Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Tatler Philippines

FOR ART, FOR MUSIC Sibling composers Aly and Moe Cabral took homewon the Best Score Award for Petersen Vargas’s Some Nights I Feel Like Walking at the prestigious 28th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). In this interview, they speak with Tatler about their creative process and the challenges they faced in crafting the perfect score for the film. WORKSHOP AT THE METRO Have you been wanting to explore new hobbies, such as arts and crafts, journalling, pottery or similar creative pursuits? In this article, we highlight a selection of workshops you can enjoy on your own, with friends or with loved ones. COLOURS OF PINOY TV From powerful fairies to time-travelling, Philippine TV is as alive and colourful as ever, thanks to fantasy series that capture the Filipino culture…

Now and then, a celebration comes along that feels just perfect. That is precisely how it felt at Clifton Esteban and Christine Tiu’s wedding: intimate yet spirited, joyful without being overdone and filled with the kind of memories that linger long after the final toast. Tiu and Esteban met through Kai Shao, a Chinese matchmaking tradition arranged by mutual connections. Neither knew anything about the other before an in-person meeting at a board game café during the pandemic. “Clifton likes to joke that it was love at ‘half ’ sight,” Tiu says, as both were clad in face masks. She remembers him as quiet and reserved, a first impression that his friends still find unbelievable today. The introduction sparked something easy and warm, a connection that quickly grew into something…

At Révélations 2025, an international fine craft and creation biennale held at the Grand Palais in Paris last May 21 to 25, Heart of Abaca made its presence felt quietly yet distinctly. The piece, a collaboration between Maricris Floirendo Brias and her son, Jaime, stands with its weight evenly distributed, layered and vertical, formed from abaca fibre. It represents no single object, and yet it holds many: a plant, a memory, a process, a body of work. The form is derived from the abaca plant, not the abaca flower. Its three layers mark stages in the life of the material: raw, woven and patterned. The outermost layer uses abaca that is dipped in pulp, untreated and irregular. The second, a band of plain T’nalak, signals structure without adornment. The third,…

At Boston’s financial district, Geraldine Acuña Sunshine once navigated the complex world of derivatives and alternative investments. After studying at Harvard College and Columbia Law School, she was recruited as senior counsel at Bracebridge Capital. She also worked in Manhattan’s financial district, practicing corporate law and project finance and was the first Filipino to serve as an overseer on the Harvard University Governing Boards. But over time, she realised her true calling, “I felt called back to what I now recognise as my life’s true vocation: building communities and driving social impact.” Today, she stands at the helm of Khan Academy Philippines, orchestrating a nationwide educational transformation. Her journey from corporate law to social impact entrepreneurship reflects a profound truth she has come to embody: “We only have so many…

1-3 | PETER AND THE WOLF AND LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Ballet Philippines, Repertory Philippines and the Manila Symphony Orchestra unite to bring two beloved childhood tales to life. Deep in an enchanted forest, innocence meets danger in a breathtaking fusion of dance, music and theatre. The Theatre At Solaire, Parañaque City. 12-13 | BEABADOOBEE ASIA TOUR Born in the Philippines and raised in London, Beatrice Laus, known as beabadoobee, has emerged as an indie icon. With three acclaimed hit albums and five diverse EPs, she has garnered multiple BRIT Award nominations, exceeding five billion streams globally and a dedicated Gen Z fan base. New Frontier Theater, Quezon City. 7-31 | INTO THE WOODS Kicking off its 2025 season, Theatre Group Asia brings Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s critically acclaimed,…

Against the stunning backdrop of Capri’s legendary azure waters and the dramatic Faraglioni rocks, Dolce&Gabbana unveiled their latest olfactory masterpiece this June. The launch event marked a new chapter in the iconic Light Blue legacy, which has captivated hearts for more than two decades. Celebrating 25 years since its initial release in 2001, the Light Blue collection continues to be a quintessential summer fragrance. This new iteration honours its legacy while incorporating contemporary sophistication. The celebration of the brand’s history is expected to evoke a sense of nostalgia and deepen the connection with its audience, making them feel part of a rich and enduring tradition. The four-day event, an exclusive introduction to the world of Dolce&Gabbana beauty, offered a privileged experience of Capri’s finest. It included sumptuous dinners, a memorable…

Omega’s new Aqua Terra 30mm addresses the practical reality that many luxury watches simply don’t fit a lot of people’s wrists. The timepiece marks the collection’s first sub-35mm offering in its 23-year history, featuring 12 distinct references made from stainless steel, 18-karat Moonshine Gold, 18-karat Sedna Gold and two-tone combinations. The technical achievement centres on two new movements: Master Chronometer calibre 8750 for the steel and two-tone models and calibre 8751 for the gold ones. Both deliver power comparable to larger Aqua Terra movements while being significantly lighter and thinner—the result of a two-year development cycle specifically for this case. CELESTIAL PRECISION Marking 224 years since Breguet’s tourbillon patent, the limited-edition Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 fuses history, astronomy and haute horlogerie with its mysterious flying tourbillon and starlit aventurine enamel…

Returning as Contributing Editor to Tatler Travel— formerly the Philippine Tatler Traveller—after a four year hiatus, I look forward to the new paths ahead. It is a joy to be working with Special Projects Editor Mac Fabella and the exceptional Tatler team under Irene Martel Francisco. While the media landscape has evolved rapidly from pre-pandemic days into this era of digitalisation, there is still something to be said about the beauty of a glossy magazine. It may sound old school but, to many, there is nothing quite like leafing through the pages of a hardcopy edition and taking pleasure in the narrative as it unfolds through printed words and images. We are at the peak of the summer travel season as we put this issue to bed. Our pages are…

HAROLD JULIAN Known for his grand, atmospheric images that combine dreamlike textures, vibrant colours and a powerful sense of depth, Filipino photographer and visual artist Harold Julian is celebrated for his unique visual style. He photographs this month’s cover star, Lea Salonga (p. 108). PJ PASCUAL A New York fashion stylist and consultant for Valentino and the American Ballet Theater, PJ Pascual also serves as a long-time contributor for Tatler Philippines. He is involved in charities including the American Ballet Theater and Mercado Global. He styled Lea Salonga and son, Nic Chien, for this month’s cover story shot in New York (p. 108). ERNEST GATPANDAN III Bringing more than ten years of expertise in film, television and advertising, Ernest Gatpandan III expertly balances artistic vision with business goals, managing complex…

There was an effortless elegance t o this thoughtfully curated evening hosted by Tatler and Bulgari at the latter’s boutique in Greenbelt 3. The event marked the launch of the latest edition of Tatler GMT Philippines, a special title devoted to the ever-evolving, ever-captivating world of watches. This issue proudly features the Maison’s new Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon on the cover. Much like the intricate mechanisms of its finest timepieces, no detail was overlooked for this night of celebration and discovery. Its timeless allure already set the tone for the occasion. An intimate crowd with shared sensibilities gathered, happily mingling over the free-flowing drinks, food and conversation and wandering through the space to admire exquisite watches and iconic jewellery creations. Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, delivered on the culinary front with…

A week before the second season of the highly anticipated Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers hit the Philippines through Prime Video, Dolly de Leon graced its Los Angeles premiere at The Beverly Estate in a stylish and edgy illusion mesh slip dress designed by Brooklyn-based label Kid Super. It would be understandable to presume that with a principal role in an international television series, De Leon would easily be sucked in the glitz and glamour of the famed city. As such, one might think that she has already become one of Hollywood’s unreachable celebrities. Nothing could be so wrong. During the cast’s interviews with the international press, she greeted us with the warmth of an old friend. Her energy was also boundless. Days later, she flew across the world to…

The part of Metro Manila that stole my heart is... Manila Cathedral. That’s where we [with husband, Sec Sonny Angara] had our wedding 22 years ago. It’s a reminder of love and tradition that makes me proud to call this city home. What makes Metro Manila special are… its incredible people, vibrant culture and, of course, its mouthwatering food! Each element weaves together a beautiful tapestry that defines our city. When it comes to unforgettable meals… M Dining offers elegant sophistication, while Helm delights with its experimental flavours. Toyo Eatery is a gem that pays homage to our Filipino roots. At Kai in Greenbelt, I indulge in exquisite Japanese cuisine that feels like a treat for the senses, as well as fresh sushi from Tsukiji or a cosy meal at…

The vibrant red walls of Offbeat Bistro have certainly sparked conversation—and for good reason. Nestled within The Shops at Ayala Triangle Gardens, this culinary venture is the brainchild of co-chefs and longtime friends, Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano. Some might describe the bold colour as glaring or even aggressive. Still, for those familiar with this dynamic duo’s creative genius and culinary expertise, that striking hue perfectly encapsulates their fiery passion for innovative Filipino cuisine. Step inside and experience a dining destination that’s as lively and inspiring as the chefs themselves! “I’ve always advocated for regional Filipino cuisine, as evidenced by my cookbooks and published features,” explains Comsti, a respected cookbook author, lifestyle journalist and food contributor to Tatler. “I want to celebrate the diversity and variety of our cuisine and…

DRESS CODE Summer signals wedding season—and even if you’re not the one saying “I do”, the odds are that you’ll witness someone else do it, and in style. Guests have more sartorial room to play: think timeless Oscar de la Renta or bold Christopher Esber for the ladies, while men might turn heads in a sleek Brunello Cucinelli tux—without upstaging the groom. SHORT NOTICE Trousers can wait—this month, it’s all about long shorts, the kind you wear on a slow Sunday or throw on for work when it’s too hot to think. Go denim as at Gucci or breezy with Homme Plissé Issey Miyake, then add Fendi leather sandals for the beach or a sharp Thom Browne shirt if you’re feeling back-to-school but not quite. CRUISE CONTROL While some of…

Gucci’s latest campaign has turned its gaze on the allure of the timeless GG monogram. The motif, which embodies modern luxury, is effortlessly brought to light by the brand’s latest muse, Emily Ratajkowski. The London-born American model and actor incorporates the GG monogram into the campaign from pauses at city corners to the late-day glow along the promenade. Photographed by Daniel Arnold, the latest series gives a glimpse of Ratajkowski’s seemingly calm and carefree life in Cannes. Present across a diverse range of pieces, from contemporary handbags to archival-inspired travel silhouettes of the Gucci Savoy line, the motif emerges as a subtle yet distinctive companion, seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Taking centre stage is the newly revealed Gucci Giglio handbag, first unveiled during the Cruise 2026 showcase in Florence. This…

One spring afternoon in New York, after her pictorial in a Manhattan studio for this cover story a few weeks back, Lea Salonga found a window in her busy schedule to talk to Tatler. The Tony Awards night was just around the corner, and the Tony/Olivier awardee was gushing over what she calls “a vibrant Broadway season for AAPI [Asian American and Pacific Islander] talents”. “Unbelievable!” she says. “Look at the space talents of Filipino heritage are occupying! Off the top of my head, I can already count six nominated for a Tony.” Out of the six, three won the Tony: Nicole Scherzinger (Lead Actress, Sunset Boulevard), Darren Criss (Lead Actor, Maybe Happy Ending) and Marco Paguia (Best Orchestrations and a special Tony as a band member, Buenavista Social Club).…

It was a wind-whipped evening in London—the kind that makes the Tate Modern’s monolithic concrete mass feel even more severe. But inside, the atmosphere softened. Light was low, the air was tinged with haze and spotlights cut clean paths through the dark as guests walked through. This wasn’t a traditional exhibition, nor anything the Tate Modern typically plays host to; this was Creation is an Eternal Journey, hosted by Dom Pérignon as part of its 2025 Révélations, this year’s edition of the annual celebration that shined a light on the creative process behind the brand. The occasion also marked the unveiling of Dom Pérignon 2008 Plénitude 2; but it was never just about the wine. Instead, the maison used the occasion to express something broader: a redefinition of its core…

AUDREY TAN ZUBIRI Audrey Tan Zubiri has always loved travelling, whether physically or through the world of words and wonder. As a traveller, she aims for deeper connections with her companions, her favourite being none other than her family. She was a writer for the Philippine Daily Inquirer for ten years and now works in public service. FAYE BRADLEY Faye Bradley is a freelance writer and editor based in Hong Kong. Her work has been featured in publications including Lonely Planet, Variety, Business Insider and China Daily. She is also the founder of CSP Times and co-founder of Paradigm Haus, a print magazine and creative content agency. In 2025, she will co-launch SUITS Travel, a corporate travel concierge service. ANDREW ELDON Travel and photography are two of Andrew Eldon’s great…

A colonial-era masterpiece that inspired writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Rudyard Kipling; a 700-year-old Rajasthani fort surrounded by ancient desert landscapes; the former guesthouse of a Cambodian king. These hotels aren’t mere relics—they’re custodians of their respective locations’ lore and witnesses to some of Asia’s most important moments in history. What’s more, they were all included in the inaugural Tatler Asia Best 100 Hotels list in 2024. RAFFLES SINGAPORE Step onto the grounds of Raffles Singapore and you’ll be transported to a bygone era. A storied jewel in the heart of the Lion City, this legendary hotel has been synonymous with luxury since it opened its doors in 1887. The neo-renaissance-style hotel and its stunning colonial façade are the work of Regent Alfred John Bidwell, an English architect responsible…

The last 25 hours have played out like a vintage film—a sepia-toned reel spinning at an art deco cinema, set to the clink of crystal, gleaming marquetry and the gentle rhythm of wheels on rails. I travelled from Venice into the heart of Italy, gliding through the Dolomites, past mirror-like lakes and quaint villages—all with a flute of champagne in hand. In Austria, tall, slender trees flanked the tracks like something out of a fairytale, as sunlight gave way to the gentle patter of rain, and then, by morning, returned in golden shafts through the mist. Through my window, I’ve watched Europe unspool in soft-focus splendour, waking this morning to the crisp air and rolling hills of rural France. And now, just past noon, I’ve arrived in its sparkling capital.…

The iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok reopened its doors last September following a spectacular five-year project during which the hotel was rebuilt from the ground up, showcasing a stunning new gilded façade, and interiors by André Fu Studio. This marked more than just a hotel reopening—it was a homecoming for one of Thailand’s architectural and cultural treasures. For over five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok was a living, breathing testament to gracious Thai hospitality, a magnet for dignitaries and discerning travellers. Its very essence was steeped in Thai art and design, a visual feast that effortlessly wove subtle aesthetics into every corner. Now, these signature elements, the very soul of the Dusit Thani, are being lovingly reintroduced, promising to captivate a new generation of guests while rekindling cherished memories for…

A hush descended over the 50,000 costume-clad rugby fans inside the recently opened Kai Tak Stadium on March 30, the final day of the annual Rugby Sevens. Heads tilted skyward as a Cathay Pacific A350 passenger jet zoomed nail-bitingly close by, its low-altitude passage a salute to the legendary airport that once stood where the new sports ground is located. As the aircraft passed overhead, Captain Geoff Lui, one of four pilots in the cockpit for the commemorative flyover, addressed the crowd. “Many of us have had the honour of flying into the legendary Kai Tak Airport where you are now sitting,” he said. “While we can’t land here any more, today we honour the history of Kai Tak, Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific where it all began.” For many,…

Lea Salonga, the remarkable Tony Award-winning artist and our national treasure, is the perfect choice for our annual Entertainment issue cover! Her talent and impact truly deserve this celebration. Her journey, spanning decades, is a testament to the resilience and authenticity that artistry knows no boundaries. From her groundbreaking role as Kim in Miss Saigon, a role that earned her the prestigious Tony Award, to being the singing voice of Disney's most beloved princesses, selling out concerts around the world, and starring in Into the Woods this month at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre, she has carved a path that no other artist in the country has yet equalled. This month, we are privileged to feature not just Salonga, but also her son Nic Chien, who will star alongside her…

Manila House filled up with light and laughter as friends gathered to celebrate the birthdays of good friends Tina Cuevas, Stanley Ng and Kirk Bondad. Aptly named Gemini Blast, the triple celebrations livened up with song and dance lasting until the wee hours. Hosted by Honourary Consul Agnes Huibonhoa and Jojie Dingcong, the evening was graced by familiar faces from their inner circles, such as Alice Eduardo, Dr Hayden Kho, Jr, Sheila Romero, Steven Tan and Carla Tengco, among many others. “The overall mood was upbeat and rocking. It was so much fun to see everyone enjoying themselves, and there was a great mix of guests ready and willing to sing. The best performance of the night was by the quadruplets Hayden, Kirk, Stanley and Brandon Espiritu; but the ladies—Alice,…

Talking before 400 students to promote the forthcoming production of Request sa Radyo (RSR), Clint Ramos, the creative director and producer of the provocative one-woman, wordless adaptation of Franz Xaver Kroetz’s Request Concert, called the world of theatre “an isle of misfits”. Then, he immediately added his secret for survival: “Find your people [among these misfits], stick with them and create art together”. The first person of colour to win a Tony Award for Best Costume Design in a Play (Eclipsed, 2016) has definitely found his people, and on top of his list would most likely be the late Bobby Garcia. With Garcia, along with Samsung Performing Arts Theater Executive Director Christopher Mohnani, Ramos created amazing art such as RSR and co-founded the production company Theatre Group Asia (TGA). Its…

WEDDING SAYING “I DO” Amado Araneta Forés and Carmela Fortuna wed in a civil ceremony in May. With only 120 family and close friends, the affair was intimate yet rich in personal meaning. The venue, Bahay na Puti, was adorned with sampaguita swags by Serge Igonia and textured arrangements by Gino Gonzales, Joji Duque and Margarita Florals. The couple’s love for pasta was evident in the symbolic pasta dish with nduja. Amado looked dashing in a European brand suit, while Carmela was a vision in an off-the-shoulder empire-cut gown by Inno Sotto. A Smythson guestbook pre-ordered by Margarita was passed around “OG style”, and with her Tiffany Chiavari chair, both marked a quiet tribute to the beloved chef who passed away a few months prior. A church wedding is planned…

FOR THE BOOKS New Dior creative director Jonathan Anderson marks a new era with his debut menswear collection, signalling a stylistic shift from Maria Grazia Chiuri. Ahead of his first runway show, Anderson unveiled reimagined Book Totes, originally introduced by Chiuri; his version is smaller, crossbody-friendly and featuring embroidered titles of literary classics such as Dracula and Les Liaisons dangereuses. While the structured cotton remains, a refreshed design reflects Anderson’s vision of heritage and modern utility. EVENING REVERIE Carolina Herrera unveils yet another radiant new evening collection that reaffirms her brand’s signature flair for glamour. Designed for formal occasions, the collection captures the elegance her global clientele has long adored. Highlights include high-heeled sandals and pumps crafted from luxurious leather, offered in a palette of rich and sensual hues. As…

Tiffany & Co’s Seahorse chapter proves that the best reinventions honour the past while swimming boldly into the future. Drawing from Jean Schlumberger’s legendary 1968 seahorse brooches, creative director Nathalie Verdeille has transformed this aquatic muse with her gemstone alchemy—unenhanced purple sapphires dancing with moonstones and blue sapphires in combinations that manage to feel both unexpected and inevitable. The collection also includes a transformable necklace showcasing over 11 carats of purple sapphires that required nearly 1,600 hours of craftsmanship. Three wearing options mean endless styling possibilities. LIFE’S A BEACH John Hardy’s Surf collection continues to make waves with its signature oversized cast links that feel more like wearable sculpture than mere jewellery. To the collection’s signature bold, asymmetrical DNA has been added a splash of freshwater pearls, and it’s this…

ADRIAN NICOLAS ONG Violinist At a young age, Adrian Nicolas Ong was fascinated by the sound of the violin. He started his musical journey at the age of nine and eventually became a scholar at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Throughout his career, he has always believed that music is an expressive art that connects people through sound and emotion. Before he plays, he first imagines what the music would sound like. Inspired by nature and the discipline of daily practice, he doesn’t stop at classical music but also dreams of studying jazz. Ong’s approach and commitment to his craft are shaped by the idea that musicians are storytellers who use instruments to speak. He also hopes for aspiring instrumentalists to enjoy what they’ve chosen to do. “Don’t…

It’s 9am for Steven Bartlett, and the serial entrepreneur, investor and podcaster is already breaking his own rules. His team knows not to organise any meetings before 11am, as Bartlett likes to wake up naturally without an alarm. Not today. With an unforgiving time difference relative to Asia—Bartlett moved to Los Angeles in January after signing with a US talent agency—he has made an exception to speak to Tatler. The importance of sleep is one of the many things that Bartlett has learnt from the impressive roster of individuals who have featured on his hugely successful podcast, Diary of a CEO. “The single biggest impact on my life [has been] being really intentional about sleep and wake-up times. Sleep is upstream from what you decide to eat, your ability to…

If you were not an actor, what would you have been? Maybe a doctor because I was taking up biology when I got casted in Miss Saigon. Who is the Lea Salonga to close friends? Pretty much uncensored, honest and blunt. Among artists, perhaps they’d say “Yeah, she swears like a sailor but she is a good person.” A hobby that many are clueless about? Several. I know how to knit and crochet basic things, like little stuffed animals, scarves and placemats. I learnt to bake sourdough. I plant. Guilty pleasure? Final Fantasy 16. I’m a gamer. Favourite bonding activity with Nic? After watching shows, we’d go to a nearby cafe or restaurant, order food and then try to unpack and discuss the show that we had just seen. Yeah,…

TAKE-OFF Arrive impeccably, wherever your adventures take you. Embrace these versatile pieces and elevated classics. We’re talking comfort, yes—but the kind that's been scrupulously styled from head to toe. FIRST CLASS Exceptional journeys call for an equally impeccable wardrobe. Luxury train travel made a serious comeback this year—and with it, the return of dressing for the occasion. INTO THE BLUE This summer, set your sights on sun-drenched towns and sapphire coastlines with breezy staples that celebrate colour and community. Think airy linens in cobalt and tangerine, handcrafted artisanal accessories and sandals that go from beach to bar without skipping a beat. DECKED OUT It’s yachting season and we’re sailing into August to make the most of long days on private charters. Styling is à la White Lotus: everything raffia, playful…

For those with an appetite for the unknown, these hotels—all of which were featured in Tatler Asia’s 100 Best Hotels list in 2024—offer guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in some truly remarkable destinations. Imagine waking up to morning mist rising over 1,300-year-old temples, riding horses with local herdsmen in the vast expanse of Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley or engaging in an intimate discussion with monks at a monastery in the Himalayas. These hotels are luxurious reminders of what travel is all about: getting lost, tapping into childlike curiosity and learning something about the world and the wonderful people in it. SIX SENSES THIMPHU It’s no surprise this hotel won the 2024 Tatler Best of Asia Best Destination Hotel award. Set within apple orchards and pine forests, with its grand…

There are places in the world so breathtaking that they seem untouched by time and civilisation—where every view looks like a painting, every breeze whispers serenity and every moment feels like a gift. New Zealand, especially Queenstown, is one such place. Nestled on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, it’s a haven not just for adventurers but for families seeking meaningful time together, away from the noise of everyday life. Our trip to New Zealand wasn’t just another vacation. It was a rare opportunity to pause, reconnect and be reminded of what truly matters. We travelled as a family—myself, my husband Miguel and our three children, Adriana, Juanmi and Santi, together with five other families who have become like our extended family…

The Indonesian archipelago is home to numerous fascinating stories, from tales of pirates to its role as the historical epicentre of the global spice trade. In recent years, more and more people have been curious to discover the country’s magic—and increasingly, they are doing so by boat, for an authentic experience that echoes the region’s past. Enter brother-sister duo Jason Tabalujan and Jasmine Chong, who in 2023 launched the Celestia: a gorgeous wooden yacht built for private charters, on which guests can sail around the archipelago, embracing the slow life on board while immersing themselves in Indonesia’s rich history, earthy design sensibilities and diverse cuisine. The cruise takes guests island-hopping, allowing them to take in scenic hikes that lead to breathtaking vistas of the islands and to discover the archipelago’s…

I was up an hour earlier than planned, at 3am—the music from the temple across the street had been especially celebratory that night—but my excitement probably would have woken me up soon enough anyway. In an hour or so, I was meeting my fixer, who I knew only as Manoj, and who had found three sadhu, or holy men, willing to be photographed at sunrise on the Varanasi flood plains. I just had to hope they’d show up. I’d come to Varanasi to photograph such individuals; in particular, I was in search of members of the Aghori, an ancient Hindu sect whose beliefs and practices can seem extreme to outsiders. They embrace the taboo of death and decay to gain spiritual enlightenment, and their methods of doing so—meditating on top…

ESTER A long and leisurely Sunday lunch at Ester is my favourite. I don’t have to think about what to order, as I’m having whatever [chef and founder] Mat [Lindsay] tells me to have. I wouldn’t have it any other way. 46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale PORCINE A classic French bistro above a bottle [wine] shop in Paddington. Everything is of the highest quality. I love the food, and the atmosphere is very relaxed and welcoming. 268 Oxford Street, Paddington SEAN’S Get a table by the window to watch Bondi go by, settle in and enjoy beautiful, [carefully crafted,] produce-driven cooking. The service is warm and comforting. It’s a great place, where I often go to have a meal with my family. 270 Campbell Parade, North Bondi CHACO RAMEN BAR When…