JUNE 2018
W W W. M A N I L A H O U S E I N C . C O M
IN THE HOUSE T H E M O N T H LY J O U R N A L O F M A N I L A H O U S E
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INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
BAR | CUISINE | ART | POP-UP | EVENTS
J U N E 2018
Independent Spirit
In This Issue
Showcasing the best of the Philippines - through art, through culture, through cuisine and through service - has always been a driving force for all of us at Manila House.
Editor's Note
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Meet the Staff Gazelle Ingua
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General Housekeeping
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One hundred and twenty years ago, in 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain, following the Spanish defeat at the hands of the Americans at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. The Declaration of Independence, drafted by War Counsellor Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista in Spanish, formalized this proclamation.
Interview Bobby Cuenca
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On Screen Ang Larawan
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However short-lived this independence may have been - the Spanish ceded the islands to the Americans following the war - it was nevertheless an assertion that we were ready to be a nation under no one’s rule but our own.
On Show Going for Gold
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Admittedly, our track record as a sovereign people has been spotty at times, and our reliance on foreign powers is often controversial. But there’s something to be said about the Filipino spirit, which remains indomitable, despite what might seem like a never-ending cycle of setbacks and threats to our democracy.
Spotlight Road to Vienna Part II Welcome to the Clan
The month of June is a significant month for Filipinos, heralding Philippine Independence Day on June 12th, and the birthday of national hero Jose P. Rizal on June 19th.
Travel Journey to Mexico and Cuba
And so we continue to infuse that Filipino spirit at its best, its most gracious and at its most refined - just as Jose Rizal epitomized throughout his life. While we like to think you experience exactly that at Manila House every day, we pump up the volume, so to speak, on Sunday, June 17th, as we celebrate Father’s Day with an all-Filipino twist all day, combining it with an homage to Indepndence Day. Mano Po, Tatay offers a glimpse into the rich variety of Philippine life and culture, from music and art to poetry and food.
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Members Corner Where Are You Off To This Summer?
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Food and Drink
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Calendar of Events
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BAMBINA OLIVARES Director of PR and Arts, Culture and Education Programs
ON TH E C OVER:
An all-time merienda favorite, Halo-halo, best enjoyed in the afternoon at Anahaw or Bonifacio Dining 3
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MEET TH E S TA FF
Get to Know: Gazelle Ingua
Female wine stewards are quite a rarity in this country, but Gazelle makes her winning wine recommendations with charm and confidence. A restaurant supervisor in her previous job, she enjoys making new discoveries, constantly honing her wine expertise How were you first introduced to wine? Cecille Mauricio, our sommelier from the Chateau Group of Restaurants, trained people about wine when I was part of the dining staff. I had the opportunity to taste wines from different winemakers and that’s the time I was first introduced to wine. How did you develop a love and an expertise for wines? Honestly at first I didn’t appreciate wine because I wasn’t used to drinking alcohol. But being in the Food and Beverage industry, I began learning more and more about wine. It may seem that wine can be simple to learn when you’re starting, but it is a deep topic. Each bottle is an opportunity to delve into a cultural tradition and history. Each wine has its own characteristics of aromas and flavors and has the ability to be paired well with food, and that’s what I love about wine. Wine Expert? No! there is still much, much more to learn. What’s the best part of your job as a sommelier? For me the best part of my job is to understand what the Members’ or clients’ needs and preferences are and to be able to please them.
I hope someday I will travel more to see wine regions and talk to winemakers and to visits vineyards. What are the most adventurous wine and food pairings you’ve suggested to Members? How did they respond? One of our Members' favorite is the Manila House Fried Chicken and he asked me what wine he should pair with his food. While beer might seem like a more natural accompaniment for fried chicken, all that fat and salt just cries out Champagne, with its light-bodied bubbliness and refreshing taste. He loved it. Champagne is perfect for balancing the fattiness of a dish like fried chicken. What are your favorite wines - if money were no object? If you’re on a budget? My Favorite wines are Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne Brut Reserve for sparkling wine. It is elegant and fruity with a soft, balanced character that makes it very drinkable. Honig Sauvignon Blanc for white wine. Bright acidity lends a crisp freshness to the flavors of peach, passionfruit and lemongrass and a touch of lime. Medium-bodied with a fresh finish. Bread and Butter Pinot Noir for red wine. Juicy red fruit like cherries and raspberries. Joined by soft flavors of wood and cured meat, like bacon, with a long and beautifully smooth finish. If on a budget I would recommend the Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone for the red wine and Filadona Pinot Grigio for the white wine. What’s the best cure for a wine hangover? Hydrate – Drinking water after a night of partying is always a good plan. Wines are especially high in sugar, while you’re drinking them this may make your body think it’s more thirsty causing you to respond by drinking. Drink a lot of water.
DIREC TO RY D I NI NG R ES ERVAT IO N S +63 917 816 3685 reservations@manilahouseinc.com | M EM BER RELAT IO N S +63 917 657 2073 membership@manilahouseinc.com P R & E V E N T S +63 917 829 0819 events@manilahouseinc.com | BA N Q U ET S +63 917 816 3671 banquets@manilahouseinc.com T E L E PH O N E +63 2 958 5007 | IN S TA GRA M @Manila_House | FA C EBO O K Manila House Private Members Club A D D RE S S Manila House Private Club, Inc. 8F Net Park, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines All mobile numbers are WhatsApp and Viber-ready 4
GEN ERA L H O U S EK EEP IN G
SO CIA L MEDIA PO LICY 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.
Bonifacio Lounge
U S E O F P R I V AT E R O O M S Members are welcome to reserve our private rooms (Sta. Ana, Binondo, Escolta, Palmera) as well as our semi-private rooms (Malate, Arlegui, Taft) for their functions or meetings. However, please note that a minimum consumable amount applies to the use of the rooms. Members will be charged at least this minimum consumable amount at the end of their meal or event. DRESS CODE We believe that the way we dress reflects our own individuality and we respect Members' choice of how to dress. 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. During the week, we ask Members and their Guests not to wear shorts or vests 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. Members are kindly requested to ensure that their guests comply with the dress code. GUEST SIGN-IN All Members are required to register their guests at the Reception. We would be grateful if you could advise Reservations in advance of your guest list should your guests arrive before you, so that we may welcome them appropriately. RECIPROCAL CLUBS 1880 1 Nanson Road, Singapore 238909 +65 6304 3200 www.1880.com.sg
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Straits Clan 31 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845 T +65 6320 9180 straitsclan.com Tower Club Singapore 9 Raffles Place, Penthouse 62nd - 64th Floor, Republic Plaza 1 Singapore 048619 +65 67673388 tower-club.com.sg Please coordinate with our Membership Office (membership@manilahouseinc.com) to arrange your visit to our reciprocal clubs at least three (3) days in advance.
IN TERVIEW
Bobby Cuenca Businessman, bon vivant, jazz aficionado and movie buff, the affable and suave gentleman recently entered with delight a new phase in life: grandfatherhood
What do you remember about first learning you would be a father? Utter and complete elation! At age 34, I was ready, willing and able to become a father.
I could get them to go horseback-riding with me… My elder son shows interest but my younger son is allergic to horses. Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!
How did you prepare your stepsons for the arrival of their brothers? We simply told them that their mother was expecting another baby. They were so used to me being a part of their lives by then. At the time, we were living in San Francisco and both stepsons were spending time with us during boarding school breaks.
They both love music but of different genres from mine.
In fact, my younger stepson was around for most of my wife’s first pregnancy, which was a good thing.
We all love movies but our tastes differ, I really no longer care for loud, testosterone-driven movies with superheoes or multiple car crashes. Nevertheless, we love watching movies together and we share a taste for thought-provoking films. Four generations: Bobby's Father Rudy Cuenca; his son Diego Cuenca; grandson Teodoro Cuenca; Bobby Cuenca
What is the secret to raising blended families? To begin with, I do not try to be my stepsons’ father; they have one. I try to be a good stepfather by being there when they need me and to make them feel at all times that they are part of my family as well as their dad’s.
You recently welcomed your first grandchild. How has being a grandfather changed your life? It hasn’t changed my life in any significant physical way; after all I am not his father. However, it has made me happier! Seeing my grandson every morning, whether in person or by WhatsApp, FB Messenger of FaceTime just makes my day and brings a very broad smile to my face. Happiness!
What hobbies and interests do you share with your sons? Do they love jazz and cinema like you do? Working out, hiking, camping. If only Bobby, Chingbee and their grandson, christened Teodoro Rodolfo Roberto Tsai Cuenca
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S P O TLIGH T
At the Movies: Ang Larawan Ang Larawan, the Filipino musical based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Filipino reaping accolades throughout the international film festival circuit, combines our love of music with our less than comfortable relationship with history, while offering a glimpse of the Filipino psyche.
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mong our seven original musicals, Ang Larawan is our favorite because of the many geniuses involved in the project and because of what it stands for—the balance between materialism and art.... as Rolando Tinio put it... “this is the struggle of the vulgar and the sublime”
Turning Ang Larawan into a movie is our response to the need for films with educational and cultural value. It is also our e ort to preserve the great works of our Filipino artists so that the youth can learn, be challenged and cherish our Filipino history and culture. After reading the play and watching the film, we want today’s kids to be involved in a discussion: about why Paula did what she did to the thing that could have changed their lives; about how Filipinos used to live and behave; about how much we may have lost; about how our history evolved and brought us to today.
Some time ago, we observed there was a dearth of Filipino films to offer schools. There must be a need for the creation of relevant and educational viewing for students. Together with Rachel Alejandro, who had joined us in our producing endeavor, we were already thinking of bringing Ang Larawan to the big screen. We felt this musical can be an alternative to the mainstream romantic comedies, horror movies and similar flicks.
—Celeste Legaspi with Girlie Rodis and Rachel Alejandro Ang Larawan screens on Monday, June 4, 6 PM at the Intramuros Ballroom
We feel the current audience is going to enjoy Ang Larawan. Most of all, we are hopeful that they are going to be provoked by it, especially now that we live in a materialistic society.
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S P O TLIGH T
Going for Gold
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S P O TLIGH T
On loan to Manila House is a series of paintings by Brenda Fajardo with a strong nationalistic spirit
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art-poster, part-political commentary, the four acrylic paintings on display from June till August by the Reception area at Manila House, reflect the contemporary painter and graphic artist Brenda Fajardo’s grasp of Philippine society, its ills and its glories. In Gintong Bayan, Gintong Kahapon, Gintong Maskara and Gintong Pakay, one also notes the element of fable in her renderings, mixed cleverly with irony as her works wryly reflect the paradoxes of daily life and in our country. ABOUT THE ARTIST Born in Manila in 1940, Brenda Fajardo is an artist, scholar, educator, and cultural worker. She graduated with a degree in Agriculture at the University of the Philippines in Los Baùos, Laguna, and later on pursued a masters degree in Art Education at the University of Wisconsin. After graduating in 1967, she returned to the Philippines and learned printmaking from Manuel Rodriguez, Sr. Practicing art for more than 50 years, Fajardo has since pursued different forms and media, which include painting, graphic design, printmaking, and even set design for theater. Source: https://upd.edu.ph/~updinfo/features/index2.html With special thanks to Del Monte Philippines, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
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S P O TLIGH T
The Road to Vienna Part II
The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra gets ready to compete in Vienna once again, before touring Florence, Venice and Rome in a series of fundraising concerts
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he Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra (MSJO) is an internationally awarded youth orchestra from the Philippines. Last summer, it garnered Second Prize at the 11th Summa Cum Laude International Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, and performed in concerts in Salzburg, Vienna, Prague and Munich. Founded in 2014, it is composed of young string players between ages 10 to 20 years old representing the creme dela creme of the country’s young musicians. After last year’s acclaimed performance, the MSJO are excited to compete in Vienna once again this July. In support of the young musicians, the MSJO is holding a fundraising concert at Manila House on Saturday, June 16 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at P1000 per person, P500 per child under 12 years Please reserve your tickets via events@manilahouseinc.com The MSJO is under the principal patronage of Standard Insurance Inc. under their corporate thrust “in pursuit of excellence” with a program to seek, nurture and develop young Filipino musical talent and provide them an opportunity to shine on the international stage.
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S P O TLIGH T
Welcome to the Clan Get to know our newest reciprocal club, Straits Clan, in Singapore
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magine 2,200 square meters of living, eating, working and playing across four floors. Straits Clan is a new private members club in Singapore conceived as a celebration of “our innermost indulgences… designed to take you from day to night, then a little more.”
Manila House Members in good standing may make up to five (5) aggregate visits per calendar month. They must inform our Membership Team at membership@manilahouseinc.com three days before they intend to visit Straits Clan. All bills must be settled in cash or by credit card before they leave the club.
As the founders explain, "Clan associations were a core part of society’s fabric in 19th century Singapore. A city of immigrants, individuals sought comfort and kinship in their Clan. Over time, this became a catalyst for social change in the wider community with clans championing societal advancements in education, infrastructure and commerce. Located on Bukit Pasoh Road, once known as the Street of Clans, Straits Clan takes inspiration from these iconic institutions and hopes to be the starting point for greater things to come.”
Manila House Members are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of Straits Clan during their visit. Straits Clan reserves the right to deny or revoke the privileges of the visiting Member should he or she does not observe said rules and regulations. STR AI TS C L AN 31 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845 T +65 6320 9180 straitsclan.com
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TRAVEL
Journey to Mexico and Cuba A2A Safaris has designed a specially tailored trip to Mexico and Cuba for Manila House Members in October
ITINERARY SUMMARY 4 nights Mexico City, Mexico Four Seasons DF (Deluxe Rooms) 3 nights: Oaxaca, Mexico Quinta Real (Master Interior Rooms) 3 nights: Havana, Cuba Kempinski (Patio Rooms) HIGHLIGHTS • Experience the burgeoning Mexican culinary scene at some of the top restaurants in Mexico • Enjoy a private meditation session with a traditional Energy Master on top of the ancient Aztec Pyramid of the Sun • Explore the artistic heritage of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera and meet some contemporary local artists in Mexico City’s colourful Coyoacan district • Stay in a 16th century converted convent in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Oaxaca
• Uncover the rich cultural and culinary legacy of Oaxaca’s colourful indigenous communities • Tour Havana in vintage cars as you explore the city’s gangster past • Share intimate meetings and conversations with famous Cuban actors, writers, dancers, and academics. • Be moved by a magnificent jazz performance whilst enjoying a spectacular dinner on a Havana rooftop cooked by a Cuban Michelin star chef. • Learn the intricacies of Cuban rum and cigar pairing taught but a local expert.
For more information, please contact Michael Scott at michael.scott@a2asafaris.com Oaxaca Street
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COST OF MEXI CUBA ITINE Based on 15 travelling in
Per Person (Double): Per Person (Single): Flights (subject to change)
Please note that these fl estimated and will be con time of booki
TRAVEL
HOUSE GUESTS
ICO AND ERARY ncluding 1 free
):
US$ 9,026 US$ 11,356 US$ 924
flight costs are onfirmed at the ing.
Mexico City - Coyoacan
WHO David A. Joseph Creative Director, Bochic NYC W H AT Bochic NYC Trunk Show WHEN May 3, 2018
WHO Christian Louboutin Luxury Shoe Designer W H AT Dinner with friends at Manila House WHEN November 21, 2017 Havana
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MEMBERS C O RN ER
Where Are You Off to This Summer? We asked Members where their wanderlust would be taking them this year
J AY S A L A France: Paris and Burgundy
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MEMBERS C O RN ER
TECHIE HAGEDORN Los Angeles and San Francisco
P I E A LV A R E Z San Sebastian and Portugal
RHODA CAMPOS South Africa
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FO O D A N D DRIN K
Now Serving
Filipino favorites, available all day long
LUMPIANG HUBAD SEAFOOD BINAKOL
OKOY
SUMAN, MANGGA, LATIK AT MACAPUNO ICE CREAM 16
O P EN IN G H O U RS AN AH AW Fine Filipino food in an elegant colonial-inspired setting. Open from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm for lunch and 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm for dinner AVEN UE B A R An elegant bar that begins indoors and flows into an outdoor deck with incredible views of the BGC skyline. Open from 11:00 am - 2:00 am BO NIFA CI O DI NI NG Here, comfort food is served from breakfast and lunch through to merienda, high tea and dinner, from spaghetti Bolognese with our own special meat ragout to irresistibly delicious salads and sandwich standards with our own twist. Open from 8:00 am to midnight T H E G R I L L Cozy yet sophisticated, serving steak and seafood grilled to perfection. Open until 11:00 pm on weekends and from 11:00 am - 2 pm for lunch and 5:00 pm-10:00 pm for dinner during weekdays 17
J U N E 2018
Calendar of Events
Happening in the House this June
T U E S D AY 1 9 , 5 P M
S AT U R D AY 9 , 1 0 A M - 1 2 N N
Health Talk: Caring for Your Liver Renowned liver specialist, Dr. Diana Payawal, president of the Asian Hepatology Society, discusses everything you need to know about liver disease, from detection to prevention to treatment. Presented in partnership with Centre Medicale Internationale Members: Free | Guests: P500
Kids' Cooking Class: Filipino Sweet Treats In the spirit of Independence Day, our chefs teach your kids the basics of pastillas and other native delicacies. Price per child: P800 Inclusive of ingredients Advance booking required
S U N D AY 1 7 , 1 1 A M - 7 P M Mano Po, Tatay! A special day-long celebration of Father’s Day combined with Philippine Independence Day, featuring a Filipino buffet lunch and fiesta with music, art and culture. Father’s Day Modern Boodle Lunch P2500 per person, P1250 per child under 12 years
M O N D AY 4 , 6 P M Film Showing: Ang Larawan Catch an exclusive screening of the acclaimed Filipino musical with a star-studded cast including Joanna Ampil, Rachel Alejandro, Paulo Avelino, Nonie Buencamino, Menchu LauchengcoYulo, Robert Arevelo, Celeste Legaspi, and Cris Villonco, among others. A discussion with the producers follows the screening. Members: Free | Guests: P500
S AT U R D AY 1 6 , 5 : 3 0 P M
S AT U R D AY 2 3 , 4 P M
In Concert: The Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra As the talented under-18 members of The MSO Junior Orchestra prepare to compete once more at the International Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, they perform at a special fundraising concert at Manila House. Ticket Price: P1000 per head P500 per child under 12 years
Poetry Reading: Philippine Poetry Today Three Filipino poets of varying styles read their own verse: Monique Obligacion, Lourd de Veyra and Quintin Pastrana Members: Free | Guests: P500
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J U N E 2018
manilahouseinc.com Instagram | @manila_house
8/F Net Park, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Reception + 63 917 816 3685
THROUGHOUT JUNE
J U N E 2 3 - J U LY 8 Pop-Up: In Good Company The streamlined chic Singaporean fashion label returns to Manila House for a two-week long pop-up shop. Brought to you by Premium Fashion Retail Designs.
Mon to Fri: 8am-11pm Sat to Sun: 8am-2am
Pop-Up: Nest Plant Studio A selection of lush greenery and potted plants are on sale at Luna Hall, ground floor Reception. Complementing the plants are hand-painted wooden drums from Mindanao, courtesy of Eight Wealth Trading.
To book your place at all events, we highly recommend that you email us beforehand at events@manilahouseinc.com
S AT U R D AY 3 0 , 1 0 A M - 1 2 N N Storytelling Session: Philippine Legends and Fables Characters from Filipino folktales come to life in an interactive storytelling session for children and book-lovers. Members: Free | Guests: P500
M O N D AY 2 5 , 6 P M
THROUGHOUT JUNE
Monday Minds: Green Innovation Our monthly sessions on distruption continue. This month we will bring together thought leaders and doers in the frontlines of green innovation and sustainability, including Chit Juan of the Echostore. Members: Free | Guests: P500
On Show: Brenda Fajardo
THROUGHOUT JUNE 9-11PM Martini Madness End the evening with unlimited vodka cocktails: Appletini, Cosmopolitan, Pomegranate Lemon Martini, Classic Vodka Martini and Dirty Martini. P2500 per person Surcharge applies for premium vodkas (Grey Goose and Belvedere)
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