The Week Tracker

CEBU, Philippines -  A salvo of gatherings and celebrations kicked off the metro's social calendar this month. Following is a roundup of the different events and gatherings that took place in the city this week:

"Christmas Village of Hope" and Christmas Tree Lighting

SM City Cebu started the holiday season in a big way this year, as the mall unveiled its "Christmas Village of Hope" and lit up its gigantic Christmas Tree on November 7 in the Northwing Atrium.

The "Christmas Village of Hope" was originally conceptualized by couple Clayton and Joji Tugonon, who, after meeting with the pediatric cancer patients under the care of the Kythe Foundation Inc. a few years back, spearheaded a fundraising project for the foundation's beneficiaries.

The Christmas-themed diorama of miniature houses, places of business, fairground attractions, marinas, train tracks and more has since become a much anticipated event at the mall towards the end of every year. The fundraiser goes by "renting out" real estate space in the diorama. The rental is a patron's donation to the Kythe Foundation, for the laboratory, chemotherapy and medical needs of pediatric cancer patients.

A Christmas Tree lighting ceremony preceded the unveiling of the diorama, and a separate Christmas Tree lighting ceremony followed after in SM City Consolacion on November 8.

The "Mode de Vie" trunk show

A selection of funky fashion-forward shoes by designer Maco Custudio and elegant jewelry pieces and fashion accessories by designers Natalya Lagdameo, J. Makitalo and Ken Samudio headlined the inaugural run of the "Mode de Vie" trunk show.

Held in the new Restaurant Aziza at The Tinder Box in Banilad on November 7 to 9, the event showcased the latest collections of the four globally recognized Manila-based fashion accessory designers.

Ferrari in Cebu

Select models of Ferrari cars came to Cebu on November 7 to 9 for the first official Ferrari event in the city. The three-day roadshow was organized by Autostrada Motore,  the sole importer and dealer of Ferrari cars in the Philippines. It was the dealership's introduction to the elite Cebu market, apart from the introduction of the official service center for Ferrari vehicles, Formula Sports Inc.

The event took place at Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu on its first day, then at the Ocean Pavilion of Shangri-la's Mactan Resort & Spa for its second and third days. Several Ferrari models were made available for customers to test drive.

A certified Ferrari service team was on hand during the roadshow, addressing the questions and concerns of existing Ferrari owners. Simon Inglefield, head of Sales ASEAN at Ferrari Far East, also presented the brand's "Tailor Made" program - which essentially entails the personalization of Ferrari cars.

Real estate and housing company opens Cebu office A premier real estate brokerage

and housing development company opened its office in Cebu on November 8, set on providing a wide variety of real

estate services in the city and province as well as nearby islands.

Merlion Homes and Development Corporation, founded by Stephen and Anna Wang, was established to complement the robust growth of Cebu's and the Visayas region's real estate sector - to provide clients with relevant and timely services that yield to lucrative and profitable investments.

The company's office is located in the ground floor of Tipolo Square along Lopez Jaena St, Tipolo, Mandaue City. The official opening brings about an expansive roster of premier investment options and professional services in pace with the local real estate sector's growth.

Merlion Homes and Development Corporation website: www.cebuhousesforsale.com.