Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2020 i Lifestyle Asia

There’s something alluring, almost hypnotic, about a woman bursting with grace and joie de vivre. Her smile can send you into a frenzy of sensations, exuding the ardor and verve of a woman filled with a stark contrast of coy femininity and an unabashed attitude—she is Miss Dior. At a significant time in Christian Dior’s life, a desire for renewal preyed on his mind. Out of this pivotal phase, the iconic Miss Dior dress emerged. Embroidered with a thousand petals, the dress was a refreshing breakthrough in the world of fashion. The visionary sought inspiration from the legends of the twenties: contemporary artists such as Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali; Sergei Diaghilev’s cadenced Ballets Russes; and the new-era beats of Francis Poulenc and Henri Sauguet. Their aesthetic impact heavily influenced…

The overused cliché, teamwork makes the dream work, has never felt truer for Casa Bella’s founders, Joseph and Stephanie Tay. Ten years ago, the newlyweds’ passion for design led them to the establishment of a brand that thoughtfully and meticulously curates well-designed European home pieces and makes them available to Philippine shores. This was the birth of Casa Bella. From carrying a single brand, the company has now grown its range to seven labels—making itself known to its loyal customers for its impeccable taste and keen eye for luxurious pieces. And with the abundance of designer furniture stores out in the market, Casa Bella brought in new perspectives through the fresh eyes of its business owners. Last year, the duo opened the doors of its flagship showroom in Jupiter Street…

The Taal Vista Hotel, the eternal watcher of the fabled volcano and legendary lake, a witness to memorable moments and celebratory milestones, recently commemorated its 80th Anniversary through a themed luncheon, As Time Goes By, reminiscent of the melodious melody popularized by the blockbuster film Casablanca—with yesterday’s idols Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman—which delved on the sophisticated and illustrious history of its familiar halls and beyond, through its eight decades of prosperity. Born out of a desire of Philippine Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon for a weekend lodge for Filipinos and visitors to immerse themselves in the cool altitude with a dramatically picturesque vista of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, it has since undergone extensive renovation, expansive growth with added top-of-the-line facilities and much-desired amenities. Today, the highly admired undisputed…

The final quarter of last year witnessed the aftermath of the island’s rehabilitation. Both new and returning travelers were more than thrilled to see a wonderful improvement. Developments such as the restoration of the pristine white beach revived the island’s beauty. While people are all looking forward to experiencing the new Boracay, the national government calls for responsible tourism to preserve the island and its resources. Efforts are being done which include the regulation of tourist arrivals, setting up of relocation facilities for island workers, use of electric vehicles, and road reconstruction. With these continuous collective efforts, tourists can enjoy the island similar to its former glory. Along with Boracay’s reopening, bars and restaurants elevated their menu and retained their signature dishes as well as crowd favorites. After all, a…

As a non-surfer, hearing people talk about Siargao always intimidated me. It was on my radar but it was also not at the top of my list of places to explore in the Philippines. But what was once just known as the country’s surfing capital has slowly shifted gears these last couple of years. Siargao now reminds me of the perfect mix of Bali and Tulum. And that’s what makes this teardrop-shaped island one of the country’s top beach destinations. I’ve been to the island four times now and each time I’ve gone, I’ve experienced it differently. There are a thousand different ways to explore this tropical haven on both land and sea. It boasts a luscious coconut grove, majestic turquoise waters, and an endless list of things to do.…

The decision to leave an ancestral house to create a new space for one’s own unit is a milestone moment for any homeowner’s life, one that needs a meticulous eye in the search for the perfect nest and a discerning taste to find the right accouterments for an elegant and timeless home. This particular home is one that took years of careful planning, from the choosing of the right creative partners, down to the eventual construction of the given area. Jigs Adefuin, the Creative Director and Principal Designer of Adefuin Design Studio, sat down with the Lifestyle Asia team to discuss how this well-designed home came to be. The owner, a wife and mother of two, called the studio—after a thorough process of looking at several design agencies, aligning her…

An epitome of elegant beauty and sophistication, Linda Ley is a well-loved member of Manila’s social set. Ask anybody who went to her milestone birthday party at The Marriott last January 4, the first Saturday of 2020, and you’ll find nothing but kind words and praises. Her goal was short and simple, “It’s my milestone birthday and I want to create classy something and chic that’s social unforgettable 1 events, Linda .” Known opted for for her a disco-themed celebration. We asked Linda why she chose this theme. She exclaims, “I wanted my guests to feel the vibe of Studio 54 in New York where people go in their fabulous disco attires and party to the max!” True to her vision, the venue was then transformed to exude the feel…

STAY AWAY FROM SNACKS The biggest temptation is to snack—chips, chocolates, or otherwise. One of the biggest culprits of weight gain is oftentimes snacking salty or sugary food. It’s so easy to mindlessly snack on something while watching a movie, while working, or even while talking to someone. What makes snacking a hindrance to that beach bod is that a lot of it is empty calories that have little to no nutritional value. If you tend to get hungry in between meals, try dividing your meals into six small portions that you eat throughout the day to prevent bingeing when it’s time to eat. This may not seem obvious, but sleep is very important in transforming your body. No matter your age, seven to nine hours of sleep is a…

Relive the glitz and glamour of the past with Bric’s vintage-inspired luggage collection, Bellagio. Offered at the most relevant locations around the world, the sophisticated design and masterful craftsmanship of the line has made it a favored companion of international jet setters. The retro-styled shape and the leather details are a signature of the collection, an ode to the glory days of traveling in style. The high-performing polycarbonate trolleys come in four sizes. Thoughtfully structured, the smooth Japanese wheels, a new TSA lock, a convenient and ultra-light tow, and leather-coated handles provide welcome comfort and convenience. Upon opening, you’ll appreciate its soft lining with a herringbone pattern, as well as the functionality provided by zippers and hooks placed strategically to accommodate your preferred a r ra n ge m e…

When oil p r i ce s soared, a n d t h e supply nearly depleted, the race to find a more sustainable source of power for petrol vehicles have become the goal in mind of most, if not all, automotive companies. Electric vehicles have started becoming a reality, especially in Europe (more specifically Germany), where legislation has helped speed up the process. Companies like BMW are aiding the growth by including the convenience of charging an electric car in their company strategy. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, calls to have one million charging points in Germany alone by 2030. But in other parts of the world, specifically Asia, China has been leading the race being the home of the fully automated Tesla manufacturing plant and with several local brands…

Boracay is famed for its white sand beaches, vibrant and diverse marine life that’s as colorful as the bars that dot the shores, and the majestic sapphire sea that leaves tourists in awe. While these drive people to flock to this world-renowned island, it’s the delectable food that keeps them coming back for more. Among them is Aqua Boracay’s new restaurants, sea.food and QTCHN. Serving only the finest and freshest seafood to its diners, Chef Chele Gonzalez has curated a variety of mouthwatering dishes that complement life at the beachside, and spiced them up with his own take. 1 MUD CRAB WITH SICHUAN SAUCE Inspired by the Szechuan cuisine of China, the Mud Crab immediately gives a spicy kick at the first bite. This punchy sauce is drizzled all over…

Satisfy the senses with a well-deserved escape in Discovery Primea. The well-appointed spaces of the luxury hotel offer a unique lifestyle for business and leisure travelers. The 68-storey edifice, with 140 hotel guest rooms and suites and 90 serviced residences, is located along Ayala Avenue at the heart of Makati’s Central Business District. Thoughtfully designed for transient and extended stays, each room comes with the necessary amenities and services, providing ease and convenience. But aside from the expected luxuries of a premium accommodation, a fantastic set of dining options are just as essential. Discovery Primea offers fine cuisines that are sure to titillate any discerning palate. Tapenade opens a gateway to the thrilling flavors that the Mediterranean has to offer. Excellent dishes from Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey and Morocco…

When Berna Romulo Puyat was younger, stepping out into the public eye and working in government service had never been her plan. The daughter of former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Romulo and Lovely Tecson, she grew up surrounded by adults immersed in the political sphere and came from a long line of Romulos who had devoted themselves to the nation. Everything young Berna had learned of that world had her determined to be a homemaker, like her mother, but life, as it often does, had different plans for her. A graduate of the University of The Philippines with an undergraduate and master’s degree in economics, she was first an educator at the university’s School of Economics before the political bug bit her. In 2004, she ran for the…

To Venus Ngu, founder and managing director of premier furniture brand curator Casanuova, a meaningful life is one driven by passion and purpose, “It is about waking up each day because you are excited to pursue your passions or take it to the next level. It’s knowing each day that you are working towards a purpose larger than yourself. It’s working on something, not because there is a task at hand but because you want to share your passions and gifts.” With this in mind, her penchant for upscale design, and a keen eye for detail, Venus was then able to refashion their family villa into an exquisite gathering place which doubles as an expansive showcase of Casanuova’s sophisticated pieces as well. The villa, as Venus says, was built as…

To help you (and myself) get into the summer mood, I have compiled a check-list of things to do before summer officially hits. It’s going to take a little bit of effort and somewhat of a lifestyle change, but it is all going to be worth it as you will feel healthier, better and more in the mood to enjoy your planned vacation. As they say, diet or food is 90% of having the ideal body that you want. The key to a rocking summer bod, more than anything, will always be a clean diet. But keeping a strict meal plan during busy days can be challenging, and not everyone has the time (nor the capability) to cook and prepare meals in advance. Your best bet is to subscribe to…

The afternoon was hot and humid, and the drive to Cavite long and dusty. But over bottles of cold beer, I had the privilege and pleasure of having a very interesting discussion with art ingénue Ronson Culibrina, whose unique point of view is that of a colorful and striking examination of social issues, challenging viewers into thinking beyond the confines of the paint and the canvas. Casual and very relaxed, Ronson welcomed the Lifestyle Asia team to his home and studio, where we were given a sneak preview of his upcoming exhibition pieces, other works of art that are yet to be publicly released, and the admirable discipline he imposes on himself—a rare trait among many extremely talented artists. While most virtuosos pride in their organized messes, Ronson is quite…

If you’re planning a trip this summer, our country is one of the best places to explore. Philippine beaches are some of the best in the world—but there are so many examples that it can be difficult just thinking where to start. There are the classic destinations like Boracay (which has become even more beautiful thanks to its re-opening) and Palawan, and some more newly-developed spots like Siargao. Our tourism industry is more robust than ever, and there has never been a better time to explore our own natural treasures. To help get you started on your vacation planning, we’ve compiled a list of the best accommodations around the Philippines. Each resort on this list was chosen carefully for their luxurious facilities, access to a pristine beach, great food, exciting…

Manila, even with the luxury of its many conveniences, can be a bit too stressful at times—thanks to the perpetual traffic and high-population density problem that continues to be unsolved. A break from the monotonous views of towering skyscrapers and halted vehicles in EDSA would be heavenly when your time affords it, and a quick and convenient flight to your destination of choice proves to be therapeutic especially when needed. Far up north is one of the Philippines’ not-so-secret havens. Vigan, the capital of the province of Ilocos Sur, is a national treasure that continues to flourish for preserving its customs and traditions. Fittingly called the Heritage City, sett pavements and colonial-era architecture not only make for scenic sights that you would never see in the highly-urbanized business districts of…

Only a two to three-hour flight away from Manila, Siargao is the perfect escape from the congestion and stress of the city. A weekend trip here is really all it takes to grasp how different this island is compared to the other famous beaches in the Philippines, like Boracay and Palawan. It’s hard to say what it is exactly, but there is truly something special and charming about this island and how it makes you feel like you never want to leave. Perhaps, this feeling comes from the combination of the island’s slow and relaxed pace with its welcoming people. Or maybe, it’s because the island is still so simple as it has not been filled with skyscrapers, fast-food chains, and popular hotels. Or possibly, it’s because it is as…

While most brands offer full-service kitchen design and installation, KUYSEN Poggenpohl Flagship Showroom goes above and beyond to surpass their elite clientele’s highly coveted satisfaction. More than just the basic functional requirements of a kitchen, a Poggenpohl-designed layout is one that provides the optimum solutions for its user’s personal needs. With quality, innovation, functionality, and design as primary components of the luxury brand’s vision, the wide selection of kitchen cabinet fronts available offers versatility in form and function. Poggenpohl prides itself as the oldest kitchen brand in the world. Established in 1892 by Friedemir Poggenpohl as a carpentry, the brand has flourished in the decades of its existence, introducing ergonomic worktop heights, and storage innovations aimed at improving the kitchen. Back in 1950, Poggenpohl created the first fitted kitchen which…