IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2022 by manilahouseinc

MH | E D I T O R ' S N O T E

SUDDENLY, SUMMER We begin the second quarter of 2022 on a high note. The lifting of many COVID restrictions has seen more and more Members and their guests coming to the Club and meeting up with friends for lunch, dinner or drinks, celebrating momentous occasions, shopping at our Retail Corner, or just simply hanging out and enjoying being al fresco on the Avenue Deck. The Club has always been a safe place to gather; to ensure everyone’s safety, we still only allow fully vaccinated persons to enter. With the Club’s smaller footprint, we understand the occasional irritation of Members who have been unable to reserve a table in their favorite outlet due to a previously booked event. In response, we’ve added a whole new space. The new Luna Lounge opening very soon will offer an equally stylish and cozy alternative. A long time in the planning, we can’t quite conceal our excitement about this stunning room, created by renowned interior designer Jonathan Matti, in collaboration with Goudie Associates; Sparta Construction Corporation was the lead contractor. It’s a rich medley of colors, textures and influences; I like to describe it as being inspired by the laid-back luxury of Morocco, tropical glamour and colonial-style elegance. In the meantime, when the going gets hot, why not cool off with a refreshing cocktail, infused with perky, zesty summer fruit flavors and mixed with a subtle alcoholic kick by our bartender?

HOW TO SIGN UP Manila House Rewards is easy and convenient to access. The attached hyperlink https://manila-house.eber.co takes you to the registration/login page. You will be able to log in to your account using the primary email or mobile number connected to your Club membership.

Best In-House Magazine

PHILIPPINES BEST BRAND AWARDS 2018

Cheers!

Editor Bambina Olivares Content & Marketing Manager / Graphic Designer Arci Catalan Content Researcher Trina Valera

Bambina Olivares

Director of PR and Arts, Culture, and Education Programs

O N T HE C O VE R

Enjoy the refreshing frozen margaritas at the Terraza

Editorial Adviser Anton San Diego

M H | TA B L E OF C ON T E N T S

APRIL 1

EDITOR'S NOTE

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

MEET OUR TEAM Nick Kristelle Diamante

CLUB RULES Attention All Members

BENEFITS & PRIVILEGES Essentials in the Time of COVID LifeScience X Manila House Sanivir X Manila House

CLUB NEWS Easter Sunday in the House The Miracle of Easter

RECIPROCAL CLUBS

FOOD AND BEVERAGE Chef's Corner Summer Coolers Easter Takeaway Menu

R E TA I L C O R N E R OP Art

M H T R AV E L Home Kong Sevens

MEMBERS CORNER Beath the Heat

INTERVIEW Mannix Peña

20 21 22 24 25 26

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Portugal Calling A Passion for Politics Kidney Health CALENDAR OF EVENT S 21st Century Nutrition Electoral Dynamics in the Philippines Having Their Say: Millennials, Gen-Z and Elections

Chill the afternoon away at the pocket garden off the Avenue Deck

MH | M E E T O U R T E A M

NICK KRISTELLE DIAMANTE Sales Executive

When she joined the Club, Nick Kristelle Diamante was a diamond in the rough. Today, she's one of the shining stars in the Sales office. How did your role in Manila House change during the pandemic? I was hired as Membership Admin Assistant; my role was mostly focused on administrative work without interaction with the Members and guests but the pandemic changed all that. After the first lockdown, I was fortunate to be one of the employees asked to come back onsite, and was then assigned to the Sales Department. I was scared because I didn’t know how to adjust to a field I was not familiar with. I got assigned at the front desk to assist Members, which is nerve-wracking because I didn't want to make a mistake in front of them. Aside from my tasks related to Membership, I also handle the reservations which can be overwhelming, but I love my job so I do my best. What valuable lessons or skills have you acquired as part of the Sales team? There are many, but the first things that come to mind are that I have to be patient, and to enjoy what I do because only then the stress and pressure will be worth it. Who is your inspiration in life and at work? My inspiration in life are my parents because I saw what they’ve been through so that I can finish my studies. I don’t want to disappoint them and I want to pay them back by helping them however I can. They’re my number one supporters and I know they believe in me. My inspiration at work are my superiors because I see how passionate they are in what they do. I want to be like them. If you could go back in time, what is the one thing you would change? I don’t want to change anything in my life because I believe that every mistake and decision I've made will always be part of the process of a future that is my own. Some of my experiences may be bitter and not so good but this is me. I wouldn’t be who I am now if I change even a thing. What is the proudest moment of your life? The proudest moment of my life comes from the time when I used to join pageants and got comfortable facing huge crowds.

POP QUIZ

The best summer cooler is... Green Mango Shake is the best!!! The last show I binge-watched is... The Good Place. My birthday wish this year is... I wish to have a perfect beach vacation.

DIRECTORY

Reservations +63 917 816 3685 reservations@manilahouseinc.com

Banquets +63 917 816 3671 banquets@manilahouseinc.com

Membership +63 917 805 5941 membership@manilahouseinc.com

etail R +63 917 851 6500, +63 917 560 0201 retail@manilahouseinc.com

PR and Arts, Culture & Education Programs +63 917 851 6541 events@manilahouseinc.com

Call us: +632 7 958 5007, +632 8 478 7163, +632 8 478 7165, +632 8 478 7176, +632 8 826 3196

Manila House Private Club, Inc. 8F, Seven/NEO, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634, Philippines www.manilahouseinc.com Manila House Private Members Club @manila_house @manila_house Manila House Private Club

MH | B E N E F I T S & P R I V I L E G E S

MH | C L U B N E W S

MH | F O O D A N D B E V E R A G E

CHEF'S CORNER Chef Piya Suthasiri’s passion for the cuisine of his native Thailand can be gleaned from the many popular Thai dishes that are now mainstays in the Manila House menu. For the summer, Chef Piya heartily recommends three new dishes from various regions in Thailand. These carry the hallmarks of the best of Thai cuisine: fresh ingredients, the blend of herbs, the balance of sweet and sour, and the combination of crunch and spice.

Thai Minced Pork Salad

Stir-fried Minced Chicken with Thai Hot Basil

Northern Thai Chicken and Noodle Curry 10

MH | F O O D A N D B E V E R A G E

SUMMER COOLERS

Slake your thirst when temperatures rise with our refreshing cockail concoctions. Available all throughout the summer!

Vaina Fresca Sangria Orange Clair Sangria Classic Frozen Margarita Frozen Watermelon Margarita Mojito Granada Aperol Spritz Mango Bellini Lemoncello Spritz

MH | F O O D A N D B E V E R A G E

Easter Takeaway Menu International Set

Asian Set

P16,500 | Good for 4 to 6 persons

P14,000 | Good for 4 to 6 persons

Arugula & Romaine with Caramelized Pumpkin Cherry Tomatoes, Gorgonzola and Red Onions with Pineapple Honey

Chicken Satay Peanut Sauce, Cucumber and Red Onion Relish

Whole Roasted Turkey with Sausage Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce and Giblet Gravy Sautéed Beans with Garlic Potato & Leek Gratin Apple Pie

Pomelo Salad with Grilled Shrimp, Peanut, Fresh Herbs in Roasted Chili Dressing Singaporean Chili Crab Pomfret (Pompano) with Thai Coconut Curry Mushroom Egg Fried Rice Pad Thai Mango & Sticky Rice

*Available for takeaway on April 16 and 17, 2022 **Please confirm orders by April 14, 2022 ***Subject to 5% packaging fee 12

MH | R E TA I L

CORNER

OP ART Youthful, modern, and artisanal, homegrown box clutches from Beatriz Accessories are making a colorful splash at our Retail Corner

M H | T R AV E L

HOME KONG SEVENS

With flight bans thankfully becoming a thing of the past and quarantine measures slowly easing up, many are looking forward to visiting the glittering metropolis of Hong Kong — home to the highest density of people and skyscrapers, and so much more — quaint villages; beaches; islands; lush forests; mountains; and a myriad of hiking trails. Founding Member Shy Perez-Sala, a bespoke travel curator who is based in the territory, shares her recommendations for a post-COVID visit. She likens her top choices to the Hong Kong Sevens — the premier tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series, and offers her own version!

Here are her seven of her favorite things to see and do in her beloved adopted hometown: For the Cycling Fanatics

Photo Credit: Hong Kong Development Bureau

For the Summiteers

What? The Peak Tram. This most unique and iconic funicular railway will get you up on a steep incline to The Peak, Hong Kong Island’s highest summit, 396 meters above sea level. The 6th generation tram, carrying 210 passengers per trip, will resume operation in Summer 2022, aptly clad in “HK Tram Green” by Pantone. Where? Running from 7am to 10pm starting from Garden Road to Victoria Peak via Mid-Levels. Why? Because this spectacular view of HK Island will never get old!

What? NT Cycle Track. A 60km cycling track spanning from the Eastern side to the Western corner of the New Territories. Where? I have personally cycled only a small portion of this track along Sha Tin, but the entirety of it stretches from Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan. Along the way are the various towns worth a detour, like the aforementioned Sha Tin as well as Yuen Long, Fan Ling, and Tai Po. And, for those who are game for an even longer ride, an extra 22km section is now open between Tsuen Wan’s Tsing Tsuen Bridge and Bayview Garden. Why? A great way to explore new neighborhoods along their seaside cycling tracks, bypassing the dense town centers. Once there, you’ll be greeted by lush greenery, placid water, and fresh air. Best of all, The Hong Kong Development Bureau will take care of everything for you — from bicycle rentals, parking spaces, first aid stations, toilets, and refreshment kiosks.

Photo Credit: Simon Nicol 14

M H | T R AV E L

Photo Credit: L’Envol

Photo Credit: Winnie Yeung

For the Culture Vultures

What? Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. Rebuilt, renovated, refurbed and repurposed from the 150-year-old Central Police Station. It is now a massive compound for all things culture-and-arts related. Where? In the heart of Soho, Central. Conveniently connected to the Mid-Levels escalator via a dedicated footbridge. This creative hub consists of 16 heritage buildings housing art galleries, indoor and outdoor theaters, a museum, restaurants, shops, and bars. Why? Prepare to be amazed by this massive conservation endeavor where local HK history and culture were carefully preserved. You’ll also be spoiled for choice between immersive art experiences; curated exhibitions, workshops; music and dance performances both avant-garde and classical; dine some of the city’s best restaurants and bars; plus a chance to be incarcerated, albeit for a few minutes, in one of the century-old prison cells.

Photo Credit: Shy Perez-Sala

For the Foodies

What? Restaurant L’Envol, helmed by Chef Olivier Elzer, formerly of Seasons and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. Where? Located in the St. Regis Hotel, masterminded by HK-born, Cambridge-educated design genius, Andre Fu. A welcome addition to the local hotel scene as this feels more exclusive, intimate and personal than any other hotel in town. It’s as if you’ve been invited to stay in a gracious Manor which happens to be in the middle of the city. Why? The words “impeccable”, and “pampered” immediately come to mind whenever I dine at this Andre-Fu designed, Michelin- awarded establishment which always lives up to its 2 stars. In fact, I am surprised that they still haven’t received their 3rd! Their set menu always changes so it’s a surprise each time, but I love their standards — their amusebouches and their 3-tiered cheese trolley with over 30 types of cheese and condiments; and an actual honeycomb dripping with honey. I always ask for their 48-month aged Comté which they top with a generous sliver of white chocolate.

For the Art Lovers

What? M+. M+ is “much more than a museum” hence the “+”. This world-class institution is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. M+ features 33 galleries, a research center, a Members Lounge, three cinemas, two museum shops, restaurants, and a roof garden. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, in partnership with TFP Farrells and Arup, the building’s facade is embedded with LEDs for screening moving image works, which can be seen from the West Kowloon waterfront promenade and Hong Kong Island. Where? Located at the West Kowloon Cultural District, the southernmost edge of Kowloon overlooking Victoria Harbour. Comprising of 40 hectares, this is home to M+; a lovely Art Park with restaurants and bars where people can picnic, fly kites, ride bikes; and jog along the waterfront promenade. This district will eventually include 17 venues. The Xiqu Center for Chinese opera, the Freespace centre for contemporary performance, and the M+ Museum are already open, while the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Lyric Theater, and other spaces for arts education and commercial structures, are in the works. Why? M+ houses four permanent collections that are rooted in Asia. Some of my personal favorites: M+ Sigg Collection: From Revolution to Globalization — dedicated to four significant decades of contemporary Chinese art from 1970 to 2012. Mr. Uli Sigg served as the Swiss Ambassador to China, North Korea and Mongolia from 1995 to 1998. Sigg became the largest private collector of contemporary Chinese art in the world, and donated 1,463 works by 350 Chinese artists from his collection to M+. The donation includes 26 works by Ai Wei Wei, Ding Yi, Gu Wenda, Liu Wei, Fang Lijun, and other prominent artists. The combined works are worth an estimated US$163 million. Antony Gormley: Asian Field — arguably the most Instagrammable exhibit; be prepared to meet a sea of 200,000 clay figurines made by 300 residents of Xiangshan village in Guangdong. Filipina artist Pacita Abad’s “I Have One Million Things To Say”.

For the Gawkers

What? K11 Musea. Just don’t call it a shopping mall. Inspired by the phrase “A Muse by the Sea”, and dubbed as the 'Silicon Valley of culture', this sleek, 10-storey hub showcases retail, food, art, and culture under one roof. The first of its kind. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like this anywhere in the world! Where? Victoria Dockside, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Its waterfront promenade stretches all the way from Avenue of the Stars to the Hung Hom Ferry. Along this 3k stretch, you’ll also get to pass by the Museum of Art, Space Museum, Cultural Centre, the Star Ferry Pier, and the Clock Tower.

M H | T R AV E L

Photo Credit: Ann Chiu

Why? Gawk at the 35m high atrium dubbed “Opera Theatre” at the center of which rests the “Oculus” in glass and undulating steel. As if this wasn’t enough, on the second floor, the “Gold Ball” hovers above — a glam enclave for exhibitions, pop-ups, and performances. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, James Corner Field Operations, and in collaboration with over 100 creatives including Rotterdambased OMA, Hong Kong-based architecture studio LAAB, AB Concept, and a diverse group of artists, craftsmen, designers and more. Aside from high-end brands to local favorites, it is also home to a huge outdoor sculpture park which features an eclectic collection of artworks by some of the world’s most acclaimed artists such as Mary Weatherford, Erwin Wurm, and Yayoi Kusama.

For the Sports Fans

Photo Credit: Expat Living

What? The Hong Kong Sevens is considered the premier tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series competition. It is currently the seventh tournament in the World Series calendar. Where? Held annually at the Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay, over three days in late March or early April. However, this has now been postponed to November 2022 due to current COVID restrictions. Why? The Hong Kong Sevens attracts some of the greatest rugby players and thousands of fans worldwide.

With fast and furious rugby action combined with a carnival atmosphere and world rugby’s largest prize purse, it has certainly come a long way from 1976 (12 teams, 3,000 spectators) to the present (40 teams, 120,000 screaming fans — many of whom come in their wildest, and most creative costumes)! 16

MH | M E M B E R S C O R N E R

BEAT THE HEAT

Our Members share their summertime cool down strategies

"I dare not leave the house, only seek whites and cottons in my wardrobe, and find such comfort in sherbets and Carmen's Best NSA ice cream (not a PR, just a true confession!)."

~ Neni Sta. Romana Cruz

"I wear light clothes to stay cool, definitely no jeans. I drink more water, my favorite is a tall glass of sparkling water over plenty of crushed ice and a squeeze of orange or lime (also great for a hangover!)."

~ Elena Morris

"I'm an avid coffee drinker and I beat the summer heat by icing up my caffeine drinks. Usually, I opt to travel to a colder climate and I'm hoping I can do more of that now that the pandemic is behind us."

~ George Royeca

"Working and relaxing by the pool. Wine night with friends with the city lights view and cold wind at night. Lastly, a quick beach getaway with family." ~ Mae Ng

"Explore the great indoors, stay hydrated and always keep your cool!"

~ Mharicar Castillo-Reyes

"Chilling & cooling out the summer heat with my hubby and good friend at Manila House!" ~ Yvonne Santos

MH | I N T E R V I E W

MANNIX PEÑA

answers the Manila House Questionnaire "Life is short. Don’t let pride get in the way. Show the people you care about how much they mean to you before it’s too late." Tell us what you do I’m an entrepreneur and a cake designer. How do you define success? Success is not only about financial gain but is also measured through family and relationships you have with people that are close to you. It’s not just about the office and work place but also about your home life. What life lessons did you derive from the pandemic? Life is short. Don’t let pride get in the way. Show the people you care about how much they mean to you before it’s too late. One thing I learned during the pandemic is everything is unpredictable. What's the last movie/series you watched? I follow a lot of series including Bridgerton, Snowpiercer, Manifest... and the list goes on and on. What book is in your bookshelf but you've never read? I’ve had this book about an Indonesian artist Roby Dwi Antono’s works that I haven’t had a chance to go through. It describes his works and his life.

MH | I N T E R V I E W

What song can't you get out of your head? Lately I’ve had Yellow by Coldplay in my head that seems to linger. It’s been one of my favorites for a long time now and I seem to revert to it all the time. I don’t know why. What would you like to see in the “next normal”? I'd like to see people being kinder to each other and remembering how tough the pandemic was on everyone and to cultivate their charitable side a bit more. I’d like to also see more countries open up so everyone can start traveling again. Maybe even a better system that is efficient that could help a lot of people should another worldwide ordeal happens.

What’s your favorite thing about Manila House? The wait staff is such a joy to talk to and get to know. They’re very pleasant and helpful. The Avenue Deck is one of my favorite spots as well. If you had to be quarantined (again) which country would you choose to be in? I am really hoping I don’t have to quarantine again. But if I had to it would be some place that has bigger land mass that’s not crowded and a good healthcare system in place. Wherever that utopia is.

MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T

PORTUGAL CALLING

You don’t need to be a Russian oligarch to seek citizenship or residency via investment in Portugal under the country’s popular Golden Visa scheme. An increasingly popular destination for many Filipino families considering a second passport, the Golden Visa scheme, as Vicky Magpantay-Luis, President of Golden Visa Centrale, discussed in a recent webinar, is affordable and extremely attractive. Joining her were Rosalia Torres, Head of Sales and International Markets at Arish Capital Partners, Rakesh Majithia, Chief Investment Officer at Arish Capital Partners, and Atty. Andre Miranda, Founder and Managing Partner at Pinto Ribiero Advogados, who explained the requirements, procedures, investment opportunities - not to mention the benefits of living - in the sunny European country.

Presented in partnership with:

To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel

MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T

A PASSION FOR POLITICS

We go to the polls in less than two months. These are indeed contentious and portentous times. Who we elect will have reverberations on our economy as well as the state of democracy in our country for years and years to come. So what's at stake? Our speakers, all academics and political analysts, put forth their various theories and analyses about potential election outcomes. Cogent, sometimes fiery, but always passionate about our country and our people, they pointed out the very urgent need for structural reform to address the inequalities in our society. Special thanks to Roby Alampay for moderating.

Quintin Pastrana, President, Georgetown Club of the Philippines

Tony Abad, President, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government Alumni Association of the Philippines

Dr. Clarita Carlos, Professor, Political Science University of the Philippines

Dr. Ronald Mendoza, Professor and Dean Ateneo School of Government Ateneo de Manila University

Nicole Curato, Professor, University of Canberra

Dr. Julio Teehankee, Full Professor and Research Fellow Political Science and International Studies De La Salle University

Presented in partnership with:

To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel

MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T

KIDNEY HEALTH

Our kidneys are life-sustaining organs that perform vital functions in our bodies, such as cleaning our blood and removing waste products and excessive fluids. Together with Parkway Hospitals Singapore, we recently hosted a highly informative webinar with Dr. James Tan, Senior Consultant Urologist and Dr. Angeline Goh, Senior Consultant Nephrologist from Mount Elizabeth Hospital Singapore who discussed kidney health. They explained how kidney cancer develops, as well as chronic kidney disease - how to avoid it, how to mitigate it, and in some cases, how to reverse it.

Presented in partnership with:

To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel

MH | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

ZOOMING IN Join us on Zoom for our programme of informative, entertaining and illuminating talks which encompass art & design, culture, history and current events

21ST CENTURY NUTRITION April 5, 2022 Tuesday at 4PM Nutrition is the constant study of the nutrients in foods, and how our body utilizes them. Through periods of time, it has been part of human evolution. As we adapt with time and age, our body’s nutritional demands change. So, let’s take a step towards this learning journey that takes us to the fundamentals of food, eating, and diet awareness, and acquire basic nutrition tips along the way Together with LifeScience Institute’s Nutritionist-Dietitian Educator Madelaine Calalo-Jiao, know more about how your body utilizes nutrients through time, and learn how to eat well for your health.

OPTION A

Registration Only: FREE

OPTION B

Registration and Discounted voucher Members: 20% off on F&B vouchers worth at least P2500 Non-Members: 10% off on F&B vouchers worth at least P2500 *Terms and conditions apply Presented in partnership with:

Register in advance for this webinar Please make payment to: Bank Name: UnionBank Name: Manila House Private Club Inc. Account No: 00 202 0031640

Paypal: accountsreceivable@manilahouseinc.com GCash: please scan the QR Code 24

MH | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

ELECTORAL DYNAMICS IN THE PHILIPPINES April 25, 2022 Tuesday at 4PM A launch and book talk for Patronage Democracy: Clans, Clients, and Competition in Local Elections, this timely event will discuss the persistence of political patronage in local power relations and electoral dynamics in the Philippines. Edited by Julio C. Teehankee and Cleo Anne A. Calimbahin, the book documents how patronage takes different forms and flows through clientelistic and clan networks that are very much alive in local politics. Joining the editors in this conversation are chapter authors Aries A. Arugay, Mary Joyce Borromeo-Bulao, Louie C. Montemar, and Paul D. Hutchcroft, who wrote the Foreword. Bambina Olivares will host and moderate. OPTION A

Registration Only: FREE

OPTION B

Registration and Discounted Book Order: P553 *Exclusive of delivery fee Presented in partnership with:

Register in advance for this webinar Please make payment to: Bank Name: UnionBank Name: Manila House Private Club Inc. Account No: 00 202 0031640 25

Paypal: accountsreceivable@manilahouseinc.com GCash: please scan the QR Code

MH | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S

HAVING THEIR SAY:

Millennials, Gen-Z and Elections April 29, 2022 Friday at 2PM Millennials and Gen-Z will play a crucial role in the upcoming elections, according to political analysts. According to the Commission on Elections, more than half of the 65.7 million voters in the country are between the ages 18 and 41. What has been the impact of these specific generations historically, what they are looking for in their candidates, and how are they affecting this campaign period? Joining the panel are Nicole Curato, sociologist and professor at University of Canberra; and author of A Duterte Reader: Critical Essays on Rodrigo Duterte's Early Presidency, Renee Louise M. Co, Student Regent at the University of the Philippines; and Cleve V. Arguelles, former UP Student Regent, political scientist and Head of Research at WR Numero (WRN) Research, a technology-driven public opinion research and data analytics company. OPTION A

Registration Only: FREE

OPTION B

Register in advance for this webinar Please make payment to: Bank Name: UnionBank Name: Manila House Private Club Inc. Account No: 00 202 0031640

Paypal: accountsreceivable@manilahouseinc.com GCash: please scan the QR Code 26