Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2021/January 2022 i Lifestyle Asia

“It is time for us to think of the best people who can effect real change for our country as a whole” With the elections coming in 2022, we will have another opportunity to choose not only the leaders of our country, but also shape our future. We need to choose leaders that will reinvigorate a nation that has lost so much over the pandemic, put an end to systemic corruption, and alleviate people from poverty. We need leaders who will lift us up after falling so low. Let us use the past to open our eyes and minds and see beyond personalities, money, and personal agendas. We need people who will inspire us and set an example for future generations and make us proud to be Filipinos. It is…

“Being an artist is an existential state... not a profession” The mind of an artist is often a multi-laye red enigma that reveals facets of itself through the art that’s produced. One look at Ronald Ventura’s body of work and one immediately thinks of an opinionated, hardened individual that maintains a certain warmth and softness for the imperfect, the chaotic. There’s social commentary woven into his work, often seen as criticism that most definitely comes from a place of love—the tough kind but love all the same. Nowadays, it’s hard not to talk about modern art in Southeast Asia without mentioning or even thinking of Ventura. His works have garnered quite a sizable following in the last decade or so. “Party Animals” (2017), which features an image of a children’s…

The story of Cartier is a tale that has been told exclusively from the faces, wrists, and voices of significant, trend-setting icons since its inception in 1874. Today, the open-minded Maison is dedicating the chapter of 2022 to modernity; showcasing a who’s who of young, vibrant personalities from Monica Belluci to Jackson Wang, the Love Is All film comes as a festive reinterpretation of love infused with a uniquely-Cartier message of timelessness. STEEPED IN HERITAGE Only a handful of trademarks can truly say that they have existed for over a century. In this echelon, only one name has spent its long existence with unrivalled prestige and world-changing heritage, and that is Cartier. With their timeless pieces worn by esteemed royals from King Edward VII and Princess Caroline of Monaco, to…

When it comes to home skincare, we usually think of the traditional steps of cleansing then applying creams and serums on our faces. After all, we can save efforts like micro-needling and face massages for monthly facial appointments. However, no matter how devoted you were to visiting your facialist, multiple lockdowns put a temporary stop to clinical beauty procedures. But the silver lining of it all may be that we discovered how much we could do at home—even a spa-like facial! Sans an extra pair of hands, here are easy-to-use home skincare devices to spoil your skin with extra nourishing boosts. Whether you want a deep cleanse, celebrity-approved light therapy, a toning session (or all of the above), you may find your next favorite skincare investment in machine-form. ENVIRON COSMETIC…

Last month, Balmain Paris opened of its very first retail store in Manila at The Shoppes of Solaire Resort & Casino. The concept store will serve as the flagship in the country. Taking its visual cues from the second part of the maison’s official name, Balmain Paris, creative director Olivier Rousteing’s sought to transport the City of Lights to the Philippines with the intention of making all Balmain visitors feel the atmosphere of the French capital. Dedicated to Balmain’s FW21 collections for both men and women’s ready-to-wear as well as some runway, the concept becomes an immersive brand experience for clientele of the storied French fashion house. The 105-square-meter boutique has been elegantly outfitted in Balmain Paris’ most recent approach to retail, which represents the brand’s continuous renaissance. Boasting a…

Since the 1950s, Tudor has had a strong relationship with the French Navy (Marine nationale). From the time they created the first modern professional divers watch in that decade up until the 1980s, the watchmaker has regularly supplied the Marine nationale. With this year’s introduction of the Pelagos FXD model, Tudor is reviving this historic collaboration. The brand presents a technical watch that meets a unique set of specifications that was developed in conjunction with the French Navy's combat swimmers, the prestigious Commando Hubert. HISTORY LESSON Back in 1956, the Groupe d’Étude et de Recherches Sous-Marines (G.E.R.S.), a scientific body attached to the French Navy and based in Toulon, took delivery of some Oyster Prince Submariner watches in order to assess them in real-life situations. They were references 7922 and…

The freedom of an artist to express themselves, to do what they want in any given moment, wherever that may be, is what sparked Yeo Kaa's interest in the creative space. Through her paintings, the artist creates visuals of her inner demons and her world observations. The latter, the Palawan native reveals, is a newer chapter in her artistic development. "I think it's because when your mind is slowly getting healthier, you just don't think about yourself anymore but also the stuff around you," Kaa shares. The growth isn't just in my work but also in myself." She is known for juxtaposing whimsical, lively colored characters on a canvas with the work's implication of pain, violence, and sometimes suicide. Kaa camouflages some of her paintings' meanings with smile-inducing artwork at…

Despite the challenging year that has been 2021, when variants like Delta caused the worst surge in COVID-19 cases, when there’s record-high unemployment, and when the world’s longest lockdown in the world continued, there are still Filipinos who have made a positive impact in the world. Meet the 21 Filipinos who shaped 2021 through their inspiring tales, laudable efforts, passion projects, and unique triumphs. 1 Hydilin DIAZ As a weightlifter, Diaz is the first Filipino—and Filipina—to win the elusive gold medal for the Philippines at this year’s Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Her win ended a 97-year Olympic gold medal drought. En route to her victory, the Zamboanga City native set an Olympic record in the women's 55-kilogram category and lifted a combined weight of 224 kilograms. The victory is also…

“A blessing and a curse” is how Phillips Fine Jewelry founder Len Medina describes running her brand amid the pandemic. On the downside, the California-based company, like many other non-essential businesses, suffered through decreased sales. However, it was an opportunity for the entrepreneur to explore digital platforms to shape her brand’s identity and build global client relationships. “This has been a year for the history books. We’ve all learned a lot about ourselves, human nature, and how a virus that never existed before can upend the very fabric of society,” Medina muses. Through experiencing the peaks and troughs of the jewelry industry, she remains grateful to her loyal customers and technology for keeping her brand resilient. “Jewelry players can’t simply do business as usual and expect to thrive” ABILITY TO…

Influencers may come and go but Bryanboy has proven—yet again—that he’s here to stay. The celebrity style blogger has come a long way from leafing through fashion magazines as a young, Catholic schoolboy in Manila. Someone who detested uniforms, he’s always had a thing for showing off his individuality. “We fought for our seat on the table and I wanna celebrate those who do the same” “I hated looking like everyone else,” he says. “I really disliked the idea of a uniform in general, having to conform and having to wear what other people are also wearing.” This mindset sparked an interest in Bryan which eventually led him to fashion magazines and, later, starting his own blog in 2007 in his parents’ Manila home. His fun, cheeky take on trends…

Paulo Bautista and Danielle Osmeña ran in the same circles in high school and knew of one another, but it wasn't until after college when a mutual friend had set them up. Together for five and a half years before the wedding, Paulo proposed on their first COVID-19 trip, in Boracay. "Aptly enough, with Fern (the person who had set us up) and his wife, Julia," says Osmeña. The wedding ceremony took place at St. Alphonsus Mary de Ligouri, celebrated by Msgr. Matt Garcia and was followed by an intimate 30-guest reception at Osmeña's home. ("Like in my favorite Nancy Meyers film, Father of the Bride.") Although there were three months in between the engagement and the wedding, Osmeña says the entire event was planned in just one month. Initially…

Beauty goes beyond what is seen—it is who you are and what you represent. For Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez, she believes it’s all about the courage to live as who you are. “I guess what makes me beautiful is my bravery and being true to myself,” she says during the Q&A of the competition she won. “Beatrice Luigi Gomez, like the golden South Sea pearl, captures the very spirit of the Filipino” The story of Jewelmer and its creations are similarly full of depth and symbolism. With every pearl being a living miracle, the brand’s creations represent a harmony with nature, a product of time, care, and serendipity. Through its unique luster, every pearl tells an inspiring tale of passion from the hands of skilled craftsmen to the…

As more of our daily lives become integrated with technology; such as much of our daily transactions, personal information, and sensitive data; the need to establish human connections from both sides of the screen is essential. It’s simple—would you rather entrust yourself and your future to the automated systems of technology, or to a service-oriented human backed by the power and resources technology has to share? Behind all the ones and zeroes that govern our now digitally-powered normal, there are people who strive to make the world seem less technical and bleak than it already is. This is the purpose-driven leadership that inspires Pia Arellano, the CEO of data solutions and insights company TransUnion. To many, she is a nationalist at heart with over 27 years of corporate experience in…

“I never called myself ‘The Dark Man of Philippine Art,’” shares Andres Barrioquinto, referring to the moniker that art critics and publications have used to call the contemporary artist. “That started after the 13 Artists Award [in 2003],” the artist continues. “I think there was this writer or art critic that coined that. The term ended up sticking with me, so I just went with it.” A casual observer, even without knowing this nickname, will notice this “darkness” in Barrioquinto’s works. Grotesque figures stand out amid stark backgrounds; faces appear strangely calm beneath a sea of flowers, suggesting a sense of suspense and dread; hyperrealist portraits are inundated with surreal colors and intricate details. While there is that consistent sense of melancholy across his different styles and works, Barrioquinto says…

As the world slowly and safely returns to in-person events, RSVP LifestyleAsia held its first gathering since 2019. Hosted in Chef Jessie at Makati’s Rockwell Club, the event treated its fully vaccinated to an intimate, social-distanced luncheon to celebrate togetherness and authentic connections. Before admission to the private events space, attendees underwent a swab test by Avignon Clinic as a safety protocol. Upon entering, the decor of fresh white flowers, pillar candles, and a crisp tablescape by event designer Teddy Manuel greeted guests. The restaurant’s special menu featured entrées of Chef Jessie Sincioco’s bread selection, Mesuln & Microgreens in Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing, fresh fruit, and Cream of Fresh Mushroom Soup. For the main course, guests chose Grilled Tanche of Norwegian Salmon in Berlinoise Sauce, or U.S. Beef Cheeks Bourguignon served…

“New York is my most favorite city in the world,” says Tim Yap, who last week finished the New York Marathon. “It was where I experienced a lot of firsts, a lot of turning points and realizations in life and I wanted this run to be my love letter for NYC.” In a Facebook post, Yap says that he is still overwhelmed by the fact that he was able to finish the famed US marathon on its 50th year. “This is hands down one of the most exhilarating and unforgettable moments in my life,” the post reads. “Running 42km or 26.2 miles across the five boroughs of New York is something I never thought I could do, but it was a must check on my life's bucket list.” The idea…

Creating a home is something that can become overwhelming for a lot of people, whether or not we already have an idea on what we want to see once we reach the finish line. This is where the beauty of collaborating with wise and creative professionals in making our dream home come to fruition comes in. While some don’t take into consideration the lifestyle of their clients, or at least don’t prioritize it, VCDC or Victor Consunji Development Corp. does the exact opposite. Founded by Victor Consunji himself, this construction firm promises to create homes of quality–quality of build and quality of life, now and in the future. ELEVATED LIFESTYLE “The homes we build have a profound impact on the lives of our clients, their immediate families, and their future…

“I take inspiration from staple Filipino home-cooked meals, with an intent to enhance the basic flavors that we all love and grow up with” With the opening of Haliya, a restaurant poised to be a go-to dining destination for standout Filipino dishes, City of Dreams Manila sets off to a new culinary adventure, with modernized Filipino cuisine. Haliya impresses diners by infusing touches that enhance the flavors of classic Filipino dishes as showcased in over 20 of the most well-loved Filipino dishes that Chef de Cuisine Edmundo San Jose heartily reimagines with subtle innovations, using a mix of fresh local and imported ingredients. San Jose, 40, honed his 24-year culinary experience in banqueting and all-day dining restaurant operations in the Philippines and Middle East. While being exposed to various cuisines…

Louis Vuitton just opened shop at the newest luxury wing of Greenbelt 3 Makati. The 665-square-meter space, the brand’s biggest store in the Philippines, explores the country’s rich and colorful heritage. Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s “Spirit of Travel” and intertwined with local elements, the store has features that are unique to a traditional Filipino home. To give life to these local touches inside the store, the French fashion house collaborated with Filipino designers and sisters Stephanie Kienle Gonzalez and Jessica Kienle Maxwell of Philux. The design inspiration for the Greenbelt 3 store is the woven heritage of the country spread across its 7,107 islands—each thread a metaphor of the Philippines’ intrinsically diverse history, culture, and aspirations. This motif is presented through wall accents and artworks that are reminiscent of the…

ccording to artist Ronson Culibrina, life has not been much different during COVID-19. “I am used to being confined at home as an artist. The lockdown was not a big adjustment,” he says. A He adds that he spends his days mostly hustling around his studio, and enjoying the gifts of fatherhood. “I can spend some time with my family, especially my daughter. Being able to see all her milestones while working is a blessing,” Culibrina says. In terms of finding inspiration, he mentions a well-quoted maxim by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: “Change is the only constant thing in the world.” Spending his days practicing his art, Culibrina is always aware of what is happening around him. “When the pandemic hit, it didn’t do much in crippling my productivity. I’ve…

SECOND PLACE BY RACHEL CUSK In 1932, eccentric art patron Mabel Dodge Luhan hosted DH Lawrence in her mansion, located at the Taos art colony she had founded to further the spread (and it must be said, exoticize) of Native American art. As DH Lawrence is wont to do, the visit was fraught with drama. Luhan wrote about the experience in her memoir of the visit, Lorenzo in Taos. 89 years later, writer Rachel Cusk’s Second Place›is a semi-fictionalized account of the visit. Cusk is a master at telling the stories of women burdened with the task of caring for male geniuses, and in Second Place, she is in absolute top form. Set in a nebulous present (COVID-19 is implied), M and her husband Tony host painter L at their…

“If I convince just one person to try more vegetables, I’d be super happy” An interest in the arts, a solid experience in publishing, and a healthier nation as her advocacy. Juana Manahan-Yupangco is many different things rolled into one beautiful woman with a huge heart. Her non-profit organization—Mesa ni Misis—has been around for a couple of years now, promoting a healthier, plant-based diet for Filipinos. It’s a diet that heals, nourishes, and won’t break the bank. “In 2016, my husband [Rick] had a health scare,” Juana shares when asked when she started her plant-based journey. “It was a cholesterol-related issue and my husband was ordered to take meds. We didn’t want to so we went on an all-organic diet,” she said. This helped her husband’s cholesterol levels but Juana…

Pre-COVID, the last quarter of the year was usually reserved for some of the biggest parties of the land. From annual charity balls to epic year-enders that remained hot topics for months to come, these events were always something to look forward to. While vaccination continues to putter along and as other countries have started going back to the way things were event-wise, the Philippines still isn’t there yet almost two years after. But we at Lifestyle Asia believe that we should strive to find a reason to celebrate and put our best foot forward every single day. And, to this end, we’ve asked a few of our friends to indulge us in a little ‘what if’ scenario: if parties were back on the calendar today, what would you have…

This year marks the 10th anniversary of when Wilvy Sy Gübelin and her husband Raphael took over in leading the House of Gübelin, a Swiss, family-owned and -run firm. Founded in 1854, the company is known for its jewelry pieces, gemstone expertise, and watches. “You should look for gemstones and jewelry designs that have a personal meaning to you and which you are excited about” “My husband, his sister Sara, and I are now the sixth generation to helm the company,” Wilvy shares on being part of such a long-running family legacy. “I consider it a huge privilege as well as [a] pleasure to continue the family tradition and to be part of shaping the company for the future.” LEGACY OF INNOVATION After her father-in-law offered Raphael to lead the…