Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 i Tatler Philippines

TATLER PHILIPPINES This year, fashion designer Josie Natori was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Asian Cultural Council, an organisation dedicated to advancing dialogue through cultural exchange. Natori shared with Tatler her hopes for her time in the role, and how she believes the arts can change the world for the better. TATLER MALAYSIA Tunku Puteri Intan, the first female national chairperson of the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, shared the untold benefits of giving young people and women a greater platform in humanitarianism. TATLER HONG KONG In an exclusive interview, champion former jockey and renowned horse trainer Tony Cruz reflected on his remarkable journey, unpacked the gruelling regime of jockeys and trainers, and explained why he has no plans to retire. SHANGLIU TATLER Shanghai-born, Hong Kong- and…

GREG ADAMSKI Polish-born, Dubai-based Greg Adamski is a fashion photographer who specialises in a simplistic cinematic style that focuses on shapes and colours. He has worked with a number of fashion magazines, including Harpers Bazaar Arabia and Marie Claire Middle East, and luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel. He had fun playing with light and shadow in Tatler’s fashion shoot this month. PATRICK DIOKNO One of Manila’s most sought-after photographers, Patrick Diokno’s works have landed in numerous glossies, advertising mediums, and digital platforms over the last ten years. A Fine Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, his expertise includes commercial visuals and editorial projects for various brands and publications. In this issue, he photographed the Asia’s Most Influential honourees on the cover. MEG MANZANO This…

The stereotypes do come with the profession: tight-lipped, stodgy, stiff. Even Laure Beaufils, the British ambassador to the Philippines, says she misguidedly entertained some of them. “It’s funny because when I was younger, when I started in foreign policy, I had this image that I had to be this very posh person, probably this white guy of a certain age in a striped suit. Thankfully, the sprightly ambassador nixed the idea. “I was trying to be someone I was not, and obviously, I was not doing very well in the process. When you’re more aligned with yourself, you will likely be more successful,” she shared the thought over afternoon tea and savouries. A veteran of postings in challenging countries, Beaufils has seen too many social ills that cemented her resolve…

BPI AIA Life Assurance joins the forces of two formidable leaders in the finance industry. Through the collaborative model of “bancassurance”, AIA Philippines’ comprehensive insurance services are seamlessly integrated within the framework of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), a leading universal bank. This steadfast partnership, formed in 2009, enables these institutions to forge a convenient and streamlined path to financial security for all Filipinos. “Our advantage being in bancassurance is that we are closer to the customers by being present in their bank of choice,” shares BPI AIA Life Assurance Chief Executive Officer Karen Custodia. “When everyone had to go to a physical bank branch, we were right there in those branches ready to attend to their needs—whether it’s deciding what insurance product to get or how much…

The Filipino startup scene is forecasted to thrive in 2024. Having one of the fastest growing e-commerce industries in the world, the country is set to see more entrepreneurs succeed—and Jelmer David Ikink, a venture capitalist and partner at local independent VC fund Foxmont Capital Partners, is ready to support them. Foxmont Capital Partners invests heavily in the Philippine economy to champion local businesses. So far, Ikink and his team have backed over 30 successful enterprises, including Etaily, Pickup Coffee and Expedock. Here’s what the young investor has to say about his journey and how he aims to bring local solutions to local problems. In the venture capital world, impact isn’t just about financial returns; it is about catalysing dreams, fostering entrepreneurship and building a brighter, more inclusive future for…

ALICE EDUARDO FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, CEO, STA ELENA CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Despite working in a predominantly male industry, Alice Eduardo, as the president and CEO of Sta Elena Construction and Development Corporation (SECDC), has led her company to become a significant player in the country’s infrastructural development sectors. Her secret? A sincere connection to every project she works on. “I avoid the mindset that my work is merely a list of contracts,” Eduardo tells Tatler. “I cherish every project as the team’s contribution to nation-building and as fulfilment of my journey as a builder and leader.” Since 1995, Sta Elena Construction and Development Corporation has taken on significant projects including the construction of public infrastructure like ports, harbours, bridges, roads, and power plants that supply energy to regions across the…

Fashion is more than just a display; it’s a blank canvas for personal narratives, a statement of personality, and a story conveyed without words. There is a more intimate understanding of what luxury can mean. In this inquiry, we discover the perspectives of three remarkable individuals—Jessica Kienle Maxwell, Rissa Mananquil Trillo and Liz Uy—who give their unique definitions. These influential figures redefine luxury as a story woven through time, quality and personal expression. Liz Uy, a celebrated stylist, frames luxury as the embodiment of time and space; a respite for introspection and creation. As a stylist, luxury is a meticulous dedication to detail and exceeding expectations with excellent service. In Uy’s words, “It’s an art form. It’s a piece of wearable art. It’s portable and a conversation starter.” For Uy,…

The 2023 So Move collection by Messika is an innovative fusion of classic and contemporary. It upends traditional design, merging masculine and feminine aesthetics, while the geometric lines imbue pieces with rebellious modernity. The goldwork is particularly interesting, with flat surfaces and sharp angles lending the range a hyper-contemporary style. The pieces, ranging from pendants to rings, blend classic signet-ring effects with modernity, creating a bold, confident elegance that should appeal to all; we especially love the chunky diamond-studded chains. POETIC BEAUTY Exuding timeless elegance and crafted in homage to the natural wonders of the sea, these exquisite pendants evoke the captivating beauty of the South Sea pearl—a special motif that has long been at the very heart of the Jewelmer identity. A celebration of the symbiotic relationship between man…

THE HEAT IS ON IN MANILA Direct from a run at the Sydney Opera House, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Miss Saigon will come to Manila in March 2024. PURSUIT OF PEACE In this exclusive interview with Tatler, Ramon Magsaysay 2023 awardee Miriam Coronel-Ferrer shares her experiences confronting injustices and nurturing peace amid turbulent times. ELEVATED PASTRIES Singapore-born Melissa Lim has a degree in accounting, but she pivoted to an exciting journey of fashioning her newfound passion for baking. Learn more about the woman behind Melc Patisserie, the sleek and airy French-style bakery at The Shoppes in Ayala Triangle. Follow us on social media @tatlerphilippines…

Over the course of two delicious days, 800 hungry and curious guests were treated to a one-of-a-kind seven-course gastronomic journey at this year’s Off Menu food festival. On both days, all 400 tickets were sold-out with around two weeks left to spare, proving how hungry the Philippine food scene is for even more epicurean adventures. Off Menu is a thoughtful culinary experience designed to encourage innovation between culinarians. Fourteen stellar chefs were invited to team up with one another to create seven unbeatable pairs. These duos worked in tandem to create an Off Menu dish specifically for Tatler Dining’s food festival. The featured chefs were Bettina Arguelles, Don Baldosano, Tom Bascon, Josh Boutwood, Miko Calo, Stephan Duhesme, Margarita Forés, Aaron Isip, Yoji Kitayama, Jorge Mendez, Jordy Navarra, Rhea Rizzo, Joris…

It is difficult to rival the comfort and pleasure of dwelling in a thoughtfully crafted home, where every corner reflects one’s values, passions and style. Such a space, revelling in true elegance, is perfectly encapsulated by RHK Land’s landmark project in Bridgetowne, within the rising C-5 megalopolis. Located within the emerging destination hub, The Velaris Residences is a joint venture of international property development leader Hongkong Land and local real-estate expert Robinsons Land Corporation. A noteworthy collaboration, the rising enclave has already earned several international accolades, including two from the Asia Pacific Property Awards. The Velaris Residences will have three residential towers that stand out with RHK Land’s signature intentional design philosophy—meaning that residents are placed at the centre of every architectural and interior design choice. Recently unveiled of the…

HIGH-SHINE SEASON Take a memo: high-shine finishes are in. In a season dominated by black, grey, navy and chocolate brown, precious metals inject a much-needed burst of colour into the party fashion landscape. And it’s not just sequinned dresses—silver, gold and all manner of metallics are taking over the worlds of clothing, accessories and jewellery. UP, UP AND AWAY In a season that is all about textures, make sure you don’t skip out on feathers if you’re going for fun and fabulous. At Loewe this season, Jonathan Anderson turned models into bird-women; at Valentino, feathers swept tenderly across shirts, miniskirts, boots and a show-stopping black and white coat. Let our favourite feathery items take your look to new heights this party season. CHAIN REACTION Chains are the handles of choice…

FEATURE In ultra-luxury, only a few brands carry the same level of utmost prestige as the Italian House of Gucci. Drawing on a shapeshifting but enduring legacy of quality craftsmanship above all else, Gucci continues to persist in its reputation as one of the most revered and sought-after fashion houses in the world. In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer, the Maison released a new campaign that features actors Paul Mescal and Xiao Zhan, each donning a pair of loafers defined by horsebit detail, a perennial symbol of the House’s heritage and evolution. Making its debut in 1953, the Horsebit 1953 loafer, with its origins deeply intertwined with the brand’s history, transformed the world of footwear. Aldo, Rodolfo and Vasco Gucci, the sons of founder…

The Love bracelet is undoubtedly one of Cartier’s most quintessential creations, made all the more iconic by its timeless, easy-to-wear design. Conceived by designer Aldo Cipullo in 1969, the close-fitting band physically signifies the union of two lovers. Two rigid arcs form a graceful oval, accented by intentionally visible screws as a stylistic element. Also just as noteworthy is the unique mechanism by which it is fastened—much like love’s enduring nature, two people are required to secure the bracelet using a specific screwdriver. Such details have made it a coveted jewellery staple worldwide, as much as the ultimate expression of Cartier’s design vision. Of all its codes, the noticeable hardware on the cuff represents the intuition of a jeweller who sees beauty wherever it is and dares to show what…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR As we enter the last month of 2023, it is essential to acknowledge and honour the individuals who have contributed to shaping the Philippines landscape. We herald the most influential personalities who have left an indelible mark on the nation and are recognised for their inspiration, vision and significant impact. This year’s Asia’s Most Influential (AMI) represents diverse fields—politics, culture, arts, entertainment, business, etc. Their influence will continue to shape the nation’s trajectory, inspiring future generations to dream big and work towards a better Philippines. We have over 50 pages of this special feature, and 100 stellar names make this extensive list, making it an appropriate year-end report that makes us proud and excited to present to you. Thank you to our amazing team, spearheaded by…

The new 38mm Code 11.59 is an ode to the slender wrist. Audemars Piguet has crafted this timepiece in two versions, both housed in an 18-karat pink gold case. The first version makes a bold statement with a vibrant purple dial, while the second has an understated ivory dial. Both serve as a canvas for Swiss guilloché craftsman Yann von Kaenel’s artistry: they are adorned with hundreds of tiny holes that emanate in a wavelike pattern from the centre. Powered by the manufacture’s latest selfwinding movement, calibre 5900, with a slim profile of just 4mm, a high frequency of 4Hz and a generous 60-hour power reserve, this mechanism is as impressive as it is efficient. SKY’S THE LIMIT Breitling Avenger has been at the forefront of airborne adventure for more…