Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Tatler Philippines

TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler caught up with Nico Santos, who opened up about representation, his unexpected Hollywood success and being unapologetically Filipino. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN Ahead of the spring opening of Kazakhstan’s Almaty Museum of Arts, the first private museum of contemporary art in Central Asia, we met with its founder Nurlan Smagulov, who is also the president of Astana Group. TATLER MALAYSIA Counsellor Sangheeta Sidhu talked about how she is pushing to destigmatise mental healthcare in Malaysia and how her personal experience of suppressing grief informs her work. TATLER HONG KONG Award-winning CNN anchor Kristie Lu Stout talked to Tatler about the power of storytelling and the importance of self-awareness. SHANGLIU TATLER Japanese visual artist Miwa Komatsu, known for her bold, dynamic paintings that often explore Japanese mythology, shared insights into…

MARK NICDAO One of the country’s most prominent photographers today is Mark Nicdao, known for his undeniable talent and artistic eye. It’s no surprise that he has captured many powerful faces and done cover shoots for several esteemed magazines. His unique perspective and mastery of the craft allow him to produce powerful images and artworks. In this issue, he photographed the remarkable cover stars and culinary greats, Amado and Margarita Forés (p. 132). AVANI RAI Avani Rai is a Mumbai-based photographer and filmmaker with a focus on both fictional storytelling and documentaries. The daughter of famed Indian photographer Raghu Rai, she had early exposure to the craft and later on developed her own style of poignant photo essays that blend art with social commentary. Her work has been featured on…

It was a full-circle moment then for co-founders Dindin Araneta, Trickie Lopa and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet to celebrate Art Fair Philippines’ 10th anniversary at The Link, its original location, in 2023 after being disrupted by the global pandemic for two years. But its temporary haven, the Ayala Triangle Gardens, for its hybrid edition in 2022, opened new trajectories for the future of Art Fair Philippines—and now it’s time to test those possibilities. From February 21 to 23, the Ayala Triangle Gardens will transform into a microcosm of the country’s thriving art scene, featuring the varied sections of Art Fair Philippines, local and international galleries, artist-run spaces and collectives and more. By having dedicated sections for insightful talks, film exhibitions, photography, digital art and for the exhibiting galleries and collectives, the Art…

ED CALMA Lor Calma & Partners What key design trends do you see for 2025? I don’t subscribe to architectural trends. Instead, architecture must be tailored to a particular site, capturing its essence and creating a space that evokes a sense of wonder and inspiration. How did sustainability influence interior design and architecture in 2024? Last year, we designed Univers in Nustar Cebu, a local multi-brand retail space. We used wicker as the predominant material, collaborating with local artisans to create a fluid and organic space. The design critiques the unsustainable practices employed by mono-brand stores, which often source materials from various regions, significantly increasing their carbon footprint. How has technology and the smart home changed your design aesthetics? Technology and smart home systems have made homes more complicated to…

Giving gifts shows one’s love and affection, and Gucci helps convey this with conviction. Every piece by the house speaks volumes of its craftsmanship and attention to detail, which have been cultivated for over a century. Whichever you decide to give this season of love and beyond, it is sure to be fondly and deeply appreciated.…

FRENCH KISS Part of Laura Mercier’s iconic Caviar collection, the Caviar Smoothing Matt Lipstick promises 16-hour staying power and a hydrating formula that makes lips supple and quintessentially Parisian chic. A single swipe leaves a saturated colour that is smudge-proof, transfer-proof and feather-proof. OFF TO THE COAST Be whisked away to Mediterranean summertime with a spritz of the Bulgari Allegra Chill & Sole Eau De Parfum. This evocative fragrance by master creator Jacques Cavallier blends brilliant neroli with fresh notes of citrus, orange blossom accord and petitgrain. It culminates in notes of white amber and musk that warmly envelop the senses. Each luminous layer conveys the intrinsic connection to nature formed by Italy’s captivating landscapes. TIME MACHINE The ninth generation of the Clarins Double Serum features a unique epi-ageing defence…

Ten years ago, the three of us—New York chef and restaurateur Mario Carbone, founder of Black Sheep Restaurants, which brought Carbone’s eponymous restaurant to Hong Kong, Syed Asim Hussain, and me—sat on one of the maroon banquettes in Carbone Hong Kong. Much of the restaurant was still a construction site, just weeks from its grand opening. At the time, Carbone was a year into running his restaurant on Thompson Street in New York’s Greenwich Village; it has since become a celebrity hotspot and one of the hardest tables to book in Manhattan. Hussain, who had just four restaurants under his belt then, now operates more than 35 and is on the brink of taking the Black Sheep brand global. Last November, we found ourselves in conversation again, in the same…

Asia’s culinary scene is often framed by its heavy hitters. Tokyo dazzles with precision and artistry; Bangkok delivers the riotous kick of spice and street food chaos; Hong Kong flaunts its cosmopolitan diversity. These top travel destinations often dominate the conversation—the darlings of globetrotting food lovers and social media feeds. But, for all their brilliance, they can sometimes feel a little too obvious. The real intrigue lies elsewhere—in places where food isn’t merely a commodity for tourism campaigns but an act of cultural preservation and everyday joy. These cities don’t clamour for global recognition; they simply get on with the business of being extraordinary. Their food speaks for itself—quietly, sometimes, but always with a sense of place and purpose that comes from generations of care. Together, they remind us why…

You’re a few days into your holiday—days that have been busy with sightseeing, ticking items off your bucket list and eating at the restaurants you booked months in advance. It’s been exhilarating and exciting—but also exhausting. Then, your travel companion turns to you and asks, somewhat sheepishly, “What if we just stay in and order room service tonight?” Relief washes over you, like waves lapping on the shore at your resort’s private beach. A feeling of giddiness arises—akin to when your parents took you to Blockbuster on a Friday night as a kid (or let you take over Netflix, depending which generation you’re from), knowing what lies ahead is an evening of sitting in your pyjamas with pizza, movies and not a care in the world. There’s something about room…

In the rich tapestry of Filipino fashion history, few designers have achieved the level of prestige and acclaim as the National Artist Jose “Pitoy” Moreno. Renowned for his innovative designs and exquisite craftsmanship, Moreno has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Recognising his remarkable contributions, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila will present an enchanting exhibition, titled Timeless: J Moreno. This special event will be held from February 27 to June 29 in the museum’s elegant North Gallery. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the stunning creations of this pioneering couturier, gaining insight into his unique artistic vision, profound impact and the lasting influence he had on contemporary fashion. Moreno passionately advocated incorporating traditional Philippine textiles, including piña, jusi and lepanto, into the local fashion scene. His fervent…

Running a restaurant may appear straightforward with a one-size-fits-all concept. However, managing hundreds of them is a different challenge. It becomes a complex puzzle that requires careful consideration of innovation, teamwork, leadership and heart. Only a few individuals have successfully navigated this puzzle; one of them is Jean Paul Manuud, the president of The Bistro Group. This company is known for its iconic brands, including TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, Helm and more. With over 300 branches of international and homegrown concept stores, Manuud has built an empire of restaurants. Still, it’s the science behind his leadership and people-first philosophy that sets him apart. From humble beginnings in the hospitality industry, Manuud ultimately realised the secret ingredient to good leadership, something that might sound simple but rare—humility. “We, at The Bistro…

LET IT SNOW Sure, the technical side of skiwear is important—you want to be warm—but we’re equally focused on stylish collections that keep you looking your best from the chalet all the way down the slope to the après-ski bar. From the perfect cold-beating boots to matching attire from head to toe, these are the outfits that will have you gliding in style, whether you’re in Gstaad or Niseko. TAILORED TO THRIVE As memories of the Christmas holidays slip away and the last red packets have been given and received, we in Asia are experiencing a post-Lunar New Year shift. It’s time to trade festive wear for tailored suits and heels that click with purpose. The office is calling, and our wardrobes are ready to step into the spotlight—chic, elevated…

FANTASTIC BEASTS Vacheron Constantin has added an element of mythical fantasy to haute horlogerie with its Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin collection, a series of four unique timepieces celebrating Asian mythical traditions. Each watch represents a sacred seasonal guardian: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger and Black Tortoise. These unique pieces feature intricate wood marquetry dials which take over six weeks to create, assembling more than 200 fragments from different types of wood. The ultra-thin calibre 2160 movement, measuring just 5.65mm thick, powers these 42mm cases, offering an 80-hour power reserve. MASTER OF THE OCEANS When you think of an Omega Seamaster, what comes to mind? Wave-patterned dials, James Bond’s iconic timepiece, underwater precision? The maison’s latest version of this classic watch is all of this and more, repackaged in…

Australia is a pretty laid-back country, but if there’s anything they take seriously, it’s food. The local produce is phenomenal, and the chefs there—who come from all walks of life, and are often influenced by the country’s vibrant immigrant culture—treat it with utmost respect. I’ve been fortunate to have grown up between Melbourne and Hong Kong—two incredible dining destinations that approach food with such reverence you would think it’s religion. Living in the latter now, I look forward to heading back to Melbourne every Christmas, where a bulk of that time is spent reconnecting with loved ones over food. From cool neighbourhood wine bars to beloved institutions, cosy cocktail bars to lively hotel lounges that unite locals and visitors through music, use this guide to make the most of 48…

What is your favourite film/TV show on gastronomy? MF: Babette’s Feast, The Big Night, Like Water for Chocolate, and I guess, although it’s biased, My Italy with Margarita. AF: Ratatouille and Culinary Class Wars. Who are your culinary heroes? MF: Pellegrino Artusi, Martha Stewart, Victor Arguinzoniz, Massimo Bottura, Vicente Lobaton the kinilaw maestro AF: Anthony Bourdain What are you looking forward to in 2025? MF: Opening Margarita, finally. AF: My wedding. What five things must you have in your pantry/refrigerator? MF: Great quality taba ng talangka (baby crab fat), batitis (baby oysters in brine from my grandmother’s hometown Valladolid in Negros Occidental), French or Italian butter, bottarga di muggine from Sardegna, ‘nduja, 36-month Parmigiano Reggiano vacche rosse, fruity Ligurian extra-virgin olive oil, lots of great pasta, Cantabrian anchovies, Colatura. Sorry, it’s more…

Imran Amed, CEO and founder of fashion website The Business of Fashion (BoF), has solidified his place as an authority in the global fashion and luxury industries. At the Tatler Best of Asia event in November in Bangkok, he offered insights on the evolving landscape of luxury, from the meteoric rise of Southeast Asia to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. Amed, who was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for his contributions to the fashion world, explained luxury brands must now strike a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, authenticity and reinvention while delving into how hospitality, technology and shifting consumer values are reshaping the industry. “In Southeast Asia, you have all of these economies that are fast-growing, young populations and curious…

When one imagines a café, the image that comes to mind might be a cosy space with brick walls and warm wooden ceilings. Such spaces seek to be an extension of one’s home—a spot to work on a laptop or take a coffee break with friends. But industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue is ready to push the boundaries of café design. Renowned for his artisanal rattan furniture that elevates Filipino craftsmanship onto the global stage, Cobonpue has an impressive clientele that includes Queen Sofia of Spain and Angelina Jolie, among others. Located on the ground floor of Grand Hyatt Manila Residences in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is Cobonpue’s newest creation, Fable Café + Lounge. Departing from the traditional café setup, Fable invites guests to venture into an otherworldly adventure where elements…

Food is more than just a basic necessity for Juri Imao or Jujumao. It is a cultural dialogue that is a gateway to millions of hearts and stomachs worldwide. This long-haired young chef, who whips up cooking videos at double speed, has amassed over 5.5 million subscribers across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. His many followers appreciate him for sharing great recipes and celebrating international cuisine while highlighting fresh takes on Filipino dishes. “We incorporate as many different and unique cuisines and dishes as possible to show our audience the vast and exciting cultures of food that surround us,” he tells Tatler. “We also love to showcase new and exciting takes on Filipino cuisine to the whole world.” From Commis Chef to Content King When the world slowed down during…

THE LOVE CLUB Chocolates, teddy bears and rose bouquets can only take you so far. This Valentine’s Day, ring in the romance by gifting that special someone one of Cartier’s most iconic pieces. With its distinct motifs and enduring elegance, this bracelet makes for a memorable gift to cherish for a lifetime. The house opens another chapter in this legendary love story with a hinged version for wearers who prefer to put it on and off by themselves with the help of a screwdriver. WRAP IT UP Tiffany & Co could be described as a New York minute captured in precious metals and diamonds. And these earrings are just that: crafted in 18-carat rose gold, they are inspired by an archival bow from 1889. Set with pavè diamonds, each 4.5cm-long…

Many people know how consumed chef Bruce Ricketts is with his craft. Once, he obsessed over eels so much, wanting to master how to properly prep and cook them, that he butchered hundreds of the ray-finned fish long after midnight until he finally got his groove in taming the beast. It is the same intensity and passion that we find in his wife, Jae Pickrell, when it comes to everything Japanese. This affinity became evident when they launched their latest restaurant Iai, a dinner-only sushi omakase and kappo at the ground floor of The Montane in Bonifacio Global City. She credits her obsession to her Japanese stepfather who, at an early age, exposed her to Japan’s rich history, culture and cuisine. “I grew up eating sushi and sashimi and enjoying…