Southern Living: 2018 November-December by Hinge Inquirer Publications

Host Issue 2018

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CONT ENTS 28 EATS

16 COVER STORY Ria Prieto on the secret to effortless entertaining at home

A Salcedo restaurant offers melt-in-yourmouth gnocchi topped with spiced Italian bacon

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22 IDEAS Skip the wasteful gift wrap this year and get creative and sustainable with presents

08 SERVICES

34 RECIPE A homemade bagnet gets fresh with a local green salad

Put together a holiday table without excluding anyone

Secret Service: Let these decorators style your home this Christmas

12 GIFTS Why handmade tableware makes for a timeless gift

EDITOR’S NOTE Something to celebrate

These are trying times for us, when so much is happening in our communities that celebrations start to seem a little untimely and improper. But if there’s anything about the Filipino we know by heart and blood, it’s that no matter the situation, we’ll find something to be grateful for, something worth celebrating. This issue marks not only the end of the year, but a new phase for Southern Living. Within these pages is a preview of what is to come for our print editions:

more guides and features on carefully selected items and services we think you’d need at any given time. Here, we look at easier and more sustainable ways to celebrate the holidays, from your noche buena spread down to your gift wrap. We’ve also shared trusted decorators and suppliers that might come in handy for all the holiday festivities. We’re trying to cover all bases. After all, as our cover subject, lifestyle editor and designer Ria Francisco-Prieto says, “If you have a good foundation… it’s easier.”

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Southern Living is published by Hinge Inquirer Publications. 4F Media Resource Plaza, Mola corner Pasong Tirad Streets, Barangay La Paz, Makati City. Visit www.facebook.com/ nolisoli.ph now. Follow us on Instagram at @nolisoli.ph and Twitter at @nolisoliph. We’d love to hear from you. Email us at nolisoli@hinge.ph. For advertising, email sales@hinge.ph. This magazine was printed responsibly using recycled papers with biodegradable inks.

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SOUTHERNliving

IN THE LOOP

GROUP PUBLISHER BEA J. LEDESMA SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR ERIC NICOLE SALTA ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR PAULINE MIRANDA EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS ZOFIYA ACOSTA, AMIERIELLE ANNE BULAN, JILL CHUA, YAZHMIN MALAJITO, CHRISTIAN SAN JOSE CREATIVE DIRECTOR NIMU MUALLAM ART DIRECTOR EDRIC DELA ROSA JUNIOR DESIGNER TRICIA GUEVARA STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS JAVIER LOBREGAT, SAMANTHA ONG, JP TALAPIAN INTERNS KARL ANGAY, JONAS TIMBREZA

Be informed on the latest issues that affect our lifestyle

CONTRIBUTORS WRITER SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO PHOTOGRAPHER REGINE DAVID STYLIST GRAI ALVAR MAKEUP MAYESA DELOS SANTOS HAIR EDDIE MAR CABILTES PROOFREADER JANICA BALASOLLA COPY EDITOR PATRICIA ROMUALDEZ 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 C. ALCANTARA SVP AND GROUP SALES HEAD FELIPE R. OLARTE AVP FOR SALES MA. KATRINA MAE GARCIA-DALUSONG HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LURISA VILLANUEVA

@nolisoliph @nolisoli.ph

/nolisoli.ph nolisoli@hinge.ph

KEY ACCOUNTS SUPERVISOR ANGELITA TAN-IBAÑEZ KEY ACCOUNTS OFFICER ALETHEIA ORDIALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CHARM BANZUELO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES KYLE CAYABYAB, CHLOE DIANNE CARTONEROS ROSE MAMONONG, ANNE MEDINA, XENIA SEBIAL, ANDIE ZUÑIGA SALES COORDINATORS JOY GALURA, TAIRA HERNANDEZ SALES SUPPORT ASSISTANT RECHELLE NICDAO

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ASSISTANT CREATIVE MANAGER DANICA CONDEZ KEY ACCOUNTS OFFICER SARAH CABALATUNGAN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ALLYSZA MARASIGAN, KIM TANAFRANCA JUNIOR CONTENT CREATORS KATHERINE ALAMARES, GISELLE BARRIENTOS, LYLE PENDON, HANNA SORBITO, APEC STA. ANA, GELLA VILLAFUERTE, LEO ANGELO VITUDIO GRAPHIC ARTISTS DANA CALVO, KRISTINE MAY PAZ MULTIMEDIA ARTIST MARIANEL DIMAANO, JENNY ANNE MASANGKAY

Photography Regine David Makeup Mayesa delos Santos Hair Eddie Mar Cabiltes

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER JAN CARIQUITAN PRODUCTION ASSISTANT MARICEL GAVINO FINAL ART SUPERVISOR DENNIS CRUZ FA ARTIST ARGYL LEONES MARKETING AND EVENTS MANAGER JELLIC TAPIA MARKETING ASSISTANTS PATRICIA FLORIDO, SAMANTHA JARO, STEFHANIE MEDINA GRAPHIC ARTISTS BIANCA PILAR, MELANIE CHANG

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SPECIAL FEAT URE

HAVING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

There’s a way for the young to enjoy life right now without sacrificing future financial security TEXT SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO

It’s a generational thing. Given the premium that some folks put on ownership—of houses, of cars, of real estate—millennials, who had lived through various global economic challenges, have taken a different approach to finances. For most of those in their late twenties or thirties, it’s more about experiences—traveling, dining well, higher learning. It’s a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy the fruits of their hard work, then save the rest of it for a relatively comfortable future. BPI's A Life Preferred program lets its new clients enjoy premium Gifts such as an overnight stay for two at partner merchant Fairmont Hotel's Gold Room.

But they, too, need a trusted financial advisor, who can guide them through these experiences. BPI Preferred Banking offers a personalized wealth management service suited to the millennials’ “experience economy”. With this service, saving for the future isn’t mutually exclusive from the enjoyment of the present. Its biggest advantage is having a dedicated relationship manager whom clients can receive sound financial advice from on decisions that matter to them. Clients can also enjoy the following benefits: preferential rates on loans and foreign exchange

conversions, special lane for bank transactions in all BPI branches, priority queuing in phone banking, higher withdrawal and payment limits, higher credit limit and waived annual fee for three years on the BPI Gold Credit Card, free seminars on wealth management and a membership to Ayala Rewards Circle (ARC), which is the Ayala Group’s appreciation program for their most valued clients. Worth exploring is the ongoing “A Life Preferred” promo which rewards the clients with exclusive access to a curated collection of unique dining, leisure, and shopping for a minimum deposit or investment of Php1,000,000.00. These include: Php2,500 eGC that’s valid in over 150 merchants nationwide; a Special Set Menu for two at Toyo Eatery; and two seats to a Wine 101 Tasting Class at Wine Story. With the guidance of BPI Preferred Banking, millennials can keep their eye on their future while savoring the perks and taking advantage of life experiences the present has to offer.

A Life Preferred Program runs until Dec. 2018. *For a list of participating merchants, visit www.alifepreferred.gift/catalog.

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THE ALTERNATIVE NOCHE BUENA Varying diets shouldn’t make the holiday table any less festive TEXT ZOFIYA ACOSTA PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA ONG STYLING GRAI ALVAR

Lighter food choices can still make an impressive holiday feast. The secret is finding alternative versions of classics at the Christmas table that don’t sacrifice taste and texture for better nutritional content. We’ve discovered kitchens that fused creativity and fun experiments to make new and tasty translations of old favorites that bring together loved ones, friends and memories.

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1. DESSERT ALTERNATIVE:

Desserts by Mana Bites

Desserts are always everyone’s diet killer. Not these, though. These allvegan bars and cookie balls contain grains, dark chocolate, chia seeds, and natural nut butter, and are low in sugar without sacrificing any sweetness. They’re also gluten-free since they’re made without flour. instagram.com/manabites/ 2. QUESO DE BOLA AND CHRISTMAS HAM ALTERNATIVES:

Vegan cheese and sausages by Inanutshell

We know that the rich edam cheese paired with the pineapple-glazed ham is a favorite of many, but this pairing isn’t all that inclusive. Fix up this cheese and sausage platter instead: they’re both vegan (all the cheeses are dairy-free and made from either tofu, cashew, or soy, while the sausages are made of plant-based seitan), making them great meatless, vegan-friendly options to munch on. instagram.com/inanutshellph 3. PAELLA ALTERNATIVE:

Paella Verdura by Ilustrado

Paella, otherwise known as everyone’s favorite rice dish, is a staple of any culture influenced by Spain. Get the Paella Verdura instead—it’s still a hearty dish, but it switches out all that meat with vegetables and egg so you don’t have to risk your actual heart to eat it. facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant 4. RICE CAKE ALTERNATIVES:

Sayote bread by Feed 5000 and cheesy charcoal bread by Hearty Bread

Kakanin like bibingka may be Christmas favorites, but they’re still pretty hefty. Switch it out this year with this bread made of sayote—which

tastes a bit like a mix of carrot cake and banana bread—or the gluten- and sugar-free charcoal bread. facebook.com/Feed5000KitchenStudio instagram.com/heartybread_alabang 5. EMBUTIDO ALTERNATIVE:

Chicken galantina by Feed 5000

Instead of the festive meatloaf, try the chicken galantina (otherwise known as relyenong manok). Embutido uses a mix of pork and beef, but this dish uses chicken, making it lighter. 6. PANCIT ALTERNATIVE:

Pancit buko by Pamana Restaurant

Pancit and its multitude of variations is a classic fixture of any Filipino feast. This version of pancit switches things up by using buko noodles instead of the usual noodles made out of flour, rice, or egg, making it healthier than usual. It’s served in an actual buko husk, too. facebook.com/Pamana-Restaurant 7. LECHON ALTERNATIVE:

Roast turkey by nawwTy’s Kitchen

Instead of the incredibly fattening lechon, serve up some roast turkey: it’s leaner and higher in protein. You can use leftovers for pretty much any dish, too, so no more slaving away at your lechong paksiw for weeks. instagram.com/nawwtyskitchen 8. SINIGANG ALTERNATIVE:

Veg Sinigang by The Corner Tree Cafe

Sinigang is a traditional sour stew that’s cooked with either pork or bangus and a plethora of vegetables like okra, miso, kangkong, and tamarind, which is where the sourness comes from. This vegan version eschews meat and includes a serving of vegetarian patis. It’s gluten-free, too. cornertreecafe.com

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SHOP AND STROLL

The scenic Venice Grand Canal can be your next destination for this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shopping needs TEXT LYLE PENDON

The countdown to Christmas is one of the most exciting yet exhausting times of the year. This is when a long list of names pops in your mind, each with a corresponding memento for you to buy as a Christmas gift. Here comes November: a month before the annual gift-giving month commences; the final hurrah of Christmas shopping for all the lastminute shoppers. At this time, bazaars, wholesale outlets and department stores are crowded with individuals who look for easy-to-buy, no-brainer presents for their loved ones and colleagues. Admit it, not only it is displeasing to see stocks slowly depleting but also an eye sore to see a large crowd lining up for the counters. For those trying to avoid these kinds of situations, Venice Grand Canal offers a relaxing and pictureperfect alternative shopping experience. Located within its vibrant interiors are all new retail brands that takes shopping at the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most picturesque and romantic mall to a more atmospheric level. Shoppers are sure to enjoy the Christmas rush and start to see the season in a new light surrounded by the European design and the waters of the Grand Canal. What comes with the aesthetically pleasing spot is the wide range selection of stores for unique, fun, and practical gift ideas.

For your bespectacled loved ones and those who want to save their eyes from the sun, take note of these stores and check out what they have to offer: Own Days What makes Japanese brand Owndays stand out from other eyewear brands is their signature minimalist yet stylish and functional products. Get customized frames in 20 quick minutes starting at P1,990. You can even personalize your lens to best suit your lifestyle with features such progressive, polarized, transitions, colored, and PC lenses.GF, Venice Grand Canal

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Various choices of eyewear at Owndays

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SPECIAL FEAT URE Eye-catching sunglasses at Sunglass Haven

Sunglass Haven Sunglass Haven invites shoppers to enjoy the best deals on the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best sports eyewear to designer sunnies from Oakley, Ray-Ban, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Bvlgari. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re keen on a stylish pair, this is the right shop for you. GF, Venice Grand Canal

Striking jewelry at Hearts & Arrows

Executive Optical Check out Executive Optical, the fail-safe staple for their large collection of eyeglasses, sunnies, and contact lenses. For both first time glasses user and patrons, they also offer free computerized eye checkup with their in-house optometrist. GF, Venice Grand Canal Fashionable accessories at N.Cat

For your colleagues who like to spice up their everyday look with accessories, Venice Grand Canal also offers a selection of global fashion and accessory stores you can take a look at: N. Cat Korean fast fashion brand N. Cat features accessories and apparel you would typically find in Myeongdong. Discover K-Pop inspired hair accessories, cute phone cases, character socks, jewelry, and more at budgetfriendly prices perfect for everyone. 2F, Venice Grand Canal Hearts and Arrows Hearts and Arrows, a Taiwanese jeweler, offers luxury gifts for those in the market for high end sentimental presents. They specialize in their trademarked perfectcut diamonds that produce a brilliant, polished, and symmetric cut. GF, Venice Grand Canal Fossil Discover the latest collections from Americanainspired Fossil and enjoy timeless accessories for men and women. Check out their signature pieces such as watches, bags, jewelry, and wallets fit for modern look. GF, Venice Grand Canal

Counting down the days to Christmas might leave you anxious, but as you slowly tick off your gift list, you realize that there is a less crowded and more refreshing place to spend a day of shopping at. Venice Grand Canal is the ideal place to shop and stroll, where you can take pictures for yourself and purchase gifts for you to give. For more information on the variety of shopping options available at Venice Grand Canal, call the McKinley Hill concierge at 6241971. Follow Venice Grand Canal on Facebook at facebook.com/ VeniceGrandCanal/ and on Instagram @mckinleyhill_.

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SERV ICES

FEAST MODE The caterers for your next holiday reunion TEXT JILL CHUA PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAWWTY'S KITCHEN AND APÉRITIF

Cooking up your own dishes definitely adds an intimate touch to your holiday spread, but this may not be the wisest and most costeffective decision if you’re feeding a crowd. We’ve narrowed down a list of seasoned caterers to help you in your next Christmas gathering. Private Dining by Happy Concept Group (HCG)

For intimate gatherings, HCG specializes in personalized and themed set-ups, with a wide variety of cuisines in its selection. Happy Ongpauco-Tiu creates intricate table settings that may include Fornasetti and Hermès pieces from the group’s extensive luxury plate collection. Imagine the experience.

Center Table Catering Since 1987, Center Table Catering has been known for lavish settings and recipes like their roast beef that are handed down from one generation to the next. Guest list running to the high tens? Be assured this service has catered to heavy-duty events like the State of the Nation Addresses in 2015 and 2017.

www.privatedining.com.ph

www.centertablecatering.com

Apéritif Known for its graze boxes, Apéritif also offers grazing tables for those who want to steer away from the traditional buffet set-up. Fans of sit-down meals can enjoy Apéritif ’s variety of main dishes that can be styled right on the table or on their carts.

nawwTy’s Kitchen From the curator of The Gourmand Market pop-up food fest, nawwTy’s Kitchen offers luxe comfort food like prime rib roast and crab fat paella, which can be ordered a la carte. They accommodate small to mid-sized groups with a maximum of 60 people. facebook.com/nawwtyskitchen

www.aperitifph.myshopify.com

À Table Chef Dulce Magat-Gibb, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, shares family favorites like crispy roast pork belly and honey layer cake. À Table caters mostly to private dinner parties but also offers potluck party dishes available for pick up from their Salcedo branch.

Alba Restaurante Español In business since 1952, Alba has always been the go-to place for paella and tapas. With a founder originally from Avila, Spain, we challenge anyone to find dishes more authentic than theirs. Catering offers a choice between a buffet and pre-packaged sit-down menus.

dulcemagatgibb@yahoo.com

www.alba.com.ph

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DECK THE HOMES Decorators to help you style your house for the holidays TEXT JILL CHUA ILLUSTRATION TRICIA GUEVARA

Getting a professional interior decorator or designer can be a good investment and can save you a huge amount of time and resources in trying to make your home look good. With the help of these designers, you wouldn’t need to worry about the details that come with decorating a home for the holidays, from conceptualization down to sourcing and positioning the decor in the right places. Empire Designs

Comprised of designers Vianca Añonuevo-Favila, Mark Steven Perez, and Jam Miango, Empire Designs has been styling residential and commercial establishments such as Saddle Row and the Cathay Pacific airport lounge. Their approach to holiday decorating is to create subtle yet elegant designs for their clients. For instance, they’ve used a non-traditional black tree to give a striking contrast to the white and silver kid-friendly decor. bobedreinc@gmail.com

Rusty Floria

Rusty Floria used to work as a commercial florist for 12 years before venturing out as a freelance florist and decorator. He relies heavily on his clients’ preferences but, at the same time, tries to be experimental by mixing and matching traditional and modern styles. He usually applies a tropicalinspired aesthetic in his projects with hints of nature elements, foliage, and fruits to create a lush Christmas look. rustico_floria@yahoo.com

Cara Duhaylungsod

Interior decorator Cara Duhaylungsod incorporates both retro and minimalist styles with an emphasis on natural elements such as wood. Based in Antipolo, she has also done various projects across the metro for three years now, including southern areas like Alabang and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 0999-9991087

Rhia Flordeliza

Seasoned interior designer Rhia Flordeliza has done Christmasthemed projects for both residential and commercial establishments since 2013. She has studied in schools abroad such as in Milan and New York before opening her own firm in Makati. When it comes to styling, she loves mixing classic holiday elements with timeless and contemporary styles such as metallic accents to harmonize with the room’s lighting. rhia.newmaven@gmail.com

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This spacious unit–boasting big windows, and a view of the BGC cityscape–is all set to make room for guests.

A SPACE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Bringing the festivities inside your home TEXT DENISE DANIELLE ALCANTARA

The holidays are a-coming. Slowly, your calendar will begin to fill up with dinner reservations with friends and family. How do you survive the holiday preparations? Here are quick tips and tricks for hosting a stress-free holiday dinner at the comforts of your own home:

big groups of friends, mixing plates, cutlery, and even stemware is inevitable to accommodate everyone. “The eclectic mix works,” she says.

Planning for battle First on the agenda is to assess your limitations. Patricia Pastelero-Tanedo, founder and creative director of Spruce Floral Designs, shares secrets to her holiday preparations. “Schedule everything ahead of time— grocery shopping, kitchen prep work, setting your table. I set daily tasks from four to five days before the day of the dinner so I don’t get overwhelmed the day of.”

Food on the table Building a feast for everyone is definitely a big feat. Expectations are high, all belts are loose, and diet plans are off the table. But when planning a dinner menu, balance is key. Choose to prepare food based on your strengths and know-how. If you want to serve food that you don’t think you can handle cooking on your own, find the best one in town and order out instead. Lastly, remember to stock up on refreshments. It’s always better to overestimate.

Sprucing up your space Getting everyone in the festive mood is the host’s duty. According to Patricia, “Putting your table at home together isn’t all about the centerpiece and floral arrangements.” With big families such as hers or even

If you wish to host a memorable holiday dinner this Christmas, this property at Icon Residences Tower 1 provides an intimate space for special occasions. For more information about List Sotheby’s International Realty, Philippines, check out their website at listofsothebysrealty.ph.

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HANDMADE HANDSELS Artisanal homeware for the people you sit with around the Christmas table

TEXT AMIERIELLE ANNE BULAN PHOTOGRAPHY JP TALAPIAN

Clockwise: Tea set and coffee mug, Mia Casal at Artesania, instagram.com/miacasalceramics Pitcher, Ugu Bigyan at Tahanan Pottery, instagram.com/tahananpottery Bowl and saucer, Mark Platon at Guava Sketches, instagram.com/guavasketches

Handmade goods rarely get the spotlight in the local market for household items. Despite being considered the most sustainable, resourceful, and artistic manufacturers in the Philippine trade industry, the handmade homeware business is still downstream in both sales and employment. This year’s BMI Research forecast on the Filipinos’ furniture spending echoes the lack of optimism. It said while the Philippines is seen as “one of Asia’s most

attractive markets for homeware,” there will be less spending for locally-produced household items compared to those from large and international distributors by the end of 2022. Christmas shoppers can give local craftsmen a boost during this season of giving by choosing their timeless, unique and practical creations that are readily available in home style stores as holiday gifts. These artisanal gifts are more personal and more intimate.

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GIF TS This tableware is made of fine stoneware clay, which is a thick and opaque material usually finished with glossy, satin, or matte textures.

Coasters and blue coffee mug, Mia Casal at Artesania, Brown coffee mug, Jon Pettyjohn at Tahanan Pottery, Salad plate, Mark Platon at Guava Sketches, Bowl and dinner plate, Joey de Castro Pottery instagram.com/joeydc_pottery

Pottery and Ceramics

Made using an age-old technique, pottery or ceramic tableware are ageless gifts. History says these items figure highly in the giftgiving culture for their functionality, form, and style.There are plates bursting with light colors like Mark Platon’s, Iori Espiritu’s, and Hey Kessy’s eye-catching saucers. Dark-hued plate sets like blue-pigmented ones by Joey de Castro or the pitch black creations by Guava Sketches’ Nicholas Wahe provide a more formal tone. Give the table a quaint mood with Mia Casal’s vintage-looking teapot set. Pair this with stoneware treasures from Tahanan Pottery like a pitcher with a twig for a handle by Ugu Bigyan or a light coffee mug by Jon Pettyjohn. Copper

This drinkware set from Shop A la Fourchette was hammered into shape by Indian artisans with the use of pure copper. Like pottery, the practice of making and cutting copper is rooted in ancient times, when Ayurveda—the world’s oldest holistic healers—used copper pitchers to transform water into “tamara jal,” a positively charged drink. The liquid flushes out body toxins, breaks down body fat, and stimulates the brain. Cutlery

Top: Copper drinkware, Shop A la Fourchette, instagram.com/shopalf Cutlery, Dos Casas PH, instagram.com/dos_casasph Black dinnerware, Nicholas Wahe at Guava Sketches Left: Saucers and coasters, Hey Kessy Pottery, instagram.com/heykessypottery Dinner plate and coffee mug, Iori Espiritu, instagram.com/ioridori

The design of silverware is usually outshined on the dinner table by decorative plates and placemats. But unbeknown to many, the aesthetic value of cutlery actually adds to diners’ enjoyment of the served food, according to a 2015 study by environmental psychology researchers. Although cutlery isn’t usually the kind of gift often given on Christmas, it’s recommendable. Designs of spoons, forks, and knives nowadays go far from the usual silver sets. There are sleek, stylish, and durable options from local shops like the rose gold-colored set from Dos Casas PH, which would be unique and practical holiday presents.

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALL EASY After years of opening her home to guests and sharing her finds with the rest of the world, Ria Francisco-Prieto is ready to do more

TEXT SEPTEMBER GRACE MAHINO PHOTOGRAPHY REGINE DAVID

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Simone Rocha sweater, Univers

For any working mother with three boys, the idea of hosting people at home for dinner or even just drinks can feel like an extra imposition on an already loaded plate, but Ria Francisco-Prieto has found her own solution. After years of creating a space that she enjoys living in, she already has a place that lends itself to both planned and spontaneous gatherings, like late-night drinks after a busy day. As for particular details—food, for example, and the dining tableau—she understands the importance of delegating. “Our helpers are super trained already,” she admits when asked about the prep she does whenever she has people coming over. “When we’re hosting a dinner at home, which happens at least once a month, I show them a picture of the table setting that I want and say, ‘This is how it should be.’ We also know which restaurants to order from, because it’s just less stressful to not have everything cooked from scratch.” The Prieto household

observes one rule when it comes to hosting, though: “There has to be at least one dish that’s cooked here at home. I can’t cook to save my life, but our cook Winda, who has been with my family since I was in high school, has certain recipes that she’s good at. “I don’t try to stress too much about having people over. I like things to be pretty, but if you have a good foundation already, like you already have some good stuff around the house and your staff knows what to do already, it’s easier.” She adds, laughing, “If I want to decorate a bit more, I just get leaves from outside.” That good foundation she mentioned is her bright home which can pass for an art gallery, what with all the artworks Prieto and her husband Paolo have collected through the years. Framed works from the likes of Malang and Jose Joya share space with pieces from contemporary artists such as Nikki Luna and Jake Verzosa, and mid-sized installations are

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placed alongside functional furniture and gadgets, such as the wire sculptures that are placed beside an impressive sound system that includes two Sonus Faber speakers and a Clearaudio turntable. The cozy white L-couch and the boxes of records are further reminders that this is, indeed, a home. “Guests have told me how comfortable they feel here,” Prieto says. “There’s nothing too precious here, because I have three boys who like running around. There’s nothing too precious to break or stain; not everything has to be perfect around here, because even I would be uncomfortable if everything has to remain a certain way.” There’s really not a lot of difference between how her family lives in their own home daily and whenever they have visitors over. “And that makes it easier on me and on the staff, because there’s a system in place already. I don’t have to think too much about every little detail; I can just enjoy myself, the company, and the food.” Part of building that good foundation, that working system, comes from Prieto’s editor’s eye. Half-joking that her taste is “actually basic,” she credits the 17 years she has spent as a lifestyle editor for her confidence in sharing her ideas on what products and experiences can make life better—something she continues to do with her lifestyle site Ria Recommends. “Basically, what editors do is recommend things, so I’m not special that way,” she says. “But I’ve always felt responsible about what I put out there. With Inquirer RED, which

“I like things to be pretty, but if you have a good foundation already, [...] it’s easier.”

was something I had conceptualized and built, I was always conscious about keeping my integrity when it came to the products we’d feature. I’ve always felt this need to share things I’ve discovered with others, but I’m also very thoughtful about what I put out there because I have respect for my readers. I know the value of money: I work, people work, and money doesn’t grow on trees. With anything I present, I always consider if I’d buy it myself or if I’d use it, too. That’s very important to me.” Prieto has begun branching out from recommending to creating products that people can buy. There are her paper placemats with their elegantly abstract prints, which she started selling last year, and which she says her helpers appreciate. “People can choose to reuse them if they want to, but really, compared to the amount of time, water, and soap they use to wash the usual placemats, mine can make things easier.” There’s the line of tastefully simple jewelry pieces that she has been working on. “What I like about them is that you can wear them without everything having to match each other,” she describes, showing off a cuff-like earring on one ear and one done in a leaf outline on the other, both in gold. Then there is the upcoming limited

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COV ER STORY

Walk of Shame silk slip dress, Distinqt James Perse ribbed sleeveless top, Marco de Visenzo fringed flat

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COV ER STORY

MAKEUP MAYESA DELOS SANTOS HAIR EDDIE MAR CABILTES

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COV ER STORY

“I’ve always felt this need to share things I’ve discovered with others, but I’m also very thoughtful about what I put out there because I have respect for my readers.”

Phillip Lim 3.1 shirt, Univers, Cutlery, Herdmar from Rustan’s, Plate, Fornasetti

selection of caftans that Prieto is collaborating on with designer Gian Romano. All items will soon be available on her website. “I just want to present good stuff that can make life easier,” she says of the ongoing evolution of her brand. A good foundation, then proper delegation—two principles that make Prieto’s life seem charmed. But at 41, she remains interested about the world at large. With her home as a welcoming place where she can always rest her head, Prieto lets her childlike curiosity lead her to new discoveries that she can then share with others. “People sometimes tend to put themselves within boxes and put too much pressure on themselves,” she reflects. “I know I don’t know everything, and that’s where the curiosity and exploration come from. I think that as long as you’re not hurting anyone or you’re not stealing from anyone, there’s no harm in exploring the world.”

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IDEA S

BEAT THE WRAP

Gift-giving without the “green guilt”

TEXT CHRISTIAN SAN JOSE PHOTOGRAPHY SAMANTHA ONG

A 2016 report by the World Bank reveals that several thousand tons of waste is generated worldwide annually. But did you know the amount of throwaways goes up by 30 percent come holiday season? The fact that most Christmas-package items are not recyclable doesn’t help either. Additives mixed into those shiny, glitterfilled, glossy paper you enclose your gifts in make them unrecyclable. The same goes for those plastic film adhesive tape you fasten them with, for obvious reasons. But this shouldn’t dissuade you from giving your loved ones that special something because there are still creative ways to package them without adding to the trash heap.

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IDEA S Work with what you already have No need to buy wrapping paper. This year, make use of the things that are readily available: Remember that old newspaper, that unused paper bag you have hanging around, or that brown bag intact from your last grocery run? It just needs a little sprucing up. A leftover ribbon, perhaps? Or these handmade stamps you can design your plain paper with? Spend some time, not money, on DIY arts and crafts. Recipients will appreciate it.

Christmas rubber stamps, Ruby Happy Stamps, facebook.com/rubyhappylaoag

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IDEA S Does it really need to be wrapped? If your gifts to your loved ones this year are things they can keep and care for like plants or, say, a puppy, skip the wrap. Putting it in closed packaging may suffocate it. Instead, you can decorate a plant pot, or put a ribbon or twine made from natural fibers around a puppyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cage. This also goes for food items like fruits. Skip the cellophane and the cling wrap, and put them on a tray or in a reusable bag.

Indigo-dyed Shibori cloth, Daniela Calumba, instagram.com/danielacalumba Washable paper bag, Uashmama Philippines, instagram.com/uashmama_ph

Put it in something that can be reused The real problem with paper gift wrap is that it cannot be repurposed. So why not put your gift in something that can be reused? A cotton cloth dyed with local indigo that can be utilized in many ways after makes for a good substitute. These washable paper bags can be used as containers for groceries, plants, and even organizing. Furoshiki or Japanese wrapping cloth, on the other hand, is a versatile alternative which can be used to wrap different items in a variety of ways.

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EATS

IN GOOD HANDS Chef Alain RayÃ© of Michelin-starred La Regalade comes back to Manila at Q&A Kitchen + Bar TEXT YAZHMIN MALAJITO PHOTOGRAPHY JAVIER LOBREGAT

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EATS Homemade preserved tuna with baked potatoes, and ciabatta baked in olive oil

A bowl of pasta shaped like lasagna edges sits in front of us, bathed in sauce made from tomatoes and spicy pickled peppers together with bits of guanciale, the Italian cured meat made from pork jowl. The pasta looks unusual—it’s curly and almost looks like brain coral. “It’s called fiorentini,” says Joyce Oreña, the general manager of the new restaurant in Salcedo called Q&A Kitchen+Bar. She says they have a special cutting machine that mimics the shape of the French lily of the same name. Before the flour mixture enters the machine, it is handmade using organic and gluten-free flour from Italy and organic egg whites from a free-range chicken farm in Abra. “They’re made today, gone today,” says Oreña. The folks at Q&A are very particular when it comes to giving clients a modern European dining experience. Chef Alain Rayé of La Regalade (which used to have a branch in Pasay) has come back, and this time, he’s making every ingredient that is possible to make from scratch, well, from scratch. He selects the fruits and vegetables himself from local farms (they source their lemons, strawberries, cucumbers, and other

The sleek interiors in deep green, blue, and brown are designed by Artelano 11’s Eric Paras.

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EATS Fiorentini with guanciale, tomatoes, and homemade spicy pickled peppers; grilled prawns with lemon butter, chilies, and Parmigiano– Reggiano; and red beet gnocchi with ricotta, pancetta, and sage

“It’s a challenge for us to find fresh ingredients here and get them consistently with the same quality and consistency. This is why we need to be flexible.”

greens from a farm in Benguet), and when an ingredient is not in season, he alters the menu to adjust accordingly. Since they are not serving anything stale, Oreña admits, “It’s a challenge for us to find fresh ingredients here and get them consistently with the same quality and consistency. This is why we change the menu. We have to be flexible.” But fret not, they will always have the mainstays like the aforementioned smoky and spicy fiorentini. Q&A’s meatballs swimming in homemade tomato sauce are as

juicy and flavorful as the mix of pork, beef, and cured meats—including Italian sausage mortadella—can be. Their own version of the melt-in-the-mouth gnocchi derives its color from red beet and almost has the consistency of mashed potato, only Q&A’s is lighter. The grilled prawns sprawled on the tray have a hint of pungency and sharpness because of the Calabrian chili butter with pepper and garlic topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Q&A just opened in October, so expect more from chef Rayé—his own pick of special ingredients and inventive seasonal menu.

Q&A Kitchen + Bar. Unit 20, 2F, ACCM Bldg., 102 San Agustin St., Salcedo Village, Makati. 624-4388

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RECIPE

PORK AND GREENS

Make your own bagnet and a salad to go with it RECIPE GRAI ALVAR PHOTOGRAPHY JP TALAPIAN

NATIVE GREENS WITH BAGNET SALAD INGREDIENTS For the bagnet 250 g whole pork belly 6 cups water PROCEDURE 1/2 medium red onion For the bagnet 5 cloves crushed garlic 1. Place the pork belly in a deep cooking pot. Pour in the 1â &#x201E;2 tbsp. salt water until the pork is fully submerged in water, then boil. 1â &#x201E;2 tbsp. whole peppercorn 2. Once water starts to boil, add onion, garlic, salt, and whole 3 cups cooking oil black peppercorn. Let it simmer for 40 minutes. 3. Remove pork belly from water and place on a plate. For the bagoong-calamansi Let it rest until it reaches room temperature. dressing 4. Place a deep cooking pot on high heat and add oil. Once 3 tbsp. bagoong Balayan the oil is hot, adjust fire to medium. Carefully put in the 1 tbsp. squeezed pork belly and deep-fry till the pork is crispy and golden calamansi juice brown. Partially cover the cooking pot to protect yourself 1 tsp. vinegar from oil splatter. Do not fully cover the pot. 5. When the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and For the native greens salad drain it on a plate lined with paper towels. Let it rest and 4 cups pako fern, kamote cool to room temperature. tops, kangkong, or spinach, 6. Slice the pork belly into bite-sized pieces. or any other leafy green of your choice For the bagoong-calamansi dressing, place bagoong, calamansi 2 pcs. medium-sized juice, and vinegar in a small bowl and mix. tomatoes, quartered 1 whole medium red For the native greens salad onion, minced 1. Wash pako and dry well. Blanch kamote tops, spinach, or 1 whole salted egg, kangkong, if you prefer, then dry. sliced in half 2. Place greens in a bowl and toss with bagoong-calamansi dressing. 250 g cooked bagnet 3. Arrange salted egg, onion, tomatoes, and bagnet on top.

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04/12/2018 5:03 PM