Cebu storytelling goes digital

With its relevant and engaging content,  Cebu’s noted Zee Lifestyle magazine has truly captured the vibe of the Queen City of the South  and continues to share it with the world.

Last year, after 22 years of print publishing, the magazine shifted direction to a digital platform. Its current network includes two dynamic website featuring Cebu lifestyle zee.ph, and a tourism site visitcebu.ph. A digital magazine can also be downloaded through its website or from Issuu. 

So far, three issues are available for viewing and download. The first cover featured Christina and Duke Frasco, a rising couple in Cebu politics. The second issue features Carlo Cordaro and his daughter Camilla and their newly opened Asmara, a country club oasis in the middle of the bustling Banilad area. And in the latest issue are Michel Lhuillier and Louie Thevenin, the duo behind La Vie in the Sky, destined to be the new “it place” in Cebu with its elegant decor and spectacular views of Cebu City from atop Busay Hills.

Paolo del Rosario and Eva Gullas.

The Zee digital edition contains the same blueprint as its paper issue — timely articles like the ongoing traffic problems the city is encountering as it copes with urbanization, and the Mactan Cebu International Airport, which opened its doors last July.

For personality profiles, it listed Top 5 Cebuano designers to watch out for in 2019 (Neil Filipp, Mia Arcenas Branellec, Liane Aboitiz Pena, Rei Escario and Doro Barandino), a fashion spread by Miranda Konstatinidou, and Cebu’s ever-changing dining scene.

Zee is also known for its Inside Cebu Homes, and the October issue featured two of the most luxurious penthouses in the city owned by businessman Martin Yeung with his wife Claudia, and Blake Go with his wife Divine Lee.

Louie Thevenin and Yvette Vass.

To celebrate its one-year milestone of turning digital, the magazine threw a party at La Vie in the Sky, the latest nightspot to hit the Cebu scene. With its dramatic black and white tiles and crystal chandeliers, guests were transported to a speakeasy scene wrapped in scarves and jackets as temperature in this part of the city can go down as low as 18 degrees during the months of December and January. Playing ‘20s club music was French DJ Romea. Surprise rock star from Germany Matthew Wood, courtesy of Miranda Konstanidou, belted a few ballads to the dancing crowd.

Cebu stories like these are continually uploaded to the zee.ph website and social media accounts.

The Phantom of the Opera returns to Manila

Scenes from The Phantom of the Opera.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, the world’s most popular musical today, announced the full cast members for its Asian tour. Presented in Manila by PLDT Smart, the musical premieres at The Theatre at Solaire for a limited season from Feb. 20. Tickets are now on sale through www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Following his successful stints as Che in Evita and Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jonathan Roxmouth returns to play the title role of The Phantom. Joining the tour as the young soprano Christine is Meghan Picerno. Matt Leisy will be playing the role of Raoul.

Also starring are James Borthwick, Curt Olds, Beverley Chiat, Melina Kalomas, Thabiso Masemene, Kiruna-Lind Devar, Sebastian Zokoza, Mike Huff, Joseph De Pietro, Eric Anthony Lopez, Luke Grooms, Ian Jon Bourg, Michael Gillis, Rouel Beukes, Jennifer West, Robin Botha, Clara Verdier, Janelle Visagie, Jana Ellsworth, Deborah Caddy, Saverio Pescucci, Jesse Klick, Ayaka Kamei, Rachel Thalman, Claire Van Bever, Skye Weiss, Järvi Raudsepp, Hillary Reiter, Jee Hyun Noh, Lungelwa Mdekazi, Megan Ort, Oliver Druce and Alexander Mendoza.

Photos by Johan Persson

The Phantom of the Opera is brought to Manila by Concertus Manila and produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions. It is presented by PLDT Smart. With thanks to Novuhair, Diamond Hotel Manila and OOCL. Media partners include  CNN Philippines, Tiger 22 and The Philippine STAR.

(For tickets, book through www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999.)

Potted Potter is back!

Celebrate, Potter fans!

Following three sold-out seasons in the previous years, Potted Potter makes a triumphant return to Manila from March 20 to 24 for nine shows only at BGC Arts Center’s Maybank Performing Arts Theater in Taguig City.

Potted Potter was first shown in Manila in 2012 and returned in 2013 and 2014, much to the delight of the its Filipino fanbase.

The show takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into 70 minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic!

(For more information, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999 for tickets.)

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)