Innholdsfortegnelse for Sep-21 i Tatler Philippines

TATLER PHILIPPINES Gracing the cover of Tatler Philippines’ anniversary issue is the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who bagged the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal after winning the women’s 55-kilogramme weightlifting category. She tells Tatler the challenges she faced, her inspirations and her journey to victory. tatlerphilippines.com TATLER INDONESIA Iman Usman, the co-founder of RuangGuru, an app that connects students with tutors, discusses what the future holds for distance learning. Last year, less than a week after Indonesia closed its government schools due to the pandemic, RuangGuru launched a free, 18-channel, live-streamed online school, providing classes to anyone with access to a smartphone. tatlerindonesia.com TATLER MALAYSIA This month, a look at the lighter side of life in a series of interviews with three Malaysian stand-up comedians based abroad—Ronny…

DAVID LEECHIU Co-founder and CEO of Leechiu Property Consultants Inc, Leechiu has has 26 years of experience in real estate. He presents a clear picture of the real-estate market on p.66. Can you give basic tips on investing in real estate? There is no better time to invest in real estate than now; property prices have held value despite a 10 per cent contraction in the economy. Go long on property. Hopes for 2021? The Philippine economy is like a spring and the global Covid crisis is like the hand pressing very hard on that spring. When that hand is released, we will have a bounce back like we haven’t seen before, real estate being one of the big benefactors of that recovery. MARGE ENRIQUEZ Veteran journalist Marge Enriquez has…

Here is good news: the Philippine property market is one of the few in the world where demand is still growing. It is no big secret that we at Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) have taken quite an optimistic view of the Philippine real-estate industry throughout these challenging times. But numbers do not lie; our studies have consistently shown that it is one of the most resilient markets in the world. Let me support our outlook—with hard data. Last quarter, office demand was the highest it has been since the start of the pandemic. The first half of 2021 posted 291,000 sqm or 75 per cent of last year’s demand. Even more significant is that the BPO industry accounted for 92,000 sqm or 54 per cent of the second quarter of…

Italy has long been known as a trailblazer when it comes to design. From the fabulous fashions coming down the catwalks of Milan, to technologically advanced sports-cars roaring down the autostrada, to impeccable furniture made by the hands of master artisans, Italy captures the world’s acclaim with its attention to detail and quality. Such is the case of B&B Italia, one of the country’s most prominent furniture producers. Crafting pieces that are creative, aesthetically appealing and functional, the company has gone well ahead of the pack to become one of the world leaders in its field. When furniture maker Piero Ambrogio Busnelli founded B&B Italia in 1966, traditional methods were the norm, with each piece tediously crafted by hand through time-consuming processes. Busnelli wondered if there was a better, more…

GREAT MINDS Tod’s T Factory—where the luxury Italian label invites artists and designers to reimagine its codes for a special capsule every year—is going strong, partnering with Japanese designer Ryo Kashiwazaki of label Hender Scheme for its collection this month. Kashiwazaki will apply the minimalist take on nude footwear for which he’s known to Tod’s iconic Gommino shoes. The collection will be unveiled in a special event during Milan Fashion Week. FUN PALACE Virgil Abloh presents the “Laboratory of Fun”, a see-now, buy-now collection through Off-White’s newly redesigned website launched July 4, coinciding with the opening of the brand’s Paris flagship store. Given the designer’s architecture background, this new collection shows precision silhouettes, monochrome looks and a neutral colour palette. Single-breasted blazers, knitwear embellished with metal accents, chunky boots and…

Famed architect Frank Gehry’s latest collaboration with Louis Vuitton—for whom he designed the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris in 2006, and Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul in 2019—is a suite of five bottles for a new line of fragrances, Les Extraits Collection. “[LVMH] has become kind of family for me,” he says. In July this year, director of Louis Vuitton Delphine Arnault kicked off Paris Haute Couture Week with a party at Fondation Louis Vuitton to celebrate the new scents. Alongside Gehry, attendees included the likes of Larry Gagosian, Nicolas Ghesquière, Virgil Abloh, Florence Pugh and Bella Hadid. When asked about the difference between designing a building versus a product, Gehry says, “A building is interactive. People use it, live inside it, sleep, listen to music and work there. The object…

What have you been working on? The Deep collection, which consists of two capsule collections named Deep Sea and Deep Space. I’ve been enjoying working with stones including malachite, onyx and turquoise; they boast enchanting colours that remind me of the deepest depths of the ocean as well as the northern lights. What do you love about the northern lights? It is nature’s most fascinating phenomenon, which deeply touches people and is almost too beautiful to be true. The vibrancy and harmony of its colours are inspiring for any jewellery designer. You are a third-generation jeweller. How has this impacted your designs? My grandfather and father have spent more than 60 years of their lives at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. They have dedicated themselves to their craft, and their…

How is business? The first half of this year has been good for us. Our sales numbers are close to what they were in 2019 before the pandemic, so if things continue to improve and travel bounces back during the second half of this year, we’ll be doing well. How has Hublot developed as a brand over the past 12 months? The pandemic has been difficult, but it’s also taught us a lot. Being active digitally has always been important, but it’s even more so now. Hublot is a brand that holds a lot of physical events because of our marketing partnerships, which is something we can’t do any more. We’ve had to become really agile in order to focus on digital events and launches. Our digital content has become…

ISABEL PREYSLER The icon of beauty and elegance Isabel Preysler came out in September 2007, photographed in her home in Madrid, Spain; and in March 2013 at the Shangri-La Hotel Makati in a three-cover edition with her daughter Tamara Falco and bullfighter Cayetano Rivera. BEN CHAN Retail King Ben Chan came out in May 2007, photographed in Shanghai, China on September 2013; also at the Bench Tower with his Bench endorsers, in a three-cover edition for Bench’s 30th anniversary, November 2017; and again in a group shot with fellow Tatler Ball awardees in February 2020. GEORGINA WILSON ‘It Girl’, supermodelturned-mompreneur Georgina Wilson came out on the cover six times, the most frequent of all. First was in November 2004 as part of the Ball issue; then in March 2005 in…

Taking a deep breath on the sidelines as she awaits her turn, Olympic weightlifter, active member of the Philippine Air Force and Generation T honouree Hidilyn Diaz clutches tightly at her Miraculous Medal of the Blessed Mother. It was a reminder of all the people praying for her and of knowing that God is always with her especially now. As she stepped onto the crimson stage, the voice of her strength and conditioning coach, Julius Naranjo, rang through her mind: “One motion, chest out, one motion.” One motion, one extra kilogramme and immeasurable determination are what it took for Diaz to stand victorious. By lifting 97 kilogrammes in snatch and 127 kilogrammes in the clean-and-jerk, setting an Olympic record in the process, she beat China’s Liao Quiyun with a total…

As many of us prepare to board our first international flight in months, a trip to a wine region may not be top of the list; but for gourmets it certainly ranks high. However much we may have enjoyed drinking at home during lockdown, wine, the pinnacle of site-specific comestibles, is taken to new heights when imbibed in context. There is a right way to do wine travel and a wrong way. The latter involves too much travel time, too many stops and too much drinking. What’s more, on a practical level, there are still likely to be restrictions on winery visits for some time to come. Even where visitors are welcome, you may not feel comfortable crowding into a bus or barrel room just yet. This may, though, be…

Trust Lady Gaga to take one of the world’s most decadent brands and make it even more glamorous. The American performer has paired up with champagne house Dom Pérignon for a collaboration that celebrates creativity and supports at-risk youth. As part of the campaign, Gaga appears in all her surreal glory in a conceptual video shot by visionary photographer and director Nick Knight. She’s dressed in two opulent regal robes—one, sharp and sculptural in scarlet and magenta, the other all frilly pleated ruffles of pink lamé—sashaying to a trippy remix of Free Woman from her 2020 album Chromatica. She poses with a bottle of Dom Pérignon and raises a flute of Rosé Vintage 2006. As mesmerising as the singer herself is the centrepiece of this collaboration: a limited-edition, veil-like sculpture…

Garden of Colours After a year-long wait, the New York Botanical Garden finally hosted the Spring Gala in celebration of the highly acclaimed exhibition, KUSAMA: Cosmic Nature, highlighting the unique installations by Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama. The event was sponsored by Hearst, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame and De Beers Jewellers. Guests showed up donning vibrant florals that complemented both Kusama’s exhibit and the venue’s 250-hectare verdant landscape. The evening was filled with an eminent crowd, including Gala Chairs Georgina Bloomberg, Lili Buffett, Kate Davis, Gillian Hearst, Sharon Jacob, Holly Lowen, Ashley McDermott, Janet Montag and Deborah Royce. Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl, Brooke Shields, Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier, Prabal Gurung, Fernando Garcia, Cynthia Rowley, Tina Leung, Nigel Barker, Cristina Cuomo, Aurora James, Brian Atwood and Jake Deutsch also…

Like a window to the past, the House of Dior’s winter 2021-2022 collection connects the now with then, the contemporary with history and heritage, through creations that combine Dior emblems with the artist Peter Doig’s imaginative symbols. “We were looking with Peter Doig at the idea of [the] ceremonial costume and a modern interpretation of it, with a strong focus on tailoring. We looked at French painters, ceremonial dresses and the formality of the couture house, and then really worked on the embellishment on fabrications and knitwear, and the idea of something grand and large,” says Kim Jones, Dior Men’s artistic director. For this collection, the embroidery and embellishments, remarkably inspired by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, lend the pieces a masculine touch. Decorations and motifs from the House’s archives are…

Modern dermatology and aesthetic medicine have become a booming industry over the past several decades. Indeed, these have become particularly visible now with almost every other ad, on and offline, offering beauty solutions from across the globe. Most of the products currently available are from Japan and South Korea, countries with a longstanding reputation for the quality and diversity of their skincare products—and Filipinas can’t seem to get enough of them. This begs the question: can a Filipino beauty brand compete with global skincare brands in terms of quality, efficacy and sustainability? If you ask young entrepreneur Mae Ng, the dynamic woman behind Lemeur and Le Meur Aesthetics, the answer is a resounding yes. While born and raised in the Philippines, the Fil-Singaporean Ng travelled extensively when she was younger,…

A RADICAL ROMANCE Cruella, the prequel to Disney’s iconic 101 Dalmatians, about the early days of one of cinema’s most notoriously fashionable villains, features an incredible selection of De Beers jewellery. Academy Award winners Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil and Emma Thompson as Baroness Von Hellman come decked in the brand’s signature high jewellery designs, including the Diamond Legends by De Beers Cupid necklace. Two symmetrical lines of princess-cut diamonds are framed by a row of marquise-shaped diamonds to depict Cupid’s feathered wings. Interested? It can be yours for about US$730,000. THE CLASH Cartier highlights the beauty of two equally weighty elements in the latest pieces of its collection, Clash de Cartier: ultra-contemporary rose gold studs and precious beads. Effortlessly elegant, the jewellery can be worn in many ways.…

NEXT BEST THING The Chronomaster Original by ZENITH is just as iconic as the ZENITH A386. While this watch retains the A386’s elegance, it’s packed with the performance of the 21st century version of the El Primero. The autonomy of this timepiece has also been rendered more efficient—extending power reserve to a full 60 hours. But what’s even more striking is its dial—an emblematic tri-colour chronograph in shades of grey and blue. CHASING RAINBOWS This 32 mm high jewellery watch from Piaget is the very first time the Swiss maison has created a rainbow-set timepiece. A spectacular array of green tsavorites and coloured sapphires have been assembled by Piaget’s in-house gemmologists, who searched long and hard for specific carats, cuts and clarities. An 18-carat yellow-gold case comes with a matching…

MOST RISQUÉ Rosanne Prieto (February 2002) Being one of the first lifestyle/ luxury publications in the country, we have done the range from safe to extreme with our covers. One of our more provocative ones was for our February 2002 issue featuring a topless Rosanne Prieto and two male models. Not known to many, the shoot was held in the San Agustin Church and it was a miracle the we were not banned from the premises with a threat of excommunication. Another much talked about cover is one with Nise Yabut Cojuangco (December 2003) wearing only a tank top and panties. The headline-grabbing title “I have no money …” continued inside to say, “At least I have no fat”. Others worth mentioning is Kris Aquino’s sexy shoot, Bench underwear models,…

As we celebrate 20 years this month, I am overcome with emotion to have made it this far. This is truly an important and meaningful milestone for me. I still can recall all the people I’ve met and covered, the pitfalls (yes there were a lot) and most especially all the hard work and passion that went into making all 240 plus issues. This whole anniversary issue is dedicated to celebrating those glorious years. Starting with a brief history written by Marge Enriquez titled, In the Beginning. We have a powerful visual imagery in 20, 20 individuals who have come out on the cover and best represent the magazine. Defining Moments comprise trademarks of the magazine that make a clear distinction of its DNA. And Memories are Made of These…

“I didn’t think the day was going to come … I was just so used to frustrations [from foiled plans],” Jess Wilson recalls after finally tying the knot with Moritz Gastl. And after months of flying back and forth from the Philippines to Germany and England to process piles of paperwork. The couple originally planned to marry in Salzburg, Austria last year. Then the pandemic happened. So, they decided to wed in the Philippines. “Who knows what’s going to happen?” she says. “In conjunction to that, my dad isn’t very well, so I wanted to get married with him by my side and I didn’t need a huge wedding to do that.” First, they agreed to hold a small wedding at her aunt’s house in Alfonso, Cavite in June. However,…

At Tatler Philippines’ last photoshoot/interview with Bienvenido Tantoco Sr, the former ambassador to the Vatican proudly shared that he would be turning 100 years old in three years. He looked forward to the milestone, he intimated, because he wanted to gift one of his grandchildren planning on settling down the PhP100,000 that the government awards to all centenarians. Tantoco, the co-founder of a high-end retail empire, did reach the age of 100 but lamentably, the year also marked the end of his rich and fruitful life. Early on July 6, 2021, the beloved patriarch’s death was confirmed by his family of six children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Such a big family, undoubtedly, but glued together by this self-effacing man who built their empire with his wife 69…

In today’s highly competitive beauty industry, companies that innovate are the ones that are best primed for success. Here in Asia where countries like Japan and South Korea are running neck to neck when it comes to developing new products to meet the evolving requirements of clients, it pays to be able to bring effective solutions and cutting-edge aesthetic technologies to one’s target market. Over the past two decades, DMark Group of Companies composed of DMark Beauty Corporation and DermAsia has risen high over the competition, bringing in top quality dermatological solutions and methodologies from some of the world’s foremost names in skin care and aesthetic surgery. According to CEO Nikki Tang, the group’s success has been built upon two key elements: a clear vision of where she and her…

Today’s women are extraordinary. They have transcended and challenged traditional perceptions of femininity and are leading the way in various sectors of modern society. They exude strength, grace, wisdom and resilience—always on the go and rising to the challenges of these unusual times. For women of such high calibre, the designers and craftsmen at Louis Vuitton created the OnTheGo tote bag, the perfect carry-all for the woman who is, well, on the go. We spoke to four such women who are at the top of their respective fields to see how they have made best use of their time during this pandemic, how they have adapted to the way life has changed, what continues to drive them in the face of the difficulties that have come their way and why…

Last month, Violette Serratwho, professionally, simply goes by Violette—became the creative director for Guerlain, succeeding Olivier Echaudemaison, who held the position for 21 years. Violette says it’s “insane” to think she will be creating make-up for the Parisian maison that introduced the modern lipstick bullet to the world in 1870. In fact, the announcement of her new role coincided with the launch of Guerlain’s Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Collection, a revamp of one of Violette’s personal “holy grail” lipsticks. Previously the global beauty director for Estée Lauder, Violette says that in creating make-up for Guerlain, she will “honour the brand’s heritage, looking at the past and being inspired for the future. I want to bring that story to life”. It’s also a homecoming for the Frenchwoman, who has spent the…

THANKS A BUNCH Victoire de Castellane arrived at Dior in 1999 to establish the house’s first high jewellery department. Fast-forward to today, and the designer has unveiled the largest in the revered French fashion brand’s history. Comprising 116 pieces, Dior Rose made its debut this summer during an extravagant dinner in Chengdu. An ode to Monsieur Christian Dior’s favourite flower, which is said to have reminded him of the garden at his childhood home in Granville, Normandy, this stunning line boasts blousy petals set with diamonds and naturalistic branches sculpted from glittery gold. X-QUISITE Tiffany & Co’s Atlas X collection is composed of pieces crafted from 18c gold, sterling silver and pave diamonds and designed with powerful angles, clean lines and statement silhouettes. Inspired by the Roman numerals, the collection…

Olivia Palermo is a longtime partner of Piaget, having creatively directed pieces for the maison’s emblematic Possession range, which is what the best-dressed-list mainstay is pictured wearing. Founded in the Swiss village of La Côteaux-Fées more than 140 years ago, Piaget is responsible for some of the most innovative timepieces available on the market today, but it is also known for its high jewellery craftsmanship, which took off during the 1960s and ‘70s under the watchful eye of a fourth-generation member of the family, Yves G Piaget.…

Margot Robbie has been photographed wearing the J12, one of Chanel’s most iconic wristwatches. The Australian actress fronted the collection’s campaign earlier this year and has enjoyed a relationship with Chanel ever since wearing the brand’s couture to the 2018 Oscars. At this year’s awards, Robbie wore a floral sleeveless dress from Chanel, which reportedly took 205 hours to make. Named and inspired by racing yacht silhouettes, the J12 has been worn by stylish women everywhere since its debut 20-plus years ago, having also graced the wrists of Victoria Beckham and Lily-Rose Depp.…

Naysayers pooh-poohed the launch of Philippine Tatler in 2001. Some went as far as telling Anton San Diego, that this society/general interest magazine would not survive. He was then writing society columns for Philippine Daily Inquirer and Metro magazine and for both gigs, he’d been tapped precisely for his apparent persuasive powers over the high and mighty. Still, taking on the job of editor-in-chief for another new luxury magazine seemed like a leap of faith. Beneath his suave demeanour, San Diego has always been tenacious. Plus, he was gifted with an eye for aesthetics and a nose for what was appealing to readers. He envisioned Tatler as a magazine of superior quality that would “present the Philippines to the world in the best possible way”. Twenty years later—following changes in…

Since it debuted in 2002, the Tatler Ball, an exclusive invitational gala with a fundraising event, has not only been accepted by the country’s society circles but has become the most coveted invitation of the year. Everyone eagerly anticipated the Ball with much preparation, including filling up local designers’ calendar. The Ball showcased the best entertainers in the country plus one or two foreign acts. But it was not all glitz and glamour; it also had a heart of gold, raising significant amounts of fund to benefit different charitable institutions. There was no Tatler Ball last year because of the pandemic and it still looks unsafe to hold one this year. We hope, however, to be back with a bang in 2022.…

Cris Albert Tatler has taken us to a whole new height with its successes all these years, and I thank you for making us your partner and your friend. The dedication and creativity of Irene Francisco and Anton San Diego’s team can only be matched with an unquenchable thirst for achievement. It’s not just a corporate anniversary, it’s an anniversary of a family that grew strong defying the odds. The relevance of your stories —which care and give importance to society’s needs as well as appreciate heroes of the Philippines—is highly commendable. On your special day, I want to congratulate and bless you with unparalleled prosperity and unrivalled corporate services. Felix Ang Every Tatler Ball for me is memorable. It warms the heart to witness friends coming together for a…

DO · Prepare a list of strong questions. Wine conversations can be endless, so make sure you’re steering the discussion with questions more insightful than “What is the blend of this wine”. Engaging queries may get you invited back. · Take notes. You think you won’t forget that incredible 1988 that Jean-Claude pulled out of the cellar for you, but 20 tastes of Gevrey later and you will. I take all my notes on my phone, sometimes voice recorded, and usually take a snapshot of the label. · Ask whoever is guiding you which wines they enjoy drinking other than their own. It engages them on a level beyond the immediate interaction and could yield unexpected bonus visits if they name somebody local. · Wear comfortable shoes. Wineries often have…

How does one make outdoor furniture last? A common misconception about outdoor furniture is that it is easily damaged or worn out from exposure to the elements. The key to finding timeless and long-lasting pieces is choosing the right materials that can withstand the outdoors. One should also keep in mind the environments and features of their home—whether it’s a house by the beach, a cityscape home, or a windy hillside residence. Sun, wind and saltwater are some harsh elements that can affect outdoor pieces. Proper use and care maintenance are also essential in ensuring that your outdoor furniture lasts a lifetime. With B&B Italia Outdoor, we have a variety of materials and finishes to choose from that will suit your taste and lifestyle. The masterfully crafted pieces are realisations…