Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2024 i Tatler Philippines

TATLER PHILIPPINES Self-taught artist Fatima Ronquillo spoke to Tatler about symbolism in her work and her ongoing quest to define what “home” means to her. TATLER MALAYSIA Tatler sat down with the man, the myth and the legend that is Hong Kong actor Tony Leung to talk about capturing the hearts of moviegoers around the world and his hopes for better Asian representation on screen. TATLER HONG KONG David Harilela opened up about his first big business deal, his legacy and the weight of living up to one of the most recognised family names in the city. TATLER TAIWAN Vick Chung is the third-generation heir of the Yung Shin Pharmaceutical Industrial Company, and also leads veterinary services company Vetnostrum. Along with his mother Li Lung Jin, Chung talked to us…

MARK NICDAO Through the years, this sought-after photographer has captured some of the most influential celebrities and beautiful faces in the country. With his artistic eye and attention to details, his works have landed on the covers of some of the most coveted magazines. Nicdao captures this month’s cover shoot, which spotlights Audrey Tan Zubiri, Tootsy Echauz-Angara, Em Aglipay Villar and Kathryna Pimentel. FLORNINA H CAPISTRANO-BAKER Formerly the museum director of the Ayala Museum, Flornina H Capistrano-Baker is an art historian now based in New York. Her most recent exhibition was titled, Intertwined: Transpacific, Transcultural Philippines, at the Ayala Museum. She authored the book of the same title in 2022. In this issue, she writes about the annual gala of the Hispanic Society of America and the history behind the…

GEN.T Mothers are some of the most influential figures in our lives. Yet, their loving sacrifices often push them to choose between motherhood and career. MK Bertulfo, the founder and CEO of social enterprise and e-learning platform FHMoms, ensures that mothers do not have to choose. With an active community of nearly 500,000 members, FHMoms grants women—mothers and maternal figures alike—the opportunity to learn new skills to empower themselves and their families. The idea for FHMoms came from the real-life struggles of Filipino mums. Think of those endless hours in traffic, precious time away from kids; I was precisely in this situation when I started freelancing. Then it hit me: why not create a support group where these mums can chase their dreams without leaving home? That’s how FHMoms started.…

OBJECTS OF DESIRE BRIGHT IS RIGHT If monochrome bores you, this is the season for you. Primary colours and Bauhaus-inspired hues—think sapphire blue, emerald green, vivid yellow and scarlet—are taking over fashion’s colour palette in a big way. Wear a vibrant burst of colours head-to-toe or go for a statement bag or other accessory in an opulent shade to start your spring right. SHREDDED ELEGANCE We first fell in love with it on the Prada spring-summer runway: the way fringing has conquered all fabrics. Designers are going with the flow, embracing the slinky movement afforded by fringe, and adding elements such as rhinestone embellishments, metal or shimmering satin to trims on everything from skirts to accessories. LARGE IN CHARGE It seems oversized (or almost absurdly supersized) bags are here to…

Carlos Alcaraz is captivating the tennis world with his tenacity and youthful exuberance. Fresh off his wins at the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023, the Spanish athlete caught the sporting community’s attention and the fashion scene, with Louis Vuitton naming him their newest ambassador. Teaming up with Alcaraz, the esteemed house crafted a one-of-a-kind wardrobe trunk called Malle Vestiaire to hold a curated selection of Alcaraz’s most cherished memorabilia and equipment, encapsulating the essence of his remarkable career. Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has been a pioneer in delivering designs that marry innovation with style while upholding the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility. Utilising the brand’s unparalleled expertise in leather goods, the artisans meticulously crafted the trunk with carefully selected wood and the iconic Monogram canvas…

In the Year of the Dragon, let your watch dreams take flight…

Life is a peach—make the most of Pantone’s colour of the year for 2024…

In 1924, Cartier introduced the Trinity ring, a piece that immediately became an icon of modernity with its intertwined bands of yellow, rose and white gold. This year, Cartier celebrates the centenary of Trinity, symbolising the brand’s commitment to diversity, unity and the bonds of love in its myriad forms. It is more than a jewel; it embodies Cartier’s rich heritage and is a beacon of modernity in jewellery design. Representing the innovative spirit of Louis Cartier, the Trinity ring’s inception marked a departure from conventional jewellery. Its three intertwined gold bands resonated deeply with the brand’s narrative, mirroring the collaboration of the Cartier brothers and the global presence of their boutiques in Paris, London and New York. The ring’s universal appeal transcends age, status and style, embodying Cartier’s philosophy…

UP CLOSE The whereabouts of the United States ambassador’s residence in the Philippines is not a classified document. Unbeknownst to many, however, is an art treasure at the bottom of the swimming pool on the west side of the property, around which one-third of the house wraps itself. This rare artwork in tile, created by the National Artist Vicente Manansala (1910-1981) when the pool was constructed in 1965, is a cubist depiction of sea creatures and plants in shades of blue, a beautiful specimen of the signature style of the artist hailed as the Pablo Picasso of the Philippines. For decades, it lay in the bottom of the pool, admired privately but uncelebrated publicly. It could have ended up as “lost art” if not for a restoration job commissioned by…

Stigmas have been lifted and views have shifted in the world of cosmetic procedures. As a result, more people are turning towards non- or minimally-invasive treatments to enhance natural features, rather than dramatically changing the way they look. Here, we document a variety of treatments available today, as well as trends that are rising in this space—from facials, like one inspired by the coveted Korean “glass skin” glow, and micro-doses of Botox, to those with considerably longer-lasting effects. A IS FOR AQUAFACIAL Clean, clear skin will never go out of style. Enter the Aquafacial, a non-invasive facial treatment that combines deep cleansing, exfoliating and oxygenation. Results—ranging from improved texture to reduced fine lines—are said to be immediate, with no downtime. B IS FOR BOTOX Botox—a brand of botulinum toxin, a…

ART AND FOOD What happens when art and food meet? Passion Cooks and Kara Pangilinan answer this question through Who’s Cooking? Artistic Appetites, a collaborative project by caterers and artists. MONET ALIVE After bringing to life the vibrant world of Van Gogh, BGC Arts Center invites everyone again to a new undertaking—celebrating the world of Monet and other impressionist painters. BINONDO TRAVELOGUE The world’s oldest Chinatown is alive now more than ever. Home to more than 20,000 locals, the area is known for its time-honoured bistros, neoclassical establishments and vibrant culture. Tatler lists everything you need to know about the district. Follow us on social media @tatlerphilippines…

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos ushered in the new year with an age-old French tradition, Vin d’Honneur, on January 11 at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace. Translated as “wine of honour”, it is an event during New Year and Independence Day that highlights a toast between the President and the Papal Nuncio—a testament to the Spanish influence on Filipino culture. Along with friends in the diplomatic circle, the government celebrated partnerships and international cooperation. All guests assembled and mingled in the hall adorned with Sampaguita flowers and Bahay Kubo design elements. After addressing everyone with a warm welcome, President Marcos introduced the new ambassadors to the Philippines: Marciano Octavio Garcia da Silva of Timor Leste and Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam. He proudly…

Tim Yap celebrated his birthday with a party that was nothing short of spectacular. The sought-after eventologist threw a dynamic bash in Bonifacio Global City— and made sure it pulsated with dance, music and lively conversation, delighting the throngs of attendees who showered him with their well-wishes. As a bon vivant with impeccable taste, Yap ensured that every aspect of the gathering exuded with his trademark zest. The party took up the entire stretch of 27th Street, with socialites and celebrities indulging in an assortment of eats from Auro Chocolate Cafe (for the appetisers and desserts), Bolero Manila (for the tapas) and Cochi by Marvin. A bespoke drinks selection from local favourites Sula, Arc Gin and Manila Craft complemented these. The host par excellence also ensured his celebration was not…

FRONT & FEMALE “I cannot change the world just so it’s convenient for me,” President and Dean of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Jikyeong Kang said when asked about facing adversities. “I’m a person who focuses on the positive—on what I have rather than what I don’t.” Kang emigrated from South Korea to pursue a master’s degree in the United States in 1984. There, she was not only on foreign soil but suddenly thrust into a culture far from hers. “It was daunting, scary, I felt like I wasn’t good enough,” she shared. On top of the challenges of graduate studies, she dealt with the language barrier, being far from home, and many bouts of self-doubt. But all that was quelled by going through the process and finding mentors…

BRING IT ON Sabato de Sarno’s debut campaign for Gucci, Ancora, saw a deep cherry red shade taking the fashion world by storm. Ancora, meaning “again” or “still” in Italian, represents a mix of timeless allure, beauty and personal expression for Gucci’s new creative director; since taking over at the house, he has been applying the mantra to everything from design to music to imagery. For the spring-summer 2024 campaign, De Sarno enlisted the lens of David Sims, the photographer he worked with when he first started working in fashion. The casting is fresh too: the campaign stars five new faces representing a diverse range of beauty, who command a wardrobe of essential pieces crafted for everyday elegance. EAR CANDY Celine has teamed up with Master & Dynamic for its…

In the corridors of Tiffany & Co in New York, where luxury is crafted with an almost alchemical precision, stands the brand’s chief gemologist and vice president, Victoria Reynolds, a guardian of quality in a world where the way gemstones sparkle is a language in itself. Reynolds oversees the transformation of the Earth’s hidden marvels into coveted high jewellery. Tatler sits down with Reynolds to discuss how she’s writing the next chapter in the maison’s legacy with the Blue Book Collection, using innovative designs and the world’s rarest precious gemstones. As Tiffany & Co’s chief gemologist, you oversee sourcing of gemstones and diamonds. How did you first become interested in gemology, and what do gemstones mean to you? For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion…

Favourite holiday? Christmas! One of the many, many reasons I’m so happy to be US Ambassador to the Philippines–the country with the longest Christmas season in the world! It has been wonderful to have both of our daughters visit us in the Philippines for the holidays. Favourite American food? Tex-Mex enchiladas. I love the diversity of American cuisine, incorporating so many flavours from the many vibrant immigrant communities that have influenced our food and culture. Favourite Filipino food? I love comfort foods like lumpia and pancit. I have also enjoyed exploring vegan options–influenced by our daughters- and found that vegan sisig made with tofu is very tasty. How do you de-stress? I love to work out, lift weights, step and spin. What’s your first impression of the Philippines? Such an…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Gender equality has been on everyone’s minds for many years. Several first-world countries have yet to achieve that despite making considerable strides. There’s cause to celebrate in the Philippines as, according to the Philippine Commission on Women, citing the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index report, we are the leading Asian country in narrowing the gender gap. The commission writes: “The country has attained 79.1 per cent gender parity, securing 16th out of 146 countries globally—a rise of three places from its previous ranking. The Philippines is second among its neighbouring countries in East Asia and the Pacific, trailing only behind New Zealand. Notably, it stands as the sole Asian nation within the top 20, with Singapore at 49th. The Global Gender Gap Index evaluates gender equality…

His name is recognised both locally and internationally. Kenneth Cobonpue, the multi-awarded industrial designer and manufacturer from Cebu, is among the country’s top talents. Having pursued his education in New York, Italy and Germany, Cobonpue has a touch of worldliness that is reflected in his many designs. Still, he has put his heritage front and centre in his work. Since returning to the Philippines in the mid-nineties, Cobonpue has established a global brand that employs over 300 artisans in Cebu. “I’m proudest of having created a home-grown brand utilising natural materials and employing skilled craftsmen in the Philippines,” he shares. “Asia was known as the factory of the world, not as a source for originality and creativity. I wanted to change that, so I decided it was time for the…

It was two weeks before Christmas, and Manchester was gearing up to host an unlikely throng of guests from around the world who had travelled to the British city at Chanel’s invitation. With its grey skies, pouring rain and heavy traffic, Manchester is not a city that easily wins you over. And yet there is something captivating about its atmosphere. The city holds a significant place in history as one of the birthplaces of the industrial revolution. It is also the origin of some of the most influential post-punk bands, including The Smiths, New Order and Joy Division, whose music defined much of the British music scene in the Seventies and Eighties. The city housed one of the most influential record companies, Factory Records, where design legend Peter Saville produced…

A luxury house earns legendary status not only through the quality of its products but also by becoming intertwined with people’s lives. Frenchman Alain Crevet had a personal connection to ST Dupont long before he assumed the role of CEO. “When I completed my university studies, my father, an avid cigar smoker, gifted me a Dupont lighter, which quickly became a cherished possession,” he says. “Many weekends were spent with my grandfather, indulging in cigars and cognac, and engaging in discussions about politics and history.” The luxury manufacturer, with its 151-year history, has produced a wide array of luxury goods, including leatherware, lighters and pens, since its founding in 1872. Crevet joined ST Dupont in 2006 with a clear mission—to modernise the brand and, in doing so, reintroduce feminine glamour…

What was it like growing up surrounded by jewellery, and how did it influence your interest in the field? I was born in jewellery: we had a family business—my grandfather started the company in 1934—and my father developed that brand. I never really thought of [pursuing another career], because [jewellery] was in my DNA. I have seen the passion [with which] my grandfather, my father and my mother were [working]. It was such a natural choice without any obligation, or any push from my father or my mother; I immediately decided to be part of this world. Tell us about the strategy behind opening boutiques around the world. We wanted to [have] our own boutique in the most important markets. We consider Hong Kong as one of them. Hong Kong…

HERITAGE It was a most magical and unforgettable evening. One could almost see John Pierpont Morgan or Cornelius Vanderbilt stepping into the ballroom of the beautiful Metropolitan Club at One E 60th Street in New York City. Strains of Spanish guitar music fused with the scent of fragrant blossoms. The occasion? The Annual Gala of the Hispanic Society of America, hosted by its current chairman, Philippe de Montebello, the legendary former museum director and CEO of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The elegant gala gathers leading luminaries in philanthropy, arts and culture, business and politics to support the Hispanic Society’s mission. It is a glittering occasion when the prestigious Sorolla Medal is awarded to individuals and institutions who have positively impacted the study of Spanish culture in Spain,…

When an elephant gives birth, something spectacular happens: fellow females in the herd get into formation, creating a support network that facilitates the well-being of the mother and the safe shepherding of new life into the world. They surround and protect her by kicking up dirt and soil to throw any predators off the scent. Once the calf is born, they cover it with sand to protect its skin from the sun before breaking into a chorus of celebratory trumpeting. The female instinct to look out for one another, to guide and protect in moments of vulnerability, is innate: nature as intended. And there are very few times when a woman is more vulnerable, and yet more powerful, than when giving birth. Historically, pregnancy and childbirth—long seen as a “female…