Southern Living: 2014 July

southernliving SECT ION

July 2014 Volume 8 | Issue 11

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CONT ENTS 18 COVER STORY Eric Paras finds joy in curating A11 to inspire more people Cover photo by Tammy David

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Capturing the beauty of the sea in glass

This furniture designer doesn’t sit on his laurels

Add something old to renew your space

Serve art on a plate

A fashion journalist designs and styles homes

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

Put everything you value behind closed doors

EDITOR’S NOTE Playing House There’s got to be a deeper meaning behind why we take our shoes off before we step into our home or someone else’s—aside from considerations of cleanliness and plain courtesy, of course.

The simple act connotes a deference to a sacred space, moving away from all the stresses of the outside world and entering into a place where one can be most himself, slippers and all.

This issue, we give a nod to designers and their personal spaces that are not only representations of creativity, but also visual extensions of themselves.

We browsed through the showrooms of interior designer Ito Kish, stylist Andy Vázquez-Prada, and editor Blue Carreon’s

home store for their beautifully made and curated items. With space becoming a limited commodity in the metro, more and more people are finding ways to satisfy their craving for square footage.

Learn about office collaborations and how people from diffferent professions make it work in one integrated rental space.

Entrepreneurs gather for pop-up stores as a clever way to introduce their goods and immerse themselves in a community while saving on retail space. Whether it’s a lived-in home, a sparkling new studio or an artsy workplace, it’s the distinctive character and captivating charm of the space that make a lasting impression— and makes us reluctant to leave.

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

GROUP PUBLISHER BEA J. LEDESMA BRAND AND COMMUNITY EDITOR DIANNE PINEDA ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR CRISTINA MORALES EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS MARAH S.D. RUIZ, DENISE DANIELLE ALCANTARA CREATIVE DIRECTOR NIÑA MUALLAM SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST CHAD VILLARMINO CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS CHINGGAY LABRADOR, SAMANTHA RAMOS-ZARAGOZA, MEG MANZANO, KAT PATIÑO-MARQUEZ, MARBBIE TAGABUCBA, BEVERLY DALTON, CHARLIE CARBUNGCO ILLUSTRATOR CHAD VILLARMINO STYLISTS EDLENE CABRAL HAIR AND MAKEUP CHUCHIE LEDESMA, MARK FAMILARA PHOTOGRAPHERS SAM LIM, TAMMY DAVID, SHAIRA LUNA, CHOLO DELA VEGA, KAITY CHUA COPY EDITOR SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO PROOFREADER NAZRI NOOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANT RIA FRANCISCO-PRIETO

JULY 2014 06 FIXTURE

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SALES DIRECTOR MA. KATRINA MAE GARCIA-DALUSONG KEY ACCOUNTS SPECIALIST ANGELITA TAN-IBAÑEZ SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE RAM DANIEL TAN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ABEGAIL GINAGA, ANDIE ZUÑIGA SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANTS RECHELLE ENDOZO, MARA KAREN ALIASAS PRODUCTION MANAGER NOEL CABIE PRODUCTION ASSISTANT MARICEL GAVINO FINAL ART SUPERVISOR DENNIS CRUZ FA ARTIST JR LAROSA

This magazine was printed responsibly using recycled papers with biodegradable inks.

HEALT H

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD

Reconfigure your space to change the way you approach work TEXT CHINGGAY LABRADOR ILLUSTRATION CHAD VILLARMINO

What surrounds you at work can change your health habits.

For most people, the office isn’t exactly the first place you head to when you’re feeling under the weather. No matter what the job is—a thriving career in an investment firm, a boring desk job at a cubicle farm, or even a passion-inspiring start-up that you’re working on at home—work tends to be a source of stress, even for the most dedicated worker. And while there are certain factors at your place of work that simply cannot be changed, like an impossible client or the growing pile of unchecked papers on your desk, there are elements that can get you out of the stress zone.

The physical work environment can do a lot for the way you approach your work. A dismal, fluorescent-lit workspace with no natural daylight where you have to sit for eight hours a day can leave you feeling uninspired, drained and void of energy to see you through a whole work week. On the other hand, a functional desk with enough cubbies and drawers to keep staying organized easy and a work area with space for

personal items so you can own your private nook can help you stay motivated, allowing your perspective on stress to shift and become more positive.

Large companies are now finding new, fun ways to keep employees happy not just with their paychecks but with the wealth of inspiration and wellness they find at work.

Google’s offices are well known for their creativity-sparking spaces: smaller than usual mini-golf areas, billiards rooms, themed conference rooms, secret areas, and even a dining space that offers fresh, healthy meals. More and more, top execs are realizing that getting their employees out of their desks and into a fitness room a few times each week increases productivity as well, helping them gain more energy, let out steam and get out of the drone of a 24/7-work mindset.

Even an office designed to get you walking from one end to the next instead of staying in your seat all day can make for better health habits. Common areas like a common bar that can be used to brainstorm encourages interaction and socialization—another key factor in keeping your head and health above water when at the work place. Atriums that allow natural light to flood in and pocket gardens that introduce greenery in a sea of desks and computers can lighten the mood and offer some tranquility amidst a stressful environment.

Everything adds up when it comes to a workspace designed to help for people to stay healthy. Whether you’re decorating your desk or building an office from the ground up, considering fun and not just function can help alleviate stress better and get you happy and healthy enough to head to work each day.

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BEAUT Y

NO BOUNDS BEAUTY

A skincare regimen that works for work TEXT BEVERLY DALTON ILLUSTRATION CHAD VILLARMINO

With the workforce no longer confined within the four walls of a cubicle, employees and entrepreneurs have expanded their workstations to unexpected places.

Here’s how to keep skin in tip-top shape, whatever the workspace.

The studio Studios, more often than not, are where artists and designers work. It’s a place where they create. Whatever medium they choose to showcase their art—on canvas, on wood, on fabric or even in above-the-line campaigns like TVCs— the studio is definitely their sacred place for turning their ideas and feelings into something people will appreciate.

The skincare: Staying inside an airconditioned space for more than eight hours can dry the skin, and dryness can speed up the aging process. It’s best to moisturize at least twice a day. Make sure to wash face first before reapplying the moisturizer.

The great outdoors Careers pursued outside the office are gaining popularity. Trained mountaineers

who guide inexperienced folks to the summit, triathletes who go through forces of nature like the scorching sun or strong water currents, and even florists who take time out to pick beautiful flowers in local gardens and farms are now considered professionals.

The skincare: The sun can do serious damage to the skin, namely premature aging and cancer. Whether going biking, climbing a mountain or planting seeds, a high level of SPF in your lotion and moisturizer is a requirement and numerous reapplications are a must. Baby wipes also help cool the skin, and to avoid insect bites that can leave a mark, insect repellent is also essential.

Concrete jungle The rise in apartment living has created much need for more space, hence the increase in construction, and within the beginnings of a concrete jungle are architects, interior designers and contractors coming to play. In an environment made of glass, concrete and stone, they are the ones who pay close attention to the details, from the ground up.

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The skincare: Dirt and dust, which cause acne, float plentifully in the air especially when a building or a room is under construction—washing the face after a day’s work is of utmost importance.

Sometimes, though, soap isn’t enough as it cleans just the top layer of the skin. A deep cleansing cream can remove trapped dirt and oil.

Transit space Pilots, flight attendants and even writers get to experience the perks of travel. Mixing business with pleasure is like hitting the jackpot, but the constant packing, unpacking and repacking are also a lot of work. It’s not easy to live out of a suitcase, and let’s not even start with jetlag.

The skincare: Airplane rides can dry the skin so before a flight, make sure to moisturize. During the flight, mist water on your face from time to time to keep it from drying. Also know the weather in your destination: if it’s hot and sunny there, pack a moisturizer with a high level of SPF. If it’s cold or winter time where you're headed, ditch the toner and stick to creams that can hydrate the skin.

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FIXT URE

ROOM FOR SQUARES

The beauty of underwater is turned into living forms of art TEXT DIANNE PINEDA

It takes precision, technique and a good eye to capture the allure of nature through photography, and even more so to recreate and encapsulate it in a four-sided glass tank. It’s a combination of design and science, something Takashi Amano, a Japanese landscape photographer and designer, knows all too well.

Having traveled and photographed tropical rainforests around the world, including the Amazon, Borneo, West Africa and remote parts of Japan, he has since been on a quest to bring nature closer to home. He founded Aqua Design Co. Ltd., a company that makes a line of aquarium products with a team of experts that design, install, customize and help maintain fish tanks. Justin Uy, an aquarium enthusiast whose father got aquainted with Amano through a photo contest, brought Aqua Design Amano and its concept of nature aquariums to the Philippines as distributor.

Their designs are very conceptual, with themes that range from simple and elegant rock formations, rivers, forests and gardens to surreal panoramas inspired by science fiction.

The mountain theme, for instance, has carefully set-up large stones, flora and long grassy plants, very small fish are chosen to complement the scale. When the fish swim above the stones, they seem like birds swooping across the mountains.

“The idea is to provide a sustainable ecosystem for the fish. It could also be a focal point in any space, just like a painting,” says Uy. Aquariums make a great décor and add a piece of nature to any space. At the same time, they are known to have therapeutic and healing effects. It’s because the sound of water has a calming and de-stressing effect, while simply watching the smooth gliding of the fish can relax the mind.

“We have installed aquariums in BPO offices, and agents love them because they make them forget about their stress,” Uy adds. Fish tanks also teach owners to care for their little underwater pets and become responsible in maintaining their ecosystem. Even if it’s just a small glass bowl with a lone goldfish, this fixture not only brightens up the room, but may also help brighten your mood.

ADA Nature Aquarium Philippines. Hobbes and Landes outlets. 0998-9989000. sales@adana.com.ph.

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CR AF T

DIFFERENT STROKES

Make old plates your canvas for your next art project TEXT KAT PATIÑO-MARQUEZ

DISH ART

Directions:

What you’ll need:

Old/unused plates or dishes Pencil Acrylic paint

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING SAM LIM

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1. Choose a design you want to paint onto your plates.

2. Transfer the image to the plates by drawing it with a pencil.

3. Once the image is complete, go over the pencil marks with paint. Leave to dry.

4. Mount plates on a wall.

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FEAT URE Blue Carreon handpicks all furniture and home accessories sold in his store, including this Malachite print tray with 24k gold-plated rim and coral letter opener with 24k gold-plated detail, to ensure quality control.

ANOTHER SHADE OF BLUE

Fashion journalist Blue Carreon redirects his style know-how to the world of home retail TEXT CRISTINA MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY CHOLO DELA VEGA

“I like what I like,” Blue Carreon says with a small shrug. Wearing his signature look—navy blazer, basic T-shirt, patterned trousers and tasselled shoes—he looks right at home in his new role as a retailer.

It was during the renovation of his Rockwell apartment that Carreon realized how difficult it is to find pieces that relate to his personal style in Manila. Seeing the gap in the market, he then decided to launch his own line: Blue Carreon Home.

Inside its Century Mall boutique, he puts on display pieces he designed himself alongside those he handpicked from his travels. “I have always really wanted to have a home line, and people kept telling me that I had the perfect name to turn into a brand,” Carreon says. “But having the passion and finding a way to make a business out of it is a challenge. I’m still learning on the job every day.”

This first foray into retail is quickly making Carreon known for a certain aesthetic: contemporary French with a touch of New York’s Upper East Side. “I’m pretty flexible, though, so I’d like to try something different,” he says. “When people get me [as a decorator], it’s because they like the store’s look [and] they always want something similar.”

Though he has made a name for himself through his work in fashion journalism, Carreon’s background in interior design

dates back to his days in Philippine Tatler where, for five years, he worked as its fashion editor. While he was decorating his first apartment, he soon realized that he had no idea what he was doing. It was then that he decided to enroll at the Philippine School for Interior Design. “Because I was doing the apartment while I was studying, I made a lot of mistakes furnishing it,” he recounts. “So in my subsequent apartments—and I had many because I moved around a lot—I made sure that I wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes.”

Carreon now spends his time shuttling back and forth between three apartments: one in Manila, another in New York and one in Hong Kong where he is currently based, writing for Huffington Post, Forbes, South China Morning Post and his blog Style Intel. So far, 2014 has been good to him. In the five months since it opened, the Blue Carreon Home store has been attracting a steady stream of customers, many of whom go out of their way just to pay a visit to the space. He also has a book coming out in October, Conversations, a compilation of his columns at Huffington Post. Carreon’s fashion expertise informs his work as an interiorist and vice versa, forming a body of work that serves as testament to how, no matter what the field, the basic principles of design are constant and true.

Blue Carreon Home. Shop L216, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City. www.bluecarreonhome.com.

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Seventy percent of the pieces in Carreon’s store are handpicked from his travels—the rest are his own designs.

SOUT HERNER These sardine can-looking home accessories are actually gold- and silverplated Seletti porcelain toothpick holders atop a Seletti limited silver edition porcelain tray.

TASTE MAKER

Andy Vázquez-Prada shares the agony and the ecstasy of running a beautifully curated store TEXT CRISTINA MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY CHOLO DELA VEGA

Now that W/17 is nearing its third anniversary, you’d think that Andy Vázquez-Prada would allow himself to lean back a little and let go of some of the anxiety that comes with running the furniture and home accessories showroom. “There’s [still] a lot of frustration,” he admits. “I’m always stressed. My tool is my mouth because I have to be constantly telling people what to do. I’m like a bratty kid in that way: if I want something badly, I’ll keep saying it until I see it in my store.”

Vázquez-Prada has to deal with obstacles and limitations on a regular basis: difficult suppliers who go behind his back to sell their products in bazaars; communication lapses with artisans who have trouble understanding technical drawings; and finished products that simply don’t come up to par. Yet in spite of this near-constant state of vexation, he remains involved in every single detail of the store, from the pieces displayed to the lights, the music and even the smell.

Even when when he travels, he is forever on the lookout for new pieces

On the radar

for the store and always ends up making purchases for the showroom. “People say that you should really know who you’re buying for, but I don’t do it that way,” he says. “I just buy what I like. They also say you shouldn’t buy only what you like, but that’s what I do. That’s the only thing I can do.”

He fills the showroom with pieces that look a little worn, a little exotic, a little imperfect—all elegant in their simplicity.

Entering other showrooms usually induces the feeling of someone trying to force their wares down your throat; at W/17, there isn’t even any pressure to buy. You can just look around and enjoy the experience of being in a space where everything just belongs easily. “I’m happy with people coming just to take it all in, like it’s a library, an art gallery or a museum,” he says. “It’s here to be appreciated. It’s the whole package. But I believe that each item will eventually have a connection with a client. It could take one, two, three years, but it’ll happen.

And when it does, it’s really special. It’s really love.”

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“It’s always a good idea to drop by Abitare Internazionale for timeless and neoclassical inspiration.”

“Living Innovations always has the newest furniture from top European luxury brands.”

“Firma stores also have tasteful designs.”

Andy VázquezPrada’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by his mom, Mari Cris, who once also owned a furniture store.

SOUT HERNER

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SOUT HERNER “It makes me feel warm, calm, and relaxed,” says Vázquez-Prada of W/17’s look, which revolves around an earthy, lived-in rawness. “Everything here has been chosen with love. There’s nothing that I wouldn’t have in my own home.”

W/17. La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Pasong Tamo St., Makati City. 478-1717. www.w17home.com.

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SPECIAL FEAT URE

TRAVEL JOURNAL

SHOT ON LOCATION AT PIPINO VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

with Canon PIXMA Printers and Alessandra Lanot

Materials used: board paper, bond paper, colored pens, scissors, string

Download the design template of your choice (see the site: www.canon.com.ph/pixma/crafts) then print it. Or create your own design, scan it then print it.

THE ETERNAL ADVENTURE Summer never leaves us

TEXT CHRISTOPHER CASTILLO PHOTOGRAPHY HEIDI AQUENDE

As the seasons turn and the skies change from blue to grey to blue again, the spirit of summer remains. Adventure still calls and no matter how many years have passed, you’re never too old to take a chance on the beaten path. The spirit of travel waxes high with the summer heat and with it is the chance to honor old exploits...and make new ones.

That’s where a journal comes in handy.

Weave your readers a tale of your journey.

Let them experience the impressions, sights and sounds of places and events they can only dream about. And even if you’re not a writer, it really doesn’t matter.

Press a little token or keepsake between the pages to give your reader a feel of your memories—from a leaf of a native tree, a concert ticket to a receipt from a scrumptious dinner or a photo of your favorite vintage vinyl record. For those with an artistic bent, you could fill the pages with sketches. The possibilities are endless.

In the cozy bistro-turned set of Pipino, artist Alessandra “Alessa” Lanot, who also writes for a handy little blog called Life After Breakfast, showed us how simple and

fun it is to create your personalized travel journal using only basic materials you can easily find in your home or the nearest arts and crafts store. Alessa is no newbie to crafting. Her bright and breezy projects remind you of childhood summers spent playing under the sun and your own works of art when boredom threatened.

Armed with paper, colored pens, scissors, and string, Alessa crafted a journal employing only quick, straightforward steps you can recreate or teach anyone who’s looking to put their hands to good use.

Helping simplify Alessa’s process is Canon. Visiting Canon’s website on crafts lets you choose unique and stunning design templates for your projects. When it was time to print her design, Alessa turned to the great engineering and vibrant colors provided by Canon PIXMA’s Ink Efficient E400. The end result is as wondrous and whimsical as a bright summer day.

Remember that half of the adventure is being able to regale your family and friends with stories—a handmade travel journal makes the storytelling so much better.

Take the bond and board paper and fold both into a booklet with the board as the cover and back.

Bind the booklet with a string. Then enjoy putting down your adventure!

New Canon PIXMA Ink Efficient E400 Print, Scan, Copy SRP P3,695

SOUT HERNER A stool that functions as a container as well—the Santamaria collection is inspired by the Tingkop baskets of Palawan.

LIVE INSPIRED

Furniture designer and store owner Ito Kish has one goal: to inspire people to live beautifully TEXT NANA CARAGAY PHOTOGRAPHY CHOLO DELA VEGA

When Ito Kish was 11 years old, he lived in a 50-square-meter home in San Pablo, Laguna. “Every time it rains, it dries up and you can see a weird map of the world,” he says. One day, with the money he earned selling sweets at school, he bought wrapping paper at the public market and wallpapered the interiors. “I was so amazed at how it transformed the house!” he recalls.

And there, in the simplest of surroundings, he decided to dedicate his life to improving the way people live.

On display in his namesake store Kish are his award-winning creations, notably the Gregoria lounge chair, cited for Best Product Design at March 2012’s Manila FAME. Furniture design is a relatively new venture, but as always, he followed his gut and exceeded expectations. The Gregoria has continued to reap international acclaim, including a Silver Award at a design competition in Como, Italy and being named an “Icon of Asia” at the Gwangju Design Biennale in Korea.

Though he’ll be the first to admit he has barely received any formal design schooling and that he is not a licensed designer, it is clear from the way his work has been

received that he is doing something right.

“The fact that we get noticed abroad—a lot of publications have been picking us up—we’re pretty happy,” he adds. In fact, his collection has just been snapped for distribution in Australia; he’ll be heading to Sydney to do the press rounds come August. As his work evolves, he is intent on continuing to improve his skills. “Every collection, we become more detailed about what we’re doing. At two and a half years, I still have a lot to learn.” Fans can expect a new collection by October, in time for the next Manila FAME, one that will feature more decorative items and home accessories.

Of course, as Kish’s “Chief Visual Storyteller” (as his calling card reads), he still goes on regular buying trips, sourcing merchandise and arranging the items the way only he knows how. “At 11, I told myself, ‘I will have the most beautiful store where people can come and get inspired and change the way they live,’” he says. “That has been the underlying objective of Kish ever since we opened. We’d love for you to go back to your space and rearrange, probably because you got inspired when you visited our store.”

Kish. 233 Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air 2 Makati City. www.kish.ph.

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On the radar

“The oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo, can surprise and inspire.”

“Feel the respect for our tradition and culture at the ancestral domain of the T’boli, Lake Sebu.”

“Bonifacio High Street with its street art. The place has a talent for giving events a modern twist.”

Ito Kish pays homage to his roots, naming most of his collections after his loved ones, like this Juana chair—a tribute to his paternal grandmother.

SOUT HERNER

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COV ER STORY

ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE

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Eric Paras took up Agriculture— partly because of his fascination with the college’s fine architecture—in the then newly-built UP Los Baños but eventually transferred to the Diliman campus to finish Interior Design.

COV ER STORY

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COV ER STORY This furniture space is a constant dance of the designer’s artistic idiosyncracies TEXT MEG MANZANO PHOTOGRAPHY TAMMY DAVID

Nestled in a charming little compound in F.B. Harrison is A-11—a space masterfully curated by interior and furniture designer Eric Paras. A curious little stroll inside will reveal a most brilliant, if not ironic marriage of old world charm and modern touches that hint at the curator’s seeming genius. Having cultivated his taste for more than two and a half decades now, Paras shows desire for growth and evolution through the space filled with interesting ceramics, perfected tempered wooden pieces, and geometric designs.

Interestingly enough, the pieces are always regarded as impermanent, what with Paras wanting to move the art around every time he celebrates a welcomed acquisition. “I call it dynamic; I want there to be growth,” he says, “or for it to be progressive. Basically, it should evolve.” A-11 has quickly garnered positive reception from both industry folks and adventurous visitors, dispelling the notion that “designs are only pretty in pictures.” By cleverly maintaining dwellings that show the pieces of furniture as fixtures in a home rather than putting them on a clinical display, Paras has successfully lent an idea to the customers about how perfect the pieces could look in a living setting. Paras opens his doors and consequently, his whimsical world to unsuspecting victims.

How did you become interested in design?

I find homes that I would see in movies interesting. I would read the works of Edith Oliveros, one of the pioneers of Philippine interior design and take notes. I always thought houses were beautiful and I’d always find myself curious.

Would you consider your parents an influence?

Never. I always felt like an orphan in that sense, at least. I would always ask why I’m the only one interested in this stuff. I’m the only picky one in the house.

But were you always inclined to design spaces?

Of course, when I was in college, it was my dream to have my own space. In my dormitory room, I had just that. I decorated it and even had murals. You know the decorating style in the 70s where there were pop art posters? My budgeted way of decorating was using pages from Life magazine and pasting it on pad paper.

How has your style evolved?

My aesthetic evolved because college immersed me in the history of design. I learned to appreciate each era or period, and fittingly, there’s this style called ‘design style’ which is technically a mix of different styles.

What makes your style stand out?

It’s the way I customize it, of course. The formula is always to work with the constraints of the project. If there’s a client, I think about the constraints, problems, and what I could possibly have as a solution. That’s where I derive the best way to make it different.

Do you follow trends?

I am aware of trends. I try to study them especially now after about 25 years of practice, I am prone to the tendency of sticking to my own formula and refraining from leaving my comfort zone.

When did you start designing your own furniture?

It started in 2002, when I had the owner of Triboa Bay Living as my client—I was doing their house. Then he was all, “Why don’t you try working with me for an export project?” I was able to produce a number of products that set a trend in sales until I realized that I liked being a furniture designer.

What do you enjoy more, interior design or furniture design?

It’s really more on running A-11. It’s my expression, it’s like my own canvas and it shows exactly how I curate. People would visit, come, and even buy but I honestly also appreciate the fact that I’m capable of simply inspiring them. Plus, it’s now considered as one of the most unique places in Manila.

Where do you get the best furniture?

The best furniture are usually from the artisans and design brands in Italy. They make really good designs and are not only good quality furniture. They so are innovative in their technology aside from being so forward.

As for my showroom, I have my own own line of furniture which I design and produce. These are made from my own workshop aside from the ones made by my partners who are mostly based in Pampanga. I also have plenty of vintage pieces that are are restored or repurposed.

Where do you go for design inspirations now?

I go to Milan and Paris where we attend trade shows for trendspotting and also confer with buyers. Milan is the design mecca for furniture and other innovations for building materials.

Paris has this magical flair in terms of design aesthetics.

Is your aesthetic dark or light? Why? I think my aesthetic is a balance of dark and light. Dark in terms of my preference to imperfect and natural but not too severe finishes, aside from my fascination of putting a touch of quirkiness. I try to bring out the beauty of imperfection on any piece of product. And there is a calming and light feel that you get when you are inside a room with all my products put together, as what you would feel when you are in A-11.

What’s next for Eric Paras?

I will be part of the Manila FAME in October, where I will be working with Stanley Ruiz for the product development of Design Philippines, together with Budji Layug as our creative director.

If you were to build your ideal home, where would it be and what would be its design?

It will be a simple barn in a mango orchard, it will be airy and built with sturdy materials that will be easy to maintain and can withstand a strong tropical storm. Design style will be a monastic one.

Any advice for upcoming designers today?

Hard work.

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COV ER STORY

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COV ER STORY

The Nuvo Large Pendant Light—part of the Industria brand, a collaboration between Jude Tiotuico and Eric Paras—aims to romanticize steel with the creative manipulation of a strong material.

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COV ER STORY

“People would visit, come, and even buy but I honestly also appreciate the fact that I’m capable of simply inspiring them.”

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FEAT URE

NOT-SO-CHEAP THRILLS

It’s “in with the old” in this estate store full of rare antiques TEXT DENISE DANIELLE ALCANTARA PHOTOGRAPHY SHAIRA LUNA

“People no longer want to buy mass-produced items because there is no novelty in it,” says Erica Concepcion-Reyes, partowner of 6 Planet. 6 Planet, a curated estate store, caters to this market that is in need of something of value and heritage.

Everything from vintage and antique pieces, from China plates and utensils to intricate chandeliers and furniture, are all sourced from Reyes’ and her partner Trisha Chua-Juico’s friends and family.

Going to flea markets is not a walk in the park. Purchasing fakes and forgeries is one of the many inevitable mistakes a novice can make. With the items all dumped in such a scant and badly lit space, you cannot scrutinize each piece properly, and even inspecting an item is a another kind practice you’ll need to master.

Which is why, Reyes explains, it requires much effort to browse through items and a keen and experienced eye to determine a legitimate antique or vintage piece. By definition, antiques refer to items that are more than 100 years old. On the other hand, vintage pieces are between 50 to 100 years old.

According to Reyes, “The term vintage can also refer to a piece being the best of its kind during a certain year or era.” Prices

may also vary, and this is where the power of haggling comes to play. “It depends on how much the seller is willing to part with [an item] and how much the buyer is willing to pay for it,” Juico shares.

Apart from acquiring pretty old things, buyers must keep in mind the practical side of collecting such pieces. “Quality antiques and vintage items will continue to appreciate in value over time,” Reyes points out. Remember to keep provenance—a documentation of pertinent receipts and proofs of purchase— of your newest old purchase to establish antiquity.

“The acquisition of something unique and one-of-a-kind is always a thrill,” says Juico. Though there is no such thing as an antique must-have, Reyes shares that the most bought items at 6 Planet are the 19th century Hispano-Filipino Father Blanco botanical prints. “There is no right or wrong in collecting. Buy the things that make you happy.”

When asked why people should invest in antiques and vintage items aside from its value appreciation, the partners are in agreement in their answer. As Reyes puts it, “Homes that incorporate antique and vintage pieces are so much more interesting and reflect the personalities of their owners.”

6 Planet. 6 Planet St., Barangay Bel-Air 4, Makati City. By appointment from Monday to Saturday only.

0949-3722102. 6planetstudio@gmail.com.

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At an annual Christmas dinner, conversation turned to antiques they’d collected and unloaded through the years. That dinner was the genesis of 6 Planet, claim partners Erica ConcepcionReyes and Trisha Chua-Juico.

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M ARKET 2

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Different cuts and shapes sartorially designed for the urban dweller

1. Necklace, P1,950, Mango, Greenbelt 5.

2. Dress, P2,995, Zara, SM Mall of Asia.

3. Bag, Michael Kors, Greenbelt 5.

4. Eyewear, P995, Mango, Alabang Town Center.

5. Sleeveless top, P1,795, Topshop, Greenbelt 3.

6. The Elements of Style by Stephen Calloway, P2,675, National Book Store, Power Plant Mall.

7. Sandals, P5,495, Zara, Greenbelt 5.

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THE NEW SOUTH

SPECIAL FEAT URE

A BRAVE NEW/ OLD WORLD

SEE

EAT

ART

Explore significant landmarks where history comes alive

Fill up on a tableau of gastronomic possibilities

A place where creativity flows and masters are inspired

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Here, families can start, grow and keep for generations, all the while developing admirable small town values within secluded and exclusive communities.

Its proximity to Metro Manila along with newly opened and vastly developed thoroughfares such as the CAVITEX from Coastal Road and Daang Hari from Alabang has made Cavite an appealing base for tired city dwellers looking for a reprieve from traffic congestion and stress. Both would-be residents and developers are finding out the province’s potential in becoming a new capital, drawing more and more people and projects to it.

With cleaner air and large tracks of lush greenery, it portrays an irresistible option for low-density living for homes of all shapes and sizes. Here, families can start, grow and keep for generations, all the while developing admirable small town values within secluded and exclusive communities. And being Manila’s closest neighbor to the south, it allows its locals the privilege of living a world apart while still keeping in touch with urban conveniences and city centers.

As the country’s historical capital and with burgeoning possibilities in culture and leisure, it presents a treasure trove of possibilities. Here are just some of them waiting to be unearthed.

BATTLE OF ALAPAN MARKER After Filipino revolutionaries triumphed over Spanish marines in Alapan, Imus back in May 28, 1898, then General Emilio Aguinaldo and his troops waved the Philippine Flag for

the first time before bringing it back to Teatro Caviteño in Cavite City. This led to the birth of the first Filipino republic. A marker commemorates that occasion in the town, beneath a statue of “Inang Laya” made by the multimedia artist Toym Imao. Beside it is a 30-by-60 feet flag set on a 115-feet, partly bronze pole, the second tallest in the country. The marker used to be located inside Alapan Elementary School, but was moved last year. The grounds surrounding the marker and pole will be developed further, with plans of erecting a flag crematorium, a gazebo and other facilities.

National Heritage Park, Brgy. Alapan II, Imus City

GEN. LICERIO TOPACIO PARK The town plaza in Imus is home to many historically significant buildings. The old municipal hall, built in 1935, stands next to the new one, which was put up just over a decade ago. Across it, at the very center of the poblacion, is Topacio Park.

It was named General Licerio Topacio, who was one of the leaders of the Philippine Independence movement and a former mayor of Imus. His statue is flanked by two Japanese-era canons and is surrounded by several markers of other generals and leaders of the movement including Juan Saraza Castañeda, Flaviano Yengco, Jose Santarin Tagle, Panteleon Garcia and the 13 Imus martyrs.

P. Campos Ave, Dasmariñas City

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Being Manila’s closest neighbor to the south, it allows its locals the privilege of living a world apart while still keeping in touch with urban conveniences and city centers.

MUSEO DE LA SALLE

IMUS CATHEDRAL One other significant structure at the Imus town plaza is the Imus Cathedral. The original parish church built in 1795 was located in nearby Toclong, but was moved to its current location in 1823. It officially became a cathedral and the seat of Imus diocese in 1961.

The stone and brick building is breathtaking to behold, especially from the inside where parishioners and guests are surrounded by wonderfully intricate fixtures as well as the lyrics of Ave Maria in Latin which can be found on the walls. Near the altar, an image of the church’s patron saint, Nuestra Señora del Pilar can be found wearing a beautifully hand painted white dress. Outside a side entrance is the Bishop’s home, an adoration chapel and Plaza Santiago, a small park for visitors. The cathedral also houses the remains of Bishop Felix Perez, Father Jose Dizon and Father Reddy Corpuz.

Carsadang Bago, Imus City

The premises of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas has its own poblacion layout, highlighted by the Museo De La Salle, which is a modern representation of the bahay na bato. The museum is the culmination of former De La Salle president and Education Secretary Bro. Andrew Gonzales’ vision of cultural resource center that can house both indoor and outdoor collections. The bulk of the 4,000-piece collection came from the lahar-ravaged Bacolor, Pampanga home of the Joven-Panlilio family as well as other prominent families such as the Layas and Gonzaleses. Like most of the landscape of the humongous 19th century inspired green campus, the museum is impressive and a sight to behold, bursting at the seams with antiques and artifacts. It is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Area F, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas City

Another culturally significant structure in Dasmariñas City is the Immaculate Conception Parish. Built in 1866 right after the parish of Dasmariñas was separated with that of Imus, the church was the site of a last stand between the Spanish army and the Filipino revolutionary forces for control of the city. The National Historical Institute deemed the structure as important and commemorated with a historical marker in 1986. Within the church’s premises is the Bishop Felix Perez Memorial Hall, a newly-opened museum that showcases the patron saint’s vestments over the years, dating back to the 1950s.

P. Campos Ave, Dasmariñas City

SPECIAL THANKS TO CAVITE TOURISM OFFICE

DASMARIÑAS CHURCH

A TASTE OF CAVITE Cavite’s gastronomical scene is also quite lively, full of landmarks and traditions. Those looking for Filipino comfort food will enjoy hole-in-the-wall haunts such as Bullshed-Binalot sa Imus, which has been serving locals tapsi-type fare for decades, or Volet’s, which serves goto and other filling Filipino dishes. Imus also has Casa de Celo, which is housed in a refurbished 1950s mansion. Opened just last month, the restaurant is a sophisticated update of the iconic Café Marcello brand. Also familiar with all the city’s residents is Castel’s Corner Café, which serves fine dishes and deserts. In Bacoor, Digman’s boasts the best halo-halo in the country. Over in Dasmariñas, the most popular local brand is Countryside Steakhouse. It started out as a carinderia back in 1984, but has expanded to steak houses, sizzling houses, burger houses all over the province since. Imus’ Kakanindayog, an annual festival that honors the city’s patron saint and its founding while highlighting its specialty rice cakes is celebrated every October.

Cavite is also famous for its empanada, longganisa, and the pansit pusit, which is squid ink blackened noodles.

NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR Getting to Cavite is quick and easy.

SUMPTUOUS SAMPLERS

From hole-in-the-wall joints to more sophisticated haunts, these dishes from some of Cavite's gastronomical landmarks are must-tastes

Adobong Manok at Baboy

SPECIAL THANKS TO CAVITE TOURISM OFFICE

Bullshed-Binalot sa Imus Imus, Cavite

Tenderloin Steak

Countryside Steakhouse Dasmariñas, Cavite

MULTIPLE POINTS

Goto

Volet's Gotohan Dasmariñas, Cavite

Cafe Marcello Cheese Burger Cafe Marcello Imus, Cavite

There are many ways into Cavite, most of which are worth only a leisurely drive. Imus, in particular, is about a half hour from Ayala Alabang via Daang Hari Road, passing by lush greenery and projects by major developers such as Ayala Land Premier. It is also an hour from Makati from the South Luzon Expressway. You can also opt to go through CAVITEX, Coastal Road and Aguinaldo Highway from Pasay.

Joey Samson's mother Ligaya was part of Jay Yao's fascinating "Homecoming" series.

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Jay Yao's photo series featured everyday Caviteños near Samson's childhood home include children and fisher folk.

TEXT JACS SAMPAYAN PHOTOGRAPHY JAY YAO Cavite was featured extensively in photographer Jay Yao’s series "Homecoming", where he collaborated with two famous designers, juxtaposing their pieces with their hometowns used as backdrops.

One of which is Joey Samson. The designer, who has often been described as a visionary by style pundits and stalwarts, calls the culturally rich Cavite home. "Homecoming" also follows "Joey Samson X", an exhibition held last year celebrating the designer’s 10th anniversary in fashion.

The series entailed months of planning and research, and meeting with the designer beforehand. On the day of the shoot, Samson showed the team the places in his hometown that made an impression on him as a child. “The Aguinaldo shrine, the rickety old bridge he had to cross coming from his home, these places helped shape him who is today,” Yao says. “It was awesome to meet all these people, and hear all of their stories. I have a story for each portrait I took.”

Yao says that his aesthetics and creative process is flexible, depending on what he wants to communicate to his audience. “For this series specifically, I really wanted to focus on portraits, but keep the background relatively sharp as well,” he explains. “Usually, I like framing things in a classical way.” The photographer keeps continuously busy doing research for projects such as this, shooting

and sketching, and writing in his journal. His aim is to always produce exciting and compelling work. He is currently preparing to present to the Ateneo Art Awards, where he is short-listed.

The images show a stark yet arresting contrast: everyday Caviteños wearing Samson’s smart, tailored designs. Yao loves the designer’s pieces, calling them “brilliant, insightful and playful.” I wouldn’t photograph or spend so much time with designers I don’t admire and respect,” he says. The other half of "Homecoming" features London-based designer Lesley Mobo’s designs in Aklan.

Yao eventually wants to turn the series into a book.

Some of the portraits include those of Samson’s first embroiderers, playful young fisher folk near his childhood home as well as the designer’s own mother Ligaya, who was shot by the doorway of Saint Mary Magdalene Church. Yao’s favorite of the series is of Carina dela Cruz, a corn vendor, who was shot at the same bridge that Samson frequented. “After speaking with Joey for a few minutes, she mentioned how she passes by Joey’s old house every day to sell, and even knew his mother,” Yao shares.

And that is what “home” is about: the familiar. Places that evoke memories, people who all know each other, and all of the stories—theirs and yours—that add up to your identity.

SPECIAL FEAT URE Niccolo Cosme's photographs draw influence from his hometown's history, art and culture.

GROWING UP CAVITEÑO TEXT JACS SAMPAYAN

Niccolo Cosme is proud of his roots, and that they are firmly planted in the south.

The photographer, creative director and Project Headshot Clinic founder grew up in Cavite surrounded by family, in his hometown of Kawit as well as Imus, where his lola lived with some of his cousins. A great deal of Cosme’s childhood was spent at the church across their home, where he was being groomed to be a priest. “Of course, that didn’t happen, thank God,” he says with a chuckle.

Instead of becoming a man of the cloth, Cosme became fascinated with the church’s architectural details. “The sculptures, the stained glass—I was in love with the art,” he says. “Because of that, I was drawn to photography. It made me realize that I can immortalize these pieces of art, and showcase them to the world.”

His first photos, though, were of his classmates, capturing his fellow seven-year-olds with the camera that he got for his birthday.

Cosme remembers holidays in particular when, as a family, they would troop to that same church and enjoy all the colorful festivities that the season brought about. “Christmas and New Year’s were really awesome! Imus even became the Christmas Capital of the Philippines at one point because of the flamboyant lighting display.

They were just extravagant!” he remembers.

While he spends most of the week in Makati, he makes it a point to go home to his parents in Cavite once a week. As an artist, he feels that going back to the quiet and green southern suburbs helps him reconnect and relive his wonderful childhood memories of picnics by the water, playing games with his cousins, and forming lifelong friendships. Even now, everything is preserved, the air is clean and gives him a feeling of comfort and familiarity —no matter how big it gets, or which town they are in. “Cavite

was my playground when I was young. In between rigorous work schedules, I sometimes need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. With my hometown just a few kilometers away from where I currently live, I don’t have to go too far away,” he says. “(That’s why) I love the CAVITEX because it enables me to go home faster.”

Aside from Imus and Kawit, he also spent a great deal in other parts of Cavite. “I was fascinated with Cavite City because of its rich history, culture, and their local dialect—Chavacano de Cavite!

Not a lot of people know that Chavacano started here.” His college days were spent farther down Aguinaldo Highway, at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. “It was a very green campus with a huge museum and a library that resembled the Aguinaldo Shrine!”

He also has fond food memories growing up. Apart from popular Digman’s halo-halo, Hidden Tapsi and Josephine Restaurant near his town, he also hung out at Café Marcelo in Imus with friends and family. He remembers going on picnics and swimming with loved ones at nearby rivers and mangroves. The lensman believes that the province has a lot to offer. “This is not just the cradle of Philippine Independence; it is also home to a lot of great artists. Cavite provides a lot of inspiration and creative energy.” While he has yet to put together a series on the province, he has done one based on the patron saint of the church he grew up in—Mary Magdalene.

And despite the many high profile projects he has done and titles he has shot, Cosme’s heart still belongs down south. “I will always call Cavite my home. I feel that there are still a lot of things here, including a lot of dream projects that I want to eventually make into reality.”

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LIFE FORCE

Artist Jana Benitez on how her spirituality has changed how she creates TEXT CRISTINA MORALES

When faced with a blank canvas, Jana Benitez doesn’t allow her mind to be overcome by thoughts of what she is making—the painting’s theme and even its colors are inconsequential. Benitez sees herself as a conduit for a “Greater Intelligence,” and wholly embraces that role. “My art comes through me and not from me,” she explains.

She’s felt that way since the days when she was hailed as a prodigy by Manila society, having mounted her first exhibition at the Ayala Museum at the tender age of 12.

However, though she had this conviction for years, she didn’t have a clue as to what to make of it. This has changed recently, after Benitez’s relationship to that Great Intelligence grew clearer, later making itself tangible through her art. She has learned to let go and get out of the way, allowing this creative force to come through her, overcoming everything that poses to hinder

it. “[It’s a] very visceral, intense, and difficult process of opening up to effortlessness,” she says. “Like all good things, making art is a practice of surrender.”

Today at 28, Benitez’s hefty body of work, which is characterized by how its subjects are layered with wisps and strokes, has been exhibited in galleries in the Philippines, Singapore, Germany, and the United States. She returns to the museum where she had her first solo exhibition this year for Ayala Museum’s exhibition program “New Frontiers,” which aims to offer alternative perspectives to expand the museum exhibition experience. Benitez’s 35 new large-scale paintings incorporate her insights and experiences of painting as a physical and spiritual practice. Says Benitez, “Now, it is through my sacred connection to this greater pool of energy that I always aim to connect to my work, to other people, and to my life.”

www.ayalamuseum.org.

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FEAT URE

Gentlemen can have walk-in closets, too. An Italian modular closet company builds the custom wardrobe of your dreams, down to your specifications.

COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET

Every inch counts when it comes to opening the doors to your valuables—and perhaps even your psyche TEXT DIANNE PINEDA

The size of the kitchen, bedroom or even the availability of a parking slot are, more often than not, the deal breakers when it comes to buying or renting a home. But with the ever-growing need for space, more and more people are considering their other equally important occupants: clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

“Surprisingly, a lot of people think that wardrobe and closet space are on the same level of priority as the kitchen, and they see them as investments,” says Gec Chia, co-owner of Poliform Philippines, an Italian home furniture company.

Gone are the days when closets only consisted of a lone pole and a few bottom drawers. Wardrobes now occupy spaces traditionally meant for typical closets, and they are accommodating more belongings in more ways than one. A single wardrobe can have shelves, dividers, grids, cubbies and shoe racks, and its design possibilities are practically endless: from the way the doors open to how its façade looks like. The doors can be laminated or lacquered, or could have clear, glass doors. You can choose from a tinted, bronzed or reflecting glass, or a simple, classic leather finishing. “It’s important to maximize each space,” Chia explains.

“If you look at our glass wardrobe, it opens a hundred and eighty degrees. We use sliding [doors] so the doors will not hinder you from moving around. We have a coplanar door mechanism that flattens out so it doesn’t occupy a lot of space.”

On the surface, wardrobes may just be a piece of furniture that

houses one’s things. Its underlying features, though, are a contrast of concealing and revealing. What is hidden in the closet— whether it’s valuable outfits or skeletons—says several things about the owner and, in turn the way he stores his belongings.

Everyone knows that our clothing choices give hints about our personality, tastes and idiosyncracies. The closet, on the other hand, though sometimes overlooked, is a repository of the things we value. “It says a lot about you if you are able to organize your things properly,” Anna Go-Chia, a Poliform partner, says. “Even in the office, if your table is clean and well-organized, you are able to work better.”

Whether it’s a standard-sized condominium or a big house, a multi-functional wardrobe or ample closet space makes all the difference. And for Chia, having closets or wardrobes is not just a simple issue of storage but a desire to live a well-organized life.

“At the end of the day, you have to plan your space properly and prioritize what you want to keep. You can’t let other people take care of it for you because only you know what you have and what you need,” he says.

People nowadays are into personalizing their homes, Chia observes. “They start the day browsing their wardrobe. It’s not open to friends or other people; it’s a personal thing.” The best part? “You’ll feel like you’re in control of your life when you know where everything is.”

Poliform Philippines. 219 Nicanor Garcia St., Bel-Air 2, Makati City. design@poliform.ph.

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This wardrobe and walk-in closet are designed to enhance the brightness of the room with vertical glass panels, and saves on space with coplanar doors.

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PHOTOGRAPHY KAITY CHUA

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Time to de-clutter

Poliform co-owner Gec Chia shares tips for your wardrobe: 1. Make a checklist of what you have. Divide them into piles of what you do or do not need.

2. Decide what you want to display or hide in your wardrobe. For women, it’s usually the bags, accessories and shoes. For men, it’s usually the suits. That way you can customize or choose a wardrobe that has those options, whether a glass or tinted door or other options.

3. Plan your space. Where to store your things should be an important consideration as the size of the kitchen, bedroom, and other parts of the house.

4. Choose wardrobes that have a lot of functions and features that do not occupy a lot of space.

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7.25 x 10.indd 1

5/6/14 9:01 AM

FEAT URE Every Halloween, this eclectic house transforms into a horror house, complete with all family members dressed up in full costumes depending on their theme.

WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE

A brick-and-mortar home becomes a vast canvas for its inhabitants’ eccentric, global tastes TEXT KAT PATIÑO-MARQUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY TAMMY DAVID

One step inside the Serranillas’ Alabang home, and you’re flooded with a distinctly overwhelming feeling that could only be described as shock and awe. To say that the place is eccentric is a stark understatement—this three-storey home has become a captivating, offbeat museum, with imagery to marvel at in every corner and bursting at the seams with vivid colors, custom-made furniture, microscopic detailing, carved decor and retro collectibles.

The home fulfills the original vision the homemakers had before getting it built from the ground up in 2000. Its exterior denotes Hispanic influences, seen from the Spanish villa-style architecture, the bold colors and the adobe treatment of the surface walls. But what makes this house particularly eye-catching are the spattered, intricate details seen on the windows, the walls, even the pavement. Custom wood carvings frame the pillars and stainglass windows, beautiful iron work barricades the entire estate and painted tiles mark

the walkway through the main gate. It is no wonder why so many passersby stop simply to gaze at the marvelous manor; you really have to take a moment to take it all in.

You’d think you’ve gotten a sense of the interior just by seeing the exterior, but as many who have entered the home could attest, you can’t anticipate the grandeur that is hidden inside. Behind the large double doors, no single inch of space was left untouched: everything was either covered in a rainbow of colors or with decorations befitting Latin bohemian themes. The homeowners have no taste for simplicity, going so far as painting the light switch covers in every room and scattering small details around, like treasures for scavenger hunters to find.

What would have been called gaudy and chaotic somehow blended together to make a Pollock-esque work of interior art only a unique foresight could envision.

Walking through the house leaves you with your mouth agape, surprised at every

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turn as each room is uniquely decorated.

There is an abundance of themes, each befitting its respective space: a library theme for the library, a music theme for the music room, and so on. The decor was custom-made to suit each motif, with local artists, furniture makers and carvers involved in the creation of every room, and most, if not all of the furnishings were sourced from the Philippines. That’s not to say the homeowners don’t have an amazing collection of knick-knacks that they’ve collected through their travels; of particular interest are the vintage ‘50s pieces the woman of the house is so clearly fond of.

The home is a museum in the best sense. It paints a portrait of the large family that lives in it: a mix of flamboyant personalities with different passions, interests and lives who, when put together, create a seamless, authentic picture. It’s a captivating space, pretty much a world of its own, and seeing it firsthand is a lot like slipping down the proverbial rabbit hole.

This Gaudi-inspired pool area instantly takes you on a trip to Barcelona. Every inch of the house serves as an escape from the urban setting of Metro Manila with its Latin-inflected designs.

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Linear Birds by Jinggoy Buensuceso, outdoor sculptures made for one of Bungalow 300’s Pop Up shows last year.

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PITCH CAMP, BREAK CAMP

Pop-up shops may be here today, gone tomorrow, but their impact is proving to surpass their physical existence TEXT SAMANTHA RAMOS-ZARAGOZA

It wasn’t long ago when a coveted burger joint hailing from of the opening, though the main idea remains the same. Local California released a newspaper ad declaring their Manila store businesses use pop-ups as a creative way to reach their market, opening right on the day itself. And in a matter of hours, just test and sell their goods and generate buzz, all with minimal when social media exploded and hordes of foodies dashed to space and timeframe investment. “Pop-ups usually exist to whet the consumers’ appetite for what’s to come. The sneak the scene, it closed its doors.

This is quintessential of a pop-up store: temporary retail or peek also helps make you feel that you’re getting something flash retailing. Whatever you’d like to call it, it’s exactly what it a bit more special instead of mass-produced,” explains pop culture writer and editor Anna Limon. means. It’s a shop that pops up.

The pop-up store concept is a marketing marvel the country One of Manila’s first pop-ups, Bungalow 300, a store recently picked up, but it has been an ongoing trend abroad. specializing in vintage modern furniture and objects, has “[Pop-up stores] started in the early 1990s in large urban banked on this approach since 2009 to showcase their inspired cities like Tokyo, London and New York. They are temporary modern living concept. Its owner Marga Espiritu shares. “We retail spaces, which allow brands to meet and connect with thought, ‘How do we sell these without looking like a tired, customers. It’s meant to be an intimate affair,” says fashion old, woodsy antique shop?’ We want to show [our products] stylist, stylehunter.ph owner and pop-up in a setting that will educate people on fashion store ROW 101 organizer Miel how to use [the items] in their own Villamor. Erwan Heussaff of Manila Pop homes, a setting that inspires and feels “Pop-ups usually exist Up, a pop-up events consultancy, defines like lived-in spaces.” One of Bungalow the trend as “a seemingly permanent yet 300’s strategies is to rent and transform to whet the consumers’ temporary space and concept, created a house from top to bottom, invite appetite for what’s to sell a product. [It is to] set up a customers and have almost everything, currently hyped, locally unavailable from furniture, sculptures and paintings to come.” service, or curate a brand experience to light pendants and placemats, on sale. with the objective of testing or providing Once the items are sold, they close shop something new and setting a space for direct brand and and open another pop-up store in a different home location. consumer interaction.”

As each house pop-up is different, the products offered are Its early stages can be traced to Los Angeles-based company limited, even customized for a specific setting.

Vacant, when they uncovered a way to push limited edition In theory, the pop-up concept is a cost-efficient method to products from niche retailers in targeted destinations. At establish a physical retail presence, but that doesn’t necessarily a moment’s notice, Vacant would open a pop-up store for a mean it’s effortless to pull off. Thus the rise of retail spaces particular brand and close after the products sold out—an that could answer a growing need for readily available venues, idea originally from Japan and their consumers’ adoration for handled by organizers and consultants offering temporary limited edition goods. From 2004 to 2009, Japanese fashion locations to host sample sales, private parties, art exhibits and brand Comme des Garçons owned the title as the industry’s the like. Heussaff, Michael Concepcion, and Dee Jae Pa’este most famous pop-up practitioner when they began running of A Half Design Studio founded Manila Pop Up last year, a shops that lasted less than a year. These pop-up stores arrived company that not only sets up pop-up events for clients but unexpectedly at clandestine locations with no brand name also provides social media and word-of-mouth campaigns and on the storefront and no prices on the merchandise. Soon guerilla marketing strategies. Manila Pop Up and Power Plant after, businesses outside the fashion industry, from grocery Mall’s pop-up flea market coined “The Neighborhood,” held stores to art exhibits, embraced the pop-up idea and rendered last November; the event was an amalgam of performers, food, it mainstream by the late 2000s. All shared a common live art and retailers. denominator: a chance encounter of novelties wrapped in an Lifestyle editor Chiara Cui views affairs like these as “usually amusing platform. more original than traditional storefronts and offerings we’ve As New York Magazine puts it, “[Pop-up is] a genre that only been accustomed to. Pop-ups can afford to take bigger risks makes sense when it’s a surprise.” And this may be the defining because of their short-termed nature. They offer better concepts factor that separates it from other temporary retail formats like that are more exciting compared to conventional shops.” bazaars and trunk shows. The Philippines, however, takes the Another regular event is the Whitespace Sunday Pop Up held term a bit loosely, with pop-up stores here announced ahead at Whitespace in Makati, which features local entrepreneurs

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FEAT URE

PHOTOGRAPHY JILSON TIU

Support the independent artists of today’s generation and find local treasures at the Escolta Saturday Market.

displaying niche brands, often alongside food sampling and art exhibitions. Resurrection Furniture, a Whitespace Sunday Pop Up participant, joins events like this “to be able to reach people who might otherwise not have the chance to see our stuff in our regular setting. It also puts us in contact with people whom we feel we can collaborate with for future projects.” Established in 2009 by architect Leah Sanchez, interior designer Binggoy de Ocampo and collage artist Arlene Florendo Barbaza, Resurrection Furniture creates furniture and home accessories from reclaimed materials. Despite having a brick and mortar, the company has joined the ADB Recycled Products Bazaar, the Global Pinoy Bazaar, the Whitespace Sunday Pop Up, Bungalow 300’s pop-ups and the Balik Bukid Country Fair for the recognized benefits these events bring to their business.

Villamor sees how being a pop-up avenue promotes online sellers in more ways than one. “We believe there is a lively and competitive online marketplace in the Philippines, and we’d like to give online retailers a chance to get to know their customers offline. I think it’s really critical that online retailers get that human connection with their customers, and ROW 101 gives these retailers this platform,” she asserts.

It’s not just emerging entrepreneurs that gain from pop-ups; global magnates such as Adidas, In-N-Out Burger, Tokidoki, Seychelles and Uniqlo UT have used the trend locally as a marketing gambit and merchandise evaluator. But can the popup concept work for non-profit models as well?

Julia Nebrija perceives it as an ideal approach for her Walking Labyrinth Projects. “The Walking Labyrinth Project is the culmination of my interests in urban design, art and meditation. My professional background is in urban planning

and I am fascinated by the concept of urban acupuncture, in which the urban system is regenerated by activating key points. The labyrinth becomes that platform for renewal in specific points throughout the city. I try to select places that need energy or attention brought to them,” she shares. The temporary installations, or labyrinths, are formed with recycled shipping pallets turned into canvases that participants use to express themselves. The pallets outline the paths for the walking meditation that symbolically activates a space. Nebrija continues, “There are few places in the city where you can practice walking meditation, so I started thinking of where I could put a labyrinth. I wanted it to be truly public, and quickly realized it was going to be difficult to get permission to install anything permanent. There is also limited public space where we can do such projects to begin with. This gave the labyrinth a slightly different spin. I decided to go with a temporary, pop-up labyrinth that could be installed in a number of spaces throughout the city.”

What began as a means to push seasonal or limited products and services has now become a gateway to a new form of guerilla marketing. Businesses count on the unique environment that pop-up stores bring, where the heightened customer interactivity that creates feelings of relevance may be enough to test the waters with and help decide on branding and target market forecasting—concepts that often rely on resource-heavy research and above-the-line marketing strategies. On the buyers’ side, meanwhile, it is the sense of fleetingness and exclusivity—of unearthing a rare find or owning a limited product—that draws the masses to these temporary spaces.

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SPECIAL FEAT URE

S PACE,REDEFINED

Room for Investment

At Alveo Land's Portico, a twin flat unit allows you to share your space in unexpected ways Multi-Taskers

These items are nifty at doing double duty

Getting Crafty

Suggestions for exploring your artsy side at home

Space Encounters

Make the most out of where you live with these handy guidelines and tips

SPECIAL FEAT URE

ROOM FOR INVESTMENT The Sandstone at Portico's twin flat unit allows you to reinvent and reimagine living spaces in a practical fashion

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maximized space is one that is used creatively—and these days, all you need is a little bit of blue-sky thinking and inspired out-of-the-box ideas in order to make the most out of yours.

Alveo Land has taken this concept to another level with their latest development: Portico, right at the heart of bustling Ortigas. It boasts a central location that’s just a few steps from where all the action is: a lively business district, malls, and recreational spaces located nearby, as well as its strategic proximity to the major lifestyle and commerce hubs of Makati City, Bonifacio Global City, and Quezon City’s Vertis North. The urban courtyard experience at Portico provides a reprieve from the strenuous commotion in the city, offering its residents a refreshing change, a place for tranquil relaxation. But what really sets living in Portico apart is the forward-thinking and innovative use of space that can be found in the units within. A prime example of this is The Sandstone at Portico’s three-bedroom twin flat unit, a unique combination of a spacious two-bedroom layout and a flexible studio unit or “twin room” which allows you to set up a duplex-style living scenario within your own home.

The layout allows two different spaces to coexist harmoniously, all of which are housed under one roof. From the unit’s common entrance foyer, an exclusive doorway opens up to the twin room that can be used as an independent studio-type unit, with its own bathroom, kitchen, and dining area, as well as a spot where you can comfortably set up an entertainment system and a bed. It’s separated from the rest of the home by its own dedicated door, which can easily be shut for a semblance of exclusivity and privacy. On the other side of the wall, the same entrance leads to the main living space—a spacious two-bedroom unit that houses all of its own facilities including a kitchen, dining room, and living room, including two bathrooms plus a utility room with its own T&B as well.

This distinct kind of setup gives rise to many different, creative, and playful possibilities. In this case, a family decides to share their space by renting out the adjoining unit to an artist friend for her use as a halfway home-slash-art studio. Here, she sleeps, eats, works, and has a space to create and call her own, but whenever the mood strikes or any time she’s feeling social, she can also easily open her door and join the family just a few steps away for movie night or meals.

Meanwhile, the family comfortably makes its home in the twobedroom space situated right beside the studio, where it appears some of their artist-tenant’s creative flair has rubbed off on them.

Inspired by their next-door neighbor, their son has decided to maximize his bedroom space as well by employing multi-purpose furniture—his bed doubles as a bookshelf and storage unit for his reading materials, gadgets, and footwear. The parents have the

master’s bedroom all to themselves, with its own toilet and bath.

They also enjoy cooking world cuisine with various exotic ingredients in their well-appointed kitchen, making use of the generous utility room for extra storage and laundry, and entertaining guests in the dining and living room where they maximized its wall spaces to display their travel photos and souvenirs.

The unit options of the Portico twin flat layout lend itself to a myriad of clever possibilities for space personalization. You can build your own family entertainment hub or mini-gym within its space. The area can also be used as an extra bedroom for more independent-minded family members or as a retirement space for extended family. It can likewise quickly become an alternative work or private office space if you would like to separate yourself from the rest of the unit’s inhabitants as you conduct small business transactions during weekdays.

But for those who choose to maximize their earnings and receive extra income from their unit space, the twin flat could ultimately become a sound and wise investment. If you decide not to use the twin room area for your own purposes, you can always choose to rent it out, as the secluded placement allows for privacy and independent living of potential leasers. It can be kept vacant for the most part to be personalized by a long-term tenant, or it can also be furnished in such a way that it becomes an ideal spot that is readily rented out on occasion to travelers, expatriates, transients, couch surfers, nearby office workers, and the like. Alternatively, if you live overseas, you can also opt to lease out the bigger two-bedroom space and use the twin room as your personal hotel flat whenever you’re in the country.

With so many configurations and possibilities, the uses of The Sandstone at Portico’s twin flat can only be limited by one’s imagination. The best thing of all, however, is that you get all of the space and the opportunities that come with two full, comfortablesized units with one common entryway. Whatever you choose to do with it is up to you, but no matter what you decide, rest assured that you will get this guarantee: the promise of living well and never being too far from it all.

Alveo Land sets the benchmark for innovation in Philippine real estate today. Armed with sharper foresight, unparalleled excellence, and total commitment, Alveo Land finds the means to provide the most innovative homes to make you live well. Alveo Land is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala Land. For inquiries and appointments, visit their website at www.alveoland.com.ph, e-mail info@alveosales.com.ph, or call (632) 848.5100 [Metro Manila] and 1-800-10-8485100 [outside Metro Manila]. For more information on Portico, visit their showroom at the Alveo Corporate Center, 728 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

PROPS HEIMA. STYLING EDLENE CABRAL. MAKEUP ANGEL MANHILOT FOR MAC COSMETICS. HAIR ARIES MANAL. LOCATION PORTICO TWIN FLAT, ALVEO CORPORATE CENTER, BGC.

TEXT NANA CARAGAY PHOTOGRAPHY SAM LIM

LOCATION PORTICO TWIN FLAT, ALVEO CORPORATE CENTER, BGC.

Dress up your home in plains and patterns, mix neutrals with touches of color to make your space a place to call your own.

SPECIAL FEAT URE

GETTING CRAFTY

Forget scrapbooking or needlepoint. If you’re thinking of taking up a new hobby, here are ways to get in touch with your inner artist in an environment that evokes inspiration—and they're actually easy to boot!

Paper/Washi Tape Cutting These colorful Japanese sticky tapes come in an endless variety of patterns and are instant art projects just waiting to happen. Create a design on a box, cut multiple strips to cover a plain notebook, or use it to jazz up your tablet.

If all else fails, it’s always a fun alternative to boring old masking or clear scotch tape.

Rubber Cutting

You’ll have to buy special tools or knives for this since your regular paper cutters just won’t do the trick. But once you’ve gotten started, you can create your own die-cuts, stencils, stamps, and more. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you: it’s totally addicting.

Calligraphy

This ancient art of fine penmanship is enjoying a resurgence of late, and the best part is that nowadays, you no longer need a feather quill or an ink bottle to do it.

You can easily purchase calligraphy pens and, with a little bit of practice, you’ll be on your way to creating your own italic-style fonts.

MULTI-TASKERS

Who says only people can juggle?

We highlight some pieces that can do two things at the same time, and improve the look of your space while they’re at it. Like Portico's twin flat unit, utility and imagination are always key to maximizing spaces.

Bed + Drawers

At night, it’s where you hit the sack and drift off to dreamland. The rest of the time, it can be a closet, shoe cabinet, bookshelf, and more.

Stackable Boxes

Colorful boxes not only add life to your room, they're also little hidden spaces where you can stash your belongings such as the latest reads, gadgets, magazines, or quaint memorabilia.

SPECIAL FEAT URE

SPACE ENCOUNTERS

A limited square-meter count need not always be restrictive. Alveo Land breaks that compromise and with Portico's airy and thoughtfully-designed units, you can make effective use of all of your home’s available spaces

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ne of the realities of city and condo living is that you just don’t have the vast expanse of space you might otherwise take up in a full-size home or bungalow. But you can creatively face up to the challenge and make efficient use of the space you do have by keeping a few rules and guidelines in mind. Do it right, and your home-owning friends may even ask you for tips on how they can conserve space, too!

One of the things to keep in mind is to identify the kinds of areas you will need as well as how exactly you plan to use them, then divide the spots in your home accordingly. For instance, the living room and entertainment center can be combined into one and tied together using coordinating furniture, such as a couch and coffee table on top of a cozy rug. This is a handy way to delineate your space without resorting to partitions or walls, as these can end up making the space look even smaller by cutting it up instead of keeping it open.

Another aspect to consider is the furniture you will be using.

It’s a common misconception that you have to get miniature, tiny-sized furniture in order to fit everything into a small space, but interior designers will tell you that this belief is outdated and simply not true. Big furniture is not necessarily a no-no, so long as you choose the items carefully and stick to just a few key pieces. A normal-sized couch, dining table, and even a queen-size bed can all fit into your unit, provided you go minimal with everything else.

You can still dress up your space using accessories, such as throw pillows, lamp shades, and other decorative accents. Just make sure that these will all serve their purpose in your home instead of simply taking up more of your much-needed space.

Work Table + Dining Table

If you’re not too fussy about your work desk, you can always set down your laptop on this, then clear it whenever you want to enjoy a meal.

Be mindful, however, of the exact measurements and proportions of everything you will be purchasing. Make sure to measure the dimensions of your walls and floors and bring those measurements with you on every furniture-buying trip. It would be disastrous to buy pieces only to discover later on that you can’t even squeeze them past your doorway. In this case, it might be helpful to have a few items custom-made—sometimes, it’s the best way to ensure the perfect fit.

In general, lighter colors on the walls create the illusion of a larger space. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to stick to an all-white color scheme though, because what would be the fun in that? Try combining shades of light blue, green, or anything that reflects the color of the outdoors, or painting just one wall in your home a different color, a.k.a. the accent wall. During the day, when your windows are open, this can give the effect of inviting the outside in, in turn making your space look noticeably larger.

The last thing to consider is: storage, storage, storage! Clutter has a way of making a space appear cramped and smaller than it actually is, so learn to downsize your possessions, stick only to what is absolutely necessary, and simplify your life. Try to find ways to create more storage with your furniture, such as keeping handy storage boxes underneath your bed. Make it a goal to keep whatever you don’t need hidden and away from sight. Or employ the in-and-out rule—the moment you buy something new, make a pledge to dispose of or donate something you don’t need. It will work wonders in expanding your space and could ultimately improve the way you live.

Entertainment Console + Closet

That table which holds your DVD player and TV need not be for ornamental purposes only. It can double as another storage or display unit too.

Chair + Drawer

Keep your room clutter-free with this functional piece.

It offers your guests a seat while keeping your things in its accessible built-in storage.

PHOTOGRAPHY GABBY CANTERO

FEAT URE

Get away from your boring workspace and spark productivity in this little corner at A_Space Manila.

Choose your own hanging chairs, grab your headphones and zone out the world around you.

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FEAT URE A furbished area with two connecting offices, a common area and a pantry, all for lease at A_Space Manila.

EXPLORING SPACE

Far from the dreary cubicles of the old, these smart, stylish and highly serviceable shared work spaces are defining the new office TEXT CHINGGAY LABRADOR

Since globalization, the “Internet” and “financial crisis” became buzzwords over a decade ago, it was clear that the work environment for everyone, regardless of industry, field or profession, was about to change. And as with all forms of evolution, certain business models, technologies and set-ups became things of the past, and were duly replaced with more innovative systems.

With so many individuals escaping cubicle farms to create their own start-ups, along with a constant flurry of new careers being borne out of the web and supporting industries, it was only a matter of time before the physical environment housing all these workers and entrepreneurs was bound to shift too.

For many new businesses, coworking became a key alternative to the traditional brick and mortar office. While freelancers, designers and fledging businesses are typically born out of someone’s backyard, garage or one-bedroom apartment, the concept of coworking has literally given these self-starting industries a new physical environment to build on and a new framework to work with. Two major elements form a coworking environment: first, a physical structure that multiple individuals or businesses share to conduct their work; and second, a sense of community where people from different arenas are able to

exchange ideas, collaborate on projects and build a community.

“I believe that people design [a] space to flourish within the time they live and their personal context,” says Matt Morrison, founder and CEO of A_Space Manila, which dubs itself as “the Philippines’ HQ for smart people + amazing possibilities.” The interpretation of what an office is undergoes regular adjustments to changes in technology and lifestyle preferences.

“Coworking, for a variety of reasons, is a global trend,” he continues. “In Manila, we’ve seen sustained economic growth, emerging cultural confidence and a fast-moving innovation community seeking out their own type of place to flourish.

This all comes up against a slower-moving, more conventional community whose physical workplace design is rooted in concepts that have sprung up in the 70s and 80s. People have begun to see that this isn’t enough for now, and is uninspired.”

“Many more people are getting into non-corporate jobs these days; freelancing, entrepreneurship and telecommuting are becoming actual, viable alternative careers for many people,” says Arriane Serafico, designer, writer and entrepreneur working with social enterprise Rags2Riches and founder of Wanderrgirl, a website for young empowered girls (arriane-serafico.com and wanderrgirl.com). “This means that the traditional definitions

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FEAT URE Or accum Work in a eatest, New York quaestibus, quata loft-type office at sequae.

Ictemqui O2 Space Solutions sum quasped (right), or shutut laborrore, simus yourself away from maioreri velique omnoise at Regus’ nis quid moloriatia thinkpods (below, voluptusci cuptur se left) and work while sitat quiaero bera enjoying the city dolupta tusandem. view (below, right).

Itam res mincias sitaqui res volorro bla sandae ommodipicia dis mincius veriae odi veritatur molum fugitia quibus et, se res sequas dolest dis utectin usantus ratur? Mus del

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FEAT URE

and limits of workspaces are also being challenged; 9-to-5s and cubicles are no longer the only options for professionals, young and old alike.”

Coworking has provided people who were once relegated to their own homes in order to start their businesses a new option that provides multiple benefits. “Working from home can get very claustrophobic and monotonous very quickly.

Sure, you can chat with people constantly via whatever messaging app you have, but regular human interaction is vital for any healthy working environment,” Serafico says.

“I love working in shared spaces because the people I get to meet, whether through snack breaks or community events, are so diverse and interesting. Coworking has definitely widened my perspective and has challenged and inspired me to collaborate and partner with different people as a way to expand my work.”

“Shared spaces are aspirational, conventional offices are functional and working from home is for retirees,” explains Morrison. “If you want to take on the world and contribute to it, you have to get out there, connect, make waves, learn and grow.

“Sitting in a box all day staring at a screen is not productive.

No one [becomes] productive [from] eight hours of staring at the screen; that’s not the way our brain works,” he elaborates.

“You need to move around, connect with people, absorb diverse influences and gain fresh perspectives.” Morrison says A_Space provides an environment designed to move people from focused activity in their personal HQs to casual conversations with coworkers in a café or a 10-minute break to ponder at the universe in their gallery. “You can’t do that if your office only has the desk, the restroom, the water cooler and a smoking area. Coworking enables collaboration and creativity, matches our natural working patterns, refreshes the synapses. Plus you get access to things that your home probably doesn’t have, like gourmet coffee, fast internet, fresh perspectives, designer furniture and a photo studio.”

“I started coworking [at co.lab] when I was 22,” shares Serafico. “I was then a consultant for a Philippine senator, and running a couple of personal advocacy projects on the side. I can honestly say that [coworking] changed my mindset phenomenally: had I only surrounded myself with people my age or in the same industry, I would not have grown at the rate that I did when I was working in co.lab.

“I was able to meet entrepreneurs of different ages and from different fields: social enterprise, fashion, food, publishing, game and app development and video production, to name a few,” she continues. “They would tell me stories, give me tips and link me with other people, and eventually, I collaborated with some on actual projects. They opened my eyes to possibilities and connections I would not have seen had I been working in a homogenous, traditional workspace, or had I just been scrolling through the internet.”

A coworking space is only as good as the people that fill it. While certain stereotypes seem to fit the collaborative atmosphere and community feel that these places have to offer, it is more the nature of the person rather than a defined career that is best suited to a coworking environment.

Consider the flexibility and malleability that today’s new jobs have to offer—all these can be molded, reshaped and refit to occupy a spot at any coworking space.

“I don’t think it’s much about the nature of your work [as it is] about your working style,” Serafico says. “If you appreciate a creative, stimulating environment and enjoy going to community events, then it’s definitely a great place to work.

You don’t have to be talking to people all the time while you’re there; you can have your quiet time and just have to be open to conversation at any point. I am an introvert, but the founders of co.lab have been so instrumental in getting me out of my shell and more confident in talking about my work with other people. They are always facilitating introductions and connections among their community members.”

Morrison says that the kinds of people coworking draws are diverse. “We have introverts, extroverts, pragmatists and flamboyant risk-takers. The unifying factor is how people are approaching life—they are aspirational and focused on possibilities.”

And while costs can be a big concern, especially for those who are scrimping on overhead by working at home, other factors that a rented space can offer should be considered. “You can’t save your way to success; you have to invest in yourself and your ideas,” says Morrison. “For the majority of smaller companies, it’s just not smart to work from a location that holds you back or eats up your resources. When we crunch the numbers with our Spacers, they want to use their limited capital on talent and revenue creation, not on deposits and business administration costs—and that makes renting cheaper in the first 24 months than going it alone. However, the conventional serviced office is overpriced here in Manila, so hopefully the new workplaces such as A_Space can bring more value to the market.”

“Coworking enabled me to meet with Team Manila, and from that first conversation, we were able to collaborate to craft and pass my very first national legislation: the Philippine Design Competitiveness Act,” says Serafico, who has held nearly all the project’s meetings at co.lab. “It serves my needs really well. It [maintains] a balance between quiet space and community interaction, plus with a great wi-fi connection, amazing coffee and free printing.”

Certainly, young and old professionals and industry innovators alike are finding new ways to do business through these multi-use spaces. “On a macro scale, I think that coworking should be communicated to reach a wider audience—people need to realize the value of these spaces,” Serafico concludes.

“And for those who put up these spaces? It would be great to see more locations in the future.”

A_Space Manila. Legaspi Suites Building, 178 Salcedo St., Makati City. 846-0856. www.facebook.com/aspacemanila. www.aspacemanila.com.

O2 Space Solutions. Unit 330 Milelong Building, Amorsolo St., Makati City. 502-2797. inquiry@o2space.ph. www.o2space.ph.

Regus. 28th Floor, Tower 2, The Enterprise Centre, Paseo De Roxas corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City. 451-8243. www.regus.com.ph.

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CROSSING THE LINE The street tells the sights, sounds and stories of pedestrians past

STYLING EDLENE CABRAL PHOTOGRAPHY GABBY CANTERO

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Knit sweater, P1,275, Forever 21, SM Makati. Shorts, P3,950, Banana Republic, Greenbelt 5. Sneakers, P3,995, Saucony, Runnr, Bonafacio High Street.

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Top, P2,950, Banana Republic, Greenbelt 5. Drawstring pants, P5,950, Armani Exchange, Alabang Town Center.

Button-down shirt (tied on waist), P2,085, Basic House, Glorietta 5.

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7.25 x 10.indd 1

6/10/14 5:19 PM

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Button-down shirt, P2,085, Basic House, Glorietta 5. Hot pants, P795, Bershka, Glorietta 2. Eyewear, Ray-Ban, P7,995, Sunglass Hut, Alabang Town Center.

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Parka, P7,990, Zara, SM Mall of Asia. Dress, P6,450, Banana Republic, Greenbelt 5. Sneakers, P3,995, Saucony, Runnr, Bonifacio High Street.

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Button-down shirt, P1,175, and drawstring joggers, P1,595, both Forever 21.

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Sleeveless top, P1,195, Bershka, SM Aura Premier.

Jeans, P2,595, Topshop, Greenbelt 3.

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T-shirt, P495, Mango, SM Mall of Asia. Buttondown shirt, P2,990, Zara, Greenbelt 5.

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EATS MBargo’s Sisig Carnitas Wraps is a playful twist on a familiar dish.

MIDNIGHT SNACKING

Late night bar chow finds a following in this dusk-till-dawn lounge TEXT CRISTINA MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY GABBY CANTERO

Filipinos love to eat. That’s a well-documented fact. For us, food isn’t just mere sustenance; how we eat is a huge and integral part of our identity, culture and the way we interact with one another. This is precisely why when Mayelle Wycoco and her Singaporean partner started MBargo Club & Lounge, they didn’t just take into account the usual club essentials—music, drinks, lights—but also gave the Filipino appetite great consideration.

Though the bar takes its cue from the Singaporean club scene, it deviates from that model, which essentially subsists on alcohol, music and the occasional peanut bowl. Wycoco insisted on being able to offer their patrons something to munch on and even went as far as offering a place to sit down and have a proper meal. But she didn’t stop there: she knew that to get people to keep coming back, she had to push the agenda even further and offer food that wasn’t just passable but unique, something that would raise the standards of nighttime haunts.

Up-and-coming young chef Richmond Timbol put together a menu that fused French cuisine with Filipino favorites. By

playing around with Filipino bar staples, Timbol came up with creations like Sisig Carnitas Wraps and Mushroom Chicharon, a crowd favorite served with rock salt and black vinegar. More traditional continental offerings are also available, such as their generously-proportioned Steak and Frites.

It’s a dusk-till-dawn experience where coziness comes hand in hand with EDM. MBargo’s intimate interiors are bathed in a subdued warm light when it opens as a lounge at 5 p.m., primed for drawn-out conversations over dinner as it mirrors the setting sun. At 10 p.m., as diners finish the last of their deconstructed Banana Cue, the lounge begins easing into the deep night, dimming its lights and gradually turning up the volume to draw in late-night revelers. Even as the beat gets louder and the laser lights start flashing, MBargo’s coziness stays intact.

The partygoers come for the music and drink and they stay for the intimate vibe and great food—some even until the sun rises.

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EATS As the night deepens, the subdued lounge gradually changes into a more energetic club while keeping its laidback vibe (left). MBargo’s signature cocktails and spirits are perfect complements to the FrenchFilipino food (below, right). Their steak’s generous proportions makes it one of the most popular items on the menu (below, left).

Mbargo Club & Lounge. 3rd Floor Wumaco Building, 7th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

0917-8825055. info@mbargomanila.com. www.mbargomanila.com

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EATS

Eat like an Italian.

Fold your pizza slice halfway from the sides, so the sauce pools in the center for maximum flavor.

A NEW SPIN ON DOUGH

After crossing continents, authentic neapolitan-style flavors finally land in Manila TEXT MARA SANTILLAN MIANO PHOTOGRAPHY SAM LIM

Born in Napoli and raised in Brooklyn, Motorino was named the best pizza in the city by The New York Times during the peak of its New York hype. As it opens its doors in Manila, the pizzeria looks to reach the same achievement on this side of the world.

“Most of the artisanal pizzas here in Manila are New York-style while ours is authentic neapolitan-style,” says Marga Lorenzana, who runs Motorino with her husband and some partners. The words “authentic neapolitan-style” are apparently a big deal, as Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana imposes a set of rules that will decide if a pizza could be called such, and Lorenzana is proud that Motorino has exerted tedious efforts in maintaining the accuracy in their recipe and preparation.

The wheat pizza flour, organic, extra virgin olive oil, San Marzano tomatoes and cheese they use are imported from Italy, and the mozzarella is flown in every two weeks. The dough, kneaded only by hand, undergoes a specific fermentation process and is allegedly less fattening than the typical pizza due to a long procedure that lets the yeast consume the sugar and gluten. The oven Motorino uses is the first of its kind in the country, weighing about three tons and made from stones

from the mountains of Santa Lucia, Naples. It was mandated by founding chef Mathieu Palombino that Motorino use an authentic Italian oven, Lorenzana says. “It is a really big investment, and since we’re on the third floor, we had to have equipment made so we can bring it up here.”

The investment looks to be worth it. The 13-inch pizza, true enough, is every inch an authentic neapolitan-style pizza: a perfectly cooked crust with black charring to add flavor, an even and calculated balance of toppings and drippings of olive oil and sauce when eaten folded. The taste is sublime when the pizzas are hot out of the oven, but only satisfactory after they have cooled—a lack of extended quality promised in the New York Times review, which went: “You can order too much, watch a pie go cool on the plate, eat it anyway and discover: terrific.”

Nevertheless, the overall quality supersedes most pizzerias’, and the owners are evidently determined to raise the bar continually. Wishing to stay true to its branding, Motorino does not serve pasta. “When people think of Italian restaurants, they always assume there is pasta,” says Lorenzana. “But we only serve pizza to keep true to who we are. We want to perfect our craft so when you think of pizza, you think of Motorino.”

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EATS Motorino attempts to adhere strictly to the authentic neapolitan-style pizza—kneaded only by hand, baked in an Italian stone oven and topped with a calculated balance of ingredients.

Motorino Pizza Manila. 3/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City. 754-8018.

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EATS Burgers are also available for breakfast if you need a surge of energy before going to work or a cure for a hangover.

BEFORE AND AFTER HOURS

Wake up to caffeine and cap off the day with cocktails in this cozy community café TEXT DIANNE PINEDA PHOTOGRAPHY PATRICK SEGOVIA

With the sudden flurry of exceptional third wave coffee shops percolating around the metro, it takes more than just a good cup of coffee, wifi and hipster music to entice customers to stay—and even more for them to keep coming back. Refinery is the newest café to hit the Rockwell block, a community known for its discriminating taste. Barely three months old, this cozy nook is already attracting a steady following with its industrial settings, comfort food, coffee, booze and lingerfriendly vibe.

“We want to open a place that doesn’t conform: something relaxed with no pretensions, simply a place where people can interact. We just wanted a regular café,” says co-owner Jackie Lorenzana. With its high ceiling, tall, glass windows, dark wood accents and mismatched furniture, it’s easy to see that Refinery isn’t just any other regular café. An aromatic combination of freshly ground coffee beans and rich comfort food fills the café with warmth, while the wine cellar in the corner and a wide selection of liquor placed neatly at the back of the counter give customers a peek into what’s to come after work hours.

The morning’s popular selections include the Dutch Baby Pancake served with green apples drizzled in caramel sauce, and caviar and toast, which is served with scrambled eggs and a side salad. Salmon Benedict, with its perfectly poached eggs on a bed

of prosciutto, arugula, hollandaise and English muffin, makes a good choice for brunch. But for those looking for an easy, nofail option, the Refinery burger, a hefty beef patty with melted cheddar cheese and fries will surely satisfy anyone with a need for something filling.

Aside from its tasty offerings, Refinery is grounded in artisanal coffee, so to speak, as the owners got the idea of opening it from their experience of distributing LaMill coffee to restaurants for years. The café serves blends made from beans sourced from South America, together with an extensive high tea collection from the same brand. A quick shot of Refinery’s espresso will jet-fuel your morning, as will as their unique mixes of orange-infused cappuccino, crème brulee, café con leche and salted caramel latte.

At night, the once quiet space transforms into a chill speakeasy where young professionals come to huddle. But don’t be fooled: Refinery still infuses its alcoholic concoctions with its coffee roots.

The Coconut Coffee with vodka, coconut milk and maple syrup is a refreshing combination of caffeine and booze, while the Espresso Especial, with a shot of coffee, tequila añejo and crème de cacao, fits those looking for a stronger fix.

Whether to start the day with light pancakes or end it with some hard drinks, Refinery always has something to wake your spirits— and cure your hangover.

Refinery. Joya Lofts and Towers, Joya Drive, Rockwell, Makati City. 781-0344. refineryph@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/RefineryPH.

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7/8/14 7/8/14 11:52 8:24 PM AM

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FOrbEs IN TOUCH

Refinery’s modern industrial interiors feature high glass windows, exposed pipes and mismatched furniture.

The cafĂŠ carries the high end brand Lamill, a forerunner in specialty coffee in Los Angeles.

EATS

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RECIPE

BRUNCH IS SERVED

An unconventional way of cooking an old time favorite TEXT CHARLIE CARBUNGCO PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING SAM LIM

DECONSTRUCTED HASH BROWN INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 medium onion, thinly sliced ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced 4 slices of bacon Baked potatoes (with skin, procedure below) 2 tsp. oregano 2 tsp. rosemary 3 cloves garlic 5 or 6 eggs 3 tbsp. olive oil

PREPARATION For baked potatoes 1. Slice the potatoes into big cubes with skin.

2. Prepare 375˚F oven with rack in the center position.

3. Prick the potato several times.

4. Put the garlic, rosemary, oregano, olive oil and salt in the pan with potatoes.

5. Bake the potatoes for 45 minutes or until a knife can smoothly cut through them.

For deconstructed hash brown 1. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.

2. Add butter until melted. Then sauté onions, peppers and bacon.

3. Add the potatoes, then salt and pepper to taste.

4. Make 5 or 6 shallow holes in the potato mixture. Add a dot of butter each hole then crack in an egg.

5. Sprinkle in some water to create steam, cover, and cook for about 3 minutes, until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.

T HE GET

BUILDING BLOCKS OF ART

Flex your creative muscle with collectibles that lighten and spruce up any space TEXT MARA SANTILLAN MIANO

Toronto-based fine arts studio Klash Inside has created what seem like graphic, colorful Lego toys for the contemporary home decorator. Klashes are rectangularshaped art objects made of acrylic and Plexiglas, a solid, transparent plastic that makes commonly opaque materials look more translucent. They embrace changing light conditions during the day and may serve as quiet light at night. Each item is individually handcrafted with an array of vibrant colors and a tactile finish. Yet while a design can be replicated, no two Klashes are the same.

The visually inclined will find joy in coming up with hundreds of ways to decorate a space with a Klash. It is freestanding, rotatable and can be viewed from both sides— the possible configurations are endless. It can be used alone as a tabletop accessory, a centerpiece to complete a geometric vignette, an accent to play up your shelf or bedside table or a light diffuser, perhaps on a windowsill or on top of a console table in a spot that enjoys generous natural light. A Klash immediately adds dimension to a room and is reminiscent of a delicate, abstract painting.

For a more striking impact, use multiple pieces. Stack the objects side by side or on top of the other to create sculptural walls, architectural screens and room partitions.

Leave negative space to create statuary pieces. Klash Kradles, wall-mount frames with embedded LED lighting, are also available and come in three-piece models called Krash Kradle for Three.

If you have pictured something more specific—small-scale or large-scale, freestanding or attached to existing home décor, with access to ambient light or in need of its own lighting system—share your idea with Klash Inside and they will customize the piece for you.

Klash Inside. www.klashinside.com. klashinside@gmail.com.

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