In the house april issue

April 2017

www.manilahouseinc.com

IN THE HOUSE THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF MANILA HOUSE

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APRIL ISSUE

! n u s e h t t a k o o l , He y

BAR | CUISINE | ART | POP-UP | EVENTS

L E T T E R F ROM T HE E DIT OR & CON TEN TS

THE HEAT IS ON! Summer is definitely upon us. Out on Avenue Deck, the breeze has not quite stilled yet, fortunately, but the air has shifted towards warmer and drier climes. It remains a fantastic place, nevertheless, to enjoy a cocktail or two towards the end of the day and into the balmy night.

It might be a good time to pick up a book, too.

In April we celebrate World Book Day on the 23rd, which also happens to be William Shakespeare’s birthday, not to mention Miguel de Cervantes' - no coincidences there! In addition, we commemorate our very own Francisco Baltazar, who wrote the timeless Filipino classic Florante at Laura, on April 2nd, known as Balagtas Day.

The power of words, and the special magic of books, are impossible to quantify. They illuminate, enlighten, sadden, elate, inspire and educate; they transport you to other worlds and lend you other voices.

They reveal truths, too, about ourselves and our society. Another towering figure in Philippine literature, Nick Joaquin, who also wrote under the nom de plume Quijano de Manila, would have turned a century old this April. It’s an appropriate honor that he is being introduced to an international English audience, as well as being re-introduced to a new Filipino audience, via the publication of his collection of short stories, The Woman Who Had Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic as a Penguin Classic. We are delighted to have Professor Vicente L. Rafael of the University of Washington at Seattle introduce the book to our Members; Vince himself wrote the introduction to the newly released tome.

Speaking of conquering new worlds, the famed Chinese journalist, explorer and conservationist – and Manila House Founding Member - How Man Wong, tells us about mountains he’s scaled and exotic wildlife he’s tracked and campaigned to protect on Saturday, April 1st while on a pit-stop in Manila from Palawan, where he and his team have been working recently.

And if you’re looking to be transported to Naples, Elena Ferrante will take you there. April’s Book Club pick – My Brilliant Friend - was suggested by Founding Member Karla Delgado, herself a fine writer.

For the perfect spot to read, you’re welcome to slink into any one of our cozy sofas and armchairs along Bonifacio Lounge. And while you’re at it, have some tea. Feel at home.

In this issue 04 ...... Members Special

Manila House Boutique Collection

Meet the Staff Francis David

05 ...... FAQs

General Housekeeping 06 ...... On Show

Emily SyCip Cheng

Southern Sensibilities 07 ...... On Show

Nick Joaquin Book Launch 08 ...... Books

Book Club Pick

Members' Favorite Reads

BAMBINA OLIVARES PR & Events Director

10 ...... In Case You Missed It

Heart & Soul

Richard Poplak on China in Africa

12 ...... In Case You Missed It

Manuel Teodoro on Corruption 12 ...... Food & Drink

Food News

Spotlight on Issho

Nicolas Feuillatte Special Promotion 14 ...... Health

Kerry Sports Special

ON THE COVER Artwork by Emily SyCip Cheng,from FromDownHereToUpThere, on show at Manila House in April (see more on page 07)

IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017 | 03

M E M BE RS S P E CIAL

GET TO KNOW

FRANCIS DAVID MANILA HOUSE BOUTIQUE COLLECTION We have carefully curated a collection of signature pieces representing Manila House - subtle luxury fused with a bohemian vibe. Ideal for holiday gifts, choose among our distinctly sophisticated tableware handpicked from our travels. Our Boutique Collection can be viewed only at Manila House Private Members Club, Net Park, 5th Avenue, BGC.

For advertising, sales, editorial, and general inquiries, please contact us through the following: Dining Reservations | reservations@manilahouseinc.com Member Relations | membership@manilahouseinc.com PR and Events | events@manilahouseinc.com Telephone +63 2 958 5007 Mobile Dining Reservations | +63 917 816 3685 Member Relations | +63 917 657 2073 WhatsApp and Viber-ready /Manila_House Manila House Private Members Club Manila House Private Club, Inc. 8F Net Park, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City Metro Manila, Philippines

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IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017

“Our aim is to give heartfelt hospitality through sincere and genuine service,” says Operations Manager Francis “Kiko” David.

You might have seen him around, a slim and spry and smiling guy, orchestrating the service from the kitchen to your table, and ensuring that your dining experience at Manila House is as flawless as possible.

Prior to joining Manila House, Kiko worked with the Raintree Hospitality Group. He studied Management while working with different fast-food chains, which he credits with encouraging his interest in the hospitality industry. “My first formal job was with Nami Resorts, Boracay, as a butler. I also worked with the Discovery Group.”

Kiko is clear about his mandate. “We just want to take care of our Members and their Guests. Proper training is very essential, especially in the technicalities of service. We want to always upgrade and look for ways to improve our service everyday.”

Kiko can be reached at francis.david@manilahouseinc.com.

F AQ S

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Share

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING Manila House nurtures talent and encourage discussion, always respecting each other’s privacy and points of view

We understand the confusion surrounding our social media policy and wish to take the opportunity to inform you that we have reviewed and revised our policy as under: Manila House's policy goal has always been to protect the privacy of each Member. Members are asked not to take wide shots nor post photographs that may include Members who are unaware they are part of the picture.

You are welcome to take photographs of the food.

Kindly refrain from disclosing or identifying any other Members or their Guests who are in the Club in any media, including social media and personal blogs.

Similarly, Members and their Guests must refrain from identifying or describing any private hire or Member event occurring on Club premises.

For specific situations requiring photography and/or press coverage, please discuss with Management.

HOLY WEEK CLOSURES

PHOTOGRAPHY DURING PRIVATE EVENTS

Please note that we will be closed on Holy Wednesday (April 12) to Easter Sunday (April 16) and will reopen for dinner on Monday (April 17).

Members hosting private events in the Club’s private areas must clear with Manila House Management in advance if they wish to film, take photos or record during their event.

They may approach the General Manager, Head of Sales & Marketing, the PR & Events Director, Event Sales Director or the Membership Director for said consent.

BEHAVIOUR AND DECORUM We expect Members and their Guests to have the utmost consideration of others and should behave with the proper decorum. The Club reserves the right to ask members and guest who are disruptive to leave the premises. Please note that Members are fully responsible for their Guest’s behavior and conduct while at the Club.

Members are expected to respect the property of the club and will be charged for the damage and breakage resulting from irresponsible and disruptive behaviour.

Conduct that is prejudicial to the reputation and character of Manila House may result in suspension or expulsion.

Such conduct may include drunken, violent or abusive behavior and the communication of information concerning club affairs, Members or their Guests to the media.

An expelled Member may not return to the club as a Guest and expelled Guests may not be readmitted.

A refund of the expelled Member’s monthly dues will be at the discretion of Manila House.

DRESS CODE We believe that dress reflects our own individuality and respect members choice of attire. We do ask Members to be respectful of the occasion and time of day and to dress appropriately. At no time should Members and Guests wear flip flops or singlets.

During the week, we ask Members and their Guests not to wear shorts and open-toed footwear since many might be wearing office attire.

During the weekend, we hope Members and their Guests think of Manila House as a home away from home so shorts and dress sandals are welcome.

TIPPING POINT

As a Private Members Club, tipping is not allowed.

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FromDownHereToUpThere

ON S HOW

E

mily SyCip Cheng began ruminating on the form of mountains during her 2014 residency in Dawang Village, Shenzhen. After living in Southeast China for 4 months, the New Yorkbased artist travelled to Tibet, Philippines, Japan and then the following year to Switzerland and Austria, wondering how such an environment could be uniquely felt and visualized in painting.

In this exhibition, Cheng combines her experiences moving through the natural formations and Chinese landscape painting with abstract markers which function as projections for the standing body within the vast natural surrounding.

Adding to the complexity of the image, Cheng’s canvas is marked by masterful brushwork. Calculated yet effortless, the trace of these strokes make up seemingly chaotic swirls, as well as elegant silhouettes of mountains, lakes and clouds. Such brushwork unifies the canvas containing dissimilar elements, functioning as an invisible force that holds the picture together.

Thus, the energy can ascend— not only within but also beyond the canvas. The second group of paintings, part of the Cosmic Head Series, ruminate on the space of consciousness and routes of mental connections. Also included are a group of small intimate paintings, entitled Spirit Guides which seeks to make a connection to ancient archeological figures and the power they can retain in our contemporary times.

These contemplative works are particularly relevant now, an antidote to our global society where politics and media crowd one’s consciousness. Cheng creates a holistic picture for those who are actively engaged in understanding a personal and metaphysical relationship to the universe —an open-ended alternative that gives space and freedom to the imagination of the viewer.

Emily SyCip Cheng’s works will be on view at Manila House from April 11th – 24th, and she makes a personal appearance on April 19th for an Art Talk at 6:30 pm

SOUTHERN SENSIBILITIES Kublai Millan was born on July 8, 1974 in Cotabato City. A graduate of University of the Philippines. Kublai established himself early as one of the foremost art practitioners in Mindanao, employing a wide variety of media. He is known for his largescale sculptures that are now familiar landmarks in the region: "Kampilan" in Sultan Kudarat, "Risen Christ" in Tagum City, the giant durian monument at the Davao International Airport.Described as "energetic sculptures" by the poet Tita LacambraAyala, Kublai's works contemplate the memory and mythology of Mindanao while employing contemporary artistic media techniques.

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IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017

A visual artist, educator, and cultural worker based in Davao, Rogelito "Jun" Cayas, Jr. serves as the program head and associate professor of Fine Arts program, major in Painting, at the University of Mindanao.

He has participated in numerous exhibitions and art festivals, including the Philippine Visual Arts Festival in 2016, organized by NCCA at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. His body of work investigates cultural representations, identity in binary contrasts, and contemporary positions with a scope of reflexive vis-a-vis critical frameworks, operating within the cultural and contemporary context of Mindanao.

Born on November 23, 1995, Judelyn Mae Merida Villarta is set to finish her Bachelor of Fine Arts, major in Painting at the University of Mindanao this year. In her works, she portrays the richness, diversity, and way of life of the different ethno-linguistic groups in Mindanao. Aside from painting in oil and acrylic, Villarta also employes doodling as a technique, in which she applies random subjects as well as the patterns of indigenous culture, weaving a multi-layered narrative in her works. She recently joined the group exhibition, Southern Sensibilities, organized by SM City for its "My City, My SM, My Art" Initiative.

CUL T URE

REGARDING NICK

Nick Joaquin’s evocations of Manila have inspired, in part, the feel of Manila House, and it seems only fitting that we celebrate the centennial of the birth of this titan of Philippine literature

T

his month, Penguin Random House releases the first-ever U.S. publication of Nick Joaquin’s seminal works, “The Woman with Two Navels and Tales of the Tropical Gothic,” with a foreword by PEN/Open Book Award–winner Gina Apostol, and an introduction by historian, author and academic Vicente L. Rafael.

Professor Rafael will be at Manila House on Thursday, April 6th, to introduce Nick Joaquin and the Penguin Classics edition of his book.

A Professor of History and Southeast Asian Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, Vicente L. Rafael is the author of several works on the history, culture and politics of the

Philippines. His most recent book is “Motherless Tongues: The Insurgency of Language amid Wars of Translation” published by Duke University Press in the US and Ateneo de Manila University Press in the Philippines.

Nick Joaquin is widely considered one of the greatest Filipino writers, but he has remained littleknown outside his home country despite writing in English. Set amid the ruins of Manila devastated

by World War II, his stories are steeped in the post-colonial anguish and hopes of his era and resonate with the ironic perspectives on colonial history of Gabriel García Márquez and Mario Vargas Llosa. His work meditates on the questions and

challenges of the Filipino individual’s new freedom after a long history of colonialism, exploring folklore, centuries-old Catholic rites, the Spanish colonial past, magical realism, and baroque splendor and excess. This collection features his bestknown story, “The Woman Who Had Two Navels,” centered on Philippine emigrants living in Hong Kong and later expanded into a novel, the muchanthologized stories “May Day Eve” and “The Summer Solstice” and a canonic play, A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. As Penguin Classics previously launched his countryman Jose Rizal to a wide audience, now Joaquin will find new readers with the first American collection of his work.

- Penguin Random House

IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017 | 07

BOOKS

BOOK TALK

Literary matters to ponder upon in the run up to World Book Day on April 23

CHRIS YAM DAEZ’S PICKS You could say she lives and breathes books, as one half of the husband-and-wife team behind iconic bookstore Fully Booked. She looks after the PR side of things, and also spearheads the Fully Booked Foundation.

1. MILK AND HONEY Rupi Kaur

Milk and Honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.

2. A Man Called Ove Frederick Blackman

A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.

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ecommended by Founding Member Karla Delgado, My Brilliant Friend is the first book in the Neapolitan Series written by worldwide publishing sensation Elena Ferrante, whose real identity has not been conclusively unmasked despite attempts by literary sleuths.

The world of Elena and Lila, Neapolitan girls growing up after the Second World War, is small, casually violent, and confined to their poor neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and the few prosperous families dominate. There are rules and expectations, and everyone knows and lives by them. Except Lila: smarter and bolder than the others, she does what she wants, drawing Elena, who narrates the story, in her wake. But this is more than a conventional up-from-poverty tale.

Elena completes her schooling; Lila does not. Elena leaves the neighborhood and eventually Naples and Southern Italy; Lila does not. Yet it is Lila and her dreams and caprices that drive everything. In fact, the narrative exists because the adult Elena, hearing that Lila has disappeared, decides to write Lila’s story. And she does, in dense, almost sociological detail (the list of the members of the key families is actually necessary)

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IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017

- Publisher’s Weekly

3. Whole 30:

The 30 Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Elena Ferrante is a pseudonymous Italian novelist. Ferrante is the author of a half dozen novels, including The Lost Daughter (originally published as La figlia oscura, 2006).

Ferrante’s books, originally published in Italian, have been translated into English, Dutch, French, German, and Spanish, among other languages. Ferrante’s Neapolitan Novels are among her best known works.

She was named one of the 100 most influential people on the planet by Time Magazine in 2016.

My Brilliant Friend, Book One of the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante. Penguin Putnam Inc. Available from National Bookstore at P699.00

4. Spark Joy

Marie Kondo

This book is presented an in-depth, illustrated manual on how to declutter and organize specific items throughout the house, from kitchen and bathroom items to work-related papers and hobby collections.

Book Club meets this month on April 26 at 6:30PM. Copies will be available for purchase at Manila House, courtesy of National Bookstore, throughout April.

5. Cooking for Jeffrey: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook Ina Garten

BOOKS

STEPHANIE ZUBIRI CRESPI’S PICKS

She describes herself as "a writer, travel junkie, foodie and self-confessed wino,” not to mention a wife to Founding Member Jonathan Crespi and mother to their two young boys. And a bookworm.

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO Alexandre Dumas

"A magnificent piece of storytelling filled with swashbuckling adventure, love, revenge, hope and all the very best elements for a delicious and indulgent read. How can you not fall in love with Edmond Dantes? My absolute favorite that I can read over and over again... Perfect for a long summer vacation by the sea."

A MOVABLE FEAST Ernest Hemingway

“This book was my bible during my first year in Paris. I would sit in cafés, living off cigarettes and coffee, scribbling notes and observations on scraps of paper. A must read for the literary soul.”

SHANTARAM

Gregory David Roberts “Set in the chaotic slums of Bombay in the 70’s, an escaped bank robber discovers friendship, love and the fragility of life. What is most surprising about this book is more than the fact that this incredible story was based on his life, Roberts is a skilled wordsmith with poignant descriptions of the human condition. One of the most beautiful books I have ever come across.”

THE COTTON MALONE SERIES

Steve Berry

LOLITA

Vladimir Nabokov “Nabokov’s skill lies in how he manages to make the reader feel uncomfortably sympathetic to Humbert Humbert. I was equally disturbed and fascinated by its eroticism and how the author transmutes all those forbidden urges and emotions to the reader leaving you guiltily yearning for Dolores. A true literary masterpiece.”

“As much as I love a great piece of ‘serious’ literature nowadays I find myself reading for pure enjoyment and entertainment. I absolutely love spy, action and adventure novels and the Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry is one of my favorites. The author takes you through riveting albeit slightly convoluted plots on how certain historic artifacts (think Napoleon’s hidden treasure, China’s Terracotta Warriors and the lost library of Alexandria) play a key role to global geopolitical threats.

Only Agent Cotton Malone can save the day! With an easy narrative that weaves in and out of history and present day, across exotic lands and dreamy European cities - this is the perfect airplane read. I’ve shamelessly run out of them as I devoured them all one after the other!”

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IN CAS E Y OU M IS S E D IT

HEART & SOUL Putting Manila on the international art map may be an ambitious undertaking, but Filipino-American public artist and landscape architect Jefre is convinced an iconic work of public art might just help The Chicago-born, Miami-based artist, Jefre, who has created public sculptures in Net Park and SM Aura, dropped by Manila House in March to discuss past and future projects around the world, and emphasized his belief that public art can indeed reveal and represent the soul of the city.

Manila needs that iconic work of public art, that international monument, one he said could be considered the city’s “postcard moment,” in much the way the Eiffel Tower is for Paris.

He has worked for some of the most established architectural firms such as Skidmore Owings and Merril; he has also enjoyed partnerships with the biggest names in the industry, among them Santiago Calatrava, the late Zaha Hadid and Philippe Starck. After recovering from a heart attack at 35 - not to mention triple bypass surgery - his world view completely changed and he shifted his focus to leaving a legacy.

Since starting his own practice, Jefre has joined and won several public art competitions, and collected several accolades and awards along the way: Consultant of the Year for 2016 by the American Institute of Architects (AIA); Up and Coming International Public Artist by the Marlborough Gallery in New York City; Designer Award of Merit by the AIA in 2008, and one of the seven Faces of Design by the Florida Inside Out architecture magazine in 2007. He is honored to have been nominated by the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Museum Award in the category of Design Mind for 2016.

This year he begins work on a public memorial to the victims of last year's Pulse disco shooting in Orlando, Florida, a memorial to love, he calls it. “It was a tragedy that hit everybody, not just the LGBT community of Orlando."

CAUTIONARY TALES South African journalist and author Richard Poplak jetted into the Philippines at the beginning of March and promptly made his way to Manila House He was in the country to research his next book, which is about the mining industry. His previous book, Continental Shift: A Journey Through Africa’s Changing Fortunes, examined the ways China has transformed Africa, for better or worse, and the ramifications of Chinese power – economic, political, cultural and military – on the rest of the world.

“The Chinese,” Richard observed, “have become skilled politicians. Politics is the highest form of art. Governance is a craft.”

For him, there is a fundamental difference in the way China and America regard Africa. “The Americans view Africa as a basket-case; the Chinese view Africa as a marketplace. America tends to feel that it is a duty to come in as the beacon in the night lighting the way to democracy. The Chinese, on the other hand – and this is critical – there’s no Beijing consensus. But here’s some flip-flops and some decent cellphones that function. Can we get a move on to the next one? Let’s do some business.”

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IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017

IN CAS E Y OU M IS S E D IT

MANUEL TEODORO: EL PERIODISTA In a Manila House exclusive, Manuel Teodoro screened his documentary in Bonfacio Lounge last February, which was followed by a panel discussion on corruption, together with Camilo Sanhueza of the Chilean Embassy, Supreme Court Justice Marvic Leonen, and Marites Vitug as moderator

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orn to a Filipino father and Colombian mother, Manuel Teodoro was an anchor on RPN 9’s Newswatch.

Later, he joined CNN as its Hispanic correspondent in New York and eventually became its Colombia correspondent. He joined Colombia’s Caracol Television in 1996 and now directs and hosts the show Séptimo Dia. He was also a correspondent for Spanish media giant Univision and NBC in Los Angeles. He has a total of 14 awards, including two Emmys.

Teodoro is also a partner in a communications company that specialises in crisis management, spokesperson training, digital reputation management, and crafting effective corporate presentations.

He recently sat down with us and spoke about the impact of corruption in Colombia and how it compares to its neighbour, Chile.

Know more about Manuel Teodoro and his work in television and corporate communications at manuelteodoro.com WHAT QUESTIONS DID YOU SEEK TO ANSWER WHEN YOU DID THE COLOMBIA CORRUPTA EPISODE OF SÉPTIMO DIA? We were actually asking the question of why we [Colombia] were

so corrupt. Right now, Colombia is ranked 80th or 85th in the list of the world’s most corrupt nations. It’s a big issue for us and it’s something we want to diminish, if not get rid of, completely.

BUT WHY CHILE AS A POINT OF COMPARISON? Two things. One, along with Uruguay, Chile has consistently been ranked among the world’s top 20 least corrupt countries; 14th or 15th as of the last listing. But unlike Uruguay which is distinctively more European than either Chile or Colombia, Chile is closer to us with regard to ethnicity, though there is a lot more German and English influence over there. Colombians actually say, “If we had been a colony of England and not of Spain, we’d have been less corrupt.”

IN WHICH CASE, SEEING A SIMILAR SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES, WOULD YOU SAY THAT SPANISH COLONIZATION HAD ITS ROLE TO PLAY IN BUILDING A CULTURE OF CORRUPTION? The exchange of favours and the ensuing lack of transparency between the Church and the State certainly became the root of corruption and public repression.

Around the time of the Pinochet

Reprinted with permission from The Philippine Tatler

Dictatorship, Chileans decided that they didn’t like the corruption that ran throughout South America.

They knew they couldn’t completely eliminate corruption, but they could alleviate it.

As a result, as early as second grade, Chileans are made to understand their obligations as citizens of the State— they know their rights, but they also know their obligations. You will never hear a Chilean say, “I demand my rights.”

They also have a strong free press and the government works to ensure transparency and fairness in public welfare. As a result, they are now the least corrupt in Latin America and their citizens have a strong capacity to fight corruption.

YOU MENTIONED A STRONG FREE PRESS. WHAT ROLE DO— OR SHOULD—JOURNALISTS PLAY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION? The role played by journalists in Chile is strategic: the citizens’ right to information always prevails. The press is there to remind people that there will be immediate consequences if anyone forgets their obligations. For journalists in general: do not be afraid to ask the questions that need to be asked and to demand the answers that people need to hear. The vigorous pursuit of Chilean journalists to hold accountable those in power is something we Colombian and Filipino journalists should do more.

IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017 | 11

F OOD & DRINK

FOOD NEWS

NOW SERVING BREA KFAST A LA CART E We’re open all day from 7:30AM to cater to your breakfast cravings, be it creamy Eggs Benedict or native fare like Daing na Bangus or a Egg White Mushroom Omelette, the healthy option. And while you’re at it, have a freshly brewed cup of coffee or freshly squeezed fruit juice.

M ADRI D F US I ON Now on its third year, Madrid Fusión Manila (MFM) is the first and only Asian edition of Madrid Fusión, the most important gastronomy event in the world, celebrated annually in Madrid, Spain since 2003.

An exclusive cocktail, open to Members of Manila House, will be held in Manila House on Friday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m.

TEA O'CLOCK Enjoy a selection of our loose-leaf teas with 18 different types to choose from. Pair it with finely cut sandwiches and cookies, and mouth-watering range of presented teacakes.

Our High Tea seatings are available every day from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

RSVP events@manilahouseinc.com

JUICE IT!

SWEET TOOTH Some of our best-selling items are our cakes and desserts.

Firm favorites with Members are the Chocolate Caramel Cake and the Red Velvet Cake. Have a slice!

T HE G R I L L The Grill opens this month, a cozy and elegant 40-seater restaurant with a muted masculine feel with gleaming back subway tiles, marble floors and pistachio walls.

Hanging on the walls are snippets of Philippine history told through iconic newspaper cartoons.

On the menu are steak and seafood, beautifully josperized - a process of cooking which preserves juices and keeps meat melt-in-your mouth tender while releasing the dish’s unique flavors.

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IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017

F OOD & DRINK

Nicolas Feuillatte, the number one selling champagne brand in France, is Manila House’s pour champagne. Based in the Champagne region of Epernay in France, the house may be the youngest among the top 10 champagnes, but what it lacks in history and romance, it makes up for with elegance.

From April onwards, Nicolas Feuillatte is delighted to offer Manila House Members a chance to visit Paris and Epernay.

Each time you order a bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte, you receive a numbered coupon that is entered into a draw.

Every six months, the winning ticket is drawn during a dedicated Nicolas Feuillatte event. The winner will get to enjoy three days in France for two persons, courtesy of Nicolas Feuillatte: 1 night in Paris, including lunch, dinner and accommodation 1 full day in Champagne 1 night in Champagne, including lunch, dinner and accommodation Return transfers between Paris and Champagne are included. Airfare, however, is not included.

PROMOTION

TURNING JAPANESE Drawing inspiration from the refined aesthetic of old Kyoto, Issho is a minimalist Japanese restaurant showcasing pure, contemporary lines and fresh cuisine with an emphasis on simple, yet mouthwatering Japanese fare.

Featuring earth tones contrasted against a wooden floor and under an open ceiling and open kitchen, Issho seats 40 diners. Adding to the contemplative, Zen mood are the glass walls, allowing views of the garden high above BGC and the metropolis beyond.

Open from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm for lunch and 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm for dinner

IN THE HOUSE APRIL 2017 | 13

HE AL T H

RAISING THE BAR For a complete workout experience, look no further than Shangri-La at The Fort’s Kerry Sports Manila

E

xercise buffs may just admit to discovering gym heaven in the newly-opened Kerry Sports Manila. Located inside ShangriLa at The Fort, the newest gym in town is the third of its kind follow i n g those built in Beijing and Shanghai.

Kerry Sports Manila occupies two levels of Shangri-La Hotel with a floor area of 8,000 square metres, enough to even hold a basketball court—which it does, setting it apart from any other gym around. In fact, a few months ago, NBA legend Kobe Bryant visited and played his favourite game at the NBA-grade basketball court.

Aside from the court, there are other technologically-advanced exercise equipment, as well as ample spaces for physical fitness activities, weight training, and other workout routines.

SPECIAL SPACES For the perfect cardio workout, the gym has the most high-tech treadmills, integrated

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IN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2017

crosstrainers, flexstriders, upright and recumbent bikes, and powermills. All of them come with touch screens, smart phone integration, and individual TV viewing.

Michael Montes, Kerry Sports Manila’s director, says that one of the most popular areas in the gym is the functional zone, favoured for its pavi flooring, a non- slippery surface drawn with lines for training activities aimed at strengthening agility, balance, and hand-foot coordination. “It’s actually a good exercise for athletes,” Montes says. “They can learn to move their feet quicker, and at the same time, learn the patterns that they need for their [respective] sport.”

Surrounded by different equipment designed to prepare one for tri-events is the adventure race zone. The area specialises in mimicking outdoor training which mainly strengthens stamina and endurance.

The boxing zone has become popular with

female members is the boxing zone. The box masters, a stationary punching bag with several pads that a boxer can hit, are all safely and strategically set up in the area.

The punching bag is the centrepiece of the boxing class that ideally comprises 10 students/members.

STATE OF THE ART Among many things, Kerry Sports Manila takes pride in its NBA-grade indoor basketball court. No other gym can proudly say that they have a state-of-theart basketball court right inside of their gym. The impressive top-class American maplewood flooring, muti-level audience seats, and high-tech sound system make this court highly covetable. Various basketball teams like Team Gilas Pilipinas, have expressed interest in using the court and its advanced facilities.

Aside from basketball, Kerry Sports Manila also offers spaces for other sports. For racket enthusiasts, there are spaces especially made for squash and tennis

HE AL T H

Reprinted with permission from The Philippine Tatler

players. Two indoor glass-backed rooms for squash are provided by the gym, each able to fit groups of two or more. The two covered outdoor tennis courts situated a couple of feet away from the 25-metre pool are popular with hotel guests and gym members who are aficionados of the sport.

Studios are also readily available for those who want to do lifestyle exercises such as yoga, Pilates, and different types of dance classes such as Zumba, which is one of the most well-attended classes in the gym.

A spin studio is also built in a stadium-like way, with 30 bicycles strategically placed in each of the multi- levels for the instructor

to have a direct sight of all the trainees.

The dimmed ligh and the high-tech audio system makes the spinning class more fun and exciting for the gym members.

HEALTH IS WEALTH Kerry Sports Manila believes that finding your own space is the best way to achieve your fitness goal, similar to the motto they uphold. Thus, the gym helps everyone choose the best way to achieve their goal towards a healthy body. Let loose and have fun with the great equipment and services Kerry Sports Manila has to offer. It’s the best place to shed those extra pounds and, at the same time, have the time of your life.

FIT BITS We are delighted to announce the long-awaited partnership of Manila House and Kerry Sports at the ShangriLa Fort. Manila House Members can now avail of special discounted rates for annual membership at the luxurious two-level sports club within the Shangri-La Fort.

• P 79,000 for individuals, discounted from P 96,000 • P120,000 for couples, discounted from P146,000 • P136,000 for families, discounted from P166,000 • P 15,500 for each additional child, discounted from P19,000 Additional benefits include a 20% discount on all spa treatments.

IN THE HOUSE FEBRUARY 2017 | 15