Inquirer RED: 2015 December

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le Objec b a r i s e D he Most

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e x u L g n i v Li Season e h T f O s t

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EDITOR'S NOTE

GIFTED It’s ironic how we feel stressed about finding what Christmas presents to buy even with the increasing number of shops opening in the country. We’re spoiled for choice, but checking off names from our holiday shopping list still seems impossible sometimes.

Maybe we just need to keep things in perspective. Christmas is fun and special because everyone becomes more giving and grateful, but when taken to extremes, the giving part can become a competition on who can prepare the best gifts. Even decorating the home to make it more festive turns into showing off who has the brightest lights and the most elaborate Christmas displays.

That’s why seeing a home that balances holiday cheer with the clean, simple appeal of neutrals and natural light feels refreshing, as seen in this month’s inspiRED story. Time spent together is also the best present you can give or receive, especially when you enjoy it over a sumptuous meal, planned and cooked with care and consideration of the season’s best products the way M Dining does, as told in our devouRED story.

Reading through an interactive, beautifully designed book about a master artist can also be a different gift you can give to anyone who appreciates art and design, so for our cover story, we talked to artist Ringo Bunoan who studiously archived, curated, and compiled the late Roberto Chabet’s works into an eponymous tome. Her dedication to share her mentor’s artistry to younger generations reminds us that as cheesy as it sounds, it’s always the thought and effort that count.

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ACQUIRED

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Hermès home

DESIRED

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ATTIRED

INSPIRED

Runways of the Middle East

Simplicity in household holiday decor

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Beauty brands for a cause

ATTIRED

ADMIRED

Menswear’s most coveted list

DEVOURED

BARED

Back to basics with Harlan + Holden

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A local restaurant grows in refinement and taste

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Paying tribute to the life and work of artist Roberto Chabet

INQUIRED

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Two prominent philanthropists note down Yuletide must-haves

On the cover: Roberto Chabet, published by Ringo Bunoan; Gold South Sea Pearl Strand, Jewelmer Joaillerie; Oiseaux Equateur Change Tray, Hermès; Watch, Bulgari This page: Roberto Chabet. Photography Raquel Samaniego

Group Publisher Bea Ledesma Editor in Chief Ria Prieto Creative Director Nimu Muallam Associate Editor Meg Manzano Copy Editor September Grace Mahino Editorial Assistant Denise Fernandez Staff Photographer Patrick Segovia External Relations Officer Liza Jison

Board Chairperson Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez SVP and Group Sales Head, Inquirer Group of Companies Pepito Olarte Sales Director Ma. Katrina Mae Garcia-Dalusong Business and Distribution Manager Rina Lareza

Contributing Writers Randz Manucom, Cai Subijano, Angel Velasco Shaw, Angela Velasco Contributing Photographers Jo Ann Bitagcol, Goabby Cantero, Jar Concengco, Tammy David, Trish Zamora

Sales Inquiries Email: sales@hip.ph Telephone No: +63 (2) 403 8825 local 239

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Œil Eye magnifying glass in palladium-plated metal

Finish Unscented candle in a printed porcelain cup with velvet goatskin base

Brazil Hand-painted bowl in eggplant and orange lacquered wood

ACQUIRED

A NEW ABODE Orange is the new classic W ORDS DE NI S E F E RN AN DE Z

Hermès’ vision of the home is first and foremost a state of mind.

In one creative sweep, it combines restrained elegance, noble materials, and exceptional expertise with boldness, imagination, and freedom.

In 2011, this philosophy was embodied by a finely crafted range of furniture, furnishing fabrics, and wallpapers. The following year, architect Shigeru Ban’s Modular system of architectural elements made subtle reference to previous Hermès designs from the 1920s and 1930s, particularly those created in collaboration with interior designer Jean-Michel Frank. Now, the luxury label unveils a new collection bespoke home pieces that showcase skill and a detailed vision in equal measure—a contemporary vision of the Hermès lifestyle.

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P H OT OGRAP H Y GABBY CAN T E RO

The new range of furnishing fabrics and wallpapers evoke the brand’s preferred themes: horses, animals, plants, and the sea. Combined with classic designs, they are expressed on hard-wearing yet sophisticated materials that are suitable for soft furnishings and set off some daring graphic patterns.

Hermès channels its craftsmanship and creativity into pursuing a dream, producing unique, exceptional pieces and custom-designed interiors. It devotes its expertise and inventiveness to designing exquisite interiors, and by doing so, crafts a complete universe for the home, from objects of desire to complete spaces.

An extensive array of items await fans and collectors when Hermès Home officially opens in Greenbelt 3 in January of 2016.

Bento Circuit 24 Faubourg PM Vase in gray and platinum enamelled porcelain with platinum trim

Astrologie Nouvelle Printed bath towel in mandarin/ brownish-gray cotton

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ON THE RADAR

CULTURE VULTURE The state of affairs in the business of fashion and design WORDS M E G M AN Z AN O AN D DE N IS E F E RN AN DE Z

MODERN MARBLE TAG, YOU’RE IT

Following the success and cult backlash of the Apple Watch, Swiss luxury timepiece authority Tag Heuer reveals that it has dipped its toes more than curiously into the smartwatch pool. A result of a collaborative effort between Google and Intel, the timepiece features all the design aesthetics of a classical watch—titanium casing and a black rubber strap—although notably with digital watch hands. The “Intel Inside” watch is reported to cost $1,500 and will allow its wearers Internet connectivity and music streaming, along with other applications developed by the two tech authorities. Perhaps with one of the best warranty models offered, the “Tag Heuer Connected” watch also affords its patrons to turn in their smartwatch at the end of the two-year covered warranty in exchange for one of Tag Heuer’s mechanical watches just for another $1,500—a sublime yet subtle move to encourage the return to analogue.

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The times when folks are plagued by the most unsightly of docks would soon be distant memories as interior and product designer (initially receiving praise from Vogue for his work on the Kate Somerville spa in Melrose) Adam Hunter released his line of sculptural pieces disguised as luxury art, like the STND White iPhone base that doubles as a convenient charger. Made from the most exclusive Bianco Carrara Marble, it’s priced at $295. adamhunterinc.com

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GEOMETRIC MAJESTY

Local accessories brand Cova is all about an abstract yet simple aesthetic that offers a number of possibilities.

“My pieces are easy and can be worn alone or layered with other pieces from the line. In a way, there is a sense of fun and playfulness because you can pile them on with jewelry you already own,” says designer Mel Cuevas.

This theme remains to be seen with her new collection “Sacred Geometry,” which features rings, pins, and earrings that take on asymmetrical shapes to showcase white sapphires and pearls.

The appeal of the pieces like the white gold earrings, thin yellow gold cuffs, and delicate dress pins is subtle, even with the attention paid to the details.

CYCLE STORIES

Band of Outsiders, the fashion brand infamously known for its unfussy, preppy DNA and Polaroid look books that once featured Kirsten Dunst and Aziz Ansari photographed by the brand’s founding designer Scott Sternberg, just announced its resurrection following its closing in June of this year. While Sternberg is reported to not take part in the brand’s revival, the LA-based clothing line is poised to be back for spring/summer 2017 under orders of the Belgian fashion fund CLCC SA. Meanwhile, another fashion label bites the dust (whether or not it’s temporary, as exhibited by Band of Outsiders, is yet to be determined) as Jonathan Saunders steps down from his namesake brand for “personal reasons.” The creative director, credited for launching the London label, commented, “It is not a decision that I take lightly and I am eternally grateful to my team for all their hard work and dedication.”

WINO FOREVER

Styled by no less than Love Magazine’s editor-in-chief Katie Grand and photographed by David Sims, actress Winona Ryder is revealed as Marc Jacobs’ new muse for his brand’s spring 2016 beauty line. The line, according to the designer’s Instagram page, includes a “fine liner eye crayon, velvet noir mascara, and new nudes lipstick.” Fourteen years after Ryder’s grand theft at Saks Fifth Avenue (which ironically included a Marc Jacobs sweater among the items she pilfered that amounted to a steep $4,760), the iconic 44-year old actress proves that reality doesn’t always bite a woman’s looks past the age of 23.

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DESIRED REVIVING RENAISSANCE The latest from Jul B. Dizon whisks local followers into ancient times by paying tribute to the cameo. The jewelry brand’s cameos were handcarved in Italy, where using the profiles of royalty as designs on currency and jewelry was made popular by the Romans. The 30-piece collection that includes earrings, brooches, and necklaces comes in delicate, feminine styles suited for women of vintage taste. The pieces were designed by both Lucy Gomez-Torres (her second time collaborating with the label) and Candy Dizon.

BASIC INSTINCT One of the local fashion scene’s finest labels treads new territory W ORD S D E NI S E FE RNA ND E Z PHOTOGRA P HY TA MMY DAVI D

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Harlan + Holden, the “anti-trends” favorite among effortlessly stylish women on-the-go, formally launches in its stores a new array of basic but elegant clothes made of sturdy and quality fabric.

The most exciting part of the new collection is the launch of the brand’s first line of shoes. Though comprised solely of flats, the line is simple but elegant and stays

true to the brand’s firm belief in comfort and wearability with the footwear’s ample toe space and material that’s kind to the feet.

Shoppers and shoe enthusiasts can choose from black or beige shades and from nappa or nubuck leather, but more color options for the flats will be released in the market next year.

Yet another reason for ladies to splurge a little more for the holiday season.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

BY THE NUMBERS

1989

The year when Lexus was officially founded

582, 000

FORM AND FUNCTION

The amount of vehicles that the brand sold in 2014

Luxury vehicle brand Lexus launches their brand new RX model right on time for the holidays WORDS DE N IS E F E RN AN DE Z

The ideal Christmas present for the affluent businessman and his family comes in the form of Lexus’ new RX. Since the first RX’s introduction in the country in 2009, numerous Filipinos car enthusiasts have raved about its combination of the flexibility of a sports vehicle and the comfort of a luxury sedan. Now redesigned for better and state-of-the-art performance, Lexus launched their new RX in Manila in November.

With its outside appearance of sleek edges, masterful creases, and smooth curves, the RX is a gorgeously-packaged gift. There are currently seven exterior colors to choose from—Graphite Black GF, Amber CS, Deep Blue MC, Sonic Quartz, Sonic Titanium, Red Mica CS, and White Nova GF—options to complement various tastes and personalities. An added plus is the RX’s high elasticity, for scratch resistance as well as gloss retention.

The inside is as elegant as the outside, with a more spacious compartment and seating area fit for the

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businessman on the go. A plethora of vital safety features and technologies are included in all RX models, including SRS airbags that consist of dual-stage and dual-chamber front passenger’s airbag, driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, rear side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, vehicle theft-deterrent, and engine immobilizer system.

Apart from the all new RX, Lexus also launched their remodeled LX 570 that merges luxe features with off-road capacities, sporting a restyled surface made sleeker and bolder and various drive modes that include COMFORT (delivering the smoothest ride possible) and SPORTS (yielding a sportier driving feel). Rear Entertainment Systems, climate-controlled interiors, remote touch knobs for full control of the system’s operations— the list of goods that the vehicle offers is seemingly endless.

18

The amount of individual LEDs surrounding the new RX model’s headlights

2009

The year when the RX was launched in the Philippiness

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ATTIRED

A GROWNUP MAN’S CHRISTMAS LIST ‘Tis the season to accessorize, and for the gents, we suggest getting something red or black, shiny and new WORDS RAN DZ M AN UCOM

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Opposite page: Socks, Paul Smith; necktie, Marni, Homme et Femme, Shangri-la Plaza; beanie, Banana Republic, Greenbelt 5; watch, Technomarine, Greenbelt 3; scarf, Gant, Central Square.

This page: belt, Gucci, Greenbelt 4; wallet, Lacoste, Greenbelt 3; bowtie, Lanvin, 8 Rockwell; leather gloves, bag, both Armani Exchange, Power Plant Mall; boots, Banana Republic, Greenbelt 5; watch, Baume & Mercier, Greenbelt 5.

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Opposite page: Baseball cap, Gant, Central Square; wallet, Lacoste, Greenbelt 3; gloves, Armani Exchange, Power Plant Mall; belt, Gucci, Greenbelt 4; scarf, Banana Republic, Greenbelt 5.

This page: Purse, Comme des Garçons, One Rockwell; cuff links, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5; sunglasses, Gucci, Greenbelt 4; handkerchief, Hermès, Greenbelt 3; umbrella, Hackett, Central Square.

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ATTIRED

MIDDLE-EAST HUSSEIN BAZAZA Titled “Mithra,” Hussein Bazaza’s collection got its inspiration from Persian lore, culture, art, and architecture. Embodying an entire backstory of a Persian princess in his work, Bazaza makes use of lush fabrics such as lace, silk, and chiffon while playing with light pastel colors and nature-inspired patterns. He is currently considered one of the UAE’s best emerging designers.

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MICHAEL CINCO One of the most accomplished designers based in the UAE, Philippine-born Michael Cinco showcased a predominantly black collection inspired by the gothic Sainte Chapelle in Paris. Detailed with fine hand embroideries patterned after church architecture, his latest work has a luxurious and elegant feel, thanks to his creative use of biblical themes and playful use of fabric and Swarovski crystals.

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RISING The future of fashion heads East WORDS DE N IS E F E RN AN DE Z

ZAREENA Cut simply but designed sophistically, pieces by Zareena are renowned for their effortless beauty and Asian-inspired style. Fusing international fabrics with ancient embroidery techniques in her work, her Arabian Nights-themed collection contains pieces fit for royalty—or even those who wish to feel like it.

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FURNE ONE Fernando Barrios, more popularly known as Furne One, transported spectators into a fantastical realm with his exotic collection. Matched with beautiful but out-of-this-world headpieces were exquisitely crafted gowns in bold and solid colors.

His embroidered, form-fitting works showcase the female shape at its most elegant.

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BARED

VANITY FAIR Beauty buys for the conscientious shopper WORDS CAI S UBIJAN O

What’s better than an eye cream that actually erases fine lines? An eye cream that gives you peace of mind. While you can buy all the aromatherapy products and inhale their soothing fumes to your heart’s content, nothing eases tension like the knowledge that you’ve done something good for others. Snap up any of these award-winning products from your favorite brands and give back to others while stocking up on your nightstand necessities.

AVEDA For 30 years, the Aveda Earth Fund has partnered with non-profit organizations focused on caring for the earth and protecting biodiversity. Grant recipients include Eco Education, Earth Force, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

CLARINS The concept is simple: for every two Clarins products purchased, you receive a Clarins FEED 10 2015 Gift with Purpose pouch containing

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five discovery sizes of their bestselling products.

For every pouch received, Clarins will provide 10 nutritious school meals to children in developing countries through Lauren Bush’s FEED program.

JUICE BEAUTY This organic company, which counts Gwyneth Paltrow as creative director, donates to the Breast Cancer Fund, the Environmental Working Group, The Organic Center, Teens Turning Green, and the Representation Project.

KIEHL’S The New York-based apothecary has an ongoing global, philanthropic initiative called Kiehl’s Gives that supports the brand’s three causes: HIV/AIDS research, environmental issues, and children’s well-being. To date, Kiehl’s has donated $3,500,000 to their three pillar causes.

Balancing body mist, Aveda, available at Aveda standalone stores

Calendula herbal-extract toner, Kiehl’s, available at standalone stores

FEED 10 2015 Gift with Purpose pouch, Clarins, available at Rustan’s Department Stores

Shea and Honey Soap, L’Occitane, available at Rustan’s Department Stores

Stem Celluar booster serum, Juice Beauty, available at Beauty Bar outlets

Tea tree shampoo, O’Right, available at Piandré salons

L’OCCITANE For every purchase of L’Occitane’s Shea and Honey Soap, the company will finance the purchase of a pair of glasses (or its equivalent in eye care services) for a patient in rural Burkina Faso, West Africa. One hundred percent of profits are donated to help save the African population’s eye sight.

O’RIGHT Touted as the world’s greenest shampoo, O’Right devotes itself to charitable activities for environmental protection. For every 1,000 Christmas e-cards sent through the brand’s website, a tree gets planted.

MAC This year, Miley Cyrus returns as MAC’s Viva Glam Spokesperson. Every cent of the Viva Glam Lipstick’s and Lipglass’ selling prices goes towards helping men, women, and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Miley Cyrus Viva Glam, MAC, available at MAC standalone stores

Magic of the Night holiday collection 2015, MAC, available at MAC standalone stores

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ADMIRED

ROBERTO CHABET IS A TESTIMONY TO CHABET’S LEGACY AND INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EVOLUTION AND TRAJECTORY OF PHILIPPINE MODERN ART INTO THE CONTEMPORARY. RED DEC.indd 19

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THE HERITAGE OF INFLUENCE An artist pays tribute to a master with a comprehensive retrospective tome WORDS AN GE L V E L AS CO S H AW P H OT OGRAP H Y GABBY CAN T E RO H AIR AN D M AKE UP ROCH E L L E L ACUN A

Ringo Bunoan, artist, writer, archivist, and curator, is also the visionary editor of the seminal book Roberto Chabet, independently published by King Kong Art projects.

In 2007, then already a critically acclaimed artist, she began working for Asia Art Archives (AAA) as the Philippines archivist. It made perfect sense to start her archival work with the artist who has influenced her the most: her mentor and later on friend Roberto Chabet (1937-2013), a Renaissance man in the full sense of the word, a conceptual artist, an architect, a set designer, a curator, and a teacher-extraordinaire.

This two-year process of archiving thousands of Chabet’s works for AAA inspired Bunoan to take the titanic undertaking further, condensing the work into a comprehensive book. “Archiving is actually [the process of activating] the material so that it’s not just on some shelf, totally forgotten.

It’s finding a way how to make the material come alive, how to make it relevant, and ultimately, how to share it,” she explains. And she did just that.

Working closely with cutting edge designers Baby Imperial and Damien Anne of B+C Design, she created a masterful work of art.

The 427-page book reflects Chabet’s creative and intellectual processes, as well as his philosophy on art as an integral part of his life. His profound influence on countless students—many of them now prominent artists and rising stars in the Philippine arts scene whom Chabet had selflessly taught during his 30-plus-year-tenure at the University of the Philippines Fine Arts Department—resonates throughout the book.

In one section that resembles the pages of exam booklets, former students Ronald Achacoso, Lena

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Cobangbang, Cocoy Lumbao, and Jonathan Olazo pay tribute to their strict yet light-hearted teacher in personal essays; through their storytelling, one can get a multi-dimensional picture of Chabet.

Together with critical essays written by Bunoan, Eileen Legaspi-Ramirez, Carina Evangelista, and Victoria Herrera, the writings throughout the book, including those from Chabet, add to this portrait, shedding more light on the late artist as a complex, generous, and jovial being. He did not fear what future generations would produce but instead befriended his students and nurtured their processes, whether or not they dovetailed with his own. This can clearly be seen in the exhibitions of his students’ works that he had curated, some of which are featured in the book.

Roberto Chabet is a testimony to Chabet’s legacy and invaluable contributions to the evolution and trajectory of Philippine modern art into the contemporary. In Bunoan’s essay in the book, she contemplates on one of his infamous assignments that had students create a hundred drawings: “He explained that drawing is not so much about a finished picture but is a continuous process of making marks. The mark becomes a line, the line becomes a shape, the shape becomes an image, and the image becomes a memory of what once was a mark.” In this eloquently written passage, she captures the essence of Chabet and how the act of drawing is symbolic of how one lives life itself, how one seamlessly lives and creates.

What perhaps differentiates Bunoan from Chabet’s hundreds of other students is her unwavering commitment to preserve and share his oeuvre with the burgeoning world-class Philippine art world, a kind of work that also

serves as a corrective to the Western art world’s erroneous belief that Philippine modern and contemporary art is largely derivative of the West.

Roberto Chabet reveals the actuality of multiple modernities, challenging the the hierarchical belief in a singular modern movement that only the West believes they could have created, although influences from Western artists and writers—Duchamp, Malevich, Rodchenko, Smithson, Rilke, Hugo, Kierkegaard, and a gamut of early to mid-20th century art/cultural movements—are also stated in the pages.

Unsurprisingly, the last page of the book shows Chabet’s installation entitled To Be Continued, which is also the epitaph on his tombstone. The Chabet Archive continues; perhaps, another book will be created. One thing that Bunoan is very sure of is that more books about artists need to be published. As the co-founder (together with Katya Guerrero) of artbooks.ph, a one-of-a-kind bookstore dedicated to promoting Philippine art and culture, she’ll continue wearing the hat of an editor/book maker, channeling her artistry once again into something that is to be shared and not hoarded. Chabet had imparted his faith in her to put forth not only his legacy but those of other artists’ as well. “Artists draw from one another.” she states. “We influence one another.”

Angel Velasco Shaw is an artist/videomaker, cultural

organizer, curator, associate professor at Philippine Women’s University in the School of Fine Arts and Design Masters

Department, and founder of the Institute for Heritage, Art and Culture. She lives in Manila and New York.

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“HE EXPLAINED THAT DRAWING IS NOT SO MUCH ABOUT A FINISHED PICTURE BUT IS A CONTINUOUS PROCESS OF MAKING MARKS. THE MARK BECOMES A LINE, THE LINE BECOMES A SHAPE, THE SHAPE BECOMES AN IMAGE, AND THE IMAGE BECOMES A MEMORY OF WHAT ONCE WAS A MARK.”

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INSPIRED

A WHITE (AND METALLIC) CHRISTMAS

While most decorate their homes in color and extravagance for the holidays, this family steers in the opposite direction WORDS S E P T E M BE R GRACE M AH IN O P H OT OGRAP H Y JAR CON CE N GCO

Left: Golden knickknacks and ornaments make the abode seem more elegant and bright.

Below: These Darth Vader heads were obligingly purchased as a pair.

Opposite page: Numerous paintings and sculptures give subtle hints of color to the white-themed home.

Beyond the ’60s-style house’s yellow wooden doors that pick up the sunny swirls in the patio’s Machuca tiles is a space that’s as cozy as it’s lightfilled. Light neutrals are the predominant colors of the bigger furniture, creating the ideal backdrop for the occupants’ considerable—and still growing— collection of art that ranges from oil paintings to sculptures. Overall, it’s a refreshing mise-en-scene, quietly tasteful and inviting.

A few concessions were made to acknowledge the impending arrival of Christmas; after all, when one lives with kids, holiday to-dos are a must. The heads of this home, however, didn’t fall into the usual trap of overblown décor that some tend to revel in. In keeping with the bright and

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airy feel of the rest of the place, their Christmas ornaments come in white, silver, and gold, their shine and sparkle adding to the play of light.

The main attraction is the tree decked in glass balls, mini-wreaths, and other pieces that have been accumulated through the years and through the family’s travels. “Some people like to change their tree every year, but I don’t,” the lady of the house says. “This one has been with us for three years, the ornaments for five years, though I keep adding to them.” The tree is placed in front of a big Elaine Navas painting, the gray strokes on the canvas complementing the muted, metallic appeal of the holiday décor. On the floor beside it are two red velvet Santa bags, one for each child, where

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gifts are placed in lieu of under the tree, given the small space.

Around the living area, which flows into the dining area, delicate Christmas items make their appearances: a gold reindeer figurine stands beside gold candlestick holders, recent acquisitions from Hong Kong. “After Christmas is over, I can use them on the dining table,” reasons the lady of the house of her purchase.

On the long table by the floor-to-ceiling glass wall, wreaths of dried pine cones and sprigs of holly join the vignette of pearlescent lamps, fresh greens, and other metallic knickknacks. There’s a seamless flow between the holiday ornaments and the regular décor, as if the way the house was

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styled was meant to transcend seasons.

That doesn’t mean, though, that there’s no sense of fun and serendipitous order here; quite the contrary, in fact. A Jason Montinola portrait, currently awaiting its partner painting of a lady, sits on an easel, as if awaiting the artist’s finishing touches. Behind it, two Darth Vader heads sit atop a stool. “They were painted also by Jason Montinola and his girlfriend. The gallery owner had told us, ‘You have to buy the other one because they go together.’ So, we did.” A potted sea fan draws the eye to the mantel, a thing of delicate beauty and symmetry, its thin branches reflected in the huge living room mirror. On the other side of the room, there’s a Geraldine Javier sculpture of an

Instead of placing her children’s gifts under the Christmas tree, the home’s matron places them in big, red Santa sacks.

indigenous warrior, poised as if mid-sprint.

It isn’t that the house’s occupants are averse to colors. “I admire colorful homes that look nice,” admits the lady of the house. “But for some reason, I can’t do color.” Her predilection for neutrals turned out well for everyone, however.

The holidays are brighter in this home, clean and sparkling, the kind of feeling one wishes would stay the whole year ’round.

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FORMAL ELEMENTS Runs from Jan. 7 until Jan. 30, 2016 Galleria Duemila, 210 Loring Street, Pasay City

BENJIE CABANGIS, NESTOR VINLUAN, AND ROCK DRILON Runs from Mar. 16 until Apr. 16, 2016 West Gallery, 48 West Ave, Quezon City Especially curated by Bernie Paquing, one of West Gallery’s first exhibits in 2016 will include Benjie Cabangis, Nestor Vinluan, and Rock Drilon— all famous for their mastery of painting. These seasoned painters are highly lauded for their abstract visuals and bold strokes.

JACOB LINDO AND JUN-JUN STA. ANA January 2016 Artinformal, 277 Connecticut Street, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City

ART

FIRST QUARTER STORM

What the local arts scene is stirring for the coming year WORDS DE N IS E F E RN AN DE Z

Artinformal launches its first of group shows for the new year with artists Jacob Lindo and Jun-jun Sta. Ana. Split into three parts—Being, Hagiography, and Begin (the gallery’s group show)—the exhibit features the contrasts between Lindo’s art collages and Sta. Ana’s photography.

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Irma Lacorte is recognized nationwide for her highly expressive art that centers on existential and philosophical topics such as identity, transition, gender, and memory. Known for her paintings and recent exploration of wooden pallets as canvases, she offers a new array of works in this upcoming exhibit.

SCOOTCH Runs from Mar. 19, 2016 until Apr. 23, 2016 Silverlens Gallery, 2F YMC Bldg 2, 2320 Don Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City In this summer exhibit, young artists Wawi Navarroza, Gene Paul Martin, and Isabel “Pepper” Roxas will show their knack for multidisciplinary art that’s bursting with lush and colorful styles.

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SOCIAL DIARY

TERNO RECORDINGS

Lilianna Manahan, Tats Manahan, and Juana Manahan-Yupangco

Last month’s launch of Fashionable Filipinas proved that the Filipiñana, with its traditional butterfly sleeves, still has charm left to it WORDS RAN DZ M AN UCOM PH O T O G R A PH Y J O A N N B I TA G C O L

Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Ben Chan, and Nenita Lim

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez

Gretchen Barretto

Irene Marcos Araneta and Jojie Lloren

Milka Quin

Borgy Manotoc

Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo Gilda Cordero-Fernando and Gino Gonzalez

Attempts have been made time and again to modernize the ever-traditional terno, but how does one successfully transform a clothing piece when we don’t even fully understand what it truly stands for, let alone be aware of its origins?

Lucky for us, local clothing and lifestyle giant Bench published a book that traces the history and evolution of the terno. Fashionable Filipinas: An Evolution of the Philippine National Dress in Photographs 1860-1960 is a comprehensive book written and curated by Gino Gonzales, a scenographer and lecturer at the Ateneo de Manila University, and Mark Lewis Higgins, a visual artist and co-director of Slim’s Fashion & Arts School. It is packed with previously unpublished essays and photographs on the evolution of the yet-to-be proclaimed national dress, from 1860 to a century after.

How the traditional dress evolved to what it is now goes well beyond the book’s breadth of coverage. At its launch last month, celebrities, personalities, and influencers flocked Makati Shangri-La’s Rizal Ballroom in what could be the best show of modern iterations of the terno.

Lucy Torres-Gomez looked delicate in her blush pink Joe Salazar number while a few steps behind her, Gretchen Barretto came garbed in a sharp, jet-black Inno Sotto dress. Another way to update the famed dress is through embellishing it, like what Randy Ortiz did for Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez’s gown, and styling it differently, like Isabelle Daza did to her fuchsia dress: with a pair of studded gold heels. Tessa Prieto-Valdes’ ruffled Pablo Mendez was proof that even something as unconventional as the butterfly sleeves still has room for going overboard, while industry people Maria Parsons (in Pepito Albert), Sandy Higgins (in Nina Gatan), and Katrina Goulbourn-Feist (in vintage Slim’s) showed that reinterpretations of the traditional piece are practically infinite.

The dapper men stepped up their barong game, too. Dingdong Dantes’ sleek Tria piece and Borgy Manotoc’s addition of a necktie to the suit/barong he had made proved that the menswear equivalent of the terno is just as flexible, style-wise. However, it was man of the night Ben Chan, in his Joey Samson ensemble, who proved that well-worn classics still stand the test of time.

Before we begin forgetting our roots, Fashionable Filipinas, the latest release from Bench’s #LoveLocal campaign, serves as a reminder that distinctly Filipino products such as the terno and the barong, though not worn as often anymore, should never be left in the past.

Gino Gonzales and Mark Higgins

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