www.inquirer.net/red AUGUST 2013
ANNA SY
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Editor’s Letter It's a Man's World We never like to take things literally for the magazine. Call it stubborn, but I refused to put a male on the cover, simply because I was inspired by this subversive quote I read, "Always make a woman do a man's job." Anna Sy (page 16) is a US-licensed architect who is currently a design consultant here in Manila. She shares her story of growing up as a girl who preferred Lego over Barbie. We do have exciting finds for our male readers though. Tod's takes luxury shopping to a new level with Sartorial Touch (page 8), an old school leather salon where you can have customized goods made while enjoying some whiskey on a beautiful, wooden bar and imagine yourself a New York mafioso in Milan. Traditional grooming never loses its touch. In fact, there are salons especially for these sprouting all over New York, and our baRED section (page 20) offers a complete guide on its essentials and benefits. My husband says so himself:
PHOTOGRAPH BY JO ANN BITAGCOL
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There is just something inexplicably more masculine about brushing soap on your face and shaving hair with a straight razor. It's only half as cool in the movies than in real life. I find it quite funny that he even goes to the trouble since he can’t grow a full beard. But why not? I believe in doing things that make you happy, and this does, so I leave him to indulge. French interiors are always deemed feminine, and for inspiRED (page 26), we feature a man's fastidiously curated pad that combines a good balance of both fluid design and masculine accents. It is a space that anyone would covet. I have to say this has to be my favorite page this issue. Lastly, we had the pleasure to meet PBA founder and Olympic basketball player Paeng Hechanova (page 31), who shared with us how philanthropy can actually be a career, and a fulfilling one at that.
Ria Prieto
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Contents admiRED
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Anna Sy Sound Sophistication
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ON THE COVER: Top, Bettina Ocampo; necklace; both from Celestina, Greenbelt 5 THIS PAGE: Dress, Hermès, Greenbelt 3
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art Restoration and a respect of the past fuels Tats Manahan’s art acquiRED Tods‘s current take on the old-world charm of shoemaking attiRED Your invaluable guide to appropriate dressing baRED Traditional grooming never goes out of style exploRED The eclectic allure of Copenhagen devouRED Steak at its absolute finest inspiRED French-style interiors from a man’s perspective inquiRED When does your feminine side come out? empoweRED Paeng Hechanova
Editor-in-chief Art Director Managing Editor Junior Managing Editor
Ria Prieto Nina Muallam Gabrielle Talan Mara Santillan Miano
Contributing writers:
Contributing illustrator:
Renato F. Aguila, Caroline Schmidt, Nicolai Svane Sara Black, Tammy David, Emilio Esguerra, Paul Mondok, Caroline Schmidt, Nicolai Svane Steph Bravo
Editorial Consultant
Thelma Sioson San Juan
Board Chairperson
Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez
Contributing photographers:
Vice President, Advertising Pepito Olarte Business Development Manager Lou Gonzales Sales and Marketing Manager Cathy Bautista-Pumarega
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art
Surfaces Past and Future Historic techniques help Tats Manahan decorate new homes and preserve past heritage
Tats Manahan is a surface decorator whose work here has been of note since the early 1990s, but this is just one of the hats that she has worn over the past few years. She has done a documentary on the end of World War II that was screened in the US. She is also working with others to help preserve the country’s built heritage from ruin. An alumna of Maryknoll College with a degree in Communication Arts, she was engaged in the television industry for several decades. Her husband is veteran television producer and director, Johnny Manahan. However, she has gained a reputation for working on interior surfaces, something which she shares in some detail with Inquirer RED Magazine. “I work with interior designers, sometimes with architects or sometimes with the owners of the house,” she says, “and I work with [them] to do what the client wants.” In the case of a recent client whose dining room was featured in another recent publication, she used a chinoiserie theme for a mural in the space. It is not just about murals, Manahan says. A lot of technique and craft are involved, including the use of gold leaf and plaster. For this, Tats’s craft took her all the way to Italy, where she apprenticed under the best in her field in Venice. In 2011, she completed her studies at the Centro Europeo per i Mestieri della Conservazione del Patrimonio Architettonico, the only Filipino to do so. Tats’s first surface design project was, of course, at home. “The biggest challenge then was using locally sourced materials,” she says, “I had to study how they ‘moved’ as opposed to the foreign brands I was trained on.” She adds, “There were slight differences given the formulation and also the weather, which affected the drying time, but eventually, I figured it out, but not without a few mistakes.” Asked as to what makes her work in surface decoration interesting, she says, “We deal with what people think of themselves, how they want to project their home because they have to see it every day.”
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Apart from working on other people’s homes, she is training a new generation of craftsmen at the Escuela Taller, which is a technical-vocational school funded by the Spanish government in Intramuros. The aim is to teach crafts necessary for heritage conservation. She teaches students how to work with lime mortar in making complex finishes. “When I went to school in Italy,” she says, “I realized that [my past training in the field of surface decoration] was a revival of historical finishes [and techniques].” She originally trained under Joanne Day, the then-doyenne of the field of surface decoration years back, and her further training in Venice was an immersion in those historical techniques useful in restoration. Tats admits that much of her work lately has been focused on restoration. One recent project she helped work on was the baptistery of Sta. Ana Church in Manila, which took her about three or four months. The work involved a process of documentation, diagnosis, and repair of fallen/broken parts— all before the actual restoration began. “Every [restoration] project is never the same,” she comments on her work. “You can’t really say that one is more challenging than the other.” This work of restoration has also led Tats to be an advocate. She is part of the board of trustees of the Heritage Conservation Society, which seeks to properly preserve the country’s built heritage. She has also briefly returned to television work. She produced a 13-part documentary for Senator Leticia Ramos-Shahani in 1994, and in 1995, made documentaries on the Massacre of Manila in 1945, one of the worst atrocities of the Pacific theatre of World War II, and on pre-Hispanic gold. The former got her the chance to work with one of the best cinematographers National Geographic had at the time, and the opportunity to have her work shown at the International Documentary Association’s festival in Los Angeles. Tats’s most recent project was curating the 2012 Claudio Bravo portrait exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, which was the result of a long-held wish. Bravo, a family friend, was briefly in town and did a series of portraits, including those of her parents-in-law. She wanted to do a retrospective of his portraits and learned that others, most notably the Lopez Museum, had similar plans. The exhibit opened in late 2012 with the support of the Chilean Embassy. With all that she has done so far, Tats Manahan is living an interesting life in different ways, steeped in history and keeping its lessons alive for future generations. •
This chair is an example of the furniture pieces that Tats reworks using restoration techniques culled from her education abroad.
OPPOSITE PAGE: A portion of the ceiling of a Makati home handpainted by Tats. THIS PAGE (RIGHT): Tats having fun in her studio, wearing her favorite pair of paint-spattered work pants.
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acquiRED
Tailor Made
J.P. Tod's Sartorial Touch is a revivalist approach to luxury shopping
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J.P. Tod's is a brand that has long been associated with nearly peerless craftsmanship and style. What better than to take these qualities and push the envelope just a bit further with president Diego del Valle's latest foray into innovating the brand? Imagine walking into a section of a store that very much resembles and feels like an exclusive English gentleman's club: brown leather, elegant fixtures and decor, complete with an American lounge and bar. Tod's Sartorial Touch is a throwback to most contemporary luxury fashion brands. It marries tradition with modernity by virtue of its concept, providing an exclusive, traditional yet entirely unique feel to shopping. Tod's Sartorial Touch offers select customers made-to-order services wherein they can choose from a wide selection of leathers for footwear, bags or accessories while sipping on their favorite whiskey blend, nibbling on pastries and engaging in pleasant repartee with other customers. Located in the Milan store at 22 Via Spiga, Tod's Sartorial Touch is set to open in the brand's Paris, London and New York flagship stores by the year's end.—GRT
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desiRED
Miss Literati
Celine Lopez on her latest work, The Recorded History of A Girl, and realizing her dream creative journey
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Is this a biography or partly non-fiction? It's on a purely fictional format. I truly enjoyed the process of creating this life that you find in the book. I daydreamed as I wrote.
What can the public expect from your writing for this book as compared to your first novel? It's a very light-hearted novel that tackles a lot of sensitive subjects in a very compassionate and human way. I think we need more feel-good things in our lives. Why Krip Yuson for your intro, aside from the fact that he's a brilliant writer? He seems to be a romantic at heart. What part of you does this book represent? My inner mush. What does it take to self-publish a book? A lot but I wouldn't have it any other way. I did it my way. What lessons do you want readers to pick up from your novel? To write more letters.
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•
AVA IL ABL E THI S A UG UST AT A MA ZON .C OM AN D I N KI ND LE F O RM AT.
What inspired you to write this book? Conversely, were there any deterrents to writing it? I've always enjoyed fiction. It's an alternate world within our world and that is truly fascinating. Writer's block was not my friend. However, when I finally hit my stride, it was wonderful. I lived on a routine while writing it. I woke up at 7 a.m., and I promptly stopped writing at 2 p.m. I learned from Haruki Murakami that when you're feeling the peak of creativity while you're writing, you need to stop. It keeps the momentum going. Another [tip] was from Stephen King: Always stick to a schedule. Even if you're staring at a blank page, you need to stay there and just wait. Both have worked for me.
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attiRED
Ethics of Dress
In the context of frequently overlooked etiquette for appropriate clothing, here is our take on the essentials
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SMART CASUAL Smart casual simply means welldressed casual. It is a dress code that goes between casual and formal, a multi-purpose ensemble that is acceptable for several kinds of occasions. Where to wear it: Posh lunches and metropolitan events
THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Dress shirt, Ralph Lauren, Rustan's; Pique blazer in Grey Marl, Zara, Greenbelt 5; Green leather strap watch, Breitling, Lucerne, Greenbelt 5; Leather shoes, Church, Univers, Rockwell; Jeans, Marlboro Classics, Glorietta 4; Leather belt, Kenneth Cole, Bonifacio High Street; Aviators, Ray-Ban, Rustan's and leading optical stores OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): Oxford blazer, Topshop, Power Plant Mall; V-neck cotton shirt, James Perse, Rustan's; Barenia leather metal chain, Hermès, Greenbelt 3; Bing Bang Zebra Bang watch, Hublot, Bonifacio High Street; Bracelet, Pandora, Greenbelt 5; PS11 python clutch, Proenza Schouler, Adora, Greenbelt 5; Peep toe shoes, Giuseppe Zanotti, Rustan's; Striped slim fit pants, Dorothy Perkins, Glorietta 3
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SEMI-FORMAL Wear your suit with or without your tie. For semi-formal wear, men and women have the freedom to be more fashion-forward than usual. Color and texture are a must. Where to wear it: Cocktail events, wedding receptions, anniversaries
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THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Patek Philippe Nautilus 5712R, Patek Philippe, Lucerne, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Classique gray and diamond interlocking cuff bracelet, Charriol, Greenbelt 4; Collier de Chien, Hermès, Greenbelt 3; Altair clutch, Louis Vuitton, Greenbelt 4; Dress, Lanvin, Homme et Femme, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Booties, Gucci, Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Golden south sea pearl studs, Jewelmer, Shangri-La Plaza Mall OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): Marine neck tie, Salvatore Ferragamo, Rustan's; Printed dress shirt, Paul Smith, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Wool and linen gray suit, Burberry London, Rustan's; Leather shoes, Tod's, Greenbelt 4; Royal Oak titanium watch, Audemars Piguet, Greenbelt 5; Silver-Toned Check Engraved Round Cufflinks, Burberry, Greenbelt 3
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BLACK TIE The purpose of the black tie's specificity is that it makes all the men at the party look uniform, so men should keep it low key and use color sparingly. For a more personalized take, use a different fabric or a different cut for your suit jacket. Women, on the other hand, can be as extravagant as they want. Where to wear it: Red carpet events, some weddings
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OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT): Earrings, Harry Winston, Greenbelt 5; Sapphire and white gold necklace, Harry Winston, Greenbelt 5; Woven clutch, Bottega Veneta, Greenbelt 4; Floor-length indigo wrap dress, Halston Heritage, Rustan's; Stilettos, Jimmy Choo, Greenbelt 4; Diamond coil watch, Bulgari, Greenbelt 4 THIS PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): White tuxedo shirt, Burberry Prorsum, mrporter. com; Wool jacket, Lanvin, Homme et Femme, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Silk bow tie, Brooks Brothers, Power Plant Mall; Cummerbund, Brooks Brothers, Power Plant Mall; Tailored cotton trousers, Lanvin, Homme et Femme, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Contrast-edge silk pocket square, Gucci, Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; Leather shoes, Bally, Newport Mall; L.U.C Quattro 18-carat white gold watch, Chopard, Greenbelt 5; Leather belt, Hermès, Greenbelt 3; Sterling silver cage cuff links, Bottega Veneta, Greenbelt 4
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admiRED
subtle
strength Anna Sy is the embodiment of a calm that gets ahead
Dress, Hermès, Greenbelt 3
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‘ONCE A STRONG ARCHITECTURAL IDEA IS FORMED, I CONSCIOUSLY TRY TO CARRY IT THROUGH —EVEN DOWN TO THE DETAILS. I TRY TO DESIGN WITH RESTRAINT AND DELETE SUPERFLUOUS GESTURES AND ELEMENTS THAT DETRACT FROM THE MAIN IDEA.’
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“I don't feel that architecture is a ‘man's job,' it's just been dominated by men due to social conditioning that molds women from a young age to gravitate towards other fields," explains Anna Sy, a licensed architect in the US and co-founder of the award-winning global firm CS Architecture. “I'd imagine that the ratio of women to men in architecture schools has risen through the years. This must be the same for other fields traditionally dominated by men." She is right, at least in the case of the Philippines. A notable report was released by the World Bank earlier this year: the Philippines is a world leader in gender equality with its large share of women in highskilled occupations. Currently, more than half of Filipinos in the industries of legislation, business management and government are female. The reality of the architecture industry being male-dominated, however, isn't news to Anna. After she graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, she moved to Los Angeles and worked at a firm that was a typical “old boys' club," with constant utterance of sexist jokes and comments in the office. “It didn't help that the main design partner at the time encouraged and fostered this attitude," Anna remarks. She knew it would have been more advantageous to work with the interior design group as a woman, but in the architecture division, she understood her place. She was lucky to be placed under the wing of a seasoned and well-respected associate who did not condone such ridiculous behavior. “I didn't plan on staying there forever, so I simply took in the experience, learned from it and moved on." Anna believes that female architects tend to be more thorough. They think of the specifics of how a space or a piece of furniture is used and design it with the user in mind. “I think of context and relationship to the site first and foremost," tells Anna of her design philosophy. “I love layouts and spaces that connect seamlessly to the outdoors, [with] abundant light and ventilation that liven and complete the experience." She aims for “a quiet architecture" whose drama is subtle but progressively unfolds. “Once a strong architectural idea or diagram is formed, I consciously try to carry it through even down to the details. I try to design with restraint and delete superfluous
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gestures and elements that detract from the main idea." Growing up, Anna always loved looking at architecture, especially residential homes. CS Architecture's portfolio features exquisite residences, both here and abroad, that evidently projects her style of nonchalantly connecting the house to the outdoors, creating a space where the environment is as significant as the building itself, whether the house is in the city or by the sea. It was only in college that she decided to seriously pursue architecture, thanks to the highly regarded program at Columbia University. Before that, she considered going into industrial design, setting up a home decor store and being a fashion buyer. “My parents didn't know much about the architectural profession, but were supportive of my career path," Anna recalls. “My dad was a banker all his life, and my mom, being more traditional, perhaps preferred that I settle down early." She is thankful to her parents for a wonderful childhood, when they were well-exposed through frequent family travels and moving around. They moved to Hong Kong when Anna was six, and then moved to Tokyo afterwards. She moved to the US for college and a few years of practice. She is currently based in Manila as a design consultant. “I've always enjoyed building things with my hands, first with Lego as a child, and later on, building countless models of my design projects," shares Anna, who adds that it was frustrating to grow up at a time when toy stores only carried model kits for planes or cars, with no alternatives for girls who liked to build as well. “My mom refused to buy me any toy that was specifically for boys. I was limited to Lego and thousandpiece jigsaw puzzles for many years," she recalls. “Sadly, I don't think the industry has changed much since then, where the absence of developmental toys that encourage three-dimensional building skills for girls is highlighted." Anna believes that in any case, unequal opportunity should never be a deterrent for any woman. Quiet and reserved, it is surprising how Anna deals with adversity. “I try not to dwell on things that don't go well. I solve the problem and move on. I learned this from my dad, but I am still not as good in handling adversity as he is," she admits. “What is important is that you work hard and behave professionally, that these overcome whatever gender bias or preconceptions that other people may have." •
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BY MARA MI A N O PHOTOGRAP H Y SA R A BLA CK STY LING R I A P R I E TO ILLUSTRAT I O N S STE P H BR AVO MAKEUP ST E V E N DO LO SO HAIR RJ DE L A CR U Z
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Top, Thakoon, Univers, Rockwell
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baRED
Spruce Up, Ole Chap These shaving tools are enough to bring out the real man in anyone
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1 Pre-Shave Oil. Prevent skin irritation with pre-shave oil that opens up your pores and allows you a closer shave. Inquirer RED recommends: Pre-shave oil, Anthony Logistics For Men, Beauty Bar, Greenbelt 5 2 Shave Brush. Used by wet shavers, this small brush possesses a handle that is parallel to the bristles. This is used to apply shaving soap or cream evenly to the shaving area Inquirer RED recommends: Shave brush, Penhaligon, Adora, Greenbelt 5 3 Soap. Hard soap provides lather, which coats and moisturizes the face, preparing it for the straight razor. Inquirer RED recommends: Lavender soap, eShave, Adora, Greenbelt 5 4 Shave Cream. Shave cream usually contains ingredients such as aloe vera and avocado oil, which moisturize and protect skin from discomfort caused by the razor. Inquirer RED recommends: HIS Shave Cream, Urban Rituelle, Beauty Bar, Greenbelt 5 5 Straight Razor. For a close, consistent shave, use a classic straight razor. Though this does require a degree of care while using, it is a more luxurious way to shave and saves you the trouble of purchasing disposable ones. Inquirer RED recommends: Straight Razor, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Power Plant Mall 6 Luxury Razor. In contrast to the straight razor, a luxury razors is ergonomic, has five blades, and is easier to use than a straight razor. It exudes a traditional feel due to its material. Inquirer RED recommends: Rising Star metal razor, eShave, Adora, Greenbelt 5 7 Aftershave. After shaving, it is wise to use aftershave in case the skin has been damaged in any way. It also seals in the moisture and gives a fresh, clean feel after shaving. Inquirer RED recommends: Natural Skin Care for Men Aftershave, Burt's Bees , Beauty Bar, Greenbelt 5 8 Hair Brush. Top off that clean new look with a polished coiffure. Use wax (or pomade, for the more traditional man) to keep it in place. Inquirer RED recommends: military-style hairbrush, Acca Kappa, Rustan's 9 Face Cloth. Wipe off water and excess product with a towel that's gentle on newly shaven skin. Inquirer RED recommends: face cloth, Ralph Lauren, Rustan's 10 Facial Moisturizer. Soreness, dryness and irritation begone with facial moisturizer. Apply this after the whole shaving process. Inquirer RED recommends: Cosmetic Lad facial moisturizer, Lush, Bonifacio High Street 11 Travel Kit. Store basic wet shaving essentials in a handy cosmetic kit for grooming on-the-go. Inquirer RED recommends: travel pouch, Prada, Greenbelt 4
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exploRED
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Danish Kingdom
Denmark is brimming with all things novel from historic architecture to food markets to the notorious Pusher Street W O R D S AN D PHOTOG R A PHY C A R OLI N E BA C LI G S C HM I D T A N D N I C OLA I SVA N E HA N SEN
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Copenhagen is clean, charming and extremely tourist-friendly.
WHERE TO STAY
You will love Copenhagen in the summertime, from May to August, when the days are long and bright and the Danes bike bare-chested through the city’s cobblestone streets. There is a strong sense of culture and Danish design in Queen Magrethe’s old town, first founded in 1167. Whether it’s old castles or modern design in one of the many museums within the city, it is anyone's choice of scenery. On a sunny day, you can rent a bicycle—the Copenhageners’ favorite mode of transportation— and cruise like they usually do on their days off. Make sure to see the Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Round Tower and the Copenhagen Cathedral, where Crown Prince Frederick married his Aussie princess. If you’re not keen on meeting Vikings on wheels, then strolling along Stroeget is for you. This car-free shopping street is quite unique for Europe or anywhere else in the world. You can shop for both high-end brands and bargain items, eat gourmet food, or buy yourself the famous Danish hotdog from a sidewalk stand. You’ll find tourists from all over the world, but you won’t be rubbing shoulders with the Copenhageners, as they are busy sipping their lattes at the cafes located on the small side streets off the tourist areas. For those who want to follow the footprints of the hipsters, you should check out the following streets: Lars Bjoernsstraede, Kompagni Straede, Kronprinsensgade or Gothersgade, where you can buy items from local designers. The jewelry, fashion and furniture are all of Danish quality but at Danish cost, so bring lots of Danish krones (1 Danish krone is equal to 8 Philippine pesos). The metro is only 10 years old and is a hassle-free way to travel to the city’s hotspots, like Christianshavn (Christiania), Noerreport (Torvehallerne), and Kongens Nytorv where Nyhavn or
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If you want your holiday in Copenhagen to be more off the beaten track, then “sleeping with the Danes" is a possibility. Some of them rent out rooms or their entire apartment on Airbnb. Danes are hospitable if their time allows it; they will even show you around their neighborhood. OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): This soldier is a common sight seen in Amalienborg, which serves as the home of the royal family in wintertime; Passersby walking along the cobbled roads of Nyhavn; The Danes rely on bicycles as their prime mode of transportation. This row of bikes makes for a picturesque sight on a bright day; Once the focal point for Danish cannabis culture, Christiania remains as quaint and interesting even after cannabis was delegalized; The Rosenborg castle now serves as a museum and houses many fine works of art; Jaegersborggade Street is home to many interesting shops and restaurants; The Round Tower is a staple of Danish architecture, does not possess an elevator and has been around since 1642; The Tivoli Gardens is the amusement park that inspired Walt Disney to build Disneyland.
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Newport is located—a heritage harbor with a colorful waterfront of cafes and restaurants. A great place for ice cream is Vaffelbageren, and the herring buffet is a must-try at Nyhavns Faergekro. Smoked, pickled, fried and marinated herring is a Danish delicacy with an acquired taste, but nothing that the Filipino palette can't appreciate. You can always get local snaps and beer as chasers. Skååål! If you’re into fashion, you might want to visit on the second week of August, when the city turns into one endless catwalk during Copenhagen Fashion Week. If you’re gay and proud, Copenhagen Gay Pride—also held in August—will offer entertainment for all colors of the spectrum. If you're more of a music buff, then Copenhagen will be your new favorite venue. There are music festivals abound and every genre has its own representation. Just to mention a few: Distortion, Jazz Festival, Stella Polaris, and the Roskilde Festival. •
Copenhagen was once a Viking fishing village centuries ago. The waterfront serves as a reminder for the Danes about their storied past.
WHAT TO SEE
Tivoli Garden Walt Disney's inspiration for Disneyland, Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world and is right in the center of the city, a few steps away from the City Hall and Stroeget. The place is a mix of roller coasters, Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales and Danish dining all situated in a wonderful garden. If you go on Fridays, there will be a local or international band playing to attract the youth of Copenhagen. The Beatles played here in 1964, and this year, it was Sting who dropped by to sing in the Garden. Christiania The youthful and more adventurous would enjoy a visit to this very liberal town. Also known as Little Amsterdam for its Pusher Street where all kinds of cannabis products were once sold, Christiana saw a change in government in 2004 that outlawed these goods. However, the architecture and the vegetarian food at Morgenstedet or the "morning place" are still available. Stroeget No cars are allowed on this 1.1 km-long shopping street, that dates back to 1480, so enjoy the beautiful architecture while shopping for royal Danish porcelain or Louis V. This is a great place for people watching and eating your “Danish,” which the Danes call “wiener bread." Jaegersborggade If you just want to hang with the local crowd, and you really like Bergmannstrasse in Berlin or The Collective in Makati, than Jaegersborggade is right up your alley. This hip street has it all: Michelin-starred restaurants to satisfy your hunger and a World Barista Champion to roast your coffee. Everything is handmade from candy to diamond drizzled jewelry by Bente Hallstein, who is favored especially by royalty, politicians and actresses. Kanal Rundfart (Canal Tours) This is a great way to see Copenhagen with its many sights. The tour sails past the Opera House and the Little Mermaid (Don’t get disappointed with the latter. She isn’t called little for nothing.) Torvehallerne In case it rains, this indoor food market will be a saving grace. Hours can be spent among free samples and tasty shopping from all over the world. Torvehallerne has been compared to La Boqueria in Barcelona and Borough Market in London. Don’t miss out on Tapas del Torro, Summerbird chocolates, and Danish minies. The Castles Rosenborg is located in the King's Garden and has the Royal Family’s jewelry on display. Amalienborg is where Queen Magrethe lives with her family.
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devouRED
The Price of Quality Solaire's Strip Steakhouse does not fall short on the promise of an optimal dining experience
STR I P I S LO CATE D AT SOLA I RE R ESO R T & C A SI N O, 1 S OL AI RE BOUL EVARD , EN TER TA I NMEN T CI T Y, METR O MA N IL A . F O R R ESE RVATI ON S , C AL L ( 02 ) 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 .
PHOTO GR A P H Y BY P A U L M O N DO K
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“People assume we're greatly overpriced," admits Strip's award-winning chef de cuisine Trevor Macleod. He was in China before he decided (or was convinced, actually) to take part in the ever-budding scene of the Philippine hospitality industry. “People must know that we're at similar price points with other steakhouses. Our servings are generous, and we source our ingredients from the best suppliers in the world." Strip's mashed potatoes are made with Charlotte potatoes from England and Échiré butter from France for superior flavor, and the Wagyu beef is freshly slaughtered from Cabassi & Rea Farms in Australia. Not a single product in Strip's pantry is frozen. They use only fresh vegetables, meat and fish, and their kitchen only has a tiny freezer for sorbet and ice cream. Having worked in Fairmont hotels in Vancouver, Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, Trevor feels lucky to be in Manila under an extremely supportive administration. “They specifically told us, ‘We want the best. We want to be world-class,'" he says. “They made me list down all the equipment and the ingredients I needed, and they provided everything, just like that." According to Trevor, the sustenance gives him the freedom and mobility to focus completely on developing the best cuisine for Strip—intellectually formulated, but still approachable. The pork terrine is garnished with chicharrón, Trevor's ode to Philippine local ingredients. “Using local ingredients honors where you are," he comments. The pan-seared foie gras, sitting on delicious brioche, is coated with peanut powder and served with apple butter, reminiscent of Trevor's favorite breakfast of peanut butter and jam on toast. “We have two dish categories on the menu: Adventurous and Play-It-Safe," Trevor points out. “I like coming up with unconventional executions, but I stick to the fundamentals. If I make mashed potato, I will make the best mashed potato and make it exciting." The star of the show undoubtedly is the Australian Wagyu that boasts a marble score of 7 to 8. Trevor serves it with an unsparing dish of fries, and muses, “I promise you, these are the crispiest steak fries in Manila," and they were.—MSM
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Everything in its proper place: The plush blue couch seats guests in comfort while the backdrop is an interesting menagerie of books, art, and curios.
inspiRED
A Gentleman's Way
This stunning home is a product of a fine taste in opulent decor and precise visual arrangement
Upon entering this luxurious apartment the first things one will notice are the splendidly high ceilings and abundance of natural light spilling in from the sheer curtained windows. Everything else gives off an aura of elegance and opulence marked by a distinct masculinity. Cool grayish blue walls highlighted by white trim set off the white, black, and blue furniture. On the walls hang remarkable works of art, including Bencabs, Ronald Venturas, an Armorsolo, Hidalgo, and Edades. The owner is ostensibly a collector, a meticulous and fervent aficionado of all things beautiful. There is a certain humor and sense of the fantastical presented by the decor, such as the black bowler hat lights that the owner purchased from Wooster and Jeeves in Bangkok, butterflies encased
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PHOTOG R APHY TAMMY DAVI D
P HOTO S F RO M W W W.C URI O US S E T T I N G .C O M
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The owner's workspace is spruced up by a fringe lamp and a very unique chair; A trunk as a table covered with unique curios, coffee table books, and a touch of green; More is not too much so long as each piece is in its proper place—this Union Jack nightstand is a throwback to all the classic furniture pieces used in the bedroom.
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TOP TO BOTTOM: Subdued blue gray complemented by lots of natural light enliven the space; Dark blue walls trimmed in gold lend an air of elegance and luxury.
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in a glass dome, and the award winning Gregoria Lounge by Ito Kish in white, which seems like an apparition—an inviting one—with its strangely beautiful balustrade-inspired frame. White doors open to the bedroom, which is done up in a luxurious shade of dark blue with gold trim to match the champagne drapes, allowing just enough amber-hued light to trickle into the room. The black four-poster bed is sizeable, enough for the owner and his beloved dog to laze about in on weekends. From the ceiling overhead hangs a set of onion-shaped glass lamps—a purchase from Jo-Liza Arts & Antiques. A black mahogany desk serves as his workspace, and special note must be made of his work chair, which is in the shape of a naked human lower torso and legs. A gray lounge and a plasma TV above a Union Jack nightstand serve as another corner for relaxation and contemplation. Here and there Louis Vuitton trunks serve as coffee tables, covered with interesting books and curious bric-a-brac. The owner is quite proud of his homeware by Hermès and the shagreen pieces (decor made of rawhide, usually of shark or rayskin) that pepper his home. The wonderful thing about this dwelling is that each object is given its proper place wherein its individual beauty is best noticed despite being surrounded by so many other interesting items. What was once a guestroom the owner converted into a loft type closet for his clothes, accessories, and vast collection of shoes. There is also a walk-in closet to better accommodate his—as a collector—rather hefty storage needs. It is important to note, once again, the owner's attention to detail, which manifests in the blackout drapes, that prevent the sun from damaging his precious collections. This living space recalls an ornate Parisian apartment. Indeed, the owner cites buildings in Paris and the room of Marie Antoinette as design references. Although this type of design seems to be wholly feminine, the sobering masculine touches, such as a brown leather saddle, taxidermy pieces, animal skins, and of course, the color scheme, among other things, make this a man's abode, and an exquisite one at that.—GRT
8/7/13 11:53 AM
Back to my beauty queen figure in
3½ months!
“When it comes to slimming, Marie France takes the crown.” LARA QUIGAMAN-ALCARAZ
“Post-natal weight is difficult to shed. If you’ve tried everything, all the exercise routines and popular diets, and you don’t see any satisfying results, it’s time to go to the experts. I tell you, my tummy, my arms, all my problem areas were trimmed and toned by the non-invasive slimming programs in Marie France! I got my beauty queen body back without risky surgeries or strenuous workouts!”
CALL MAKATI CODE: PSL 1323
ORTIGAS
TOMAS MORATO MAG: LOOK / RED
BINONDO
ALABANG
SIZE: 9.75” x 11.25”
E. RODRIGUEZ JR. (C-5)
CONGRESSIONAL
894-2639
PAMPANGA • TEL: 961-2981
CEBU • TEL: 233-7637
inquiRED
When Does Your Feminine Side Come Out?
“My feminine side is most evident in my love for art and the more right-brained, creative parts of my life. I’ve always enjoyed painting and the graphic arts. The creative is far more exciting than the structured, logical left side of the brain. ” DENNIS VALDES, PHILWEB PRESIDENT
“When it comes to family matters both the masculine and feminine sides come into play depending ARMAND DEL ROSARIO, upon the KAYA FOOTBALL CLUB PLAYER circumstances. At AND COACH a basic level the desire to protect comes forth, but on another level, the nurturing side, which people might say is the more feminine instinct." SENATOR SONNY ANGARA “When I get ready to go on air and they have to put makeup on me!"
“I don’t think men have a feminine side because nothing clearly defines what is feminine or masculine. Is it fair to say that all artists are feminine and all athletes are masculine? I think not." ERWAN HEUSSAFF, FOOD ENTHUSIAST
C O M P I L E D B Y R I A P RI E TO
“I feel most feminine when it comes to my hair, whether it is when I’m removing unwanted body hair or trying to revive the hair on my head!"
JINNO RUFINO, ANCHOR/ PRODUCER OF SOLAR SPORTS DESK
“I actually don’t know. It just does. Maybe when I’m the only guy hanging out with a group of girls." JOEL YAPTINCHAY, BUSINESSMAN
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“I would say my feminine side comes out when I’m getting ready to go out. I spend so much time choosing my outfit and doing my hair. I just can’t help it. Better late than ugly. Ha-ha!" FABIO IDE, MODEL
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empoweRED
A Legacy of Philanthropy Paeng Hechanova explains why organizations are better for us than we think
P HOTO G RAP HY P AUL M O N D O K
B Y M ARA M I AN O
His life is indeed colorful. While he was taking up Architecture in the University of Santo Tomas (UST), he consecutively lead basketball championships for the UST Glowing Goldies as the team captain. It is said that that period was when UST was at its prime in the sport. In 1952, he flew to Helsinki, Finland for the Summer Olympics, and led the team into ranking ninth overall. That was the highest place the country has ever finished in Olympic basketball since 1936. Just two years later, as team captain once more, he led the Philippine National Basketball team into bagging the championship for the Asian Games. People began referring to him as the “Master of the Defensive Block," and described a play of jumping high to make a clean block of an opposing player's shot a “Hechanova moment." Despite his aptitude in what was to become the most popular sport in the country, he insisted on taking the board exam for architecture and passed. He practiced architecture for 24 years while acting as chairman of the country's biggest air-conditioning and food and beverage corporations, founding the Philippine Basketball Association in 1975, and becoming one of only four Filipinos who made it as the Rotary International Director. Needless to say, Paeng Hechanova is a master of leading teams and organizations. This man is one of the few individuals with a true passion for humanitarianism, and though it seems like a daunting path for anyone, he insists on how it's important to pursue a life of helping others, and why it is much easier if you're not doing it alone.
You become a better person. “When one is in the position of leadership and service, he learns to improve himself," he says. “When one spends a lot of time with his peers from the organization, he eventually gets an idea of how service compels him to continually refine himself as an individual." He notes how helping others for years had a huge impact on his own life, and there is a cycle of giving and receiving, and that is why organizations must always have very strict rules on integrity and fairness. You expand your connections and deepen friendships. “Being part of a diversified group gave me the chance to learn many things from different kinds of people," he recalls. In a community of people from all walks of life, Paeng emphasizes how enriching it is to discover how people of different professions unite to achieve a goal. You serve the community in bigger ways. Though anyone can help out in his own little way, joining organizations can help a person contribute on a bigger, more influential scale. Paeng shares the story of one of Rotary International's most successful projects launched in 1985: PolioPlus. To this date, Rotary International has contributed 900 million US dollars to the cause, and approximately two billion children have been immunized worldwide. Paeng says it was in Manila where the vaccine was first distributed in Asia. “Without truly feeling for other people, it is very difficult to instill an attitude of service. I think that the most important thing is to instill a love of country in our young people because when one loves his nation, a love for his fellowmen will naturally inculcate in him, and eventually, he will work towards action." •
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