Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2023 i Tatler Philippines

TATLER PHILIPPINES Composer Anya Lagman spoke about the hurdles she faces as a member of a minority while making a mark in the industry, and the empowerment she gains from using music to celebrate her community. TATLER MALAYSIA Lim Yu Lin, an artisan and the owner of Ang Eng boutique, a kebaya store in Kuala Lumpur, gave Tatler the lowdown on the traditional blouse, and what it takes to make an authentic Nyonya kebaya. TATLER HONG KONG Filmmaker Jazzie Silona is creating videos designed to remind Hongkongers of how incredible their hometown is. He spoke to Tatler about how growing up in the Middle East influenced him, his favourite movies, and why sharing his knowledge is so important. SHANGLIU TATLER Novelist Jin Yucheng, known for the award-winning Blossoms, is also…

NIKLAS HAZE After studying at the Lette Verein in Berlin, Niklas Haze moved to New York to assist photographer Martin Schoeller and attend a directing course at the New York Film Academy. In 2014, he moved to London to learn from photographers including Peter Lindbergh, Julia Fullerton Batten and Greg Williams. Now, the London-based photographer and director continues to work on editorial projects, which have appeared in Wallpaper, Perfect Magazine, V Magazine and Numero Berlin. He shot this month’s fashion shoot. PATRICK DIOKNO Experienced photographer and graphic designer Patrick Diokno has spent almost a decade in the publishing industry, creating graphics for local glossies, advertising mediums and digital platforms. Now an independent creative, this Fine Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas specialises in both commercial and editorial projects…

That night, Sheila Romero touched many a heart. The founder and chairman of I Want to Share Foundation pulled out all the stops with her first-ever charity auction/gala and exceeded her target by Php7 million more for a total of Php19 million. The funds will be used to establish the Childhood Cancer Helpline, a newly launched initiative to help increase the cancer survival rate from 30 to at least 60 per cent. It will also enable the construction of two specialised rooms at the Bone Marrow Transplant Center and support the Paediatrics Haematology Oncology of PGH. Romero herself lends authenticity to her advocacy. With heartfelt emotion, she said, “My own journey as a cancer survivor has been a catalyst to this cause. I honour my second lease on life by…

Acting in the role of chairman and CEO, Jose Soberano III has been helming Cebu Landmasters Inc (CLI) since 2003. And on CLI’s 20th anniversary, Soberano is fortuitously recognised as the Philippines Real Estate Personality of the Year at the prestigious 11th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. Over two decades, Soberano has led CLI to the top of the ranks. From a modest three-million-peso housing project in Cebu’s countryside in 2003, he has propelled CLI into a multi-billion-peso listed company. With a sparkling portfolio of well-designed real estate projects in the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines, now moving on to expand into Luzon. Aptly named as the leading developer in Visayas-Mindanao according to market studies done by Colliers & SKF (Santos Knight Frank). Before starting his own company, Soberano…

Architect Paolo Salvador Grijalvo’s fascination with design began at a young age. Growing up, he’d perceive patterns, rhythm and movement in everything, inspired by his potential to create. In 2013, he founded the Agila Group, a dynamic team of forward-thinkers and leaders working toward the collective vision of shaping the future of Philippine design. Armed with only a 4-sqm space, the firm operated as a one-person powerhouse for the first two years. Grijalvo has since witnessed his vision evolve from being a minuscule workspace to a bustling hub of passionate architects, builders and entrepreneurs. “The growth of our people comes hand in hand with how we deliver projects,” the 35-year-old visionary beams with pride. “To date, we have delivered over 100 projects in ten years and were able to produce…

In the Philippines, where the idea of an imperial Manila often reigns, Bea Evardone-Gothong is pushing back. A leader for Republiq Group of Companies, Evardone-Gothong is here to show the country the rich culture of her beloved Visayas. Aside from providing localised content on her platforms, Evardone-Gothong is also addressing Visayan misrepresentation and championing local talent. What I love most about the Visayas region is the fact that I live here. Where I’m from, I have the best of what a great life has ro offer. I live in a creative, bustling city but I can enjoy the beach after a 30-minute drive. I can enjoy the mountains 30 minutes away, too. The food is great, the people are warm. For the longest time, Visayan characters in mainstream movies and…

BUTTER ME UP Not only is this buttermilk yellow one of the most luxurious shades in the pastel family, it’s almost guaranteed to make people instantly happier and warmer just by looking at it. It’s also becoming the new neutral: designers are ditching beige and opting instead for a heavy slathering of butter on everything from sheer dresses to puffer coats. Smooth. Hermès backpack LEATHER HOUR It’s hard to imagine a time when leather won’t be a trend for autumn-winter, but there is a notable shift among how men are wearing it: it’s now all about brown hide rather than the traditional black staple. Lean in to the motocore aesthetic and embrace this new classic. CIRCLE BACK This season is all about playful volume. A clear testament is the revival…

These minute repeaters are going to be music to your ears BREAKING STANDARDS Limited to just 888 pieces, the Alpina Alpiner Extreme Regulator Automatic Limited Edition AL-650DGN4AE6 isn’t just a coveted collectible for watch enthusiasts but is also versatile enough for daily wear due to its exceptional design and features. Encased in stainless steel is the Swiss mechanical automatic movement AL-650, which boasts 31 jewels and runs at a pace of 28,800 semi-beats every hour. This watch adopts the distinctive regulator method for time display, where each hand orbits its unique axis. WORSHIP WORTHY Honouring the Minerva model’s 165 years in existence, Montblanc unveils an eight-piece limited-edition Star Legacy, featuring an engraved walnut wood dial depicting the manufacture’s Roman goddess muse. The patented suspended Exo tourbillon occupies an asymmetric bridge,…

Talismans that help unlock your personal charm FIND YOUR WAY Inspired by a “compass rose”, Dior debuted the Rose des Vents fine jewellery collection in 2002, a line which introduced creative director Victoire de Castellane’s vision to the world. Renowned for geometric silhouettes and floral symbols, the collection continues to expand through De Castellane’s lens. New baubles in the ine include the Tribales earrings, combining the signature disc with reversible stone or diamond motifs. Available in yellow or rose gold, the versatile duo or individual styles allow layering of several pieces from the collection to suit your personality. ROSES ARE PINK Tiffany & Co presents the Tiffany Lock Rosé edition, a capsule collection inspired by K-pop power group Blackpink member Rosé. Crafted from 18-carat rose gold and rare pink sapphires,…

Unmatched in its radiance, the pearl has withstood the test of time as a symbol of the classic style. Born from the depths of the ocean, this product of mother nature symbolises grace and elegance deeply intertwined with the image of femininity. Each pearl, a harmonious blend of strength and beauty, is an enduring icon of natural elegance. Renowned for its commitment to the world’s most lustrous cultured South Sea pearls, Jewelmer has once again elevated the allure of pearls with its latest campaign film, aptly titled The Divine Feminine. This cinematic experience weaves a narrative that celebrates the power of the feminine and dives into the lasting glamour of the golden South Sea pearl. In the campaign, Solenn Heussaff, multi-hyphenate artist, luxuriates in a bath filled with golden South…

HAMILTON GOES INTERNATIONAL Michael Cassel, international producer of the hit musical Hamilton, sits down with Tatler to discuss why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed work premiered its Asian tour in Manila, how they did it, and more. SENSORIAL EXPERIENCE Diageo brings our art and culture editor Franz Sorilla IV to the exclusive Southeast Asian launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Umami, an experiential dinner prepared by the three Michelin-starred chef Kei Kobayashi and Johnnie Walker Master Blender Dr Emma Walker. GAJAH GALLERY Curator Joyce Toh shares more about the importance of the recent exhibition of the distinguished Gajah Gallery in Singapore, featuring 11 renowned visual artists from the Philippines. Follow us on social media @tatlerphilippines…

The love story of Alexandra Dorda and Stefan Marcu started in the most mundane of places: a conference room. “I was working at a Private Equity fund in Warsaw, Poland, and Stefan is managing director at Kearney,” starts Alexandra. Her fund was considering an investment and met with Kearney to discuss a deal. “Stefan wasn’t even supposed to come to the meeting, but he ran into his colleague on the way there and decided he would come, too.” This spur-of-the-moment thing led to their first meeting in her office. “It’s funny because that room is notorious for having the best vibes, but I never expected to meet my future husband there.” Only the stars witnessed Stefan’s proposed in April 2022 in Marrakech, Morocco, where the couple spent their long Easter…

On its 35th year in the Philippines, Habitat for Humanity recognised that the work is far from over. The recent gala dinner held at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, gathered its officers, patrons and friends to applaud the commitment of significant partners and donors of the organisation, create more awareness for its ongoing work and programmes, as well as to raise funds and invite more partners to build their legacy through housing. In her welcome message, committee chair Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo highlighted Habitat for Humanity›s impact on the dismal state of homeless Filipinos by providing them with affordable housing and community support and services. “The impact that Habitat for Humanity Philippines has made goes beyond mere structure but restores dignity, ignites potential and creates a sense of belonging for the…

In just a few years, Atty Martin Loon has made substantial headway in the local insurance business. A graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines College of Law and Georgetown University, the lawyer has served as the President and CEO of the country’s biggest Filipino-owned stock life insurance company since before the global pandemic began. Upon a closer look, Loon’s quality as a natural leader is evidently brought about by the influence of a stalwart father figure: his stepfather, retired Colonel Ariel Querubin. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Querubin is often regarded as the country’s most decorated soldier, having received the Medal of Valor, the military’s highest honour, among many other distinctions. Loon carries with him his father’s love for country and resilience during…

Grab has become an indispensable part of countless lives. Beyond its original mission of providing convenient rides, the Southeast Asian decacorn and “superapp” has diversified its services to offer food and grocery deliveries, financial solutions and even healthcare support in the last few years. This pivot demonstrates the company’s unwavering commitment to not only addressing the evolving needs of the transportation sector but also enhancing the quality of life of millions today. “In an era where businesses often chase short-term gains, Grab stands out with its dedication to long-term, sustainable impact,” says Grab Philippines Country Head, Grace Vera Cruz. “The brand seamlessly melds honour, in its commitment to its partners and customers; humility, by continuously evolving based on feedback; hunger, by constantly innovating; and heart, by placing genuine human stories…

Finding balance amidst the busy day-to-day is no easy feat, but mother-and-daughter Joanna Preysler Francisco and Monica Preysler Dizon have mastered it down to an art. Joanna is co-owner of art galleries Provenance Art Gallery and 8Rooms Creative Space, and fashion boutique J’s Closet; while Monica is the marketing manager for sportswear label Aura Athletica. Although they may lead different careers, the radiant pair always ensure making time for each other, naturally weaving work, family time and wellness within their close dynamic. “I think we spend a lot of time together more than other families do,” Monica says in jest. “We’re very connected.” “We have a lot of shared values and common interests. [We like] developing interests together, not apart,” Joanna expounds, describing their family of five. “We do have…

It was in 2013 when KC Concepcion was last seen in a movie, and, three years later, had her last hosting stint in a major beauty pageant in the Philippines. “I took a step back from the mainstream and showbiz limelight for seven years now,” the multi-talented performer Maria Kristina Cassandra Concepcion, or simply KC, tells Tatler. This year, she returns to the big screen as the female lead of Asian Persuasion, a Hollywood indie movie with a pan-Asian production helmed by Tony and Grammy Award winner, Jhett Tolentino. “I had just come from a TV series premiere in New York… I vlogged about this experience… of being around all the actors and everyone involved in production, which made me miss acting very much. When I came back to LA…

Gone are the days of the stigma of undergoing cosmetic procedures. The choice is yours, and it is all about doing what makes you confident and happy. This was the choice actor Sofia Andres made. Her journey into personal growth with the A Institute, specifically focusing on her Lipo surgery and Aivee Emerald, sends one powerful message: It is okay to build the body you love. Creating an environment where individuals are not shy or afraid to be transparent about their journey to feel confident and beautiful is crucial. Andres understands the pressure of being under the public eye, and as a young mother, she is on a mission to shatter these preconceptions. “Practising self-care allows me to prioritise my mental and emotional health. Like meditation and spending time with…

FEATURE A watch isn’t just a simple necessity for many; it’s an art form. While most people pick watches based on aesthetics or budget, a watch unveils a universe of precision, complex craftsmanship and ingenious design for some. Last September, Tatler unveiled its maiden issue of Tatler GMT in the Philippines. The newly minted magazine is the gateway to the mesmerising realm of horology by Tatler Asia. This dedicated platform delves into the intricate world of watches, offering detailed insights on innovations, current trends, interviews, and much more. It’s a common point for a special community of watch enthusiasts and collectors spanning the Tatler Asia region. Tatler GMT originates from a unique collaboration with GMT (Great Magazine of Timepieces), a renowned watch-centric publication from Geneva. GMT magazine was launched in…

PROFILE I have always had a passion for travelling since I was a child. My travels have taught me valuable lessons about life, culture and the environment, shaping my worldview and making me more compassionate and empathetic. My childhood travels were the foundation of my love for exploring the world. At age ten, I visited my home province of Pangasinan... Rural Pangasinan, the land of my ancestors, the Gonzalezes with doble zeta, was my home on weekends, holidays and summer vacations, as a child. However, my interest in visiting my hometown, Rosales, waned as I grew older, reduced to a nostalgic referral before crossing the long bridge of Carmen over the placid waters of the Agno River on the way to Baguio. Thirty-five years after my last visit, I was…

What are you currently reading watching or listening to? Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. Favourite place in the Philippines? Calatagan, Batangas at sunset. The lagoons in El Nido, Palawan at sunrise. Favourite travel destination? New York –but with my husband, son, parents, siblings and nieces. Favourite scent? Sampaguita. Who is someone you admire? My great aunt Mercedes and great uncle Joseph McMicking for their vision and conviction. Best teaching your parents taught you? The importance of keeping true to your word. Favourite memory as a child? Summers in my mum’s hometown in Cali, Colombia. Comfort dish? Pizza, any hour, any day. Favourite work of art? I begged my mother-in-law (Valeria Cavestany) for a self-portrait she did of herself–it’s poetic and tongue-in-cheek–both at the same time. Life motto? Work hard, play…

For 60 years before 2023, the Asian Cultural Council, a revered institution for cultural exchange, has had only three chairpersons. The first was Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller, the wife of the founder, John D Rockefeller III; Elizabeth McCormack, a former nun and trusted friend of Blanchette, who headed the Rockefeller family’s Philanthropic Office; and Wendy O’Neill, grandniece of JDR III. This year, however, the ACC did a first. When it elected its fourth chairperson, it chose a Filipina with no familial ties to the Rockefellers. The announcement read: “We are pleased to announce that Josie Cruz Natori was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Asian Cultural Council at our May Board meeting.” The ACC started in 1963 as the Asian Cultural Program established by JDR III “to support…

Establishing a company from the ground up at a young age is a daunting task, especially for a female entrepreneur trying to navigate the labyrinths of the male-dominated world of technology. But Manila di Giovanni made it, and she did so with flying colours. At 22, the visionary received, among many other international accolades, the prestigious Monte-Carlo Woman of the Year Award early this year at the annual Monaco Women Forum for her achievements in the digital realm, which included the creation of the first virtual twin of the Principality of Monaco–the first-ever virtual economy in the metaverse. The award, created by journalist Cinzia Sgambati-Colman in 2012, is under the High Patronage of the Sovereign and the Honorary Presidency of HSH Princess Charlene. Di Giovanni is the youngest recipient of…

HEALTH Everybody looks so great,” starts American television host Jimmy Kimmel in his opening speech at the 95th Oscars. “When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder, ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’” It was March 2023 then, and the hype surrounding the famed drug made even more noise. Social media sites and trends had a field day and now, the Ozempic hashtag has accumulated 1.2 billion views on TikTok alone. For some people who are conscious about their looks, a drug like Ozempic is a dream come true. Doctors are quick to rebut this, however, and insist that it is no “miracle” weight loss drug. According to Filipino endocrinologist from St Luke’s Medical Center, Dr Aoo Felipe, the semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, is a drug made for…

GIAN MAGDANGAL AND LARA MAIGUE Real-life sweethearts Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue share the stage in one spectacular show of beloved Broadway duets. Magdangal is a two-time Gawad Buhay awardee for his outstanding performances in musical theatre and Maigue is a worldwide sensation classical singer. Teatrino Promenade, San Juan City PHILIPPINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA The country’s premier orchestra returns to the concert hall for its 39th concert season with the theme, “Switch”. New music director and principal conductor, Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, is leading the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra in this special show featuring the works of Russian masters. Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Makati City VAN GOGH ALIVE The magnificent works of Vincent Van Gogh come alive in this enveloping multi-sensory art experience presented by Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc with Del Monte Philippines.…

TOWARD THE HORIZON Clé de Peau Beauté’s holiday collection brings an artful interpretation that melds magic with the natural world. Designed by Katie Rodgers, the collection radiates ethereal scenes of an undersea world. Included in the line is the limited edition La Crème, an intensive night cream designed to boost Skin Intelligence in order to activate the source of profound vitality and radiance. With a high concentration of Skin-Empowering Illuminator, it targets the skin’s innate potential for self-regeneration. An exquisite highlighting powder, the Luminizing Face Enhancer is inspired by the brilliance of the precious opal for creating a captivating 360-degree radiance. Each application gives a gorgeous glow for that youthful radiant skin. LIQUID GOLD With the latest L’Art & La Matière creation, Tobacco Honey, Guerlain pays tribute to a mysterious,…

Accessories are the embodiment of individualism and where playful elegance is explored, this can be realised through Louis Vuitton’s captivating fine jewellery collections. Among its latest offerings, the Blossom collections are each a celebration of the feminine and a canvas for self-expression. With the Maison’s establishment in 1854, the world has been privy to distinctive designs that blend innovation with style as time goes on. Louis Vuitton, a global powerhouse in the fashion industry, remains committed to the preservation of their quality standards. Its spirit stays true to its founder, who created a genuine “Art of Travel” through accessories that are both creatively avant-garde and timeless. Over the years, the driving force of the brand is its daring character, and it continues to adopt this narrative. The Blossom collections of…

BRAND STORY Tiffany & Co is set to unveil the Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue in a dazzling revelation of artistry and marine enchantment. Designed by Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany & Co’s chief artistic officer of jewellery and high jewellery, the inaugural Blue Book collection pays homage to the timeless marine-inspired masterpieces created by the legendary Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany designer. This year’s collection lures us again into Schlumberger’s whimsical aquatic world while adding a fresh chapter to his mesmerising narrative with the introduction of the Sea Anemone theme. Verdeille, the creative visionary behind this collection, describes it as “a dance between mimesis and stylisation, representation and figuration, realism and abstraction of nature”. The Blue Book 2023 collection captures the essence of the sea’s mysterious beauty, celebrating Schlumberger’s artistic genius…

It is a busy evening in Four Seasons Hotel Singapore when we meet Randall Park at the crowded One‑Ninety Bar for this interview and photo shoot. Dressed in a simple black sweatshirt paired with muted grey trousers and his signature thick silver chain, Park manages to look composed despite having got off a long‑haul flight just hours earlier. Yet, there is a hint of disorientation as his eyes dart discreetly across the room filled with participants of the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2023—held in the hotel and at which he was a speaker—post‑event networking session. Time is of the essence here: we only have one hour before Park has to get ready for the inaugural Gold Bridge dinner. The event, held in partnership with social impact collective Open Circles, celebrates…