many of the city’s premiere businessmen and statesmen. Its natural beauty and serene atmosphere is complemented by its accessibility.
Amenities Clubhouse, restaurant and bar, sauna, tavern bar, tee houses, locker rooms for men and women, bowling alley, sports gear shop, swimming pool, function rooms, tennis courts and badminton courts Banilad, Cebu City (032) 231 0345
CITY SPORTS CLUB CEBU An urban resort in the middle of one of Cebu’s progressive business districts, the City Sports Club has been an avenue for lifestyle meetings and events for its members since it opened 16 years ago. A joint project of Ayala Land, Inc. and Cebu Holdings Inc., the club was developed to be an exclusive urban resort destination in the city. Its recent upgrade was made to adapt to the times—City Sports Club now sports a modern look and open spaces that take advantage of natural lighting and good ventilation. Bistro88 has become a favorite space to dine, with its offering of Asian
and Mediterranean cuisine, while the fitness facilities saw a major facelift. In fact, a Pilates studio in the lower f loors offers an alternate method of fitness. With all these wonderful amenities, the club’s best offering remains that of the sense of community. In their own words, “It’s an environment where members can be alone or spend time with family, friends or business colleagues in a place that is welcoming and comfortable.” That philosophy is something that shows what City Sports Club stands for—celebrating the good life, and remaining a fixture of lifestyle in Cebu.
Amenities Basketball court, tennis and badminton courts, function rooms, men and women’s locker rooms, restaurants and swimming pool Cardinal Rosales Avenue Cebu Business Park (032) 415 8700
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CASINO ESPAÑOL DE CEBU Its name showing off its Spanish affinity, the Casino Español de Cebu is known for its old world charm and notable culinary offerings. Its history is evident in the Spanishinspired interiors, with thoughtful details and elements that add to the feeling of nostalgia. Established in 1920, Casino Español’s sports and cultural facilities are meant to foster unity, promote the Spanish language
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and culture, and create a spirit of harmony among members. Many of the members now have been so for years, and have developed an almost intimate relationship with the place. Its function rooms remain a favorite venue for its members’ milestones, made even more memorable by the club’s collection of master recipes. The selection of dishes at Casino Español are still some of the best Spanish fare in the city.
Amenities Swimming pool, restaurants, function rooms, wine and tapas bar, sportsbar, conference room, meeting rooms, sports facilities, tennis court and badminton court, wide space parking lot, library, gym, and billiard pool 107-109 V. Ramudo Street, Cebu City (032) 253 1260 to 64
ALTA VISTA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB photography Steffen Billhardt
Located on the hills of Pardo in the southern part of Cebu City, Alta Vista is a joint venture between Santa Lucia Realty and Development Inc. and the Aznar family. The club was founded in 1994, and has become one of the most scenic spots for golf in Cebu with its weeping vistas of the city and beyond below. Guided by its philosophy that members deserve nothing less than the best, Alta Vista offers amenities
that cater to various interests and lifestyles. The Spanish colonialinspired clubhouse boasts 14,000 square meters of floor space and several multi-functional areas. Of course, its main offering is its golf course, and Alta Vista hosts several exciting tournaments in a year. In fact, there is a monthly medal tournament available for those who are truly passionate about the game.
Amenities Basketball court, golf shop, swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, function rooms and ballrooms Pardo Hills, Pardo, Cebu City (032) 263 5538, 316 9960
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ADVERTORIAL
In The City
Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is a modern residence in the heart of the capital’s most cosmopolitan district by Shari Quimbo
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here are few places in Metro Manila as cosmopolitan as the Bonifacio Global City. World-class and modern, the district has come to epitomize the modern and sophisticated lifestyle—multi-national companies have set up headquarters here, as well as many world-class retail and dining establishments. Best of all, BGC has an offering of many luxurious accommodations, whether you’re a resident permanently or temporarily. The Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is one such address, its sleek architecture and thoughtful amenities complementing the distinguished lifestyle the area has come to represent, so whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, you’ll feel right at home. Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila’s entrance is tucked into one of the more quiet streets in the area, although there is also a doorway that leads straight out to Fifth Avenue. A high ceiling, drop chandeliers and dramatic glass panels welcomes guests to the lobby.
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The serviced residences come in studio, one-, twoand three-bedroom variations, each with a luxuriously fitted bathroom, a fully functional kitchen and a washer-dryer, and sweeping views of Bonifacio Global City. There is even an option of booking the Premier suites, which are a bit more spacious than the Executive models. Amenities are just as impressive as the living spaces. Breakfast is served in the Alta Restaurant, a space that complements its minimalist decor with f loorto-ceiling windows that reveal the beautiful city views of the surroundings. The state-of-the-art fitness center and sauna room are perfect for unwinding at the end of a busy day, while the Ascott Business Solutions center offers serviced offices for any business requirements that might come up during your stay. Our favorite, though, would have to be the
pool area—with the visually stunning glass facades of neighboring buildings as the backdrop, cozy seating and splashes of green, and the offering of specialty cocktails, it’s one of the best spots for a drink in the city. Truly, Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila is a true characterization of the area its in—sophisticated but comfortable, luxurious and modern, and one of the best spots to be in Metro Manila. Z
5th Avenue corner 28th Street Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (02) 860 9888 enquiry.manila@the-ascott.com
Makeup Moves
Despite people who may think otherwise, makeup is art, especially when it’s used the way these three talented artists did. Taking inspiration from nature and scenes in Cebu, Arnauld, Chady Pantaleon and Jomer Arances create beauty looks that are backed by a whole lot of creativity. photography Dan Douglas Ong sittings editor Shari Quimbo production assistant Katrina Labra
BE AU T Y Lyka Ruela and Sam Despi inspired by underwater creatures
“When I was looking at the photographs of free-swimming species—the umbrella-shaped jellyfish with its trailing tentacles, and the fish gathering and moving together—I had such a strong feeling for its beauty. I began to imagine who could do just that. I took inspiration from the mysterious depths of the ocean, and the abundant life of the sea, which hides the splendor of small creatures and mega monsters. To be granted with a unique opportunity to translate the magnificence of the ocean and its inhabitants is a memorable makeup experience.” -Chady Pantaleon
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Micah Almazan and Mariana Varela inspired by birds
“The first look was inspired by a blue mockingbird. The slate blue and black mask, and the arrangement of the feathers creates an feeling that’s secretive and mysterious. The second look, on the other hand, is the All-Seeing Eye. It’s the epitome of an open-minded person—someone who looks at the world with eyes wide open, and not afraid to face any challenges.” -Arnauld
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Ella Sarmago and Sirah Elumba inspired by downtown street scenes
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“I took advantage of the colors of fruits and vegetables that vendors sell on the streets in Carbon and Freedom Park to create avant-garde makeup looks. The first is more fun and bright, capturing the lively essence of the street scenes downtown, while the second look is based on the more gritty side of it. I wanted it to have a more edgy, almost savage feel.� -Jomer Arances
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island beauty
Behind the highly followed Lea Goes On, Lea Duhaylungsod shares the joy of living simply on the island of Siargao. by Shari Quimbo
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Lea poses on a surfboard after she surfed some waves at Jacking Horse Beach.
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ith her tanned skin and sunstreaked hair, Lea Duhaylungsod is the epitome of a beach girl. Followed by 50,600 people, her Instagram profile Lea Goes On chronicles her life on the island of Siargao—it’s hard not to get caught up in wanderlust when you’re looking at snapshots of her riding the waves on a surfboard, lounging on the beach underneath coconut trees, or silhouetted against the orange and pink sunset over the water. In her opinion though, not of that is all that remarkable. “I’m
"I'm happy that I get to share the beautiful places that I visit, and show the world the simple lifestyle I'm living in Siargao, hoping that it will make us realize that we don't need must just to be happy in life." still just a normal girl sharing photos of what I want the world to see,” she says. “I guess people like going through my feed to get a dose of sunshine.” The 27-year-old Lea had been interested in photography since she was a little girl. “I remember using a compact point and shoot that I won from a raffle. I only got to have a proper DSLR when I was 18,” she recalls. Despite the lack of proper equipment though, she developed an eye and aesthetic that was her own. “I like taking portraits, and playing with shadows and natural light.”
Demonstrating her love for light and shadows, Lea poses between palm trees. "This was taken on another secret beach, where most of the time there are no tourists," she explains.
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This early exposure to taking photos was coupled with an early appreciation for the sea. As a child, Lea’s family had constantly moved back and forth between Oroquieta in Misamis Occidental, where her dad was from, and Cebu. “We lived by the sea in both provinces, so swimming has always been part of my childhood,” she shares. “Our family’s main source of income is fishing, so that explains it,” she continues with a laugh. “I remember our favorite thing to do with my cousins during Sundays was to take our company’s boats and just sail to the ocean. I can never imagine myself living far away from the ocean.”
Aside from surfing, what’s your workout routine? Running…away from bad food. [laughs] I don’t work out at all. I just try to eat real food as much as possible. What sunscreen do you use? Zinc for surfing from Key Sun PH Beauty product you can’t live without? Kapuluan Coconut Oil Considering you’re at the beach a lot, you have a beautiful tan. Do you think there is still a prejudice against morena girls in the Philippines? I think as long as the whitening products exist, there will always be a prejudice against morena girls, especially in the big cities. When I’m inside a mall, I keep getting a lot of ruse stares, people looking at me from head to foot. All I do is walk straigth and smile. To you, what is beauty? Beauty is more than just physical appearance. It’s not just the fairness of the skin, the smoothness of the hair and the body type. It’s being genuine and pure. It’s being able to recognize the beauty in you, and the beauty in each one of us. Who are the women in your life that are beautiful? My mom, of course. And you, the one reading this. Remember, you are beautiful.
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With her tan skin and sun-streaked hair, Lea has the laidback and natural look of someone who lives on an island. The picture was taken outside Arka Hayahay, where she is the manager.
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It might have been inevitable, then, that Lea now lives in Siargao full-time as a hotel manager at Arka Hayahay. She’d visited the island for the first time in 2010 with her family, but it wasn’t until she returned for a solo trip in 2013 that she fell in love. “I explored the places all alone, and I already felt like I was home,” she admits. “I love the simple and laidback lifestyle that we have here. We even walk around barefoot.”
"I think as long as the whitening products exist, there will always be a prejudice against morena girls, especially in the big cities. When I'm inside a mall, I keep getting a lot of rude stares, people looking at me from head to foot. All I do is walk straight and smile." It’s that quintessential island lifestyle that Lea captures perfectly on her Instagram feed, and the secret to it might be in how she does it all in a relatively organic way. “I just simply take a photo from my perspective. I take a photo of something based on how I see it,” she explains. “It’s my sister who takes most of my photos, or whoever in the house is available. I compose the photo first and ask them to click the shutter.” Lea plays around with a seaweed crown while on Naked Island, one of the most popular spots for island hopping in Siargao.
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The island offers beautiful sunset views, which Lea takes advantage of in this photo taken on the beach just off Arka Hayahay.
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LIVING
"This was taken when I was at the Agudo family's surf spot," Lea recalls, referring to her friends on the island.
Despite her considerable following, though, Lea does not like to call herself an online personality. “Being an introvert, I’m really very shy whenever people ask to take a photo of me, so that itself is a challenge,” she admits, although that hint of bashfulness seem to add to her approachable charm—snapshots of her looking away or hiding her face behind giant leaves add a sense of mystery and playfulness that makes her work all the more appealing. Lea does admit this careful curation can sometimes feel like a career in itself. “My Instagram has become a part-time job now,” she says. “I get sponsored internationally from different clothing and bikini lines, to skincare products, watches and sunglasses. Products that perfectly fit my lifestyle.” Some of the brands she’s worked with include international swimwear lines like In Your Arms, Kulani Kinis, Storm Swimwear and Taje Clothing. It’s clear that Lea has a good sense of who she is, and working with brands loyal to her lifestyle
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makes it easier to integrate into her feed. Of course, it helps that Siargao’s photogenic landscape becomes the perfect backdrop to these snapshots. “The tower is still my favorite go-to place whenever I want to unwind, although I have a lot of
"I'm still just a normal girl sharing the photos of what I want the world to see. I guess people like going through my feed to get a dose of sunshine." secret spots,” Lea shares about her favorite spots on the island, referring to the tower at the end of the Cloud Nine boardwalk. “There are many things to do on the island, and one of them of course is surfing.” Lea herself had recently developed a passion for surfing,
although she first tried it out three years ago. “I only used to do it very seldom, but now I’m surfing almost everyday to the point that I get frustrated whenever I can’t surf,” she laughs. More than just a fun way to stay fit, Lea enjoys it on an almost spiritual level. “It’s like being one with the once. It makes me feel free whenever I ride on a wave.” Despite the way Lea Goes On has given her a huge reach online, at its core is still a girl who likes posting photos of where she is and where she’s going. “I’m really happy that I get to share the beautiful places that I visit, and show the world that the simple lifestyle I’m living in Siargao, hoping that it will make us realize that we don’t need much just to be happy in life,” Lea shares. Through her island aesthetics, Lea seems to have proven that simplicity is indeed beautiful and that a laidback approach to life might be the secret to happiness. When asked what the most important lesson she’s learned in life is, she smiles and answers quite fittingly, “It goes on.” Z
The simple lifestyle of island living, in Lea's opinion, proves that sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy. This photo was taken at Daku Island, another of the stops for island hopping. J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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2017 E DITION
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
In the challenge of staying healthy, one’s health is essential for human happiness and wellness. For this month, Zee Lifestyle lists the most common diseases’ symptoms, home remedies, and when to consult proper medication. produced by Carlo Rivera and Katrina Labra illustrations Havren Pancho
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HE ALT H & WEL L NE SS Symptoms
Associated with sleep disorder, snoring is often called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Not all snorers have this OSA, but with the snoring comes along with any of these symptoms, it maybe a suggestion for a serious evaluation: • Noise during sleep • Excessive daytime sleepiness • Difficulty concentrating • Morning headaches • Sore throat • Restless sleep • Gasping or choking at night • High blood pressure • Chest pain at night • Snoring is so loud it’s disrupting anyone’s sleep • Waking up choking and gasping
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Snoring
Snoring is a common condition that affects everyone. It happens when the air through our nose can’t move freely producing brassy noise and might disturb anyone’s deep slumber.
Home Remedies Change your sleeping position Elevating the head four inches may ease breathing and encourage the tongue and jaw to move forward. Also, sleep on your side instead of your back.
Clear nasal passages If you have a stuffy nose, rinse sinuses with saline before bed. Using a nasal decongestant, or nasal strips can also help you breath more easily while sleeping.
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Keep bedroom air moist Dry air can irritate membranes in the nose and throat, so if swollen nasal tissues are the problem, a humidifier may help.
When to see a doctor See your doctor if the symptoms stated above occur. These may indicate snoring is caused by a more serious condition. If your child snores, ask your pediatrician about it. They too can have OSA.
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References: Mayo Clinic, Web MD, Health Guide
Pulmonary Disease
One of the most common medical conditions in the world, pulmonary disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease might hinder one of breathing properly.
Symptoms
These symptoms don’t appear until significant lung damage has befallen, and they usually worsen over time. Signs and symptoms may include: • Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities • Wheezing • Chest tightness • Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning, due to excess mucus in your lungs • A chronic cough that may produce mucus that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish • Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds • Frequent respiratory infections • Lack of energy • Unintended weight loss • Swelling in ankles, feet or leg
Home Remedies Avoid and stop smoking The smoke from a cigarette exposes ing your lungs to an irritant that causes physical damage.
When to see a doctor Difficulty breathing can keep you from doing activities you enjoy. And dealing with serous illness can contribute to development of depression. Talk to your doctor if you feel sad or helpless or think that you may be experiencing depression.
Maintaining a healthy weight Decrease the total number of calories you eat. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Cut out junk foods, alcohol and sweetened drinks.
Stay Active Because pulmonary disease causes shortness of breath, it can be hard for people with this condition to stay active. Increasing your fitness levels can actually help symptoms such as shortness of breath. Breathing exercise The two main types of breathing techniques commonly used to help people with COPD get air without struggling to breathe. They include “pursed-lip” and “diaphragmatic” breathing.
References: Mayo Clinic, Web MD, Health Line J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of heart diseases vary on what type of cardiovascular problems you have and may differ for men and women. However, any of these signs can be a telltale sign of heart problems: • Chest pain • Shortness of breath • Feeling dizzy when you move quickly from a seated to standing position • Irregular heartbeats that feel rapid, pounding or fluttering • Fainting
Cardiovascular Disease
While there are many types of heart diseases, cardiovascular disease normally refers to narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke.
Home Remedies
Many heart problems can be treated with lifestyle changes. The following changes can help anyone who wants to improve their cardiovascular health:
Quit smoking The best way to reduce your risk of heart disease is to stop smoking, as it is a major risk factor for heart diseases.
Check your cholesterol Especially if high cholesterol is common in the family, always keep your cholesterol in check. Ask your doctor for regular cholesterol test.
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Exercise Physical activity helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control increased cholesterol and high blood pressure. ing Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise most days of the week. However, there may be some restrictions on the activities you can do for those with heart arrhythmia or heart defect. Eat healthy Aim for a healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains to help you control your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. Avoid saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar.
When to see a doctor Heart problems are easier to treat when detected early, so it is best to talk to your doctor if you think you have may heart disease based on the symptoms you’re having. Some warning signs are: • New chest pain or discomfort that is severe and unexpected. • Increased heart rate (more than 150 beats per minute) • Sudden weakness and inability to move his arms or legs • Fainting and losing consciousness References: MayoClinic, WebMD
Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases where the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar) caused by an inadequate insulin production, or the inability of the body’s cells to respond properly to insulin, or both.
Symptoms
More often than not, people with diabetes experiences very mild to no symptoms at all. Which is why in cases like these, people affected are unaware and left undiagnosed. However, keep an eye out for the most common signs of diabetes: • Frequent urination • Weight gain • Unusual weight loss • Increased fatigue • Irritability • Blurred vision • Cuts or bruises that don’t heal properly or quickly
Home Remedies Bitter Melon Due to its blood glucose lowering effects, Bitter Melon or Ampalaya is said to be helpful in controlling diabetes, helps increase pancreatic insulin secretion and prevents insulin resistance. Drink a glass of bitter melon juice on an empty stomach every morning.
Blurred Vision
Cinnamon Powdered cinnamon stimulates insulin activity that lower blood sugar levels. Its bioactive components can also help prevent and combat diabetes. A mixture of ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of warm water daily has shown significant results. Mango Leaves The tender mango leaves is known for regulating insulin levels and also improve blood lipid profiles. Drinking a glass of mango leaves infused water everyday on an empty stomach has shown positive effects.
When to see a doctor If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, it is best to call your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment, if needed. However, some early signs include: • High blood sugar levels throughout the day or at the same time each day • Drinking and urinating a lot more than usual • Deep, rapid breathing • Ketones in your urine or blood References: Medical News Today, MayoClinic, WebMD, kidshealth.org J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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What Men Should Know About Their Health The masculine build and their overall psyche might have some effect on a man's overall well-being. Dr. Quincy Raya discusses the common men's diseases and how the Society for Men's Health, Philippines is lobbying for better preventative care. photography Shaira Luna
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omen live longer than men by three to six years. Longevity may be related to differences in immune system function, response to stress, mitochondrial fitness, or even the fact that men have one X chromosome while women have two. Testosterone puts men at risk biologically, but it also puts men at risk behaviorally. It increases aggressiveness and, in a cascading effect, results in a higher death rate from accidents and homicide. Most men define unhealthy and risky behavior as masculine, such as smoking, drinking alcohol and highrisk sports. Studies have shown that, in general, women are more healthconscious, and they have higher awareness of their physical and mental symptoms. These all result in healthier lifestyles and better health care use. Women also communicate better about their problems, which
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helps the process of diagnosis. Being a man means delayed initiation of treatment. Men are also less adherent to treatment. These partly explain the gender gap in mortality favoring women. Compared with women, Filipino men are less healthy and therefore do not enjoy as good a quality of life as they should. This is in part to the fact that there is a sense of machismo in Filipino culture, causing men to brush away symptoms that they equate with weakness. But the discomfort from various symptoms does not merely result in a “grumpy old man” demeanor. It may signal more serious underlying conditions and lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and even death. There is a growing need for a greater understanding of men’s health concerns, thus the establishment of the Society for Men’s Health, Philippines. There is a need to improve health outcomes and greater life expectancy in men, as well as provide better access to
their care. Men need to be conscious about preventive healthcare so that they will have a better quality of life. Because of this, the Society is embarking on a campaign in June, the International Men’s Health Month, to encourage Filipino men aged 35 and above to be screened for conditions such as: METABOLIC SYNDROME When a man has an abdominal circumference of 34 inches, or what we commonly call a beer belly, the likelihood that he has high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar is high. This is metabolic syndrome, which is infamously known as the silent killer. 20-30% of adult population has metabolic syndrome, which contributes to a man’s risk of diabetes, stroke and heart attack. ANDROPAUSE It is also known as male menopause, and is an emerging health concern. In contrast to female menopause,
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which is caused by an abrupt deficiency of the hormone estrogen, males suffer from a gradual decline in testosterone levels, usually starting at the age of 40. Depending on the degree of testosterone deficiency, men will manifest with erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, bad temper, fatigue and reduced muscle strength. One in 200 men have testosterone deficiency. PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT Nearly every man over 45 has some degree of enlargement of the prostate gland, which slowly progresses from their mid to late 40s. When it becomes enlarged, the prostate can put pressure on your urethra and cause difficulty urinating. When a male has signs and symptoms like a weak urine stream, difficulty in starting to urinate, dribbling at the end of urination, straining while urinating, frequent or urgent need to urinate, not being able to completely empty the bladder, and blood in the urine. This is medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is not a cancerous condition and does not cause cancer. After the age of 60 more than half of all men have BPH, and by age 80, roughly eight out of ten have the condition. PROSTATE CANCER Prostate cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that consists of cells from the prostate gland. Generally, the tumor usually grows slowly and remains confined to the gland for many years. Prostate cancer may appear without symptoms, so consulting your doctor is the best thing to do. Prostate
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cancer has become one of the leading male cancers in some Asian countries. In 2000, the age-adjusted incidence was over ten per 100,000 men in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Undergoing a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) with your doctor and testing for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) are the screening procedures for prostate cancer.
of well-known sexual dysfunctions affecting men include erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Erectile Dysfunction A consistent problem in getting or keeping an erection sufficient for completing sexual intercourse indicates erectile dysfunction. Erectile difficulties may occur due
Compared with women, Filipino men are less healthy and therefore do not enjoy as good a quality of life as they should. This is in part due to the fact that there is a sense of machismo in Filipino culture, causing men to brush away symptoms that they equate with weakness. But the discomfort from various symptoms does not merely result in a “grumpy old man” demeanor. It may signal more serious underlying conditions. SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION AND PREMATURE EJACULATION Sexual health also plays a key role in a man’s sense of well-being. Sexual dysfunction refers to the difficulty encountered during sexual intercourse, usually interfering with the ability to complete the sexual act. It encompasses a variety of clinical complaints and symptoms, including problems with desire and arousal. Causes of sexual dysfunction may range from the physical to psychological. To qualify as a clinical problem, the dysfunction must be present for at least six months. Two types
to medications, health conditions such as diabetes, psychological and physical factors, and poor lifestyle choices like smoking, high alcohol intake and being sedentary. The National Institute of Health approximates that 5% of 40 year old men, and between 15 to 20% of 65 year old men experience ED on longterm basis. Premature Ejaculation Premature Ejaculation is the condition when a man ejaculates earlier than his partner, or when a man ejaculates within two and a half minutes of vaginal penetration. It is the most common male sexual disorder—25
to 35% of men aged 18 to 59 have it. Causes may be performance anxiety, depression and medication. INFERTILITY One year or more of frequent and unprotected sexual intercourse without resulting in a baby is infertility. Male infertility is due to low sperm production, misshapen or immobile sperm, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors may play a role in causing male infertility. Approximately 20% of couple are infertile. The Society for Men’s Health, Philippines aims to actively increase the awareness of physicians and the public about preventable men’s health problems by engaging the government, healthcare providers, the media, male-dominated industries and families. SMHP, led by their president Dr. Quincy Raya, who is a Cebuana taking the educational initiative and expertise across the country with a series of events all throughout the year with corporate partnerships with Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Petron and Short+Sweet International. In Cebu, the Society’s designated Men’s Health Center is Maayo Medical Center. Z The Society for Men’s Health, Philippines 3F The Fort Strip 26th St. corner 7th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig www.menshealthph.org Maayo Medical Center Plaridel St., Mandaue City, Cebu www.maayomedical.com
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Get Tested
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t was a cloudy Tuesday afternoon when Luke (real name withheld for privacy), a medical representative, decided to do his daily cardio. Normally, he would do his stretching and pre-run routines, but before he could start, his vision turned black. Hours later, he woke up in the hospital. “I totally collapsed,” he recalls. “I was probably just overfatigued, because the test results all came back normal. So I decided to just go home and sleep.” That same night, Luke had a terrible headache and his body temperature was at 39 degrees. He thought of going back to the hospital the next day, but when he woke up, the fever was gone. It went on like that for a week, and by then he knew something was wrong—and yet, there was a state of denial. No way could he have the virus at 23. Eventually, though, common sense won over and Luke asked his friends to accompany him and be tested for HIV. Together with four of his friends, he headed to CEBU PLUS—a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to contribute to HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care in the Visayas Region. Two days after the free testing, the results came back: four
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Cebu has seen a significant increase in reported HIV infection cases since 2010. In seven years, the number of HIV cases has gone from 177 to 3,057 cumulative cases. This alarming increase of HIV infection numbers poses an enormous challenge to the total welfare and development of the region and the country as a whole. Writer Adrian Bacolod Diongzon, himself one of the staunch supporters and organizers behind World AIDS Day runs and other awareness campaigns, takes a closer look at the situation.
negatives, and one positive for Luke. “It felt like the saddest day of my life and the end of the world all rolled into one,” he shares. That kind of reaction is common, which is why people from CEBU PLUS make sure to provide support to those diagnosed with the virus. “It is important that we make them feel that they still belong and are accepted,” Executive Director Jerson See says. After some time, he had become a sort of brother to Luke, who appreciated the support and the assurance of confidentiality that made him feel like he could still have a normal life. “They were like a family to me, attending to my needs and answering my questions,” Luke says. “They were around for me, from day one of the diagnosis up to the present.” Myths and misconceptions about HIV are still ubiquitous among the general population in the country, which further retains the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV testing and against people living with HIV (PLHIV). The latest survey of the HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) states that from 1984 up to the present, 39,622 people have been diagnosed with HIV in the Philippines; 26 people are diagnosed per day, and 9% of the total reported
HIV cases were from the Cebu Province. “The increase is very alarming, but it can be taken both ways,” says infection physician Dr. Arlene Gutierrez-Macabaya. “It is good in the sense that more people are having themselves tested, leading to
"A lot of people say that prevention is better than cure, but early detection before opportunistic infections set in is quite important. It decreases the probability of complications during treatment." -Dr. Arlene GuitierrezMacabaya
early detection. It is bad in the sense that the present HIV programs are still to reap their rewards.” CEBU PLUS together with other HIV organizations, have been collaborating with the Department of Health, LGUs and
NGOs in upscaling the HIV program in the region. Every month, they implement a number of informationand-drive-to-testing campaigns to communities and institutions in the region involving the youth, both in and out of school, business sectors and BPOs, local communities and barangays, and closed setting institutions such as jails and rehabilitation centers. The Cebu City Health Department, together with other partner agencies, have also formed the HIV service delivery network to make the needed medical, psychosocial and economic services available for PLHIV. Save the Children, a leading organization known for the promotion of children’s rights, was chosen as the principal recipient of Global Fund New Funding Model (GF-NFM) in the Philippines. They recently tapped CEBU PLUS as the mover in their projects related to the HIV response in the province. “With the present data that we have, it is but fitting to find innovative ways in spreading the awareness,” says Dr. Miel Nora, Chief of Party at Save the Children. “The group is now focusing on conducting a community-based screening, and rapid testing where they can get their results in just two hours.”
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DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE IT? There is no specific sign that would would indicate HIV. During the initial infection, the person may experience flulike symptoms that would be resolved without treatment, but could remain asymptomatic for up to ten years until it progresses into AIDS. By then, the immune system would have weakened and the opportunistic infection will set in. Not all patients are exactly the same. The symptoms of HIV vary, depending on the individual and what stage of the disease they are in.
THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT World AIDS Day Run Cebu; International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2017; #SaveSexy volunteers pose for the camera.
People can get a rapid testing kit for free at the Hygiene Clinic in Cebu City Health. A professional medical technologist and a trained peer educator will assist during the testing and counseling. If the results come out positive, a confirmatory result will be given within 48 hours before a patient is given the ARV treatment. “A lot of people say that prevention is better than cure, but early detection before opportunistic infections set in is quite important. It decreases the probability of complications during treatment,” Dr. Macabaya emphasizes. “If they are treated early, these asymptomatic positive patients will not unknowingly transfer the virus to their partner.” Dr. Ilya Abellanosa Tac-an, the Head of Social Hygiene at the Cebu City Health Department, expresses that the challenges in the fight against HIV is endless. “The increasing reach and coverage. Testing for minors, because there’s a law that prohibits
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testing to teenagers below 18 without their parents’ consent. Conflicting laws—anti-drugs vs. anti-HIV law. Stigma and discrimination. Getting to 95% treatment adherence. Eliminating mother to child transmission,” she enumerates. “It’s just endless.” To this day, the cure for HIV/ AIDS remains elusive because of the characteristics of the virus, but several reports would say that the lifespan of a PLHIV is the same as a normal one, as long as he takes his medication regularly. As for Luke, who has been living with the virus for three years now, he admits that being positive made him more religious, determined and disciplined as a person. He ends the dialogue with a glint in his eyes, hoping that everyone will have the right attitude. Everyone will show the needed acceptance, and everyone will continue to take part in this awareness campaign for HIV. Most importantly, especially now, there is a need to know your status and get tested. Z
The Early Stage The acute HIV infection stage happens within a month of the infection, wherein the virus reproduces in the body and attacks your cells. The body, however, counteracts against the virus, bringing it to a stable level in the body. Some people present with flu-like symptoms—fever, swollen glands, sore throat, rash, muscle and joint aches and pains, and headache. At the stage, the levels of HIV in your bloodstream is extremely high, which means you have a good chance of transmitting HIV to your sexual partners, or by sharing needles. Clinical Latency Stage At this stage, the virus is developing in the body, reproducing at very low levels. Often, there are no visible symptoms. The Clinical Latency Stage can go up to ten years, although it could be considerably less for those who are not undergoing HIV treatment. Though the antiretroviral therapy (ART) decreases the chance of transmission, there is still the possibility of transmitting HIV to partners. AIDS This is the stage of HIV infection wherein your immune system becomes badly damaged, making you highly susceptible to other infections. With ART, you can enjoy a near-normal lifespan; those who are not undergoing treatment, though, typically survive up to three years. WHAT DO YOU DO? If you suspect you have HIV, it’s important to get tested right away. CEBU PLUS is a testing center and support group for people living with HIV, and promises 100% confidentiality. CEBU PLUS 0917 779 6435, (032) 260 5517 cebuplus@gmail.com www.cebuplusorg.com
changing the game
Cebu's landscape for fitness and overall wellness has seen vast improvement in the past few years, and these people might have helped do so. Zee Lifestyle talks to the personalities who are inspiring us to live happily healthy. photography and makeup Arnauld
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Jennifer Martinez, 34
Certified Yoga Teacher, Studio Director and Founder of YogaHub Philippines by Katrina Labra
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or most people, exercise and relaxing don’t seem to belong in the same sentence. In yoga, though, these elements come together in a workout that both clears the mind and tones the body. Practiced for centuries before, yoga at its heart remains simple: it’s just you and your mat. This was the philosophy that drew Jennifer Martinez to yoga, and inspired her to start YogaHub Philippines. The fact that it feels inclusive was also a factor. “I am drawn to yoga, because you don’t have to be an expert to do it!” she explains. “Yoga knows no size, age or body size. This is actually the reason behind YogaHub’s tagline: real people, real yoga.” “I was looking for an exercise that would complement my running, since I was having a hard time breathing every time I ran,” Jen recalls of how she got into the workout. “That’s when I found a Yoga for Runners workshop, and I fell in love with it instantly.” With yoga, she found she could properly control her breathing, and became stronger and more flexible—things she had previously thought were impossible. Aside from that, she felt it kept her spiritually aligned. “Aside from its physical benefits, yoga has contributed positively on my outlook on life,” she admits. “On days that I feel really down or when I get stuck in a cycle of unhealthy thoughts, yoga is there to
boost my serotonin levels, and help me break free from whatever I’m feeling that day.” Jen soon became a certified yoga teacher, and started holding public and private classes around the city. The idea of YogaHub came in soon after, when her husband pushed her to open a studio. Now, YogaHub is the leading yoga studio in Cebu and has helped the exercise gain popularity among Cebuanos. YogaHub recently expanded to a second branch, which Jen feels was timely considering the way the fitness landscape in Cebu has changed over the past few years. “It’s growing really fast, and I love that we now have so many different types of exercises to choose from,” she adds. Juggling time between running her studios and being a mother of two, Jen admits every day is not a walk in the park. “The challenge is keeping the standard of quality of the studio—that there are excellent and qualified teachers for every class, and that there is always delightful service from our staff. Sometimes there are just things that are out of your control, and that means we have to cancel classes.” Aside from yoga, Jen also alternates between TRX and cross training, and follows that up with eating clean. “When you practice yoga, it’s only natural that you have a better mind and body connection. In a way, it draws you to a healthier lifestyle,” she explains. “I just make sure I get a little bit of everything. I am vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean
that I deprive myself of eating what I like. It’s all about balance.” The balance in important, because Jen believes wellness goes beyond the physical. “It’s about beaing aware of waht is working in your life and improving upon it, and what’s not working in your life and actually doing something positive about it.” Yoga is certainly a fitness regimen that does more than improves your body. It affects you on a spiritual and emotional level that, in the end, greatly improves the quality of life. Jen Martinez is certainly proof of that. Z YogaHub Banilad Town Center/Raintree Mall (032) 268 9642 YogaHub Cebu
Yoga for Beginners • Pick your yoga class—always join the beginners’ classes first, and master the basic level postures. • Learn how to breathe. Your yoga teacher should be able to guide you with this. • Be in the present moment. Focus on your yoga practice, and let go of whatever is bothering you by the time you enter the class. Always remember this saying: “When the mind is calm, the asana (pose) is perfect.” • It’s your own body, be gentle with it. Always respect what your body can do. It’s not a competition. • Invest in a sticky mat. This may seem like a minor matter, but the security that comes from firm footing is hard to overrate. If you have never tried a mat, borrow a friend’s so you can feel the difference and maybe you can decide after.
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Shahana Pearl Uy, MD, 29 Aesthetic Physician by Shari Quimbo
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r. Shahana Uy’s journey to the field of aesthetics began very close to home. “My mom has always been very keen on having good skin. She always said that it could help bring out a person’s greatest potential,” she shares. “Growing up, I’ve had my fair share of skin problems and issues. My mom was always reminding me to go see a doctor, or book my monthly facials and laser treatments for the minimal scars I once had because of acne.” This personal connection to the field of aesthetics has given Shahana a passion for aesthetics, something that she brings to the fore with the opening of Pearl Aesthetics next month. With chic and cosmopolitan interiors, the clinic is Shahana’s way of helping people become the best version of themselves. “I strongly believe that we would feel more confident about ourselves when we look our best,” she asserts. “I’ve seen a lot of people with low self-esteem and lost confidence because they were troubled with skin problems—once the condition of their skin improved, they regained their confidence and became happier. Being able to give someone the confidence to shine is what motivated me to open my own aesthetic clinic.” The clinic is a culmination of years of studying and experience— after graduating from the Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine, she went on to get a Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine at the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in Las Vegas, and Diplomas in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine in Bangkok and the Aesthetic Medicine Institute in Manila.
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Despite her young age, Shahana already has a firm grasp on how she wants to run the clinic and the quality of services she wants to offer. “Given that we are actually the ‘new kid on the block,’ the first challenge for me was emphasizing the unique differentiating aspects of my clinic,” she explains. Different, it certainly is. Pearl Aesthetics will be manned by a staff of well-trained license nurses, and will use all-organic products that are picked to best suit each patient’s skin type. “The skin care line from Budapest, Hungary uses 100% organically grown, hand-picked fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and pure spring water,” Shahana describes, adding that this line of nourishing and rejuvenating products are USDA and Demeter-certified organic. “You’d actually be freeing yourself from all the toxic or harmful chemicals that might be present in other products. Remember, what you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body.”
Skincare 101 • Healthy skin is a mirror of a healthy body. • Have a good skincare routine. Cleanse your face twice daily, morning and evening. If you are really busy and have to choose between morning and evening, choose evening to wash away all the dirt from your day’s activities and to wash any makeup or cosmetic products applied during the day. Do not sleep with your makeup on. • Glow form the inside out—adopt a healthy lifestyle, have a proper diet, drink plenty of water, exercise, and get enough sleep. • Never forget to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 when you’re out in the sun. • If you are smoking, try to quit. Smoking can add ten years to your skin’s appearance. • Undergoing a nonsurgical skincare treatment once in a while is another great way to keep your skin healthy, more radiant and youthful.
Aside from that, the clinic will have state-of-the-art equipment and treatments that are backed by extensive research. “I had to carefully choose what to put in the clinic, giving emphasis on the importance of evidence-based aesthetic treatments,” Shahana says. “These are treatments that are proven safe and effective, rather than just following the latest trends.” That timeless approach to aesthetics is something to take note of, especially because Shahana considers committing to skincare a complete lifestyle change. “The first place to start improving the health of your skin is improving your diet, and once you see the difference, you continue to make positive food choices as a way of life,” she explains. “You will want to be more careful in choosing the beauty products that you apply on your skin. Exercising daily helps your body to naturally detoxify and reveal more youthful skin.” “Your skin often reveals your unspoken emotions to the world. When you’re stressed, it shows,” she continues. “Negativity has a way of manifesting in the skin, so you need to find a way to let go of that.” If the woman behind it is any indication, it’s clear that Pearl Aesthetics will be offering beauty that is more than skin-deep. The holistic approach to skincare and aesthetics allows Shahana to truly make a difference in her clients’ lives. “It’s about helping people improve and achieve what they want,” she shares. “It’s about seeing them more confident and happy.” Z Pearl Aesthetics 7F MSY Building Cebu Business Park Tel. No. (032) 262 0390
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SPINNING 101
Elizalde Berdon, 43 Manager and owner of Zink
• Choose a studio that offers a good indoor cycling program, and make sure you commit to it. I can enumerate a long list, but it boils down to the compliance and commitment of the person. • Exercise and proper nutrition should be inseparable, that’s why we call it a lifestyle.
by Shari Quimbo
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lizalde Berdon has a favorite word, and he isn’t ashamed to share it. “Yummy. As in, spinning makes your body healthy and yummy,” he laughs. The word often comes up in the middle of one of his spin classes, where his upbeat energy never falters despite nearly an hour of furiously pedalling on a stationary bike. The statement is certainly true–Zink’s close-knit community of loyal patrons are visual proof of the benefits of spinning, and the enthusiastic atmosphere has visitors constantly coming back. “When we conceptualized Zink, we always wanted to make it fun and take away the work in workout,” Zalde recalls, and he adds that the reason so many people enjoy this particular exercise is because it’s considerably inclusive. “It doesn’t require you to know how to dance, be strong enough to lift weights, or know how to box. You are just sitting on the bike, pedalling, and following the instructor’s cadence and resistance.” Considering he has turned spinning into one of the hottest workouts in the city today, it’s surprising to learn that Zalde actually has a degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of San Carlos. “I started spinning five years ago,” he reveals. Before then, he had been working out regularly at a traditional gym. “It looked intimidating to me, but I was curious about the people shouting during the classes and how they were drenched in sweat whenever they left the cycling room.” Soon, he developed a passion for it, but didn’t realize that was the beginning of something much bigger in his life. “I never imagined
that I would become an instructor, but there was a scarcity of cycling instructors, so I trained and passed. I remember one of the reasons I did it was so I could work out for free, and not have to pay my monthly membership,” he adds with a laugh. From there, Zalde continued his education, like training with Les Mills RPM for international certification. “I wanted to level up and equip myself to become a better instructor and a credible coach,” he shares. “I became an advocate of the program because it’s one of the most efficient group exercises. Can you imagine–riding on a stationary bike and being able to demolish 500 to 700 calories in around 40 minutes? The cardiovascular benefit is awesome, and you feel energized and happy after each workout.” It’s no surprise, then, that people have integrated spinning into their fitness regimen, and Zink makes the experience even more fun with their neon lights and impressive sound system. Zalde shared that spinning has been a long time coming, but admits it took him a while to find the right timing and opportunities to do it. “Zink was not something I strongly wanted to do,” he admits, sharing that he knew it would be a challenge to find cycling instructors in Cebu. “It was only last year that I was approached by someone whom I had never met before, and he showed me the big picture. He pushed me to build our own brand, train the instructors and build it in Cebu, maybe expanding to key cities in the Philippines and even globally after. The magnitude and potential of his vision immediately swept me away.” That vision is coming into fruition–Zalde now has a team of dedicated instructors who are as
upbeat and passionate about spinning as he is. Zink also offers a variety of other programs, such as TRX and HIIT, and Zalde developed two fitness programs that already enjoy a good success rate. “One is called Body by Z. It’s a 40-minute group exercise that strengthens all body parts using kettle bells, dumbbells, TRX suspension training, medicine ball and stability ball. It’s a compounded routine that targets at least two body parts in a movement, which makes the workout more efficient,” he explains. “ZINK BODY BLAST is the newest program we just launched. It’s like circuit training, where all members attending the class do metabolic exercises together with very minimal recovery. The primary goal is weight loss, so it’s explosive and intense.” It’s exciting to see that the landscape for fitness in Cebu has remarkably improved recently. “Gone are the days when our choices were limited to traditional gyms which have the equipment and a separate room for group exercise. Today, you have so many choices, from studios that specialize in functional training or Crossfit, and even the highly niched ones like aerial yoga, pole dancing, and the like,” Zalde says. “Instructors now also make the effort to be certified, and continuously take courses to update and upgrade.” All this is good news for Cebuanos, who can now find the best exercise program to fit their lifestyle. For many, though, that program will have to be spinning at Zink. After all, who wouldn’t want a body that is, as Zalde puts it, yummy? Z Banilad Town Center Gov. Cuenco Ave, Banilad (032) 233 1099 Zink J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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Chip Lopez, 31
Wellness Advocate/Plant-based Whole Foods Chef/HIIT Instructor by Katrina Labra
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t is a known fact that eating clean in the Philippines is a tough choice—and often an expensive one at that. But in the case of Chip Lopez, the woman behind Kairos by The Lazy Chef, it’s an issue that goes beyond convenience or budget. It’s about the quality of food you put into your body, and the choices that you make to protect it. “Wellness is living the healthiest life that you actually enjoy,” she says. Since returning from the US about four years ago, Chip was faced with the challenge of few vegetarian and vegan options in Cebu. “I made the switch when I was in the US, where everything was accessible,” she recalled. Suffering from several ailments as a child, Chip’s education had prompted her to change her diet. “The restaurant scene in Cebu back in 2013 is nothing like it is today. Going out to dinner as a vegetarian was exhausting, and healthy food like quinoa, chia and the like were so expensive or constantly out of stock because there was only one store carrying it.” This didn’t mean Chip was ready to give up on her lifestyle. She started her vegetarian-only lunch delivery business called The Lazy Chef, but knew she wanted to do more than just serve food. She wanted to inspire people to develop the lifestyle of healthy, plant-based eating—what came about was Kairos by The Lazy Chef, which she opened on the rooftop of a building in Mandaue. It was more than just the reservations-only vegetarian restaurant people assume it was. Kairos became Chip’s venue for cooking classes, which she feels is
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the only way to truly sustain a healthy lifestyle. Besides classes at Kairos, Chip also travels regularly to give seminars and classes around the country. “It’s a different Cebu today,” Chip says, although we note that she might have played a hand in changing the common Cebuano mindset and eating habits. “Not only is the vegetarian dining scene booming, there are also more farmer’s markets in the city, more varieties in organically grown vegetables and more healthy products available.” Being on a plant-based, whole foods diet for almost five years now, Chip can attest to the stark difference eating clean has done to her body. “It’s allowed me to be stronger physically,” she shares. “When I was eating unhealthy food, I was very sickly and weak. Since changing my diet, I have been able to do things I never thought possible, like running a marathon, lifting heavy weights and becoming an HIIT instructor.” Of course, Chip admits to having her off days as well—you know, the ones where laying on the couch all day seems like the best option. She, however, combats this with a different mindset. “I think more than motivation, we should focus on discipline. You can’t always rely on feelings like motivation or inspiration to make you work out,” she explains. “Discipline is the conscious ability to get things done, even when you don’t feel like doing it. A simple way to develop discipline is to focus on your ‘why.’ Your ‘why’ is what gets you out of the bed in the morning. Your ‘why’ keeps you going, even when all you want to do is give up.”
More than just vegetarianism and fitness, Chip has become a model for living life in the healthiest and best way possible. Alongside her efforts at Kairos, she is an instructor at Zink and Fitness Studio. “I believe fitness and wellness is really trending in Cebu,” she admits. “But the bigger question is, are people really changing their habits or is this just a phase? We have come so far, but we all need to work together and care about each other to really make a difference.” Z Kairos by The Lazy Chef Mandaue City thelazychefcebu@gmail.com Kairos by The Lazy Chef
Recipe to try: Sweet Potato Veggie Burger Ingredients 1 1/2 cup Sweet Potato, washed and peeled 1 1/2 cup Black Beans, washed and drained 1 cup White onion, diced 2 tablespoons Garlic, minced 2 teaspoons Sea salt 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper Directions 1. Boil or steam sweet potato until fork tender. Let cool, then rough chop or mash. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine black beans, sweet potato, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. 3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes 4. Scoop a half cup of the mixture, and use your hands to form into patties. 5. Heat about a tablespoon of oil in a saute pan, and pan-fry the patties on both sides until browned and cooked through.
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Rocky Dorjsembe, 24 Crossfitter by Carlo Rivera
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ith an impressive physique and many accolades earned in Crossfit competitions both local and international, it’s a surprise to find out Rocky Dorjsembe had only started learning the ropes of the program two years ago. The Mongolian is in Cebu to study, and in his free time, he was working as a coach in a local gym. “A Korean man visited and trained with us,” he recalls. “I was impressed by his strength and the physical abilities he demonstrated. I found out later he was a competitive Crossfitter.” In his willingness to learn more about Crossfit, he decided to try it out by visiting Southside Fitness (formerly Crossfit Pintados), the first affiliate Crossfit box in Cebu. “After a short workout—only seven minutes of intense exercise that included pull-ups, push-ups and air squats—I was out of breath,” Rocky admits. “I realized I was not physically fit enough as a coach and fitness enthusiast.” Adding to his fervor, he was stunned at how cheerful people were, and enjoyed the competitive but fun atmosphere that he had never experienced at regular gyms. “That feeling of community kept me going time and time again, until it became my second home.” Now, Rocky is a Crossfit L1 Instructor at Southside Fitness, and considers the program as a sport and career. “I work out five days a week, with the other two being active rest days. A training day has about two to three hours of exercise,” he explains. “Crossfit promotes functional exercise, balancing body weight movements with cardiovascular endurance, stamina, physical strength and gymnastic agility.”
His regular exercise regimen includes working on strength through Olympic weightlifting programs. After that, he proceeds to metabolic conditioning, which combines cardio, weightlifting and gymnastic movements at high intensity for short periods of time or a specific number of rounds. On his rest days, he tries to help muscles recover through low-impact exercise like yoga or swimming. Of course, working out isn’t the only aspect of the program—part of the discipline is the Paleo diet, popularly known as the caveman’s diet, which advocates natural food and more protein. “I try to follow this idea most of the time—a lot of protein, a bit of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a lot of fruits and vegetables,” Rocky says. As a competitive athlete, Rocky also takes some dietary supplements and whey protein shakes to increase intake of vitamins and minerals. “A healthy diet is balanced, so occasionally I will enjoy pizza, a beer or ice cream,” he admits. “I am still a human who wants to enjoy life.” Rocky has competed in several Crossfit competitions, which he continuously prepares for. “The main difference between regular training and training for a competition is focus and consistency,” Rocky explains. “Competition is mental, so I also make sure to prepare mentally.” Despite having tried a number of different workouts before, Rocky particularly enjoys Crossfit for always keeping him on his toes. “I always want to try new things and combinations. Every day there is something different, so you will never be bored,” he shares, although he adds that the sense of community
is something he appreciates. “One of the best things about choosing Crossfit is that motivation is everywhere. Every day I train, the other members are cheering me on to do my best.” That sense of community, of course, is two-fold. “I am coaching now, and I can see that my achievements inspire others to achieve more,” Rocky continues. “Seeing how I can help others improve motivates me to keep coming back to this community. Really, it’s more like a family to me.” Z
ROCKY’S FIVE PIECES OF ADVICE IN TRYING CROSSFIT 1. Don’t be intimidated. Sometimes Crossfit looks really scary because of the high intensity and big barbells. Each workout is designed for modification, so you can fit it to individual skill level. The coaches are there to make sure the workout adjusts to you. 2. Have a goal in mind. Crossfit can be good for many things: weight loss, weight gain, muscle building, endurance training. What you get out of it is really up to you. If you share your goals with your coaches, they can make sure you will achieve them. 3. Be open-minded. Every person has his own strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes you feel weak compared to others, or to your expectations. Don’t let that discourage you. Knowing your weakness is the first step to being able to work on it to become better. 4. Understand you are not joining a gym—you are joining a community. When you work out in a Crossfit gym, you will work out with all kinds of people. We have members from four years old to 70 years old, all doing the same exercises. Don’t be afraid if someone beats you in the workout, because that same person will also have your back and support you until the very end of your workout. 5. Enjoy the journey. Fitness or wellness is not really a destination. It is a journey. Going to the gym should not be a chore or a punishment. Some days may be more challenging than others, but this does not mean that you are not improving. It is just part of the journey, both ups and downs, and you have to enjoy all of it.
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A Slice of Pie In the midst of a hidden oasis in Cebu, Dr. Pie Calayan talks about the beginnings of the clinic she started with her husband Manny, how she balances her time between work and family, and why she believes beauty is more than skin deep. by Shari Quimbo creative director Melo Esguerra photography Joseph Ong hair and makeup Arnauld stylists Blaq Mafia and Janno Novenario production assistant Katrina Labra locale Jaime Chua’s Flower Farm
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his place is beautiful!” exclaims Dr. Pie Calayan as she walks into the open-air foyer of the bungalow sitting atop the lake of Jaime Chua’s flower farm. With its thriving foliage and fresh mountain air, it’s a clear departure from the usual city scenes Pie is used to. When I ask if she’s been able to visit spots like this in Cebu yet, she shakes her head. “Usually I’m here for work,” she admits. Work, of course, refers to the eponymous aesthetic clinic Manny and Pie Calayan that she runs with her husband. They’d recently opened a branch at SM Seaside City earlier this year as an answer to what she feels was a growing demand. “We had a lot of patients from Cebu who would visit our Makati clinic, so when SM Seaside offered us a space, we took it,” she shares. But although her trips to the city are, for the most part, purely professional, she indulges in some of her favorite respites on the island. “We like Bluewater Sumilon Resort,” she reveals. “Not only because it’s a beautiful place, but also for their excellent service.” It’s no surprise that Pie has a strict standard of service—at the clinic, she and her husband Manny remain highly involved in their operations. “We offer personalized service and are very hands-on. Up until now, we do the consultations in person,” she explains. “I do laser treatments and botox, and Dr. Manny does the cosmetic surgeries. That’s why we travel to Cebu and to Davao, for our SM Lanang Premier branch, regularly.” Besides the procedures that she oversees herself, Pie also formulates many of the products that the clinic uses in its procedures—one particular formulation we love is the strawberry concoction that they use
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for the body scrubs. “I make sure it all suits the Asian skin type,” she says. THE BEGINNINGS At an early age, Pie knew that she wanted to be a doctor. “My dad is a lawyer and my mom a businesswoman—she owns apartments for rent in Makati, Quezon City and Manila,” she recalls. “I knew that I didn’t want to do what my parents were doing for a living.”
With a degree in Medicine from the University of East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, she pursued her internship at the Makati Medical Center, and then studied skincare and laser techniques in the US and Europe. “Ever since I could remember, I was a little vain,” she admits. “So it was only natural that I decided to focus on aesthetics.” By then, though, she had already met the man who would help her build the beauty empire she has now. “Dr. Manny and I were seatmates
in med school, and I was attracted to him because he always came to school well-groomed,” she narrates. Pretty soon, the pair had developed a connection, one that became considerably strong enough for them to decide to go into business together. “He decided to take cosmetic surgery because we wanted to be partners in our clinic, and in 1997, we opened Calayan Surgicentre Corp.” The timing was opportune— at the time, Pie was also working as a commercial and print ad model, which gave them the chance to introduce people in the industry to their business. “It was other models, directors and people from ad agencies,” she remembers as her first few clients. “The very first celebrity patient we had was Plinky Recto. I met her while filming a Secret deodorant TVC together. We just clicked from the start, and now she’s like a sister to me.” The early start also made them one of the first in the business. “There were very few clinics offering laser skincare treatments and cosmetic surgery at the time,” Pie continues. MANNY AND PIE CALAYAN The biggest challenge, it seems, didn’t come until 2015. With 23 years of experience in the industry, the couple had built up a reliable reputation and loyal following through providing quality service—and it seems someone else wanted to bank on that. “That was when another clinic using our brand name and offering the same services opened,” Pie recalls. “This was very dangerous, because our clients would go there expecting me and Dr. Manny to perform the procedures.” The confusion spurred the decision to change the clinic name to Manny and Pie Calayan, solidifying the couple’s commitment to their brand. “We had to let the patients know that we are not
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related, connected or affiliated with the other clinic,” she explains, reiterating that the branches carrying their names are the only official outlets of their business. By this time, though, the clinic had continuously garnered a following, with services and procedures that were gathering popularity—vaserliposuction, nonsurgical facelift, upper and lower lid surgery, nose lifts and trims. “Breast augmentations and tummy tucks are popular too,” Pie adds. “For men, hair transplants and penile enlargement are the most sought-after. Dr. Manny also does ‘man breasts’ removal surgery, or gynecomastia.” Besides the surgical procedures, their skincare treatments are also very popular. These include lasers for acne treatments, gluthathione whitening procedures, laser hair removal and non-surgical slimming programs. These are incredibly popular in Cebu, it seems, where Pie notes that the market is more concerned with facial issues. “It’s understandable, because the heat in Cebu can be too much. Most patients come in with pigmentations,” she explains. “In Manila, patients come in for head-to-toe procedures. The popular cosmetic surgery procedures are the same for Cebu and Manila, though.” The couple also has not lost sight of the importance of remaining up to date on the latest trends and technology. Pie frequently travels to attend seminars and workshops around the world, something she
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really enjoys. It helps them provide the best quality of service to their clients, which she feels is very important. “Some patients come from another clinic where they’d gotten a botched procedure. As much as we want to help them, sometimes the damage is just irreversible,” she says. “Most of the time, though, we succeed in making them look better.”
"Beauty comes from self-fulfillment. If you are free of hatred or any negative energy, then beauty radiates naturally." DAILY LIFE With the amount of responsibilities she handles, Pie makes sure to set aside time for her kids. “When I was studying, the hardest part was being away from my children,” she shares, explaining that while she was pursuing secondary studies, she’s already had her eldest daughter Hanna. Her second daughter Bernice came soon after, and their youngest Andrea was born when they opened their Makati clinic. Pie keeps things at home normal, beginning each day with chores. “We are very independent—
no maids,” she explains. “Luckily my children grew up in the US, so they also don’t understand the concept of having a maid.” She squeezes in time for workout between clinic hours—on mornings she does krav maga or tactical shooting at a firing range, and in the afternoons she does Vinyasa yoga—and follows a vegan diet. “I like to prepare my own meals to make sure that every ingredient I use will be beneficial to my health,” Pie explains. “I can’t have animal products, but we have all the replacements for eggs, milk and chocolates, so there’s no deprivation. I just really watch what I eat.” Of course, on weekdays when her schedule is packed, she orders meals from V Kitchen Manila. “When I’m in Cebu, my staff orders from Planet Vegis—it’s a must try!” she adds. She also spends some days filming for the C The Difference show on GMA 7, hosted by herself, Dr. Manny, her daughters Bernice and Andrea, and Ral Javier. “Andrea is the plant-based nutrition expert, Bernice and Ral tackles travel and fitness. I address dermatology issues, and Dr. Manny talks about the cosmetic surgery,” she explains. “We have a section called Makeover Mavens, where we choose lucky viewers and give them a free makeover.” Now on its third season, the show airs on GMA every Saturday at 11:30 AM, and is broadcast online. Although she has clinic hours on Saturdays, the rest of the
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"My dad is a lawyer and my mom a businesswoman. I knew that I didn't want to do what my parents were doing for a living. So I went into medicine."
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weekend is usually spent out of town. “I like Batulao,” Pie shares, referring to a mountain in Batangas. “If we have more time, we go to Baguio. I like the cold climate.” It’s no surprise then that Pie prefers destinations with cooler temperatures for trips, although the family also enjoys cruises. “We love it,” she shares. “We’ve already booked a cruise for Christmas.” For now, her travels are mostly for business, continuing her trainings abroad or visiting their clinics in Cebu and Davao. BEAUTY REGIMEN Being in the industry, it’s no surprise that Pie follows a rigorous skincare routine, or that she uses many of her own creations daily. “Of course, I formulated them,” she laughs. “The soap-free wash is my go-to soap—it leaves my skin soft, clean and moisturized. In the morning, I use lightening cream to take care of any sun damage, if there is, and then put on a tinted SPF. At night, the cleansing oil is perfect to remove the tinted SPF, then I follow it up with a night cream and anti-wrinkle gel—I love it because it immediately gives me a lifted look, like botox in a bottle. The Revitaleyes is also a favorite. It takes care of the skin under my eyes.” Despite the careful steps for skincare, Pie spends most days with just the tinted SPF, lipstick and light eyeshadow. “On days when I have to
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glam up, I have a personal makeup artist who knows how to highlight my features,” she explains. More than just the products she uses, beauty is a lifestyle for Pie—the doctor is an early sleeper. “The healing process of the body starts at 10 PM,” she tells us. “So to be beautiful inside and out, you have to be in a deep slumber by 10.” Pie understands, though, that beauty isn’t something that’s just skin-deep. “Beauty comes from self-fulfillment,” she believes. “If
you are free of hatred or any negative energy, then beauty radiates naturally.” She tries to impart this philosophy to her daughters as well. “Be yourself and don’t compare yourself with others, because comparison can be lethal. Beauty comes from the heart,” she shares as some of the advice she’s given Hanna, Bernice and Andrea. “Also, less is more when it comes to makeup, and the best canvas for perfect makeup is flawless skin.” There are more than a few exciting things ahead for Pie Calayan and her family. “We reopen our fourth branch in Trinoma in July, and our fifth branch in the Festival Expansion Mall by December,” she shares excitedly. Bernice’s recent graduation from a school in Australia has also brought about some changes. “We’ve incorporated alternative medicine in our services, and Bernice practices in our Makati clinic,” Pie explains. “All our products have also been revamped to be plantbased. I love it since it can be used by all age groups—even pregnant or breastfeeding moms—with no harmful side effects.” With 23 years of experience under its belt, Manny and Pie Calayan is set to continue being one of the leading aesthetic clinics in the country—and with a determined woman like Pie at the helm, their success is practically guaranteed. Z
Off-shoulder maxi dress and belt from PROMOD J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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LIVING
Balancing Act Jun Escario and Simon Miles' Bohol retreat is a tropical enclave with stylish design elements that exemplify its owners' design sensibilities. by Melo E. Esguerra photography Artem Levy
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The beach house that arhitect Simon Miles and fashion designer Jun Escario built in Panglao, Bohol. “This was always intended to be a party house�, comments Jun, so every detail was considered carefully. The L-shaped infinity lap pool runs beside the house providing a mesmerizing vista.
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LIVING
W
hen Australian interior designer Simon Miles viewed the impulsive purchase of his partner, fashion designer Jun Escario, for the first time, he knew right away it would be an “all or nothing” proposition for them. The humble bungalow on Panglao’s Alona Beach had little going for it except its location. “We decided that our options were to either keep the house as it was and rent it out, or commit to a total renovation and extension.” In the end, though, the location justified the effort—having a home in a quiet and secure cul de sac just a five minute walk away from Alona Beach was hard to resist. “Now that it’s done, we are glad that we decided to renovate,” says Simon. “All our neighbors are foreigners. It’s very multi-cultural and fun.” The renovation involved the total gutting of the interior, until all that remained was the roof supported on concrete columns. The rear of the house was extended to create a large master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, while the rest of the house was reinvented with full height sliding glass doors installed to open the house to the garden. The objective was to create space that allowed the inside to flow seamlessly into the outside, which gives the house a versatile look that can suit any occasion. The living room can be completely opened to the large covered terrace and swimming pool for big parties, or closed for more intimate gatherings. The color palette is in restful shades of taupe, beige and steel blue,
THIS PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Religious antiques purchased in Bohol; Coral fan found by Jun in Balicasag; wooden coffee table with books on architectural style and entertaining; Jun Escario with his dogs George and Charlie.
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inspired by artwork by American artist Mi Fong, which Jun purchased in New York. These gentle colors are offset by the bold tones of deep fuchsia, teal and charcoal seen beyond the glass. A large caterer-style kitchen opens directly to the terrace via bi-fold windows, making for easy serving of food and drinks. The L-shaped infinity lap pool runs beside the house, providing a mesmerizing vista. “This was always intended to be a party house,” comments Jun.
The living room can be completely opened to the large covered terrace and swimming pool for big parties, or closed for more intimate numbers. J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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The new master bedroom is integrated into the living space, until you slide a concealed floor-toceiling door closed. Then, the room becomes a private retreat complete with a sandy beach courtyard and an outdoor shower. Unashamedly devoid of any superfluous objects, the minimalist master bedroom is Zen-inspired. Shoji screens slide to conceal closet space. Electrically operated window blinds disappear into ceiling recesses at the touch of a button. “It is very restful to sit in bed at night and watch the water of the pool shimmering,” Jun shares. Simon recently acquired the next door neighbor’s home in order to expand their property—the house is currently being converted into a separate guest house so that friends can come and stay, while enjoying some privacy. From its humble origins to reborn chic, this house reflects two talented designers’ styles coming together. Jun and Simon’s beach getaway is proving to be a wonderful escape form the hustle and bustle of busy Cebu City. Z
THIS SPREAD CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The color palette for the living room is in restful shades of Taupe, beige and steel blue, inspired by an artwork by American artist , Mi Fong, purchased by Jun in New York; Electrically operated window blinds disappear into ceiling recesses at the touch of a button instantly connecting the bedroom and living room to the garden and poolside; The minimalist master bedroom is Zen inspired.
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T R AVEL
Lost in Paradise Tao Philippines Crusoe-style deserted island camp paradise is perfect for those who understand the luxury of simplicity and disconnection. by Melo E. Esguerra photography by Scott Sporleder
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ust when you think Palawan is fast becoming a second Boracay, where congestion of concrete buildings and human bodies have begun to define the island experience more than the pristine beaches of white powdery sand, the Lostboys of Tao Philippines came up with a new island project that guarantees an escape to paradise. They call the island Camp Ngey Ngey. The Lostboys have taken over the abandoned resort of Manguengey in Busuanga, a remote island in Palawan. They have kept the ruins from the typhoon and built their signature bamboo Tuka huts around the main beach of the island, which serves as the camp area. Just a short walk away you’ll find jungle trails that lead to three other wild beaches, preserved reefs and windswept cliffs encompassed by crystal blue waters. And on certain days, when the winds are strong, one side of the island becomes a good site for surfing.
Eddie Brock, one of the founders of Tao Philippines, explains how this concept of an island safari came about. “When we took over Manguengey Resort, we were stuck with the idea of how to run it. We do not know how to cater to resort guests, the individual choices and needs, and menus,” he admits. “Tao’s expertise is to show travelers something new, something more raw and adventurous. We decided that we will not worry about things we don’t understand, and stick to what we do best. One of the best aspects of a Tao trip is creating an atmosphere of connecting with other travelers, disconnected from digital clot—without the worry of planning, wallets and keeping a status. Five days out in the remoteness with the islanders in control leads to a positive attitude: guards down, inhibition is off and open to meet new friends.” The camp is accessible through the three day/two night boat safari from Coron, with beach
and reef stops en route the camp and back. Guests will be joining other travelers, staying in individual Tuka huts dotted along the beach. There are lounges, a dining and kitchen area, and open hang-out places. Currently, the big mansion from the old resort is being restored into a villa that can accommodate a family or group of friends. The island can be reserved for big events like weddings, parties and other meaningful gatherings. In the island, there is no room service, no menus, no WiFi. You will arrive as strangers, you will eat together, swim together, laugh together, drink together, and get to know each other offline. Become part of the magic of Tao, and see what happens! Z
For more information on how the trip to Camp Ngey Ngey works, log on to www. taophilippines.com /camp-ngeyngey/
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Dreaming of t he t ropics
Editor-at-large Melo Esguerra shares the experience of bringing renowned French painter Pierre Marie Brisson to Cebu, and the wonder of making dreams a reality.
French painter Pierre Marie Brisson with his artwork, "The Pacific".
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Working at his art studio in Crimson Mactan
F
rench painter Pierre Marie Brisson, whose works appropriates the forms, concepts and imagery of art history, dreamt that one day he would be creating art in a tropical island paradise. As a Frenchman living in the South of France, he had mastered the huge waves of the sea and the strong winds from the ocean, but it always sparked his imagination how tropical weather and pristine white beaches of far-off islands would influence his art and soul. When we met last summer in Camargue, he shared this dream with me, as I also shared with him my desire to become more involved in the art world in my capacity as a connector. That special meeting at Camargue, arranged by my dear friend Theresa, unfolded into a partnership anchored on trust and kindred spirits. I told him that he could come to the Philippines anytime—I extended an open invitation for Pierre to actualize his dream and, unwittingly, mine too. It was early December of last year that I received a message from Pierre that he found time—20 days to be exact—to come to the Philippines. “Are you sure about it,” I asked. He was steadfast. “Would you have time to create artwork?” I was inquiring so I could prepare how to exhibit his works for everyone’s appreciation. Manila, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu
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"The Beach"
"After Matisse"
"Flamenco"
were the options I gave him to explore and create new adventures. He chose only Cebu. In his heart and mind, Cebu was calling. I had only less than a month to prepare for Pierre Marie’s arrival. It didn’t take much for me to convince friends to extend the Filipino hospitality to the French painter coming to our country for the first
time. After all, after they Googled his name, they found Brisson was not only one of the top 100 contemporary artists of our time, they also saw his body of work—from his first show in New York in 1991, up to the present. It revealed his major influence in the art world. “Cebu has never had an artist of his caliber and importance. We are very lucky that he chose us to be
Pierre Marie Brisson, Crimson Mactan GM Didier Belmonte and Melo Esguerra Chef Godfrey Laforteza
Welcome dinner hosted by Crimson Mactan For Pierre Marie Brisson
his island destination,� said gallerist and art collector Maris Holopainen of Qube Gallery. Maris volunteered to host a welcome dinner for Pierre Marie at Cocina de la Casa. My dear friend Kate Anzani also expressed her interest to host a special dinner, to be prepared by her husband Chef
Marco Anzani, in honor of the artist. June Alegrado, without hesitation, extended a one-week stay at their family-owned resort Bluewater Maribago despite their full bookings at a peak season. They also gave him a room in a small island fronting the ocean as his art studio,
and that’s where Pierre Marie was able to create his Maribago series. Another dear friend Francis Gotianun, even if I hadn’t seen him in ages, instantly instructed his team to accommodate my request and extended an almost two-week stay at the Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan Cebu. Pierre Marie was elated that another Frenchman, the General Manager at Crimson Didier Belmonte, welcomed him upon his arrival at the resort. A luxurious villa complete with its own living and dining areas and a plunge pool served as the home and art studio of Pierre Marie, where he was inspired to create his large artworks: The Beach, After Matisse, Flamenco and The Pacific.
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Pierre Marie Brisson and Melo Esguerra in front of his art studio in Maribago Bluewater
Visiting the Magellan's Cross
Enjoying the sun at the Sarmiento Beach House
Dinner hosted by June Alegrado for Pierre Marie Brisson
Capturing the island vibe of his art studio
Working in his studio at Maribago Bluewater
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Off to Caohagan Island
Chef Godfrey Laforteza, Crimson’s Executive Chef, prepared a sumptuous six-course dinner that started with salmon sashimi with fresh black truffles from Carcassonne, France, and truffle ponzu sauce. This was followed by polenta-crusted foie gras with spicy miso, and poached lobster tail and lobster dumpling with citrus achuete emulsion. At this point, Pierre Marie and the rest of the guests couldn’t stop the superlatives describing all the flavors our palate was enjoying. Then came the cast iron crusted Angus prime beef striploin with caramel onion beef jus, and the seafood kamameshi rice and clam miso soup. For our dessert, we were served warm chocolate raspberry blast, partnered with homemade ice cream. “Wow, this is probably the best dinner I have ever had here in Cebu,” exclaimed the foodie and master cook Tess Lampert of the Dedon Island Resort. Pierre Marie, who is as passionate in the kitchen as much as he is in the art studio, is in awe
Pierre Marie Brisson and Jason Atherton
Beverly Dayanan and Pierre Marie Kenneth Cobonpue, Frederica Capitani, Pierre Marie Brisson, Jason Atherton and Melo Esguerra
Chris and Carla Mckowen with Pierre Marie Brisson
of how the Filipinos extend a warm welcome to their guests. I brought Pierre Marie to The Pig & Palm because I knew he would love Jason Atherton’s concept and menu. At our dinner, we were joined by my dearest friend Carla YeungMckowen. It was during that dinner that the idea came up to exhibit Pierre Marie’s tropical paradiseinspired work. Everything turned out the way we had imagined, and more. The biggest bonus was having the Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton himself preparing the dinner at the kitchen on the night we opened the Pierre Marie Exhibition at The Pig & Palm. On that unforgettable night, history happened and dreams became a reality. Z
Eva Gullas, Pierre Marie Brisson and Iris Arcenas
Margarita Fores and Pierre Marie Brisson J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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Picture
Perfect
Artist Mariko Jacinto presents snapshots of the city’s social set through her paintings. by Carlo Rivera
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What's Going On?
Zombies of the Night
Transit
Girl's Night Out
M
ariko Jacinto’s first solo exhibition in Cebu Un Deux Trois, shown at the quaint 856 G Gallery, unveils the sights and spectacle behind soirees and shenanigans, all of which are based on her personal experience in the vibrant social scene. Using oil on canvas, Mariko’s sensitivity to the mood and feeling of her surroundings allowed her to embrace her subjects and offer an inside look at a socialite’s life. “It’s more like documenting this moment in time because it won’t happen again,” she says. “I think I was also motivated by the desire to share this with other people. Imagine—we were always in the VIP section wherever we went. Clubs, raves. We got to see beautiful homes and penthouses.” These visual tableaus of the social set are in her paintings. In What’s Going On, there is a duality— one side is done in vibrant yellow, while to the side it is black. It is the artist’s rendition of her subconscious, carefully considering what is going on and asking, do we really care
about what’s outside? In Transit, we see an enthusiastic party, as if inside a club full of different faces. At the top, a clock signifies the short passage of time, showing that people, conversations and fun come and go with time. In Zombies of the Night, partygoers stumble in the streets after drinking. Girls Night Out depicts young girls who embark on a night in the town, discussing their “biological clock-ticking,” what careers to pursue, and keeping up with this day and age. Capturing society, Mariko explains, is much like spying on these social scenes, but you have to go beyond these snapshots and really capture their essence as a person. Mariko’s images are romantic, though they follow dark narratives and have a prevailing sense of yearning. These are juxtaposed through her color palette, which blends unexpected dark hues and vibrant colors. “My environment motivates me. It just all comes out,” she explains. Nothing pleases Mariko more than momentary feelings, so she treats her subjects as if they could change completely by tomorrow. “I just follow
what I feel, what I want to do in that particular moment. I don’t have to concentrate on subject matter or style.” With such a philosophy to art, it’s no surprise that Mariko is a practicing Buddhist, and it shows in her paintings—the humanist outlook, and the doctrine of impermanence is revealed in the way she depicts these human moments as fleeting. In her own words, no one is good alone. One moment, we can be good, and the next we can be evil. Born to a Japanese mother and a Filipino father, Mariko traces her love for painting to when she was a little girl. “I was already painting and drawing in school, and my work would be displayed on the bulletin board,” she recalls. From there, she went on to study anatomy and figure painting, and still life painting at the National Academy of Design in New York. So, what is it exactly that makes a Mariko Jacinto masterpiece? “It will always be something whimsical, probably getting the essence of a colorful world,” she describes. Beyond the gleaming world of parties and personalities, there is a whole other world, and graciously Mariko gives us a peek that might put some things in perspective. Z Un Deux Trois runs until June 26 at the 856 G Gallery, AS Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City. For details, call (032) 344 3039. J U N E -J U LY 2 0 1 7 z e e l i f e s t y l e c e b u . c o m
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CARLA’S BIRTHDAY PARTY Carla Larrazabal-Del Prado celebrated her day with dinner at The Pig & Palm. With fine food, wine and a towering champagne-themed wedding cake, Carla celebrated with close friends at the intimate gathering.
Joel and Carla del Prado and Nelly Egle
Carla del Prado
Teresin Mendezona
Charles Lim and HervĂŠ Lampert
Frances Siao
Tamsin Booth
END OF SUMMER PARTY Pamela and Gerry Montanus celebrated the end of the sunny season with an al fresco soire at their residence. With sweeping views of Cebu City, friends enjoyed glasses of bubbly and the incredible spread throughout the night. Alice Woolbright, Iris Arcenas, June Alegrado, Eva Gullas, Tamsin Booth, Mia Arcenas and Margie Lhuillier
Maris Holopainen, Jun Escario, Stephen Aznar, Simon Miles
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Kate Anzani and Chris Darza
Mikel Ugarte, Gerry Montanus and Chris Darza
Melo Esguerra, Pamela Manuel, Margie Lhuillier, Joel and Carla del Prado and Stephen Aznar
CEBU Landers Superstore Opens in Cebu
Luis Yu, Marissa Fernan, Margaret Taylor, Eloisa Fernan, Gwen Lim and Marget Villarica
Bernard Sia and Shige Onda
Babie Schaap and John Olvin Ong
Jenifer Martinez and Kym Maitland-Smith
Bernard Sia and Shige Onda
Wolf and Fiona Kekert
It’s a wonderful time for shopping in the metro as Landers Superstore opens on May 9 and becomes the most awaited addition to the wide selection of shopping destinations in Cebu. Landers Superstore Cebu is the first branch outside Metro Manila and is located at 23 Minore Park along Cardinal Rosales Avenue corner Pope John Paul II Avenue. Landers Superstore is not just any membership store, it’s a superstore which offers a blissful shopping experience: from its wide selection of local and premium international goods, and perks exclusive only to members. Inside the 8,000 square meter space are tasty dining choices which include a café named Doppio, a bakery called Dough & Co., and a diner named after a train station, Landers Central. It also boasts a barbershop called Federal Barbers, which gives FREE haircuts to all members. Aside from that, Landers also offers fuel discounts of Php 2.00 off per liter for gasoline and Php 1.50 off per liter for diesel, available to all its members, made possible through their partnership with Caltex.
Gov. Hilario Davide III, Jobell Davide, and Atty. Lowell Yu
Nath Ybañez and Shari Quimbo
Ralph Juan and Jasmine Sarmiento
Golda King and Kate Uy
Kate and Marco Anzani
Patty Taboada and Anton Java
Elvira Luym
Councilor Margot Osmeña and Mayor Tomas Osmeña
Zaida Lee, Mary Love Deen, Merce Abellana and Raine Baljak
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PROMOD’S SUMMER SOIREE French fashion brand Promod celebrated their cheerful summer collection by inviting guests to a special shopping party. After a presentation of the season’s hottest trends by Vogue Concepts’ general manager Louella Scott, Cebuanos enjoyed glasses of bubbly and sweet treats, and indulged in some retail therapy.
Mona Batalla, Jasmine Obar and Melissa Chua
Patrice and Cristy Uytengsu, and Kara Lim
Louella Scott
Sweet Veloso-Selma, Jesse Jake Daan, Katrina Enrera and Vanessa East
Tricia Gullas, Trixie Jade Pino, Erika Rivilla, Ana Climaco, Jackee Gullas-Weckman and Hazel Ypil
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Ayen Florendo
Frances Siao, Melo Esguerra and Tamsin Booth
Issa Perez
Toni and Vania Oca, and Jean Yu
Patty Taboada and Mayan Benedicto
Edward Castro, Lorie Mae, Sven Chua and Maria Gigante
CEBU Morals & Malice Anniversary
Robert Pfeiffer and company
AJ Sampson and Bree Ulrich
Divine Maitland-Smith and Megan Campbell
Morals & Malice celebrated its first year with a tropical-themed party, bringing together good music and drinks. A bottle of Moet & Chandon Ice Imperial was awarded to the night’s best dressed, Patty Huang
Rick Ostrea, Melanie Bernardo, Paulo Kim, Mariana Varela, Carlos Martinez and Marianna Chiongbian
DJ Gino V Fremont Base, Melo Esguerra and friends
DJ Jom Gonzales, Richard Sharpe, Michael Yu and Ken Onozawa
Jessika Knight and Patty Huang
Raine Baljak and Merce Abellana
Ena Velasco, Genefe Navilon, Lucena Rose, Aivy Castro and Wynonah Buot
EDEN On its second year in a row, Eden brought house music to the city with a laidback party at the Cebu Yacht Club.
Partygoers enjoying the music
DJ Cathy Muto
Kaz Onozawa and friends
Chan Mayol, Trixie Maraya, Kaitlyn Quimbo and friend
Vanessa Ammann and friends
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zee|events Foressa Mountain Town Launch Luminaries from the media, local government units, and business sectors experience what it would be like living in the tranquil mountains of Cansomoroy, Balamban as AboitizLand unveiled its plans for Cebu’s first mountainous town development. Welcoming attendees under a canopy of stars were chief Executive Officer Andoni Aboitiz, President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Reyes, and First Vice President for Operations Rafael Fernandez de Mesa.
Xacah Chang and Kitchie CaĂąete, Yvette Rivera and Camille Villareal Mark and Riza del Mar
Kay Larrauri, Michael Goho and Bong Go
Hans Congmon
Bong Deparine, Vanessa Garcia and Kloodie Chiongbian
AboitizLand team members (L-R) Sr. Monica Trajano, Vivien Vicente-Limjoco, Joey Zamora, Steve Araneta, John Amon, Patrick Reyes and Andoni Aboitiz
Andoni Aboitiz
Seated L-R Paul Maitland-Smith, Christine Tagalog, Divine Maitland-Smith and Megan Campbell; Standing L-R Noy Jopson, Kym Maitland-Smith and Dudes Aboitiz
Nicole Asensio
Gov. Hilario P. Davide III and Cong. Raul del Mar
MALAGOS Cheese Tasting AT 32 Sanson The famed artisan cheeses from Malagos Farmhouse in Davao has made its way to Cebu for a cheese tasting at the 32 Sanson by Rockwell Land clubhouse. No less than carefully selected wines from Bibendum Wines were served to pair with the delectable cheeses.
Hans Eulenhoefer
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Annette Gallego, Bernadette Gallego and Rosebud Sala
Ingrid Puentespina and Olive Puentespina
Meyan Young, Johann Young, and Derek Dytian
Ed Tongco and Lyle Cajayon
Steve Shrimski, Raki Urbina, and Luis Bejoc
Fortuna Circuit: Our Current Condition, Curators Night 856G Gallery presents their annual exhibit, Fortuna Circuit. This exhibition questions what our future selves would see where we are now, featuring artists from all over the Philippines: a juxtaposition of names, styles, media, and location. Bart Brothers and Siamese Rat
Sheena Macapinig and Beth Binahon
Ronyel Compra and Golda King
Benjie Elizalde, Gwen Garcia, Bembot Maderazo and Annie Chen
Strozzi Rosende, Philip, CJ, Daisy Senido
Rustan’s Summer Island Adventure Allan, Kathleen and Seth Chiongbian
Angel and Francis Llaban
Chingbee and Kathrynne Cuizon
Conrad and Diane Ang
Chingbee and Kathrynne Cuizon
Jason and Haidee Barcelon with daughters Airana and Annika.
Edward and Danessa Onglatco with daugther Eve
Rustan’s welcome the brightest season in style. Held last April 8 at The Gallery of Ayala Center Cebu, the annual children’s fashion show featured the most adorable kiddie models in the cutest outfits. With a splash of colors and a play of fun designs and prints, it was indeed a fun-filled fashion adventure for the little wanderers along with the support of their family.
Angel, Randy and Xavi Layla Pages
Kumiko and Shigejiro Onda
Pepet Macachor and Dina Tantoco
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zee|events Chef Juanito Abangan, Chef Stefano Verrillo and Joward Tongco
chaîne des rôtisseurs Marco Polo Plaza Cebu rolled out the red carpet for Cebu’s lovers of fine dining. Held last March 16, the Chaine des Rotisseurs Bailliage Cebu had their 24th Induction and Gala Dinner. New members were inducted and some existing members were recognized for their milestones in the organization.
Kwin Kim, Dr. Aden Kim and Mila Demecillo
Herve Lampert, Tess Lampert, Hanz Coquilla and Ichael Serneo Amparito Lhuillier, Louis Thevenin, Winglip Chang and Michel Lhuillier
Consul Glenn Loop and Honey Loop
Rosebud Sala
Dr. Vivina Chiu and Joward Tongco
Julie Najar
Derick Bulkley and Mary Weigel
Glitterati Kids at SM City Cebu SM City Cebu held the first installment of its newest and cutest annual tradition, Glitterati Kids at The Northwing Atrium. The show featured Cebu’s most adorable kids wearing collections from the mall’s best-loved brands. Glitterati Kids is a spin-off of the annual fashion show, Glitterati, which has become a rite of passage for many Cebuano teens. As the name implies, Glitterati Kids is the mini version for the town’s adorable youngsters.
Elizabeth Zoe Lee
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Brianna Ty Cerezo
Tamara Del Gallego Jarque
Dylan Lampert
Russ Pocholo Mata
Jacob Drew Hyatt
Thia Ariadne Delvallez
Leah Villarica Limbo
Yohan Lance Gayatin
National Finals of Jack Nicklaus International Invitational In an unprecedented turn of events, long time buddies and celebrity colleagues, Derek Ramsay and John Estrada won in the National Finals of Jack Nicklaus International Invitation (JNII) golf tournament. The winning pair will represent the country in the JNII culminating event where they will battle other winners from other countries.
Chad Borja and Vince Hizon
Joby Soriano
Tim Cone
Glydel Mercado and Tonton Gutierrez
Derek Ramsay, Monsour Del Rosario and John Estrada
2017 Jack Nicklaus International Invitational (JNII) National Finals Qualifiers
RUN FOR ERUF YEAR 2 After its successful run last year, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu once again hosted a run in support for the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation. Professional runners, hobbyists and even families joined together for this worthwhile cause.
Armie Garde and Joanna Cuenco
Paolo Valera and Manna Alcaraz
Pek Eng Lim
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L A S T PAGE
Long Live
the Queen
With its seventh staging this year, the Cebu-based pageant led by the premiere Cebu couturier Cary Santiago continues to raise the bar of equality and beauty through Queen Philippines Pageant. Cary Santiago
Q: What is the advocacy of Queen Philippines Pageant? A: Currently, Queen Philippines is supporting the following institutions, Cebu City Task Force for Street Children, Home for the Aged in Mohon, Talisay and COLORS. These advocacies are very varied ranging from kids, to the oldies and of course our fellow LGBT. It has always been paramount to make sure that the pageant will be able to help these organizations to live up to our calling of not just making a difference but also making a statement. Q: How has Queen Philippines grown since it first started and to what do you attribute its success into? A: We started with Queen of Cebu, a vision i had of hopefully raising the level of awareness of our transgender friends as well as elevating the standards of trans-pageantry in the country. I was lucky enough that i have the support of my madames and friends to make all these happen. And what started out as a small dream became a nationwide success when almost all TG pageants now are dubbed as Queen eradicating the use of the word Miss Gay. I think that is the barometer that we we have manage to sent across the politically correct term. And now that the pageant is already nationwide in nature, with candidates coming from all parts of the country including luzon and mindanao, i decided to rename it Queen Philippines so the
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@ZeeLifestyle
The reigning Queen Philippines Pageant 2015 winners.
scope will now be for the entire country. I guess this is the best time to thank all our supporters for making us feel loved all these years. Q: How does the pageant celebrate beauty? A: We celebrate beauty by giving equal opportunity for all. In fact, in this years competition, we have a candidate thats deaf-mute. I think thats speaks a lot of how we prioritize inclusion and diversity amongst us. As we continue to celebrate beauty at its finest, let us continue to remind each other that true beauty comes from within and that includes acceptance regardless if we are physically challenged in life. It should not limit us to achieve our aspirations in the same breath that it should pump us to. Q: On its seventh staging, what
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is special for this year’s Queen Philippines 2017? What is special about this years pageant is our theme which will leverage on our current Tourism slogan - "Choose Philippines". Our production numbers will highlight the many facets of our history, music, arts and culture. This is our own little way of supporting our country to continue to-love-ourown and making it known globally thru social media, that the talents and performances we can offer for everyone are world-class. Z Catch Queen Philippines 2017 Coronation Night on July 29, 2017 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino. Queen Philippines Pageant
Z
www.zeelifestylecebu.com
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