Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2019 i Lifestyle Asia

Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or just looking at enjoying a well-crafted meal, BGC’s newest dining destination Pinot is set to offer a relaxed fine dining setting that is sure to satisfy and amaze. Premium roasts and prix fixe sets thoughtfully created by Chef Markus Gfeller made from the finest ingredients can be shared with a group of friends or family. The set menus have options for 2-course, 3-course, and 4-course meals. For starters, guests can choose among Lobster and Crabmeat Slad, Duck Liver and Truffle Pate, Lobster Sago, or Seared Foie Gras. Wine-Braised Beef Cheeks, Rack of Bobby Veal and Kurobuta pork belly are excellent options for mains. And to cap your meal with dessert, Pineapple Colada, White Chocolate Flan, Praline Chocolate, Raspberry Semi Freddo, or Tart au Chocolate.…

The town of Fiesole is regarded as one of the wealthiest communities in Florence. Since the Middle Ages, it has housed Italy’s richest families—to this day, expensive residential properties line up the town. As one of the cornerstones of Italian art and culture, Fiesole’s rolling hills and architectural landmarks have inspired artists, garnering significant exposure in the works of notable writers like Renaissance humanist Giovanni Boccaccio and Nobel laureate Herman Hesse. In this affluent town, a maestro and his family orchestrate a group of handpicked artisans in their atelier. Guided by Florentine traditions, master craftsmen work alongside young apprentices eager to learn the subtleties of sartorial elegance. Through this intimate and intricate creative process, exquisite materials—hand-printed silk, crocodile leather, and precious gemstones, among others—are fashioned into the finest suits, shirts,…

Finding the right car has always been a challenge for us. I have five kids, which means our cars should have a minimum of 7 seats. It can be quite limiting because most vehicles with a capacity of 7 and above are usually people movers, which is okay when it is chauffeur-driven. But if you are looking for a nice, stylish, self-driven car, there are only a handful of choices. BMW has always been one of our favorite vehicle brands, having owned several permutations of their SUVs and sports cars. I would sum up the experience in one phrase: "It's a car made to be driven." BMW engineering always has sheer driving pleasure as its core value. When someone drives a BMW, they see and feel the difference. So imagine…

Palawan, the Philippines’ last frontier, continues to mesmerize tourists and locals for its natural wonders—its sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and unique flora and fauna. One of its most popular attractions that offer an exceptional eco-tourism experience is Coron, located at the northern part of the island. Its unspoiled beauty is set against a backdrop of mountains and limestone formations, inviting thrill and adventure in any vacation. For an experience like no other, Bacau Bay Resort is a one-of-a-kind escape to Coron and its beautiful scenery. Located just 30 minutes from Busuanga Airport and five minutes from Coron town proper, the resort has its exclusive pier, a welcoming gateway to the island’s natural wonders. Dive, snorkel, and swim alongside Palawan’s plethora of aquatic life at Kayangan Lake. Marvel at exotic…

For someone who comes from a family where food is everyone’s love language, it didn’t come as a surprise that Ana Lorenzana would eventually make a living creating great-tasting food. The women in the household where she grew up in were all strong women, from her mom to her grandmother. Her grandmother would always have food on the table while her parents were involved in the fish sauce industry. “Wherever we went, whatever we did, there’s always talk about food. Not just for entertaining, but in business as well,” Ana says. She shares of her childhood experience baking, “I loved to bake as a child. My mom gave me my first KitchenAid at the age of 13. I was just so inspired by that because the KitchenAid came with a…

An intimate gathering of Manila’s finest, from business leaders to people of influence, wined and dined to bottle after bottle of Cloudy Bay wines and plates of gastronomic creations by Pinot Manila. The darling of the luncheon affair was no other than Lifestyle Asia’s August issue headliner, Charmaine Lagman. Charmaine, an epitome of beauty inside and out, was accompanied by her husband Mike and their daughter Anya. The well-appointed space was spruced up for the occasion by Randy Lazaro and Casa Luxia, yellow tulips and white orchids bunched with lush blooms in the table setting. Guests trickled in wearing varying shades of blue as the event required—an ode to the nautical setting of Charmaine’s photoshoot aboard Chavit Singson’s yacht Happy Life. The sea of people in hues of blue was…

Upon stepping into Manila House Private Members Club, guests were greeted with a beautiful setup of red roses set against black curtains draped on the walls. The bold colors matched the two celebrants of the evening, Cris Albert and Tina Cuevas. Their closest friends which include Tessa Prieto Valdes, Rajo Laurel, and Tim Yap graced the elegant and intimate dinner. The night was fun and festive, applauding the beautiful and purposeful lives of these two lovely women. RED WITH PASSION The lavish floral arrangements of Robert Blancaflor and the rest of the tablescapes delighted the guests. The tall crimson candles and the golden accents of the tables and chairs added a stylish flair. To turn the venue into a gorgeous, charming space, hundreds of glimmering lights were hung from above…

“One of the most important facets of my parenting philosophy is for my children to be mostly outdoors,” says mother of four, Amanda Griffin-Jacob. “Everywhere you go these days you will see children of all ages glued to a gadget. That is not the way I want my kids to grow up. I want them to see the world and experience it. I don’t want them holed up inside.” To Amanda, that is not what makes a happy childhood. One of the ways she limits their gadget time is to encourage them to create their entertainment. “They know I don’t like it when they tell me they’re bored. They have a pool, a garden, so many toys, paints and paper, bicycles, scooters, and each other! Literally a plethora of choices,”…

Manila has long been accustomed to Italian flavors. The cuisine's distinctive fresh, rich, and sharp tastes have been favorites to our palate's usual penchant for sweetness. Thus is the rise of many Italian spots across the metro that fill this craving for pasta and pizza. Yet in this flurry of pomodoro and olive oil filled dishes, there's an emptiness that abounds many of these so-called Italian places. Dishes become a shell of their true selves—sauces reduced to a dull, sour bread without bounce or body, pasta with no bite whatsoever. A true Italian gastronomic experience is a rarity to replicate outside their home nation—and yet, this corner osteria in BGC makes a compelling case for itself. Bistronomia's (formerly known as the La Lola Group) newest concept introduces a rejuvenating menu…

Fun and fancy in the most luxurious way possible, Bvlgari brings a festive Italian summer to 1010 summer windows in more than 283 boutiques around the world. At the heart of the event is the Seventh Art, the muse which inspired Cinemagia, the luxury line’s High Jewellery collection launched last June in the majestic island of Capri. In an artful display of the Maison’s close relations with the world of cinema, glitz and glamor collide in harmonious fashion bridging fantasy with reality. Retro posters of imaginary films set in Rome, Capri, Portofino, and Lake Como adorn the walls, representing the idyllic locations where big stars escape the public eye and lather in luxurious vacations on yachts surrounded by paparazzi and secret liaisons. Windows are placed with a golden popcorn and…

In the 1910s, a creative concept of an oval-shaped timepiece was the focus of years of study and formal research. This gave birth to the Baignoire watch. Cartier’s masterpiece reveals the brand’s artistic excellence and drive for innovation. Its resplendent beauty is embraced by stylish women who have a deep love for classic elegance and timeless aesthetic. Worn and much appreciated by women of refined taste and culture such as Catherine Deneuve, Romy Schneider, and Jeanne Moreau, the horological piece is a perfect reflection of a woman with a sophisticated sartorial taste. Imagine Louis Cartier in 1912, playing with the traditional round shape of a watch and stretching it out. And with two straight parallel lines closed by two curves forming the shape of a bathtub (baignoire in French), the…

Boracay has always been one of my favorite destinations in the Philippines. Pristine waters, powder-like sand, world-class resorts and with direct flights to Caticlan, its always convenient to book a flight for a quick getaway. Since the reopening of Boracay last October 2018, I’ve seen so many improvements from the airport to a cleaner beach, to better roads and of course better sewage and waste management systems for the resorts and other establishments. I was very happy with all the positive changes that the closure brought about, albeit it made the known party beach destination in the Philippines less festive than before. With the reopening of Boracay came not only welcome upgrades on the island but also new and better resorts. I have been to Boracay many times and I…

Rays of sun peaked through the clouds as our 12-seater propeller plane takes off from the runway at Botswana’s Maun International Airport. The pilot, within arm’s reach, is tugging on the levers and flicking the switches calmly, despite the quick dips that create butterflies in my stomach. It’s finally happening, I think to myself, we’re starting our African safari. As we cruise just below the cloud layer, I see the flat landscape of the great Okavango Delta, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites known for its vast and lush grassy plains which house some of the world’s most endangered animals. We’re lucky enough to visit during the dry season, where wildlife is plentiful and easily seen, and the weather is pleasant. My mind is racing as I envision sparse plains…

“What? 120 styles?” I think to myself as Amina Aranaz Alunan and I talk about one of the collections currently on display at her namesake boutique. “Tiki Seashells” celebrates summer with beach-inspired colors, textures, and motifs. Shells and aquatic animals come alive on woven straw bags and totes, invoking the spirit of the festive tropical season. Amina later admits that her upcoming spring collection—almost done, but still a work in progress, she says—has already reached around 150 styles. “I always have so many ideas. Once I’m on a roll, I cannot stop!” she quips. Not one to be stifled by outside forces easily, she always designs first from the heart. “I usually don’t think yet about market demand when I design. I want to be limitless. If I am given…

The first time Jhett Tolentino heard of the Tony Awards was in his Social Studies class in high school where they were asked who the first Filipino winner was. The answer is Lea Salonga, for Miss Saigon in 1991. Never did he think that he will eventually follow her footsteps, 22 years later. “I only knew and felt that there was something bigger outside of Iloilo (his hometown). I knew I would not be settling there. As for what it was, I didn’t know what it is. It was just a saga,” he shares. Three Tonys and a Grammy later, Jhett returns with the intent of putting the spotlight on Filipino talent. “Back then, I always wondered why there was a lack of Filipinos on and offstage. Up to this…

“It all started with my obsession for peacock chairs and solihiya,” says Audrey Pastelero. “I just love the natural look of the material.” The young mother had already introduced her first child-focused furnishing venture, Fun Nest, when she realized that her obsession carried over from her natural desire to make fun pieces for her son, Theo. “I thought, why not add a rattan collection into the mix? So we started with rocking kalabaws, basketball arcades, football nets, and mini peacock chairs.” Audrey mentions the versatility of rattan. “There are so many possibilities, so many things you can do with it. Soon I started making things for myself too—charger plates, serving trays, beach loungers, and room dividers.” Thus, the idea morphed into a line for adults as well. “I decided I…

Who said we can’t defy gravity? There are definitely ways to prevent our skin from heading south. I hope everyone has already gotten on board with skincare as a means of self-care and self-love. Safe to say that there is nothing to be ashamed of for people, be it men or women, who use lifting creams and serums daily. There is a multitude of products available to keep skin looking fresh and firm, even on the neck area. Question is, which lifting creams are worth investing in? Here are my top picks for lifting creams that really work. KIEHL’S GINGER LEAF AND HIBISCUS FIRMING MASK I’ve been looking for a firming mask that I can leave on overnight. I would normally do this on my usual masks even when it…

Located at the heart of Makati City’s Central Business District, Makati Shangri-La Hotel has never failed to delight hotel guests and visitors with its plethora of dining options. Circles Event Cafe has continuously captivated diners with their open-theatre kitchens that deliver a wide array of cuisines. Inagiku, through Chef Wataru Hikawa’s culinary creations, presents a unique Japanese dining experience. Shang Palace’s luxe interiors and magical ambiance elevate Cantonese cuisine to a whole new level. Rounding up this list is Sage Bespoke Grill. Sage Bespoke Grill specializes in superior steaks cooked in a dual Josper grill using charcoal. The meticulous method ensures that the doneness of your steak is cooked exactly as requested. Under the careful watch of the kitchen’s skilled and respected chefs, each steak is seasoned to perfection, grilled…

One Sunday afternoon, we took a thirty-minute chopper ride to the farm with Raj Piku Uttamchandani, Director of the Farm at San Benito with his lovely wife Nadia, to attend the much-awaited opening of the new restaurant at the farm, Pesce. Not everyone was created vegan. Not everyone can survive more than a day without meat, be it chicken or fish. Many have been asking for more variety in terms of food at the farm. Now, all their prayers have been answered (this also means I can survive more than two days at The Farm). The Farm is my favorite weekend destination to detox, rejuvenate, and recharge away from the stress of the city. In line with its thrust of health and wellness, The Farm’s new restaurant focuses on health…

Three icons of the Serpenti watch collection undergoes a stylish reinvention with the royal beauty of the purple amethyst. Embracing beauty in the most unexpected ways, the luxury brand mixes precious and semi-precious gems in an audacious show of refinement. The purple amethyst is a sight to behold. Over centuries, the gem has been given various attributes and meanings—trust, intuition, and spirituality. It is also worn for protection and to quiet the mind. Cherished by the Egyptians as early as 4000 B.C., the purple amethyst represented power. The Greeks and Romans embellished their regalia with the beloved gem—crowns, scepters, and rings, to signify royalty and clergymen. Today, the color continues to dazzle, with Pantone naming Ultra Violet its Colour of the Year in 2018. BVLGARI is located at The Shoppes…

From the Tigris and Euphrates of Mesopotamia to the Nile of Egypt, from the Indus of India and Pakistan to the Yellow and Yangtze of China—each of these great ancient civilizations were born near a water form: a river, to be exact. Dubai shares similar beginnings. The then-mile-long stream was originally a pearl farming site and became the center of life of the pioneer community. It likewise served as the entry and exit points of merchant sailboats from friendly and rival kingdoms, near and far, way even before mighty oil was discovered. Just like how the human body acts as a vessel for the spirit, the Dubai Creek is the centerpoint as the soul of old Dubai. The famed body of water—which we explored during a recent day trip, upon…

Before Mark Bumgarner made his mark in the world of fashion, the Swiss-Filipino designer was first known in the world of car racing. “Racing was my first passion,” he says. Fashion and racing might seem like extreme, polar opposites but he says that it was during his travels for racing that got him interested in the world of design, and being able to see how women all over the world dressed up. About five years ago, he realized he wanted to make a career in fashion, and thus opened his atelier. “I decided to create clothes, bags, shoes, and sometimes, jewelry,” says Mark. Today, his designs are worn by a gamut of stars, from Lifestyle Asia April Cover Girl Heart Evangelista Escudero, the current Miss World Vanessa Ponce, and Bollywood…

A mainstay in the creative industry, Vince Uy got his start in advertising. “My first job was at Ace Saatchi and Saatchi. And when I was in publishing, I had been doing a lot of ad work on the side as well,” he says. After 13 years in the print side of the magazine business, he decided it was time to return to his roots, with the formation of Co Studio, which works to cultivate the latest in fashion, beauty, tech, and lifestyle. In a way, it is a mix of all his very best endeavors. “I own a boutique advertising agency that focuses on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands,” he says. “I oversee all of our creative outputs.” Calling what he does his passion, Vince mentions how hard he…

A small but mighty piece of technology, Dyson’s Pure Cool Me is a cooling fan and air purifier in one. With Dyson’s New Core Flow technology, the personal purifying fan is capable of projecting a stream of precise and focused air that cools and delivers cleaner air, all year round. An efficient and effective HEPA filter captures 99.95% of particles as small as allergens, and even ultrafine particles such as pollen, mold spores, and bacteria. Activated carbon also traps and absorbs gases,odors, and household fumes such as VOCs. Aside from its air cleaning properties, certain features also allow users to relax peacefully be it at the comfort of their own homes or at their usually stressful work environment. The device was acoustically designed and engineered to be as quiet as…