RED
APRIL 2013
INQUIRER
MAGAZINE
TESSA PRIETO-VALDES Reveals Her True Colors
Editor’s Letter Some Worldly Advice
PHOTOGRAPH BY JO ANN BITAGCOL
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I don’t know anyone who travels as much as Tessa Prieto-Valdes. Since we're doing our travel issue, we thought we would show Tessa in her natural element. Truthfully, I think travel fuels her to keep on doing her other projects with such unwavering passion. There are many things people don’t know about Tessa. Behind that girl with the big colorful gowns and feathery headpieces is a calm, organized woman. I’m really excited for this issue. I cannot wait for Louis Vuitton’s book The Trunk: Short Stories. This is an amazing book that chronicles certain people's attachments to their Louis Vuitton trunk. Someday, I hope to own my very own trunk. I would probably use it as a coffee table, but in the meantime why not start with this book. In exploRED we see Cuba through the lens of Leo Raymundo. Rich in culture and history, it makes for a great place to go on an adventure back in time. For the first time, I fought my desire to bring all my beauty products to a trip to Europe and instead brought small samplers. I survived happily and felt like a more efficient traveler. With this in mind, have a look see at our beauty section where we feature small but amazing products—great for our skin and our luggage weight! You’ll know you’re in a different place not only by its infrastructure but also by the way people dress. We picked six destinations we think everyone should visit at least once in their lives and paired some style dos that will help you blend in. By the way, just remove those jackets and these outfits will work in the Philippines too. Your home should be an oasis much like the home we featured in inspiRED. We hope this section will help you beautify your living space; it can be as simple as adding a potted plant. Art is not always just about paintings. This month we feature the work of Pablo Capati, a Filipino potter trained in Japan. We also asked some foodies what their three top restaurants are. Hopefully, you’ll be able to add them to your bucket list. For empoweRED, meet photographer Lope Navo who shot our cover and other amazing ad campaigns we Filipinos can be proud off. I’m writing this letter in San Francisco, fighting jet lag and leaving for Disney Anaheim in a few days with the kids. Hope you're enjoying this issue and your summer with your loved ones!
Ria Prieto Want to see the other issues of Inquirer RED Magazine? Check out www.inquirer.net/red.
Contents admiRED
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ON THE COVER: Shirt, Jaspal. Jeans, G-Star RAW. Day-Date II President in White Gold, Rolex.
Tessa Prieto-Valdes The outspoken and adventurous style icon reveals other aspects of her captivating personality
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acquiRED Finely written stories on the iconic trunk from the near forgotten archives of Gaston-Louis Vuitton exploRED Havana, Cuba exudes a charmingly antiquarian feel of a place that has defied time and change
Gone Commando Beauty essentials for those not wishing to appear travel weary
Travel Diaries Stylish duds for the intrepid traveler inspiRED Open spaces and a bold taste in
furniture and art are what characterize this elegantly unique home
Fine Form Potter Pablo Capati's raw talent and superb eye endow his works of art with real character
inquiRED What are your favorite restaurants? empoweRED Lope Navo
Editor-in-chief Art Director Managing Editor Junior Managing Editor Post-production Artist Guest Creative Director
Ria Prieto Nina Muallam Gabrielle Talan Mara Miano Revo C. Naval Patrice Ramos Diaz
Contributing writers: Contributing photographers: Editorial Consultant
Leo Raymundo Lope Navo, Stanley Ong, Leo Raymundo Thelma Sioson San Juan
Board Chairperson
Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez
Vice President, Advertising Pepito Olarte Business Development Manager Lou Gonzales Sales and Marketing Manager Cathy Bautista-Pumarega
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acquiRED
Trunk Tales
Louis Vuitton unveils a masterpiece of words
In its most ambitious publishing venture yet, Louis Vuitton presents a fantastic collection of tales culled from the archives of Gaston-Louis Vuitton, grandson of the iconic brand's founder. Gaston amassed tons of press clippings on the Louis Vuitton trunk as well as customer feedback. He kept notebooks filled with his neat writing, listing down the details of each clipping. This valuable information was stored away, only to be perused by 11 renowned French writers who were invited to the Vuitton ancestral home and commissioned to write the stories featured in this treasured tome that would breath life into the yellowing pages of the notebooks. This team of writers includes Éliette Abécassis, Fabienne Berthaud, Marie Darrieussecq, Virginie Despentes, Nicolas d' Estienne d'Orves, Patrick Eudeline, David Foenkinos, Philippie Jaenada, Yann Moix, Véronique Ovaldé, and Bruno de Stabenrath, each a respected literary figure in France and a master of their respective genres. Encased in enviable leather by Ateliers Babouot, these wonderful tales are printed on pure thread 110g vellum paper made by Darantiere from Quetigny and are delightfully illustrated. Published by Les Éditions Gallimard for the "Hors série Littérature" collection, interested parties can purchase copies at Louis Vuitton stores worldwide. A must-have for lovers of literature and Louis Vuitton.—GDT
exploRED
Our Man in Havana There’s much more to Cuba than cigars and rum T E X T AN D P HOTO S B Y L E O R AY M UN D O
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Havana has long held a fascination for me. Cuban artists have contributed so much to the world: composer Ernesto Lecouna, dancer Alicia Alonso, director Tomas Guiterrez Alea, and musicians Beny Moré, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Chucho Valdes are just a few that come to mind. I grew up believing that Cubans don’t like Americans. So, when a friend invited me to join him on a trip to Havana, I decided to take the opportunity and find out for myself. It’s hard to believe that Havana is only 90 miles south of the Miami. Once you land on Cuban soil, everything feels different. The whole vibe is like going back in time or to another planet. Havana is a hybrid city, part Spanish and part American. The Spanish are responsible for the huge boulevards and grand mansions that stand with solemn grace along its avenues. The Americans arrived at the turn of the century, and proceeded to build some of the best examples of 20th Century Art Deco like my hotel: the 21-story Riviera Hotel, partially built by notorious New York gangster Meyer Lansky.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Habana Vieja self-portrait; A woman looks out from the balcony of a former Spanish mansion situated along the Paseo del Prado; Driving through a small town from Varadero beach to Havana.
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CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: A crumbling edifice still used as a residence; An impromptu descarga (jam session) on a side street in Centro Habana; Shooting hoops on a street court in Centro Habana.
Ever since Fidel Castro and the idealistic Che Guevara, the city of Havana has stood almost frozen by time. Most of downtown is free of high rises taller than 20 stories. One of the most modern buildings downtown is the Habana Libre, a hotel that used to be part of the Hilton chain—the supposed birthplace of the Cuba Libre cocktail. If you are partial to daiquiris, Hemingway’s favorite drink, you have to try one at his favorite Havana bar, El Floridita. Other landmarks I visited were the Tropicana Nightclub, a stunning architectural statement, set in the lush tropical gardens of the Marianao neighborhood just outside Havana, where stars like Nat King Cole and Xavier Cugat performed, along with Cuban greats. Another highlight was attending a professional baseball game in Havana. Unlike in the U.S., they play with the same ball for most of the game, scuff marks and all, while spectators watch while peeling peanut shells in contented silence. An army of pre-1959 classic American cars rumble down crowded streets at a leisurely pace, spewing black smoke, while Cubans fill every nook, and cranny, trying to stay cool amid the stifling heat of the Caribbean. Thankfully, there are delightful ways of beating the oppressive heat: taking a walk along the seawall called the Malecon (or stone embankment) that sweeps across the arc of the Havana waterfront, and feeling the sea spray on your face. Another way to stay cool is by partaking of one of the best products to come out of Cuba: Coppelia Ice Cream (made famous in the 1993 Cuban film Fresa y Chocolate). But my strongest and lasting memories will always be of the Cubans I met, who despite their hardships maintain a sense of humor and a genuine warmth to everyone they meet—even an American boy like me. •
A building situated along the Malecon, eroded by time and sea salt.
PLACES TO SEE: Coppelia Havana Cuba’s famous ice cream parlor is located at Calle 23, also known as La Rampa in the Vedado neighborhood of Havana. Designed by architect Mario Girona, it opened its doors to customers in 1966. The ice cream parlor itself is a statement. Be prepared for long qeues, and don’t forget to bring your CUPs (Cuban Pesos) or CUCs (Cuban Convertible Pesos).
Estadio Latinamericano Havana’s preeminent stadium is primarily used for baseball, Cuba’s national pastime. Erected in 1946 as the top baseball park in Latin America, the stadium is known as a pitcher’s park and seats 55,000. In 1999, the American Baltimor Orioles played an exhibition game here against the Cuban National Team.
Hotel Habana Riviera Located on the Malecon, Havana’s famous seawall, the hotel is an architectural icon of Cuba’s past. Built at a cost of US$ 8,000,000 in 1957, it was a joint venture between government financiers and Riviera de Cuba S.A., backed by notorious gangster Meyer Lansky. It is designed in a style known as Miami Modern.
El Floridita Frequented by Ernest Hemingway and notable customers like American actor Spencer Tracy and novelist Graham Greene, El Floridita is a historic fish and cocktail bar located in Habana Vieja, or Old Havana. The establishment is famous for its daiquiris. The dining room and bar still preserve the atmosphere of the 1940s, with barmen in red coats.
Cabaret Tropicana A spectacular partially outdoor showplace built in the lush gardens of the Marianao neighborhood of Havana, it opened on December 30, 1939 as Club Tropicana, featuring the very best of Cuba’s bands, singers, dancers, and choreographers, as well as top American performers like Nat King Cole and Woody Herman. The building is an architectural tour de force, designed in a series of scalloped shell forms by architect Max Borges-Recio, with furniture designed by famed American designers Charles and Ray Eames.
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admiRED
STRIPPED DOWN Tessa Prieto-Valdes takes off her hat, revealing her multi-faceted self T E X T AN D I N T E RV I E W B Y M AR A M I AN O S T Y L I N G B Y RI A P R I E TO . AS S I S T E D B Y P AT R I C E R AMOS- D I A Z P HOTO G RAP HY B Y L O P E N AV O M AK E UP B Y JUN AR S AN TO S O F TO N I & G U Y HAI R B Y N E L S O N C R UZ O F TO N I & G UY AS S I S T E D B Y ARL E N E HAL I L I
Tessa Prieto-Valdes is not a diva. Despite her love for exuberant hats and peacock feathers—regardless of the occasion, running marathons in a multi-colored tutu, presenting on television and appearing in the national newspapers as one of the country's most high-profile socialites, she is not the uppity celebrity people expect. She waltzes into the studio in a bright floral dress and Fit Flops with her hair up. She sits on the makeup chair, ready to work: no-fuss, straightforward, and professional. She does not even ask what she is going to wear for the shoot. It seems like she does not care, because if you think about it, known as "Asia's Lady Gaga," Tessa knows she can wear anything. Inquirer RED Magazine presents Tessa in full color this issue—from shades of worldly jetsetter to loving wife and mother. You're a heavy packer when you travel. What do you bring with you? Is it all the clothes? When I travel, I take lots of photos of the beautiful scenery, tourist spots, and restaurants. I want to always look picture-perfect, so I need to bring a lot of clothes, accessories and, of course, hats. You'll never know when you'll be at that place again so you have to look great all the time. What are your favorite travel destinations for shopping? Paris, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Australia. I like Japan too, but it is so expensive!
What are the most things you bring home most frequently from a trip? I buy pasalubong for everyone so I always shop for crazy souvenirs. I get magnets from all over the world and collect them and stick them on the vault in the house (not on the fridge, ha-ha). I also love buying swimsuits, cologne, and stuff for the home. What do you never leave home or the hotel without? My camera, mobile phone, wallet, rosary, hand gel, sunnies, makeup pouch, checkbook, pen, cologne, pocket diary, hairpins, clips, and a small hairbrush. How do you organize your shopping? Do you shop by season? I don't organize anything. I am an impulse buyer, and I shop in bulk. I might buy fur in the summer and bikinis in the winter. I buy whatever catches my eye—the more colorful, the better. I also tend to buy more shoes than bags. What are your tips for shopping-savvy travelers like yourself? Always make sure to have shipping or balikbayan box options for the things you buy because overweight luggage is costly. If none are available, just get pens or tea for pasalubong—nice to give but light and handy. Always buy one thing that will remind you about your trip. During my last trip to Hawaii, I bought a cool ukelele. How do you stay looking young? What are your beauty secrets? Contentment! Be happy with whatever you have and always make room to share blessings. Keep healthy, live well, and take everything in moderation (scratch that, take as many supplements as legally possible). Yoga is great for glowing skin! Sleep early (I never do, but I should). Put all the cream and sunblock needed. Make daily goals for your health and beauty because life is short, and you should never let a day go by without making it count!
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Tell us about your daughters, Annika and Athena. What traits do you share with them? Are they fashion-savvy like you? How are they different from you? Annika is my fifteen-year-old daughter. She has a very strong personality, and is intelligent and focused, like her dad. She reads a lot and is very passionate about softball. Like the typical teenager, she likes to hang with her girlfriends in Polo Club and Starbucks and does not share things with her parents. Her fashion is very casual summery: short lace dresses with mega high heels that look great with her beautiful thick hair that is softly colored in graduating tones. Athena, on the other hand, is my mini-me, especially in her fashion sense. She likes pink and knows what she likes to wear. A true charmer and so, so sweet, she is very friendly and has friends constantly come over the house. She is very creative with stickers and crafts and can do story-play all day. Both my girls love the water and the beach, like me. Your daughters' names are interesting. Are they named after the places, Athens and Jordan? [Annika's real name is Jordan Ariadne] Jordan was named so because Dennis wanted a girl's name with the letter "J" (after his father, Jess), and I liked cool androgynous names. We also named her after
Michael Jordan, the most famous basketball player at that time. Her second name Ariadne is named after the Greek goddess. Her nickname Annika is from the famous Swedish golfer,Annika SÜrenstam. Athena's full name is Athena Marean. Athena because she was made in Greece during the 2004 Olympics when we went for Swatch. We visited the Greek islands—Santorini and Mykonos—and fell in love with the country. Marean is an ode to my devotion for the Blessed Mother Mary. What are the most important values you want to instill in your kids? Love of self, family, and God and truly making a difference in this world no matter how small. Live with no regret and make every single day count, express your love constantly, and always pray for thanks and blessings before sleeping. How has motherhood changed your lifestyle? How do you find the balance between your work and being a mother and wife? I have been all kinds of mothers: single mom, young mom, middle aged mom, and now, I'm an almost-fifty mom. With almost three decades of experience, motherhood is my best achievement, and it is still teaching me life lessons. The true meaning of life for me is my love for them, and I enjoy every minute of living it with them. I delegate so I can balance everything! With the kids for instance, Dennis takes care of the discipline department, and I mostly handle the shopping department.
Dress, Maureen Disini. Shoes, Prada, Greenbelt 4.
THIS PAGE: Dress, Lesley Mobo. Pumps, Christian Louboutin, Rustan's Makati. Clip-on earrings, Prada, Greenbelt 4. NEXT PAGE: Blazer, Dennis Lustico.
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It's time for A-Z Wordplay. Tell us the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words... Age. Ageless Book. Fancy Nancy Collection Character. Sea Princess Dream. Winning the Cebu 70.3 Ironman race in August Ego. Negative Fame. Unlimited "likes" [on social media] Guilt. Shopping Height. High heels and a towering hat Insecurities. What's that?! Jeans. Only if they have bling Kids. My wonderful world Love and lust. My husband! Promise! Music. All Nickname. Sea Princess Pet Peeve. Pollution in the air and sea Quote. Live life to the fullest Restaurant. Vask Restaurant and Tapas Bar Sex. Sexy Trend. Follow me Underwear. Agent Provocateur Vacation. Maldives Water or wine? Both X-ray. Vision! Super powers YouTube. Celebrity Duets Zoo animal. Peacock •
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Gone Commando
Exploring the world without a beauty kit is like going to battle without artillery. Imagine this metaphorical death: looking like you came from a war zone in photographs. Get prepped for both the action and the camera with these handy beauty essentials P HOTO G RAP H B Y S TAN L E Y O N G
FROM LEFT: No Concealer Concealer, Perricone MD, Rustan’s Makati and EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Facial Fuel Anti-Wrinkle Cream, Kiehl’s Greenbelt 5 The Body Shop Moisture White™ Shiso Concentrated Target Perfecter, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza and SM Megamall Plumping Lip Gloss, Make Up For Ever, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza and SM City The Block Anti-bacterial travel toothbrush, Acca Kappa, Rustan’s Makati and Alabang Zo Medical Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Cream, Belo Medical Group, Medical Plaza Makati Botanical Confort Extreme Body Cream (For Very Dry Areas), Sisley, Trinoma Pretty Powerful To Go Rich Brown Eye Palette, Bobbi Brown, Rustan’s Makati AHA Botanical Body Soap, Mario Badescu Skin Care, Alabang Town Center, Rustan’s Shangri-La Eye Illuminating Youth Activator, Lancome, Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati and EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF15, Rustan’s Makati Pretty Powerful To Go Rich Brown Eye Palette, Bobbi Brown, Rustan’s Makati French Touch Absolu Lipstick #314, Lancome, Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La Eau de Cologne Citrus Verbena, L’Occitane, Powerplant Mall, Rustan’s Makati and Alabang
PARIS, FRANCE "A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life." —Thomas Jefferson Clutch, DKNY, Greenbelt 4. Graphic dress, Kate Spade, Greenbelt 3, Shangri-La Plaza, Rustan's Makati. Bow ring, Emporio Armani, Greenbelt 4. Pointed flats, Louis Vuitton, Greenbelt 4.
Travel Diaries
Sartorial looks that will have you trendsetting on a global level
SOUTH AFRICA "To see ten thousand animals untamed and not branded with the symbols of human commerce is like scaling an unconquered mountain for the first time, or like finding a forest without roads or footpaths, or the blemish of an axe. You know then what you had always been told—that the world once lived and grew without adding machines and newsprint and brick-walled streets and the tyranny of clocks.” —Beryl Markham Safari hooded jacket, Replay, SM Megamall. Necklace, Eddie Borgo, Rustan's Makati. Jumpsuit, DKNY, Greenbelt 4. Leather boots, Louis Vuitton, Greenbelt 4. Printed backpack, Lesportsac.
LONDON "Go where we may, rest where we will. Eternal London haunts us still." —Tom Moore Suede shoes, Hackett Spring, Rustan's Makati and Shangri-La Plaza. Blazer, Diesel, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center. Slim pants, DKNY, Greenbelt 4, Alabang Town Center. Printed polo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Rustan's Makati and EDSA Shangri-La Plaza. Watch, Roger Dubuis, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL “Latins are tenderly enthusiastic. In Brazil they throw flowers at you. In Argentina they throw themselves.” —Marlene Dietrich Floral polo and shorts, Tory Burch, Greenbelt 5. Flip flops, Havaianas x Missoni, Adora, Greenbelt 5. Necklace, Kate Spade, Greenbelt 3, Shangri-La Plaza, Rustan's Makati Tote with strap, Furla, EDSA Shangri-La Plaza and Newport Mall.
MALDIVES "In the Maldives pleasure and relaxation are at their utmost, where not a thought of work or toil may pass." —Anonymous Bikini, Maaji, Rustan's Makati and Shangri-La Plaza. Flip flops, Hermes, Greenbelt 3. Hat, Jessica Simpson, Rustan's Makati. Yellow top, Diesel, Greenbelt 3, Alabang Town Center. Sunglasses, Emporio Armani, Greenbelt 4.
PHOTOG R APH S B Y K A I MO RE N O (A FR I C A) , JOEY F RA N C I SC O (PAR I S, F RAN C E ) , AL E X A C AN C I O ( L O N D O N ) , LOPE N AV O (BR AZI L ), A N N A C R UZ (MA LD I VES) , A N TON DI AZ O F OUR AWESOME PLANET ( B AS S AN O ) .
BASSANO, ITALY “What is the fatal charm of Italy? What do we find there that can be found nowhere else? I believe it is a certain permission to be human, which other places, other countries, lost long ago.” —Erica Jong Jacket, Replay, Megamall. Watch, Hublot, Bonifacio High Street. Brogues, Prada, Greenbelt 4. Jeans, DKNY, Greenbelt 4. Polo, Topman, Powerplant Mall, Greenbelt 3. Passport holder, Flight 001, Bonifacio High Street.
"Black White Koi," an aquatic life painting by Ramon Diaz; Glass chandelier from India
inspiRED
Home is Where the Art is You know a home's interior has fulfilled its purpose when, upon entering, you get that much coveted feeling of peace. Nature has inspired plenty of spaces, but this home, with its warm wood, greenery, and a rebellious absence of walls, is the epitome of organic. The host enters the living room. Her presence is dominant and her voice is commanding, but her demeanor is refined, aristocratic, and graceful. Morning sunlight is peeping through the roof and windows. The atmosphere, despite the unexpected arrival of guests, is more than hospitable. The living area offers a 180-degree view of a well-maintained garden and pool. Between the indoor space and the garden are mosquito netting-like screens that roll up and down, weighed down by pebbles. Why go wall-less? The homeowner grew up in a home typical of the 50s: open and screened with plants, trees and, ponds. “I skipped the ponds for this one though because they are too much to care for, and I am worried about dengue,� she shares.
PHOTOG R A PHY BY STA N LEY ON G
Art and nature coincide in this uniquely organic dwelling
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: The owners got creative and had lampshades especially made for these oversized Chinese vinegar jars, and converted them into warm lighting for their living room; A buddha stands sentinel, guarding the main entrance; The owners won this Jesus Christ sculpture from an art auction in Germany; This Muslim house replica is reminiscent of a dollhouse, with movable tables and chairs.
Curiously enough, the main design point of her kitchen is an image of Stalin on the wall. No, she is no communist. “Did you notice his hands? How strong they look? That is why I love it.” Her choices of art and furniture are strong, impressionable, and iconic: a Thai Buddha statue right across the grand wooden entrance doors accompanied by bright candleholders, oversized Chinese vinegar jars lie scattered around the living room and dining area, an image of Christ in wood and gold and a bright red aparador lean against her living room wall. When asked why, she shrugs, “I rely on my heart and my emotions when I pick things for the home. They are mostly artistic pieces that touch my emotional side.” It is apparent hat she has traveled all over the world. The image of Christ is from an auction in Germany and the glass chandelier is from India, but she still prefers antique Filipino furniture from Pampanga, Cebu, ukayukay and segunda mano shops. She points out that an abode with a concept this organic is not too difficult to maintain. As for the furniture, the owner specifically picked old wood—mature ipil tree wood and balayon that are too dry to move and for termites to chew on. As the photographer takes his test shots, she walks around with him and occasionally comments. Her aesthetic is effortless, as if it had been honed for years. She shares, “We were taught and exposed to beauty and art as children.” She studied painting on the historic R. Hidalgo street in Manila under Antonio Dumlao, a contemporary of Amorsolo and Manansala. Like most artistic individuals, she is profound. She explains in detail her fondness for that unique Christ image. “Sacred images, such as saints and Jesus Christ, are portrayed by golden rays. These rays symbolize a being’s potensia.” Potensia is Latin for “I am able,” and is universally expressed as an incandescent glow. “That is why people who are holy, or at least peaceful and happy, are said to emanate a glow from within. It is because they are able and powerful.” And these she is.—MARA MIANO
“Sala” by Pablo Capati, 2008
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Fine Form
Potter Pablo Capati's works are a refreshing reminder that art exists in many different mediums P HOTO G RAP H B Y S TAN L E Y O N G
"I like being different," blurts out Japan-trained Pablo when asked about his interesting piece "Sala." The resourceful potter used his body as a model for this sculpture, which he finished in 2008—with the exception of the breasts, of course. True to his statement above, unlike many of his contemporaries, Pablo uses an anagama kiln, based on a centuries-old design originating in Japan. This wood-fired kiln emits much ash and combined with the minerals found in the clay, settles onto the output, producing a natural glaze. Pablo built his kiln on the family farm in Batangas, where he resides with his children. Pablo fondly recalls what he learned from his contemporaries from around Southeast Asia when he joined a workshop in Fuping, China. Perhaps these will be evident in his upcoming solo exhibition this August. Currently, he is planning to give pottery workshops once more.—GDT For more information on Pablo Capati's works, contact Art Informal, located at 227 Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City, Philippines or call (632) 725 8518 .
inquiRED
What are Your Favorite Restaurants? C O M P I L E D B Y R I A P RI E TO
Karla Atilano-Keskin, general manager and director of brand operations, Night Hotel, New York The Quarter, located in the West Village, New York is my regular weekend place. I love its cozy atmosphere and yummy food. Perfect after a day of shopping downtown. I love Hotel Costes in Paris because it epitomizes chic. The terrace restaurant has this glamorous yet inviting ambience. You can never go wrong with Nobu, and I always crave for their spicy creamy crab dish!
Ingrid Chua, fashion and lifestyle blogger and Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Jiro in Tokyo for the ultimate best in sushi. Crustacean in San Francisco for the roasted garlic crabs, and La Nuova Pasteleria in Makati, Philippines for their angulas pasta.
Giselle Go, editor-in-chief of Style and Style: Men (Sinagpore) I love Bistro Soori for its service and consistency. They serve fusion food, which I normally am not a fan of, but they do so using clean, fresh ingredients so taste is never compromised. It's the pet project of Chan Soo Khian, a well-respected architect. Akashi is one of Singapore's best Japanese restaurants, in my opinion. Its fuss-free, totally unassuming, and the ingredients are fresh— everything I want from a Japanese restaurant. Lucha Loco has a casual, fun vibe, with good music, tasty, well-priced dishes, and fantastic margaritas. I normally run into people I know here because right now, it's quite the popular place.
Pepper Teehankee, columnist The Fat Duck in Bray, England because I have long been a fan of Heston Blumenthal, considering he had a three-star Michelin rating and has no formal training in cooking. I tried the degustacion menu in The Fat Duck and loved everything, especially the "Snail Porridge with Jabugo Ham and Shaved Fennel" and "Sound of the Sea" where even the "sand" is edible. Caprice is the best place in Hong Kong to get my favorite Belon oysters and Bresse chicken under one roof. The wine list is excellent and all the other food on the menu is great. The three-star Michelin rated restaurant is conveniently located in The Four Seasons Hotel. Matsusakagyu in Osaka because it has the best beef in the world! The prices were shockingly cheaper than what we normally pay for Japanese beef, and this was Matsusaka beef! The Matsusaka beef sushi is to die for and torched perfectly. Aside from having twelve cuts of Matsusaka beef available (I tried four), I also had their grilled Japanese pork and chicken.
Angela Dinglasan, general manager of Zenutrients and The Greenhouse Inc. Lung King Heen at The Four Seasons in Hong Kong because the dim sum is just to die for! Foie gras and truffles in dim sum! What more could you want? I like Peter Luger in Brooklyn because the steak is done right, and Xindalu at Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai because the Peking duck is done the right way. They even imported their brick oven and the wood to get it done perfectly right.
Brooklyn Bridge, one of my favorite spots in New York to write and think.
My favorite baby picture!
I just love desert safaris! This one is in Dubai, a day before a campaign shoot.
30 Alair Gomes is one of my favorite photographers. He is Brazillian.
empoweRED
Lope Navo
This successful lensman does our country proud
I love rebels and people who always have their own style in everything they do—just like Vivienne Westwood.
An amazing sunset that I fell in love with in Rio de Janeiro. I have thousands of different versions of this.
A photograph commissioned by Christian Dior, Paris.