OCTOBER 2017
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
09
COLOR HARVEST
BAR | CUISINE | ART | POP-UP | EVENTS
O C TO BER 2017
Harvest Time
In This Issue
October brings a particularly rich harvest of art to Manila House, representing a panoply of styles and a breathtaking range of talent. The inherent expressionism of the late Onib Olmedo has lost none of its emotional force in a series of paintings from his last show before his death. Color abstractions, on the other hand, weave a particular kind of power in Happenstance, a group show bringing together the recent pieces by emerging and established artists, envisioned by organizers Jay Yao and Kristoffer Ardeña as simultaneous conversations taking place. And, harnessing the quirky charms of Japanese manga is the young artist Rodrigo Cuenca, who reimagines another kind of city in his second show, entitled First World Manila.
Editor's Note
3
Meet the Staff Mary “Maya” Lopez
4
General Housekeeping
5
Interview Gemma Cruz - Araneta
6
On Show Conversation Pieces The Last Picture Show Welcome to the First World
Integral to our mission at Manila House is to create events that encourage discussion among people with different points of view. We've featured some recent events which have fostered that kind of exchange, including the sad situation in Marawi as seen from the vantage point of a correspondent stationed there, and a Marawi resident. Broadway producer Jhett Tolentino's rags-to-riches story, on the other hand, is a feel-good immigrant's tale, documented in the short film he wrote and directed and showed at Manila House last August.
Fashion Native Tendencies In Case You Missed It Asian Sensation From Here to Marawi This Boy's Life
Founding Member Gemma Cruz Araneta weighs in on beauty contests as well as the lessons of history. And for a bit of fantasy, come celebrate Halloween with us, and bring the whole family along for a frightful afternoon - and evening - of ghastly, ghostly fun!
10 12 13
14 16 17
Food and Drink
19
Calendar of Events
21
BAMBINA OLIVARES PR & Events Director
ON TH E C OVE R : Small Vision of Escolta by Rodrigo Cuenca
3
8
MEET TH E S TA FF
Get to Know: Mary "Maya" Lopez She’s often the first person you see when you walk into the Club. This BS Tourism graduate has always wanted to work in an industry that allows her to be on the frontlines, looking after people.
How did you end up in the club / hospitality business? I was only 22 years old when I was hired at Members Only Private Club. It was my first job and I enjoyed my job as a receptionist. It was challenging at first taking care of VVIPs but once you get to know your clients and you’re familiar with the kind of service they like, it gets easier along the way. I stayed with Members Only for four years, after that, I joined Aracama and was with them for five years. With those experiences, I felt that I was more comfortable servicing the VVIPs than regular customers, so when opportunity presented work at Manila House, I decided to take it. In your job, you learn to develop a rapport with Members. How do you balance the professionalism of a hotel/ hospitality environment with the familiarity of the club? The professionalism I learned from this industry equipped me with the basic knowledge of a frontliner. How to dress, act and talk to members. Once you have all that mastered, it’s easy to be more personal to the members by being familiar with what they want and how
they like things done. That’s the difference at Manila House. Everything is personalized. You get to know your members and make them feel like they are in their second home. Balancing it is quite easy as long as you put effort into knowing your members. There are bound to be demanding members. How do you maintain grace under pressure? I don’t really consider members as demanding. I always have the mind set that all members have different standards, likes, and dislikes. If you have the heart, and make the effort to be of service to them, there’s hardly any chance for them to be demanding. I am always resepctful and I make our Members feel that their concern is your concern as well. Being emphatetic and genuine is always key to great service. Why does your name plate say “Mary”? My birth name is Mary Grace but my nickname is Maya. I have requested for “Maya” to be placed on my nanmeplate however, our HR encouraged that only birth names are to be used. I would prefer to be called Maya instead of Mary. DIREC TO RY
DI NI NG R E S E RVAT IO N S +63 917 816 3685 reservations@manilahouseinc.com | M EM BER RELAT IO N S +63 917 657 2073 membership@manilahouseinc.com PR & 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 P H O N E +63 2 958 5007 | IN S TA GRA M @Manila_House | FA C EBO O K Manila House Private Members Club AD 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.
Club Hallway
C H I LD RE N ' S E NT E RTA I NME NT We have a selection of fidget spinners, crayons and coloring books to keep young children entertained and occupied when they are in the Club on the weekends. In the next months we will be adding more games and activities tailored to children. We would like to remind Members that these items are the property of Manila House and should be returned to the Club after use.
for future events are by appointment only. No events or banqueting queries will be entertained by the Club without the proper prior endorsement of a Member. DR E S S C OD E
O C U LAR VI S I TS
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.
Due to recent instances of abuses by nonMembers who come to the Club for ocular visits without the prior endorsement of a Member, we must reiterate that ocular visits
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.
to Manila House as long as they are not available at the Club and they are consumed that same day.
SE N I OR C I TI Z E N D I SCO UNT
The waived corkage applies only to wines and only up to three (3) bottles. Corkage will be applied to wines in excess of this allowance. The corkage fee for wines is P1,000 per bottle. Members are not allowed to bring spirits from outside the Club.
In accordance with the law, Manila House honors senior citizen discounts at all our dining establishments. The senior citizen discount, however, is not applicable to private events in which a set menu has been pre-arranged. Again, this is in accordance with standard practice. WINE ALLOWANCE & CORKAGE Founding Members enjoy the privilege of bringing up to three (3) bottles of their own wines, with corkage fees waived,
5
Please note that the waived corkage and outside wine allowance applies only to the hosting Member of private events, regardless of the number of Members present at the event.
IN TERVIEW
No Contest PO RT RAI T BY BJ PASC U AL PO ST C ARD F RO M MI SSO SO L O G Y. C O M
She first rose to national prominence as the Philippines’ first Miss International. She could have had a predictably happily-ever-after kind of life, but Founding Member Gemma Cruz Araneta has never settled for the conventional.
S
he has been a beauty queen, a journalist, an historian, a cabinet member, an activist, a mother and grandmother. Here is a glimpse into her endlessly restless mind. How have you managed to balance all these different roles throughout a most interesting life? These “roles” you mentioned are not simultaneous so I don’t have to do much “balancing.” I am a writer/journalist by profession; history (specially Philippine history) has always been my passion. I will always be a mother, and now I enjoy being a grandmother. I was the first Filipina to win an international beauty title abroad (that was in 1964, in Long Beach, California), the first Asian to win the Miss International. But I did not rest on my beauty queen laurels, so I went back to my original profession. I became an activist to face certain challenges; I became a public servant as Director of the National Museum (1968-71), Secretary of the Department of Tourism (1998- Jan 2001) and Executive
Assistant of the Mayor of Manila (20082013). Now I am jobless so I have all the time in the world to give lectures on Philippine history, curate exhibits for the National Museum and attend conferences about history, heritage and issues that interest me. I love going to concerts, travelling, and I enjoy having lunch with my ex-classmates. At this age (74), I am still living intensely.
children grew up there; Fatimah married a Mexican and has recently opted for Mexican citizenship. Leon came back in 1998 when I became a cabinet member. How can we as Filipinos build a stronger, more coherent sense of nation, considering our very fractured society? We have to open the book of the past in order to know what to do. The statement is not an original one; Jose Rizal used to say that in his lifetime. He also said that our educational system should awaken a sense of nation, sentimiento nacional, he called it. Nation-building demands personal sacrifice, it is as simple as that.
For many years you lived in Mexico. Was it easy to assimilate into the culture? In what ways did Mexico strike you as being so much like the Philippines? My children (Fatimah and Leon) and I never felt like foreigners in Mexico. Filipinos and Mexicans have the same vices and virtues; the cultural differences are hardly perceptible. It can be argued that Mexico is about half a century more advanced that the Philippines; political and social institutions are more solid there; Mexicans are proud of being Mexicans. The cuisine, music, traditions, flora and fauna are all very similar. I lived there all throughout Marcos’ martial law; my
You are passionate about Philippine history, literature, art and culture. Who are your favorite Filipino authors and artists? I spend most of my time researching and reading history books, primary sources, most of which are in Spanish and Tagalog. Most of the Filipino authors I read are historians. My favorite writer is Carmen
6
Guerrero Nakpil. More than anyone else, she deserves to be National Artist for Literature, but has been deprived of that award because she worked for the Marcos government. I like reading Latin American authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombian) and Guadalupe Loaeza (Mexican). There is nothing like reading, and by that I mean a real book, not a gadget, with a glass of red wine and/or tequila añejo on the side. You were our first Miss International. Beauty pageants then, as now, loom large in Philippine society. Based on your experience, would you do it again? You know, I consider myself fortunate for being the first Filipina to win an international beauty title. I am grateful that our compatriots still remember; I keep meeting Filipinas who were named after me and wherever I go, Filipinos of all ages, even millenials, ask if they can take selfies, or pose with me. My last book, Rizal’s True Love, is already in its 3rd printing. I sincerely appreciate all that; it is an honor and privilege.
IN TERVIEW
Left - Gemma today Right - Gemma with her crown and trophy
“If I were 20 years old today, I am sorry to say, I would think twice, or ten times, before joining one of these beauty contests.”
7
ON SHOW
Conversation Pieces A RTWORK BY GE R RY TA N
Happenstance, an exciting group show, takes place this month at Bonifacio Lounge.
I
serves almost like one big installation project, that allows them to engage in exploratory action. Unlike a typical white cube where the physical space forces you to concentrate on the objects, in Manila House, at first glance, the artworks seem to deceivingly take on a decorative function. This allows, again, a layer of happenstance that is vital to the nature of the exhibition itself.”
t brings together a gathering of artists neither connected by format, technique nor narrative approach, but through an unplanned situation catalyzed by the need to explore a dialogue between the artworks that each artist has proposed to submit for the show itself. How does each work relate to each other in the show once they are paired together and installed in certain manner considering certain formal and rhetoric elements that each artwork was originally created? What kind of visual dialogue takes place when juxtaposed?”
Happenstance features the work of Kristoffer Ardeña, Nurachman Andika, Bree Jonson, RM de Leon, Luis Lopa, Jason Montinola, Rega Rahman, Sigit Ramadhan, Gerome Soriano, Gerry Tan, Jay Yao.
Artist and Founding Member Jay Yao explains, “Instead of concertizing certain thematic concerns that might serve to agglomerate the artworks, the exhibit tries to seduce the viewer to participate in the exhibition itself. Taking into account the specificities of Manila House as a transient space where people meet, the exhibition
The exhibit formally opens on Wednesday, October 11th
8
O C TO BER 2017
Untitled by Gerry Tan
19
O C TO BER 2017
The Violinist by Onib Olmedo
ON SHOW
The Last Picture Show He had the sunniest disposition and the wryest humor, yet his art could sometimes be grim, dark and tortured. Some of the paintings from Onib Olmedo’s last exhibition, part of what has become known as “The Vienna Collection”, is on show throughout the month of October.
O
nib Olmedo (1937-1996) has been acclaimed by critics as a major Filipino artist of the 20th century. Olmedo created a body of work that utilizes the expressionist technique of distortion to portray the inner torment experienced by modern man.
Olmedo garnered all the significant local awards during his lifetime, including those given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Art Association of the Philippines, Mobil Oil Philippines and the Manila City Government. In the international art scene, he won an award in the prestigious Internationale Exposition des Peintures in Cagnes Sur Mer, France.
His paintings are characterized by an implosive impact but have an uplifting and ennobling quality, celebrating the triumph of the human spirit in the face of pain and anguish. At the same time, they are social commentaries with touches of wit and irony-- reflections of the artist's quintessential, down-to-earth humor. The subjects of his paintings were the denizens of Sampaloc and Ermita, including musicians, prostitutes, vendors and waiters, as well as people from the upper strata like society matrons, corporate executives and ballerinas.
Olmedo died in 1996 when he was only 59 years old. His impact on the art scene continues to be felt to this day, as evidenced by a whole new generation of artists who are self-confessed Olmedo disciples, producing works inspired by their icon's distinctive style, and putting up exhibitions that have paid homage to their late master. The exhibition opens on Friday, October 6th, with a curator’s talk on Tuesday, October 24th
11
ON SHOW
Welcome to the First World Manila could be a first world city just ask Rodrigo Cuenca.
A
rtist and equity research analyst Ramon Rodrigo Cuenca launches First World Manila, a fine art and manga (Japanese-style comic) educational exhibit that reimagines Metro Manila as an economically developed city. The exhibit uses paintings and a manga story to introduce and discuss economic and urban planning concepts and policies that may help the real-life Metro Manila prosper and achieve inclusive economic growth. First World Manila opens on Saturday, October 14th, with an artist talk and demonstration at 6:30 pm
12
Native Tendencies
Katutubo, the artisanal pop-up market showcasing local and indigenous design that is the brainchild of Founding Member Mons Romulo, takes place monthly at Manila House, in time for the holiday bazaar season
S
ome people wear their heart on their sleeve. Katutubo just wants you to #wearyourculture. The intimate pop-up market first debuted in July, featuring a handpicked selection of designers and brands with a distinct signature that combined exquisite Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary style. Many of these brands have inspired cult followings, such as Betina, Amarie, Ken Samudio, Kaayo and Tim Tam Ong. Last September’s pop-up market showcased an expanded range of designers, the new additions among them Kassa, Linea Etnika, Beatriz, Joanique, Silnag and Alchemista, to name a few. And because shopping and coffee go so well together, a pop-up cafÊ featuring a selection of short-order classics from our kitchen pops up too. Stay tuned for the next Katutubo pop-ups in October, November and December.
IN C A S E Y O U MIS S ED IT
Asian Sensation PH O T O S BY PH I L I PPI N E TAT L E R
14
IN C A S E Y O U MIS S ED IT
Clockwise: Karen Davila grills Kevin Kwan Z and Aivee Teo Not an empty seat in the House Kevin and his bestselling trio of novels
It was full house when Kevin Kwan came to Manila House to introduce his latest book, Rich People Problems
T
he much-anticipated event opened with the bestselling author – and Manila House Member – fielding questions from veteran broadcast journalist Karen Davila, followed by some very provocative questions from the audience, and finally, the book-signing session. Kevin was able to enjoy a late private dinner after that, with, Founders Doris Ho, Aivee and Z Teo, Founding Members Irene Martel-Francisco, Anton San Diego, Chris Yam-Daez, Zelda Kienle and Mons Tantoco, among others.
15
IN C A S E Y O U MIS S ED IT
From Here to Marawi P HOTO FROM BLUEI NK. NEW S
The tense situation in Marawi was given a human dimension one Saturday afternoon when Al Jazeera correspondent Jamela Alindogan was joined by former assemblywoman and resigned commissioner of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission Samira Gutoc, who both recounted their experiences in the besieged city.
J
amela read moving excerpts from her blog, about children and mothers caught in the crossfire, both literal and metaphorical. Samira, on the other hand, spoke spontaneously, often overcome by emotion, about the toll the war and the imposition of Martial Law has taken on her community. She also addressed issues such as what it means to be a Filipino while feeling marginalized as a Muslim. Jamela mentioned being part of the TALA Group, together with Nikki Luna and Ella Mage, which continues to collect donated canned goods, toys, diapers, clothes and the like, for the people of Marawi.
A mosque standing at the heart of Iligan City houses several Maranao families who fled the armed conflict in Marawi City
16
IN C A S E Y O U MIS S ED IT
This Boy’s Life Broadway impresario Jhett Tolentino told his incredible and inspiring story via a 36-minute short film that was screened privately at Manila House last August.
H
e was born dirt-poor in Iloilo, and through sheer resourcefulness and determination, won a scholarship all throughout high school and college, and found work in the United States, where he is based now. Called Life Is What You Make It, the film documents his journey from the slums to the bright lights, big city of New York, where he now resides. So oversubscribed was the movie that three consecutive screenings were held in one night! And viewers who stayed on for Jhett’s talk got to see up close – and touch – his Grammy Award, which he won for “The Color Purple.”
17
Bespoke Banqueting for the Festive Table Christmas and Holiday entertaining with the lush, personalized signature of Manila House. Call us to book our private rooms for the festive season. banquets@manilahouseinc.com
FO O D & DRIN K
Now Serving! Head over to the dark side for Halloween Z O M B I E AP O C A LY PSE
VA MPIRE DAWN
Black Tequila, triple sec, calamansi liqueur, lychee water
Vodka, fresh orange juice, almond syrup, pomegranate tequila sauce
SP I C Y TU N A TARTAR E W I TH N OR I C H I P S Exclusively at Avenue Bar this month, new tempting cocktails with a hint of horror and lots of flavour.
O P EN IN G H O U RS ANA HAW 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 AV ENUE 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 BONI FA CI O DI N IN G 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 IS S HO J A PA NE S E RE S TA U RA N T 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 T HE GR 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 19
O C TO BER 2017 manilahouseinc.com Instagram | @manila_house
8/F Net Park, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Reception + 63 917 816 3685
Calendar of Events
T U E S D AY 3
Blue & White An exhibition-sale of antique Chinese porcelain. On show until Oct 31
21
Mon to Fri: 7am-11pm Sat to Sun: 7am-2am
O C TO BER 2017
W E D N E S D AY 1 1 , 5 : 3 0 P M B O N I FA C I O L O U N G E
On Show: Happenstance
A group show featuring Kristoffer Ardeña, Nurachman Andika, Bree Jonson, RM de Leon, Luis Lopa, Jason Montinola, Rega Rahman, Sigit Ramadhan, Gerome Soriano, Gerry Tan, Jay Yao, brought together in artistic dialogue with each other
T H U R S D AY 1 2 , 6 P M
Bordeaux Basics: Wine & Food Pairing Class
Wine Story hosts a special wine and food pairing session featuring wines from the Bordeaux region of France Members: 500 | Guests: P1000 Includes wine-tasting tutorial and food
F R I D AY 1 3 , 5 P M AV E N U E B A R
Oktoberfest 2017 presented by Paulaner Bier
In partnership with Paulaner, celebrate Oktoberfest with a special brew to celebrate this raucous German tradition
F R I D AY 1 3 , 6 P M
Exhibit Opening: Onib Olmedo
A selection of paintings from the last show of the prominent Filipino figurative painter Onib Olmedo, who passed away in 1996
S AT U R D AY 1 4 , 1 0 A M INTRAMUROS BALLROOM
Katutubo Pop-up Market Trunk Show: Vivien Ramsay, October 27
T H U R S D AY 5 , 6 P M
S AT U R D AY 7 , 1 0 A M
M O N D AY 9 , 2 P M
The Macallan Edition Series Launch
Lego Education Workshop for Kids
A Taste of Colombian Coffee
The premium Highland single malt whisky unveils its annual limited edition series bottled from a handpicked selection of oak cask styles to create a new Edition each year Limited to 10 Members Reservations essential
Cafe Carino, a premium specialty coffee from Colombia, hosts an exclusive tasting session for the coffee connoisseur Limited to 15 spaces Members: Free | Guests: P500
Our monthly LEGO Education Activities continue, with two age-appropriate separate sessions conducted by iCreate Café and facilitated by two qualified trainers Open to children aged 2-12 Price per child P600 for a two-hour session
22
The intimate bazaar that celebrates local culture in fashion, jewellery, décor and food returns for another edition Runs until Sunday, October 15
S AT U R D AY 1 4 , 1 0 P M
Children's Story-Telling Hour
Featuring well-loved classics children of all ages will appreciate
O C TO BER 2017
S AT U R D AY 1 4 , 5 : 3 0 P M
F R I D AY 2 7 , 6 : 3 0 P M
Exhibit Opening and Artist Talk: Rodrigo Cuenca
Trunk Show: Vivien Ramsay
The young artist behind the blog Art and Finance, Rodrigo Cuenca, unveils his second show, First World Manila, featuring his unique blend Japanese manga-inspired fine art and economic discourse The exhibit runs through till November 8
S AT U R D AY 2 1 , 1 0 A M
Kids Cooking Class: Let’s Make Pizza
It’s never too early for children to start rolling in dough – pizza dough, that is. Our chefs show kids how to make their own pizza Price per child: P800 Inclusive of ingredients Advance booking required
T U E S D AY 2 4 , 5 : 3 0 P M B O N I FA C I O D I N I N G
Curator Talk: Onib Olmedo
Lizza Guerrero-Nakpil discusses the singular art of the Philippine figurative expressionist painter Onib Olmedo in the light of his last exhibition before his death in 1996
W E D N E S D AY 2 5 , 3 P M
Cooking Class: La Dolce Vita/Hasta La Pasta with Lorrie Reynoso
Known for her fluid , easy styles, Vivien Ramsay presents her latest collection
S AT U R D AY 2 8 , 4 P M
Superheroes Trick or Treat
The World's greatest Superheroes are calling on all of their Super Fans to help them fight! Bring the kids over to catch the Superhero show, watch fight demonstrations, attend Hero 101 classes, and meet and greet their favourite super heroes up close! Get the whole family to dress in their favourite Superhero costumes and win special prizes! Reserve your tickets now! Price per ticket: P1000
S AT U R D AY 2 8 , 6 P M
Halloween Cocktails
Halloween isn't just for kids. Specially themed Halloween cocktails await at Avenue Bar.
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Children's Corner
We have a basket of toys, games and coloring materials to keep children entertained over the weekend Please check with Reception
The famed culinary instructor, with a Cordon Bleu diploma from Paris, is an experienced chef who has taught at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. Price per person: P2000 Inclusive of ingredients Minimum class size: 10 persons Advance booking required MENU Classic Bruschetta Penne with Mushroom Truffle Cream Sauce Linguine with Seafood Pomodoro Medley Fettuccine with Pesto and Grilled Chicken Panna Cotta with Diced Mangoes Strawberries with Grand Marnier / Marsala Zabaglione
To book your place at all events, we highly recommend that you email us beforehand at events@manilahouseinc.com Learn how to make extremely practical Italian dishes with Lorrie Reynoso, October 25
23
The official Oktoberfest Bier available on tap at Avenue Bar for the whole month of October!