Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2022 i Lifestyle Asia

To her peers and even her 104,000 Instagram followers, Tessa Prieto-Valdes is a head-turning and scroll-stopping personality who preaches positivity—a quality she attributes to growing up with lots of love and laughter. She's maintained this image even while her marriage with her husband, Dennis, of 26 years was ending. "If I didn't have this total positive attitude, I could stay in that dark hole forever," the philanthropist says while on a trip with her kids in Australia. Prieto-Valdes and Dennis enjoyed a whirlwind romance, as she describes it. The couple got married after six months of dating, celebrated their crystal wedding anniversary in Africa, their 20th in a Game of Thrones-themed party, and their 25th with a safari motif. "But we evolved. We evolved; in my mind, I thought we…

ELECTRIC STUDIO RHYTHM BOXING The latest in Kristina Sy’s fitness empire, Electric Studio Rhythm Boxing is an offshoot of her widely popular indoor cycling classes. The service was set to start in the middle of 2020, but like all businesses, went through delays before launching online on Zoom with the other offerings on indoor cycling and core fitness. This year, the Podium branch finally re-opened with a refurbished look. The boxing room is beautiful, fully equipped with punching bags and a DJ-like setup at the front of the room. What was once a lobby space purely for the cycling side, now both exercises share the area, with an enlarged bathroom for women and men. FENCING Thanks to the hit K-Drama Twenty Five Twenty One, there is a surge of interest…

PRADA RE-NYLON BLOUSON JACKET This classic will never get out of style and is certainly a Prada essential. Its sporty design, blouson jacket is made of Re-Nylon, a regenerated nylon yarn made from recycled, purified plastic materials collected in the ocean. The hood, straight sleeve, zipper closure and zipper pockets make it a very practical choice. BALENCIAGA TROOPER RUBBER BOOTS I’ve always wanted to wear these, and I think the best time to use them is during the monsoon season. The Space Shoe in matte black rubber is in several looks in the red carpet collection of Balenciaga’s Summer 2022. This pair is a highly innovative single mold alternative to the classic derby. I love the square toe shape and thick toothed outsole. FENDACE WHITE CANVAS LOGO BUCKET HAT Not…

An up-and-coming Thai restaurant has managed to compress morning, afternoon, and nighttime in a single 200-square-meter space in SM Aura. All in one time zone. This is the evolving concept of Greyhound Café, SM Aura’s newest food venue that traces its roots to a popular Thai restaurant chain known to have “the hottest seats in Bangkok.” “It caters to everybody from younger families to groups of friends who just want to enjoy something different” Vicente Raphael del Rosario IV, president of Viva International Food & Restaurants Inc. (Viva Foods), describes Greyhound’s Philippine foray as modern and familiar. “For the first store that we opened, the theme is sort of as you walk through the store it’s Bangkok by day. And then there’s another portion where the bar area is, it’s…

It’s quite easy to dismiss Xandra Rocha-Araneta as just a pretty face from a sheltered upbringing. To miss out on everything else about the multi-hyphenate, however, is at one’s own loss. “People often think I’m quite prim and proper but that’s not always true,” she says with a smile. “I can be quite goofy.” It seems quite hard to believe, at first. However, as Rocha-Araneta talks about the things that make her happy, you’ll see clues of that: a heartier, quirkier laugh and a wider smile. This writer sat with her for two hours in a café and I’ve barely scratched the surface. A wife, a mom, a host, a foodie, an entrepreneur, and a few more things in between, there’s a long list of what defines her. How she…

Last March 31, in Makati's New World Hotel, the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines (BDWP) Awards Ball took place after the pandemic's interruption. Since 2004, the charity fashion show has raised funds for the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) which helps underprivileged Filipinos fight the disease. Angola Consul Helen Ong leads the almost two-decade-long advocacy. While the world is still recovering from the global health crisis, Ong believes it's more important than ever to assist in-need cancer patients. "Going through this pandemic for the second year only intensified our desire to continue raising awareness and funds to help our fellow Filipinos who have been gravely affected by cancer," says the Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Chairperson. MAKING A DIFFERENCE "It's been a trying two years, to say the least,…

Two years have passed and it made us wonder what the future holds. Many lost hope, businesses closed, many lost their jobs, and many lost their loved ones. We are fortunate that we are alive right now and we can reset, refocus, and renew our energy with new beginnings and possibilities. “Now, I will choose hope—I have faith in humanity and in our future as a nation” As things get back to normal, we again feel a sense of living life to the fullest. But more than that, how to live a more meaningful life. We have a new President. I’m trying to make sense of everything. I never have imagined in my lifetime that the Marcoses will be back in Malacañang. They say that Filipinos forget easily. I guess…

“Everybody, no matter who it is, has a base from which everything is launched” Every day, when bricklayer-daredevil Victor Consunji wakes up, he asks himself two questions: One, “What do I have to do today?”Two,“WhatdoIwanttodotoday?” The answer to the former is a long list of responsibilities that come alongside his role as the president and chief executive officer of his own construction company, Victor Consunji Development Corporation (VCDC). The answer to the latter has a lot do with checking up on his nine-year-old son Connor’s life, and thinking about the next challenge that lies ahead. His days don’t share many things in common, he reveals, in his equable, candid self—except that he has to keep a constant, although vacillating levels, of adrenaline rush. “I try not to live a structured…

After getting married in a more intimate civil wedding in Manila back in 2020, Camille Lhuillier and Andrea Albani have now walked down the aisle in a grand celebration in Italy. “As a whole my wedding day was exactly as I imagined it would be with a few surprises sprinkled in. We spent two years planning and finally everything came together as it should have,” Lhuiller tells Lifestyle Asia. Lhuillier and Albani said their vows at the La Posta Vecchia Hotel, a seaside villa in Ladispoli’s Pazo Laziale. “La Posta Vecchia as a venue is beautiful and so Roman and classic,” Lhuillier, the general manager of Palacio de Memoria, recommends. Attending family members included Lhuiller’s parents—Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain Philippe Jones Lhuillier and Edna Diago Lhuillier—as well as…

NEW Lounge just introduced its latest eyelash extension design, the Icon lashes. The Icon lash design is a product of NEW Lounge’s ever evolving eyelash offerings that their specialists are proudly able to create, in collaboration with their empowered clientele. It has become the brand’s habit to listen to clients’ feedback, suggestions and to explore their creativity to translate their inputs into unique designs. NEW Lounge, as the number one faux eyelash provider in the country, is committed to bringing only the best lash (and nail) services for its ever growing and diverse clients. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not the length that gives the best look but the placement of each lash and the sequence of sizes. The Icon lash design gives a beautiful eyeliner effect that showcases a…

Indian food is always having a moment: it is now easier than ever to access this cuisine from several beloved restaurants. The newest player on the scene is Indus, located right in the middle of cosmopolitan Bonifacio Global City, in an area surrounded by both upscale apartments and offices. Indus looks different from any Indian restaurant I’ve ever been in. The contemporary décor has as its showpiece a modern, chandelier. The walls are in muted yellow and gray geometric print, with tables in dark marble. The only obvious nod to anything from India is the domed shape above the entrance, and the semi-private rooms named after Indian rivers: Ganges and Yamuna (and the restaurant itself, Indus). To see the rest you must understand a little bit about India’s history and…

“We wanted to bring together the best dance companies in the country under one shared goal of keeping Philippine performance arts alive.” The pandemic has put the performing arts world to a grinding halt, sidelining many artists and leaving many outlooks bleak. As a response to the crisis, Ballet Philippines immediately sought to pivot with the times. During its 51st Season, the company pledged to keep dance alive. They swiftly migrated online, with a grand season launch via Zoom that set the tone for succeeding online events and performances. An enhanced experience of ballet online saw the birth of Ballet Philippines’ On Stream website. “We had to swiftly pivot and innovate so that we could ensure that we could continue supporting our dancers and the entire community,” recalls Ballet Philippines…

Self-care. The borderline buzzword has us splurging on skin products, doing yoga, purchasing meditation apps, indulging in an extra slice of cake, picking up self-help books, and lessening our screen times. While all of the above can do us good, sexual wellness probably isn't included in most "me-time" routines, whether with a partner or by yourself. To change that, sisters Isabelle and Ava Daza amplify that "everybody and every body deserves pleasure." "People need to overcome the guilt or shame that some people have when they think of pleasuring themselves," Ava tells Lifestyle Asia. By launching Jellytime, an all-natural water-based personal lubricant (in nonchalant, incognito packaging), the duo wants to improve people's sex lives and remind them that the topic doesn't always equal vulgarity. "It doesn't have to be something…

It was her surgical precision and meticulous eye that earned Vicki Belo the trust it takes to become “doctor of the stars.” From the start of her career, the celebrity dermatologist made it her laser-focused mission to bring out the beauty of her clientele, so as to make them feel desired. The challenge was how she could use the same gifts to realize the best version of her daughter Scarlet Snow. Difficult as it seemed, Belo realized the answer was as simple as not having to do anything at all. FALLING AND GETTING UP “I deliberately watch her. Let her go as far as she can. Sometimes she falls. She’s actually a careful person. But it’s important, I think, for children to make mistakes. It’s important for them not to…

According to Zalora CEO Paulo Campos, the company was getting ready to celebrate its eighth anniversary before the first enhanced community quarantine was announced. Immediately, efforts were redirected to help the community: first by takingcareoftheiremployeesandleveraging their communication channels and logistic networks to help raise funds for COVID and give people access to necessities through the brand’s Essential Supplies category. “The top priority for Zalora has always been the welfare of employees,” says Campos. “During the early days of the pandemic, we prioritized the early release of monthly salaries, our annual bonus, as well as prorated 13th-month pay to ensure ample emergency funds for employees during this period.” Campos says that the credit goes to the Zalora frontliners, the workers who made it possible for the company to deliver essential goods…

Actress Heart Evangelista celebrates a grand homecoming to her newest unit in The Sapphire Bloc by releasing a vlog to give her supporters a virtual tour of the beauty and benefits of investing in a unit with RLC Residences.By utilizing the exceptional and spacious room development, Heart transforms the existing charm of her unit into a sophisticated home dedicated to a life of luxury, a clear reflection of her stunning personality and grace. RLC Residences develops homes of subtle elegance wherein you can truly “live your best life”. In 2020, RLC Residences was launched as a residential arm of Robinsons Land led by Heart to showcase how the development has significantly inspired her to freely design her home to her liking. Through their campaign message, RLC Residences has proven that…

In 2004, during the heyday of places like Netopia, where people would congregate to play Defense of the Ancients (DOTA), Ronald Robins and his friends formed the first Mineski-DOTA team. Spending late nights together to practice for local comp shop tournaments together, Mineski became a force to be reckoned with. “Back then, Mineski was a name synonymous with winning and dominance,” he says. “Nobody wanted to play against Mineski.” The result of all that success was that no one wanted to play against them. Wanting to be relevant, the team created a space for their community instead. The first Mineski Cybercafe was in Taft, near their alma mater De La Salle University. Unlike most internet cafes, Mineski took pride in offering a haven for gamers: the location was open 24/7,…

Philippe Lorenzo and Adrienne Ley met as BS Management students at Ateneo de Manila University and became a couple during their senior year. Lorenzo had just returned from a semester in Germany, and upon his return, found that he no longer had the same schedule as his block. A mutual friend asked Ley and their thesis group if they could “adopt” him. “I was more than happy to do so because I’ve always found him cute and mysterious,” says Ley. For his part, Lorenzo thought she was mataray. “Eventually warmed up to me once he found out I was a dork at heart,” says Ley. “We started spending more and more time together until eventually, and up to this day, we have become inseparable.” Together for nine years, Lorenzo proposed…

Getting a Belo treatment is always a good idea. After all, “magpa-pa Belo ako” has become part of our cultural lexicon. So when I was given the chance to avail of a Virtue RF and Belospheres treatment, along with a consult with Vicki Belo herself, I quickly agreed. I have had several Belo treatments over the years, all over the metro. This was the first treatment I had at Belo Medical Center in San Juan. Located just a stone’s throw from Greenhills, on the busy stretch of Connecticut street, the clinic is bright and airy, with everyone quick to offer a smile. Dr. Belo’s discerning eye roved over my face, offering suggestions about what else I should try to complement today’s treatment. “Nowadays, we are very much looking at improving…

Similar to its lineups since 2010, this year’s Los Angeles Fashion Week featured brands and designers celebrating diversity, culture, and art. The collections by sustainable brand MM Milano, gender-neutral RTW Bless by Bless, and Indian designer Rocky Star took the runways last March 31 to April 2 in Petersen Automotive Museum. Among the 12 shows presented, Filipino designers Michael Cinco and Puey Quiñones crafted intricate couture collections. Based and running his brand in Dubai, Cinco is internationally known for dressing global artists like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Kylie Minogue. In addition, he crafted couture gowns out of recycled materials for a contestant’s challenge in Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model Cycle 16. DREAMING OF PEACE Cinco’s LAFW set titled the “Impalpable Dream of PEACE” heavily used tulle, lace, and hand-made…

Nothing compared to Erica Paredes’ excitement when her Parisian restaurant Reyna’s sign lit up on its opening night. The chaos of that first night, which coincided with her birthday weekend, was unmatched. Paredes’ crew had to make do with inductions and no gas, a single day to learn the ordering system, and their service fridges not arriving on time. She was unperturbed, and showed that she could take the heat. Having accomplished countless trials and recipe tests, she was prepared for anything. STAYING POWER “I’ve been a cook for the past six years. It was just the next step. I wanted my own permanent space after years of doing pop-ups and residencies,” Paredes tells Lifestyle Asia. She has found a niche market with her menu that at any given time…

At the recent presentation of this year’s Lexus Design Awards, the judges awarded the entry that helps seniors with dementia. The winner from Singapore, Poh Yun Ru's Rewind, uses a motion-tracking tool that guides seniors with dementia in re-enacting familiar gestures. These actions are reflected as audio-visual feedback on a paired device that triggers recollection. The competition, launched in 2013, was created to help up-and-coming creators worldwide get global and media exposure. This exposure can lead to funding rounds and attention to possible individuals or entities that can further help advance their creations. The award seeks to contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose work shows the potential to shape a better future while articulating the Lexus brand's three core principles: anticipate, innovate, and captivate. For its tenth…

Right after launching Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez’s first book, Rizzoli will now feature the life and career of Andres Barrioquinto. The book is written by Demetri Paparoni, who describes Barrioquinto as a rising star of the contemporary Southeast Asian art scene. “Barrioquinto introduces the dynamics of the visual vortex generated by the digital revolution” “The volume deals with the complex universe of the artist, who combines elements deriving from the iconography and aesthetic of Baroque with Japanese woodcuts (ukiyo-e), reinterpreted in a Pop style,” writes Paparoni. “In his recent paintings, men, women, and anthropomorphic animals are shown in forests plentiful with butterflies and birds, introducing the theme of vanitas in a context of strong visual impact. Born in Manila in 1976, Barrioquinto has had more than twenty solo exhibitions in his home…

According to chief operating officer of Foodeee Global Concepts Eric Thomas Dee, the day they decided to announce its temporary closure before the mandated lockdown is one that he still remembers like yesterday. “We at Foodee were the first ones to announce closure for the safety of all. Two hundred stores across 15+ brands all had to shut down in a blink of an eye,” he says. The goal was to make sure all employees were safe and would be able to handle the upcoming storm. In preparation for this, the organization released advances and loans, before any government mandate. Due to the focus on safety, Foodee was able to weather the storm. Safety measures were deployed above and beyond the prescribed guidelines to make sure that customers felt safe…

Like many young people stumped on what to take for college, Jessan Macatangay proceeded to take what his parents suggested. But after finishing a nursing degree and becoming a licensed in the Philippines, he realized his heart wasn't in it. But when the young man came across a Comme Des Garcons fashion show video on YouTube, it sparked an interest. "This is where it started for me." "After I got my license, I started doing pattern-cutting short courses in [the Fashion Institute of the Philippines]. The more I looked into the possibility of pursuing a fashion career, the more I naturally learned about Central Saint Martins (CSM) here in London," he tells Lifestyle Asia. "I was accepted on the BA course and, later, the MA course I just finished.” Macatangay…

“Simply put, the goal was to try to achieve the perfect balance between form and function,” says Alice Eduardo. The woman who founded Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corporation has graciously invited us into her vacation home in Beverly Hills. Since Eduardo is someone who oversaw and continues to oversee development on a large scale, it would be interesting to see what her thought process is in building her own spaces of rest. To the “Woman of Steel,” a moniker she has adopted over her years of leading her company to the prominence and authority it has today, her work and what she looks for in her own home align. “I get a sense of fulfillment when my guests have a wonderful time when they are in my home” “Making…