Innehållsförteckning för December 2025 från Tatler Philippines

BUILDING EMPOWERMENT For Gisela Tiongson, empowerment begins within. As president and executive director, she has transformed Jollibee Group Foundation from a corporate giving arm into a catalyst for lasting, community-led change. With beneficiaries from smallholder farmers turned entrepreneurs to young people finding pathways to education and employment, her work shows how empathy and systems thinking can create impact that endures. A SEASON TO SAVOUR Behind every Christmas feast lies a story—of family, friendship and flavour passed down through generations. Each cherished recipe carries with it a sense of tradition, reinforcing cultural identity and connection. In this festive feature, members of the Tatler community open up on the dishes that bring comfort, creativity and joy to the holiday table. 12 MONTHS OF POP The year 2025 was defined by a cultural…

It is said that every destination is a doorway—not just to a new place, but to a new version of yourself. For guests at this year’s Tatler Ball Asia, held on October 2 and 3 at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa, that journey took a spectacular turn. Staged amid the city’s Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, the gala gathered more than 300 of Asia’s leading lights, celebrating those who lead with vision and purpose. “An Odyssey to Harmony” began as guests arrived at the Grand Ballroom, with Squid Game star Lee Jung Jae leading the procession in the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV. The cocktail foyer, glowing in red light, set an immersive tone: the Switzerland Tourism photo wall drew crowds; the Switzerland bar served the Swiss Alpine Essence for Swiss International…

Early evening at Elan by the Bay, Casa Bella Home and Living, in partnership with Tatler Philippines, hosted an elegant gathering in honour of The Cassina Perspective. The sun had just set in the horizon as this event celebrated a showcase of Italian excellence and timeless design that continues to shape the way we live. The night opened with heartfelt remarks from Joseph and Stephanie Tay, the husband-and-wife duo behind Casa Bella, who welcomed guests and reflected on their company’s decade-long journey of bringing the world’s most esteemed European design houses to the Philippines. “Great design is a living dialogue between heritage and modernity,” shared Stephanie, setting the tone for the night’s celebration of creativity and collaboration. Steering the programme was Tim Yap, who introduced Marta Ritmonio, Cassina’s regional sales…

The fourth edition of Art SG arrives this January with a sharpened sense of purpose. As Southeast Asia’s leading international art fair prepares to welcome top galleries, institutions and collectors to Singapore once again, its organisers see this moment as a defining threshold—one that will keep the fair’s momentum and reinforce the city’s position as a global convening point for contemporary art. Art SG co-founder Magnus Renfrew observes a notable shift in how the world now conceives of Asia. “The terminology about how people talk about Asia has been shifting a little from Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific,” he notes—an evolution that he believes “shows greater relevance for Singapore”, which stands naturally as “the de facto and acknowledged hub of the Indo-Pacific”. It is a view increasingly echoed by the art world.…

5-7 | BALLET PHILIPPINES’ ALICE IN WONDERLAND Relive the enchanting original holiday treat from the country’s premier ballet company with a new magical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale. Appropriate for ages three and up, Ballet Philippines’ Alice in Wonderland follows the vision of artistic director Mikhail Martynyuk, in which playful choreography, surreal sets and a captivating score come together. The Theatre at Solaire, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City 10-11 | JOSE MARI CHAN Celebrate the music of iconic singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan, unofficially dubbed the Filipino people’s “Mr Christmas”. Together with fellow prominent figures in the Philippine music industry, such as Martin Nievera, Kuh Ledesma, and the APO Hiking Society, among others, this one-of-a-kind concert titled Here and Now is sure to win everybody’s hearts. Newport Performing Arts…

A quick flash of elegant black, an impassioned gaze. The allure of Dolce&Gabbana’s My Lip Stylo collection is told through its global brand ambassador, the Korean star Mun Ka Young. As she slips in and out of view, a new look unravels with vibrancy and undeniable magnetism. This latest release comes in three sublime textures: My Comfy Matte, My Sculpt Satin and My Juicy Sheer, each a powerful, irresistible form of self-expression. Emphasising rich colours and comfort, My Comfy Matte Lip Stylo offers unparalleled control with a quick and seamless application at a moment’s notice. This format comes in embossed gold and is encased in a sophisticated two-toned black and gold packaging. Only a single stroke is needed for its colours to come alive: its formula of Sicilian Avocado and…

Financial institutions powerfully shape the future, always remaining constant and unwavering in this role, regardless of the economic climate. Such as how Citi Philippines has always forged ahead, seeking to improve the well-being of the communities and individuals it touches through innovation, inspiration and upliftment. The bank’s deep roots in the Philippines date back to July 1902, when the International Banking Corporation established a branch. Today, with over 6,000 employees, Citi maintains a substantial and impactful presence in the country. 2025 was a landmark year for the bank. The Asset recognised it as the best bank for sustainable finance, the best commercial bank, and the best sustainability bond issuer. Meanwhile, at the FinanceAsia Awards, the institution earned further accolades as the best corporate bank, the best bank for public sector…

Alice, one word to describe Small. Bubbly. Small, one word to describe Alice. Generous. Loving. Alice, any similarity with Small be it physical trait, character or a mannerism? Character: We both put a premium on love for family and friends. Small, one similarity with Alice? The smile. Personage you admire most, and why? AE: My parents. Their strength, resilience and unconditional love inspire me every day. They taught me that success is not only about achievements but also about kindness, compassion and integrity. They’re the kind of people who give without expecting anything in return. SL: Princess Diana, forever. I admire her so much. She has this charisma, so beautiful. What’s on your Bucket List? AE:1)To start my township project. 2)To have a place in Lake Como. 3)To visit the…

For two nights in Bangkok, hospitality found its loudest expression—in applause, in clinking glasses, in the hum of languages from across continents—as the Tatler Best Awards 2025 took place at Paragon Hall inside Siam Paragon. Back for its second year in the Thai capital, the Tatler Best Awards arrived with a broader brief: to honour not only Asia’s leading restaurants, bars and hotel but also, for the first time, those across the Pacific and the Middle East. The result was a gathering of more than 800 guests that felt both monumental and personal: chefs from Seoul to Jordan shared tables with hoteliers from Fiji and Türkiye, while bartenders from Taipei raised glasses to their Dubai counterparts. Guests enjoyed an extraordinary spread of canapés from Bangkok establishments such as K by…

On November 29, 1875, HSBC Philippines opened its first branch in Binondo, Manila. The historic wooden building served as its headquarters until it moved to Makati in 1971, before finally settling in its current home in Bonifacio Global City in 2007. CEO and Head of Banking, Sandeep Uppal, looks back on the bank’s legacy as it moves toward the future. “For 150 years, we have been strong, dependable partners,” Uppal remarks. Throughout its century-and-a-half-long existence in the country, HSBC has served as an invaluable nation-building partner, from supporting the local sugar trade to financing roads, railways, and other infrastructure projects. It also played an active role in launching the Philippine Coinage Act of February 1903, which established a gold-standard currency system, and the Philippine Gold Standard Act of October 10,…

Philippine culture places great emphasis on strong family values and preserving continuity across generations. This tradition is upheld by institutions that place importance on succession planning—such as UnionBank Private Banking’s NextGen Academy. This programme is designed to nurture the potential of young family members, enabling them to secure their financial footing early in their careers and continue the legacy their families have started. Family-run enterprises in the Philippines range from large conglomerates to budding businesses. NextGen Academy aims to reinforce stability and empower the future leaders of these ventures. “UnionBank Private Banking takes wealth management beyond the individual,” Union Bank of the Philippines Head of Private Banking Atty Arlene Joan Tanjuaquio-Agustin affirms. “It recognises that true financial legacy is built when families agree to plan, set the objectives and have…

Volleyball is a favourite sport in the Philippines, whatever the level: from friendly matches on makeshift courts and collegiate arenas to the highest echelons of competition. But it’s not just the players: passionate fans flock to stadiums or watch games over each other’s shoulders to catch a glimpse of an intense rally. This year, its attraction has grown all the more in Southeast Asia. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) held its Men’s World Championship in the Philippines and its Women’s World Championship in Thailand. In 2029, it will return to hold the women’s championship in the Philippines. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for our sport,” FIVB President Fabio Azevedo enthuses. “Volleyball has truly reached a defining moment, especially in Asia.” Held between September 12 to 28, 2025, the FIVB Men’s…

More than just a refurbishment, it has been a meticulous act of conservation and a stunning modern upgrade. The goal was not merely to update a building that is nearing its 50th anniversary, but to safeguard the genius and artistry of the original vision that birthed it for generations to come. Designed by the late National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) is defined by its raw concrete and natural-material character, like its contemporaries within the CCP complex in Pasay City. It exhibits a stern character for its era-defining materiality and design, and has been the foremost venue for summits, conventions, and commencement ceremonies of many institutions. Its current general manager, Atty Nicolette Ann Cruz, shares her fond memory of PICC being the venue for…

There is a distinct pulse at Nybrogatan 25-27. Set in the beating heart of Stockholm’s chic district, next to the venerable Östermalmshallen, Villa Dagmar presents itself not as a hotel but as a city villa. It is a title that is not a marketing ego, but a genuine statement of intent. This is a home, curated with heart, and its story is one of hospitality, history and formidable women. Villa Dagmar is, at its core, a family story. It is the vision of the Malmström family, the same hands that have guided the city’s grande dame, Hotel Diplomat, on Strandvägen since the Sixties. This is not a new venture so much as a new chapter, born from a long-held dream to create a sister hotel that captured a different, perhaps…

Year 2025 did not ease in. It broke through roofs and rivers. The sound of iron gates slamming shut defined its opening, a shockwave that instantly segregated the worthy from the damned. Twelve months later, the clamour for justice intensified, echoing the clatter of corrugated iron ripped by rain. This was not a year of story but a relentless cascade of scandal, betrayal, and calamity against a people who refused to break. If 2024 was the simple act of survival, 2025 demanded consequence. The question everywhere was who we had finally become. POLITICS AS SPECTACLE AND STORM The May midterm elections redrew the country’s moral map. Youth turnout broke records, fuelled by impatience and disbelief. The results fractured old alliances. By February, the House had moved to impeach Vice President…

The dazzling city of Bangkok hums with restless energy. The tuk-tuks, the street markets, the incense drifting from temples—it moves to its own quick rhythm, exhilarating and, at times, overwhelming. To experience it fully, you need to be in the thick of things, and few addresses put you closer to the pulse than Le Méridien Bangkok. Set on Surawong Road in Silom, the hotel places you steps from night markets and shopping streets, with both the Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain and Sam Yan MRT station within easy reach. From here, the entire city opens up: glittering malls to one side, the Grand Palace and Chao Phraya River ferries to the other. A SENSE OF ARRIVAL Before you even step inside, art sets the tone. Standing guard at the entrance is…

LOUIS VUITTON Personalisation is intrinsic to the fashion house of Louis Vuitton: many of its creations in the early 20th century carried distinct features that gave them identity. Originally born out of necessity, this spirit of customisation has carried on to this day. Building upon the 2008 iteration, Louis Vuitton reintroduces Mon Monogram with an expanded selection and experience. This service, available both online and in-store, enables clients to select from a wider range of colours, typefaces, stripe designs and patches to enhance their bags and travel sets. eu.louisvuitton.com NUSTAR Redefining retail in the region, The Mall | NUSTAR Cebu boasts an international array of boutiques, restaurants and lifestyle experiences. It recognises the profound significance of malls, which have become natural meeting spots and gathering places, by blending elegant design…

Luxurious, elegant, sophisticated—words often used to measure the finest in hospitality. But at Okada Manila, there is a fourth: devotion. This Forbes five-star rated integrated resort tantalises the senses at every opportunity with its seamless blend of Filipino hospitality and Japanese precision, ensuring an unmatched experience that borders on otherworldly. Everything begins at the Okada Manila. Cutting an impressive figure in Manila’s skyline, this development offers exceptional shopping opportunities at the Promenade, family bonding moments at the PLAY Kids’ Club and Thrillscape, exclusive clubs, event spaces and dining options. It boasts 1,001 rooms, including expansive villas that are perfect for intimate gatherings, celebrations and events. Okada Manila’s most premier accommodations and room types are outfitted with every convenience and luxury one might expect. The expansive living and dining areas, coupled…

Among Rolex’s many iconic timepieces, few capture the brand’s true essence as perfectly as the Oyster Perpetual. As the most elemental expression of the Swiss manufacture’s philosophy, it stands at the crossroads of simplicity and sophistication, and is a distillation of everything that makes Rolex Rolex. With the latest iterations, unveiled in April this year, the Oyster Perpetual finds new life through subtle evolutions in colour, finish and form. Reading both serene and fresh, the Oyster Perpetual 28, 36 and 41 are now respectively available with matte lacquered dials in lavender, beige and pistachio. Each hue captures a different mood, yet all share a spirit of quiet optimism. This refined palette feels distinctly contemporary while honouring the timeless character that has defined the model since its inception in 1931. Rolex’s…

“Christmas in LA gave us our most precious memories,” reminisces Small Eduardo Laude of those pre-pandemic holidays when the Eduardo family—parents, four siblings, in-laws and nine grandchildren—would hie off to eldest child Alice’s house in California to celebrate the season. They did this for 12 years, but then the pandemic came. Still, it did not matter where they were—as long as they were all together. This year, lamentably, will be different. The absence of one, patriarch Andres Antonino Eduardo, will be deeply felt even if he passed away almost one year ago, on January 31, 2025, at the age of 90. “Ate still cries a lot and often stays in Dad’s room,” Small says. She, herself, was not prepared. Years ago, they brought their Dad to Singapore for a treatment…

To understand Jenny Syquia is to understand a life lived between two profound and profoundly different poles. There is the Manila of her heritage—a city she describes as “electric” with a “fast-paced... hustle and bustle”. And then there is the Stockholm of her adult life, a place where, as she says, “you can slow down, take a deep breath and prioritise the quality of life”. For many, navigating such extremes would be a study in contrasts. For Syquia, it has been a masterclass in synthesis. After nearly 30 years of living in Scandinavia, she has distilled the most critical lesson from her two homes. “The Philippines has taught me warmth, grace and faith,” she states with clarity. “How to find light in any circumstance, how to build joy from community…

A merry group of strangers in full lederhosen laugh on their way past me, arms linked, cheeks flushed. It’s only just past noon. The scent of spit-roasted chicken and cinnamon sugar wafts in the air, and from inside the beer tents comes the unmistakable sound of brass bands—so loud the ground itself seems to hum. Munich is all charm and contradiction: beer halls and belle époque; tradition and trend. Once the seat of Bavarian royalty, it still carries a certain regal elegance; it has the efficiency of a capital, yet without the crowds. In autumn, it glows in amber shades—tree-lined avenues, beer gardens, stately churches and the occasional river surfer carving across the Eisbach. Come winter, it transforms into a snow-globe version of itself, with Christmas markets and stalls selling…