MH | E D I T O R ' S N O T E
LOUNGING AROUND
The month of March brings with it warmer climes. Afternoons begin to feel sultrier, and in the evening, the breeze seems softer. As summer approaches, we dream of travel, of lazy days basking in the sun or just lounging around. If you’re staying in town, let’s just say we’ve got you covered, whether you choose to hang out indoors or out when you’re in the Club. In two weeks, we unveil a new and exciting space at Manila House designed by renowned interior designer Jonathan Matti, in partnership with IQOS. Luna Lounge by IQOS is a response in part to requests from Members who are vapers and e-cig smokers for a designated vaping area. While open to vapers, the new lounge is equipped with filters and vents in full compliance with government regulations to offer a safe and relaxed atmosphere free from the haze and odors of the typical smoking lounge. For more information, please turn to Club News on page 7. It seems somewhat blithe to speak of sunshine-filled days and lounging around when Ukraine, where it is still winter, is under siege and facing relentless Russian aggression. Recent events have indeed shocked us to the core, and the scenes of families fleeing to safety, men remaining to bravely fight for their country, citizens huddling in the subways, are gut-wrenching. After two years of being at a metaphorical, but no less real, war with a virus, we were just beginning to feel that we were past the worst of the pandemic, only to face the prospect of a possible world war, arguably an existential one that brings with it the threat of nuclear attacks.
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
Editor Bambina Olivares
As callous as it sounds, life does go on, and all we can promise you is a refuge within the Club, a place of peace.
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
The new Retail Corner area at Bonifacio Lounge
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Editorial Adviser Anton San Diego
M H | TA B L E OF C ON T E N T S
MARCH 1
EDITOR'S NOTE
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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MEET OUR TEAM John Paolo David
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CLUB RULES Attention All Members
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BENEFITS & PRIVILEGES Essentials in the Time of COVID LifeScience X Manila House Sanivir X Manila House
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CLUB NEWS New and Improved
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RECIPROCAL CLUBS
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FOOD AND BEVERAGE Simple Yet Satisfying Sugar and Spice, and Everything Nice
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R E TA I L C O R N E R Retail Therapy
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M H T R AV E L The Silk Road
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ON SHOW No Names Please
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MEMBERS CORNER Girl Power
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INTERVIEW Ces Drilon
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Passport to Plan B Love in Poetry and Photos Postcolonial Realities COVID and the Future CALENDAR OF EVENT S Going for Gold: The Portuguese Golden Visa Welcome to the Counterrevolution: BBM, Ukraine, and the Future of Democracy What’s At Stake: Philippine 2022 Elections and Beyond Know Your Kidneys: Ensuring Kidney Health
The new Arlegui Room
MH | M E E T O U R T E A M
JOHN PAOLO DAVID Banquet Service Captain
He might have left but he's back--- and pandemic or not, John Paolo David remains an asset to the service team.
How long have you been with Manila House and what do you like the most about your job? I've been with Manila House, non-continous, for about three years. The clientele is what I really like about the job. Most members of the Club are those from whom you can really learn a lot. From the aesthetics in their events to the service flow and standards they prefer are what I am here for. Learning should be constant regardless of how far you've come in life. What is the most memorable event you've handled at the Club? It was an intimate dinner a few years back. A young man just graduated. After dinner he was asking for a picture to be taken. And I thought it was supposed to be a picture of him and his family. Turns out he was actually asking me to have a photo with him. He then thanked me for the dinner service. The pandemic has been challenging for the industry. How did it affect your career and personal goals? I was in Amanpulo when the pandemic started. I had to be sent home prior to the lockdown. Me and some of my friends were actually already planning to start a business once I returned to Manila. I was also thinking of making a few trips out of the country. Unfortunately, everything had to be cancelled. What do you look forward to now that restrictions are being eased? While I understand that we're now in this "new normal", there are things from the prepandemic times which we can bring back. In my case for example, the 24-hour jeepney routes. And maybe even allowing food into cinemas. Haha! Among other more important things of course. How are you spending summer this year? Since Manila House has been doing significantly well, more work has to be done this summer. Maybe an occasional out of town or weekly unwinding will do for me.
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POP QUIZ
• The best dine in spot in Manila House is... Avenue Deck! I have always enjoyed outdoor dining. Especially those with a view. Avenue Deck gives that laid back "I just want to chill" ambience.
• My roadtrip playlist includes... It depends on my mood. It can range from Sinatra and Beatles to Linkin Park, Kanye, and Shawn Mendes. • The movie that I always recommedn to others is… Ocean's Eleven definitely!
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
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MH | B E N E F I T S & P R I V I L E G E S
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MH | C L U B N E W S
NEW AND IMPROVED Some of the latest enhancements to your Club experience
SPACES On March 18, we will unveil LUNA LOUNGE by IQOS, a stylish new space designed by the Manila-based international interior designer Jonathan Matti, known for his flawless sense of luxury and sophistication. Spacious yet intimate, LUNA LOUNGE reflects the essence of Manila House, evoking tropical splendor with cosmopolitan flair for a global Filipino look. Designed in full compliance with the City of Taguig’s regulations and equipped with filters and extraction fans LUNA LOUNGE welcomes Members and guests who are vapers and e-cig users. Moreover, we will embark on the renovation of the Avenue Bar and Deck in Q2. Jonathan Matti once again will be overseeing the redesign of these outlets, updating the interiors, improving the flow in these spaces and upgrading the overall Member experience. The renovation will take place in phases so that F&B operations will not be unduly interrupted. We are committed in by providing our members and guests a safe space. Manila House supports the government in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, thus, we ensure to adhere with the maximum safety and health protocols. With the help of some of our members who are in the air purification industry, our indoor areas are now highly equipped with air purifiers --- we thank Luftonic and Air Intellipure for generously agreeing to partner with us.
RETAIL Our Retail Corner has been expanding, with display areas at the street entrance level and upstairs beside Reception. We offer a curated range of tableware and home accessories, bags and clutches, decor items, gourmet food and chocolates, as well as coffee table books that are works of art in themselves. 7
MH | C L U B N E W S
RECIPROCAL CLUBS Manila House is now part of Sonato, an international alliance of exclusive private member clubs throughout the world that allows Members to book their reciprocal visits to any clubs within the network. This adds substantially to our network of reciprocal clubs and offers Members more leisure, dining and even accommodation options when they travel overseas. To sign up for Sonato, please email us at membership@manilahouseinc.com.
NEW MEMBERS We thank you for referring your friends and family for membership to Manila House. Interest in membership, we are delighted to note, remains strong, even throughout the pandemic. We encourage you to continue to nominate prospective Members. We remind you that our referral incentive scheme is still in place; for every successful referral you make, you will receive P10,000 in F&B vouchers.
MEMBERSHIP DUES We are fully committed to the future of the Club. Beyond the many improvements, renovations and enhancements we are undertaking, our Members are the lifeblood of the Club, and we are fully committed to ensuring we continuously delight you. We enjoin you to bring your friends and family to patronize our club offerings as well as the events we hold, and to celebrate your life milestones at Manila House. In this regard, we kindly reiterate our appeal to you to please settle your membership annual dues urgently. The pandemic has created immense pressure on our operations and our employees, and your prompt payment of club dues truly is a tremendous help for our sustainability. May we once again request to settle your annual dues. You may pay your dues by cash, check, credit card or via G-Cash. Below are our bank details. Please note that after January 31, 2022, unpaid Annual Dues for 2022 are subject late payment interest of 2% per month. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your steadfast support for Manila House, and for being a vital part of this wonderful community of caring and engaged Members. We look forward to seeing you back at the Club, be it in-person or online. Stay safe! Please make payment to: Account Name: Manila House Private Club Inc. Bank Name: Account No:
UnionBank 00 202 0031640
Bank Name: Account No.:
BDO 006858008791
Paypal: accountsreceivable@manilahouseinc.com GCash: please scan the QR Code 8
MH | C L U B N E W S
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MH | F O O D A N D B E V E R A G E
SIMPLE YET SATISFYING These Manila House Rice Bowls are perfect for all-day breakfast cravings!
Featuring Manila House favorites and classic Filipino almusal--Bangus Belly, Beef Tapa, Chicken Inasal, Chicken Katsudon, Chicken Longganisa, Manila House Fried Chicken, Liempo, Kimchi Rice with Wagyu Beef, Lechon Kawali and Toasted Corned Beef
Exclusively available on GrabFood, FoodPanda, Pick.A.Roo and JustPay.to 10
MH | F O O D A N D B E V E R A G E
SUGAR AND SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE This new range of amazing cakes is now on the menu! Celebrate with these irresistable confections next time you visit the Club!
Pink Lily Birthday Cake
White Coco Birthday Cake
Pistachio Sansrival
Strawberry Shortcake
Apple Pie Crumble
For orders, please call +63 917 816 3685 or email reservations@manilahouseinc.com 11
MH | R E TA I L
CORNER
GOING VINTAGE
These antique and vintage collectibles from Birds in Paradise are exclusively on display and for sale at our new Retail Corner!
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M H | T R AV E L
THE SILK ROAD
Katrina Panlilio-Craig, the Club’s first president, recently travelled to Samarkand and Bukhara on business and found time to see some of the most magnificent sites along the Silk Road.
Katrina with business associates in Uzbekistan
The Blue Mosque of Samarkand, a stunning example of Islamic architecture 13
Walking through the Old City of Bukhara
M H | T R AV E L
The spice market in Bukhara
Weaving silk carpets in Bukhara
A carpet vendor with his Suzani rug outside Registan Square in Samarkand
The colorful Uzbek skullcaps
The old city of Bukhara
*All photos by Katrina Panlilio-Craig 14
MH | O N S H O W
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MH | M E M B E R S C O R N E R
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MH | I N T E R V I E W
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MH | I N T E R V I E W
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MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T
PASSPORT TO PLAN B
In the wake of the pandemic, the need for acquiring an alternative citizenship or residency has never been more highlighted. It is the best possible insurance policy, the “Plan B” against political uncertainty, as well as increasing an individual’s global mobility. Managing Director Scott Moore, Associate Director Maita Kilayko and Senior Consultant Karen Dela Llana spoke to our Members at an exclusive virtual event to introduce new citizenship and residency programmes around the world. The concept of residence and citizenship planning was created by Henley & Partners in the 1990s and as globalization has expanded, residence and citizenship have become topics of significant interest among an increasing number of internationally mobile entrepreneurs and investors. Every person should have the control to define their future and experience the freedom and peace of mind that dual citizenship and/or residence has to offer, according to Moore. In terms of Citizenship-By-Investment (CBI), Henley assists clients with obtaining citizenship through investment in: o Europe: Austria, Malta, Montenegro, and Turkey o Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis Its Residence-By-Investment (RBI) programs remain popular and include: Portugal, Spain, and Greece.
For more information, please email Philippines@HenleyGlobal.com Presented in partnership with:
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MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T
LOVE IN POETRY AND PHOTOS
Founding Member and SVP for Corporate Affairs at Far Eastern University (FEU) Atty. Gianna Montinola opened our first hybrid webinar, Love in the Time of Pandemic, a timely collaboration between poet, author and entrepreneur Quintin Pastrana and acclaimed photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani, about empathy and hope, and our innate capacity to lift each other out of despair and towards the better tomorrow we all deserve.
The event kicked off a month-long exhibit featuring Xyza’s photographs and Quintin’s Ambahan poetry that will tour the world. Proceeds from the sale* of the custom “pandemic kits” as well as Xyza’s photographs are earmarked for the purchase of an ambulance for Xyza’s hometown in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, and to set up a community library under the Library Renewal Partnership, an initiative launched by Quintin.
Quintin Pastrana
*Pandemic kits are priced at P2,000, and consist of a signed copy of the book Ambahan by Quintin Pastrana, 12 postcards of images by Xyza Cruz Bacani, and a Manila House cocktail. 12 special photographs by Xyza Cruz Bacani are also on sale at our Retail Corner and online at
https://bit.ly/love-in-the-time-of-pandemic
Presented in partnership with:
Xyza Cruz Bacani
To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel
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MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T
POSTCOLONIAL REALITIES One of the books generating a lot of buzz at the moment is Concepcion by Albert Samaha, Buzzfeed journalist and award-winning author based in Brooklyn, who joined Bambina Olivares for a riveting discussion about the American dream, the legacies of colonialism and the story of his own family, the Concepcions, and their move to the United States.
- Bambina Olivares
“A big part of it, I think is just the mythology of the American dream. It’s a really strong pull, not just for people in the Philippines, but for people all over the world. It’s a mythology that’s especially strong in the Philippines, because of those years under American colonial rule, and also in the years since, where American culture has a very heavy presence in the Philippines. And I think there are a lot of immigrant narratives that sort of cast immigrants, sort of naively leaving their old country, and sort of stepping into the chaos of America and I don’t think [my uncle] Spanky or my mom or any of my elders left with this naive idea of America. I think they understood that it was going to be hard, but they think what I found was that it ended up being harder than they expected and they stepped into a country that did not, for many people, live up to its mythology. But I think, that mythology is strong." For orders and enquiries, please text +63 917 816 3685 or email events@manilahouseinc.com
Presented in partnership with:
To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel 21
MH | I N C A S E Y O U M I S S E D I T
COVID AND THE FUTURE
Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Rhona Bergantin of the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery recently provided a thorough overview of the COVID pandemic, and discussed what we might expect in the future, as well as how we could prepare ourselves for new mutations and variants.
Dr. Rhona Bergantin
Presented in partnership with:
To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel
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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
GOING FOR GOLD:
The Portuguese Golden Visa March 10, 2022 Thursday at 3PM
Vicky Luis
Why and how has Portugal become the gateway to Europe for those who are seeking citizenship and residence in the EU?
President Golden Visa Centrale
Learn more about the visa process that will allow you and your family to live, work, study and do business in 27 European countries.
PROGRAMME
Rosalia Torres
Head of Sales and International Markets Arish Capital Partners
Introduction Vicky Luis Case Study and Benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa Rosalia Torres Requirements of the Portugal Golden Visa and Pathway to Citizenship André Miranda Portugal: One of the Top Emerging Trends in World Real Estate Investments and Attractiveness Post-Brexit Rakesh Majithia
Rakesh Majithia
Chief Investment Officer Arish Capital Partners
REGISTRATION IS FREE First 20 registrants will get a complimentray Food Box Atty. André Miranda
Founder and Managing Partner Pinto Ribeiro Advogados
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
WELCOME TO THE COUNTERREVOLUTION BBM, Ukraine, and the Future of Democracy March 15, 2022 Tuesday at 4PM
Dr. Julio Teehankee
Recent events have shaken the world, and it would appear that the more important battle being waged is between Western-style democracy and authoritarian expansionist aggression that borders on fascism. To a certain extent, our upcoming elections are being framed as such, too. How did we get here? And are democracy and freedom worth fighting for? Weighing in are political scientist and analyst Dr Julio Teehankee and noted academic, opinion columnist and policy adviser Richard Heydarian.
Political Scientist and Analyst
Richard Heydarian
Polytical Analyst and Columnist Philippine Daily Inquirer
Moderated by Bambina Olivares.
OPTION A
Registration Only: FREE
OPTION B
Registration and Discounted voucher Members: 20% off on F&B vouchers worth at least P2500
Bambina Olivares
Non-Members: 10% off on F&B vouchers worth at least P2500
Moderator
*Terms and conditions apply
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
MH | C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S
WHAT’S AT STAKE: Philippine 2022 Elections and Beyond
Dr. Clarita Carlos
March 30, 2022 Wednesday at 3PM
Professor, Political Science University of the Philippines
The forum will tackle the sociopolitical and economic impact of a new president and demands for the new administration in light of the May 2022 National Elections. Joining the discussion are Dr. Clarita Carlos (University of the Philippines), Dr. Julio Teehankee (De La Salle University) and Dr. Ronald Mendoza (Ateneo de Manila University).
Dr. Julio Teehankee
Full Professor and Research Fellow Political Science and International Studies De La Salle University
Moderated by Roby Alampay and hosted by Quintin Pastrana. OPTION A
Dr. Ronald Mendoza
Registration Only: FREE
Professor and Dean Ateneo School of Government Ateneo de Manila University
OPTION B
Registration and Discounted voucher
Moderated by
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
Roby Alampay Journalist
Hosted by
Presented in partnership with:
Quintin Pastrana
President, Georgetown Club of the Philippines
Register in advance for this webinar Please make payment to: Bank Name: UnionBank Name: Manila House Private Club Inc. Account No: 00 202 0031640 27
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
KNOW YOUR KIDNEYS Ensuring Kidney Health March 31, 2022 Thursday at 1PM In 2018, 21,894 or 3.59% of total deaths in Philippines were due to Kidney diseases, the seventh leading cause of death among the Filipinos. One Filipino develops chronic renal failure every hour or about 120 Filipinos per million population per year, therefore early detection is important for disease care and management to help prevent morbidity and mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal cancer are connected in many ways. Renal cancer can cause CKD through the adverse effects of therapies while CKD may, conversely, be a risk factor for renal cancer. Both may also be associated as toxins are their common risk factors.
Dr. James Tan
Dr. Angeline Goh
Join us in this webinar as Dr. James Tan, Senior Consultant Urologist and Dr Angeline Goh, Senior Consultant Nephrologist from Mount Elizabeth Hospital Singapore, share their experience and insights as we learn more about our kidneys and what we can do to protect and preserve our kidney function. REGISTRATION IS FREE First 20 registrants will get a complimentray Food Box 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 28