Innholdsfortegnelse for Traveller 10 i Tatler Traveller Philippines

With recent political developments ushering the southern port city of Davao to centre stage in these last few months, Philippine Tatler Traveller decided there was no better time to fly down and shoot a cover story. Together with our cover girls, the young, bright, and lovely Tantoco sisters Kat and Bea (who was five months pregnant at the time and radiant), we journeyed to Pearl Farm Beach Resort where we were welcomed with amazing hospitality by no less than Maricris Floirendo Brias, whose family first developed the resort in 1991. The resort's GM Mikel Villaverde and the rest of their team made sure that we would have an unforgettable three days "in paradise", with all the work and long hours that go into a destination shoot quickly becoming a real…

Eye Wonder Chanel Make-Up Collection Studio presents a series of beauty essentials that reveal every dimension of the eyes. Ideal for women who radiate magnetic beauty and free spirit, the collection offers a complete package—a multi-dimensional mascara that makes lashes sophisticatedly lengthened, curled, and thick; an eyebrow definition kit for perfectly natural brows; and powder, and cream eyeshadows ranging from nude to smoky and metallic.  Luminous Legend Inspired by the legendary healing powers of the sea and the cell renewing energy of Miracle Broth™, the acclaimed beauty brand introduces Skincolor de la Mer, where the last step in skincare and the first step in colour become one. The collection of foundation, concealer, powder, and luxurious brushes, with its innovative Colour Capsule Technology, is designed to deliver soft skin benefits, natural,…

 Nestled in a five (5) hectare mango orchard and boasting of a panoramic beach and mountain views in THE PHILIPPINES’ LAST FRONTIER is Astoria Palawan. The resort is located 75 minutes northeast of the city to San Rafael, right on the shores of the picturesque Honda Bay. The resort is Astoria Hotels and Resorts’ latest addition to its growing portfolio of leisure and entertainment properties. As homage to the natural beauty of its location, Astoria Palawan was designed with the natural features and geography of the province in mind. The architecture can be best described as rustic/modern and like other Astoria Hotels and Resorts properties, the designed team behind Astoria Palawan is Architect Ed Gallego and sisters Cynthia and Ivy Almario. Astoria Palawan offers travelers thirteen (13) leaf-inspired, wood…

 Apioneer pearl producer in the Philippines, Jewelmer has been culturing the most lustrous South Sea pearls and fine jewelry since 1979. Currently, it is present in 15 countries around the world—from Japan, Dubai, Monaco, Australia, and even in South America. It is quite spread out in locations where there is a sensibility for finer things and where people are always trying to find something unique that they cannot find anywhere else. For the first time ever, Jewelmer has collaborated with another designer outside the company—none other than one of Manila’s top jewelry designers, Wynn Wynn Ong. “This collaboration has been a long time in the making. It really started with an affinity of our values, both philosophically and creatively, as well as when it comes to sustainability and what…

 Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro on the eve of my 30th birthday was a truly awe-inspiring and unforgettable adventure. When I first proposed the idea to family and friends they were confused. Would I want to spend a hallmark celebration dirty, sweaty and in pain? The truth is, I couldn’t have asked for anything more: a lifechanging experience with nature, best friends, and deep personal growth, all while in pursuit of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. The adventure started months before—preparing equipment, trail mix, and training. Complete amateurs, none of us had ever gone camping or hiking at high altitudes. Yet it could have been this lack of experience and naïve confidence that got us up a mountain 5,896 metres tall. By the time we checked in at Nairobi, our waterproof North…

In the not-too-distant past, the words “South African cuisine” conjured images of a boerewors roll, a bag of biltong and a packet of rusks. International visitors would lavish praise on the Cape Town beaches, the Stellenbosch wines, and the lowveld game viewing. But the food? Let’s just say it rarely made the list of what to write home about. However, in the last few years, South Africa— more specifically, the Cape Peninsula—has been in the grip of a culinary revolution that’s forcing the rest of the world to bin its tired stereotypes. Down in the Cape, we’re seeing the potent mix of world-class chefs using ripe local produce to create menus that reflect the country’s multicultural past. And because the majority of them are based around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, they…

SHAW & SMITH PINOT NOIR ADELAIDE HILLS 2015 Cherry, spiced strawberry, pastry-like and biscuity savoury notes, gently meaty and peppery. Complex yet shows purity of fruit clearly. Blue fruit as well as rose-like perfume. Subtle oak. Tannins are fine and even. A long finish. Best pinot to date. Drink now or hold for six years or more. 96 points HENSCHKE PINOT NOIR ADELAIDE HILLS LENSWOOD GILES 2015 Nose of red cherry, blue fruit and hints of savoury brown spices. Tightly packed and disciplined palate with a crunchy core of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry. Fine tannins with pastrylike texture and a resolute pop of acidity make for a convincing pinot. Will evolve brilliantly for six years or more. 96 points GARETH BELTON PINOT NOIR ADELAIDE HILLS FOREST RANGE 2015 Blue…

In big, buzzing cities, space comes at a premium. We’re constantly being contained in compact quarters, whether it’s the confines of our office cubicles or the parameters of a tiny apartment—living within limited boundaries has become a way of everyday life and it certainly leaves much to be desired. To get away from it all, many turn to nature—and I’m no exception. As gateways to northern Thailand, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have always pulled me in because of their proximity within Asia, as well as their promise of the exotic with rich Lanna culture and lush landscapes carved by the mighty Mekong River. As our homebase whilst in Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is a relaxing respite that’s been recently revamped by Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley…

 Last year, I sailed on a weeklong journey alongside family and friends to the Dalmatian Coast. This summer, our group took the opportunity to discover the sundrenched AmalfiCoast and Italian Riviera. Stretching over 50 kilometres of coastline in Southern Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, the AmalfiCoast is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its coastline is adorned by stunning views of steep mountain cliffs rearing up over indigo waves, rocky seashore, multicoloured towns, and lush forests. Between 839 and 1200 A.D, Amalfiwas the capital of the maritime republic, known as the Duchy of Amalfi, signifying an important trading power in the Mediterranean. This region lures countless visitors each summer—both Italian sunseekers on their yearly pilgrimage and travellers from around the world. Our itinerary took us to the islands of Capri and Ischia, the…

What: Philippine Tatler Traveller Art of Luxury Travel Cocktail Where: Raffles and Fairmont Makati Ballroom Philippine Tatler Traveller unveiled its ninth volume through a vibrant and exquisite affair that highlighted the luxury of travel as thoroughly illustrated from cover to cover. Edipresse Media Asia Executive Chairman MICHEL LAMUNIÈRE flew into town to join Philippine Tatler Managing Director IRENE MARTEL FRANCISCO and Tatler Traveller Editor MIA BORROMEO in celebrating the launch with 300 globe-trotting A-list guests. The lavish event was co-hosted by Raffles and Fairmont Makati in partnership with Citibank. Joining Francisco and Borromeo in welcoming guests were the five-star hotel’s Managing Director DAVID BATCHELOR and Director of Communications MONIQUE TODA, as well as Citibank’s Country Manager, AFTAB AHMED. In line with the colourful themes and features in Traveller's lush…

 A one-helicopter operation when it opened in 1996, Asian Aerospace now owns and charters 16 jets and helicopters nationwide. The company takes pride in its steady growth over the past two decades, as they developed their expertise in business aviation. It is now involved in aircraft distributorships, aircraft charters and leasing, aircraft maintenance, fixed base operations, and logistics support. “Asian Aerospace’s brand for its Aircraft Charters and Leasing services is AirTaxi.ph. It’s easier to remember, and it speaks for itself as we cruise through the technological era,” says Paj Rodriguez, the company’s executive vice president. AirTaxi.ph offers a membership program called Emerald Class, which provides subscribers priority service and discounts whenever they fly. Members can fly all they want as the fully consumable monthly dues cover over 33 inter-Manila…

” Hurry up and jump!” My sister called from the water. I was telling myself nothing to it: falling is merely flying downwards, feet first, without wings, into the deep Indonesian waters. I looked down and saw certain death— the distance between my feet and the sea, a stretch of nothing to save me from the truth of gravity. I jumped anyway in an attempt to catch myself unaware. Not the greatest of ideas, I submerged with my mouth open, the beginning of a curse doused by a swig of saltwater. Perhaps I should have kept my mouth shut. For three days, we were marooned on an island with limited Internet connection. The journey was more comfortable than it sounded. We first took a 40-minute ferry from Singapore to Sekupang,…

 I have been to Pompeii twice. The first time, after the brief exhilaration of standing on the threshold of the ruined city, I could finally say I’d been to Pompeii. I was impatient to get the visit over with. The site is vast. I think only a third of it has been uncovered. But most suspect that what they are leaving posterity to uncover is only more of the same. Pretty much like L.A., if you've seen any part of it you’ve seen it all. Two or three streets in Pompeii reveal everything there is to be seen in a sprawling but still provincial city. Pompeii makes no statement to history; it was just a very big town. So it was both times I visited Pompeii: dry, hot, and nothing.…

CHÂTEAU CLINET OMG. This is really dense and rich, with velvety tannins, and so much fruit and length. Superb concentration and structure. Greatest Clinet ever. No jam, just class. 99-100 points CHÂTEAU L’EVANGILE What a wine. So traditional and powerful, with superb depth of fruit and chewy tannins. Full body, incredible concentration and length. It’s so muscular and powerful. So minerally and nutty, especially walnuts. Marvellous. 99-100 points CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR-PÉTRUS The power and depth of fruit here is extraordinary, with incredible phenolic texture and a caressing mouthfeel. Full and enticing. It’s a wine that shows power with finesse. Such contrast and greatness. 92% merlot, 7.5% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot. 99-100 points CHÂTEAU PÉTRUS A wine that makes me dream and touches my soul. Such amazing purity and…

Seda Hotels makes it possible for international guests booked at its BGC and Nuvali properties to relax at the newly-opened Seda airport lounge at the NAIA 1 terminal. The first and only wholly-Filipino-owned hospitality chain providing this service at the terminal's arrival area invites Seda's guests to enjoy refreshments and other amenities at the exclusive lounge that exudes the hotel's contemporary and warm interiors. The Seda airport lounge is expected to welcome even more guests in 2017, as Seda Vertis North in Quezon City is set to open its doors www.sedahotels.com Rural Escape Nestled in a five-hectare mango orchard in the Philippine's last frontier, the new Astoria Palawan is only 75 minutes away from the clear waters and white sands of the breathtaking Honda Bay. Designed with the natural features…

 Stockholm combines the best of Old World Europe’s sophistication with the clean simplicity of the modern world. It appeals to all the senses. In a word, Stockholm is elegant. From the moment you set foot in the city, you will be fascinated. Before you launch into the vibrant daylight culture and brilliant nightlife, take a moment to absorb the sights around you. On every street, centuries-old buildings stand with quiet nobility, seemingly mindless of the revolving seasons that pass around them. The people, always carrying themselves with class, pass busily from place to place down endless seaside streets. The aroma of delicious European delicacies drifts from restaurants, tempting you to step inside. The sound of waves draws you to the water’s edge as you strain your eyes for a…

LAKE HAYES, NEW ZEALAND To commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines, the New Zealand Embassy presented Open Spaces, an exhibition depicting a photographic narrative by the Filipino photographer Jose Mari "Mayie" Delgado's recent visits to the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The images, captured by 35mm and medium format digital cameras, immortalise the paradisical landscapes of New Zealand from a fresh perspective, the eyes of a Filipino.  www.mfat.govt.nz/philippines…

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Despite the macabre name, the Mexican Day of the Dead is actually a celebration of life. Families gather at the graves of the deceased to eat, drink, and be merry. Not to be missed are the calaveras—skeleton-inspired decorations— festooned with golden marigolds, and the interesting sugar and marzipan skulls enjoyed by young and old alike. SINGAPORE ART BIENNALE Expect a gathering of both established and emerging artists from around Asia to deck the halls of the Singapore Art Museum for a most exciting affair these next few months. Entitled An Atlas of Mirrors, the Singapore Biennale 2016 showcases a diversity of contemporary art that r eflects the shared histories and current realities of East and South Asia. www.singaporebiennale.org HIGANTES FESTIVAL Angono's colourful festival has made the…

 When it opened its doors back in 2001, Astoria Plaza Full Residential Suites was one of the pioneers in offering the unique concept of having privately owned residences (condominiums) located within a deluxe hotel and operate under one property name. This business model proved to be a huge success in the hospitality industry and now, 15 years later, Astoria Hotels and Resorts has a total of six properties under its umbrella. After nearly 10 years of mastering the rendering of exceptional hospitality services and experiences to its hotel guests and residents, Astoria Hotels and Resorts made the bold move of opening Astoria Boracay, the company’s first foray into resort development and operations. It was also then that Astoria Hotels and Resorts (AHR) was formed. Two years thereafter, Astoria Bohol in…

 Cathay Pacific has reached a remarkable milestone this year as it celebrates its 70th year of worldclass service straight from the heart, rooted in its safety-first mindset, preeminent team, and unparalleled airlink comfort. Famous for its premium cabin products, well-designed and relaxing seats, extensive inflight entertainment systems amazing loyalty programs, and outstanding cabin crew service, Cathay Pacific has yet again been awarded as World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge and World’s Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness by the UK-based Skytrax World Airline Awards, among other recognitions this year. Cathay Pacific is also celebrating its decades-worth of close friendship with the Philippines. Since its establishment on September 24, 1946, Manila has always had special ties with this Hong Kong-based international airline. Its unique name, which was derived from the ancient name…

Leading Edge The best leaders lead by example and these featured key personalities are in the perfect position to show others the way John C. Maxwell was right when he said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Being a good role model is important in leadership where one does not only apply strategic thinking, but should also have a vision and work hard to achieve it. Not everyone has this skill, but these featured key personalities truly exemplify how it is to be on the leading edge. Jose Rizalino L. Azucar Reputed property developer, Jose Rizalino L. Azucar, has been running New San Jose Builders, Inc. ever since he founded it in 1986. Since then, he has established a name in…

My first trip to Spain was the year after my graduation from Le Cordon Bleu. It was the proper “post-grad” holiday. After experiencing the rigours of a culinary education, here was a country that showed me the wild possibilities of creating a dish and the fun that could be had while at it. Many visits to Spain since then have proved that there is always something new to discover, and each revelation—be it the satisfying simplicity of market tapas or a single dish perfected in a tiny provincial town—is amplified when the experience is shared with family. Of course, there is nothing my sister Margie and I enjoy more than treating our cravings as a compass. Both of our fascination with flavours and celebration of comfort food are what our…

This year, the inspired luxury of Conrad Hotels & Resorts makes its debut in the Philippines with the opening of Conrad Manila, a 347-room hotel nestled in the heart of the 42-hectare Bay City development. Recently awarded the Best in Hotel Development, Best Hotel Architectural Design, and Best in Hotel Interior Design at the fourth annual Philippines Property Awards, Conrad Manila’s distinctive architecture is inspired by the shipping vessels that ply the bay. The hotel sits atop the two-level S Maison, a high-end retail complex, and is connected by walking bridges to the expansive SMX Convention Centre, and is adjacent to SM Mall of Asia, as well as Mall of Asia Arena, a 16,000-seater indoor stadium where international events are held. The hotel offers four contemporary event halls and two…

These days, it is a name chanted like a prayer. Davao: the seat of power, the city of plenty, the exemplar of discipline. But what we mustn’t forget to talk about is Davao: land of eternal summer, named by the lumad 1 after the element of fire. Philippine Tatler Traveller made the trip from Manila to Davao for this issue’s cover shoot. It takes less than two hours to journey by plane to the city—lively as any modern metropolis and named one of the world’s safest. From there, it’s a quick speedboat ride to the islands of Samal and Malipano, which host a jewel in the south, the famed Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The artist and owner, Maricris Floirendo Brias, still remembers the Pearl Farm of her childhood as the…

 Fire, smoke, noise, and endless festivities mark Las Fallas, a fire festival celebrated in Valencia, Spain’s third largest city. The festival happens to be a significant time for Valencians to welcome Spring and “burn away” the past. The origin of this festival is said to have begun in the Middle Ages when people discarded and burnt their old artefacts and wood used during the winter to usher in the spring equinox. In the early days, carpenters used wood planks called ‘parots’ to hang their candles during dark winter months. With the advent of brighter days, these parots were destroyed. Subsequently with the church’s intervention, the date of the bonfire was made to coincide with the festival of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. In a nutshell, Las Fallas is…