Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i VOGUE PHILIPPINES

“If you are lucky, you see all of her, if only for a few seconds,” Andy, our Batanes guide, tells us cheerfully, when we arrive at Basco. “You'll hardly see Mount Iraya without the clouds covering her top,” she warns. Yet, Mt. Iraya revealed herself after a furious flash of rain. Our northernmost active volcano came into view just as our models, Jo Ann Bitagcol gestured up into the sky, and Rina Fukushi, looked right at the camera and into the first image of our main fashion editorial. Our September cover shoot, “Origins,” was a constant lesson in surrender. This was a testament to the adaptive nature of creation, where things unplanned complete the picture. It seems Batanes had her own blueprint of the shoot. By sending punishing heat or…

IN A PREVIOUS INTERVIEW, Philippe Delhotal, creative director of Hermès Horloger, described the horology tradition at Hermès as “to surprise, to not take ourselves seriously but do things properly.” Their Hermès H08 watch is proof of this philosophy: a sleek timepiece with an urban athletica twist. The Delhotal-designed model features a cushioned-shape case, satin-brushed black ceramic bezel, concrete-colored dial, and black-gold hands. The heritage brand infuses a touch of sport through vibrant accents and rubber straps ranging from yellow, green, blue, and orange. The timepiece remains sophisticated while targeting a fresh market, making it an eccentric addition to any vast collection, or a tasteful choice for a budding one.…

Taking great care of one's skin is a lifelong journey, and starting early does have its perks. “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” says Dr. Vicki Belo, who advocates for the early use of sun protection, explaining that damage from UV rays accumulates over time and may result in hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Defend your skin against pollution, strengthen your skin's moisture barrier and improve its appearance caused by dehydration. Avignon Clinic's Dr. Christine Chio recommends what she describes as a simple yet effective routine as we start to lose collagen in our 20s: a cleanser that contains an exfoliant such as Alpha Hydroxy Acid to address the build-up of dead skin cells as well as a good moisturizer. To help address fine lines that may…

SKIN STORY Skins are purveyors of stories. “It is beautiful,” says Gabbi, “a mix of your ancestral past.” Explore your story by mixing tones to find your match. MIX AND MATCH Gabbi recommends having three different shades to create a custom blend: one for when you're fairest, another for your truest tone, and one for your sun-kissed days. Use them to brighten, lift, and sculpt your face. TRUE HUE For your high points (under the eyes, top of the nose and cheekbones, your chin, and your brow bones), apply a lighter shade of foundation or concealer. Note your “key tones,” any significant showings of reds and yellows (warm tones) or olives and pinks (cool tones). Contour and create a contrast around the shape the sun creates around your face. LIP…

FRAGRANCE…

“The world hasn't lost its MAGIC. Science hasn't disillusioned us. If anything, SCIENCE has simply explained the process by “ which magic occurs SUPERSTITION. Regardless of how bizarre and baseless their belief is, there may be some hidden truth in it. Beliefs about kulam, gabâ, engkanto, and nuno sa punso [or “old man of the mound,” another local supernatural creature] might seem like echoes of a more magical age. These days, technology is enough magic for us. We're able to communicate across great distances through a black screen that lights up–this might be called scrying, where someone would use a mirror to conduct supernatural communication. We have access to all the world's information: there are vast, intangible libraries that exist in cyberspace. Programming is using a combination of symbols to…

TRAVEL “IN ICELAND YOU CAN FIND BEAUTY IN THE ROUGHEST MOUNTAINS AND THE MOST POWERFUL WAVES,” says Edgar Berg. “The island has so much energy that you can feel wherever you go. It inspires you to take out the camera all the time.” Though based in Paris, the Filipino-German lensman has traveled more than his fair share of miles, whether for his work with international titles and brands or his own pursuits and interests. Last June, he took his camera to the south of Iceland, a topography that gives a wide spectrum of personifications; it jags, rolls, flows, and takes your breath away. To Berg, taking landscapes seems to be a more personal undertaking. “I have always been into landscapes but haven't shared as much online,” he shares. “Taking photos…

CRAFT KENNETH COBONPUE'S AIRY WORKSHOP IN CEBU IS HUMMING WITH ACTIVITY. Metal is being cast, wood is being worked, both tried-and-proven fabrics along with pilot ones are being weaved and upholstered, and product prototypes are being perfected. It feels like a wonderland: part foundry, part wood shop, part experimental textile mill, and most crucially, a place where theory is turned into praxis, sometimes years after being imagined. For those so inclined to appreciate these exhaustive stages of design, the Candy Man energy inside is palpable, as in who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, and cover it with chocolate and a miracle or two? “That's Virgilio, a sample maker,” Cobonpue says, “and that's Christian Jay, his son, a composite maker. Over there is Matt, a CAD engineer. His…

SHOPPING…

MANILA MAY SEEM LIKE AN UNLIKELY CHOICE FOR AN EPICUREAN ADVENTURE, but there are dining gems practically everywhere in the great metropolis. Some are even conveniently made available in the most convenient locations. Developers at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls curate collections of top-rated restaurants in the country in each property, making it easy for gourmands to have their fill without venturing too far. Nestled within Newport Mall at Newport World Resorts, the Whisky Library lures patrons through an unassuming facade and the city's most extensive collection of whiskies and liquors. Don't worry–it welcomes both the seasoned aficionado and the curious soul willing to explore. At Chairman FU, the essence of classic Chinese hot pot is redefined and elevated thanks to stylish interiors and premium ingredients. Rob's is an all-day, casual dining…

The monolithic beauty of Iceland sets the tone for Filipino-German lensman Edgar Berg's fashion piece. Ideas of longing and reuniting haunt us through his view, in an evocative encounter captured on film, in “The Day We Meet Again” on page 304. In photographer Raena Abella's Overland Expedition, she chronicles her 124 day “analog” road trip across the Philippine archipelago. From salt flats in occidental Mindoro, to Our Lady of the Rosary Church of Manaoag, Pangasinan, we read of the sights and sounds she encountered as a solo traveler on page 394. Discover where, in these islands, did she have the “most satisfying lunch I ever had.” Last year, as we shot our final leg of the maiden issue in Rizal, by the Tinipak river, we were told that this limestone…

DESIGNER PROFILE WALKING INTO VANIA RO MOFF'S STUDIO may as well be described as stepping into a cabinet of curiosities. Except the studio is impressively tidy, with the fashion designer's sentimental trinkets scattered strategically on shelves and tables in each room. On two separate surfaces, one will find identical bulbous figures fashioned out of marble, in the shape is of a woman's form. With a softness in her tone, Vania recalls that when these sculptures were made, she happened to be pregnant with her twins. It turns out, the nostalgic lilt in her voice wasn't conjured up by my imagination. Because later on, Vania confesses, “I am an emotional woman. Being a fashion designer is emotional to me.” Her taste for romance makes even more sense; it's not just a…

DECADES AGO IN BAGUIO, there were hardly any cars in the off-season. At least that's what Maribel Ongpin says. “We walked everywhere,” she reminisces, her smile audible through the cellphone where we're conversing. The eldest of four was born in Manila's Philippine General Hospital, but proudly declares herself to be from the City of Pines. Their family's move was instigated by her father's work in the mining industry; her two sisters and brother were later born in the plateaued city. Maribel shares she loved living in Baguio, where they knew everyone and patronized local craft. “We would always use placemats and napkins and tablecloths that were from the Cordillera! So of course we appreciated it. It was part of our environment, seeing these fabrics,” she says. One would surmise that…

In your 40s, paying attention to skin health becomes even more imperative. “In this age group, fine lines and wrinkles will start to show up,” shares Dr. Chio. Sagging skin may also become an issue, notes Dr. Belo. Take your pick from Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream, Dior Beauty's Capture Totale Le Sérum, Chanel's La Mousse Clarifiante and La Mer's The Eye Concentrate to address these key concerns like loss of elasticity, appearance of unevenness, and visible pores. Makeup that does double duty is a boon. Hermès Plein Air Complexion Balm is infused with hyaluronic acid and evening primrose oil to care for the complexion while providing sheer, radiant coverage. Dr. Belo shares that at this age, you might want to consider treatments like their Cold Rejuvenation procedure, which combines amino…

FEATURE IN THE EVER-EVOLVING WORLD OF BEAUTY, science has now set its sights on a realm that was once invisible–the microbiome. There's now a growing movement advocating for the understanding of these unseen ecosystems, which consist of living organisms that coexist with us, and how they hold the key to unlocking healthy skin. Leading the charge is Jasmina Aganovic, a beauty entrepreneur and expressive biology advocate. Aganovic, who struggled with her skin as a teenager, grew up with an interest in beauty. “I became fascinated by the ingredients and the formulas and how they all worked together to make the claims that you would see on the packaging,” she narrates. This interest led to a degree in chemical and biological engineering that proved helpful in doing research and development for…

THE 1990S WERE AN INCREDIBLE TIME FOR FASHION IN THE PHILIPPINES—the glitz and glamour of fashion shows, the rising popularity of glossies, the reign of society swans. From the moment Patrick Rosas stepped into the fashion scene in the mids-'90s, he's been a fixture in the industry, his signature “no-makeup-makeup” look in demand by Manila's supermodels, It girls, brides-tobe, and even European royalty. And now that the cultural scene is experiencing a glittering renaissance, he continues to deliver his brand of glamour. What is the secret to his consistently magic touch? “I guess I've been lucky,” Patrick says. By definition, luck is when skill and opportunity converge, and he happened to arrive at a time when the makeup trend was transitioning from heavy handed, kohlrimmed ‘80s looks to cleaner styles…

FOOD THE BIGGEST CHIP ON ERWAN HEUSSAFF ‘S SHOULDER is that he's still trying to get better at speaking Filipino. It may be easy for some to take a cheap shot, a low blow at him for this, but with it Erwan saw an opportunity to aim higher, or deeper, rather, in understanding his Filipino heritage beyond the aspect of language. While he was born and raised in the Philippines, his work in food and media has placed him in fascinating places around the world for a large part of his life. Now, he's set on exploring the less-traveled parts of the Philippines and he's bringing his camera to take the country's eyes with him. At The Fat Kid Inside (TFKI) Studios in Mandaluyong, Erwan sneaks up to his office…

DESIGN Picture your earliest memories. Can you recall the first house you lived in? The floor where you took your first steps? Aya Maceda speaks in vivid detail of her family home in Quezon City: a collaborative effort by her mother, Teresita Gimenez-Maceda, and architect Jesus Gueco. “The whole house just breathed,” she says. “I remember the sense of exhale as you entered, being cocooned in this warm, bright space.” Shaded under a large old talisay tree, its robust adobe-clad entrance offered a welcome arrival. A broad timber door opened into a thoughtfully planned inner sanctum, with narra and kamagong hardwood floors and walls. Places to gather and connect segued naturally into spots for quiet solitude. Bedrooms were positioned around a light-filled, double-height courtyard, inundated with greenery. The house brimmed…

IN THIS ISSUE Simply put, she says that if the things we ingest are conducive to health, our body will be healthy. If we eat and drink junk, our body will suffer. “When we eat all processed foods that have low to no micronutrients, our body's basic biochemistry and organ systems will not work properly. This will lead to disease in the long run,” the doctor says. It's not a question of if but when, she adds, explaining that the length of time of when this disease will come out will depend on a person's genetics, exposure to toxins, and the like. “When you ingest food that is high in preservatives, pesticides, antibiotics, etc, these will create inflammation and imbalance in the gut flora. This will destroy the gut's lining,…

1 19-69 UNIVERS One Rockwell, univers.ph 4ELEMENT @4elementlondon .ARCHIVES @dot_archives A ADAM PEREYRA @adampereyraofficial ALAO DESIGN @alao_design ALEXANDRA LARRABURE alexandralarrabure.com, @alelalelal ALEXIS BITTAR alexisbittar.com, @alexisbittar AMBER W SMITH @amberwsmith ANN DEMEULEMEESTER anndemeulemeester.com ANNA ORLINA annaorlina.com, @annaorlinaglass ANNA ROSSI JEWELRY annarossijewellery.com, @annarossijewellery ARISTHANE aristhane.com, @aristhane ATTWOOD & SAWYER AVEL BACUDIO @avelbacudio B BAD BINCH TONG badbinch.com, @bad_binch_tongtong BAGASAO bagasao.com, @bagasaostudios BALENCIAGA Greenbelt 5, balenciaga.com, @balenciaga BALLY bally.com, @bally BALMAIN balmain.com BASERANGE baserange.com, @baserange BEARE PARK bearepark.com, @bearepark BLUMARINE blumarine.com, @blumarine BOBBI BROWN LOOK At Me at SM Aura, lookatme.com.ph BOND-EYE bond-eye.com, @bondeyeswim BOODLES boodles.com, @boodles BOTTEGA VENETA bottegaveneta.com BOTTER botter.world, @botter_paris BURBERRY Greenbelt 4, burberry.com, @burberry BY FAR byfar.com, @byfar_official BY PARIAH bypariah.com, @bypariah C CARHARTT carhartt.com, @carhartt CARL JAN CRUZ carljancruz.com, @carljancruz CAROLINA HERRERA Greenbelt 5, carolinaherrera.com, @carolinaherrera CARTIER Greenbelt…

DELICATE DUALITY By TICIA ALMAZAN Photographs by COLIN DANCEL PAGE 62 TEAM CREDITS: Makeup: Don De Jesus. Hair: Miggy Carbonilla. Producer: Anz Hizon. Photographer's Assistants: Joey Alvero, Yel Dela Paz. Special thanks to Amaya Abong and Ralph Rhoden. EVERY TURN A RETURN By LEAH PUYAT Photographs by BORGY ANGELES Fashion Director PAM QUIÑONES PAGE 68 TEAM CREDITS: Makeup: Zidjian Paul. Hair: Mong Amado. Models: Thuthiporn MacReady, Reimi Kobayashi. Nails: Extraordinail. Producer: Anz Hizon. Interns: Allyson Nibungco, Jill Santos. VINTAGE SPLENDOR Photographs by MORGAN ROBERTS of One Represents Styling by ANNIE HERTIKOVA PAGE 76 TEAM CREDITS: Makeup: Aimee Twist. Hair: Linus Johansson using Authentic Beauty Company. Model: Dohyun of IMG Models. Creative Director: Olivia Wright. Casting: Marina Fairfax of One Represents. Producer: Anz Hizon. Stylist's Assistant: Frankie Chartsuwan. Retoucher: Laura Cammarata. PAGE 76 SLIM BARRETT…

EDGAR BERG The Day We Meet Again, Photographer “This year I'm celebrating a deeper connection to self. I've been a late bloomer most of my life, and I'm finally coming home to myself in a way I really haven't been able to before. Feeling so grateful to be here and hopeful for what's ahead.” LUKRESIA Origins, Model “The global pinoys are growing in numbers. It's so thrilling to see our talents celebrated beyond our seas. We strive to make a mark, to prove so much yet we shine brighter when we're at our most generous selves, sharing stories from home to the world.” ADAM KREMER Scents of Time, Photographer “This year I'm excited to celebrate the natural world in my work and my life.” PATRICK KASINGSING Form & Function, Writer…

FEATURE GLOBALLY, FASHION DUOS ARE NOT EXACTLY THE NORM, BUT THEY ARE NOT R ARE. Dolce & Gabbana (Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabban), Rodarte (the Mulleavy sisters, Kate and Laura), Proenza Schouler (Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez) come to mind. In the Philippines, most local designers work alone. While there have been many fashion designers who have grouped themselves into associations and councils, these groups exist more for group shows or charity projects. For the most part, the job of a Filipino fashion designer is a pretty lonely one. But a new collaboration in town just may change all that. The House of Laurel is both a brand and a literal building, a landmark in Poblacion way before it was “Pobla,” or the Makati magnet for bars, restaurants, happy hour…

DESIGNER PROFILE W hen we step into Natalya Lagdameo's shop at the basement of The Manila Peninsula Hotel, we find her in a state of deep concentration, as if we've walked in on her working through some complex mathematical problem. Which on any other day, may just be the case, given that her nine-to-five involves designing furniture for the family business. “Maybe you can help me,” she says, her fingers deftly sliding across threadbare strands of brass chain, orbs of antique glass, and polished onyx cylinders. Her signature stack of giniling bangles clink gently against one another as she scatters her work across the jewelry display case at the center of her showroom. It is an elegant glass counter resting on a thick slab of Philippine hardwood that she designed…

ON THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 23, 2022, Raissa Gerona's calendar tallied 30 hours in meetings. This number might fluctuate here and there, but one thing remains consistent: the chief brand officer of multi-brand e-commerce destinations Revolve and FWRD sprints through consultations, interviews, and conferences like an athlete on a track. She's used to this. It's probably why she logs into our call relaxed and lightly made up, long black hair cascading carelessly past her shoulders. “It is a lot of meetings,” she confirms with a small smile, when asked about her typical work week. “Lots of speaking.” It wasn't always like this; when her family moved to Silver Lake, California when she was seven, Raissa barely spoke the language. Born and raised in the province of Bulacan, her English was…

GIVENCHY BAG This leather bucket bag by Givenchy, aptly named the Shark Lock, is the catch of the season: a top-handle purse featuring tentacle-like strands of pearls in various sizes—and a shearling upper portion as frothy as a wave lapping up on a very fashionable shore. JIMMY CHOO SHOES Jimmy Choo gives brides their something blue and the rest of us our something new. These glossy patent leather pumps prove the perfect base for a pearlescent touch. Slip them on, and there's really no need for more jewelry—unless, of course, you simply must. CARTIER HIGH JEWELRY EARRING Like a tassel for your ears, this Cartier High Jewelry piece is black, white, and chic all over. Adroitly crafted in a dazzling sequence of platinum, pearls, onyx, and diamonds, it's both a…

With the foundation of a consistent and tailored skincare, coupled with beneficial practices such as a good diet, exercise and enough sleep, you can exude healthy skin at any age. Dr. Chio notes that you can add products to address specific concerns. Opt for La Mer's Crème de la Mer, Shiseido's Vital Perfection Uplifting Firming Cream or Chanel Sublimate La Crème to rejuvenate and help improve the appearance of facial contours and definition. Next generation science led skincare products like Clé de Peau Beauté's Firming Serum Supreme and Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Gel-Crème target age related and future concerns of mature skin. It is also important not to forget the neck and decolletage, which can benefit from a product that addresses skin's elasticity and texture. Dr. Belo…

“BASICALLY, YOUR WHOLE BODY IS INFLAMED.” Dr. Candy Drilon-Dalman of Centro Holistico said these words at the end of our initial consultation, a lengthy conversation that touched on my habits, my diet, and the problems that came with them. The good doctor is not being despondent, but rather matter-of-fact. “Your body is in a constant state of trying to heal because of your lifestyle, hence the chronic inflammation,” she explains. All first time patients with Centro start with this consult, which will touch on your diet, movement, sleep, water intake, stress factors, daily routine and habits, bowel movement, urine output, and the supplements you are taking. Like many Filipinos with a middle class background and temperance, I am a creature molded by what's near and what's accessible. While a big…

See full credits on page 460 W hen Emma first began forging her career path, she had always pictured herself behind the camera. The aspiring photographer grew up in a home where many cultural values flourished. She was born to an Italian father, a Filipino mother, had lived in Thailand for a good part of her life, and moved to London with her family including her aunt, and grandmother. She set her eyes on fashion photography at the London College of Fashion. When Emma couldn't afford to pay for models, she took her own portraits as an alternative. Upon posting her works online, she was then scouted for a Carhartt campaign. “And it's funny because, at first, I thought they asked me to take the photos for the campaign,” she says,…

DESIGN COMMISSIONED BY A MANUFACTURER TO DESIGN HOME DÉCOR PRODUCTS, visionary artist and product developer Ma. Teresita “Tes” Pasola produced several sketches in a breeze. The client was astonished by her fee. “Am I going to pay this much for one hour of work?” he asked. “Excuse me! It isn't the hour that you are paying for, but the 30 years of my life,” retorted Pasola. “If you can't pay, then I'll give them to you for free.” Eventually, the client returned and handed her the check. “Can we do another (trade) show again?” he asked. Pasola had a gift for conceptualizing functional and aesthetic products for export that benefited both the client's business and the consumer. That talent for marrying original design with market appeal and profitability was cultivated…

IN THIS ISSUE From the same resort, she took freediving lessons. “Staring down at the unknown vast sea with just a line rope in sight was scary but also meditative,” she reflects. “Unlike other extreme sports that are full of adrenaline, free diving requires the exact opposite mindset. The diver should be calm and relaxed to be able to descend in one full breath. Before descending, I spend a few minutes floating on the water, zone out, focus on my breathing, then dive.” Raena drove on to Anda and found a little place right at the beach. The ferry rides to Siquijor had been cancelled for the day due to strong winds. Rainy season was slowly creeping in. She was content to enjoy her ocean view for a while with…