Innholdsfortegnelse for May-20 i Tatler Philippines

This year’s annual George Washington Ball, the grandest American community event in the country and a longstanding Manila tradition, served as a farewell dinner for two distinguished expatriates: departing US Ambassador Sung Yong Kim and outgoing chairman of the ball, Ricky Sobreviñas. The Ball again held a silent auction to fund scholarships for indigent Amerasians and Filipinos. It sold off stays at the luxurious Balesin resort and the Chairman’s Suite of the Marriott Hotel, and raised PhP350,000 towards the scholarship. The Ball also awarded select members of society, such as Metrobank Foundation President Chito Sobrepeña, Skin Magical’s Ghie Pangilinan, and Chair and CEO of Udenna Corp Dennis Uy. Great entertainment was provided by Prince Ronnie Love of the Temptations; Maria Laroco, UK X-Factor finalist 2018; and Arnel Pineda.…

1970 MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO Having studied graphic design (because fashion design was not offered at the time) at Tokyo’s Tama Univeristy, a young Issey Miyake moved to Paris to work under Hubert de Givenchy, Guy Laroche, and then Geoffrey Beene in New York. After establishing his design studio, he showed his first collection in New York in 1971, which featured body jerseys hand-painted with traditional Japanese tattoo techniques. 1976 ISSEY MIYAKE MEN Discovering the popularity of his pieces among men, Miyake launched menswear that was presented for the first time with his womenswear during the fall-winter collection. Issey Miyake Men began showing solo during the Paris Collections in 1985 and its resulting success allowed the opening of its Tokyo Aoyama store in 1987. 1994 PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE Lightweight, springy,…

SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL A city disc made from sapphire crystal projects the initials of all 24 cities onto the dial, so it looks as though they’re suspended above the hour markers. 2002 Louis Vuitton’s first forays into watchmaking date back to 2002 with the launch of the Tambour watch. It is now an extensive collection for both men and women that includes simple three-handers as well as complicated chronographs, tourbillons and minute repeaters. HERITAGE Travel is one of Louis Vuitton’s biggest inspirations so it comes as little surprise that for its latest world time watch, the brand chose the same shades of yellow, black, and white found on airport runways. LV107 CALIBRE The Tambour World Time Runway is powered by a brand-new automatic movement, the LV107 Calibre, which has been developed…

ISKO MORENO Mayor of Manila In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno implemented his Code Red COVID-19 action plan: Contain and Delay. A 227.5 million-peso budget was set aside for food assistance, while a 12.9 million-peso budget was used to purchase medical supplies. Hotels and motels in the city provided a number of rooms for frontliners to use free of charge. The city has also benefitted greatly from the services and knowledge of its vice-mayor, Honey Lacuna, who is a doctor. Live updates are given to the constituents on a regular basis via the mayor’s social media channels. FRANCIS ZAMORA Mayor of San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora of San Juan found himself in charge of a city with the second highest number of cases—and figures are continuing to rise—per capita. Aside from…

The director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, deputy executive director of the Philippine Genome Center, and consultant-director of the Molecular Diagnostic and Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of The Medical City has made noteworthy contributions to research and development in his field of expertise. His work puts emphasis on low-cost, low-technology driven diagnostic kits for infectious diseases, such as the Lab-in-a-Mug device, a faster and more affordable diagnostic kit for dengue. “Before the end of December,” the doctor recalls, “there were already some observations of weird respiratory diseases reported in China. Then, the Chinese authorities released the whole genome sequence of the virus to the public, for everyone to be able to prepare. This triggered my confidence that my team can come up with a test kit. In the…

This organisation brings together a dynamic group of women who are transforming the lives of Filipinos through their skills, interests, and programmes. TOWNS Foundation, Inc began its donation drive and delivery service in mid March, sourcing out PPEs and other medical supplies to deliver to frontliners in need. The group reaches out to potential donors via its social media channels, which are regularly updated with statistics and photo documentation of the relief efforts. Ford Group Philippines and the Philippine Navy have aided in the delivery of supplies. As of 1 April, over 240,000 pieces of PPEs have been sent out to 298 hospitals across the country.…

The power pair behind Alliance Global Group Inc (AGI) and property giant Megaworld Corporation, Andrew Tan and son Kevin, have thrown the weight of their companies behind the fight against the coronavirus. AGI, and subsidiaries Emperador and Megaworld, donated 1 million litres of disinfectant alcohol worth Php250-million to institutions and frontliners and P100-million to “Project Ugnayan” for food vouchers to about one million families in poor communities. Emperador converted its stock of 86 per cent alcohol into sanitising products that can be used in hospitals and clinics. Megaworld Corporation conducted massive disinfection in all its properties nationwide and waived the rent of its mall tenants during the quarantine period. It also deployed its Citylink buses to transport healthcare workers; donated P60-million to Philippine Red Cross for four COVID-19 test laboratories;…

Ayala Corporation, led by brothers Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, sets the bar high for corporate support, contributing a PhP5.5-billion response package to the COVID-19 crisis in the country. The package comprises monetary and in-kind donations, employee support such as wages, bonuses, leave conversions, loan deferments, and waiving the rent for tenants of its shopping malls during the crisis.The corporation has also distributed in-kind donations including N95 masks, alcohol, PPEs, ultrasound machines, ventilators, and mobile x-rays to key hospitals and health institutions in the metro as well as to its partner institutions outside the city through its Ayala Healthcare Holdings under Ayala Foundation. The Philippine General Hospital (PGH), Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM), Lung Center of the Philippines, and Philippine Heart Center, were among…

When British billionaire James Dyson relocated his global headquarters to Singapore last year, he made headlines for buying the most expensive penthouse in the country for S$73.8 million. Now, the inventor, who is best known for creating the Dyson brand’s cordless vacuum cleaners and heat-controlled hair dryers, has thrust Singapore back in the international spotlight—this time for making a much-needed contribution to humanity’s fight against the global coronavirus pandemic. It began when British prime minister Boris Johnson phoned Dyson in March just as the COVID-19 crisis was unfolding in the UK. Dyson immediately sprang into action to build a new model of ventilator. As the coronavirus attacks the patient’s respiratory system, large numbers of this life-saving equipment are urgently needed around the world to assist patients who encounter complications that…

Superman by name, Superman by nature. Ninety-one-year-old Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing—who was given the nickname decades ago for the huge influence he wields over the city’s economy—sprang into action soon after the COVID-19 virus emerged in Wuhan, donating HK$100 million to the Chinese city in early February. That money was used to support healthcare workers through the magnate’s Li Ka-shing Foundation, which is the second largest private foundation in the world after that of Bill and Melinda Gates. A week later, he gave a total of 250,000 face masks to 13 social-welfare organisations and six homes for the elderly in Hong Kong, as well as batches of medical supplies—including in-demand N95 masks—to doctors in public hospitals. Some of Li’s previous philanthropic work—he has donated more than US$3 billion so…

Audrey Tang has been called “Taiwan’s genius IT minister” for having applied her technology expertise to its disease prevention efforts, and she has been an instrumental figure in Taiwan’s fight against the coronavirus. Tang united civil and governmental agencies to create a “mask map” app, which helped residents efficiently find the closest location where masks were available in real time. After the events of the Diamond Princess cruise, she also developed an alert system to inform citizens where passengers had visited in order to evaluate whether they needed to monitor their health, and to issue timely rebuttals to the spread of any misinformation or false rumours. Those efforts were followed by a rationing plan that enables people to order masks online and pick them up at convenience stores. The ease…

With an extensive portfolio spanning six decades, SM Group has grown to be an epitome of success in the country with businesses in multiple industries with interest in retail, shopping malls, hotels, banking, mining, real-estate development, education, and tourism. Today, the corporation is being run by the six Sy scions, who are all involved in management and overlooking the company’s overall strategy, as members of its board. As the nation continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing becomes a norm, the whole country and its economy have ground to a halt with the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the capital to combat the spread of the virus in the region. Top conglomerates in the country are doing their share of…

ENTER THE DRAGON (1973) Named by legendary film critic Peter Bradshaw as the greatest martial-arts film of all time, Enter the Dragon solidified Bruce Lee’s status as a cinematic legend. The movie drew global interests towards the Chinese martial-arts scene and prompted the mass importation of kung fu movies to the United States, which were later dubbed in English for western audiences. Enter the Dragon not only revolutionised the portrayal of Asians in western media, with Lee holding a starring role in a Hollywood production, but also kick-started the “kung fu craze” of the 1970s, which saw Hong Kong studios produce and release dozens of films that reached increasingly international audiences. The film’s influence moved beyond the movie screen, inspiring many martial-arts video games, including popular ones like the Street…

1 CHOOSE A PLATFORM There’s TikTok for teens, Facebook for groups, Twitch for gamers, Instagram and YouTube for everybody—especially beauty, fitness, and lifestyle gurus—so how do you choose? Maybe you don’t have to. “I like all platforms equally,” says Taylor R who, with 1.12 million subscribers, is one of Hong Kong’s most popular YouTube personalities and the founder of fashion and lifestyle brand Toat. “I think it’s important to post content everywhere because people consume differently on different platforms. I’ll always take a main channel video that would be in a long, more detailed version on YouTube, and I’ll cut it down to a shorter version for Instagram. I like to cross-post content. It’s not more work for me, and you can grow different audiences. It’s interesting because a video…

You have been in the business for more than 10 years, which Italian design do you think most appeal to the Filipino home? Throughout the years, we noticed that what appeals most to Filipinos is not just comfort but also the history, character, and designer of furniture pieces. Filipinos have grown to appreciate more unique pieces due to the influence of global art and culture. Italian brands we carry that appeal to Filipino homes would be Cassina, a brand known for its iconic and high-quality collections deeply established in history and heritage and Moroso, which has furniture inspired by contemporary art and design.…

CHECKING IN With armchair travelling being the new norm, hotels have come up with creative ways to inspire a five-star experience at home. For the ultimate self-care staycation, peruse the Belmond Care Package, an online guide that offers ideas for a relaxing morning routine, exquisite cocktails for happy hour, and cultural recommendations to fill the day. The Anantara Nomads blog also has stories and videos to help soothe your wanderlust. Of course, it’s impossible to replicate the exceptional destinations in your living room, but it doesn’t hurt to dream your day away. belmond.com/care-package;anantara.com/en/blog WELL AND GOOD Whether you’re looking for a meditation retreat or an integrated medical immersion, there’s something for every wellness connoisseur at Aman. Its new wellness programmes for 2020 are centred on bolstering the body’s natural defence…

Alamayah, Sumba It’s only a 50-minute flight from Bali, but Sumba feels like a different universe. Home to one of the last flourishing prehistoric tribes on earth, Sumba’s rich culture and raw natural beauty make it a true gem; it also hosts only a handful of responsible hotels committed to preserving this special community. The newest name is Alamayah, a five-star boutique retreat located in the beachside village of Kerewe. Getting here is an adventure in itself—guests take a two-hour drive through mountains, waterfalls, and mahogany forests that introduce the island’s untouched scenery. With only six private suites, the intimate hotel is focused on helping guests reconnect with themselves, offering activities such as yoga, sound healing, jungle treks, and surfing. The all-inclusive stay also features a healer’s body analysis and…

In your hands, dear soon-to-be weds (and wedded), sadly, is the 5th and final edition of Philippine Tatler Weddings. Launched mid 2016, this annual special publication has since increased both in thickness and size. More importantly, we’d like to believe it has inspired many a beautiful union and sparked romance along the way. Naturally, we wanted to pull out all the stops for our dénouement and so you’ll have noticed on our attention-grabbing cover the absolutely drop-dead gorgeous and glowing bride-to-be, Jessica Wilson. In this Weddings exclusive, we accompany Wilson over two days in pursuit of her head-to-toe bridal look for her big day (from the perfect wedding gown to the jewellery, shoes, and even her hair and make-up look!) as she candidly shares her love story and plans for…

The two officially met at a 3rd year high school soirée and dated for almost nine years before tying the knot. Four of those nine were long distance and as Catherine Concepcion-Puno recalls, “I think we both realised that this was it over time. I didn’t think we would last long distance, especially since we were only seriously together for a year before he left. But it proved to be the best thing for us. It tested and grew our relationship to what it is today.” After a beautiful wedding ceremony in San Antonio Parish Church, 800 guests proceeded to a resplendent reception at Shangri-La at the Fort’s Grand Ballroom. “We always wanted to have a destination wedding,” says Concepcion-Puno, “but we thought that it was more important for our…

SARAH HELLER Tatler Asia’s wine editor, Sarah Heller, became the world’s youngest Master of Wine when she earned the title in 2017. She is a partner and buyer for the Almásy Collection, a central European wine brand, as well as brand ambassador and design collaborator for Lucaris Crystal. She sits on the faculty of the Vinitaly International Academy; and is chairman of WINE100, China’s largest wine competition. This month, she reveals wine experts who influence and inspire her (p.210) CHRISTIAN BARKER Singapore-based writer Christian Barker has been covering luxury lifestyle, travel, and culture for almost two decades for publications such as How to Spend It, Forbes, and Esquire. In this month’s issue, Barker investigates the mechanics behind power reserves in watches (p.112) ALINE COQUELLE Parisian photographer and author Aline Coquelle…

The Japanese ambassador to the Philippines, HE Koji Haneda, hosted the National Day Reception celebrating the 60th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel last 20 February. This is Japan’s first National Day Reception in the country under the new Reiwa imperial era. Filipino-born J-Pop singer Beverly graced the opening ceremony with her moving renditions of the Philippine and Japanese national anthems. Ambassador Haneda lauded the close ties between Japan and the Philippines in several areas, including culture and people-to-people exchange and economic cooperation projects like the Metro Manila Subway. The reception for over 1,000 attendees featured 25 Japanese company booths that served popular selections such as Miyazaki-gyu, takoyaki, sushi, and oyster.…

What makes your organisations unique? Al Jazeera remains committed to telling stories from around the world and Sinagtala continues to give aid to women and children in conf lict zones. Is there something about you that surprises people, or that most people don’t know? When soldiers and aid workers see me arrive in a location they always take it as a sign that something big has happened or is about to happen. A friend said I specialise in mayhem. The truth is I hate the term “war correspondent.” But our job is to tell stories no matter how difficult; so I started an aid organisation for women and children not only to complement what I do in the field but to provide me with that sense of proportion as a…

WENHAO YU / SOTHEBY’S ASIA “The 1927 Cartier bracelet from Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Noble Jewels sale in November 2019. It had a 47.07-carat, royal-blue Burmese sapphire and I was honoured to bid on behalf of a client from Asia. It went from $2 million to $5 million in just two minutes. After a battle that lasted almost half an hour, it was sold for over US$6 million.” JEAN GHIKA / BONHAMS “The cushion-shaped, 10.09-carat antique ‘no oil’ Colombian emerald, which was sold at a Bonhams Hong Kong auction in November 2014 for HK$7.2 million.” LUCIA SILVESTRI / BULGARI “A beautiful cushion-cut, 31-carat Sri Lankan sapphire was auctioned by Christie’s in Geneva in 2011. I almost bought it but at the very end the price shot up and I had…

Marion Cotillard has been photographed wearing Chopard’s Ice Cube and Magical Setting collections, including a geometric timepiece in rose gold that’s as elegant as it is minimal. The French actress herself turned her hand to design in 2015, when she co-created a collection with the Swiss maison. Her “green” creations used Fairmined gold and ethically sourced coloured gemstones as part of Eco-Age’s Green Carpet Challenge, which aims to promote the idea that glamour and sustainability in jewellery and watchmaking can go hand-in-hand.…

Businessmen transforming their factories into cleanrooms for face mask production. Tycoons donating medical supplies to desperate nations around the world. Doctors rising above politics to deliver guidance for the public and clear reports on the progress of their efforts. Throughout our communities, powerful voices are using their inf luence to bring hope through their actions, their ideas, and their examples…

“What can we do to help?” This was top of the mind for Millie Reyes and Karla Reyes, the mother-daughter team who runs The Plaza Catering, when the quarantine measures set in. Almost as if on cue, Ros Juan of Commune Cafe reached out to Karla, asking for help in getting meals delivered to the frontliners at Makati Medical Center. Juan was also soliciting support for this initiative; her Facebook post quickly went viral, and many responded with the intent to help. Recognising that they would be able to help more people by pooling their resources, the group fused into the Frontline Feeders. The influx of assistance allowed them to expand operations to 10 other hospitals, as well as come up with monetary donations to purchase PPEs and other medical…

The MVP Group of Companies—which includes PLDT, Smart, and Meralco—stands with the nation as it copes with the pandemic. Led by business magnate Manny V Pangilinan, the group is implementing a work-from-home scheme and assuring its employees with continued monthly salaries as well as early 13th-month pay for some. It has donated face masks, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and 14,000 litres of 70 per cent ethyl alcohol to frontliners and government-owned hospitals. It has also distributed over 1,000 grocery packs to help families of health workers and personnel of V Luna Hospital, and families of military officers manning the checkpoints in the city. Its service provider, PLDT, is continuing its services to provide internet access to all its customers to keep people connected and give them access to websites containing…

Capitalising on friendship, boxing champ and sitting senator Manny Pacquiao, through his foundation, joined forces with Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma in bringing into the country 400 million pesos worth of much-needed test kits. The 57,000 test kits were formally turned over to the Department of Health on 27 March and were received by San Lazaro Hospital infectious disease head scientist Dr Rongente Solante and representatives from the Philippine General Hospital. Ma also donated 500,000 face masks. Pacquiao also loaned five buses to the Metro Manila Development Authority for the use of frontliners and pooled money with his entrepreneur friends to donate 700,000 face masks. What role must the national government fulfil in times of such a crisis? This role can best be summarised by each of the provisions in the…

As Malaysia’s director-general of health, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has been leading the charge to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in the nation. In his daily briefings, the doctor uses facts as his main tools to combat the pandemic and allay the public’s fears Holding a master’s degree in surgery from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Noor Hisham is the head and senior consultant breast and endocrine surgeon in Putrajaya Hospital. He’s been called a “national hero” online, but he brushes this aside by responding: “It is not about me. What is important at the moment is what we can do together as one for the nation to break the chain of the COVID-19 transmission.” Going by the approach of “expecting the worst, hoping for the best”, the Movement Control Order (MCO) was…

It was the first of a string of gatherings. The Rigodon Ballroom of the Manila Peninsula Hotel was buzzing from stem to stern by seven in the evening. Mingling wasn’t on cue. At around five in the afternoon, alumni dripped into the ballroom reception, some fresh from their f lights, some hitting the ground running and instantly chatting up old classmates. Others wandered first into school merch and registration. Every movement took the quality of a campus stroll with its ease and eagerness. This is International School Manila marking its hundred years. The organisers didn’t have to break out the trappings of a rager. The drinks and canapé spread weren’t exactly wanting of bubbly and reds; there was a decent amount to go around. This is it, pancit! was the…

They say it’s all in the name, and that rings true with Zanzibar. Merely uttering the word evokes mystery and wonder—it sounds like an exotic experience waiting to be savoured. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s Swahili coast has always held a certain mystique. In 1872, British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton described his first glimpse of its islands: “Earth, sea, and sky, all seems wrapped in a soft and sensuous repose. The sea of purest sapphire, which had not parted with its blue rays to the atmosphere ... under a blaze of sunshine which touched every object with a dull burnish of gold.” A semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, Zanzibar continues to lure modern explorers with a promise of adventure like no other. One of these adventurers is…

Nestled in the majestic fjords, this remote region on Norway’s northwest coast is a destination made for all types of adventurers. Start from the port town of Ålesund, one of the most beautiful towns in Norway and noted for its well-preserved art nouveau architecture. It is also the entry point for exploring Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen, the latter commonly referred to as “The Trolls Road.” Craft your own adventure with 62°Nord, an experiential travel company founded by Norwegian couple Knut and Line Flakk. They arrange tailor-made itineraries that include deep-sea fishing and helicopter tours, as well as exceptional skiing that showcases the region’s unparalleled beauty. 62°Nord also has a privately owned collection of restaurants and boutique accommodation, ensuring that guests enjoy a taste of fresh coastal cuisine and authentic Viking hospitality.…

“I believe that it requires the simplest and essential things: the couple, God, and family,” Giorgia Guidicelli-Dato replies when asked about the elements of a perfect wedding. “When all three are complete, there isn’t much more you should look for.” Guidicelli-Dato, who tied the knot with lawyer Ian Dato last 8 December 2019 at the Parish of St Therese in Cebu, stayed true to that belief with a wedding that was characterised by understated elegance and a hint of tradition. Instead of decorating the church with a panoply of hothouse blooms, the organisers decked the sanctuary with fresh greenery and white gladioli. The ladies of the entourage were all dressed in beautiful dresses that reflected the golden sunshine, while the bride herself wore a Mia Arcenas-Branellec gown patterned after the…

Roma Hemlani & Jaskaran Singh WHEN 7 December 2019 WHERE Al Bustan Palace, Muscat, Oman How did the two of you meet? I met him in 2013, the day he moved to the Philippines. I was still studying in London, but I have always spent Christmas holidays with my family in Manila. Our parents are friends and we met one night over family dinner. Initially, we were just friends. But in a series of phases through our relationship, we ultimately became best friends, and now… he’s my husband. What was that big moment where you realised that he was “the one”? I was out for drinks one night with a friend and I asked him if he knew anyone who was down to go out that night. He said, “Ask…

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART, GWACHEON Google’s Arts & Culture tool lets you walk through the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) in Gwacheon, South Korea as easily as you can walk through a city on Google Street View, giving you a close-up view of the design, craft, architecture, and visual arts in the museum’s collection. On top of that, MMCA is currently hosting four online shows—The 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Korean Modern Masters: Yoo Youngkuk 1916-2002, Park Hyunki 1942-2002 Mandala, Garden and Birth of a Museum: Documenting the Construction of MMCA, Seoul—all of which feature informative writeups alongside the artworks. mmca.go.kr RIJKSMUSEUM, AMSTERDAM A Dutch museum dedicated to art and history, the Rijksmuseum houses 8,000 pieces that span 800 years in 80 galleries.…

Art lovers and enthusiasts alike now have more reason to elevate their knowledge and curiosity with the newest addition in the country’s art scene—ALT Philippines. The newest contemporary art fair held an inaugural exhibit at the SMX Convention Centre at the SM Aura Premier with a hive-like venue that allows visitors to be immersive and have an intimate connection with the artworks on display. Featuring 10 galleries and over 150 established and emerging artists, ALT Philippines provides a platform and continued support to galleries and artists who are changing the country’s contemporary art scene.…

LEGION MUSIC FESTIVAL Be part of the biggest music event for an all-out summer party featuring bands such as IV of Spades, Ben&Ben, Mayonnaise, Magnus Haven, and more. On 2 May. At The Park at Nepo Centre, Angeles Pampanga. smtickets.com STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE CONCERT 31 Experience the Force in Star Wars: A New Hope Concert with screenings of the complete film accompanied by ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra led by Gerard Salonga performing composer John Williams’ award-winning score. Runs from 30 to 31 May at the Theatre at Solaire. solaireresort.com 98 DEGREES CONCERT American pop quartet and ‘90s boy band 98 Degrees are in the Philippines for a three-day concert to perform their greatest hits in Manila, Cebu, and Davao for An Evening with 98 Degrees: The Philippine Tour. From…

Satoshi Kondo began to draw with a red pencil. He scratched lightly on the back of a press release, illustrating an outline of the final look from his latest collection—one garment comprised of several knitted tops that were connected by their sleeves. His interpreter and I stared in silence at this unexpected gesture from a designer who, after commanding the fashion world’s attention with his debut collection for Issey Miyake last September, remains somewhat elusive. “This look is called ‘Hand in Hand’,” says Kondo. “It’s one continuous knit with various fabrics fused so that there is always a piece of the previous garment in the next.” He then f lipped the pencil over and with its end poked around the page. “We didn’t express this explicitly at the show but,…

SETTING SAIL In 2012, Fred relaunched its nautical-themed Force 10 collection, which was first designed by the Parisian jeweller’s founder, Fred Samuel. This year, just in time for summer, the brand has unveiled a series of multicoloured bracelets set with splashy gemstones, including rubies, sapphires and amethysts. Ahoy there! T IS FOR TERRIFIC Designed by chief artistic officer Reed Krakoff, Tiffany T welcomes new additions to its iconic collection. “We believe that luxury should be effortless,” says Krakoff. “Through these pieces, we convey that precious stones aren’t just for special occasions—they can be worn every day as a celebration of yourself.” Simple and elegant, Tiffany T jewellery will be released throughout the year in a series of global launches, so watch this space. TINSELTOWN The Cinemagia collection celebrates Bulgari’s decades-long…

STAYING ON TRACK Motoring and watchmaking collaborations are commonplace, but partnerships that stand the test of time aren’t. Bentley and Breitling have unveiled a new timepiece that celebrates 17 years of association, which they claim is the longest ever between a watchmaker and automobile manufacturer. Limited to 1,000 pieces, the new watch takes inspiration from Bentley’s new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible—more specifically, the car’s dashboard. Its 42mm steel case is presented with a blue alligator leather strap. CRYSTAL CLEAR Girard-Perregaux’s latest Laureato watch stays true to its signature collection, which was first introduced in 1975 after the 1967 film The Graduate (Il Laureato in Italian), starring Dustin Hoffman. The Laureato Absolute Light features the line’s octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet, baton hands and a hobnail-patterned dial. But this sporty, 88-piece limited…

Do those magical, mystical crystals the so-called ‘new age’ folk swear by actually work? Who knows. The quartz crystals used in low-cost watchmaking, however, have well and truly proven their efficacy. In a quartz watch movement, a battery sends an electrical signal through a piece of crystal, driving the watch’s hands and functions. They’ll keep perfect time for three or four years, the life of the battery. A watch’s energy, meanwhile, is stored in a coiled mainspring, and is released as this gradually unwinds, powering the watch’s timekeeping functions and other complications. The number of hours of energy the mainspring provides before it needs winding—or, in the case of an automatic watch, a decent wearing or a thorough shake—is known as power reserve. We won’t go into greater detail about…

“Amid this pandemic, we find sparks of hope in the true spirit of bayanihan. So many of our people have stepped up—from corporations and businesses that share their resources, to ordinary citizens who take part in donation drives or volunteer in various initiatives. ” – Leni Robredo LENI ROBREDO Vice President of the Philippines Actively doing her part to be of assistance to those in need is Vice President Leni Robredo. In the face of the pandemic, her office took swift and practical action. The Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) efforts began with little under six million pesos, and have gone on to amass over 55 million pesos as of this writing in donations through its Angat Buhay partner, Kaya Natin. The funds went to the purchase of personal…

BRIAN CU The pandemic has had a significant impact on ride-hailing transport service companies, as the movement control orders have hampered the very core of their business. But Grab found ways to be of assistance to the country in such difficult times, mobilising its community as a force for good. Thorough its community-driven initiative GrabBayanihan, Grab formed a specialised fleet of GrabCar vehicles and GrabWheels e-scooters, which provide free-of-charge transportation to health workers. Through its mobile app, users were able to donate their GrabRewards points to the Philippine Red Cross, which raised over five million pesos in a matter of days. And through partnerships with Ronald McDonald House Charities and Caritas Manila, users can help supply meals and food bags to frontliners and indigent kababayans. “This GrabBayanihan initiative is not…

TONY TANCAKTIONG Jollibee The famous bee, Jollibee, first took care of its family. Through its chairman and founder Tony Tan-Caktiong, Jollibee Foods Corporation allocated PhP1billion as its emergency response fund amid the coronavirus pandemic. The fund will cover the wages as well as the 13th-month pay of its employees and partner employers. Its charitable arm, the Jollibee Group Foundation, has donated P220million worth of its food products—that include Jollibee, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Burger King, to name a few—that were distributed to frontliners and families in need during this health crisis. GEORGE YANG Mc Donalds McDonald’s Philippines has issued a PhP500-million response fund to aid its employees and communities. The fund covers the salaries of restaurant managers and crew members during the community lockdown, a pay package, and…

WESLEY NG Founder and CEO, Casetify Sanitising our phones is one of the most overlooked habits we should be adopting now. To this end, Hong Kong start-up Casetify has launched a UV sanitiser that uses radiation-free lights to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria as part of its #CasetifyProtects initiative. “The UV sanitiser was actually something we’ve had up our sleeve for a while now, already developed and tested by Casetify,” says Ng, adding that with the current situation, it made sense to release the product now. “We want to protect those in need and the quicker we’re able to do it, the more people we can help.” RASHVIN PAL SINGH CEO, Biji Biji Design As part of efforts to decentralise production of safety equipment in Malaysia, Rashvin Pal is…

In a show of solidarity, Malaysia’s biggest names in fashion came together to use their skills to sew PPE for medical frontliners in an initiative led by Malaysia Official Designers Association. The fashion community, including Radzuan Radziwill, Khoon Hooi, Celest Thoi, Alia Bastamam, and their teams of seamstresses and volunteers, worked to cut fabrics and sew thousands of PPE items to meet the never-ending demand from local hospitals. Touched by the countless acts of kindness she’s seen, MODA president Melinda Looi posted an Instagram video in which she said, “I have so much emotion going on, I can cry anytime, but these are tears of happiness to see people coming together.” She also mentioned instances of frontliners sending private messages “saying how grateful they feel that they are finally not…

MARTIN TAN Executive director, The Majurity Trust Tan launched the Singapore Strong Fund to encourage people to start their own initiatives. Individuals, groups, or charities can propose ideas to help others, and approved applicants will receive up to 80 per cent of their project cost with a cap of S$5,000. “We realised early on that our ability to overcome COVID-19 isn’t the job of the government or the charity sector alone, but that of every segment of society,” Tan says. Among the 50 projects already approved are the creation of a site called ilostmygig.sg for freelancers, initiated by Nicholas Chee, founder of Sinema Media; and various grassroots efforts to pack and distribute care packages to healthcare workers, cleaners, and other heroes. CHEN SHIH-CHUNG Taiwan Minister of Health and Welfare Chen…

Jack Ma, the former executive chairman of Alibaba, once said, “When you are a millionaire, the money is yours; and when you have tens and tens of billions, the money is not yours any more, but a social responsibility. And it means more contributions.” In the chaotic days following the government’s decision to lock down the city of Wuhan, Alibaba announced a RMB1 billion fund for purchasing medical supplies and equipment to donate to medical institutions in Wuhan and Hubei province. The Jack Ma Foundation simultaneously gave RMB100 million to support the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Alibaba also set up a special team of workers from 18 Hema Grocery Stores in Wuhan to provide daily meals for key hospitals in the city and food supplies to 21 medical units.…

Jane Goodall is telling me a story from her childhood. One day, as a toddler, she brought earthworms from her family’s garden into her bedroom. Her mother came in to find her observing them intently. She was “wondering how they got around without legs,” Goodall says she told her mother. “While most mothers would get angry, my mother said to me, ‘Jane, these poor little worms, if we leave them here, they’ll die. They need to be in the garden.’ So we took them back.” This memory is interrupted when Goodall’s phone rings. Excusing herself, she picks up the call and tells the person on the other line, “I’ll call you back. I’m on a Zoom call, you see,” straining her voice as she draws out the word “zoom.” Then…

“Regina George is flawless. She has two Fendi purses and a silver Lexus. I hear her hair’s insured for US$10,000. I hear she does car commercials ... in Japan. Her favourite movie is Varsity Blues. One time, she met John Stamos on a plane and he told her she was pretty. One time, she punched me in the face. It was awesome.” — Mean Girls Time was, before social media and our complicit acceptance of 21st-century jargon such as “content” and “engagement,” influence could be gauged on good old-fashioned herd hierarchy and gut feelings, like fear—think: Michael Corleone in The Godfather or Regina George in Mean Girls. These days, in an interactive digital world, a newfangled, ever-evolving concept of “influencer” has become a bona fide career path—a recent Harris Poll…

Nature isn’t only the best muse; it’s also proven to be the best therapy. Hence the popularity of shinrin-yoku—a Japanese practice that literally translates to “forest bathing.” Experience it in style at Satoyama Jujo in Niigata, a 12-room hotel ensconced in the forest, whose design is a tribute to traditional building methods and the beauty of wood, with interiors crafted from Zelkova, pine and cedar wood. For a deeper encounter with nature, Walk Japan’s brand-new itinerary, Shio-no-Michi: The Salt Road, takes travellers from the alpine scenery of northern Nagano to the wild Sea of Japan coast in Niigata. Launching in October, this historic trail was established in the 16th century and was formerly used to transport supplies. Apart from traversing wide valleys and mountain paths, travellers will also cross sleepy…

CHINA Leaf Greener Style reporter, fashion consultant Fashion journalists, particularly those born in the social media era, tend to be typecast as superficial lightweights; but not Greener, who has managed to balance the glamorous responsibilities of becoming a street-style star with some actual serious reporting. When the coronavirus spread in Europe during fashion week, she responded to instances of hostility towards Asians with simple and clear social media posts calling out xenophobic behaviour and explaining the cultural history of face masks. Her latest project is a book, Runway Dreams (T&G Publishing), featuring her essays on fashion along with surreal collages by the artist Edwin Antonio that combine runway looks with characters from classical paintings. Li Jiaqi Online star known as the King of Lipstick Could this be the world’s greatest…

JO MALONE Jo Malone’s newest range of lavender scents in travel-size bottles is perfect for any bride. Apart from the calming properties and soothing aromas of lavender and coriander, this collection comes with pillow mists to make sure you achieve your much-needed beauty rest. GUERLAIN This handy bullet-shaped Rouge G lipstick from Guerlain will fit in small purses and pockets. The new design of Sakura blooms makes it a perfect accessory for a romantic wedding. Best of all the case doubles as a small mirror, so quick touch-ups will be easy. LA MER A must in almost every beauty list, the La Mer eye concentrate promises to reduce the look of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. A perfect remedy from all the stresses of wedding planning that may have…

Michelle Barrera & Santi Juban WHEN 7 October 2019 WHERE St Joseph’s Chapel, Hunters Hill followed by a reception at Deckhouse, Woolich, Sydney, Australia How did Santi propose to you? Santi told me we were going to do a photoshoot with a prenup theme for his photographer friend, Jose Pleno. I found it a little strange, but he told me that Jose wanted to build his portfolio for weddings and prenups and that he offered him and myself as subjects in exchange for his family’s Christmas photoshoot at their farm. When we got to the farm, we spent the entire morning washing horses that would be part of the shoot. Santi played sappy romantic music all morning and by the time everyone else arrived, we were ready to start. We…

Sail away on a yacht The Maldives provides plenty of opportunities for romantic getaways for two. The Conrad Maldives has its own luxury yacht on which couples can sail away in glorious seclusion—with only the crew around. There’s also the option of indulging Robinson Crusoe fantasies with a picnic on a deserted island, entirely alone. Island getaway If the goal is to go full Castaway, there’s the Dream Island Experience, in which couples are taken by speedboat to their own private island. The boat drops anchor in the lagoon so the couple can enjoy the spectacular snorkelling before being taken ashore for a gourmet picnic, calling the crew when they want to leave. Sundowners at the suite For happily lazy honeymooners who are keen to stay within the confines of…

Photo shoot in the wild The safari lodge can organise a photo shoot in the bush with Andrew Schoeman, its specialist photographic guide, providing a special memento of your honeymoon. Schoeman can also accompany guests on game drives to give photographic advice on the best angles and lighting, as well as how to edit the photos afterwards. Stargazing All evening game drives end shortly after sunset, after which you drive back to the lodge under a night sky that becomes a sea of stars. The ranger can stop at an ideal spot for a little while to point out some of the stars for the couple and allow them to soak it all in. Picnic in the bush A breakfast picnic can be set up out in the bush after…

Wine tours, of course With beautiful scenery, eye-catching winery architecture and some of the world’s most sought-after grapes, a wine tour is a Napa must. You could design your own, of course, but someone’s got to drive, so hiring an experienced guide will mean that you can sample delicious wines without worry. Tours usually include the area’s high-profile producers, such as Opus One, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Beringer Vineyards, but try to include some smaller, boutique wineries such as Patel Winery and Morlet Family Vineyards. Fine dining Napa’s other great attraction is its spectacular dining scene. There are too many options to list, from fine dining to Cali casual, but the unmissable headline attraction is Thomas Keller’s world famous French Laundry. Also garnering plentiful plaudits of late is the Michelin-starred…