Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2015 i Tatler Philippines

SHANGLIU TATLER MOTHER EARTH FOR THIS MONTH’S Green Life issue, former competitive swimmer Zhuang Yong, founder of media planning and procurement company Tulip Media, is the cover star and discusses the importance of environmental protection. Leading figures from various industries also speak on the issue, and retired Japanese football player Hidetoshi Nakata tells of his collaboration with Italian jewellery brand Damiani, which will help fund the earthquake disaster relief project Home. INDONESIA TATLER FLYING THE FLAG To mark Independence Day, this month’s cover story focuses on Indonesian armed forces chief General Moeldoko, who speaks about the importance of patriotism and various ways to help the country’s economy develop. This edition also features profiles on Rusdi Kirana, founder of Lion Air, and Rosa Patti Djalal, who is active in politics, education…

CONRAD ONGLAO “I’m actually torn between the importance of lighting fixtures [table lamps, floor lamps, up-lighting, etc] and decorative rugs. While the former provides the necessary ambience and drama, the latter provides the cache and the definition of a given space.” ANNA MARIA SY “I love, love, love the Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen, designed in the 1940s. It’s both quirky and sexy and makes a statement without overwhelming a space.” ANTON MENDOZA “My favourite home decor piece is my carroza because of its dual purpose. It is used as the vessel of saints during processions and serves as a cocktail table at home. It was purchased from Ronnie Laing’s Antiques and Flower Shop, which stood along Pasay Road in the ’70s.” MANNY MIÑANA “My favourite home accessory or furniture…

COMING DIRECTLY FROM London’s West End and its UK Ireland Tour, Singin’ in the Rain opens on the 20th at The Theatre at Solaire. Based on the iconic 1952 film, the stage adaptation of the musical comedy will feature performances from Grant Almirall (Jersey Boys) as silent film leading man Don Lockwood and Bethany Dickson (The Sound of Music, Grease) as aspiring actress Kathy Selden. Singin’ in the Rain, which made its Broadway debut in 1985, earned two Tony Award nominations, and has garnered rave reviews from all over the world. The show’s musical numbers, created by composer Nacio Herb Brown and lyricist Arthur Freed, include “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Make ‘Em Laugh,” and “Good Mornin’.” One of the show’s highlights is a big tap dance number across a rain-soaked…

To say that Kat Sicat is a very active young lady would be an understatement. She is currently studying philosophy, politics, and economics at an interdisciplinary course at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a member of the university’s Penn Dance Company and CityStep, a service group that goes to public schools in West Philadelphia twice a week to teach dance. Sicat decided to take the last semester off when she learnt she was drafted into the Philippine Pythons, the country’s first touch rugby national women’s team, which participated in the last World Cup held in Australia. She also took part in Jim Ayala’s socio-enterprise, Stiftung Solarenergie Philippines, which aims to bring solar energy to off-grid communities. When she returns to university this September, she will work as a writing tutor…

A special reunion party to celebrate the glory days of Embassy Club, the hippest place to be a decade ago, was held recently at Privé Luxury Club. DJ Mars Miranda played classic hip-hop and RnB hits, reminiscent of Embassy’s signature “Snap, Crackle, Pop” night; while DJ Ace Ramos played tunes that were hits during Embassy’s heyday. At around 1 am, Tim Yap, one of the founders of Embassy, delivered a special video message and thanked all those who had supported the club. DJs Martin Pulgar and Marc Naval kept the party going until the wee hours of the morning. THE INSIDER Erik Cua is one of the owners of the most popular club in Manila, Valkyrie…

BRAND ORIGIN Manila DESIGNER’S BACKGROUND Before ruling the runway, fashion designer Mark Bumgarner was making a splash on the racetrack. He has represented the country numerous times in international racing competitions, and was the first from the Philippines to qualify in the Macau Karting Gran Prix Formula A class. In 2012 he decided to take a plunge into the fashion industry, and started attending a series of design courses in Central Saint Martins in London. Bumgarner never looked back and has now presented six collections, two of which were shown at the Manila Fashion Festival, and has expanded his services to bridal wear through his atelier. DESIGN SIGNATURES His designs celebrate elegance, timeless glamour, and supreme craftsmanship. His atelier is mainly focused on custom evening and bridal wear. Meticulously handmade…

REPETTO EAU FLORALE The Parisian ballet house unveils Act III of its floral fragrance; ambergris and grapefruit add a touch of sensuality to the rose heart note VALENTINO VALENTINA PINK The scent of a rose is truly timeless. Nuances of peony, strawberry, and blackberry bring freshness to the classic fragrance, resulting in a floral, fruity mix VAN CLEEF & ARPELS RÊVE ENCHANTÉ  A stroll through a sun-kissed garden is brought to life with warming notes of water jasmine and peach blossom, while lily of the valley puts a green spring in the step…

FIERCELY FABULOUS Smokey eye make-up is as essential to a glitzy party as a little black dress, so dress up your eyes with show-stopping, intense shadows; thick, black liner; and double coats of dark mascara. Don’t forget to add a dose of sparkle for good measure. Then, match your sultry eyes with well-defined, dewy cheekbones. If you’re not afraid to go all-out ferocious, fiery red lips is the right way to go; but nude lips work just as well with your already piercing peepers.…

It’s in the Bag As someone whose artistic vision has been immortalised on the pages of Vogue, Bea Valdes continues to make a steady impression on the international fashion stage with each beautiful piece she creates. A designer who understands what women want, Valdes taps into the core of each individual female and channels that spirit into her creations. Her bags and necklaces all boast vivid detail and well-thought-out stories. She steps up her game with the Cyclops clutch, a whimsical piece decked in bright colours and varying textures, and, appropriate to its name, accented with large eyes. Despite having a steady flow of intricate pieces at the ready, Valdes proves that she has what it takes to go all out and deliver beyond what is expected of her, design-wise.…

SOMETIMES BURGUNDY WINE producers aren’t able to predict what will happen when Mother Nature doles out just about every calamity a winemaker can imagine during a grape-growing season. That’s exactly what happened in 2013. I had heard about the problems of near-biblical proportions during the growing season and harvest—disastrous hailstorms, a lack of sun, heavy rain, and rampant disease. But winemakers in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or turned out some surprisingly high-quality wines. “It’s really amazing that a year like 2013 made such excellent wines,” admits Dimitri Bazas, winemaker and general manager of the small négociant Champy. “Decades ago, it would have been really difficult.” The year produced some truly excellent whites with classy density and acid tension, while many reds showed good fruit, firm tannins, and bright acidity. In the past,…

It was no surprise that Elle online chose the New York-based designer Betina Ocampo as one of the city’s most stylish women. Betina was born into fashion and grew up steeped in style, being the daughter of fashion retail czar Ricco Ocampo and former fashion model-turned-bag designer Tina Maristela-Ocampo. Betina gives Elle a candid interview, sharing some of her fashion faux pas and wardrobe secrets. She believes in “suffering for fashion,” referring to her penchant for high heels. The designer has been making a name in New York since 2012 with her eponymous label of luxury t-shirts, expanding to include skirts and pants for fall/winter 2015. She is launching her shoe line soon, which is a collaboration with her sisters Selena and Juliana—something to definitely watch out for!…

8 MT MAYON TRIATHLON A scenic tour of the city and the Mayon volcano, the course comprises a 1.5 km swim off Legazpi Boulevard, a 40 km bike ride from the rustic landscape and into the city, and a 10 km coastal run to complete the last leg of the course. Legazpi City, Albay. 11 SHEPPARD Best known for their catchy single “Geronimo,” the Australian indie pop band will be performing in a free concert for their fans to promote their current album Bombs Away. At SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, Pasay City. 12 CODY SIMPSON Australian pop singer and actor Cody Simpson comes to Manila with his hits “iYiYi,” “All Day,” and “On My Mind.” At the Newport Theatre in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. 13 ECHOSMITH The…

An intimate group welcomed international fashion photographer Nigel Barker at the launch of his latest book, Models of Influence. Hosted by Swatch President Virgie Ramos in partnership with Philippine Tatler, the event held at the Swatch Building in Makati had a glamorous yet laid-back feel. Guests—including high society personalities, models, designers, retail bigwigs, and celebrities—all lined up to have their copies signed and get their pictures taken with the man of the hour. Programme emcee Tessa Prieto Valdes’ bubbly personality and witty remarks prompted enthusiastic cheers from the energetic crowd, who were especially thrilled to hear from Barker himself how delighted he was to be back in the Philippines. They also enjoyed the sumptuous bites prepared by chef Gilbert Pangilinan of Kai Restaurant and the free-flowing Moët et Chandon champagne…

Longchamp finally opened its first stand-alone boutique in the Philippines after being exclusively distributed by Rustan’s for over two decades. The 63 sq metre store in Greenbelt 5 displays the latest Longchamp handbags and accessories. A celebratory toast was given by Longchamp’s general manager for Asia Pacific, Francois-Xavier Severin, at the store opening, together with president of SSI Group, Inc, Anton Huang. Joining them were Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Snr, chairman emeritus of the Rustan Group of Companies, and Bienvenido Tantoco Jnr, a member of the board of directors of Rustan Commercial Corp. THE INSIDER Bienvenido Tantoco Jnr excitedly chatted with the guests during the opening of the boutique…

Clean lines and strong shapes coupled with artisanal construction—that’s what you’re going to get from Canali this season. Creative consultant and menswear designer Andrea Pompilio used a surprising pop of canary yellow on double-breasted coats; the rest of the collection remained more sombre, with shades of grey and various styles of stripes and checks. It was the slight geometric illusions, such as the high-necked sweater that really caught our attention. Meanwhile, Valentino looked to the art world for a fresh take. For autumn/winter 2015, the brand championed the work of 26-year-old Melbourne-based artist Esther Stewart. Her abstract artworks, often incorporating only a few simple shapes, were beautifully translated onto everything from cashmere overcoats to crewneck knits, and even to the set-up of the show. We also couldn’t help but notice…

CHARINA SARTE’S ENTRY into the glamorous world of fashion was inevitable, having grown up surrounded by family members who were involved in it one way or another. She was simply never short on inspiration or influence. This, coupled with her natural talent for design and great eye for style, eventually led to her becoming one of Manila’s favourite young designers. One of the best things about Sarte’s creations is their wearabilty—a reflection of her own personal style—as she always considers what she herself would want to wear when conceptualising a new design. “I love dressing up at night when I go to parties and events, but I’m very laid back during the day,” she says. The 36-year-old fashionista spends her free time working out, shopping online, and dining out with…

How do you feel about the new Light Blue Sunset in Salina fragrance for women? It’s actually my favourite one; it’s very feminine and warm. I was also surprised by the colour, as normally I would associate it with male fragrances, so I think it’s quite interesting. What memories do the new scent evoke for you? No matter what fragrance from the Light Blue collection it is, it will always take me back to the first campaign that we shot with Mario Testino. It was such a brilliant experience and without that shoot I wouldn’t be where I am today. Every time I smell the fragrance it reminds me of those moments. What are your travel essentials? My MacBook, as I have to do a lot of writing. There’s usually…

WE SOMETIMES FORGET that our skin is an organ interconnected with all the other vital body functions. Biologique Recherche centres its treatments around this fact, which is why their methodology has a reputation for astounding effectiveness based on a clinical approach to beauty. Authenticity and harmony are the spirit and essence of Biologique Recherche skin care products. They boast a high concentration (over 20 per cent in most products) of botanical, marine, and biological extracts, with no artificial fragrances to preserve the integrity of the formulas and to avoid allergic reactions. The cold-made formulations preserve the original structure of active ingredients, which are of the highest quality available. The Biologique Methodology is based on three fundamental stages: the Assessment Stage, the Initialisation Stage, and the Treatment Stage. The Assessment stage…

GET INTO the swing of ball season with jewels in luminous, cheerful yellow. Chaumet has created a breathtaking set with large, yellow cushion-cut Ceylon sapphires as the focal point. Different forms of water were the inspiration for Chaumet’s Lumières d’Eau high jewellery collection—Parure 11 takes its sunny disposition from sun-lit lakes. The long necklace in yellow gold has more than 40 carats of yellow sapphires, beads and motifs of topaz, golden cultured pearls and one 30.29-carat cushion-cut Ceylon sapphire. Time is literally golden with the matching secret watch, set with 570 yellow sapphires and a 13.45-carat Ceylon sapphire at the centre, which lifts to reveal the hours and minutes. Also inspired by nature, Graff has an extensive range of jewellery in the form of butterflies. The brand’s founder, Laurence Graff,…

IF THE NAME Dalian Wanda is starting to ring more bells these days, it might be because the Mainland Chinese conglomerate has been acquiring a trophy-load of prime branded labels, such as superyachtmaker Sunseeker (the craft of choice for James Bond and Li Ka-shing) in 2013. The group, chaired by Wang Jianlin—currently Asia’s richest man, with a net worth estimated at about US$38 billion—is also muscling in on the London property scene. From geopolitics to the geo-propertied, the new age of 21st-century pioneers is upon us—and it’s evolving at breakneck speed. Witness Wanda One, the UK subsidiary of China’s leading real estate developer, now releasing its first apartments in River Tower at the landmark One Nine Elms regeneration site in London, stretching along the Thames between Vauxhall and Battersea. The…

OUR FIRST-EVER DESIGN ISSUE STARTS off with two gentlemen whose talent and creativity know no bounds. It was 13 years ago when interior designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda partnered to form their own firm, BUDJI+ROYAL Architecture+Design. In “It Takes Two” (page 172), our Features Editor Cristina Morales interviews the dynamic and creative tandem whose contributions to Filipino design and architecture have been so significant that they were approached by the government to lend their talents to the country. Together with industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Layug and Pineda have drawn up plans to transform the Ninoy Aquino International Airport into a better reflection of our society—something very modern, but still very Filipino. With them at the helm, our tagline of having one of the world’s worst airports should be…

YES It is not just tacky, but also childish to take photographs of one’s food in a fine-dining restaurant. I used to have a very good friend who once started taking photos of a hamburger with foie gras that we were having in a just-opened restaurant of a Michelin-starred French chef at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. I was so embarrassed, particularly when I noticed the waiting looking at him. So I asked him to stop. “We’re not children anymore. And why are you going to announce on social media where we are and what we are doing?” I said. That was the end of a beautiful friendship. Maybe this opinion is part of my personal aversion to anything tourist-y. I find the whole package in bad taste: taking a…

What is Design Philippines? Design Philippines [DP] is a branding initiative launched by CITEM (Centre for International Trade Expositions & Missions) in 2013 that positions the Philippines as a sourcing destination for finely crafted products. It puts a face to exceptional manufacturing companies in the home sector who embrace design and artisanship. It is CITEM’s answer to the need to create more “Kenneth Cobonpues.” CITEM launched DP in the global market through highly curated Philippine pavilions in selected trade events in key markets: Euroluce/Saloni Internationale del Mobile in Milan, Maison&Objet in Paris, and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York. What are some of the successes of Design Philippines? We did not expect some degree of success in the market before three years of operation. So it was quite…

“I WAS LOOKING FOR something that would describe the kind of rich that only exists in Mainland China: This instant, overnight, gargantuan fortune of the sort that could only have been made in China.” So says Kevin Kwan of the title of his new book, China Rich Girlfriend, an outlandish, witty and insightful satire of Asian high society published last month by Doubleday. It’s the sequel to Kwan’s 2013 bestseller, Crazy Rich Asians, which drew such an enthusiastic following in his native Singapore that the acronym CRA has become “part of the lingo” for describing a certain kind of person. Kwan, currently working on the film adaptation of his first novel due on screens next year, says book two offers readers “the same DNA,” but in writing it he wanted…

The Manila celebration of the Queen’s 89th birthday, hosted by British Ambassador Asif Ahmad and his wife Zubeda, was executed with distinctive English elegance and charm. Political figures, businessmen, and members of the diplomatic corps enjoyed sumptuous food and wine from the four nations of the United Kingdom. Capping off the programme was an investiture ceremony for two Filipino staff members of the Consular Section at the British Embassy Manila who were honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for their exemplary service to the British community and to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. THE INSIDER Vice Consul Victoria Buenaventura was one of the two Filipinos honoured by the Queen for exemplary service to the British community…

Dallas, Edinburgh, Dubai, and Moscow were just a few of the cities that Chanel selected to showcase the illustrious Chanel Métiers d’Art presentations. This year, Karl Lagerfeld waltzes us through Salzburg, Austria, to the Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron, a former palace. In addition to incorporating elements from the rich heritage of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the maison also notes that it was on a trip to Austria that Mademoiselle Chanel was inspired to design her iconic tweed jacket. Alpine florals and animals are precisely placed on pinafore- and dirndl-style dresses, coat collars, and even the cult-favourite Boy bags. Rows of ruffles with pearl chokers adorn the high necklines of blouses, which peer out of various outerwear looks. The delicate finishing touches aren’t overlooked, either—hand-crafted brooches portray antique wall clocks and cable cars,…

BRAND ORIGIN New York DESIGNER’S BACKGROUND Stuart Vevers, Coach’s creative director, previously held the post of creative director at Loewe and was also awarded the British Fashion Council’s Accessory Designer of the Year in 2006. BRAND PHILOSOPHY Perhaps one of the most drastic transformations of a US label to date, Vevers has reinvigorated the heritage brand and given it a more youthful feel since its first line of ready-to-wear in 2014. Notably, Vevers enlisted contemporary artist Gary Baseman for a recent collaboration, where his cartoon-like graphics were decorated on women’s knits, bags and even outerwear. LATEST COLLECTION Autumn/winter 2015 marks the debut of menswear for Coach, and Vevers showcases a collection of strong and heavy-duty outerwear. Coach is first and foremost a leather goods company, so it should come as…

“I volunteered to come to Manila. It was my choice,” said Anirvan Ghosh Dastidar, the newly-minted chief executive officer for the Philippines of Standard Chartered Bank. Only in his mid-40s, Dastidar is simple and low-key despite his high-profile role as country CEO of the oldest international banking institution in the Philippines. Established in 1872, Standard Chartered has been a key growth partner in the country, playing an integral role in the country’s attainment of investment grade status. A banker for the majority of his professional life, Dastidar began his career with ANZ Grindlays Bank before moving to Standard Chartered Bank where he worked his way up to senior positions. Prior to his appointment as CEO for the Philippines, he was chief executive of Standard Chartered Bank in Sri Lanka. “I…

1 DIOR What do a jetsetting CEO and a 30-year-old party princess have in common? One likely answer: fatigue characterised by dehydrated skin. For those of us edging towards epidermal burnout, Dior sends Hydra Life to the rescue. The Concentrated Pro-Youth Serum energises the skin deep down, while the Pro-Youth Cream plumps the features at surface level. Best of all, it comes with no rules—just use it whenever you need it. 2 LANEIGE The Water Sleeping Mask helps restore skin to its optimal condition overnight, while natural scents promote deep sleep. Good morning, beautiful. 3 AMOREPACIFIC Moisture Bound Hydration Ampoules supercharge the skin’s ability to generate and retain moisture for day-long hydration. ORGANIC BEAUTY Sisley’s heart and expertise lie in the concept of phytocosmetology, the integration of the best natural…

“WOMEN TODAY are time-poor and want their products to work harder. Make-up they can use wet or dry is a way of getting more,” says Charlotte Tilbury, make-up artist to the stars. Enter dual-use cosmetics—a single product that becomes multifunctional, delivering strikingly different results when used wet or dry. Brands such as Estée Lauder are using technological advances to transform the way we use the old faithfuls: blushers that offer a delicate wash of colour or a bold, popping cheek, and powder foundations that deliver liquid-like coverage with the sweep of a damp sponge. Or light eyeshadows such as Clarins Eye Quartet Mineral Palette in Skin Tone that become dark eyeliners when wet. While the wet-dry movement may have been inspired by insider tricks—“I used to mix balm with powder…

THE SAPPHIRE is seeing a renaissance. The beautiful gem of the heavens—blue brother to the red ruby and a multitude of fancy-coloured siblings—is now more popular than ever. Revered by royalty and sought after for centuries, this noble, regal and romantic gem has inspired fine jewellery houses such as Gübelin, which chose it as stone of the year and launched a fine jewellery collection designed around it. With a broad range of hues, sizes and prices, sapphires offer a wealth of choice unrivalled by most other gems. The country in which the gemstone was formed can add an extra dimension to market values and personal choices. Sapphires are found in seemingly unlikely locations all over the world, from the Himalayas to the islands of Africa, and from national parks in…

WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW about Ronald Ventura? We know he’s won several art awards and is one of the most successful Filipino artists in the world. He has received numerous awards including the Artist of the Year Award from Art Manila (2001), the 13 Artists Awards from Cultural Centre of the Philippines (2003), and the prestigious Ateneo Art Gallery Studio Residency Grant in Sydney, Australia in 2005 for The Human Study, his series of graphite works on canvas. In 2012, auction house giant Christie’s said, “Ventura has distinguished himself as a compelling visionary within contemporary Asian art over the last five years. Hailing from a background of rich storytelling and mythology within the Philippines, Ventura has rapidly expanded his idiosyncratic visual outreach to create highly recognisable and lucidly spellbinding…

ISLAND ADVENTURE MOZAMBIQUE Luxe safari operator AndBeyond opens its latest lodge, AndBeyond Benguerra Island, at Mozambique’s Bazaruto archipelago, an underappreciated gem that’s set to become a favourite among beach destinations. Formerly known as Benguerra Lodge, the stunning property opened in June after nearly a year of rebuilding and renovations. Its new look features Afro-Portugese design elements unique to the region, with combinations such as thatched roofs and terracotta tiles. Only accessible via a helicopter ride from Vilankulo Airport, the property consists of 10 casinhas, two cabanas and one three-bedroom casa, each boasting a private plunge pool. Guests can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing and island hopping. andbeyond.com/benguerra-island JUST THE TWO OF US TUSCANY If you’re looking for a romantic summer getaway, Lightfoot Travel has got you…

HANOI New property Apricot Hotel opens in Vietnam’s capital this summer, showcasing more than 600 works by renowned local painters STAY The boutique Apricot Hotel features original artworks that fill its rooms and hallways, and boasts stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake. Its best room is the 860-square-foot Masterpiece Suite. apricothotels.com EAT Apricot Hotel’s signature restaurants—L’Artiste and Palette—serve up Southeast Asian classics. L’Artiste features an open kitchen, with most of its dishes made to order. RELAX Pay a visit to the hotel’s Spa L’Art, which offers a diverse range of treatments including facials, massages and comprehensive wellness packages. Its rooftop fitness centre is also worth a look, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing panoramic views of the city. EXPLORE If you’re in the mood for even more art, the Vietnam National…

I VISITED ISTANBUL for the first time when I was a university student, and have been back several times since. It’s a beautiful, ancient city with an incredible history and culture, from the sultans and pashas to the mix of old and modern architecture. My ideal day in Istanbul starts at the Topkapi Palace, which was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years. I love seeing how Turkish art and its different architectural styles evolved over time. It’s an incredibly inspiring place for me as a designer—the colours and graphics in the tilework, textiles and architecture have all found their way into our collections through the years. For lunch, I’d stop off at Konyali, a restaurant at the palace that overlooks the Bosphorus, and order an…