Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i Lifestyle Asia

Beauty is all about perspective. There is no definitive meaning of beauty. It has become heterogeneous. Beauty comes in different forms, shapes, and mindsets. The essence of beauty has greatly evolved with the advent of new philosophies and principles, shaping different cultures and practices. We now live in a world where the concept of beauty is being debunked every day, with stereotypes being challenged incessantly. We live in a new world where anyone and everyone can be beautiful. In this issue, we tackle beauty in different lights and themes. Truly, the meaning or the essence of beauty has evolved into many different things. And we celebrate this multi-faceted view of beauty through our cover, Charmaine Lagman. Charmaine is undoubtedly beautiful inside and out. She radiates a strong sense of womanhood…

Kaayo piece weaves together narratives that are as beautiful as the patterns and beadwork that embellish the garment. As founder Marga Nograles puts it, Kaayothe Bisaya term for “kindness”—is a curated collection of different Mindanao stories. One can look at each item of clothing as a colorful and decorated tale about Mindanao artistry, local culture, and the communities that bring the brand to life. Kaayo’s story began with a simple jacket and a desire to help out. Already an established entrepreneur in the south, Marga would often have visitors in her office. They would drop by either to chat or humbly ask for help with everyday necessities, and Marga would happily oblige. LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER Elena, a T’boli woman, and a longtime family friend was one such visitor. Thinking…

Javier Puno and Catherine Concepcion met in the third year of high school during a soiree between Southridge and Assumption High School. Javier proposed on a hike in Laguna, taking advantage of the fact that Catherine had never seen a waterfall before. “As we got deeper into the forest, the waterfalls became bigger. We were at the last, biggest, and most beautiful waterfall,” remembers Catherine. “The rain stopped and the sun finally came out and reflected on the waterfall’s mist creating a rainbow. With nature on his side, he pulled me aside, knelt, and proposed.” Their wedding was at the Santuario de San Antonio Parish in Forbes Park, after which they celebrated in front of the presence of all their friends and family at Shangri-la at The Fort. Both Javier…

1 BALANCING THE SKIN’S NATURAL ECOSYSTEM Formulated with prebiotic molecules that protect, the product is alcohol-free. The combination of two marine active ingredients, blue microalgae, and marine Salicornia extract include benefits like the protection of skin from pollution-related micro-stresses and dual fortifying and hydrating skin action. 2 THE ULTIMATE COMFORT Fresh and delicate skin feels comfortable, with the complexion left even and luminous. Four pumps of product on the cotton pad and smoothed all over the face is all that is needed in this daily, fuss-free no-rinse ritual. 3 THE ECSTASY OF REMOVAL Suited for all skin types, from the hardiest to the most sensitive, Chanel’s take on cleansing leaves skin feeling fresh and clean, even on the most waterproof of formula. With micelles that capture and remove makeup, the…

Drawing inspiration from Murano glass, the precious fragrance is encased in a slender cocoon-shaped bottle and coated in a subtle pale green lacquer capped in a cube-shaped cover with a sophisticated silver edging. The outer packaging carries the signature soft-touch snakeskin print of Jimmy Choo, and with it, the star essence of this new scent, an exquisite Magnolia. “I created a delicate floral bouquet, swirling with petals of Sweet Pea, Magnolia and Apricot Flower, textured in elegance and softness. To decorate this portrait of the Jimmy Choo woman, I chose the energy of the sparkling Bergamot and Mandarin on top, while Ambroxan, Blond Wood and Musk close the scent with character. I wished to represent the Jimmy Choo woman in all her facets, the very essence of what makes her…

WET AND DRY ELECTRIC SHAVER SERIES 7000 Three-day stubble? No problem. With the SkinGlide rings coated with anti-›iction, say goodbye to skin irritation as the shaver effortlessly glides across your face. PHILIPS’ MALE GROOMING BOOTH is located at Rustan’s Makati AQUATOUCH WET AND DRY ELECTRIC SERIES 5000 A regular blade is no match for the MultiPrecision Blade System, thoughtfully designed to protect your skin while you enjoy an invigorating shave. MULTIGROOM 9-IN-1 SERIES 5000 Nine tools and a DualCut technology that includes two times more blades and has self-sharpening blades are sure to impress any man who knows how to style himself well. HAIR CLIPPER SERIES 3000 For an easy, no ›ills cut without the hassle, this handy item has Trim-n-Flow technology that prevents hair clogging on top of DualCut…

APHÉLIE A golden brown rutilated quartz adorns a pink gold necklace, the striking gem mesmerizes with its warm hues and effects of depth and transparency. Tassels arranged in a sunray motif around the cabochon unleash the sun-drenched brilliance of the inclusions. The needles woven within complement the round central stone with the beads of morganite countering the jagged diamond set with onyx edges. Touches of coral and pink diamonds enrich the color palette as the onyx punctuates the relief and creates perspective. THÉIA A delicate placement of seven round-shaped Colombian emeralds inside leveled rock crystal motifs is a masterful collision of precious stones. Against the skin, the reverse of the rock crystal section is faceted throughout. It is a technique that is invisible to the eye but adds sparkle to…

Greece is in almost everyone’s travel bucket list. And more often than not, it is because of the wonderful views and idyllic locale that Santorini offers. It was on mine for the longest time. For one, I’m a Greek mythology junkie. Besides having Edith Hamilton’s Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes as a regular bedside read during my teenage years, any novel with Ancient Greece as a backdrop is an absolute shoo-in. It took me 20 years to set foot on the cradle of western civilization—as if my subconscious knew that if I go, I may never leave. When I did, the first few steps took my breath away. It was like meeting the love of your life for the first time. No wonder Greek mythology was the most captivating…

It was a Sunday morning at the GAOC (Gan Advanced Osseointegration Center) in Makati City when I sat down with multi-awarded dental surgeon, Dr. Steve Mark Gan. GAOC is the product of Dr. Gan's hard work, and with its state-of-the art dental equipment and expertise in personalized patient care, many of the country's biggest names trust Dr. Gan's brand of dental care. Dr. Gan is proudly self-made, starting his practice with three thousand pesos and a third-hand dental chair in a small clinic in Binondo. From one branch to 10 GAOC premium clinics and 5 Novodental clinics, it is with passion, grit, and determination that he grew his empire and made a name for himself. Dubbed as the “Dentist to the Stars,” Dr. Gan gained fame in 2007 when television…

CITRUS VERBENA THRILL THE SKIN Perfect for everyday use, the Refreshing Shower Gel gives a cooling sensation that delicately perfumes skin with a fresh, zingy, scent. EPITOME OF FRESHNESS Enriched with a cooling menthol derivative, the Invigorating Hair & Body Mist is a must-have for summer days. The non-sticky formula produces a light texture that supplies a feeling of well-being. GLORIOUS SUMMER DAYS The warmth of the sun on the skin and hazy days beside the pool feels even better with the Refreshing Water Gel, a soothing, hydrating product that leaves skin cooled and fragranced after a day spent outside. With texture made up of tiny-micro bubbles, the application is an even more enjoyable experience. CLASSIC VERBENA ICE SLUSHIES BY THE SEA The Frappé Body Cream comes with a fresh,…

After an overnight stay in Istanbul—a city often visited—we drove to the airport at the break of dawn for an hour and a half long on yet another Turkish Airlines flight to Kayseri, the preferred hub to the 160-square-kilometer Anatolia Region, of which our main destination was Cappadocia, a jarring contrast of natural wonders and fanciful architecture, some 730 kilometers from the capital. Its name, mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter Two, Verse Nine, is derived from katta peda, which means place below from the language of the Hittite Empire, is the origin of its toponym. Today, it cements itself as an ethereal destination for tourists and travelers, environmentalists and archaeologists, the adventurers and the devout, and even the curious, who wish to seek…

Beauty comes from within. It conveys in confidence and happiness that shows in our bearing. Beauty manifests in different shapes and sizes, in all races and all genders. Describing beauty is particular to each person. It is personal. There will be different standards and criteria because it is part of our uniqueness and different experiences. It has been described in varied ways in different cultures and is so diverse that it isn’t unusual to have different definitions and qualities. For some, being beautiful is having a fully made-up face, while others appreciate a bare face. There is a widely held notion that being beautiful is about physical beauty which others can admire. I think this notion comes from a need to be affirmed. However, we do not need the approval…

Beginning the interview, Romy Sia narrates the story behind his successful business. Having come back from living in the UK, he and his wife were surprised to discover that their son developed a food allergy. At the doctor’s advice, they were told not to give him anything with artificial ingredients. This proved to be a huge problem when he discovered that all products in the local supermarket contained one or more artificial additives. The dilemma prompted him to develop a store concept that provides all-natural chemical-free food products. Healthy Options currently has 33 stores across the country. Next year, the brand is celebrating its silver anniversary. From a 106-square-meter space, its flagship store has expanded 4 times to 650 sq. m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall. Romy proudly says that…

Joni Koro and Camille Co met each other on a plane. “We were seated beside each other, and Joni just kept talking to me from the moment I sat,” shares Camille. The proposal took place in Tokyo. “He kept telling me we should check out this pretty park he found online,” she says. “Little did I know that he already booked a photographer to sneakily document his proposal.” The marriage took place in Villa Catignano, a beautiful 17th-century estate located a few minutes away from the Siena city center. “We wanted an intimate destination wedding with only our closest family and friends, so we only had around 75 or so guests,” says Camille. While both Joni and Camille enjoy sharing their lives on social media, they were adamant about having…

In today’s hyperactive society, managing multiple passions simultaneously is not unusual. But who says that it's okay to look tired and worn out while doing all the things that you love and care about? There is a multitude of products that will not only help you look good but also make you feel good and even powerful. If you feel good, you feel confident. And if you are confident, your positivity increases. And we all know that positive outlook is power. So here are some products that will make you look extremely fresh and ready for any challenge that comes your way. Take supplements or use skin care products rich in vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A is essential for skin health and efficient in treating wrinkles. Vitamin C is the…

BLOOMING BOUQUET 2019 Picture a romantic dress embroidered with thousands of blooms and imagine the scent of a fresh blend of florals—peonies and Damascus roses with Calabrian bergamot edged with white musk lace. Envelope yourself with a springtime signature, a glorious quintessence of the enchanting Miss Dior. MISS DIOR ROLLER-PEARL BLOOMING BOUQUET An easy and modern take on fragrance application, Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Roller-Pearl is an elegant bottle topped with a delicate pearl. For quick and on the go perfuming, this handy piece of luxury evokes a posy of flowers with a simple dab on your wrist or nape. DIOR is located in SM Makati, Podium, Rustan’s Shangri-La Plaza, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura Premier…

1 SCARS AWAY! An integral process in the healing of wounds and other skin abrasions, scars go through numerous changes and are permanent in nature. Through constant use, overall look can improve its form. 2 HIGH MARKS Stretch marks vary across age, race, diet, and skin hydration. Though it does not promise complete removal, application twice daily will help skin recover. 3 SHADES OF YOU Whether excessive exposure to the sun or hormonal fluctuations cause it, use of the product can help enhance the appearance of uneven skin tone over time. 4 YOUTHFUL GLOW To reduce the appearance of wrinkled skin, numerous ingredients help to rejuvenate the skin, making it softer, smoother and more supple. 5 MOISTURIZING POWER Aside from its moisturizing qualities, it supplements the skin’s natural oil layer,…

Italy’s favorite frozen delight is brought to life with the BVLGARI BVLGARI Gelati collection. Perfectly capturing the spirit of the famed Roman Jeweller, the delicious-looking ice lollipop of the collection is cool and contemporary with a touch of humor—a cheeky bite is taken out in one corner. Decadent with its dash of irreverence, it is a young and playful creation made for the stylish and daring woman of today. BVLGARI is located at The Shoppes at Solaire, Solaire Manila Resort & Casino, Aseana Avenue Entertainment City, Parañaque, 1701 Metro Manila…

La Prairie, a leading Swiss luxury skincare brand, recently opened an exhibition exploring the beauty, the mystery, and the enduring timelessness of the gaze. Featuring three rising Swiss female photographers from the Lausanne University of Art and Design (ECAL), a post-secondary educational institution known for promoting Swiss creativity around the world and ranked among the world’s top 10 universities of art, Daniela Droz, Namsa Leuba, and Senta Simond presented unique points of view. Entitled Eyes in Focus, the three-woman exhibition was launched in the La Prairie Pavilion in the Collectors Lounge during the Art Basel in Basel. “We are very excited to partner with Daniela, Namsa and Senta. Their pioneering works are in perfect harmony with La Prairie’s heritage of audacity. We firmly believe that it is essential to support…

As the cliché goes, the beach is the “Best Escape Anyone Can Have”—and I couldn’t agree more! The beach is my sanctuary. Time slows down. The sound of the waves crashing into the shore becomes a lullaby, the warmth of the sun combined with the cooling effect of crystal clear waters replenishes my energy, and the sky bursting with colors during sunrise and sunset inspires me to continue chasing my dreams. This is my therapy from all the stresses of busy city life. On my 30th birthday, I wanted to do something memorable—something that I can proudly tell stories about. Being a thalassophile, I thought, “Why not visit 30 beaches?” Our country is an archipelago with 7000+ islands. Hence, going to 30 beaches doesn't seem too difficult. So I did…

Vienna and Dubrovnik, while only 600 kilometers apart, both offer magnificent yet widely contrasting experiences of central Europe. Vienna, the city of music, consistently boasts of luxury and paradise in either inconspicuously quaint streets or pompous royal palaces. Meanwhile, the hidden gem that is Dubrovnik appears to be a rustic and bustling city on the coast of the Adriatic sea with eye-catching red, terracotta rooftops all over its charming Old Town. SURROUNDED BY SPLENDOR Grandeur, affluence, gold, and music are the first thoughts that come to mind when I recall the first stop of my Europe trip, Vienna. Whether I was having an apple strudel inside the local Gernst cafe or getting lost in the Schoenbrunn Palace, I was constantly given the impression that Vienna is an isolated utopian city…

FURNITALIA enriches its collections of luxury furniture and fixtures with Paolo Castelli. With designs made in Italy, the luxury brand redefines elegant contemporary living. Paolo Castelli S.p.A. is a historical name in Italian design, known in the circles of fine furniture and lighting and contract sectors. The new Paolo Castelli Code Collection continues its brand legacy with the addition of Joy and Golden Cloud lighting fixtures. JOY With the idea of giving form to light, three brass rings of position in varying heights with big satin-white and smaller pink see-through hand-blown glass spheres suspended from a thin metal structure effectively interpret the artistic concept. The light emitted by the spheres illuminates the frame with the reflections of the brass rendering the luminous field visible by its aura. GOLDEN CLOUD A…

We went on a trip down memory lane during the grand 81st birthday celebration of Louie Ablaza, the honorary consul of Zambia, when the Ablazas unveiled their private museum at Hacienda Amelia, their sprawling hideaway in Alfonso, Cavite. Dubbed as their "happy place", the imposing two-story edifice holds many of their prized possessions and mementos with rich and beautiful stories that are meant to be told and shared with people who became part of their lives. The ground floor of the museum is occupied by Consul Louie's collection of thirty classic cars, each with its own story to tell. The second level houses two separate showrooms. One area is dedicated to Mellie Ablaza, the beautiful wife of Louie and the honorary consul of Guatemala. Her showroom displays her elegant gowns…

In a room filled with industry leaders and entrepreneurs, RSVP Lifestyle Asia celebrated the success of the magazine’s July 2019 issue. Cover personality Camille Villar and husband Erwin Genuino, together with other influential people, graced the event. It was a wonderful afternoon that honored the remarkable work of these people in their respective industries. Important guests such as Dr. Z and Aivee Teo, Rajo Laurel, Chucho and Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Cat Arambulo-Antonio, and Tina Cuevas graced an intimate luncheon held at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Bonifacio Global City. The elegant space was filled with a cheerful ambiance from the pleasant conversations shared among the honored guests. In his welcoming remarks, Lifestyle Asia’s Editor in Chief Dong Ronquillo thanked the guests for attending the event. He talked about how working on the July…