Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Tatler Philippines

One can often trace the grandest love stories to the most unexpected beginnings. For Calanthia Mei and Philip Almeda-López Fuchs, it was an orange sweater—Fuchs’s, to be precise, and Mei’s least favourite colour—that sparked a connection at a San Francisco gathering in 2018. What began as a curiosity deepened into an enthralling exchange on history and global affairs, a refreshing counterpoint to the tech-centric chatter of the room. This shared interest forged an immediate kinship. The very next day, a first date was set. Their eight-year journey has been a symphony of evolution as individuals and as a pair. From San Francisco to New York, then to Los Angeles, with Manila ever-present as a cultural touchstone, their lives have seamlessly intertwined. Fuchs, an investor in green energy and infrastructure, and…

As Manila enters the vibrant “ber” months, we’re just 12 weeks away from the joyous holiday season! This time of year beautifully showcases our rich culture, creating connections that go beyond borders. From the engaging literary gatherings in Frankfurt to the lively jazz evenings in New York, Filipino talent shines brightly, becoming a source of pride and a significant part of the global conversation. Our involvement not only enriches our community but also enhances our collective presence on the world stage. A LITERARY TRIUMPH The Philippines commands the world stage as Guest of Honour at Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, marking a watershed moment for our literary heritage. Over 20 Filipino titles, carefully curated and newly translated into German, will introduce European readers to the depth and sophistication of our storytelling…

We all dream of having lifelong companions—true friends who will always be by our side. Some find this bond in people, others find it in the unconditional love of pets. Dr Z Teo, the visionary CEO of The Aivee Group can attest to the latter. With a heart full of love, he proudly takes on the role of a devoted “furdad”, leading a delightful pack of giant poodles that he brought all the way to the Philippines. His journey is a beautiful reminder of the incredible happiness that pets can bring into our lives. He had always been fascinated with large breeds ever since he was young. So when he moved to the Philippines, he brought in a pair of St Bernards. Unfortunately, Teo lost them to heatstroke and heart…

Few names can command the same respect, attention and renown as Rolex. At Watches & Wonders 2025 in Geneva, the brand unveiled its Oyster Perpetual Land-Dweller to an audience that was, once again, enrapt by its horological mastery. The Land-Dweller is the latest step forward for the Swiss watchmaker, a culmination of nearly a century of experience. It features the revolutionary Dynapulse escapement, propelling this timepiece into a realm of its own. This watch, which blends sophistication, innovation and beauty in simplicity, is designed for men and women who value the same. Offered in three variants—white Rolesor (combining Oystersteel and white gold), 18 carat Everose gold and 950 platinum—the Land-Dweller is fitted with a Flat Jubilee bracelet that seamlessly extends from the case. This integrated feature was first seen in…

In a historic moment that elegantly bridged continents and centuries, Bvlgari brought the spirit of Rome to the heart of Singapore with its 2025 High Jewelry Trunk Show. Held at the House of Tan Yeok Nee—one of the city’s last remaining “Four Grand Mansions” and a designated national monument—the occasion marked the first time a High Jewelry Maison had ever presented within this storied heritage site. The result was nothing short of magical: a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and cross-cultural artistry that could only be orchestrated by a house as daring and visionary as Bvlgari. This was an event of exclusivity, a privilege for those who appreciate the finer things in life. The setting alone was a masterpiece. Built in 1885, the House of Tan Yeok Nee, with its sweeping…

ATASHA MUHLACH Some legacies are inherited; others are built. Atasha Muhlach has grown up in a world that has always been watching her, yet she has chosen to meet that gaze on her terms. Today, as an actor, singer, model and TV host, she belongs to a generation determined to define itself by substance as much as presence—a rare combination in an age of instant impressions. Fashion, she says, became her compass. “My style is sophisticated yet minimalist, defined by statement basics and silhouettes with a modern edge,” she explains. “I’ve learnt to experiment, to mix and match, to stay open to every possibility.” This is not a style built on trends. It is one informed by intuition. She admits she looks at what the fashion world is doing, but…

MICHELLE MARQUEZ DEE Beyond the headlines as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Marquez Dee has built a life that fuses advocacy, artistry and authenticity—evidence that beauty, when paired with purpose, can change the conversation entirely. Raised between Utah and Manila, Dee has been shaped as a woman who is both grounded and global, qualities that now inform her work and her style. Fashion, for her, came later in life; but when it did, it became a form of self-possession, seen in her looks: solihiya-patterned or Whang-Od-inspired national costumes, gowns by Mark Bumgarner and Francis Libiran and her favourite “true crown”— a cowboy hat. As ambassador of the Autism Society Philippines, she champions the National Autism Care Bill. She also serves with the Philippine Red Cross, Inner Peace Foundation and the…

RURU MADRID AND BIANCA UMALI There is a rhythm to how Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali move. It can be seen on screen, where they are known for their chemistry, and off screen, where their combined styles—distinct yet complementary—has become a signature. Madrid’s wardrobe speaks of precision and purpose, chosen not for flash but for their ability to hold meaning. “I don’t chase trends,” he says. “I wear what feels real, with pride and presence.” Umali, by contrast, is an explorer. Her style reshapes itself with ease: oversized leather shirts with boots, sculpted tailoring or sheer romantic silhouettes. “Style is a silent language,” she says. “It’s how I tell my story.” Together, they project a style that is polished without being predictable. They have a shared respect for Filipino creativity,…

The Gauntlet of Polo—which includes the esteemed CV Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup and the US Open Polo Championship—represents the pinnacle of high-goal polo competition in the United States. In this backdrop, Philippine polo team Globalport has demonstrated exceptional resilience, achieving significant upsets against highly regarded teams such as La Dolfina/ Tamera and Park Place, ultimately advancing to the semifinals of the CV Whitney Cup. In a particularly riveting contest during the US Open, the team narrowly missed another victory, losing by a single goal to La Dolfina/Catamount, despite holding a lead with only 80 seconds remaining. “It was my dream to play in the US Open,” says Mikee Romero, Globalport’s owner and player. “Ever since I was a kid, I had wanted to compete in a high-level athletic…

In Manila’s glittering dining circles, few names carry the weight and wonder of chef Chele González. For over a decade, the Spanish-born chef has been renowned for the refined innovation at Gallery by Chele—now an institution celebrated for its ability to push boundaries into delicious new territories. Years ago, González and his team set out to create something the Philippines had never seen before—a restaurant that was as much about ethos and experience as it was about food. The vision took shape in Gallery by Chele, a fine-dining destination with its dedicated R&D arm. It expanded further with the launch of Adviche, their F&B consulting firm that he leads with his executive sous-chef, Carlos Villaflor. Together, these ventures became a hub for immersive, daring dining that challenged norms, menu after…

Design is essentially an act of storytelling, an imprint of human hands shaping beauty into enduring form. Take world-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue for instance. His every creation begins with the intimacy of touch, the patience of craft and the belief that objects we live with should not just serve but also inspire. His artistry reveals itself in organic silhouettes and airy weaves that breathe light and air into space, resulting in creations that feel timeless and alive—a signature grounded in nature. A chair that seems to bloom from the earth, a lamp that whispers of birdsong—each piece emblematic of Cobonpue’s finesse. Furniture like the Bloom armchair and the iconic Yin & Yang as well as the Pigalle and Lolah collections, all rest on a foundation of Filipino craftsmanship elevated…

Graff has spent 65 years mastering yellow diamonds, so when it creates something like the Tilda’s Bow necklace, you pay attention. Two strands of yellow and white pavé diamonds weave around the neck before forming a deliberate knot—think sophisticated sailor’s rope, but significantly more expensive. The real drama comes from the twin pear-shaped drops: a 7.19-carat Fancy Yellow and its 5.79-carat partner, both substantial enough to make their presence known. Exactly what you’d expect from a house that treats yellow diamonds like their personal speciality. REFINED RADIANCE The L’Équilibre Earrings embody a delicate balance of luxury and artistry. Featuring two 11mm semi-round light champagne South Sea pearls, their warm, iridescent glow is complemented by a refined arrangement of diamonds totalling 1.26 carats and 0.93 carats of coloured gemstones. Meticulously set…

JO ANN BITAGCOL What began on the runway has evolved into a full-circle creative pursuit for Jo Ann Bitagcol. She started as a model who helped shape the image of Philippine fashion in the Nineties, then transitioned behind the lens as a photographer. Today, she is a designer whose work bridges past and present. Every phase of her life is built around the way she looks at clothes: not as passing trends, but as a means of telling stories. Her style has always been rooted in individuality. “I like to experiment and put together elements unconventionally,” she says. This approach has become the signature of the brand she now helms. Travel, cultural exposure and collaboration with creative people shaped her aesthetic over time. “I edit or pick ideas that work…

BJ PASCUAL A flicker of light, a poised pose and from the frame emerges the pull of intention—such is the visual range of BJ Pascual. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Cavite, he refined his craft at New York’s Parsons, the Fashion Institute of Technology and the International Centre of Photography. Then he became one of Manila’s most iconic photographers. Known for capturing emotion through light—soft focus, backlit drama, minimalist elegance—he prioritises the subject’s essence. Off camera, his own style is as distinctive as his images: “Experimental, cute, popstar,” he says. Fashion, for Pascual, is play—sometimes to embody a pop star, other days to feel six-foot-three in his heels. He experiments with trends that resonate, favouring Prada for art, Jean Paul Gaultier for queer iconography and Martin Margiela for…

LOLO DRIP Fashion wasn’t always part of Rogelio Tabuzo’s plan. But fate, with a bit of help from his grandson, had other ideas. Known as Lolo Drip, the 73-year-old Filipino grandfather became an online sensation after sharing a photo of himself in streetwear in 2020. What started as a playful post turned into a full-blown modelling career, as his natural charisma, joyful energy and expressive personal style caught the eye of local and international brands alike. “I never expected people would appreciate what I was doing,” Lolo Drip says. “I just kept going because I was happy—and people responded to that.” With his grandson Wami Tabuzo as creative collaborator and stylist, Lolo Drip leans into the world of streetwear and viral fashion moments while keeping it real. Whether it’s oversized…

FE RODRIGUEZ A woman who has left her mark on both the Filipino palate and its cultural landscape, Fe Rodriguez co-founded Burger Machine. This pioneering fast-food concept changed accessibility and became an indelible part of Philippine street culture through the Eighties and Nineties. But beyond this entrepreneurial legacy lies a woman of subtle influence in the world of style. Her approach to fashion, like her approach to life, is deliberate and enduring. “I seek out the special and unique, particularly with my accessories,” she says. History, travel and culture have always influenced her aesthetic, as have the stylish women who came before her. Over the years, her wardrobe has grown into a collection of rare, handcrafted pieces: antique jewellery, shawls and handbags, as well as formal gowns by the late…

One of the greatest challenges facing those on the road is comfort: the long hours, often in agonising traffic, and far removed from the spaces that are familiar to us can take a heavy toll. In defiance, the Lexus LM350h sets a new benchmark for luxury mobility. It isn’t just about transporting you from one place to another, but ensures that you come out more refreshed and rejuvenated than when you had first stepped inside. The Lexus LM is also called the “luxury mover”, a name that is simple, direct and straight to the point—and delivers what it promises. The LM350h variant sports the brand’s iconic spindle grille to complement its refined, regal presence. Its aluminium wheels are specially designed to achieve a higher level of silence. An array of…

PATRICK DIOKNO Photographer Patrick Diokno brings decades of experience from the design side of the publishing industry, with a portfolio that spans fashion, portraiture, interiors and more. His work has appeared in books as well as traditional and digital media. In this issue, he photographs our cover stars and this year’s Asia’s Most Stylish honourees (p. 106). AA PATAWARAN A seasoned author, inspirational speaker and former lifestyle editor, AA Patawaran brings a quiet wisdom and sharp sensibility to his writing. Through his thoughtful exploration of human experience and societal issues, he invites readers to engage with complex ideas in an accessible and elegant manner. He writes about the meaning of true personal style in today’s world (p. 64). WESLEY VILLARICA A multifaceted creative professional in photography and filmmaking, Wesley Villarica…

KAREN BATUNGBACAL BPO pioneer and strategic leader Business Leader Award With her sights set on success, Karen Batungbacal is a trailblazing executive also called the Mother of the BPO industry in the Philippines. As the former country head of TENET Health Group, she built its Philippine operations from the ground up, scaling it from zero to 3,000 employees. A co-founder and senior advisor of the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Batungbacal has positioned the country as a premier destination for global outsourcing, while shaping policies that advocate gender diversity and equitable opportunity. With a career spanning leadership roles at JP Morgan Chase, ABS-CBN/BayanTel and more, Batungbacal is known for building business units with strategic foresight and compassion. Today, she lends her expertise as an independent director…

The names still shimmer when spoken aloud. The Duchess of Windsor, with her fondness for sculptural jewellery from Cartier and the clean, tailored lines of Mainbocher, always gave the impression of elegance thought through to the last button. Babe Paley, the socialite whose immaculate suits, pearls and playful mix of fine and costume jewellery made her the standard for understated polish, could secure the success of a dinner simply by being there. Gloria Guinness, born in Mexico but fluent in the ways of Europe’s salons, embodied cosmopolitan glamour, favouring Givenchy’s simplicity and Balenciaga’s architectural shapes, her wardrobe a passport stamped by Paris and Madrid. Lee Radziwill carried her grace lightly, known for her sleek shift dresses, effortless tailoring and that quiet refinement that seemed to run in the Bouvier bloodline.…

CARMEN JIMENEZ-ONG AND JAY ONG Besides creating the Menarco Vertical Museum, Carmen Jimenez-Ong is the founder and CEO of Menarco Development, while her husband, Jay Ong, serves as vice president and director at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. For the power couple, collecting art is a deeply personal pursuit, woven into the rhythms of daily life and driven by instinct, curiosity and a desire to honour creativity. “Art enhances my life… stirs thoughts… evokes emotions… calms me,” Jimenez-Ong shares. Her better half echoes similar sentiments, tracing his passion back to his university years. “I used to balance out my finance courses by choosing art electives—sculpture, ceramics, photography, even museum studies. Later, I figured if I couldn’t make good art myself, I should buy it.” For both collectors, the emotional connection…

OPENS 4 | DEAR EVAN HANSEN GMG Productions finally brings the international touring company of the Laurence Olivier and Tony Award-winning musical Dear Evan Hansen to Manila. Since its Broadway debut in 2016, this poignantly written musical has touched audiences across the globe with its powerful themes of loneliness, mental health and self-acceptance. Written by Steven Levenson and with music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the show has garnered four Tony Awards, the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City. 20-21 | TYLER, THE CREATOR CHROMAKOPIA THE WORLD TOUR To promote his latest album CHROMAKOPIA, Tyler, the Creator lands in Manila after touring the world. Known for his bold visuals and entrancing music, Tyler promises…

Meet the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic, Richard Mille’s tribute to the endurance race, which marked its 12th edition this year. Limited to 150 pieces, this watch is as much of a mechanical marvel as the race cars it celebrates. Its titanium bezel frames a striking Green Quartz TPT caseband, with green and orange highlights evoking the legendary Sarthe motorsports circuit in France. The skeletonised dial mimics a racetrack’s twists, while the 24-hour counter’s highlighted green 16th hour nods to the green flag at race start time. Racing isn’t just in the design—internally, precision engineering ensures a 55-hour power reserve and clutch engagement indicator. Pure timekeeping adrenaline on your wrist. NEED FOR SPEED IWC Schaffhausen celebrates its partnership with Apple Original Film’s F1 The Movie with three new chronographs in…

Some of the most famous works of art, such as Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid or Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, do not feature grandiose figures but the simple beauty of the world around them. In the same vein, Hans Brumann has taken everyday occurrences and experiences and transformed them into extraordinary pieces of jewellery. Now, he embarks on a new journey: taking the potential of fallen leaves as a muse for his latest collection, the Golden Leaf. Brumann, the man behind the eponymous jewellery house, mastered his craft across Europe in London, Geneva and Zürich. He later moved to the Philippines and founded Hans Brumann Inc in 1978, with the aim of manufacturing unique pieces of silver, gold and platinum with precious stones. The brand’s trained, in-house goldsmiths have upheld his…

CHARMAINE LAGMAN There are women whose style announces itself, and there are those whose presence defines the room long before they speak. Charmaine Lagman belongs to the latter. Her approach to dressing has been shaped by experience and a clear discipline, an instinct that comes not from fashion rules but from an awareness of how clothes can steady the way you move through the world. Over the years, she has gravitated towards clean lines, structured silhouettes and a palette that is strong without being loud. Each piece she chooses is measured, refined and deliberate, designed to bring out a sense of confidence and clarity. “My style balances subtle power with refined precision,” she says, and there is no better way to describe the way she carries herself. It is an…

MAX COLLINS Better known to audiences as an actress, Max Collins has also taken on the roles of mother and entrepreneur, founding ventures that span wellness, hospitality and lifestyle. Her style mirrors this breadth: softly confident, polished yet unforced. “I see fashion as storytelling without words. It lets me express the different phases I’m in—a mother, an actress and an entrepreneur. It’s how I honour each version of myself.” She gravitates toward brands like Saint Laurent and Givenchy for their balance of edge and timelessness. Being Filipina-American has given her a love of modern minimalism and an appreciation for traditional Filipino textures, from piña fabric to handcrafted local pieces. She champions Filipino designers, artists and artisans, seeing style as a platform for cultural pride. For Collins, fashion is an act…

ANNETTE GOZON VALDES Her commanding presence in the media is matched only by her executive resolve. Since joining GMA’s board in 2000 and rising to senior vice president and president of GMA Films, Annette Gozon Valdes has charted the network’s most pivotal transformation—steering hit series like Encantadia and Maria Clara at Ibarra into the global spotlight. A Harvard-trained lawyer and former tax law professor, she ensures women’s roles go beyond old stereotypes. This vision shapes GMA Kapuso Foundation’s efforts, including rebuilding schools in conflict-affected Marawi. Her style is subtle, focused on legacy than flash. She commands presence without overshadowing others. Decorated with numerous awards, her leadership is intelligent, values-driven and proudly Filipino. Her style reflects strength and her influence leaves a lasting impact.…

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” But what if this transformative tool, this beacon of hope, finds itself entangled in a never-ending battle? Such is the case in the Philippines where, despite the numerous efforts of the government and the private sector as well as the unwavering commitment of educators, the education system remains ensnared in challenges. There appears to be a perpetual learning crisis marked by alarming declines in student comprehension, an overloaded curriculum, and persistent resource disparities, among other issues—a concern that warrants immediate attention. “The learning poverty in the Philippines is deeply rooted in systemic challenges, which we are still actively addressing,” says Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, when asked about the reasons…

When Tatler Philippines launched its first-ever cover, it made a bold statement by featuring four remarkable women: Imee Marcos, Jo Ramos, Jackie Ejercito and Luli Arroyo. As daughters of influential Philippine presidents, they represented a compelling blend of legacy, power and reinvention. Photographed by the legendary Jun de Leon at the Champagne Room of the Manila Hotel, the cover captured more than just an image; it encapsulated a cultural moment. These women impressed the nation not only because of their backgrounds but also for how they defined themselves independently. From Marcos’s unapologetic candour to Ramos’s grace, Ejercito’s elegant charm, and Arroyo’s quiet strength, their stories reframed power as a journey of introspection and growth. This bold debut emphasised Tatler Philippines’ editorial promise: to celebrate influence not solely in title but…