January 2015 Volume 8 | Issue 17
WHITE BALANCE
7.25 x 10.indd 1
12/22/14 5:33 PM
CONT ENTS
SOUTHERN living
16 COVER STORY Designer Maureen Disini lives in dolce vita in her dreamy white home, built by her thriving career in fashion
GROUP PUBLISHER BEA J. LEDESMA ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR DENISE DANIELLE ALCANTARA EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ALLEC TESTADO, PRISTINE L. DE LEON CREATIVE DIRECTOR NIÑA MUALLAM GRAPHIC ARTIST DANICA CONDEZ
JANUARY 2015 04 HEALTH New Age methods of healing improve the health by enriching the soul
10 SOUTHERNER Designer Vania Romoff discovers sensuality from old worlds, far continents, and music
06 BEAUTY These age-old Chinese herbal remedies make the skin look as good as new
14 SPACE Rather than finding refuge from the outdoors, style a home filled with elements of nature
07 CRAFT Discover new ways to heighten the flavor of your homemade dishes
26 STYLE Mimic the look of a forest sprite with soft pastels and an ethereal palette Cover photo by Ralph Mendoza
EDITOR’S NOTE Forward musings Moving on will always be the theme of the New Year. We let go of the baneful memories and make new auspicious ones. It is the time of celebration, when we have license to start anew—new plans, ideas, and resolutions. However, we don’t forget the past entirely; we choose to instill whatever we think is beneficial for our future. Traditions and customs passed on from generation to generation are also part of tearing a leaf off the calendar, to secure good fortune and peace for the entire year. For that fresh new start, we
collected tips on how to bring nature to your own space following the Zen perspective. We also took the opportunity to discuss the different healing techniques—old and new— to ensure balance in your mind, body, and soul for the year 2015. Vania Romoff let us take a peek of her upcoming collection that reflects her interpretation of a modern woman who travels in style. Fashion editor turned fashion designer Maureen Disini reveals the reasons for her change of heart and how it resulted in her new happy and contented life.
Talk to us on Facebook and you just might win a special prize from us. Visit www.facebook.com/southernlivingmagazine now. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @slivingph. We’d love to hear from you.
SOUTHERN living
01
CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO, BEVERLY DALTON, KAT PATIÑOMARQUEZ, MARBBIE TAGABUCBA, YVETTE TAN, CHRYSSA CELESTINO ILLUSTRATOR SAINTE JAMES TAN STYLISTS EDLENE CABRAL HAIR AND MAKEUP BULLET REYES, CHUCHIE LEDESMA, GERY PEÑASO, EDDIE MAR CABILTES, ANGEL MANHILOT, DAN MARK MENDEZ, RAZEL ANN VALDEZ PHOTOGRAPHERS SAM LIM, JOSEPH PASCUAL, RALPH MENDOZA ARTU NEPOMUCENO COPY EDITOR SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO EDITORIAL CONSULTANT RIA FRANCISCO-PRIETO CUSTOM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER DAPHNE SEE ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR PAM BROOKE CASIN PROJECT COORDINATOR RENÉE ESPENILLA EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS PRISTINE L. DE LEON, PAULINE MIRANDA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES SHANNA MALING, HANNAH RAMOS, INA MATEO GRAPHIC ARTISTS AUBREY PORCIUNCULA, ROI DE CASTRO, TEJ TAN, YAYIE MOTOS PRODUCTION MANAGER NOEL CABIE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT MARICEL GAVINO FINAL ART SUPERVISOR DENNIS CRUZ FA ARTIST JR LAROSA BOARD CHAIRPERSON ALEXANDRA PRIETO-ROMUALDEZ FINANCE ADVISOR AND TREASURER J. FERDINAND DE LUZURIAGA LEGAL ADVISOR ATTY. RUDYARD ARBOLADO HR STRATEGY HEAD RAYMUND SOBERANO VP AND CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER IMELDA ALCANTARA SVP AND GROUP SALES HEAD, INQUIRER GROUP OF COMPANIES FELIPE R. OLARTE SALES DIRECTOR MA. KATRINA MAE GARCIA-DALUSONG KEY ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST ANGELITA TAN-IBAÑEZ ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ABEGAIL GINAGA, ANDIE ZUÑIGA, SARAH CABALATUNGAN, ALETHEIA ORDIALES SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANTS RECHELLE ENDOZO, MARA KAREN ALIASAS
This magazine was printed responsibly using recycled papers with biodegradable inks.
FEEDBACK
NEWFOUND WONDER “Hi! Just wanted to say, read your November issue at my dentist. Didn’t expect to be so interested but almost every article was a good and entertaining read. I liked Mr. Elicano’s article on Paolo Lorenzana in particular. Quippy writing. I’ll probably subscribe after my wisdom teeth wounds heal.”
@slivingph November 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 15
@slivingph www.facebook.com/ southernlivingmagazine slivingph@hip.ph Share your thoughts on our latest issue and get a chance to win prizes. Congratulations everyone for winning Villa Del Conte gift certificates! Call 403-8825 to claim your prize.
OPEN RANGE
Daniel Marsen
“Love this mag ” —thespoiledmummy
Marguit Tolentino
Hi. Saw your magazine at a coffee shop. I was reading the cover story and I really loved the way Hindy Weber prepares food!
jeanxlouise Loving everything
SOUTHERN living
02
7.25 x 10.indd 1
2/27/14 9:49 AM
HEALT H
THE NEW ORDER
stressful situations, as the drawn cards reveal the issues at play for each person, from physical to emotional and psychological. Let go of old problems through The cards are not meant for fortune-telling; they merely New Age measures illuminate what already is and help theta healers explain to TEXT SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO the clients the possible solutions to their pressing problems, such as forgiveness, self-love, and non-attachment. Those ILLUSTRATION DANICA CONDEZ who come seeking for very particular answers may come away disappointed but talking to someone else who can be objective Theta healing Certain body aches are psychosomatic symptoms of deeper about a situation can be therapeutic in itself. A session ends issues that are plaguing you, and theta healing helps you make with the theta healer cleansing the client’s aura and transmitting a connection between the two. For example, difficulty in to them the healing and calming energy from the cards. On a deep level, theta healing could get you on the path of healing breathing indicates an unhealthy flow of emotions. Theta healing sessions involve deep discussions between the yourself through acceptance. On a more immediate scope, you healer and the client, from queries about physical ailments leave a session feeling much lighter than when you came in. to insightful questions on behavior patterns and pressing relationship problems, in a process called “digging.” The Meditation healer helps the client reach the theta state, where the brain Contrary to the belief that meditation involves getting the waves are on the frequency that allows for deep meditation. mind completely blank, it actually means letting thoughts pass “It is when in this state you are able to work directly with through you but without getting attached to the emotions that Source, Spirit, the Universe, God, or Creator of All That Is... color each thought. Meditation teacher Denise Celdran says, to facilitate powerful healings,” describes the website Theta “It’s easy to go into a circle of thoughts grinding inside your head, especially the negative ones. But when you accept your thoughts Alchemy (www.thetaalchemy.com). Theta healers also do muscle testing, which determines the without judging them, the mind begins to calm down.” kinds of beliefs that a client holds on to as well as if a shift has Centering on your breath is also the key concept in meditation. happened in their belief system after the session. “When a bottom “Notice your breath: it’s shallow when you’re stressed and belief is transformed, [those] stacked above it will automatically thinking negatively. When you deliberately take deeper, longer change—like a house of cards—instantly freeing you from ones, you become calmer; the sting of your thoughts abate.” limiting patterns without the need to relive past traumas.” Meditation and breathing bring a world of wonders when Negative belief systems are transformed from deep within, done regularly: they help you focus on the present, on the allowing the client to recreate their life the way they would like to. act of breathing, and the ability to be non-judgmental about your thoughts is vital in developing detachment—and with detachment comes the lessening of stress and fear. “You watch Millennial card reading and aura cleansing There are also theta healers that use millennial cards to help your thoughts and emotions as if from a third person point of those who need healing to get to the root of their current view: you see them but they don’t eat you up. You’re calm.”
SOUTHERN living
04
7.25 x7.25 10.indd x 10.indd 1 1
5/30/14 5/30/14 9:47 AM 9:47 AM
7.25 x7.25 10.indd x 10.indd 1 1
5/30/14 5/30/14 9:47 AM 9:47 AM
7.25 x 10.indd 1
10/3/14 11:35 11:32 PM
BEAUT Y
GREEN PHARMACY
Revealing the beauty secrets of Old World China TEXT BEVERLY DALTON ILLUSTRATION DANICA CONDEZ
In our skincare regimen, we’ve come to a point where we slather at least five products on our faces to avoid aging: retinol, eye cream, whitening, night cream, collagen cream, and who knows what else. But there are Old World miracles long developed and used by the Chinese that are all-natural and basic, yes, yet just as effective as drugstore products. Traditional herbal medicine helps the body’s self-healing capacity to correct conditions that cause skin problems in the first place. The next time you’re in Chinatown, add these to your shopping list. Ling zhi Rich in minerals, amino acids, vitamins, and essential oils, this mushroom helps cellular regeneration, and its strong antioxidant properties make it an effective skin anti-pollutant. It also helps retain water and maintain
elasticity, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. Bai guo More commonly known as gingko, it is one of the most precious plants in China and contains amino acids and collagen. Gingko helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, keeping it younglooking and fresh as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles. It also has compounds that are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, which make it a great natural cleanser. Zhu ru You’ll never have pimples with zhu ru. It is actually shaved bamboo and can be used as a gentle exfoliant that also moisturizes skin. The zhu ru’s pulp contains lignan, which helps balance oil production and prevent clogged pores, which are the beginnings of acne.
SOUTHERN living
06
Ju hua Known better by its English name chrysanthemum, this flower contains energizing compounds that stimulate circulation. It nourishes and invigorates the skin and gets rid of fatty deposits such as cellulite when combined with massage and warmth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to tighten skin. Ren shen This fleshy-rooted plant, popularly known as ginseng, promotes blood circulation to improve cellular function and regeneration. It also contains saponin, which has the ability to make rough skin smooth by removing excess oil and dirt from the outermost layers of the dermis. In addition, saponin has a compound called panagy acid that keeps skin hydrated. The overall effect: supple and younger-looking skin.
CR AF T
JUST A PINCH This simple adjustment to your everyday salt shaker can add loads of flavor in your homemade dishes TEXT KAT PATIÑO-MARQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY SAM LIM
NATURAL-FLAVORED SALT
What you’ll need:
Ingredients Sea salt Herbs of your choice (dried or fresh)
Directions:
1. In a glass jar, mix together sea salt and herbs of your choice. 2. Seal tightly and let sit for at least 3 days before using.
Tip: The following are best herb combinations: Rosemary and thyme Lemon zest and thyme Lemon and pepper Chili flakes
SOUTHERN living
07
FOR ANNOUNCEMENT PURPOSES ONLY
SPREAD.indd 2 SPREAD.indd 2
SPREAD.indd 2
S 11/13/14 9/11/14 9/11/14 2:34 2:24 PM2:34 PM SPREAD
12/19/14 4:57 PM
4 SPREAD.indd 3 PM2:34 PM SPREAD.indd 3
SPREAD.indd 3
9/11/14 2:24 PM 9/11/1411/13/14 2:35 PM2:35
12/19/14 4:57 PM
SOUT HERNER Vania Romoff debuted her first collection during the Philippine Fashion Week in 2009. Later, she moved from her homebase Cebu to Manila in 2011.
EFFORTLESS CHIC
Fashion designer Vania Romoff’s aesthetic redefines sexy TEXT MARBBIE TAGABUCBA PHOTOGRAPHY JOSEPH PASCUAL
It cannot be pinpointed which collection or which much-photographed frock donned by any pretty celebrity or socialite that has made 25-year-old fashion designer Vania Romoff ’s vision of modern femininity one of the most watched out for perspectives in young Philippine fashion. Her past collections, comprised either of neutrals and graphic black and white stripes, or bold jewel tones in columnar and hourglass silhouettes, all bear an aesthetic that she sums up as “the elegance of effortlessness. There is that idea of nonchalance, [of ] looking like it isn’t too put-together or thought of too much. “Women who come to me are satisfied with the way they look and don’t feel the need to satisfy others. It’s enough for them to feel good about themselves,” she adds. “In that sense, nothing trendy goes on.” When asked what would be assumed as a career path that follows those of family members—her grandmother Viring is one of Cebu’s first couturiers and her brother Joseph is also a fashion designer at the Queen City of the South—Romoff clarifies that despite her formal training at the School of Fashion and the Arts in Makati, she is
just lucky to have been born into what others had to go to school for in order to learn. “My aesthetic and what I do are not shaped by what my family has done. Design-wise, my brother is my harshest critic, which is a good thing. I’ve seen the works of my grandmother and my mother, but I’ve never felt like saying, ‘That’s the look I want.’” Living on her own and working at her chandeliered atelier in Legaspi Village, Romoff’s consistency comes from being her own person. She is a self-professed old soul who references timeless elements and silhouettes from bygone eras, harking back to an old-world idea of sensuality in the way clothing hugs the female form, but she also stays progressive with the way her clothes are tailored with clean lines. “It’s sensual when a woman doesn’t show too much skin—just enough to pique the curiosity, not necessarily with her clothes but with her character.” Example: the small of a woman’s back through necklines that plunge down the base of the spine, or the hint of iridescence on an exposed collarbone whenever Romoff’s en vogue off-shoulder tops are worn. She points out, though, that these tops’ on-trend appeal is coincidental. “I’ve always
SOUTHERN living
10
MAKEUP GERY PEÑASO. HAIR EDDIE MAR CABILTES.
SOUT HERNER
“Women who come to me are satisfied with the way they look and don’t feel the need to satisfy others. It’s enough for them to feel good in themselves.”
SOUTHERN living
11
SOUT HERNER
been a fan of showing off the shoulders and collarbones. artists’ tunes on a turntable, though now she streams them [This style used to] come and go in my collections and from Spotify’s jazz playlist. Style is a personal gesture of has now become a staple.” how a particular person is feeling, and Romoff relies on There is a narrative that Romoff ’s woman is a music either to relish it or shake it off whether she’s at world-traveler. How she designs work, play, or rest. and tightly edits each collection can This summer, a bit of fun is in the be likened to packing for a much itinerary. “Uptown Cheek,” as she “It’s sensual when a anticipated trip with clothes she playfully names her spring/summer woman doesn’t show too wished existed. She begins by taking 2015 collection, is a wardrobe for much skin—just enough a social butterfly’s summer in the inspiration from a destination, picturing a woman in a certain part Hamptons, exaggerated with a to pique the curiosity, of the world and what would be fun smattering of pearls, glimmering not necessarily with her to do in that environment, then pailettes, oversized bows, contrasting creating pieces that allow her to live collars, and even shorter hemlines— clothes but with that fantasy. all unabashedly feminine yet done her character.” Like Romoff herself, the woman in a fresh, youthful manner. She who wears her is one who is moved claims that even while keeping by music. The designer digs indie acts colors muted and the cuts sleek, her such as Banks and Lykke Li, and winds down to Nina latest collection is her most adventurous yet, bursting Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Frank with details that are either an invitation for someone Sinatra at the end of a long day—something she has else to take a closer look or personal indulgences for the “inherited” from her father, who had played these classic wearer to enjoy.
SOUTHERN living
12
FIT
C
DE
14
20
12
1
V en
d
.ind
09
ida
Cedr ic
W GIV HA E TT H O ER
G
AZ
YOUR
INE!
BE
4
S
c Bru
Tom
yE sgu e
rra
/18
12
/14
5:2
4
PM
tm
ou
sc
ag .p h
BE DE NG E
TH E ST WO A M N D AN S TA W LL HO
N O RE VE TR M O BER SP , A RO EC IN T W UN O D RL TH D E
sco Pa
20
14
O cto
r2 014
be
IN
TO
UC
H
SE
P
TE
M
B
ER
20
14
A
R C
H
20 14
o.
3
4
V
O
LU
M
W he n
Vo l.
E
1
IS
SU
E
5
of Ya ho o! Ph ilip pin es
| JU
cu ltu re
LY -S
EP
TO
UC
M
BE
R
20
14
H
O
W
T
LE A D S TE
W ork is Pl ay
Th ev ibra nt an d cr ea tiv ew ork
|N
AR SAN AN TI ET A
FA T TH HE ER CE H O O W O D EIG TY A PH N HS D A OO FO IN FT N OT ON EN TH ER G BA M LE TE E M AT N LL RT E H DA A TR IN O M M EN A T NIL SC A EN E
M
IN
H
FO rb Es
14
PM
A
20
3
5:2
PM
ER
ER
/14
/18
12
5
7:2
B
B
1
14
/5/
11
M
Y DA N LI LA HO E P M GA
d
.ind
25
11
1
EM
EM
14
20
dd
.in
ec
t-D
Oc
EC
EC
C
DE
s
ad
Le
FREE
DS T UN OU T PO RK US FF O E R L O A W TH EE IN FF *P EZE T O E GH QU FI *S *
G
DV
ti
ka
Ma
F ISSUE
29
R UE NQ GE CO HE ILL LEN T PH L U HA C
+
05
11
D
D
AD TE ES
14
20
FO rb Es
M HO
TS
16
EN
ue | Iss
AT NG EN ON pA TH TH E
8
TR IA W TH IN LO N NS ING AN TR D IAT 10 H IM yE LE AG AR TE A IN S O DA ST fC NH TO ON UG UG QU O O H W ER N O AV IN ff ES G x -R AN TE OA D RR D CU A RR
N
e
SW
RU
lum
PM
TO
&
Vo
24
5:
N
KE
14 r 20
14
8/
/1
12
AR
BI
be
1
LE
IM
m
dd
.in
27
11
EL
T OR SP LTI MU SW
ce De
C
NOLI SOLI Ad FP.indd 1
A COMMUNITY MEDIA SOLUTIONS COMPANY
Have your free copies right at your doorstep! For Inquiries, call 403.88.25 local 310 or visit go.hip.ph/subscribe
FOrbEs IN TOUCH
m
e
12/19/14 12:53 PM
Dec em
be
Vo
lum
e
| Is su
16
N
e
O
8
SE AS
r 20 14
O
F
G
RA CE
SPACE
Your bedroom must be a place for rest. Let no disturbance intrude this space. Keep mirrors and hints of water at bay, as they may bring unnecessary erratic energy into the room.
Have a strong, solid structure supporting the bed. Never place it below a window where your energy might weaken. Place it on a spot where, upon waking up, you can directly see the door. This is to give you the feeling of control over your life.
FREE FLOW Re-orient the flow of energy in your home and harmonize your life with these Feng Shui principles TEXT PRISTINE DE LEON ILLUSTRATION SAINTE JAMES TAN
SOUTHERN living
14
SPACE Keep the toilet in your bathroom small, for this is where the energy leaves your home. Add earthy hues to the bathroom walls or put yellow- or beige-colored towels—the earthy surroundings will balance out the elements of water.
Bathrooms, a relaxing place to cleanse and to refresh, must be slightly more yin than yang. Choose whites and pastels over darker tones.
The staircase is subject to much turbulent energy. Create a more stable atmosphere around the stairs: hang family photos on the wall, install wall sconces or a strong chandelier to calm the busy space.
The kitchen is where we absorb the energy of the room, and so eating and cooking must be a spiritual experience. Because the stove facilitates the spiritual flow, make it face the main doorway and double your burners to enhance prosperity.
SOUTHERN living
15
COV ER STORY
LEARNING CURVES
SOUTHERN living
16
COV ER STORY
SOUTHERN living
17
COV ER STORY
HAIR DAN MARK MENDEZ OF BENCH FIX SALON. MAKEUP ANGEL MANHILOT OF MAC COSMETICS. NAILS RAZEL ANN VALDEZ OF NAIL SPA.
18
SOUTHERN living
COV ER STORY
Designer Maureen Disini has a distinct, almost magical touch TEXT YVETTE TAN PHOTOGRAPHY RALPH MENDOZA
“I wanted to learn a new skill so I packed my bags and Vito Studio, Mosaic, and, most recently, Kashieka. moved to Milan in 2009,” says Maureen Disini, on It is very hard not to feel glamorous when wearing one her decision to give up an editorial career in a luxury of her creations. Disini has said many times that a big magazine for fashion design, one that, five years later, has reason behind her aesthetic is simple: she wants people gifted the Philippine fashion scene with a new darling. who wear her clothes to look and feel beautiful. “I’ve “I was bent on studying design and followed other always been big on drapery, as I find this most appealing colleagues who were very happy studying in Italy,” she on different body types,” she says. “This seems to be a continues. She studied at Istituto personal aesthetic as well, as I often di Moda Burgo in Milan, Istituto wear draped tops and dresses.” “I’ve always been big Marangoni Paris, and in Central Saint Breaking into the industry had its Martins, where she studied fashion share of challenges. “A lot of people on drapery, as I find design, fashion business, and vintage who come to me don’t know my this most appealing on bridal wear, respectively. Returning aesthetic, so in the beginning, it was different body types.” to Manila in 2011, Disini started to difficult for me to gain their trust,” she dress the metro’s most fashionable says. But with the help of supportive personalities, her exquisitely draped friends and trailblazing fashion plates pieces catching eyes and interest with their elegant always on the lookout for designers with a fresh vision, silhouettes that are chic yet classy, and entirely modern. Disini began to build a client base steadily, and it didn’t Her designs have been described as “ultra-feminine” take long before she became one of Manila’s most soughtand “goddess-like.” She favors drapery and soft but after designers. Her designs are the product of many streamlined silhouettes, sometimes in patterns that follow factors: “I get inspiration from all my travels, the books the curves of the wearer to flattering effect. Even simple and magazines I’ve read. I also get references from past shifts acquire an edge of sexiness, a kind of languidness collections and make sure I [create] something relevant.” that makes the wearer seem fluid, almost ethereal. Aside She has also often said that a big part of her journey from her own atelier, Disini has also collaborated with as a designer was learning to juggle the business and the
SOUTHERN living
19
COV ER STORY
creative aspects of her profession, something that she’s come to master. It’s a process fueled by both a love of craft and a talent for time management, partially borne from her past experience in the publishing industry. “I’m still learning day by day, but I’d like to think I’m much better at it now. I’ve hired an accountant to help me with finances and a consultant to help me get things in order.” Ultimately, though, design for her is about making people feel good—not just about the finished product, but also with the experience that comes with it. “I’ve always been passionate about work and make sure I meet deadlines. It’s important that I am able to deliver and make every client happy. I’ve been fortunate that a lot of work continues to come in.” Disini counts as her clients some of the country’s most powerful, not to mention stylish, families and individuals. “I absolutely love working with the Lhuilliers, the Tambuntings, the Aboitizes, and Neny Montinola. They are extremely grounded and generous. I make all kinds of dresses for them, from Tatler ball gowns to wedding dresses, even casual wear. They’re all so easy to work with,” she says. Given that her ideal client is someone who is “confident, trusting, and open to my ideas,” it seems Disini has been extremely lucky in this respect— though when one thinks about it, luck has nothing to do with the talent for making women look and feel amazing. Perhaps it is the latter, more than anything, that makes Disini’s designs stand apart. There are many designers who
can make a woman beautiful, but the ones who make her feel such as well are of a rare breed, indeed. And this is something that her clients will tell you about the designer: that her clothes, be it a casual tunic or an ornate ball gown, inspire femininity, bringing to the wearer the feeling of being her best, most presentable, most elegant self. 2014 has been a significant year for Disini. She tied the knot with Daniel Teichert in a beautiful ceremony at her mother’s Tagaytay rest house, wearing a Valentino gown that she found in Paris. “Married life is still so new to me. I’m very grateful that my husband understands the nature of my work as it can be long and tiring,” she says. “Often, he suggests [ways on] how I can be proactive, and that really means so much to me.” For the new year, Disini is looking forward to a year filled with new projects and challenges, and is excited to be working with loyal clients as well as new ones. When asked how she plans to ride the upcoming year’s trends, she answers, “I’m not big on trends, so I would probably just pick up some of the things that I like that I think will work for my clients.” She notes, though, that 2015 heralds the return of the ’70s, fashion-wise. She plans to keep her designs fresh with “new fabrics and new ideas sourced from all over the world.” For Disini, that means more trips, more projects, more ideas, more collaborations, and more adventures. For the rest of us, it can only mean new ways to make women feel like a goddess, to be worshipped, adorned, and adored.
SOUTHERN living
20
7.25 x 10.indd 1
3/3/15 4:43 PM
COV ER STORY
SOUTHERN living
22
COV ER STORY
SOUTHERN living
23
COV ER STORY
SOUTHERN living
24
ST YLE
ALL THE BOYSEN 2 LIGHT WE INTO THE WOODS CANNOT SEE Enter the rabbit hole and explore the whimsical world of fairytales STYLING EDLENE CABRAL PHOTOGRAPHY JOSEPH PASCUAL
The silence and loudness of colors exert a strange gravity that is both unsettling and captivating PHOTOGRAPHY JOSEPH PASCUAL STYLING EDLENE CABRAL
SOUTHERNliving
25
On Crystalle: Chiffon dress, P4,550, Debenhams, Glorietta 4. On Jo: Crepe dress, price available upon request, made to order by Jot Losa, info@jotlosa.com.
ST YLE
Draped gown, price available upon request, made to order by Eric de los Santos, ericdlsantos@yahoo.com.
SOUTHERN living
27
ST YLE
SOUTHERN living
28
ST YLE
Long dress, P4,995, Zara, Greenbelt 5.
SOUTHERN living
29
HAIR BULLET REYES. MAKEUP CHUCHIE LEDESMA. MODELS CRYSTALLE AND JO OF ELITE MANILA.
ST YLE
SOUTHERN living
30
ST YLE
Cut-out dress, P3,995, Zara, Greenbelt 5.
SOUTHERN living
31
ST YLE
Sweater, P1,299, and pleated skirt, P1,499, both Suiteblanco, SM Aura Premier.
SOUTHERN living
32
EATS
The Spicy Tuna Tsukiji Maki, one of Matthew Tanjuako’s original creations, is composed of spicy tuna, cucumber, negi, nori powder, and spicy mayo.
ON A ROLL
Sushi’s big comeback in the Japanese food scene TEXT DENISE DANIELLE ALCANTARA PHOTOGRAPHY ARTU NEPOMUCENO
With the sudden surge of ramen joints, the former stars of Japanese cuisine, sushi rolls and sashimi, got overshadowed and overlooked. Instead of craving for good sushi, people’s top-of-mind choice when it comes to Japanese food is now a hearty bowl of ramen. Sushi Ninja in Westgate Alabang braves the foodie scene, though, in a bid to see if Japanese food lovers would still return to their first love. Loyal sushi lover Matthew Floro Tanjuako grew up in a family who loves sushi—so much so that he took up culinary training that specializes in sushi. “After college, I thought it would be best to specialize on something so I went to LA and studied at the California Sushi Academy, a school known for Japanese fusion techniques, then came back to start a business.” He started by joining bazaars in 2011, offering only the basic rolls: California maki, spicy tuna roll, and Philadelphia roll. “We first opened a booth at the Ayala Alabang Country Club Market, then we joined Soderno here in Alabang. We had a lot of returning customers saying that they love our food, so we thought maybe we need to open a restaurant,” he shares. Tanjuako
then returned to school to learn more about traditional Japanese techniques at the Tokyo Sushi Academy. His second return from culinary school meant only one thing: the opening of his dream restaurant. Now, in the serene town of Alabang, there sits a sushi joint that reminds you of an abandoned sake house or a ninja hideout: crates hang from the ceiling and ninja stars are affixed on the walls. As the restaurant was made in order to offer the best sushi in town, expect a gastronomic burst of flavors in every roll. Tanjuako’s background in both traditional Japanese and fusion sushi-making resonates perfectly in every sushi variant he invents. The Okinawa Toshi is one good example, encapsulating his vision of creating quality and innovative sushi. It is a deep-fried rice ball with cream cheese ebiko, truffle oil, a special sauce, and seared salmon. Aside from sushi rolls, Sushi Ninja also offers spicy tuna salad, yakitori, tempura and donburi. It is a perfect place to hang out at any time of the day, though do stay for a heavy lunch because they also offer rice meals. Grab bites of sushi with a friend on a slow afternoon, or spend your dinner with family and friends and enjoy their selection of sake as well.
Sushi Ninja. Westgate Center, Filinvest, Alabang. 0917-8378744. 556-7706. www.facebook.com/sushininjaph.
SOUTHERN living
33
EATS
“We first opened a booth at the Ayala Alabang Country Club Market, then we joined Soderno here in Alabang. We had a lot of returning customers saying that they love our food, so we thought maybe we need to open a restaurant.�
SOUTHERN living
34
RECIPE RECIPE
FRESH BITES
Your mundane chicken sandwich made better wih fresh fruits and vegetables TEXT, PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING SAM LIM
GRILLED CHICKEN, MANGO, AND ARUGULA SANDWICH INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon of prepared mayonnaise Focaccia bread, sliced in half 3 ounces chicken breast (skinless) A pinch of cayenne 1/4 mango, sliced 1 small red onion, shredded 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 cup of baby arugula Olive oil Salt and pepper
PREPARATION 1. Toast the bread on both sides. 2. Meanwhile, on a board, cover the chicken breast with parchment paper then pound it using a mallet until it’s even in size and about half an inch thick. Season the chicken in both sides with salt, pepper, and cayenne. 3. Grill the chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on both sides while constantly brushing it with olive oil. 4. Assemble the sandwich in this order: Bottom bread, mayonnaise, mango, bell peppers, red onions, grilled chicken breast, arugula, top bread.
SOUTHERN living
35
T HE GET
WAYS OF TELLING
A film camera tells stories the brush, word, and tongue cannot TEXT CHRYSSA CELESTINO
We are a people in love with stories. All of which vary in the media they are told, but similar in the aspiration to be known. Some turn to the TV to hear about a rich man loving the lowly maid. Some read F. Sionil Jose. Still, some gather gossip from a nearby crowd. Stories abound, but only those deemed memorable are remembered. Memory, however, is irresponsible. It gathers stories, when it knows it never gets them entirely right. Opt, then, to tell your own. The stories you remember the most are those you were in. And you need not do the tiring practice of pairing thought with word, master brush strokes to construct faces, or watch teleseryes nightly to craft these. With a Leica M7, all you need are a place, time, and rolls and rolls of film. Loaded with 100 years of history, Leica is known globally as the photographer’s companion to capturing their—and others’—lives. The M7 is a range-finder camera equipped with a few features, concentrating on the existing simple ones that require manual control. Old rules of shutter, aperture, exposure, and film use need to be applied. Patient tinkering is part of the creative process. Unlike snapping quick photos through mobile apps, taking photos with the Leica M7 is a moment in itself, where the slightest mechanical noise—if it even makes them—does not intrude it. In the afternoon of 1945, photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt did not know that a sailor would kiss the nurse in front of him. But now, he and the other people who saw the photograph, taken with a Leica, know that they did; and what the collective mood was in America upon learning their victory over the Japanese. When you explore spaces, you will be caught by surprise by the moments you want to keep. By then, you will neither have the words nor the paints you need. What you’ll have is the Leica M7; and the photos you take will immortalize your story.
Leica. LGF Greenbelt 5, Makati City.
SOUTHERN living
36
A
VUE OF
JANUARY COUNTDOWN TO 2015
Dec 30, 2014 to January 2, 2015
Festivities like New Year call for a celebration with the family. Share it with them during a stay with us at The Bellevue Hotel. MINIMUM OF 3 DAYS/2 NIGHTS STAY P15,015 P17,015 P16,015 P18,015
nett nett nett nett
Deluxe Room at Main Wing Junior Suite at Main Wing Deluxe Room at Tower Wing Tower Suite at Tower Wing
Inclusion: • Buffet breakfast for two adults • 2 complimentary tickets on the 2015 New Year’s Countdown Party *Plus standard amenities
PRAWN FESTIVAL
Phoenix Court, The Bellevue Manila January 5 to 28, 2015
Prawn recipes that will please everyone and have them coming back for more. Try our Deep-Fried Prawn Ball with Thai Chili, Chilled Prawn Salad with Fresh Pomelo, Sautéed Shrimps with Egg White and Crispy Scallops and Crispy Noodle with Fresh Water Prawn.
SUNDAY LUNCH BUFFET
Café d’Asie, The Bellevue Manila All Sundays of January 2015 P 1,540 nett
Enjoy a lazy morning with this brunch. Indulge over Eggs Benedict, Assorted Sausages, Bacon, Pancakes, Grilled Vegetables and selection of our brunch buffet.
North Bridgeway, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa, Philippines 1781
t : (632) 771 8181 f : (632) 771 8282 e : tbmnl@thebellevue.com
www.thebellevue.com
#TheBellevueManila TheBellevueManila @BellevueManila @BellevueManila
M A NAG E D B Y T H E B E L L EV U E HOT E L S & R E S ORT S
Untitled-1 1
12/29/14 4:38 PM