Radar MNL Issue 3 by RadarMNL

RADAR / September - October

Food

FOOD

Take a look inside Jojie Lloren’s mind // Rhett Eala talks about personal style and his weekly wardrobe // Mia Arceñas’ inspiring story

FEATURE

Feature

FE AT UR

CONTENTS Take a tour of the Z Compound In The Zone // Looking for a pick-me-up? Check out Jonesing For a Fix

SHOPPING

22 Shopping

Rudy Project: eyewear on the prize-wear //

36 Travel

TRAVEL

Dance to the Melody of Bacolod // Take in some Quality Surf // Baler Beyond the Tides beckons.

46 Living

We Can Have Nice Things, provided we know where to find them.

S ES EL

RT O

50 Sport

The Fat and the Furious - find the perfect meal plan for your taste and budget!

LIVING

48 Wellness

WELLNESS

Old School or NuSkool workouts? Get In The Ring and Drop It Like a Squat

53 Arts & Culture

SPORT

Lights, camera, action! Spotlight on Ian Ignacio // We give you The Inside Scoop on Spoonman, licketysplit.

LIF HT G

ARTS & CULTURE

62 Nightlife

Taking you back in turntable time with Jon Attend in Up To Scratch // Piersonally Speaking recommends top music mobile applications for the budding artist in you

58 Music

Nicole Asensio is all Dressed Up for the Location at different joints across the Metro!

66 LGBT

MUSIC

We got all the deets on why Cheetah Rivera is More Than a Woman

NIGHTLIFE

M US

Under the Radar explores the ins-and-outs (pun intended!) of Filipina Beauty // Save a pretty penny with What the Balut

68 COLUMNS

LGBT

Got something to add? Tell us! To be included in the next issue of RADAR MNL, drop us an email at: radarmagazine.mnl@gmail.com. RADAR / September - October

SEPTEMBER SUN

MON

TUE

THU

FRI

SAT

[TRAVEL] Kaamulan Festival (Malaybalay City, Bukidnon)

[PRODS] Soul Kitchen @Imperial Ice Bar

[PRODS] Bad Decisions @Black Market

[EVENT] International Beauty Spa and Wellness Show Pasig

[TRAVEL] Tuna Festival sa Gensan (General Santos City)

[RUNNING] AX Fitness Caliraya Marathon (Laguna)

[LIVE MUSIC] DVB BS Live in Manila Hyve

[EVENT] Food and Drinks Asia 2014. World Trade Center. Runs from September 4-7.

[LIVE MUSIC] B1A4 Live in Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum

[PRODS] Mavericks @Glass Door

[LIVE MUSIC] Pinoy Music Festival 2014 Ayala Triangle

[ARTS & CULTURE] Gary-Ross Pastrana Solo Exhibit Mo_Space, Bonifacio High Steet. Runs from September 1-28.

Strike @TIME in Manila

[SHOPPING] The Manila Sundance Bazaar. Metro Tent. Runs from September 5-7.

[RUNNING] The Great Walled City Run, Intramuros

[PRODS] Zero @Imperial Ice Bar

[PRODS] Soul Kitchen @Imperial

[EVENT] 12th Youth Congress on IT SMX Convention Center. Runs from September 10-12.

[ARTS & CULTURE] Noli Me Tangere: The Opera Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila

[ARTS & CULTURE] David Blaine Live in Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum

[EVENT] Asia Food Expo (AFEX) World Trade Center. Runs from September 10-13.

[LIVE MUSIC] Jed Madela: All Requests 2 Music Museum, Greenhills

[LIVE MUSIC] Cut/Copy Live in Manila Samsung Hall Anberlin Live in Manila Skydome

Strike @TIME in Manila

[ARTS & CULTURE] The Dramatic Readings: Les Liasons Dangereuses Century Plaza Event Center, Century City Mall

[GAMING EVENT] Asian Poker Tour - Asian Series Manila 2014 Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. Runs from September 10-17.

[PRODS] Mavericks @Glass Door

[EVENT] Team Table Top PH @Locale Gastrobar Pasig

[PRODS] Zero @Imperial Ice Bar

[PRODS] Soul Kitchen @Imperial Ice Bar

[EVENT] Manila International Book Fair SMX Convention Center. Runs from September 17-21.

[EVENT] 5Th Philippine International Camp Motor Show World Trade Center. Runs from September 18-21.

[FASHION] The Naked Truth: Bench Denim and Underwear Fashion Show Mall of Asia Arena

[TRAVEL] Pampanga Food & Heritage Tour Organized by Route+63 Travels. Departs from El Pueblo, Ortigas Center

[LIVE MUSIC] Boyz II Men Live in Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum

[PRODS] Mavericks @Glass Door

[EVENT] National Food Showdown 2014 World Trade Center. Runs from September 23-24.

[PRODS] Bad Decisions @Black Market

[EVENT] Design & DĂŠcor Philippines Pasay. Runs from September 24-27.

[EVENT] Dutdutan Tattoo Convention 2014 World Trade Center. Runs from September 26-27.

[EVENT] The Off-Price Show World Trade Center. Runs from September 26-28.

[PRODS] Mavericks @Glass Door

[LIVE MUSIC] John Legend Live in Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum

Strike @TIME in Manila

[EVENT] UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2014 [ARTS & CULTURE] Batang Rizal Star City Compound, CCP Complex

[TRAVEL] Penafrancia Festival (Naga City) [EVENT] Wedding Expo Philippines SMX Convention Center [ARTS & CULTURE] Shrek The Musical Meralco Theater

[RUNNING] Candy Rush 2 Quirino Grandstand

[PRODS] Zero @Imperial Ice Bar

[EVENT] Team Table Top PH @Locale Gastrobar Pasig [LIVE MUSIC] Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs Finals Night Mall of Asia Arena

WED

RADAR / September - October

[LIVE MUSIC] CNBLUE Live in Manila Smart Araneta Coliseum

[PRODS] The Turnup Amber, Fort

[EVENT] Introduction to Yoga: Flexibility-Not-Required Urban Ashram Manila

[TRAVEL] Kinilaw Festival (Surigao City, Surigao)

[VISUAL ART] Dayaw: Indigenous Art Exhibit NCCA Gallery. Runs from October 3-31.

Eid al-Adha

[LIVE MUSIC] Rock Legends: Bobby Kimball & Kenny Cetera Widus Hotel and Casino

[ARTS & CULTURE] Once on this Island Emilio Aguinaldo College Theater

[EVENT] Team Table Top PH @Locale Gastrobar Pasig

[TRAVEL] Octubafest Leyte Park Resort, Tacloban City

[TRAVEL] Hermosa Festival (Zamboanga)

[EVENT] Team Table Top PH @Locale Gastrobar Pasig

[TRAVEL] Cave Festival Laak, Compostela Valley

[TRAVEL] Coffee Festival Lipa City, Batangas

[PRODS] Dada Life @Hyve

[TRAVEL] Eggstravaganza Festival (San Jose, Batangas)

Thursday Throwdown @Big Bad Wolf Burgos Circle Lost World @Rocket Room

[EVENT] Chuck Miller Yoga Workshop Yoga Manila’s Ortigas Studio. Runs from October 10-14.

[SHOPPING] Elements Grand Bazaar Centris, Quezon City. Runs from October 11-12, 25-26.

[EVENT] Manila FAME SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. Runs from October 16-19.

[SHOPPING] Trendsetter Bazaar October 2014 World Trade Center. Runs from October 17-19.

[TRAVEL] MassKara Festival (Bacolod) Runs from October 18-19.

[PRODS] Dada Life @Hyve Thursday Throwdown Big Bad Wolf Burgos Circle

[PRODS] Friday Fever @Glass Door Cable Car Fridays @Cable Car

Diwali Festival Runs from October 23-27.

[TRAVEL] Soul Surf (San Juan, La Union) Runs from October 24-26.

[PRODS] Dada Life @Hyve Thursday Throwdown @Big Bad Wolf Burgos Circle

[EVENT] Team Table Top PH @Locale Gastrobar Pasig

[TRAVEL] Aeta Festival Botolan, Zambales

[LIVE MUSIC] Mariah Carey Live in Manila Mall of Asia Arena

[TRAVEL] Aswang Festival Roxas City, Capiz

[PRODS] Dada Life @Hyve Thursday Throwdown @Big Bad Wolf Burgos Circle Lost World @Rocket Room

[LIVE MUSIC] Mr. Big Live in Manila Mall of Asia Arena

[TRAVEL] Marikina Christmas Festival. Marikina River Park, Marikina City

FOOD

[PRODS] Friday Fever @Glass Door Cable Car Fridays @Cable Car

26 [TRAVEL] Niyogan Festival Baganga, Davao Oriental. Runs from October 26-29.

TRAVEL

[ARTS & CULTURE] Lara De Los Reyes Solo Exhibit Mo_Space, Bonifacio High Steet. Runs from October 4-31.

[ARTS & CULTURE] Cosplay Mania ’14 Evolution SMX Convention Center. Runs from October 4-5.

LIVING

[LIVE MUSIC] Neverland Manila Mall of Asia Trending Music & Magic The Reunion PICC Plenary Hall

SHOPPING

WELLNESS

[RUNNING] The Pink Run: D’ Feeling Breast Cancer 2014 Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill

SAT

[VISUAL ART] Journey into Space: The Visual Odyssey of Fernando Zobel Ayala Musuem. Runs from October 1-5. [LIVE MUSIC] Shane Filan Live in Manila World Trade Center

FRI

SPORT

THU

ARTS & CULTURE

WED

MUSIC

TUE

NIGHTLIFE

MON

LGBT

SUN

FEATURE

October

[PRODS] Friday Fever @Glass Door Cable Car Fridays @Cable Car

RADAR / September - October

AT UR E FE

Old Masters • and • Young Guns

It’s sweltering inside Jojie Lloren’s colonial-era

home. The sound of hammers and drills pierces through the air as repairs are made in the next room. He tilts his head in the direction of the noise. “There are termites,” he explains, “So we need to replace the wood.” The designer sits at the dining table, cigarette in one hand and a glass of vodka in the other. He is unfazed, at least, not by the environment. Lloren is working on a 40-piece collection for the Philippine Red Cross Ball. Roughly three months away from the event, he had just finished the first dress. The scope of his work is ambitious: 39 dresses inspired by 39 paintings by Filipino artists throughout the country’s history, each one bearing a characteristic – in texture, structure, pattern, or emotion – unique to its muse. The 40th, Lloren says, will be the synthesis of his experiences throughout this project, as he distills his feelings about the state of Filipino art and where it’s headed onto fabric. It doesn’t look very happy. Lloren decries what appears to be the deterioration of a once-proud heritage. He mentions drawing inspiration from masters both classical and contemporary, like Luna, Hidalgo, Amorsolo, and Bencab, yet he takes a somber tone when talking

RADAR / September - October

about today’s scene. “I am in mourning. We had all these great painters, and then now it’s… Trash. Literal trash. I went to an exhibit in the Met recently, and there was a bin turned upside-down, and the garbage spilled out.” “And trash all over,” he adds, “it’s been done before. I saw that in Paris in 2000. That was a long, long time ago. Maybe it’s because there are so many players out there these days, that the truly talented ones are harder to find. I don’t know.”

“I am in mourning. We had all these great painters, and then now it’s... Trash. Literal trash.” Lloren leaves his still-lit cigarette on a nearby ashtray. It burns all the way through as he continues his story amid the gnashing of saws on rotten wood. “There was another piece I just didn’t understand.

Chasing the Dream Dragon. Has art lost its soul?

Imagine a canvas here. I get a big brush – a wide brush – and put paint.” He counts out three strokes as he paints a rudimentary triangle in the air. “That’s it. Is this an artist, or a painter?” “Is it just me, or is it them? I don’t know if I’m just too old to appreciate the young people’s way of thinking now.” It’s a curious thing to hear from someone whose career had its first ripples when he co-founded the Young Designers Guild of the Philippines. At the time, their Fashion Watch show at the Manila Hotel thrust the group into the press’ attention. Lloren built upon that momentum by winning the grand prize at the 1998 Concours Internationale competition in Paris, sparking an interest in the Philippines’ crop of young designers and becoming a de facto mentor-slash-icon for other up-andcomers. For Lloren to be dismayed by the work of today’s young artists is a statement in and of itself. He isn’t afraid to be blunt about our budding fashion designers. “A lot of them, I’m sorry, aren’t good. I don’t see the passion in their work. Young people now, they want things instant. Instant fame. Instant money. They become artistas, models. They don’t put in effort into the making of clothes. They

FEATURE

don’t develop the technique.” The heat is starting to get unbearable by this point, so our shoot continues in his air-conditioned second-floor studio. We wrap up the formal interview on a lighter note, downing our vodka and chatting with Lloren about his love of travel. His main office is packed with fabrics. The walls are lined with his sketches for the collection, each one paired with the painting it draws its look from. The work is brilliant, even at this early stage. On paper, he’s managed to capture the visual dynamism of mixed medium works through a combination of creative cuts and textures. Other pieces come straight out of the canvas, their silhouettes matching the structure of key figures within the base image. As a testament to his skill as a designer, none of the dresses have a single brushstroke applied to the garment. A picture of a gorgeous red dress catches our attention. Lloren notes that it’s currently being constructed. He steps out for a few seconds, and then comes back in with a mannequin donning the dress’ basic pattern. There’s a joyful glimmer in his eye which hasn’t been present until now. He’s more engaged. A sense of excitement seems to be welling within him. This is the man whose passion for design led him to found a group that would engage and nurture the talents of others like him. Here was Jojie Lloren, who just a few minutes ago was wailing about the death of art, getting giddy at the prospect of creating it again. He shows off the foundation for the scrollwork for another dress. He plans on reinforcing it with harder material, as it’s absolutely essential that this particular detail remains crisp and defined. As we continue the shoot, the Lloren who captured our attention as a youth comes out. All his jadedness ceased to exist. It becomes clear that the passion he searches for in designers is one like his: never withering, never aging. After a few more shots, Lloren opens up about what can be done to address the poor direction in which our art, both in painting and in fashion, is going. “I think it’s the culture now. For many of them, the work is just a shortcut. They see their names and their pictures in the magazines, and they think they’ve arrived. There’s very little we can do to avoid that.” “The Young Designers Guild is inactive now.” There’s a wistful tone in his voice. “For a time, it was very unhealthy. There were factions – kanya-kanya na; ‘I should shine, you shouldn’t shine.’ We decided that it was best for people to resign, and then just get another batch. We need to get more deserving designers.” “If excellence can become a part of their aspirations again, not just fame and fortune, then perhaps things can get fixed.” Lloren’s words suggest the need for a reconstruction of the foundations

that were eaten away by artistic apathy and the lure of celebrity. After the shoot, we return downstairs, where Lloren has had a platter of cheeses and meats prepared. A fresh bottle of vodka sits on the table, flanked by a dish of lemon slices and several cans of tonic water. The workers continue to bang on the rotten wood, but no one seems to mind at this point. Newer, stronger material was on its way.

By Marco Sumayao Photography by Romain Rivierre

Jojie Lloren’s Shop

Visit Jojie Lloren’s shop at Unit A-17 2680 F.B Harrison Street, Pasay City, Metro Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 641-9347, +63 2 401-1194

VITO Studio

Order Jojie Lloren’s clothes online from VITO Studio http://vitostudio.com From top to bottom: The Fabric of Existence. The weave by which Life is said to be determined. From the mind’s eye. Each piece for the upcoming Red Cross Ball that Lloren is designing draws inspiration from the great Filipino Masters throughout history, holding the mirror of art to fashion. A Stitch in Time saves Nine. Only art is timeless.

RADAR / September - October

RHETT EALA By Alexandra Pierson Photographyt by Romain Rivierre, Hair and Makeup by Jopie Sanchez

MON PLAY ON PRINTS Mix and match a graphic tee with camouflage cargo pants.

Don’t be mistaken: fashion design is a skill. Crafting apparel is a discipline

that requires training, labor hours, effort, and yes, funding. All of these factors came together to make Rhett Eala the consummate pro he is today. Next year, he will mark 25 years in the industry, shaping the look of Philippine fashion from runway to shopping rack. This is not an overstatement: Eala’s influence has crossed the full scope of local couture. He began as in-house designer for Rustan’s upscale ready-towear lines. He moved on to found boutique Wink, then branched out into offthe-rack clothes for Collezione C2. His work reached downright iconic levels with his recognizable My Pilipinas design – the map of the 7,107 islands emblazoned on shirt pockets and printed on tops, which seemed ubiquitous in the past decade. It’s the kind of career history that can only happen with the right mix of talent, know-how, and fortunate circumstances. In contrast to the skill of fashion design, anyone can have a personal style. As Eala himself puts it, “Personal style comes from how people live and basically what their lifestyle is like.” Given the variety of lifestyles in this city, there

TUE

SIMPLICITY

Play down a crisp long sleeve polo with khaki cargo pants and funky kicks.

RADAR / September - October

WED

BLACK IS THE COLOR

A black shirt with textured detail is the perfect way to make a piece work from day to night.

As lifestyles change, so does one’s personal style. Eala understands this clearly – he recently turned 50. When the looming prospect of middle age set in last year, the designer underwent a shift in perspective: “I started wearing stuff that I never used to wear. From suits and leather shoes, my staples became shirts, jeans, and comfy but fashionable sneakers.” Despite this newfound dressed-down bent, he cited rocker Lenny Kravitz, entrepreneur Lapo Elkann, and outlandish blogger Susie Bubble as individuals with impressive personal style. So what advice did Eala have for people looking to cultivate their own look? “Only patronize a few brands,” he said, “Taking into consideration that these brands are the perfect fit for you, in terms of sizing and making you look good.” He emphasized that finding a custom approach matters more than name value or price: “They don’t have to be expensive or signature brands, it

THU

EASY ON THE EYES

Cool colored polo top with white detail, khaki pants and matching brown shoes to start the weekend right.

FRI

FANCY

Pair a statement piece top with a statement piece bottom for that attention-grabbing effect.

FEATURE

ought to be a hypothetical mosaic of different looks. Even if it doesn’t always work out that way in reality, it’s an ideal worth pursuing:“It’s always better for someone to have personal style instead of everyone looking like clones.”

just has to work for you.” Eala shared which brands complement his own look: “Rick Owens, Givenchy, Visvim (a Japanese brand), and Commes des Garcon for clothing.” In terms of footwear, he said, “I rely on Valentino, Visvim, and Prada.” Regardless of the subjective nature of personal style, Eala believes there are wardrobe essentials. For men, he recommended “a nice fitting suit (once again, it doesn’t have to be an expensive one), a good pair of shoes, a clean white shirt, socks, and a good pair of jeans.” As for the fairer sex, he just laughed and said, “everything!”

Rhett Eala

El Mercasol Bldg., EDSA, Mandaluyong City Tel. No.: +63 2 727-0226 loc. 526

SAT

SWINGIN SATURDAY

A simple black graphic tee with detailed brown trousers and black shoes is perfect for a bar to club look.

SUN

UNWIND IN STYLE

Walk around like you’re bigger than Prince in a powder blue long sleeve polo, black baggy pants, and dapper beige shoes.

RADAR / September - October

in contrast By Alexandra Pierson Photography by Romain Rivierre Wardrobe by Rhett Eala Makeup by Jopie Sanchez Hair by Envy Me Salon Modeled by Camille Cremet

RADAR / September - October

Shinobi ShĹ?zoku A piece that epitomizes mystery.

FEATURE

Modern Day Hitatare A must-have statement piece.

ShodĹ? Clean colors and eyecatching detail.

Ashigaru Perfect head turner for a casual day out or night around town.

RADAR / September - October

A legacy Refashioned Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol Creative direction and fashion styling by Luis Espiritu Jr. Makeup by Fatima Rabago Associate styling by Bang Martinez, Diane Lasam, Jona Buenaventura and Tara Subaldo Modeled by Ann Umali of Mercator Wardrobe by Joey Samson Accessories by S.C. Vizcarra

S.C.

Vizcarra proudly displays “since 1925” on their logo, the brand being synonymous with high quality hand-made craftsmanship and traditional elegance. Under the guidance of head designer Rita Nazareno, they’ve managed to stay relevant throughout an era of machinery and synthetics by innovating pieces that marry urban, edgy futurism with old-world materials. When we visited the S.C. Vizcarra factory along Roxas Boulevard, we half-expected Nazareno to be a feminine creature, with wavy locks and accent jewelry—a hypothetical image concocted by preconceived notions of how a shrewd female designer of luxury goods ought to look. Meeting the actual Rita was a pleasant surprise. She was behind her large desk donning an ebony mohawk and a long, gray Rhett Eala t-shirt cut on the bias. At the bottom of her faded blue boot-cut jeans peaked black platform boots. There was a rock’n roll tomboyishness in the way she behaved. This writer paused to marvel at her command of the situation—her androgynous no-bullsh*t dominion over the business, and her conspicuously creative mien. After apologetically tying up some hectic matters, the RADAR team was led into the storefront—a goldmine of woven and leather goods; suffice it to say, it jolted our inner shopaholics. There were retro suitcases, furniture co-designed by Gabriel Lichauco, clutches varying in thickness and softness, handsome corporate gifts (laptop sleeves, wallets, leather envelopes), hanging tool pockets, and bags of different forms and colors—some reversible. Tying everything together was the S.C. Vizcarra signature philosophy of material authenticity and strong design cues. On the side hung Rita’s collaboration with multi-media artist Wawi Navarozza—a decorative black raincoat made from triaxial woven water hyacinth. Nazareno recalls watching from behind the cash register at their retail stores in Guam and Honolulu as a kid. “We’d have busloads of Japanese tourists who would come to our stores.” Her history is also as transnational as the S.C. Vizcarra name; she went to high school in Hawaii, college in California, and divided her time between London and Manila. It’s no surprise that she ended up involved with the label. She just took a very indirect path getting there.

10 RADAR / September - October

Sizing Up You have been weighed and found wanting. ZACARIAS by S.C.Vizcarra’s Bilbao in red natural leather. Joey Samson black and grey wool and knit sleeveless long coat with matching trousers

Given that the brand’s success was partly responsible for her jet-set lifestyle, Nazareno felt she owed it to run S.C. Vizcarra. “I’ve been very lucky. The reason I was able to study abroad was the success of my mom and grandmother running things. It’s just right I return to help out.” While S.C. Vizcarra has always strived for elegance in brand identity, Nazareno takes credit for its recent edgy twist: “I was interested in pushing something that was traditionally crafty towards something more contemporary.”

FEATURE

Rita’s background was originally in TV, not fashion; her resume includes stints as Senior Producer at Fox 11 in Los Angeles and Creative Services Director of the NBC station in Houston. It was only in the past decade that she agreed to take a role in operating S.C. Vizcarra. “I had a Masters in Film and Video, and went to the Academy of Art in San Francisco, so I went to London College of Fashion for a second masters in Fashion. I think I was one of the oldest students there. No shame—I don’t care. It was fun. I was part of Fashion Business Club by Courtney Blackman. It’s since been rebranded as The Industry. I met a lot of people and then I came back home, and opened the store. It used to be all export.”

Heart Cold as Ice

Enveloped in an armour of her own choosing. ZACARIAS by S.C.Vizcarra’s Carlos in chaircane and microfibre. Joey Samson white cropped tux shirt. Trousers with detachable pleated peplum.

However, the overall brand remains a family affair. “My dad, Butch Sales, has really good taste. He’s the one that knows the mathematics behind all these weaving techniques, he’s the technical one—the engineer.” Sometimes a bag can take 15-18 days to complete, and the artisans at their half-hectare facility are repositories for ‘family secret’ weaving techniques. The way some of the bags were shaped by complex methods can seem mind-boggling. Rita wouldn’t have it any other way—she “would rather do something challenging.”

Calculating Stare Play to win, play for keeps. S.C.Vizcarra Limited’s Rodrigo bag, natural leather. Joey Samson grey apron dress over pleated skirt.

Nazareno has a clear-cut agenda for the brand in the medium term: a pop-up boutique in Paris, then more trade shows. “We’ve been doing well exporting to Japan for many years—we want to see if we can do Europe. Why not?” With regards to their popularity in Japan, she understands the appeal. “Japanese people are very discerning about quality; they can tell that our things are very hard to weave and we put so much heart into the pieces. I love Japan.” As for the customers’ demographic profile, she says, “We have my mother’s age group—very fashionable ladies. And then you have the more artistic ‘creatives’. We’re now bridging the gap between what people used to think about our heritage brand, and our current contemporary look as well. Having both is interesting, I mean, S.C. Vizcarra is me and my mother. Market-wise, it’s the same as well.” Indeed, more than age, it’s about sensibility. S.C. Vizcarra caters to consumers wanting to invest in durability and timelessness—people who’ve outgrown trendy, disposable “fast fashion”. A great bag has to stand the test of time, not just in taste but also in wear. In spite of the brand’s daunting legacy, Nazareno has her own quirky personal projects to keep her occupied. One pipe dream on her creative bucket list is a wicker version of the Death Star from Star Wars. “I’m really such a dork.” By Jenna Genio

S.C. Vizcarra

737 Roxas Boulevard, Parañaque City, Philippines 1702 Tel. No.: +63 2 854-6751, +63 2 854-6755 RADAR / September - October 11

, Mia s arsenal By Alexandra Pierson Photography by Mau Aguasin Styling by Luis Espiritu

hat were you doing when you were twenty three years old? Many of us don’t quite remember much of our early twenties, but fashion designer and mogul-in-the-making Mia Arcenas has managed to make a mark on the world of Fashion with her kaftans and resortwear collections. She designs all her own graphics for her fabrics, bold florals and geometric prints that draw attention to the classic silhouette and natural form of each woman who wears a MIARCENAS piece. She also makes statement jewellery composed of crystals, pearls, and other things that sparkle and shine, designed to bring the bold quality and effortless class that the designer herself exudes. Already a brand to be on the lookout for in various trade shows across the globe, Mia’s pieces are being sold in Morocco, Japan, Thailand, the Maldives, and Australia. Radar: How long have you been in fashion? Mia: When people ask me that question I really don’t know what to say because ever since I was a kid my mom has been doing fashion. She started her business when she was 19 and she has been doing it for over 20 years. Seriously though, even when I was a baby I would go to the factory every single day and stay in the design room, just randomly coming up with designs. I’ve taken fashion design seriously for 3 years. R: What does your factory produce? M: My mom’s factory produces handbags and fashion accessories for different brands all over the world, in Europe and Asia especially. R: So you were basically born into the fashion industry? M: Yes, but not so much clothes, more on accessories and the manufacturing side. R: When you took designing seriously, what did you first produce? M: First when I came back from University I didn’t know what to do so I joined my mom and I took care of the operations and marketing side of the company plus the design of all the handbags and accessories. Later on I realized living here that it was so hard to find nice resort wear. You would find some here and there but the quality wasn’t that great and you couldn’t wear them on a night out; it would just be normal cover-ups and nothing too special. I wanted to design resort wear that would be more upscale and dressy. Pieces you could wear on the beach and at the same time they are day to night kind of things. So I started designing kaftans for my mom’s friends. I made a few pieces and didn’t really know if there was a market for it and then when I came back to Cebu the kaftans were all sold out and my mom was telling me to make more designs because her friends just loved them. From there my loungewear brand took off. R: So your mom is really supportive of your brand? M: Yes, she’s very supportive. She takes care of the quality control especially with the orders because I have clients from the Maldives, Japan and Thailand.

12 RADAR / September - October

FEATURE Left: The designer at home in Cebu. Above: The chic beach-to-board meeting-exclusive club feel of her pieces allows for greater wardrobe versatility without sacrificing luxury.

R: Do you have your designs produced in your Mom’s factory or do you outsource? M: Initial production was here in my mom’s factory but now I have factories in India and I work with another factory in Hong Kong for my prints. All my prints are original. R: Where do you get the inspiration for your prints? M: I get inspiration from all the traveling I do. When I go to the beach on weekends, I draw inspiration from nature and when I’m in Hong Kong it’s more on lines. Then I just combine these inspirations and come up with a print. R: How bout for your designs itself? Like with the jewelry and handbags? M: I always think modern. Sleek and chic are my staples. R: Do you find it hard being a jewelry designer and having all these other cheaper designs out in the market? M: Yes, it is definetly difficult but that’s why I really push and try to make things that are not available in the market. I always do my research that’s why I travel, windowshop and just browse the net to make sure my pieces are one of a kind. R: You’re 24, how does it feel to be a boss at your age? M: It feels really good. I don’t even think about it but some of my friends tell me, “Mia, you’re so busy. You don’t go out anymore, we hardly see you…” I like what I do so when I go to the office I feel like I’m just playing. It’s so natural for me. It’s never been a chore. Traveling is a big factor in what I do and I meet so many people, it’s a really empowering feeling. R: I heard that you studied abroad to hone your fashion knowledge? M: Yes, I went to FIDM in Los Angeles. I took up Apparel Manufacturing Management. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do then. I actually wanted to study law or business but I thought: “Mia, you should do something cooler, something more

specific”. So those thoughts made me decide to go to FIDM and take up Apparel Manufacturing Management [Luis Espiritu commentary: “Mia graduated as a Kum Laude”]. R: Who are the international and local designers you look up to? M: For international designers I love Christopher Kane’s designs, Mary Katrantzou’s digital prints, Roberto Cavali of course and Elie Saab. For local designers I love everyone in Cebu, they are like my mentors. Cary Santiago, Arcy Gayatin, Jun Escario to name a few. I grew up going to parties wearing their designs. I never thought that I would actually be a designer back then. Now that I am, they too are very supportive of my career. R: Tell us about your latest collection. M: I’ll be having a special trunk show on September 5 for my latest collection. The trunk show is in collaboration with Philux and Alex Eduque. Alex works with Habitat for Humanity and they have a new branch where they focus more on education for children. So I made a special collection based on the Year of the Horse, anything that has a horse in the design, 50% of the proceeds go to this branch of Habitat of Humanity. For my Holiday Collection a certain percentage will also go to the organization. R: What advice would you give aspiring designers and entrepreneurs? M: My advice would be to network and connect with people. At the end of the day, no matter what you do you need good relationships with people around you and people who can help your business prosper.

Mia Arceñas

Ferimar Bldg. Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City miarcenas@gmail.com Tel. No.: 939 923 89 35

RADAR / September - October 13

D O FO I

n the past decade, UP Teachers Village has gone from an unassuming residential area for state college faculty into a semi-gentrified commercial hub, lined with artsy bars, niche restaurants, and the odd eclectic boutique store—most within the student-friendly price range. In other words, it’s become exactly the kind of would-be bohemian enclave one would expect to find in a part of Quezon City where academics, visiting expat development workers, broke intellectuals, and even brokeer artists tend to converge. For the most part, tricycle-lined Maginhawa Street has been at the heart of the action, but The Z compound on Malingap Street is shifting the focus to that part of the neighborhood.

In the zone By Paolo Cruz

It began with just the B-B-Q Zone, from which the compound took its name. These days, The Z houses a cluster of independently owned eateries that sum up both the area’s laid-back vibe and diversity of tastes. The de facto food court arrangement, including a common seating area on the roof deck, encourages a kind of mix-and-match buffet of flavors. Here’s a rundown of dining options in the compound.

Bochic

If you tasked a medieval torture rack operator to make a pig squeal, he still wouldn’t specialize in pulled pork with as much dedication as this stall. From within a repurposed shipping container, Bochic serves up crispy, turbo-broiled pork with your choice of serving style (in a bun or topped on rice) and sauce (including Spicy Buffalo, Pesto, and Teriyaki). Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 11PM Tel. No.: +63 906 570-1241

Health Break

Before the die-hard carnivores start with the “rabbit food” comments, consider that the salads here are more like “balanced meals” than vegetarian fare, including Kani (crabstick) Salad, Mango Chicken Salad, and Fiesta Taco Salad. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 1PM – 9PM Tel. No.: +63 906 486-0022

14 RADAR / September - October

Burger Hub

The Burger Project on Maginhawa Street already cornered the market on designer meat patties in UP Teacher’s Village. Rather than give them a run for their money, Burger Hub scaled back their price point, offering quality, affordable items like their fast-moving Juicy J’s Burger (PhP89), plated on attractive wooden boards that defy the budget pricing. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 3PM – 11PM Tel. No.: +63 917 824-9366

The Backyard Reservoir

Roomy and relaxed, it really does feel like chilling out on a friend’s patio here. Most folks come for the “Latonioni” pasta which borrows ingredients from more familiar pasta dishes: cream sauce, bacon, and herbs. Zucchini chips also make for a relatively unique snack. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 5PM – 12MN Tel. No.: +63 915 973-3432, +63 927 277-1588

The name and logo for this place mashes up the X-Men’s supervillain nemesis (Magneto) with bagnet, the pork leg delicacy from the Ilocos region. Beyond the clever branding, this place does crunchy, “bagnet-ized” interpretations of Pinoy classics like Kare Kare, Bicol Express, and that local pub grub staple, Sisig. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM Tel. No.: +63 917 892-4738

8Tea8Tea8 Milk Tea To Go

The sugar rush alternative to Cuckooh Puffs is the Big Scoop ice cream from here. Those who prefer a more liquid method to balance off the their savory meal can try any of the flavored milk tea varieties. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 12MN

Samu Eats

Meshwe

Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 5PM – 12MN

Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 3PM – 10PM

Me Love You Long Time

Lucky Noodles & Dimsum House

With a name that references sumo wrestlers, one expects hefty Japanese cuisine. With the pocket-friendly cost – PhP120 for spicy tuna sashimi, PhP180 for salmon sashimi – it’s plausible to eat like a Yokozuna (sumo grand champion) without breaking the bank.

It takes a lot of cheek to name a mixed South East Asian restaurant after the come-on of a hooker from Vietnam-era war movie Full Metal Jacket. More than just a bawdy name, their menu represents dishes from the Chao Phraya riverbanks to the Malay peninsula, with items like Bahn Mi sandwiches, Pad Thai noodles, and Indochinese-style Spring Rolls. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 3PM – 10PM

The crowds here may not be as thick and uncomfortable as a fire-sale in a Beirut souk bazaar, but this Lebanese stall draws a sizeable following with its dependable shawarama recipes. As a nod to carb-heavy Pinoy sensibilities, rice plates are available, with seasoned Bukhari grains.

The bland Chinoiserie decorating this booth – think red paper lanterns and Hong Kong movie posters – may not be particularly original. What really matters is the selection of familiar Chinese street food: crispy wantons, pork siomai, asado siopao, and chicken feet. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 3PM – 10PM

Stoner’s Soul Food To Go

B-B-Q Zone

Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 3PM – 12MN

Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM Tel. No.: +63 927 691-2583

Hijo D’Pita

Cuckooh Puffs

This place was still on soft opening as of press time. However, it appears to cater to diners with the munchies, if you get the drift.

In theory, making pita wraps stuffed like burritos feels a bit like a Mexican narco cartel declaring jihad. Those willing to be Tex-Mex philistines may sample their bastard creations, loaded with spiced chicken, beef, bacon, or veggies. Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 11PM Tel. No.: +63 915 887-0977

Flame on! Inihaw (Filipino style barbecue) dishes are staple comfort food for cash-strapped young folks. This unassuming grill spot is also the only place in Z that sells beer.

This is the default stop for people with a sweet tooth. Cream puffs and choux pastries are the focus, but the ubiquitous red velvet cupcakes are available here too. Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 10PM

The Z

33A Malingap Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 927 691-5283 RADAR / September - October 15

FOOD

Bagneto

D O FO

Jonesing for a Fix F ood is the only addiction you cannot quit cold turkey. Or, as logic necessarily dictates, you will die. The idea that a person can even be addicted to food is a relatively new one, despite science being fully in support of it. Experiments in animals and humans show that, for some people, the same reward and pleasure centres of the brain that are triggered by addictive and controlled substances like cocaine and heroin are also activated by highly palatable foods rich in sugar, fat, and salt. Like addictive drugs, certain types of foods trigger feel-good brain chemicals such as dopamine. Once people experience the pleasure associat16 RADAR / September - October

ed with increased dopamine levels from a certain type of food, they can quickly need to eat again and get another fix. There are certain types of food that you can get addicted to based on how the method of cooking and the actual taste palate of the dish itself, and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re jonesing, Tipple & Slaw in the Fort is the quintessential slanger for things that make you go mmmmm. Located in the compact and centrally-positioned Forum off 7th Avenue, this restaurant certainly has got the goods. Pair them all with the beer of your choice, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re golden.

1 A Full G Food, good food at least, is usually a melody of flavours that activates every single last tastebud in your mouth and eventually emanates down into your very soul. In order for this to happen, complexity of taste is considered very desirable. Take for example the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich. A symphony of four cheeses, with truffle paste on a white loaf, served with a creamy and luxurious tomato soup -- a high unto itself.

FOOD

2 4

“Tipple & Slaw in the Fort is the quintessential slanger for things that make you go mmmmm.”

3 5

Are you packing any (meat)?

Is it cut with anything?

The Belushi

Chasing the Dragon

There are fewer things more satisfying than kvetshing with your mentshes over a Pastrami Sandwich and a blintz (translation for those who don’t speak bad Yiddish: bitching to friends over a deli sandwich and a pancake) – especially after a rager of a weekend. Cured and smoked beef belly crusted with spices, some proper brown mustard, house pickles, and sourdough make for the perfect nosh.

If John Belushi were alive today, I am pretty sure he’d try OD-ing on one of these Porchetta Sandwiches. Crispy pork stuffed with herbs, dressed greens, served on a fluffy ciabatta loaf. Step aside, speedballs.

Feel the heat of the Volcanic Wings as you consume them – breaded boneless buffalo wings stuffed with blue cheese mornay – and you’ll be perennially chasing the dragon afterwards for that synergy of textures and flavours in your mouth.

Packing a burger patty properly is one of the most important steps in making this seemingly simple sandwich. The T&S Burger, consisting of fresh ground brisket, short rib and short plate, is served with caramelised onions, sundried tomatoes, and a blue cheese mornay on a buttered toasted bun. Packing hell, that sounds good.

RADAR / September - October 17

FILIPINO Abe

In spite of the casual, laid-back atmosphere, this place takes its Filipino cuisine seriously. It’s the showcase for the well-established LJC Restaurants group. Cafe Adriatico in Malate may be an insitution, with the history to match, but Abe – named in honor of founder Larry J. Cruz’s grandfather – is where the group’s best creations are put to the test. The signature dishes here are the Mutton Adobo with Popped Garlic (PhP410) and Abe’s Chicken Supreme (PhP895), which comes in family size. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Serendra, 26th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 856 0526 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM 3PM and 6PM - 11PM Branches in Alabang Town Center, TriNoMa, and SM Mall of Asia.

C2 Classic Cuisine

While the seating may be cramped and the décor unremarkable, the real draw here is the sheer range of reinvented Filipino meals, given new life by the chefs from the veteran Cravings group. The humble tinola gets upgraded into Tinolang Binakol (PhP325), with tender chicken pieces in a ginger-coconut broth, served in a meaty coconut husk. Seared Tilapia (PhP495) gets an interesting twist – fileted and served in a creamy Coconut Emulsion. Wash it all down with refreshing coolers like Salabat Soda (PhP110), where the usual carbonated lemon-lime is spiced up by ice cubes made of frozen ginger-tea. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 3/F SM Megamall, Atrium, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 470 1152 Opening hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM - 9PM F, Sa: 10:00AM - 10:00PM Branches in Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Katipunan, and Greenhills.

Cafe Juanita

The interiors here put an emphasis on gaudy native kitsch – that can be a warning or a come-on, depending on your tastes. What’s less open to dispute is the quality of their home-style Pinoy dishes, including deep-fried lapu-lapu (grouper fish) in sampalok (tamarind) reduction, laing (taro leaves in coconut milk), and angel-hair pasta with aligue (crab fat) sauce. Price Range: PhP 300 – PhP500 2 United St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 632 0357 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Sa, Su: 11AM – 2PM and 5:30PM – 10PM, F: 11AM – 2PM and 5:30PM – 12MN

Crisostomo

This upscale restaurant borrows its motifs from the writing of Jose Rizal, National Hero of the Philippines, particularly his unfinished trilogy of novels. Everything from the décor to the names of the dishes are homages to Rizal’s life and work. While the owners promise “Turn of the Century Filipino Dining”, the dishes are really just stylized versions of Pinoy classics. That includes at least six different kinds of sinigang, a local soup dish with various ingredients stewed in a sour tamarind broth. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 846 9275 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM –

18 RADAR / September - October

12MN Branches in Alabang Town Center and Eastwood City.

Mesa Filipino Moderne

Mesa claims to innovate on regional dishes from all over the country, although one might be hard-pressed to find anywhere in these islands that prepares Ostrich Salpicao. (The preparation – fried in a hardy soya garlic sauce – is a common enough Spanish-Filipino recipe. It’s the choice of meat that’s unconventional.) But that’s what makes Mesa a relatively unique dining experience; they’re willing to prepare more traditional dishes using unconventional ingredients, and vice versa. Crispy lechon (roast suckling pig) gets rolled in pandan flour wraps, as if it were a Peking duck. Boneless tinapa (smoked fish) is meant to be parceled into fresh lettuce, then eaten like a hand-held dumpling. But even the less experimental fare here is lovingly prepared. It can get especially full here during peak hours, compared to similar restaurants. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 728 0886 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 11AM – 11PM F, Sa: 11AM – 12MN Branches in SM Megamall Atrium, SM Aura Premier, and Tomas Morato.

Romulo Cafe

Its name pays tribute to Carlos P. Romulo, famed Philippine diplomat. Photographs of the man line the walls, and his famous “I am a Filipino” speech is proudly displayed on a plaque. In the daytime, it is a cozy family restaurant that makes gourmet Filipino food. At night, it morphs into a sophisticated cocktail bar. The floor and walls are adorned with bold floral prints, and private rooms are available donning the same pattern motif, but in different colors. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 32 Sct Tuason St corner Sct Dr. Lazcano St., South Triangle, Quezon City Tel No. : +63 2 332 7273 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 3PM and 6PM – 11PM

Wooden Spoon

Chef Sandy Daza comes from a respected family of cooks. He essentially stakes his whole legacy on the quality of the food here. Despite the odd location – an unassuming building on a road full of prestigious universities – he manages to bring in discerning guests. The menu includes specialties like century egg salad, stuffed pechay (Chinese cabbage), and breaded fish filet with wansoy (cilantro) sauce. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 329 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 426 0044 Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 10PM Branch in Power Plant Mall.

CHINESE Aberdeen Court

This is a no-frills Chinese teahouse, with all the usual trappings: round tables, lazy susans, curt service. But hey, you’re getting what you pay for. The take-out counter stays open around the clock for dimsum orders. Given their location smack dab at the fringe of the red light district, one

would expect they do a brisk trade in latenight noms. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 (Below PhP150 for dimsum.) Great Eastern Hotel, 7842 Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 899 3190 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 8AM – 10PM (Dimsum take-out counter open 24 Hours.)

Kanzhu Hand-Pulled Noodles

As the name suggests, the specialty here is freshly-prepared noodles, and Kanzhu does a passable approximation of the ones you can get in Hong Kong and Southern China. They’re either served dry and slathered in sauce, or in a steaming bowl of broth. Their dumplings are worth tasting as well. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Citiplace Bldg., J. Abad Santos St., San Juan Tel No.: +63 2 477 7919 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9:30PM

Lugang Cafe

Taiwanese cuisine doesn’t seem to be nearly as popular in Manila as other varieties of food from the Chinese diaspora – at least not beyond the usual milk tea and chicken chop cutlets. This makes Lugang one of the few places in the city dedicated to pork-heavy Taiwanese meals like Tofu Claypot, Maki Thick Soup, and Stewed Pork with Preserved Vegetable. It’s a serviceable version of the roadside fare one might find in Taipei. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 116 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 542 0196 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 11AM – 9:30PM F, Sa: 11AM – 10:30PM Branches in SM Aura Premier, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, and SM Mall of Asia.

Modern Sichuan

This is a specialized branch of the Modern China chain. In addition to its usual menu, it hopes to popularize spicy Sichuan dishes, which make generous use of black peppercorn, red chili, and hua jian (Sichuan Peppers). It’s located where The Establishment nightclub used to be, but old-timers probably won’t recognize it – the building was completely redesigned with good feng shui in mind. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 The Fort Entertainment Center, 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 828 9352 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 3PM and 6PM – 12MN

Passion

The main appeal of Passion is its reunion-friendly lunch buffet option. In this case, “buffet” is a slight misnomer – the set-up is more like all-you-can-order on dimsum items and main course platters, intended for sharing. It represents the more family-oriented side of the Resorts World Manila casino. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport Blvd., Pasay Tel No.: +63 2 908 8875

Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10PM

Peking Garden

Peking Garden pretty much institutionalized how peking duck is expected to be prepared – at least for diners outside the Filipino-Chinese enclaves of Binondo and Greenhills. Oddly enough, this fine dining restaurant was set up in partnership with Maxim’s Catering of Hong Kong, which is perhaps better known for its ubiquitous fast food shops. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 4/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 729 0567 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2PM and 6PM – 11PM Branch in TriNoMa.

Spring by Ha Yuan

The options here are squarely influenced by Filipino-Chinese sensibilities – the biggest giveaway is the range of noodle soups branded as Chinatown Mami. Even their seasoned Roasted Pork dish is referred to as Asado. Spring is an affordable introduction to “Chinoy style” food – it’s only slightly more costly than mass-market fare like Chow King, but with a quantum leap in terms of quality of flavor. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 BSA Mansion, 108 Benavidez St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 403 1508 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 9PM Branch at Venice Piazza.

JAPANESE Inagiku

Food critics and ordinary Japanese visitors tend to favor Inagiku as the total package, with menu options, food quality, and ambiance befitting a Japanese fine dining experience. Given its location at the Makati Shangri-La, it also meets the hotel brand’s exacting service standards. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Shangri-La Hotel, Ayala Ave., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 813 8888 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10:30PM

Mangetsu

Mangetsu takes pride in its Soba and Udon dishes, making its noodles from buckwheat and flour (albeit with a machine rather than by hand). That’s still enough to help it stand out from the scores of Japanese ramen joints in the city, which often use prepackaged noodles. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 38 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 478 3292 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2PM and 5:30PM – 11PM

Nihonbashi Tei

While other Japanese restaurants have a particular specialty (with prices to match), Nihonbashi Tei functions more like a middle ground between luxe dining and its shopping mall peers. The menu faithfully covers the full scope of Japanese cuisine at a midrange budget.

7731 Business Hours: M, T, W, Thu, Su: 11AM 3PM, 5PM - 12MN F, Sa: 11AM – 3PM, 5PM – 2AM

Tsukiji

Matgalne is a gem of a hole in the wall, and a favorite lunch and dinner spot for folks working in the area, who are budget-conscious and appreciate a good bang for your buck. At lunch, buffets are PhP299 with pork and PhP399 with beef; dinner buffets are PhP399. There’s a spread of 20-or-so other quality home-cooked style dishes waiting to be sampled.

Tsukiji has a 25-year history. It’s known as the first standalone restaurant (outside a 5-star hotel) where Japanese businessmen judged the food worthy enough to serve at business meetings with clients. The sushi and sashimi platters recieve the most praise. Price Range: PhP500 - PhP800 Milky Way Bldg., 900 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 843 4285 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10PM

UMU

While most Japanese restaurants in 5-star hotels manage to please even discenring Japanese guests, this one in particular excels at its teppanyaki dishes. The premium Kurogi Wagyu beef is sourced from Ibaragi (A4 level) and Tochigi (A3 level). Price Range: PhP 800+ Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Ave., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 867 3333 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 6PM – 10PM

KOREAN

Bulgogi Brothers

Bulgogi Brothers is an authentic Korean chain of restaurants hailing from South Korea. Their specialty, like their namesake, is Korean BBQ that you can cook yourself, thus tailoring your meat’s tenderness to your liking. Korean food is arguably more enjoyable when you hit up such a place with a group, mostly because you can share dishes and try more of a variety of flavors. On their menu, little notes accompany items recommending which Korean liquor is best paired with them. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 3/F Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 621-5289, +63 2 621-6216 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 10PM Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM Branches in SM Mall of Asia and Alabang Town Center.

K-Pub BBQ

You won’t miss the brightly lit, geometric façade of this K-pop themed restaurant. They’ve got photos of K-pop stars, show Korean music videos, and have a stage for concerts and events. Their servers, some of whom are Korean, dress up to match the funky motif. Interiors are vast, modern, playful, and colorful. With its high ceilings, several VIP rooms, and 420-person seating capacity, K-pub is the country’s largest Korean BBQ restaurant. The motto “meat all you can” alludes to their unlimited servings promos; “Eat and Run” affords you to order all you want in an hour’s time. Price Range: PhP150 - PhP300 G/F The Fort Strip, 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 847-1961, +63 927 814-

Matgalne

Price Range: PhP300 - PhP500 4768 Kalayaan Ave. cor. Mariano St., Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 890-2949 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11:30AM – 4PM, 5:30PM – 11PM Branch on Meralco Ave. (Ortigas Center).

Min Sok

Min Sok is a Korean family-run hole in the wall raved about for their excellent, warm service and superior food. Interiors are underwhelming, but the quality of their meats is remarkable and is what has garnered a fond following of guests from both in and outside their neighborhood. There’s a lot on the menu that non-Koreans may not be familiar with, which is a reason for people to keep coming back to experiment with different dishes, like their varied array of jigae (stew). On a side note, side dishes can be refilled an unlimited amount of times. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 5655 Don Pedro St. cor. Jacobo St., Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 895-9586 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10:30AM – 10PM

Sariwon

Sariwon Korean Barbecue is named after the North Korean town of Sariwon, wherein a certain Mrs. Bun-Im Koo became famous for opening a restaurant showcasing her special marinade back in the late 1930s. Metro Manila is the first city to host branches outside of Korea. Interiors are modern and design-savvy with graphics on the wall depicting the Zelkova tree. Tables have smokeless roasters if you want to cook your own meat. While the bulgogi is good, the USDA beef short rib galbi is the real star at PhP545 for their regular pre-marinated pieces and PhP780 for freshly marinated Seng galbi. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 Bonifacio High Street, West Superblock, 7th Ave. cor. 29th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 915 900-9272, +63 2 6213205 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

SOUTH EAST ASIAN 101 Hawker Food House

101 Hawker is styled after the kopi tiam teahouses of Singapore and Malaysia. The best value comes from the short-order rice meals, but it’s the pricier items that captures the pan-South East Asian flavors most effectively. This place is tucked away on a small road between Makati Medical

Center and Buendia Avenue, so it owes its regular clientele mostly to word of mouth. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Unit 102 Campos Rueda Bldg., 101 Urban Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 886 7329 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 10PM Sa: 8AM – 4PM

People’s Palace

Chef and restaurateur Colin Mackay – a Scottish transplant to South East Asia – puts his signature style on modern Thai cuisine. The restaurant space occupies a prime spot facing the original Greenbelt garden area, providing a leafy backdrop for your meal. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Greenbelt 3-Garden Side, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 729 2888 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 11AM – 2PM and 6PM – 11PM, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Pink Panda

Hailed as a “Southeast Asian Diner”, Pink Panda’s menu takes from comfort food from a myriad of neighboring countries. Its interiors can be described as backpackers taking a mischievous jab at contemporary rustic Asian fusion with bamboo accents, random objects, a bare unpolished floor, hip chairs, and urban street art graphics overhead. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Y2 Residence Hotel, 4687 Santiago St. cor. B. Valdez St., Poblacion, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 856 3790 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM

Soms Noodle House

Soms occupies a charmingly aged building on a side road between the Burgos red light district and posh Rockwell Center. The selection of Thai curries is considerably milder than the kind available on the streets of Bangkok, but for its price point, it’s a great deal. The outdoor seating area has a hawker-like feeling. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 5921 Alger St., Makati City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 10PM

Wild Ginger

Mid-range Pan-Asian cuisine, served fast and easy. The combo meals make it easy to sample particular types of food – choices include Delhi Dinner, Manila Munch, and the curry-oriented Vibrant Veggies. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Basement Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 898 1859 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F, Sa: 11AM – 10PM, Su: 10AM – 10PM

SOUTH ASIAN Kashmir

Kashmir is arguably the elder statesman among Metro Manila’s Indian restaurants. Despite its humble location – a somewhat run-down office building on Pasay Road – Kashmir’s food qualifies as fine dining.

For 40 years, the place has served mostly North Indian fare, including vindaloo curry, samosas, and chicken tikka. It has often been a gateway to Indian food, for Pinoys diners who can afford it. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Festejo Bldg., 816 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 844 4924 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

Legend of India

Legend of India distinguishes itself from other Indian restaurants with a bigger selection of seafood dishes like Shrimp Tandoori and Amritsar Fish. Another unique feature is a take-out counter with Indian snacks and pastries. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 114B Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 836 4232 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 3PM and 6PM – 10:30PM

New Bombay

New Bombay began as a modest restaurant in a downscale shopping arcade on Buendia. It’s now a thriving chain with multiple branches, a frequent go-to spot for Metro Manila’s different South Asian communities. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Sagittarius Bldg. III, 312 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 819 2892 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM - 11PM

Queens Taj Mahal

Some of the best samosas in town. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 146 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 922 870 8482 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN – 4PM and 6PM – 11PM

Swagat

Like New Bombay (above), Swagat is housed in a Makati residential building, with a casual dining hall vibe. The menu choices are remarkably similar too. Both restaurants have their fair share of regulars and supporters, but without any branches, those who are partial to Swagat really make the effort to visit here. Authentic lassi. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 FCC Bldg., 119 Rada St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 752 5669 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

EUROPEAN

Bianca’s Cafe & Vinotek

Bianca’s is a small and charming café, perfect for breakfasts, business lunches, and savory dinners. The wooden furniture on a checkered floor gives a shabby chic vibe that goes well with a menu that caters to those with a palette for the European countryside. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 7431 Yakal St., San Antonio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 815 1359

RADAR / September - October 19

FOOD

Price Range: PhP300 - PhP500 806 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 818 8893 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 9PM

Brotzeit

This Singapore-based German “bier bar” and restaurant is as Germanic as it gets with a menu full of hearty national dishes, an impressive variety of sausages, and plenty of beers. All items are listed alongside their elaborate German names. The interiors are simple, with guests sitting on benches, but there’s a mural of illustrations on the wall of personified animals exploring aspects of the beer culture. The same animals are carried over on the cover of their menus. Price Range: PhP500 - PhP800 112 Streetscape, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 631 1489 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 11AM – 12:MN F, Sa: 11AM – 2AM

Café Mediterranean

Much like other veteran Filipino chains that specialize in a regional cuisine, Cafe Med (as it’s affectionately known) tends to trade authenticity for consistency. Despite some concessions to the local palate, it does offer monthly special menus that focus on particular ingredients (dates, figs, or mushrooms, for instance), or dishes from particular areas of the Mediterranean. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Greenbelt 1, Greenbelt Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 751 9705 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 9PM Branches at Newport Mall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, and SM City North EDSA.

Cibo

Cibo has been the centerpiece in the career of noted caterer and restaurateur Gaita Fores. What began as an open kitchen in the hallway of Glorietta in 1997 has since grown into a brand name, on the strength of its modern Italian dishes. The pizza and pasta choices are the most obvious staples here, but it’s worth sampling the unique appetizer dips. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 2/F, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 631 7753 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F: 11AM – 10PM , Sa: 10AM – 10PM , Su: 10AM – 9PM

El Cirkulo Restaurant

High end restaurant headed by renowned Executive Chef J.Gamboa, specializing in updated Spanish cuisine. Cirkulo is dressed as a relaxed lounge, with contemporary interiors bathed in warm light. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 Milky Way Bldg., 900 Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Rd.), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 810 8735 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11:30AM – 2:30PM and 5:30PM – 10:30PM

Las Flores

Despite the modern flourishes of the

20 RADAR / September - October

interior design, the actual food here is straight-up traditional Spanish fare. Old-fashioned meals like Gambas Al Ajillo (spicy garlic fried shrimp) and Tortilla de Trampo (chorizo sausage omlette) are favored over Filipino-Spanish innovations.

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F, The Podium, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 570 8906 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours

Superblock, 7th Ave. cor. 29th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 547 8661 Business Hours: M, Su: 11AM – 12MN, T, W, Th: 11AM – 2AM, F, Sa: 11AM – 5AM

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F One Mckinley Place, 25th St, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 552 2815 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 2PM and 6PM – 2AM

Burger Bar

For a brief spell, flavored buffalo wings seemed to be the rage in Manila. Wingman was well ahead of the curve, introducing seasonings like Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan before they became standard ways to prepare chicken wings. The Classic variety continues to be a gold standard for wings in this city, while the Apocalyptic and Inferno variations push the envelope for acceptable spice levels.

Poco Deli

This little deli is a warm nook that brings the outside indoors. Its European deli menu includes artisanal sausages, pastas, and desserts that you can enjoy on wooden picnic tables with miniature potted plants as centerpieces. The walls are covered in brick, and the menus are written in chalk as are the prices on even the wine shelves. The original branch is still in Kapitolyo (Pasig), but the new spot in Makati is more spacious and the food, just as good. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati Ave., BelAir, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 808 6229 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM – 10PM, F: 10AM - 12MN, Sa: 10AM - 11PM

NORTH AMERICAN 2nd’s

If one can overlook the fundamental ridiculousness of high-end comfort food, 2nd’s excels at what it does: reinventing simple college-dorm meals using gourmet ingredients. Bacon Chicharon is worth more than just novelty appeal, while Truffled Three Cheese Mac is as indulgent as it sounds. The low-lit ambiance and roomy interiors make it feel like diners are getting their money’s worth. Price Range: PhP500 – PhP800 2/F Quadrant 3 Wumaco Bldg 1, 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 846 5293 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11:30AM – 11:30PM, F, Sa: 11:30AM – 12MN, Su: 11:30AM – 10:30PM

A Taste of L.A. Café

Baked shellfish platters, including oysters and clams baked over a pugon (wood fire) stand out among the more typical meal options at A Taste of L.A. Their bestknown dish isn’t actually very California at all: it’s lechon (suckling pig) baked in a wood fire, then served in Chinese-style pancake wrappers. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 171 Roces Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 374 2461 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11:30AM – 2AM, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Borough

Borough has a very similar approach to 2nd’s, doing upscale versions of easy American snack dishes. Some of the experiments are decidedly unconventional – think fried chicken seasoned in cocoa, and served with pumpkin waffles. Diners have responded well, and the place gets especially full around dinnertime.

Chances are, there’s a burger for every kind of patty lover among their wide menu options, from the bacon-heavy Piggy to the vegetarian Falafel Burger. Even then, one might decide to completely customize their burger with their You’re The Boss option. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 625 2792 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Chelsea Market & Cafe

Chelsea tends to bring in the ladies-wholunch crowd with generous servings of pasta, pizza, and Big Dish plated meals. Freshly sourced ingredients justify the slightly hefty price tag. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Serendra Piazza, Mc Kinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 909 7011 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM

Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones is as big on quantity as they are on taste, as noted by the Big Sandwiches and Blue Plate special meals, ideal for sharing. Expect upscale versions of diner fare like the char-grilled Jones Classic burger and Even Better Yankee U.S. Pot Roast. They’re not kidding about serving “American portions”. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 501 3111 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 12MN

Myron’s

Surf and turf is the order of the day here. Even if the signature combination of Petite CAB Steak and Slipper Lobster might be heavy on the stomach and the wallet alike, there’s still plenty to choose from, including several cuts of Angus Beef Rib Eye and different Baked Oyster recipes. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F, Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 757 8898 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 11PM, Su: 11AM – 10PM

Nolita

The scaled-back portions at Nolita set it apart from the super-sized meals of its competitors. Gourmet pizza is served by the slice. The Grub options, like the Bowl of Chili and the Stovetop Mac and Cheese, are similarly made for people with a more human-scale appetite for upscale comfort food. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 UG/F Bonifacio High Street Central, West

Wingman

Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 478 6770 Business Hours: M: 12NN - 1AM, T, W, Su: 12NN – 2AM, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 3AM

LATIN AMERICAN Brasas

Given the variety of South American dishes available here, the prices at Brasas are surprisingly reasonable. The location of the original restaurant – right next to the Asian Development Bank headquarters – means lunch hours are usually packed with expat professionals looking to more unique Latin American fare. The seasoned grills make it worth braving the crowd. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 5/F The Podium, 18 ADB Ave., Mandaluyong Tel No.: +63 2 570 5559 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM 9:30PM, F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM Branches in SM The Block, SM Aura Premier, and SM Jazz.

Chihuahua

While it’s also known as a nightspot – and conveniently located a few steps from Time – Chihuahua is a restaurant, first and foremost. It’s significantly pricier than some of its rivals for the exact same type of fare – burritos being the go-to order – but the portions and freshness of their ingredients make it stand out. The full rack of specialty hot sauces is a welcome bonus. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 7838 Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 890 3192 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 3AM F, Sa: 11AM – 5AM, Su: 11AM – 12MN Branch in Greenbelt 2.

El Chupacabra

El Chupacabra is owned by the same company as Mexicali – they’ve been introducing Tex-Mex cuisine to Manila’s diners long before most of their competitors. Now they’re bringing hearty urban Mexican food to a charming if tightly-packed hole-in-the-wall in the Burgos area. The street tacos are the main draw here. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 5782 Felipe St. cor. Polaris St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 895 1919 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM – 2AM

The initial word of mouth about Ristras was that it was a local answer to US chain Chipotle Mexican Grill. Pick a meat (options include ox tongue, ox cheek, and tripe), then decide how you want it served. Most opt for a burrito, but options include fajita, chimichanga, or taco truck style. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F, Fairways Tower, 5th Ave. cor. Mckinley Rd., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Business Hours: 11AM – 11:30PM

Silantro

Silantro is unique among its peers. For one thing, it started out in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. It also brands itself as a “Fil-Mexican Cantina”, willing to forgo complete authenticity for something with a more local flavor. This non-traditional approach leads to dishes like Paella Fajita Mix and Pancholon’s Burger. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 East Capitol Dr., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 917 508 4748 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 10:30AM – 12MN F, Sa, Su: 10:30AM – 1AM

MIDDLE EASTERN Bricks & Cooper

Pidi – Turkish-style pizza – is what distinguishes this place from other Middle Eastern restaurants. The rest of the menu is rounded out by more familiar items with an Ottoman twist – doner instead of shawarma, and the kebabs come with actual Turkish rice instead of the usual buttered white rice at more downscale establishments. Price Range: PhP150 - PhP300 Shaw 500 Zentrum, Shaw Blvd., Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 697 2007 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 7AM – 2AM

Jacob Shawarma & Kebab

Like Bricks & Cooper, owner Jacob Cortes prides himself in making food inspired by the Asian side of the Bosphorus river. Better still, it’s available 24/7. The actual store is nothing much – a small groundfloor unit with a high ceiling on a non-descript backstreet in Ortigas, but it’s worth dining in just to savor their signature dishes right off the grill. Price Range: Below PhP150 AIC Gold Bldg, Sapphire Rd., Pasig City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 12AM – 12MN Sa: 1AM – 8AM Branch at Robinsons Magnolia.

Maharajas Kababs

Ash Mipuri started out with a stall in the Legazpi Sunday Market. When his Ashman’s Pork Kebab won a BBQ Cook-off in 2012, word spread about Maharajas. Now his hole-in-the-wall restaurant at the fringe of Makati has become an unlikely destination for discerning Middle Eastern food lovers. Price Range: Below PhP150 1405 Pablo Ocampo St cor Dungon St.,

San Antonio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 817 6217 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 12MN, Su: 2PM – 9PM

Persia Grill

This particular branch of the Persia Grill chain caters to the after-office crowd with stripped-down, unpretentious versions of staple Middle Eastern dishes. The Executive Meals are value for money, if not particularly authentic. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 Valero Carpark 2, Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 818 9090 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 11PM Branches at SM Megamall, University Mall, and Eco Plaza.

Ziggurat

Filled with low tables and throw pillows, Ziggurat complements its affordable Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian menu with colorful, fun, and exotic décor. Hookah is optional, but recommended to complete the aesthetic experience. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 G/F Sunette Tower, Durban St. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 897 5179 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12AM – 12MN

breakfast selection. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 G/F Powerplant Mall, Amorsolo Dr., Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 839 0482 Business Hours: M, T, W, Su: 7AM – 11PM Th, F, Sa: 7AM – 12:00MN

Nomnomnom

A common haven for carnivores and vegetarians alike, Nomnomnom focuses on general healthy eating with Italian dishes full of fresh crisp greens, herbs, and delicious breads. The ambience is rustic, bright, and cutesy alongside DIY touches and friendly pastel colors. Price Range: PhP150 – PhP300 3/F Pos Bldg, Sct. Madriñan St. corner Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 416 3280, +63 917 472 8472 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN – 10PM

Whistlestop

This is a popular 24-hour spot to eat and drink with a diverse menu, lots of seating, and a very casual laid-back attitude. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 116 Jupiter St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 890 4728 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours

INTER-CONTINENTAL SPECIALTY COFFEE Corner Tree Cafe

This vegeterian and vegan gem is as adorable, quaint, and tiny on the inside as it is on the outside, like a cottage along a country road. Creativity is key for green-eaters, which is why their menu boasts items inspired by all corners of the globe, from North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Spain, to India and Japan. Price Range: PhP300 - PhP500 150 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 897 0295 Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM

Green Pastures

Organic doesn’t necessarily connote health-conscious. It’s really all about dining fresh from the farm. The food here is flavorful, robust, and they don’t shy away from frying, or duck fat. The way this colorful restaurant is put together with an entire wall of green crops, grocer’s counter, and wood everywhere, it feels like picnicking right at your neighborhood market. Price Range: PhP300 – PhP500 4/F East Wing Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 654 3219 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM

Hatch 22

This upscale café and bakery serves adaptive dishes good for breakfast and brunch all-day, everyday. Following the modern-nostalgic trend, their sculpted wooden ceiling floats above a nifty and eclectic mix of metal, wood, and cushioned furniture. Every dish is served beautifully presented, with recipes that are mostly Western in nature, but there is a Filipino

Commune

All of the coffees here are made with Commune Blend, a locally-sourced combination of Philippine Arabica and Robusta varieties. The playful murals and cozy space make it especially conducive for hanging out. Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Liberty Plaza St, 102 HV Dela Costa Tel. No.: +63 2 889 2660 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 11PM

Craft Coffee Revolution

Craft gets credit as the trail-blazer in designer coffee. When it began as Craft Coffee Workshop in 2012, naysayers scoffed that it would be a flavor-of-the-month hipster trend. Now it’s set the precedent for on-site roasting, and it continues to hire and support some of the most knowledgeable baristas in Metro Manila.

City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 7AM – 2AM F, Sa: 7AM – 3AM Su: 7AM – 6AM

Kuppa Roastery

Kuppa is co-owned by Karen Lo-Tsai, the Philippines’ only certified Q-grader – the coffee equivalent of a sommelier. Roasting is done on-site with a Probat roaster. Choose how you want your coffee brewed: via French Press, AeroPress, or V60 Pour Over (similar to Vietnamese ca phe). Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Commercenter Bldg., 31st St cor 4th Ave, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig Tel. No.: +63 2 623 5120 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 7AM – 11PM F, Sa: 7AM – 12MN

Magnum Opus

Once you get south of Makati, the options for specialty coffee get increasingly slim. Luckily, Magnum Opus exists to help fill the need. Billing itself as a “fine coffee gallery”, they make “bespoke” creations like their “Dirty” iced drinks (“Dirty”, in this case, meaning topped with espresso grounds). 2/F The Prime Bldg., 115 Aguirre Ave., B.F. Homes, Parañaque Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Tel. No.: +63 939 920-0701 Business Hours: M: 4:30PM – 11PM T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10:30AM – 11PM

Toby’s Estate

This is the flagship store of the craft coffee franchise from Down Under. It has a Slow Bar setup for serving Chemex and Siphon-method brews. Their go-to cup is made with beans directly sourced from farmers in Woolloomooloo, Australia. 125 LP Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 7AM – 10PM F, Sa: 8AM – 12MN Su: 8AM – 10PM

Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) 88 Esteban Abada St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 964 7994 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 11PM Su: 11AM – 8PM

The Curator

Find The Curator hidden away inside Cyrano Wine Bar. By day, it serves single-origin coffee like Hineleban, sourced from Bukidnon, and brewed with an AeroPress. After dark, it offers craft cocktails. With rigorous training via the EDSA Beverage Design Group, the staff is equally adept at preparing both coffee and booze. Price Range: Below PhP150 (coffee) 134 Legazpi St. cor. C. Palanca St., Makati

RADAR / September - October 21

FOOD

Ristras

PP IN G SH O

Offwhite cropped sleeveless jacket White oversized mens shirt Midnight blue pinstripes trouser

I Dress Therefore I Am I

t’s all in the pace of the world today. Information on demand keeps us hooked up 24/7, not always by choice. Yet to unplug puts one at risk of feeling disconnected with critical goings-on. Memes – disruptive ideas and funny cat graphics alike – travel at the speed of thought across the fiber. With all our digital selves multi-tasking and networking at once, it’s enough to make one feel like a ghost in the machine. 22 RADAR / September - October

White sleeves tuxedo dress Matching midnight blue coat and trousers

SHOPPING Jersey tunic with patch and blue chambrey and knit rugby coat Away from the black mirrors, our bodies still exist in the brick and mortar “meatspace” world. Just because we’re represented by nodes in a vast system, it doesn’t mean our physical form has to be subject to ephemeral fast couture. Well-cut lines and a crisp silhouette can be a lasting reminder of our individuality when we start to feel haunted by the depersonalized realm inside the screens. There’s a reason why the saying “clothes make the man” has endured the rigors of time. Grooming and hygiene are just traits of a hyper-developed ape, but our style can make us feel like the humans we are.

Photography by Jo Ann Bitagcol Creative direction and styling by Luis Espiritu, Jr. Makeup and hair styling by Ryan Pugliatti Models courtesy of A. Gordon

Joey Samson

455 Adalla St., Palm Village, Makati City +63 2 890-4419, +63 918 9592541 joeysamson@ymail.com Also sold online at VITO Studio http://vitostudio.com/shop/en

Striped jersey front with patches/ crest mixed with midnight blue back and trousers RADAR / September - October 23

PP IN G SH O

Waves of Possibility T

hough we’re not always conscious of it, we fashion a sense of the world around us by immersing ourselves in waves. The light we see, the ambient noises we hear, the currents we swim in – all of these are carried by vibrating waves. They interact with our senses to help us understand our place and space. In the cool ocean water, the waves lap at our bodies and influence our movement. Pushing against the tide, we hope to assert control over the deep blue. Amid the din of the nightclub, the soundwaves carry pulsing beats and frenetic notes. Our brains then interpret the audio signals, as a haunting tune or dancefloor anthem. Ultimately, it’s waves of light that determine our vision of the world. Even as we would fumble in darkness, we are just as overwhelmed by an excess of light. It’s only at the right level of illumination that we see life for what it is, and what it can be. When filtered through the marvels of contemporary technology, the radiance of sunlight and electric bulbs alike reveal the full majesty of the world beyond. As the light waves pass through finely crafted lenses, it reflects the infinite possibilities ahead. Photography by Romain Rivierre Makeup by Yciar Castillo and Elaine Ganuelas Modeled by Girlie Benitez and Linn Øymo

Rudy Project Multiple branches including:

across

Metro

Manila

B1 Bonifacio High Street, 9th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 856-1231 2/F Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 816-6351 3/F The Podium, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel. No.: +63 2 687-2997

24 RADAR / September - October

SHOPPING On Linn: Rudy Project Skymajor Gold With Bronze Deg Lenses On Linn: Rudy Project Prestige White Gloss With Laser Black Lenses

RADAR / September - October 25

Natural Selection I

t’s a truism that fashions come and go, but style endures. In practice, it’s more like evolution. The most lasting designers adapt to changes in public sensibility – and their own personal growth – while still retaining a distinct creator’s mark on their work. This holds true for Joanique, the jewelry line founded by Malou Romero. It may have seemed like a shrewd move at first – Romero is a one-time model, and she recognized that her looks wouldn’t pay the bills forever. However, despite the practicality of Joanique’s origins, its selection of bangles, earrings, rings, and necklaces reveal the hallmarks of an artisan dedicated to her craft. When the brand started out in 2011, Romero borrowed motifs from nature. Previous collections were titled Jardin (garden) and Pierra (stone), as she looked to her immediate surroundings – the green expanse of her own backyard – for inspiration. Early designs referenced leafy textures, viscous tree sap, and even the carapaces of garden insects – their creepy crawly origins transformed by Romero’s vision into wearable art objects. Last year, Romero premiered the Origami collection, aspiring to create bijoux that mimic the form of Japanese paper-folding. One of these pieces – the Akira, named after origami grand master Akira Yoshigama – was featured in the online edition of French Vogue, putting Romero’s craftsmanship on the proverbial map of global style. The curves and folds in the metal echo Yoshigama’s pioneering “wet-folding” techniques that brought a more organic quality to the traditionally angular creations of the origami discipline. This year’s Blanc et Noir collection saw her work taking on more geometric forms. From the fine block edges of the Kanika rings to the conical elements of the Piek bangles, the pieces bring to mind elements from architecture blueprints or physical science diagrams. Rather than appearing cold and hard, Romero incorporates these shapes into profoundly human accessories – a reminder that the most appealing designs are usually the ones most in line with who we are, as people. This diversity of influences has earned Joanique a place in London’s high-end concept store Wolf & Badger. It’s also been well-received in respected international expositions like Paris’ Bijorhca Éclat de Mode. Although the look of Joanique’s pieces has shifted (cont’d on Page 19)

26 RADAR / September - October

Noshi Bangle, Ihara Pendant and Rings

The most appealing designs are usually the ones most in line with who we are, as people.

SHOPPING Narcissus Earrings, Aster Bangle

over time, they retain the same feel. Their fundamental “Joanique-ness” lies in the experience of wearing one of her works. Aside from that, Romero has maintained oversight in selecting the same quality sources – the gold vermeil, sterling silver, and precious stones that form the raw materials of her craft. Ultimately, Joanique is defined by the creative vision Romero brings to it. Her goal has always been to create works of beauty that last. At any time and place, a woman can sport a Joanique design as a signature piece, and it will giver her a boost of savvy or mystique, even when paired with an outfit that’s otherwise completely basic (in both the classic and internet slang sense of the word). If the fashion industry can sometimes feel like survival of the fittest, Romero isn’t letting it get to her. As long as she keeps up her passion for jewelry, the evolution of Joanique carries on.

Photography by Romain Rivierre Fashion styling by Luis Espiritu, Jr. Makeup by Carmie Locsin Hair styling by Hyatt Laurel Wardrobe by Jean Hill Accessories by Joanique

458 Showroom

458 Adalla St., Palm Village, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 952-2485 Call in advance to schedule a viewing.

All Crocus Necklace, Earrings and Rings

Cura V

2/F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 896-1691 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F: 11AM – 10PM Sa: 10AM – 10PM Su: 10AM – 9PM

RADAR / September - October 27

poor miss havisham By Zack Varkaris Photography by Romain Rivierre Gown by Maureen Disini Styled by Alexandra Pierson Makeup by Yciar Castillo Hair by Jopie Sanchez

Maureen Disini

19/F The Ritz, 6745 Ayala Avenue, Makati City maureen@maureendisini.com

Dearest Agatha,

It is with great sadness that I write to you now, on the eve of what should be your most happy of days. My heart has been riddled with torment and strife these last few weeks as I have realized that I have lost the battle with the inner demons that reside within me. These are the product of a harsh childhood that had been given the sheen of a gentlemanly life. I have tried to overcome this handicap ever since you entered my life and we became engaged to be espoused. However this does not escape the fact that I will never be the man you expect of me or for that matter deserve and so with a heavy soul must refrain from marrying you. This I do with Christian conscience and you will in the future thank me for sparing you the pain of a wasted matrimony.

Yours truly, Compey

28 RADAR / September - October

SHOPPING RADAR / September - October 29

Splash of color Photographer: Romain Rivierre Stylist: Noel Manapat Hair and Makeup: Ara Fernando and team

Male: Bench black pullover with quilted detail, OJ stretch jeans and yellow woven leather belt Female: Bench yellow menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pullover and yellow stretch jeggings, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pullover tied around waist.

he brrr months are upon us, but do not let the soggy weather and gloomy skies discourage you. Keep yourself happy and bright by dressing to fit the mood, rather than the mode with Bench/. Break the monotony with a simple splash of colour or a staid staple to draw the eye to the waist, a hip solution to any drab outfit. An outfit composed of various pieces in the same brilliant hue, much like the plumage of a peacock, will guarantee you standing out in a crowd. Real men wear pink, and they wear it well. Step into your comfy zone with a luxurious scarf and dapper longsleeve top, and watch those blues melt away.

ADVERTORIAL 30 RADAR / September - October

SHOPPING

Male: Bench pink cotton scarf, men’s pink longsleeves and peach OJ slim jeans

Female: Bench blue men’s cap, knit and silk layered top, blue stretch jeggings

ADVERTORIAL RADAR / September - October 31

Male: Bench tweed fedora, burgundy knit pullover with contrast sleeve detail and burgundy OJ stretch jeans

Female: Bench teal cropped knit top with neon slim belt and green stretch jeggings.

32 RADAR / September - October

SHOPPING Female: Orange gartered waist mini dress with white lace collar, orange longsleeves, and orange platform slip-ons Male: Bench printed â&#x20AC;&#x153;chapeauâ&#x20AC;? cap, slim fit longsleeved polo with contrast panel, blue OJ stretch stretch jeans

RADAR / September - October 33

FASHION

The Appraisery

The Appraisery deals in pre-loved vintage clothes. An in-house stylist curates the range of apparel. The store also houses a coffee shop and tabletop gaming space. Oddly enough, there’s a significant overlap among the clientele of fashionistas, coffee lovers, and geeks.

Sunnies by Charlie

Exactly what the name suggests: sleek, vintage-styled designer eyewear. The brand comes heavily endorsed by local celeb Georgina Wilson, who’s also their Marketing Director. However, credit for the faux retro aesthetic – think Lana Del Rey gone tropical – goes to her pal, designer Martine Cajucom.

Cubao X, Gen. Romulo St., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 921 2682 Business Hours: T, W, Su: 2PM – 12MN Th, F, Sa: 2PM – 2AM

Level 2, Glorietta 2 (beside Astrovision), Ayala Center, Makati City Email: hello@sunniesbycharlie.com Business Hours: Su, M, T, W, Th: 10AM – 9PM F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM

Aranaz

Team Manila Lifestyle

This business has only been around since 1998, but it already spans generations. Becky Aranaz teams up with daughters Amina and Rosanna to deliver chic, well-crafted accessories. They actively make use of native materials like mother of pearl, coconut shell, and wood beads, mixing them with fabrics, leather, and stones to create items that “de-ethnicize the ethnic”, as they put it. Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 757 0301 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM Branch at Power Plant Rockwell.

Greyone Social

The country’s pioneering dedicated street wear retailer has been dealing in men’s sneakers, tees, hats, and accessories since 1997. The global urban labels they stock include 10 Deep, Benny Gold, OBEY, and Undefeated. R2 Wing, Greenbelt 5 Mall, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 729 0945 Email: greyonesocial@gmail.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM

House of Laurel

Acclaimed local designer Rajo Laurel is now offering ready-to-wear pieces off the rack. In addition to the main ladies wear line (Rajo!), they also cater specifically for plus-size and maternity (Nine by Rajo). RajoMan deals in menswear, while Rajito is made for stylish children. 6013 Villena St. corner Manalac St., Poblacion, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 895 5688 Ext. 2

Rags2Riches

These days, the phrase “social enterprise” has been used and abused by every company looking to earn brownie points from conscious buyers. Rags2Riches is the real deal, with a business model that provides fair market access to cottage industry artists, while giving them skills-based training, as well as health and financial guidance. For consumers, the key to their staying power is an attractive range of bags, including satchels, totes, clutches, and even carriers for tech gadgets. Their chic designs are crafted out of upcycled scrap cloth and indigenous fabrics. 3/F Glorietta 1, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 920 476 0730

Business Hours: Su, M, T, W, Th: 10AM – 9PM F, Sa: 10AM – 10PM

34 RADAR / September - October

For over a decade, this design firm turned lifestyle brand has been using Filipino mass iconography as the basis for a range of unique consumer products. Taking inspiration from street signs, local movie posters, public school textbooks, and other sources of everyday visual culture, they’ve managed to maintain a brisk trade in stylized Pinoy pride. Powerplant Mall, 2F South Court (above Zara), Rockwell Center , Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 403 2645 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 11AM – 9PM F: 11AM – 10PM, Sa: 10AM – 10PM, Su: 10AM – 9PM

CONSUMABLES ECHOstore

Think of ECHOstore as an upscale sari-sari shop, dealing in a range of organic and locally-sourced items, from Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates (available in flavors like Calamansi and Siling Labuyo), to skincare products from social enterprise Human Heart Nature. But they’re not just an ethical retailer, they also make their own branded goods, like Honest Herbs teas (Malungay, Lagundi, Banaba, and Ginger varities) and their Body Basics Personal Care line. G/F Serendra Piazza, McKinley Parkway, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 901 3485 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 10PM Branches at Podium Mall and Eton Centris.

Legazpi Sunday Market

With a shifting roster of vendors hawking cooked food, organic produce, and artsy goods, this long-running weekly market is a dependable source of interesting finds. It may not be as down-to-earth as going to your neighborhood wet market, but this place has an undeniable friendly vibe of its own. Legazpi St. corner Rufino St., Legazpi Village, Makati City Business Hours: Su 7:30AM to 2PM

Ritual

Similar to ECHOstore (above), Ritual presents itself as a “sustainable general store”. We’re particularly impressed with the beverage selection – tapuy rice liquor, Katipunan Craft’s Indio Pale Ale [sic], and small-batch rhum from Don Papa. Also worth recommending are Kalsada’s single-origin coffee beans.

Unit A, The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 400 4326 Email: hola@ritual.ph Web: www.ritual.ph Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 9PM

HOME GOODS Dimensione

This chain of furniture concept stores is targeted at upwardly mobile young professionals, looking to spruce up their home on a midrange budget. To that end, it carries sleek, minimal interior goods, with Ikea-like sensibilities – albeit without the modular, knock-down practicality of the Swedish home brand. Unit 901, Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 856 6756

Firma

This store is now on its 14th year of dealing in swanky home accessories. It’s the brainchild of Richard Danao, a former theater stage manager, and Markus Schmidt, a German entrepreneur, they now produce an eclectic range of lamps, candelabras, and decorative tassels that highlight the duo’s playful, opulent sensibilities. Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 757 4009 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 9PM

Heima

The main draw is the tastefully colorful furniture, but they also carry unique home accessories from their My Apartment line, as well as charming décor items like funky throw pillows and stylized wall clocks. The overall aesthetic here is twee and quirky. Unit 103, Three Brixton Building, #3 Brixton St., Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 501 7588 Email: online@heimastore.com Web: www.heimastore.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 7PM Branch at LRI Design Plaza in Makati City.

Resurrection Furniture

Old items are refurbished and given a new life here, hence the name. Vintage card catalog shelves turn into functional cabinets. Spanish-style aparador wardrobes are reinvented as contemporary shabby chic. Chairs are patched up with a bohemian aesthetic. Most items here are one of a kind. The owners also do customized made-to-order items, for consumers willing to provide the source materials. 10A Alabama St., Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 918 924 0580 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 6PM

Space Encounters

This store describes itself as “mid-century Scandinavian furniture meets Pop Asia. Aesthetic meets functionality. Wrapped in neon science fiction.” Frankly, it’s quite accurate: ironic Chinoiserie and Orientalist kitsch décor finds a place alongside miniature Chippendale chairs, Hemmingway writing tables, and funky lamps.

Unit B Mezzanine, Padilla Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. (Emerald) Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 910 8031 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 11AM – 8PM Sa: 11AM – 5PM

BOOKSTORES Book Sale

Not a lot of expats pay attention to this chain of second-hand bookstores, but for cash-strapped bibliophiles earning in Pesos, this place can feel like a miracle. The stocks here are a mix of overruns, remaindered copies, sometimes even former library books. The lack of a proper inventory system makes every visit hit or miss. Yet the variety of titles on offer is staggering – genre fiction, quasi-academic books, contemporary literature, graphic novels. The most current books are one to two years old. It also carries back issues for American and British specialty magazines. Level 1, Entertainment Mall, Mall of Asia Complex, Seaside Blvd., Pasay City Tel. No.: +63 2 556 0697 Web: www.booksale.com.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 10PM Branches at SM Megamall, Market! Market!, and Shopwise Cubao.

Bookay-Ukay

The name of this used bookstore is a play on words: it comes from ukay-ukay (which loosely means “rummage sale” in Filipino). It’s quite an apt moniker – the titles are loosely organized, but you’ll really need to dig around for the perfect find. In the end, it’s totally worth it: you just might find a pulp classic, cult title, or discarded best-seller – sometimes for even PhP50 or less. The store also hosts poetry readings and even the odd intimate gig. 78 Maginhawa St., UP Teacher’s Village, Diliman, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 905 428-3125 Email: bookayukay@gmail.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 11PM

Fully Booked

This is the go-to store for the latest reading material, especially now that competitor National Bookstore has drastically cut back on their stock. This one is the flagship. At best, it’s at par with regional chains like Kinokuniya, in terms of new releases, best-sellers, specialty non-fiction, and especially comics and manga. However, the Filipino market bias towards self-help and religious literature seems painfully obvious. There are branches of Starbucks, White Hat frozen yoghurt, and Comics Odyssey on site. Bldg. 6, 902 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 858-7000 Email: fb_fort@fullybookedonline.com

RADAR / September - October 35

TR AV EL

The melody of bacolod RESET 6100 URBAN ART EXHIBITION AND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Reset 6100 Urban Art Exhibition and Music Festival: The road to freedom of self-expression, creativity, music and friendship capped off one crazy summer season with a big surprise. With an intricate program flow, visuals, and music that seeped to the soul, it brought everyone together from the different kind of scenes that are emerging from the urban; was truly a festival for the artistic and musically inclined. It was an incredible first of its kind event for Bacolod City that brought a day of art, dancing, music, and fun on Saturday, May 31st at the beautiful faรงade of the Baywalk, starting from morning until early morning the following day. RESET6100 featured a skateboarding/BMX/long boarding competitions, 3D art, fixed gear bicycle exhibition, graffiti murals, graffiti, drum circle, masskara dancers, marching bands, local and international DJs and much more. RESET is the birth of a revolution. It was the Reset team defying the odds and producing something that was fresh and outside the box. For a day, it became an avenue for underground local artists coming from the different scenes of a vibrant city, looking for an outlet to express themselves. An impressive experience was created through visual and auditory presentation that was well attended and enjoyed by all those who went for something fresh and out of the current mainstream. It seeks to a new experience as it goes back down to focus on the primordial pool of means in releasing freedom of expression and lifestyle in the urban: Art, Sports, and Music. - July - October 36 RADAR / June September

TRAVEL CULTURE THE RUINS

Bacolod is popular for its heritage site, The Ruins. Upon arriving at the location, you will be greeted by a massive skeletal frame of a once elegant mansion. The mansion was built in the early 1900s by a Spanish-Filipino sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. It was a gift to his wife, Maria Braga, and was burned down in the early part of World War II. It was Don Mariano who had the mansion burned down in order to keep the Japanese soldiers from using it as headquarters. When the mansion was burnt down all that remained were the foundations, the pillars, the grand staircase, and a sense of history. It is also said that sunset is the best time to visit The Ruins. The reason being is that the exterior of this stately structure sparkles when the sunlight hits it as it sets because of the egg whites mixed into the cement.

By Alexandra Pierson Photography by Micki Aviado

RADAR / June - July 37 RADAR / September - October

CHOW MY BIG FAT SHAWARMA

My Big Fat Shawarma offers just exactly that, “big” stuffed shawarma. The garlic sauce is more on the sweet side than salty, to cater more to a Filipino palette. You can order the regular sized shawarma or their 12” (foot long) shawarma. They also offer shawarma rice with crunchy onioins and the meat of your choice, which is a must try as well.

SHARYN’S CANSI HOUSE

Sharyn’s Cansi House is a low-key restaurant, which focuses more on the food than making the interiors glamorous. It was recommended by most of the locals as one of the best cansi that Bacolod has to offer. You can say that cansi is a delicious mix of two Filipino favorite comfort foods: sinigang (tamarind soup) and nilaga (beef and bone marrow soup). Aside from the cansi soup they also offer sizzling cansi, which is basically the beef they use for the soup version turned into a fried, sizzling plate of pure deliciousness. Both the cansi soup and the sizzling cansi are best enjoyed with a bowl of rice and a soda pop.

NENA’S ROSE

Bacolod is known for it’s juicy and mouthwatering chicken inasal. Nena’s Rose was one of the first chicken inasal joints to open in Bacolod. They first opened in the famous Manokan Country (chicken country) and then opened up shop on Libertad. Pair garlic rice (with crispy garlic bits) with chicken oil poured over it and the chicken inasal part of your choice to make it even more authentic. Our choice of dipping sauce for chicken inasal? Soy sauce mixed with chicken oil and some sili (bird’s eye chili). Enough said.

FELICIA’S PASTRY CAFE

Aside from cheap booze and delicious delicacies, Bacolod is also known for sinful but delectable desserts. Felicia’s is known for its butter sansrival, French macarons and chocolate cake. Their chocolate cake is soft, moist and good to share between two people. The café is quaint and cozy. Perfect for relaxing while having a slice of cake and a cup of coffee.

CALEA

One of the more popular pastry cafes is Calea. They have tourists lining up to buy boxes of whole cakes to bring back home. Unlike Felicia’s, Calea has more of a “fast-paced” vibe to it. You order your slice of cake and a beverage, gobble it up and go. When you ask the waitresses what their bestsellers are they would say their moist chocolate cake and cheesecakes are must tries. We tried the moist chocolate cake, which has a custard center, and the size of the slice was massive that you can split it between three people. The white chocolate strawberry cheesecake is a good option to try as well, the size of the slice is smaller than the moist chocolate cake and could probably be devoured by one person. 38 RADAR / September - October

TRAVEL

NIGHTLIFE

ART DISTRICT

The Art District is one of Bacolod’s newest nightlife strips. It is home to Garaje, Txacho, Café Joint, My Big Fat Shawarma and many more bars, restaurants and cafes. You can also find art by Charlie Co and other artists around the Art District. RADAR MNL suggests bringing an iron stomach along too, as the Illongos can outdrink many a man.

GARAJE BAR

If you’re visiting Bacolod for the first time, then Garaje Bar is a must to visit. The fact that waiters wear “Drinking Team” shirts while the owner, Manolo Barandiaran wears a “Drinking Coach” shirt with a whistle hanging from his neck epitomizes the festive culture of Bacolod City where everyone is welcoming and cheerful. The drinks are cheap (just like everywhere in Bacolod) and flaming shots are required of all first-timers. Bottoms up!

RADAR / September - October 39

Hanging Ten On The High End For most guests at Costa Pacifica, their first

memory of the place is a welcome drink of coconut lychee juice and a chilled towel, handed out by perky uniformed staff in the breezy main lobby. The clean minimalist interiors – from Scandinavian-looking counters to stylized couches – share space with native flourishes, like Aurora coconuts and wooden sarimanok (mythical birds). From there, it’s off to one of the spacious guest rooms, many with balconies that open out to a Pacific ocean view. There’s a conspicuous plushness to the manicured grounds and sunlit living space, which calls attention to the resort’s eagerness to provide creature comforts. The experience is meant to be a radical departure from the archetypal Baler guesthouses that line nearby Sabang Beach. On these grounds, access to the local surf culture is complemented by a deluxe sensibility – that’s what Resident Manager Gerald Canilio considers the Costa Pacifica difference. However, it’s clear that Costa Pacifica wants to offer more than just upscale surroundings. It also intends to attract a specific kind of cosmopolitan eco-traveller. The bicycle rental counter has pride of place in the lobby. The resort also offers priority access to Discasalarin Cove, a sprawling private resort further down the bay, with secluded lagoons, a fine sand beach, and an Artists Village. As a physical testament to its exclusivity, the route to Dicasalarin passes a jagged cliffside road that

favors travel via utility vehicle. Costa Pacifica’s self-concious “glocalized” appeal is emphasized further by a gift shop that carries niche Philippine beers (Katipunan Craft Ale, natch), organic skincare products, and even niche board games. Even the on-site surf shop, Charlie Does, includes a specialty coffee booth, Ground Swell. It evokes an aesthetic of Ikea meets an 80s Club Med. Sunset sessions by guest DJs have been used to attract a certain type of beach-goer who appreciates good music. Insider hearsay suggests that the large room numbers on the doors are a practical measure, to help guests who’ve had one drink too many. The end result comes across somewhat like the resort version of electronic dance music (EDM); it will appeal to a significant, well-defined niche crowd, but be completely lost on another segment of the market. The rest will show up if they’re sufficiently curious about what the buzz is about. That may seem like a risky strategy but it appears to be paying off. Even in the midst of the rainy season, during an unfortunate lull in the waves, the resort was flush with activity as the weekend drew closer. For the most part, the clientele seemed to be a healthy mix, from whole extended families including Filipino-American returnees, to smaller groups of foreign holiday-makers, not necessari-

Costa Pacifica

Manila Office: +632 576 4555 Baler Office: +63917 853 6040 For inquiries and concerns, please email: inquiry@costapacificabaler.com Address: 080 Buton St., Sitio Labasin, Sabang Beach, Baler, Aurora, Philippines, 3200

ly accompanied by local companions. There was also a smattering of youthful-looking college students, proudly supporting their university apparel. It wasn’t quite the hip crowd that Costa Pacifica is aiming for but that shouldn’t really matter, as long as the guests are willing to pay the bill. That brings us to the crux of the matter: the price of a stay here. Baler locals who’ve run budget homestays for decades refer to the resort as “Costly Pacifica”. So what do you get for the extra bucks at Costa Pacifica? In addition to the boutique trappings already mentioned, there’s the promise of world-class service. Costa Pacifica has the human resources to attend to guests’ needs in ways that smaller accommodations can’t, from housekeeping on demand, to all-hours room service, and a dedicated lifeguard at the in-house pool. (In fact, Canilio insists that it’s a rare opportunity for the Baler workforce to participate in the leisure industry at a world-class level.) This effort at global standards means that beds, bathrooms, and living spaces are built to house even the lankiest of Caucasians, giving it an edge over the guesthouses. The market for Costa Pacifica represents a new opportunity for Baler to broaden the scope of its local tourism. The challenge now is to make sure it doens’t undermine the vibrant surf culture that made the town so appealing, in the first place.

By Paolo Cruz Photography by Jenna Genio and Rich Tuason 40 RADAR / September - October

TRAVEL

Into the Belly of Baler Beach House, the home restaurant of Costa Pacifica, is known throughout the town as the place for wood-fired pizzas however RADAR MNL tried our luck at their local dishes as well, to truly sample the best the restaurant had to offer.

Stir-Fried Pako With Baler Longganisa The pako (wild fern) was fresh and crunchy, befitting a local delicacy.

These Wheels Mean Business T

here’s always more to a road trip than just getting from Point A to B. The proverbial journey is as important as the destination. For the long ride from Metro Manila up to Baler, Execullent Rent A Car made it a total experience..

Grill of the Day - Tuna Steak with Ensalada The thick steak came plated with ubiquitous pako on top, aside a rather strongly-flavoured native salad.

Seafood Kare-Kare

The combination of shrimps, squid, and fish in savory peanut gravy was slippery but satisfying.

Chicken Binakol

It’s tinola (chicken in ginger broth) served in an Aurora coconut shell!

RADAR MNL INSIDER TIP: Order off-menu to really get a taste of Auroran dishes by Costa Pacifica’s kitchen.

The slick black Toyota Hiace Super Grandia negotiated the unpaved “old route” to Baler, braving the rocky terrain of the Aurora Memorial National Park. Throughout the trip, gadgets remained fully charged and communication lines were kept open, thanks to on-board power outlets and a portable wifi hot spot. Throughout Radar Manila’s stay in Baler, the van became a de facto mobile office. It offered ample leg room and enough air-con to keep heads cool despite the flurry of activity. All of these would just be bells and whistles if it weren’t for the human touch. To that end, Execullent’s staff proved to be committed drivers and navigators, whose professionalism was matched by their skill behind the wheel. They’re even trained to use the well-stocked first aid kit in the glove compartment, if need be. It was all part of a total car rental package that lives up to the Execullent name.

Execullent Rent A Car

Tel. No.: +632 880-2048, +63 939 926-8494 (Smart), +63 917 374-7776 (Globe) Renaissance Center, Meralco Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Email: ercmanila@gmail.com RADAR / September - October 41

Quality Surf T

he dark volcanic sands of Sabang beach contain many secrets, but they are most famous for being the birthplace of Philippine surfing, nearly forty years ago. The confluence of the waters as they enter the large Baler Bay created the reefs and beach breaks that grabbed the attention of the US airmen as they flew their sorties from Clark in the mid 70’s. So it was that Francis Ford Coppola used this pristine bay as the location to shoot the most famous scene in Apocalypse Now, and in true Hollywood style, left lots of equipment at the location. The surfboards,being no exception,were left floating in the water and a fisherman pulled them out of the waves and sold them for the princely sum of 25 pesos to local kid Raul Tolentino that had seen the circus come and go. Sitting with Richie Cleaver, an Australian that first visited Baler back in 1980, he tells the RADAR team how virgin the beach was when he came here. “At first I stayed with Raul at his parents house, and in the following years I came back with my wife Fely, along with surf boards for Raul. I eventually bought a house on the beach, which we still live in to this day.” Asking him what drew the seasoned surfer to this place, Cleaver spoke then of the great reef break at Cemento, as well as a nice easy beach for learners, 42 RADAR / September - October

a great lifestyle and most importantly, the friendly welcoming people. Now surfing has definitely arrived in the Philippines, like the proverbial powerful swells grow. Though it’s more commercial now, Cleaver says that it is a great place to learn with consistent, welcoming waves with more challenging surf spots further up the coast if you’re the adventurous sort. This draws a smile from Fely, his wife, who jokes that she competes with his long time mistress, surfing. She brings out a couple of old photographs to show how much things have changed, though she does like the conveniences that are now present.

Edwin reminisces as he sits in Kaheas, his popular surf lodge on Sabang Beach. He is at pains to say that they are only called the legends because they were the first to start surfing. Though with further prodding, he does disclose that he was the first international Philippine surfing champion in 1989, which surely means he deserves that moniker. The writer asks him what he thinks about all this growth that has occurred so rapidly in the last year or so. He cautiously welcomes it as it provides jobs and prospects to the locals. Saying how lucky the new generation is to have access to boards and equipment; in his time they had to repair their one board with rope.

The surfboards, being no exception, were left floating in the water

The interviewer though presses on the circumspect response and soon Edwin starts to open up about the practical issues that afflict a growing town. Garbage and security are the two topics that spring to mind of the now elder statesman of the surfing community. While the security issue was solved with ease, the garbage could soon become an issue if not dealt with. However the lodging houses have grouped together to find a solution, he iterates confidently. The writer asks him what he would do differently if given the chance to start afresh, he replies control building size to reduce crowding on the waves, though he says the beauty of Baler is the huge bay which allows for surfing to spread evenly all along it without overcrowding and using their newfound knowledge will keep it

Raul, along with his friend, the then-12-year-oldEdwin Nomoro, used to carry 15kg boards on the 1 ½ hr walk to Cemento reef, occasionally joined by visiting American surfers Russell, Frank, and the sporadic Australian. They were joined by five more; brothers Noel and Roel, Erwin, Teddy and Anoli and the birth of the legends occurred as they explored surfing spots up along the bay. In 1987 they discovered Dalugan bay and soon more followed, which even to this day are still hard to reach.

Opposite page: Small waves at sunrise Top (Left-right): The home of Cleaver in the 80’s. Cleaver reminiscing. Nomoro talking about the future. At the very relaxed restaurant of Bays Inn. beautiful and sustainable for years to come. What about the future? Edwin says the new generation should stay in school, don’t just surf but learn other skills, as all the legends did. What makes them unique compared to other Luzon surf spots is their breadth of life skills, says Edwin proudly, as he goes on to add about their now famous Aurora Surfing Cup, which is held in the middle of February every year. Stroll along the beach from Kaheas towards Castillio and you pass the tightlypacked unique lodging houses, Desiree’s with its family balconies, BBC with its nipa huts and at the other end of the strip Pajarojas, the other place that was started by a surfer.Sitting at Joanne’s, the local’s carinderia chowing down on amazing siomai and scintillating sinigang, after those enlightening conversations, the words of Edwin still reverberate. As an elder, he lets the youngsters have their fun in the waves, however when it’s his turn they better let him have his time or he will kick their asses. He is still salty or as they say in the Philippines may alat pa rin.

What is the price of progress? The sea wall is a polarizing edifice that now dominates the Baler beach line. The latest incarnation is reminiscent of Santa Monica’s boardwalk and has been designed to allow tourists to stroll along the beach without getting their feet sandy or wet. To the surfer, it’s an eyesore that changes already capricious beach breaks and cuts the natural access to the sea. To the hotelier, it allows more passing traffic and thus more business. While locals disagree on the style and level of intrusiveness, all agree that some barrier is needed to prevent their properties being washed away during typhoon season. As local resident Mang Babes said, “The old sea wall kept our properties safe and gave us an uninterrupted view of the ocean. Now we have groups of city dwellers walking past my house. So I set up a grill in a VW Beatle and serve food. It’s lucrative.” Though a quiver in his tone gives away his wish for the simpler life they had before.

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT

Kahea’s Lodge & Surf

Joanne’s Carinderia

All these places are located on the Sabang beachfront. Edwin & Yvok Namoro Tel. No.: +63 948 390-8873, +63 920 710-2634

Desiree’s

Edith Sotero Buluag Tel. No.: +63 921 751-8490 esbuluag@gmail.com

Pajaroja Lodge Matet Pajaroja Tel. No.: +63 907 223-1771

All these places are located on Buton Street, which runs alongside Sabang Beach.

Try the siomai, silogs and the sinigang

Bays Inn

For the Cream and Chive Fish and the Garlic Chicken

Cusina Luntian

Try the pork adobo and the bangus

Yellow Fin

For delicious grilled yellow fin tuna and chicken barbeque

By Zack Varkaris Photography by Jenna Genio and Rich Tuason RADAR / September - October 43

TRAVEL

The Great Wall of Progress

Baler Beyond The Tides By Paolo Cruz Photography by Rich Tuason and Jenna Genio

Charles “Mac” Ritual is known for

being many things, among them: surfer, videographer, ballroom dancer, and sweet lover. Perhaps more than anything else, he is a native of Baler. Aptly enough, he once channeled his exhaustive knowledge of the land into a career as a guide for the Aurora Provincial Tourism Office. These days, he works on his own, escorting visitors around the town as an indepdendent tour guide. He dropped some major knowledge of Aurora’s many natural attractions, “from C to C – canopy to corals.”

Charles Mac Ritual

Anaio Islets

Sparse rock formations jut out of the ocean, forming a vista of barren terrain emerging from the water. The Islets possess a dangerous appeal – the promise of thrills amid a beautiful if unforgiving environment. It makes the Islets a fitting icon for Baler in souvenirs and tourism promo material.

Charlie’s Point

Take a sunrise walk to this quiet spot at the mouth of three rivers, where the infamous “Ride of the Valkyries” scene from Apocalypse Now was shot. It’s a tranquil stroll away down the coastline from Sabang Beach, and there’s not a whiff of napalm in the cool morning air.

Dicasalarin Cove

An exclusive resort compound seculded by jagged cliffs, Dicasalarin includes an unused modern lighthouse, built to resemble a stingray. Learn more about the Cove in our article on Costa Pacifica.

Ermita Hall

With its panoramic 360 degree view of the bay, Ermita Hill served as a lookout spot during pre-Spanish times. Its height offered a safe hav-

44 RADAR / September - October

en from raiding pirates. At the base of the Hill is a memorial to the seven families that fled here when a tsunami leveled the town in 1735. These days, it’s still a designated evacuation point for the local barangays (neighborhood units) in Baler, as well as a shrine and picnic grounds. These sights are not in Baler, but a moderate drive away, in the neighboring towns.

The Millennium Tree

In nearby Maria Aurora town is a centuries-old balete (banyan) tree. Visitors can walk into the spacious, dimly-lit trunk, or climb the hanging branches that snake around it. Local myths and scientific estimates differ about the exact age of the tree. Regardless, visit this tropical Yggdrasil .

Mother Falls

Also known as Ditumabo Falls, the water here makes a 140-foot high drop, powering a local hydroelectric plant. Trek here from a drop-off point in San Luis town, crossing rivers and dirt trails. It can be a slog but the view is so worth it.

Tel. No. +63 909 683-1363

TRAVEL Opposite page (Top to bottom): The view from the lighthouse at DIcasalarin Cove, Charlie’s Point at sundrise, Mac Ritual watching the sunrise, and the memorial at Ermita Hall. On this page (Left to right): Mother Falls, the inside of the Millennium Tree.

The Magnificent 6: Essential things to always have in the Philippines By Zack Varkaris

When

out and about in the Philippines, whether in a city or in the province, there are a few things that you will find that you just cannot live without.

1. Tissues

No longer condemned to the realm of bra-stuffing and grandmothers’ handbags, the humble pack of tissues holds a place of esteem in any person’s pocketbook.

2. Hand Sanitiser

Once the preserve of handshaking politicians and germaphobes, hand sanitiser is now an essential item for everyone.

4. Change/Small Bills

Nobody ever has any change, especially in the morning. Hand the cabbie a five hundred peso bill in the morning and you will most definitely get an earful. And no change back.

5. Sunscreen

Err dude, it’s the tropics. We are pretty sure that even Jejomar Binay has used it a couple of times.

6. Condoms

The Philippines being a Catholic country has its pros, but readily-available birth control isn’t one of them.

3. Mosquito Repellant

Mosquitos like humid warm climates and well, the Philippines is a group of tropical islands. Do the math. RADAR / September - October 45

L IV IN G

Design Matters Suite 317, LRI Design Plaza Tel. No.: +632 625 5712

We Can Have Nice Things

Design Matters

Design Matters is a joint enterprise by three alumni of the Philippine School of Interior Design: Cai Regala, Sally Adriano and Ems Francisco. Design Matters bills itself as an ‘interior solutions’ company. In addition to a wide assortment of unique furniture and customized accessories, Design Matters offers interior design services. Their space at Suite 317 is unique, with a raised ceiling and an elevated open office that allows products to be exhibited in an eye-catching manner. Among the items currently on display are a fifty-six inch wide Bubble Swing Chair (PhP41,000.00) and a two-seater Marshmallow Couch (PhP27,000.00).

LRI

Design Plaza is a three-story complex along Nicanor Garcia Street, in an area of Makati set apart from the self-important hubbub of the central business district and the frenetic din of the shopping district. Most of the units at LRI deal in high quality home furnishings and accessories, though some double as restaurants and design offices. Now If you’re looking for a good price on generic office chairs or unassuming end tables, then you should be fine going to a budget warehouse or generic interior supply center. There’s no shame in that. But the LRI Design Plaza is more than just a simple home and office depot. The options run the gamut of styles, from novel multi-functional designs to the nostalgic chic of yesteryear. If you want to add a little pizzazz and personality to your living/working space, this is where you want to be.

LRI Design Plaza 210 N. Garcia (formerly Reposo) St., Makati City Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 7PM By Matthew Arcilla Photography by Jenna Genio

46 RADAR / September - October

MOFU (Modern Furniture) Suite 115, LRI Design Plaza Tel. No.: +632 896 4806

MOFU (Modern Furniture)

While MoFu’s offerings at Suite 115 fall largely within the realm of contemporary and/or modern styles, what makes their selection remarkable is its emphasis on modern, modular and multifunctional pieces. There are a lot of recliners, to be sure, but this self-described “leader in motion and reclining furniture” also offers sectionals, sofas, chairs, tables and more. The items at MOFU make the most out of smaller rooms not just by possessing multifunctional qualities but by being well-suited to any spatial arrangement, making redecorating your pad a breeze. They complement myriad decorative styles and aesthetics and “turn almost any room into a sanctuary of comfort.” A few of the multifunctionals currently available include the extendable Martina console (PhP25,000.00) and the Square End Walnut table (PhP10,000.00).

My Apt. by Heima Suite 225, LRI Design Plaza Tel. No.: +632 804 3772

My Apt. by Heima

They can remember everything for you, wholesale. With an affection for chic furniture as well as vintage accessories, Heima embraces the very best from the hip end of the home furnishing spectrum. Some notable items include the Marshall Hanwell (PhP34,900.00), which lets you output any audio source into a speaker that resembles a stadium amp, the Sonja Desk (PhP25,000.00) , a secretary style workspace with open shelves and drawers and the Crosley Spinnerette USB Turntable (PhP11,100.00k) that can handle 3 different RPM speeds for vinyl playback in addition to USB data -- a must for any audiophile with a distinct sense of style.

Luzon Rattan Suite 109, LRI Design Plaza Tel. No.: +632 890 1188

Luzon Rattan: There’s something rattan in the island of Luzon.

Luzon Rattan

Need wood? Luzon Rattan has got wood. This forty-year old manufacturer and exporter of rattan, wicker, bamboo and mixed material furniture is quite possibly the go-to brand for most of the denizens of Manila. If you don’t find yourself rocking the space age curves or the post-industrial look, or are simply in need of a modern touch of homeyness, you’ll surely find something at their flagship office and showroom at Suite 109. Designs skew towards classic and contemporary, which are suitable for not only residential settings but commercial spaces as well. Items currently featured include the Dynasty TV Commode (PhP21,000.00) and the Jumbo Janna Lounge Chair (PhP18,000.00) and matching Niza Side Table (PhP9,000.00). Luzon Rattan stakes its pride on “creating quality furniture pieces that are unique, comfortable, durable, and desirable.”

RADAR / September - October 47

LIVING

MyApt: How many wonders can one condo hold?

LN ES S EL W

The Fat and the Furious: Find the Meal Plan For You First things first: eating healthy is a chore for a lot of people.

Sure, you have the die-hard quinoa salad fans and newly minted vegans are churned out in droves each month, but for the most part, in a culture that thrives on sizzling pig face and beer, eating food that is good for you is difficult. Let’s call a spade a spade: the last thing you want to do when you get home after a hard day’s night

Edgy Veggy

Seared tofu with bulgogi mushrooms and spicy bibimbap rice. Photo courtesy of Edgy Veggy.

The Sexy Chef

If you want to combine form and function, look no further than The Sexy Chef. Sexy Chef programs and meals are created by Nadine Tengco, resident food coach of ‘The Biggest Loser Philippines’ and Chef Barni Alejandro-Rennebeck, and range from 1200 to 1400 calories depending on your height, weight, and activity level. You can also select diet plans ranging from South Beach, Anti-Plateau, Bridal Discount, Ultimate Detox, HCG, and many more. Prices differ from plan to plan, but the popular offerings are the 350cal Healthy Bento 5-day lunch and dinner plan for Php 1,750.00 or the Pounds Away Plan for Php 1,000.00 a day. Brainchild of singer/actress Rachel Alejandro and her Chef sister, The Sexy Chef also has a cookbook out if you find yourself hooked on low calorie cooking. Tel. No.: 721 7399 ; 721 8881 ; 0917 799 2433 ; 0917 894 8881 Website: : www.facebook.com/thesexychef Order online via www.thesexychef.ph/order-page Instagram: thesexychefph 48 RADAR / September - October

is to pack a bunch of food to eat tomorrow. Most people just order out and have done with it, and they’re perfectly justified in doing so. Nowadays however, there is a solution to soggy green salad days, sleepless kusinero nights, or wasted weekends. Order your meal plan from any of these fab and footloose food purveyors and enjoy the pleasures of good food that is good for you.

Healthy Eats Manila

This is the coño option for meal deliveries. Not only does Edgy Veggy have a long standing history of bringing fresh produce to your doorstep, straight from their farms in neighbouringTagaytay, they now offer The Thrive Diet. They say it is “designed to recalibrate the body by providing high quality nutrients to reduce cravings for junk food and detoxify the body”. That sounds all well and dandy, but a week’s worth of meals will put you out a pretty penny at Php 7,000.00 for a seven-day program, plus delivery charges. For that kind of scratch, you may just as well sign up for a gym membership and eat whatever you want.

If you’re after a chef-prepared meal because, well, food by a nutritionist probably might not taste as good in principle, then hook up with Healthy Eats Manila. Prepared by Chef Jam Melchor of Bite Bistro out of San Antonio Village, Makati. Meals are low calorie, low fat, low sodium, low cholesterol, no MSG and freshly made from scratch. Menus are created to suit diets from 1200 to 2500 calories a day. Seven days of chef-prepared fare at Php 400.00 a day puts this option at the higher end of the pricing scale, but worth checking out if you want to see what having a personal menu prepared by a chef feels like. It’s like Fat Camp with less group therapy.

Tel. No.: +63-917-847-4831 or 0917-thrive-1 Email: deniseceldran@yahoo.com Website: http://edgyveggy.ph

Tel. No.: +63-947-891-6562 – 478-2659 Email: bitecontemporarycuisine@gmail.com healthyeatsmanila@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/healthyeatsmnl Instagram: healthyeatsmnl

Yummy Diet

YummyDiet actually has tasty dishes that you wouldn’t think would be the low-caloric count that they are. Indulge your tastebuds in such things as the Zucchini and Bacon Breakfast Cups or Hoisin Pork Stir Fry – but be warned, your food was delivered the day before or earlier in the morning if you work in Makati, BGC, or Ortigas. You will most likely re-heat the meals, and this will necessarily affect the taste and nutrition for the worse. YummyDiet offers different types of meal plans, such as differing caloric count like 1200, 1500, and 1800, as well as No Rice Meals, 5-day HCG Meals, and Cohen Meals for Php 1,800.00 over five days for breakfast, lunch, merienda, and dinner. Plus delivery is free! Tel. No.: +63-917-889-8660 Email: yummydietph@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/yummydietph Instagram: yummydiet

Diet Diva

Diet Diva has a menu varied enough to give you a taste of different healthy cuisines as well as some hometown Filipino cooking, which is unusually good, and good for you. More than calories however, Diet Diva takes portion size into consideration because let’s face it, your brain needs to think that it is eating more than it is for you not to feel hungry. Consider it the vestiges of our hunter/gatherer lifestyle. Meal plans are studied and signed off on by nutritionist-dietitian Clark Dela Riva, for the rather sensible price of Php 1,900.00 for five days of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Tel. No.: +63-917-703-DIVA (3482); 434-DIVA (3482) Email: dietdivaph@gmail.com Website: www.facebook.com/dietdivaph www.dietdiva.ph Instagram: dietdivaph By Israel von Bärin

Ace Water Spa

United St. cor. Brixton St., Kapitolyo, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 451 1111, +63 2 582 5754 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, Su: 6AM - 10PM F, Sa: 6AM - 11PM Branch in Quezon City (Del Monte Ave).

Chi, The Spa

Shangri-la EDSA, 4 & 5/F Garden Wing, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 633 8888 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM - 12MN

Devarana Spa

Dusit Thani, EDSA, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 238 8856 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 12MN

Earthly Senses Spa

Unit OC-2, 2/F The Crescent Building San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 502 7493, +63 917 514 4006 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa: 1PM - 1AM Su: 11AM - 11PM

Ki by Neo Day Spa

35 Wilson St cor. Washington St., Greenhills WeSt., San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 584 6789, +63 2 584 6066 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM 11PM

Lasema Jjim Jil Bang Spa 35 Wilson St cor. Washington St., Greenhills WeSt., San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 584 6789, +63 2 584 6066 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM - 11PM

Mandara Spa

McKinley Park Residences Unit 308, 31st Corner 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 782 7162 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN - 11PM

Mont Albo Massage Hut

McKinley Park Residences Unit 308, 31st Corner 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 782 7162 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN - 11PM

Murad Medi-Spa

5th Level, Rustans, Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 813 3739 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 9PM

Neo Day Spa

G/F Net One Center, 26th St. cor. 3rd Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 815 8233, +63 2815 6948 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th: 1PM - 11PM F, Sa: 12NN - 11PM

Nuat Thai

238 Banawe St., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 942 828 6828 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 12NN - 6PM

Nuovo Spa

7/F Torre Venezia Suites, 170 Timog Ave cor. Sct Santiago, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 709 4557 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM - 2AM

Qi Wellness Spa

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, 119 L.P. Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 556 1818, +63 916 793 6666

Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM 11PM

Terra Wellness Spa

4/F Discovery Suites, 25 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 2 638-9145 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 10PM

The Third Eye

600A, 6/Fl, 20th Drive Corporate Center, 20th Drive, McKinley Business Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 808 2984, +63 917 636-2800 Web: www.thirdeyeonline.com

Toccare Spa

4th Level, Best Western Antel Spa Suites, 7829 Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 403 0808 loc. 2050 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 1PM - 1AM

Urban Spa

Level 5 Wellness Zone, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 687 6195 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F: 11AM - 10PM Sa: 10AM - 10PM, Su: 10AM - 9PM

Wensha Spa

Boom Na Boom Grounds, Roxas Blvd cor. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave., Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 833 9879 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 Hours

White Space Mind and Body Wellness Studio

6/F Regis Center, 327 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights 1108 Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 577 0345, +63 917 577 0345 Web: www.whitespacewellness.com

Zenyu Eco Spa

Hotel H2O, Manila Ocean Park Complex, Luneta, City of Manila Tel No.: +63 2 238 6190 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM - 11PM

YOGA STUDIOS

Bikram Yoga Eastwood

Yogini Joy Geronca set up Bikram Yoga Eastwood (BYE) as space to pass on the style of guru Bikram Choudhury, an intense regimen made up of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The studio has enough room to keep things from getting too uncomfortable, even when the grueling routine works participants into a sweat. Unit E One Orchard Road Condominium, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 703 4346, +63 922 881 9955 Email: jgeronca@bikramyogaeastwood.com Web: www.bikramyogaeastwood.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 9AM – 9PM Sa, Su: 10AM – 8PM

Bliss Yoga

With calming interiors that match their brand name, Bliss Yoga works to help members find a style that best fits their needs and skill level. Gentle Flow targets people new to yoga. Yoga Fundamentals helps to correct basic form and technique. For those looking for a more specific flavor, there’s Vinyasa Flow, Bhakti Urban Flow, and Jivumakti Yoga. It’s PhP500 for a drop-in session. Packages start at PhP1000 for 7 consecutive days, as part of

their New Student Introductory Deal. Unit 203 Plaza One Hundred, Rufino St. cor Dela Rosa St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 551 1485, +63 917 841 9642 Email: inquiry@blissyogamanila.com Web: www.blissyogamanila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 7AM – 9:30PM; F: 7AM – 8:30PM; Sa: 8AM – 3:30PM; Su: 9:30AM – 4:30PM Branch at Greenhills (Madison St. cor. Ortigas Ave.)

Urban Ashram

A notice on this studio’s website announces “YOGA REVOLUTION THIS WAY. FLEXIBILITY NOT REQUIRED”. This beginner-friendly space has a Vinyasa Foundations class to break newcomers into the practice. Other classes include Hatha (Sun-Moon) Yoga for aligning life forces in the body, as well as contemplative Kundalini Yoga, which includes pranayama (breathwork) and mantra (sound and chanting). 3rd Floor, Active Fun Building, 9th Ave. cor. 28th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 869 YOGA Web: www.urbanashrammanila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 6:30AM – 9PM F: 6:30AM – 8PM, Sa: 8:30AM – 6PM Su: 10AM – 5PM Branches in Makati City (6780 Ayala Ave.) and Kapitolyo (3 Brixton St.)

Yoga Manila

Located inside the plush Chi Spa on the grounds of EDSA Shangri-la hotel, Yoga Manila leverages the experience of its teachers, some of whom have 500-hour certification. They also maintain a personal practice of Pranayama, guided by Sri O.P. Tiwari, based on the traditions of Swami Kuvalayananda. A drop-in session is PhP500, while packages begin at PhP2000 for a 5-class card. At Chi Spa Yoga Studio, EDSA Shangri-la, 01 Gardenway, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 917 522 YOGA Email: info@yogamanila.com Web: www.yogamanila.com Branches in Alabang, Makati City, and Quezon City

SALONS

Envy Me Salon

3rd Floor Body Senses, West Wing, Robinsons Galleria, EDSA cor Ortigas Ave. 1110 Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 576 4716

Propaganda Salon

Unit 303, Greenbelt Mall 1, Paseo de Roxas, Makati Contact No.: 893 40 89 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM to 8PM

Lous Phillip Kee

One McKinley Place, G/F, 4th Ave. corner 24th St., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tel No.: 856 38 88; 856 48 48 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 8AM to 8PM

Basement

EDSA Shangri-la Carpark Building, Shangri-La Mall, EDSA Tel No.: 638 22 22; 638 66 66 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM to 8PM

Hairworks

G/F BSA Tower, 1008 Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel No.: 888 4817; 888 48 19 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F: 10Am to 9PM

Henri Calayag Salon

G/F The Residences at Greenbelt (TRAG), Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, Makati Ciy Tel No.: 799 14 95; 491 45 96 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM to 8PM

Emphasis

Ayala Basement, The Peninsula Hotel, Ayala Avenue, Makati City; Rockwell G/F Joya at Rockwell, Plaza Drive cor. Joya Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City Tel No.: 843 7629; 403 01 17 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 8AM to 8PM

Philippe’s Salon

Jannov Building II, Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City (near UCPB) Contact No.: 830 30 30 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM to 8PM

HAIR Philosophie Salon

117 Finman Building, Tordesillas St. Salcedo Village Makati City Tel No.: 836 76 81

Piandre Salon

Ground level, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: 816 38 84; 816 40 02 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa: 7AM to 8PM

Hairshaft Salon

Ground Level South of Market Condominium, 26th St. cor. 11th Ave., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig Tel No.: +63 2 856 7547, +63 920 906-0828

Shuji Kida Hair Salon

G/F City Center Bldg., 338 Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan Tel No.: 726 99 28 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM to 8PM

Sei Salon

6/F Repuublic Glass Building, 196 Salcedo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel No.: 812 09 43 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM to 6PM

Univers Phyto Salon

Heaven on the 5th Rustan’s Makati Tel No.: 893 50 07 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, Sa, Su: 10AM to 9PM

RADAR / September - October 49

WELLNESS

SPA DIRECTORY

RT SP O

Get In The Ring Elorde Boxing Gym carries both the name and the pedigree of World Junior

Lightweight Champion Gabriel “Flash” Elorde. True to the Cebuano prizefighter’s humble origins, Elorde Boxing has branches in accessible locations, citywide. The Legaspi village gym is listed as an “exclusive” branch, but don’t expect VIP treatment here. This is a 100% old-school boxing gym. Members and guests will be subject to the kind of rigorous training that keeps competetive pugilists in ring-ready shape, with the form to match. The Location: Elorde Boxing in Legaspi Village The Coach: Coach Ice for the core training, Coach Momong “The Hitman” Manaay for boxing, Coach Jun for Muay Thai The Workout: Custom plan with a mix of core strengthening and boxing (plus Thai kickboxing for our advanced team member) Coach Ice is known for his “explosive” core training style – a focus on endurance and intensity that pushes muscles to their limit. However, the goal is to actually finish the cycle, not to burn through it as quickly as possible – a common newbie mistake. Rushing through the conditioning exercises – which include step ups, high knee lifts, and “mountain climbing” leg motions, at their most basic – can leave one feeling breathless. This is a major setback, once you move into the boxing part of the workout. With even just minor fatigue and light-headedness, it becomes difficult to maintain the focus needed to pull off the sequence of fundamental punches – jabs, straights, hooks, and uppercuts – let alone spar with a seasoned veteran like Coach Momong. Presence of mind is absolutely critical. It’s easy to see how boxing might be similar to other activities that call for a mix of patterns, disrupted by the occasional creative break – say, DJing, casual

50 RADAR / September - October

Elorde Boxing Gym – Legaspi Village 4th Level, Prudential Life Bldg., 843 Arnaiz Ave. (formerly Pasay Rd.), Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 710-2151 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 7AM – 10PM Su: 8AM – 5PM

rhythm games, and cunnilingus. However, once the fists are in the glove, the overwhelming physicality of it all becomes immediately real. When mental energy gets used up just trying to throw a punch the right way, all of the other aspects (stance, footwork, defense, and so forth) begin to suffer. It would be ideal to already be at a moderate fitness level before throwing yourself completely into the “sweet science”. -PC

o this former international competitive martial artist, the sight and smell of focused young men and women pummeling bags and dodging mitts brought back fond memories. Those soon faded as the realization dawned that though the mind was willing, the body was not able to keep pace as it once did. Coach Momong, a former lightweight champion, seeing that his ward had previous experience, decided to put this writer through his paces that would have been at home in a Rocky movie. Things started well but that old waterloo – lack of wind – reared its ugly head, after two rounds of sparring. Through gasps of breath the candidate dug deep and acquitted himself without too much embarrassment; the nods of approval at the end from Coach Momong making it all worth it. Then it was on to the Muay Thai kick pads with Coach Jun. This time however, it was only a couple of rounds in the ring, as the trainers realized how out of shape their pupil was. At the end of the two hours’ training, all that was left was exhaustion. But the flow had started to come back – so much so that the writer has now taken to visiting Elorde on a regular basis while in the city. -ZV

Drop it like a squat The Coach Shavonne Martin

The Workout

Bootcamp Paired Workout of the Day

CrossFit gets a bad rep, for many reasons. Those unfamiliar with the pro-

gram wrongly believe that it’s only for hardcore fitness junkies; that it’s a fad workout for social climbers; that it attracts meatheads. Coach Mikael Garcia is familiar with every last one of these misconceptions. He’s convinced that it only takes one trial Bootcamp workout at one of CrossFit Manila’s various boxes – “gyms” in CrossFit lingo – to dispel those myths. Unlike the normal, strength-based Workout Of The Day (WOD), which requires passing a Foundations class, the cardio-oriented Bootcamp can be scaled to meet all fitness levels, from absolute beginners to a lapsed professional athlete. So we put this notion to the test. CrossFit is based on the premise that a quick, focused burst of activity – as opposed to a drawn-out, pampered workout routine – is all one needs to keep in shape. The Bootcamp took place in a sparsely decorated room, bordered by thick hanging ropes and metal ceiling bars. During the stretching and warm-up Shavonne – the morning session instructor – laid out the tasks ahead. Most of the exercises rely on body weight alone. As one CrossFit slogan goes, it’s “no mirrors, no machines, just results”. Clad in body-hugging Lycra, Shavonne is living proof of the regime’s benefits.

For people starting from zero, Bootcamp may feel like a baptism by fire, even after the majority of the load has been distributed to healthier team members. The Wall Balls – squats combined with medicine balls throws – will put coordination to the test, for those unaccustomed to a total-body workout. More focused excercises like Plank Jacks – jumping jack movements from a plank position – will really emphasize which muscle groups are in dire need of reconditioning. For all the pain, actually finishing the routine is a doable goal. So if the idea is to kickstart a would-be gym regimen, Bootcamp offers a promising start. -PC

For a moderately fit person, the Bootcamp workout provides a general

body-conditioning workout combining aerobic with anaerobic disciplines. For those of an experienced disposition, it really does not feel like much more than a vigorous warmup. But to dismiss CrossFit would be a mistake; the genius of it is that the fitter person can include exercises of differing difficulty to balance out the workout. For instance, add an extra 20 pull ups after the 100 burpees. If you’re at a loss you can always ask your instructor for advice – and the sight of Shavonne demonstrating techniques certainly perks up your day. -ZV

CrossFit Manila - CFMNL 1229 Box

G/F First Midland Bldng. (near Washington SyCip Park), Gamboa St., Makati City Tel. No.: +63 999 995-2384 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM - 9:30PM Sa: 11AM - 5:30PM Bootcamp/Trial sessions: M, T, W, Th, F: 11:15AM – 12NN and 6:45PM - 7:30PM Sa: 3PM - 3:45PM

By Paolo Cruz & Zack Varkaris Photography by Romain Rivierre Modeled by Julien Lecorre RADAR / September - October 51

SPORT

The Bootcamp routine included a shared workload of 100 Wall Balls, 200 Air Squats, 100 Plank Jacks, and 100 Burpees, to be divided among our group of three, as we see fit. While one person exercises, their partner rests or keeps count for them. These were alternated with runs through Legazpi Village – two rounds of 400 meters and 200 meters each – with all of us taking part. All of this happened in one intense 30-minute time block, set to Shavonne’s preferred selection of early 2000s pop-punk and emo tunes.

SPORTS

360o Fitness

This center has a very specific philosophy – what they refer to as “functional fitness”. The goal of exercising here is to make guests better prepared for their daily activities. With a focus on efficiency, they keep core programs brief – there’s a full roster that can be done in 30 minutes, including Kettle Bell, Suspension Training, and a Body Weight Circuit. Free trials available. Inquire for rates. Tel No.: +63 2 577 7807, +63 917 560 0360 Email: 360fitness@completethecircuit.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM – 10PM Sat: 11AM – 6PM. Branches in Makati City (C. Palanca St.), Quezon City (Timog Ave.), and Bonifacio Global City/The Fort (9th Ave.)

CrossFit Halcyon

This gym projects an approachable, family-friendly vibe with its spacious facilities and colorful equipment. This one-stop location aims for variety, with programs that range from CrossFit, Kinesis, and Zumba, as well as more performance-oriented activities like Pole Dance and Belly Dance. Fisher Mall, 325 Quezon Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 294 3591 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 7AM – 10PM

Eclipse Gym 24/7

Ideal for night owls, BPO workers, and people who keep flexible hours, Eclipse stays open around the clock. So if you ever feel like doing strength training after midnight, or getting some cardio exercises in the ungodly hours of the morning, now you know where to go. Rates begin at PhP350 per month for off-peak hours(9AM to 4:30PM). Second Floor, 429 Shaw Blvd. (across PureGold, next to Residenza), Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 726 0091 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 24 hrs. Branch in Malate (Mabini St.)

FitFast Wellness Center

FitFast was developed by the same folks behind the popular Ringside Boxing Club in Alabang (no, not the midget wrestling venue in Makati). In addition to boxing, they have dedicated strength and cardio programs, emphasizing the importance of fat-burning. The first session includes a free trial and consultation, to set fitness goals. UPRC 1 Bldg., 2230 Don Chino Roces (Pasong Tamo) Ave. (behind Tile Depot), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 556 4075 Email: athletics@fitfastph.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 6AM – 10PM

Fitness First Platinum

This king-sized branch of the popular fitness club chain boasts a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, in addition to the usual assortment of weights, state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, and group exercise facilities. Likewise, the Personal Trainers on staff are complemented by a Beauty and Massage menu, with the goal of providing a total health experience for members and guests.

52 RADAR / September - October

3/F RCBC Plaza, Tower 2, Ayala Ave. cor. Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 845 3480 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 6AM – 10PM Sa: 8AM – 8PM, Su, Holidays: 8AM – 6PM

SPECIALTY TRAINING barre3 Philippines

The specialized training here combines athletics and dance with the aim of building strength and flexibility in equal measure. It’s a 3-step process that mixes isometric holds, low-impact dynamic movements, and seamless recovery stretching. A First-Timer Trial (3 sessions in 2 weeks) will set you back PhP1500, with multiple other packages available. See website for rates, promotions, and booking. Web: www.barre3.com.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM – 9PM Sa, Su: 9AM – 6PM Branches in Greenhills (Promenade 3), Alabang, Libis, Shangri-La Mall, and TriNoMa Mall

CrossFit Philippines

While CrossFit is hailed as a “fitness program for everyone”, it also means committing to rigorous sessions and dedicated training. Start with a Foundations class, as a de facto certification of fitness. From there, you can move on to a Boot Camp, which promises “no weights, no machines, just results”, or one of their different Workouts of the Day, which help to keep things varied. Monthly packages start at PhP3750, with a separate Foundations class at PhP1500. Tel No.: +63 917 582 1338 Web: www.cfmnl.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 7AM – 9PM Sa: 11AM – 6PM Branches in Alabang, Kapitolyo, Eastwood City, and Makati City

Gandiva Café and Archery Range

Gandiva is a family run company and shop/supplier of world class archery equipment that has since put up this new archery gym, coinciding with their efforts to propagate archery locally as a sport. The 18meter indoor range is air conditioned and lessons are overseen by licensed, skilled instructors. Prices of sessions can vary, largely due to the fact that they frequently offer discounts and promos. The facility also has its own vegetarian/vegan coffee shop and café, to tie in with Gandiva’s advocacy of healthy and green lifestyles. Unit 703705 One Corporate Center, Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 638 4549, +63 2 638 8771 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10:30AM – 7:30PM Sa, Su: 10AM – 7PM

Krav Maga Philippines

Learn the Israeli art of self-defense from Krav Maga Global country director Kenneth Asuncion and his team of instructors. Most people will opt for the basic civilian program, but if you want to really get serious, there are options to learn Krav Maga for VIP Protection or Military and Law Enforcement purposes. 20 Asuncion Badminton Center (ABC) Bldg,. E. Maclang St. cor. P. Guevarra St., San Juan City

Tel No.: +63 2 726 5021 Sessions on M, T, W, Th, F: 5:30PM – 7PM and 7:30PM – 9PM Sa: 10:30AM – 12NN and 1:30PM – 3PM Also offering classes at 360˚ Fitness in Makati City, and Crossfit Manila in Alabang.

Ninja Academy

Ninja Academy is the first and biggest Parkour gym in the country, encouraging their members and curious walkins alike to engage in fitness through dynamic movement, free running, and obstacle navigation. Their kind of strength and endurance training yields results that are practical in realworld settings. Ninja Academy provides an interesting and fun alternative in terms of conditioning oneself mentally and physically, in contrast to the banal routine of using typical gym equipment. Pick and choose from their obstacle course The Gauntlet, Power Core Class, Flow Workshop, and other special programs including Filipino Martial Arts and Tricking. 155 Dr. Sixto Antonio Ave., Brgy. Rosario, Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 6242872, +63 917 5658945 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM – 9PM Su: 9AM – 7PM

Mountain Dew Skate Park

Skateboarders now have their own piece of the urban jungle to call their own. Developed by Ayala Land Inc., this outdoor concrete skate park is a well lit, solid 1000sqm; it’s got ample space for gaining speed, lots of surfaces to grind on, ramps galore, a proper bowl, and a quarter pipe for “vert” tricks. Aside from accommodating the recreational skater, this park will serve as training grounds for the competitive, proving grounds for the professionals, and a venue for tournaments. They charge PhP50/3hrs on weekday afternoons and PhP100/3hrs on weeknights. The weekend flat rate is PhP100/3hrs. Circuit Makati, Fortuna St., Makati City Business Hours: M, W, T, W, Th, Su: 10AM 7PM F: 10AM – 10PM, Sa: 9AM – 10PM

Options Studio

As part of a region-wide chain of Pilates and Movement studios, Options promises a structured menu of both group and private workouts, including Gentle Pilates, and the more challenging Stott Pilates. Most classes make use of the Reformer equipment, but there are also options focused primarily on bodyweight Matwork. They also have classes designed specifically for recent and expecting mothers. The price for sessions ranges from PhP450 to PhP1700. Refer to their website for schedules. Unit 103 G/F Nobel Plaza, 110 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 553 3314, +63 2 585 1404 Email: ph@options-studio.com Web: www.options-studio.com Branches in 32nd St Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Greenhills, and Podium Mall.

Planet Zips Poi Academy

Poi dancing isn’t just for Boracay or Burning Man anymore. Learn the modern version of the Māori flow arts from Paulino Servado and his enthusiastic troupe, the

PZ Luminaries. The group has a store and main office in the Makati Central Business District, but they hold classes all over the metro. Refer to their Facebook page for rates and schedules. Store: Unit 241, Cityland 8 Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat (Buendia) Ave. (before the PNR tracks and Cash & Carry), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 625 0728, +63 927 871 9835 Classes held at Jaime C. Velasquez (Salcedo) Park, between Leviste St. and Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati City

Project Lifestyle Manila

The main focus here is Brazilian Jiu-litsu, headed by Professor Alvin Aguilar, 1st degree Black Belt under Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu and founder of DEFTAC Philippines. They also offer a broader selection of classes related to mixed martial arts and a CrossFit training regimen. Call to inquire about schedule and opening hours. Unit 1418 AIC-Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor. Garnet St. (across TGI Friday’s Robinson’s Galleria), Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 917 576 4898, +63 921 753 1359

SPORTS CLUBS The City Club

More than just a sports club, The City Club aims to be a full-service recreation, business, and entertainment hub for members. It’s housed in a sleek 3 hectare complex, right in the heart of the Central Business District. It seems to be targeting nouveau riche arrivistes as much as old money. 7232 Ayala Ave. Ext., Makati City Tel. No.: +632 737-0000 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 6AM – 11PM

Makati (Sports) Club

Despite rebranding, most people still refer to this place as Makati Sports. The facilities are beginning to seem a little worn, especially in comparison to the shiny new City Club. Nevertheless, Makati Sports’ prime location ensures its likely survival in the face of tough competition. L.P. Leviste St. cor. Gallardo St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 817-8731 to 39 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 6AM – 10PM Su: 6AM – 8PM

Manila Polo Club

On-site riding stables distinguish this tony institution from its peers. The present clubhouse dates back to 1950, while the Club itself was founded in 1909, so membership here carries the impression of well-heeled “buenas familias”. Its location inside the posh Forbes Park subdivision just reinforces that image. McKinley Rd., Forbes Park, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 817-0951 to 57 Business Hours: All sports except bowling M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 6AM – 10PM Bowling Center Su, M: 10AM – 8PM Tu: 9AM – 8PM W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM - 10PM

Skin Deep T

attoos, in and of themselves, hold a breadth of different meanings. Ranging from cultural traditions, to fashion trends, to drunken mistakes – ink is coming off the pages and onto our skins in a way like never before. Social researchers have found that Generation Y, those who were born between the mid-1980s and 2000s, are the first demographic in which tattoos have been accepted by the general population. A survey conducted in the United States found that forty percent of people in this age group had at least one tattoo. However, it bears noting that “tattoo culture” doesn’t immediately indicate “people who get tattoos”. The act of getting ink may be purely cosmetic, or hold some deeper meaning in a cultural sense. Indigenous people around the world have been marking their bodies with tattoos since time immemorial. The Philippines was dubbed “Las Islas de los Pintados” by the Spanish conquistadors, meaning “Islands of the Painted Ones”, because the indigenous people they met were heavily tattooed, their skin bearing the mark of triumph, achievement, and beauty. The Catholic Church, aware of the cultural undertones of the tattoo, most likely condemned the practise of mambabatok in order to better control the native population during the colonisation. Referred to by laymen as “traditional tattoos”, Philippine tattoos are all traumatic in nature, either via piercing, slicing, or tapping then applying the pigment to the wound. Hand tapping, or batok meaning “to hit”, is currently the most popular method for traditional Philippine tattoos, thanks to the country’s recent dalliance with the concept of nationalism and Filipino pride as opposed to a purely xenophilic paradigm.

Certain tribes up in the regions of Bontoc or Kalinga have a long-standing belief that tattoos have magical qualities, and help to protect their bearers. Most traditional pieces are directly related to the bearer’s accomplishments in life, or rank in the tribe. The Bontoc Igorots, for example, recognised several kinds of tattoos and very often the amount of designs worn by a man was directly related to the proportion of human heads he had taken in battle.  Pop Out Text

The Bontoc Igorots, for example, recognised several kinds of tattoos and very often the amount of designs worn by a man was directly related to the proportion of human heads he had taken in battle. Common designs like the Chaklag, usually running upwards from the nipple towards the shoulders and down the arms, the gulot, striped tattoos placed on the backs of hands following a first kill, the biking, for Kalinga men who have killed two or more men, comprised of head-axes, centipede scales, and centipede bodies are all common motifs that have survived the passage of time.

Batok photo courtesy of http://brahmineyes.wordpress.com

The renowned Whang-Od in Buscalan, Kalinga is approximately ninety-three years old, and the last of the traditional tattooists of the Philippines. Soft-spoken with a snarky sense of humour, she has been featured in numerous books and documentaries that focus on the resurgence of Philippine body art. To get to WhangOd, travel from Manila is about sixteen hours, including a schlep up a mountain, but it is definitely a trip worth taking if you’re after an authentic experience.

ARTS & CULTURE

The process is simple: a stencil or guide is applied, whether by leaves and ink or through modern transfer paper, then a sharp implement is prepped on the edge of a sturdy wooden baton. The implement can be either a citrus thorn or a modernised needle, but the technique remains the same: tap the baton with another baton and drive the needle or thorn into the skin after it has been dipped in ink made from soot or ash. The end product is something that tattoo enthusiasts hold in high regard, as the mere act of partaking in the process seems to weave one into the rich fabric of history that these tattoos are part of.

For a modern twist on an old classic, contact Lusbiminda Handtap Tattooing via Facebook and you can meet Manong Kalaw if you’re planning to head north to Baguio. Determined to update the practise so as to preserve the artform and popularise it among the younger crowd and tourists, Manong Kalaw is a treasure trove of information ranging from mashup music, surfing, and tattoo history. His rhythmic tapping and interesting bits of trivia have lulled many a client to sleep, despite the pain of the process. Jonathan Cena and wife Jean Sioson run Katribu Tatu specialising in tribal designs using either the tattoo gun or the hand tap batons. Perhaps the only legitimate hand tap salon based in Manila, Katribu has been creating awareness of Philippine tattooing amongst locals and foreigners alike. Link up with them via Facebook, or head over to the shop on A. Santos corner San Guillermo Street, Buting, Pasig.

By Izzy Warren Gonzalez RADAR / September - October 53

C ART UL S TU & RE

There s

Action

In His Blood Consider this situation: on an idle af-

ternoon, you switch on to a local channel that happens to be showing a decades-old Tagalog action film. You find yourself riveted by a dark, gun-toting Pinoy—a real man’s man, glowing with musky sweat, dodging a volley of lead, and saving some voluptuous, scantily clad woman. The movie is captivating. It’s pulpy. It’s gritty. The sound effects are laughable but before you know it, you’ve been watching for an hour. You’re tempted to take a swig of Tanduay rum, jump in your car, tie a bandana around your forehead, and patrol your neighborhood armed with an expandable baton and a high dose of testosterone. Why did such a promising genre seem to die out? People say the storylines got redundant and the action stars started aging, trading in biceps for beer bellies without proper proteges. Meanwhile, the masses began to prefer slapstick comedies, romantic cheese, and tiresome tearjerkers starring a plethora of actors that arguably shine in areas other than thespian prowess. Enter Ang Bagong Dugo, the bloodthirsty revenge-centric indie film directed by the well-established genre-savvy Val Iglesias. It’s one of several recent movies that attempted to resuscitate the dying art of the Filipino action flick via a swift kick to the solar plexus, while shining a light on new talent. That included the likes of Ian Ignacio, discovered and hand-picked to star in a supporting role.

ing humility—Don’t go acting like you’re a black belt.” Then he was introduced to family friend Monsour del Rosario, who opened up Olympians Taekwondo Training Center and the belt levels really started coming in. “My dad trained under Okinawan Shōrin-ryū, which is an open-handed full contact karate—very combative—so when I was introduced to Tae Kwon Do, it was very similar; it became a sport, and karate became more of a spirit.” So how did this real-life Johnny Cage make the transition from dojo to screen? Ian treated his debut in Bagong Dugo as his demo reel. He took the role seriously, knowing the provocatively competitive reputation of showbiz. “There are a lot of people who will do things that others might not to get roles,” he observed. “[The producers] handpicked me though, knowing my background. I do my own stunts. I was blessed with people telling me that I had a chance, to have high hopes, and to believe in myself.”

Ian seems destined for it. He’s tall, fit, handsome, and charming. He’s also the son of famed martial artist and movie producer Levy Ignacio. Ian’s ass-kicking skills landed him the part. Unlike the other cast members who underwent training regimens, all it took was a bit of stretching to prep for the role – or so he claimed. Now Ian has taken it upon himself to pursue a career in acting, on top of his athletic pursuits.

We asked Ian about some of the more memorable moments of the film-making. He immediately recounted an action sequences filmed on location at a prison in Sta. Cruz, Laguna. “They separated the Sputniks and Commandos (two major rival prison gangs); we shot in the Commando common area,” he recalls. “Shooting the fight scene in front of hundreds of inmates was challenging; you’re always wondering what these guys are thinking, but they were very nice. We got a bunch of them to be extras.” Things eventually heated up, as the script demanded. “Hubad lahat! (They were all naked!) We got the fire department to spray them up with water. They loved it.”

Before venturing into showbiz, Ian grew up among fighters. “My father raised me in his karate school instead of hiring a babysitter,” said Ian. “I would run into the belt room and join whatever class would be happening as a 4-year-old.” His bloodline didn’t make things any easier for him: “To my dad, I was always a white belt until he decided otherwise. He wanted to instill that hard-work-

Aside from his film plans, Ian dabbles in Muay Thai, and hinted about future movies incorporating FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) knife fighting. With regards to fitness and physical perfection, Ian noted that doesn’t feel pressure from showbiz anymore: “The only pressure I feel is from myself.” Spoken like a true fighter!

54 RADAR / September - October

By Jenna Genio Photography by Romain Rivierre

Uno Morato is aiming for a packed schedule of events to draw a mixed crowd of potential regulars. Tuesdays: dance performances Wednesdays: comic group discussions Thursdays: author meet-and-greets, book signings, and in-store readings Fridays: live music in a stripped-down, intimate environment (akin to National Public Radio’s Tiny Desk Concerts or Jimmy Fallon and The Roots’ performances with classroom instruments) Saturdays: film screenings

no Morato stands out among local bookstores for a very simple reason: it only carries Philippine titles. It’s a generous definition of “Philippine”, for sure – taking into account locally published books that might be set in galaxies far, far away, as well as literature by Pinoy authors from around the globe. Regardless, it’s more focused than any local bookstore chain.

now, he runs The Youth and Beauty Brigade, a small press that’s been releasing zines and poetry since the late 90s. Javier is a professor at the University of the Philippines, lecturing on comics and graphic fiction. More recently, they co-edited Abangan, a multilingual anthology of local comics, together with artists Rob Cham and Elbert Or. Needless to say, books matter a lot to these guys.

Co-owners Carljoe Javier and Adam David welcome us on a Tuesday morning. It’s well before their regular store hours, but they don’t seem to mind the intrusion. The privacy grants us time to look over their stock: fiction anthologies, comics, poetry collections, academic works, magazines, and gift notebooks. The goods on the shelves cater to all tastes, from chick lit romances to budget travel guides, superhero narratives to paranormal drama. Most titles are in English, but even a quick browse reveals Filipino street vernacular, traditional Tagalog, and a smattering of provincial dialects represented in their pages.

Both men recognize the niche appeal of certain books – not every title can have the mass following of a Harry Potter, or the steady demand of college textbook. Just the same, they grew frustrated with the current retail landscape for local books in Metro Manila. Most of the local chain bookstores have unreasonable sales demands and less-than-favorable shelving options, especially for independent publishers like themselves. Without the resources of a major backer, they were limited to book fair events or personal meetups to push their wares. They weren’t just getting screwed as publishers either; even as readers of Pinoy literature, it seemed like there were too many people whose interests were being overlooked by the city’s retail system. So the pair took the next logical step: to become booksellers themselves.

What really separates Uno Morato from the “Filipiniana” section of a typical mall bookseller is how their stock is presented. Each title has a browsing copy to read at one’s leisure, to be paired with snacks, Kalsada coffee or an ice-cold beer, if you please. Customers are encouraged to sample their wares before committing to buy. It’s the age-old ethic of the library married with the consumption practices of the torrents-and-livestream era – a counter-intuitive approach that has served them well during these first weeks, at least. It’s a business model one might expect from two guys who’ve been immersed in the printed word, in some way or another, for their entire professional lives. David used to work for Flipside, a digital publishing house and ebook distributor. Up to

Of course, that meant a whole new set of issues, problems, and costs to deal with. Enter their partner Harris Guevarra. He’s the money behind Uno Morato’s operations. Fellow businessmen advised him that a bookstore would be a losing proposition. The fact that he agreed to make it work is proof of his Quixotic – maybe even cavalier – approach to running a company. Just the same, if Guevarra wants to safeguard his bottom line – let alone survive long enough to disrupt the bookstore industry – then Uno Morato will need to do more than push specialized tomes.

Flipping the Page

Check out the shelves at Uno Morato to find books like these. Interim Goddess of Love by Mina V. Esguerra This is the start of a chick lit trilogy that mashes up rom-com hijinks and Pinoy mythology in a university campus setting. Follow plucky heroine Hannah Maquiling as she discovers that she’s been thrust into the ill-fitting role of cosmic matchmaker. The 3rd World Traveler by Ma. Patricia Yulo Described as “A Guide to Fulfilling Your Travel Dreams on a Shoestring Budget”, this handbook puts a developing world spin on the usual Lonely Planet travel advice. Even folks who earn in Pesos will find usable tips for satisfying their wanderlust.

ARTS & CULTURE

One Of A Kind

This ambitious, cross-media agenda underscores the other basic premise of Uno Morato: that book culture doesn’t exist in a vaccuum. The same bibliophiles who frequent the store are also current – or potential – film buffs, drinkers, listeners, aethetes, or gamers. And with the right nudge, they could even become patrons. Uno Morato is tapping into small pockets of community that already exist – “tribes”, to use the parlance of marketing guru Seth Godin. In the process, Javier, David, and Guevarra just might turn these ragtag bands of consumers into a viable market.

Repeat While Fading: Pinoy Rock Biographs by Aldus Santos This book charts the recent history of Philippine rock via select feature reports, from intimate gigs at the seminal Club Dredd, up to the Eraserheads alt-pop heyday, and beyond. More than just “rock journalism”, these pieces are a vital snapshot of a local music scene in transition. By Paolo Cruz Photography by Romain Rivierre Illustrations by Rob Cham

Uno Morato

Garden Area, GYY Building, 1 Tomas Morato Ave., Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 904-3535 Business Hours: Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 3PM – 12MN RADAR / September - October 55

The Inside Scoop on Spoon Man Vernon Perez is tall, bald, lanky, and lovable. Familiar to many of Manila’s art-sensitive characters, but beyond the many party animals in the countercultural zoo, he has always stood out as purposeful, friendly, quirky, and taciturn. He attributes this to having grown up as an only child… “It’s like I have a world of my own.”—Vernon.

The artist came into the design studio looking streamlined and in black, with a beatnik-friendly turtleneck, some materials, and a soft smile. Romain, the photographer tested the lighting as Vernon pulled on his gloves and ran an inky brush all over the glass pane. Vernon is never one to seek attention, but he appreciates interest in his person and his work. He does the shoot gracefully, but with a reserved shyness—and our interview, like a tranquil reunion with an old friend over tea. He used to swim in the mainstream as part of a graphic design studio in the early ‘90s for large companies, doing pretty significant advertisement-related assignments like redesigning and updating logos. He was part of the team that remade the bold labels of Mr. Clean, Tide, and Joy. Vernon described that period of his life concisely, “I was doing commercial stuff, Procter & Gamble things, and mechanical artworks—to show how to machine cut and fold paper boards for packaging. That’s what I used to do.” Now Vernon Perez is a versatile creative force, independent of the rat race, and lending his efforts and artistic hand to friends and clients. Ask him to sum up what he’s all about and he’ll straighten his posture and awkwardly say, “My name is Vernon Perez, also known as Spoon Man because I make glasses out of spoons. “ He really is known as Spoon Man. His early sculptural work had metal as its predominant material. He’s since been on a strong commission basis. “Like bars and restaurants… I touch up on their interiors.”

56 RADAR / September - October

Vernon Perez is a versatile creative force, independent of the rat race.

Vernon can turn an otherwise deadpan slice of wall into an accent with his pop or street illustrations. He’s painted doors and murals for restaurants, shops, and residences. Have you ever been to the industrial warehouse style club Black Market? The large painted characters that spell it out in Chinese on the ground floor were put there by Vernon. Next door at Finders Keepers, he also contributed lettering for their wall. Vernon used to go out a lot, but now finds himself sticking to those two venues for familiarity. He says he’s “comfortable with my friends’ bars and restaurants, not places full of people I don’t know.” Other than that, his ventures far into the nightlife get discouraged by the fact that he has developed the habit of religiously rising at 6am every morning, even when he neither needs nor wants to. He has no choice. On top of that, there are personal projects piling up, and pending works. All while he looks for shows abroad, puts together grant proposals, and satisfies his clients’ commissions and requests—not all of which does he consider Fine Art. “There are limitations. The first one is budget. There’s time, design requirements, scale of work, position… These guidelines… Unlike with Fine Art, it’s all you. You decide on the material, the colors, etc. I enjoy Fine Art better, but it needs funding—it needs grants. I do the commissioned works so I can fund my own art, but I enjoy restrictions too,” Vernon smiles mischievously, “because that’s challenging.”

By Jenna V. Genio Photography by Romain Rivierre

98B

Mezzanine, First United Bldg., 413 Escolta St. (in front of JRS Express/PLDT), City of Manila Email: hello@98-b.org Web: www.98-b.org

1335 Mabini

1335 A. Mabini St., Ermita, City of Manila Tel No.: +63 2 254 8498 Web: www.1335mabini.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F: 2PM – 7PM Sa: 10AM – 7PM, Su: 10AM – 2PM

ArtInformal

277 Connecticut St., Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City Tel No.: +63 2 725 8518, +63 918 899 2698 Web: www.artinformal.com

Blanc Gallery

145 Katipunan Ave., St. Ignatius Village, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 442 5262, +63 920 927 6436 Email: info@blanc.ph

The Drawing Room

1007 Metropolitan Ave., Metrostar Bldg., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 897 7877 Email: contact@drawingroomgallery.com Opening Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 6PM Sat: 10AM – 5PM

Finale Art File

Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Compound (Gate 1), 2241 Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo) Ext., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 813 2310, +63 2 812 5034 Email: info@finaleartfile.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 7PM

Galleria Duemila

210 Loring St., Pasay City Tel No.: +63 2 831 9990, +63 2 833 9815 Email: gduemila@gmail.com Web: www.galleriaduemila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 10AM – 6PM

Nova Gallery

Warehouse 12A, La Fuerza Plaza Compound (Gate 1), 2241 Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo) Ext , Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 659 3697 Email: info@novagallerymanila.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 11AM – 7PM

Pablo

C-11 South of Market, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig Tel No.: +63 2 400 7905 Email: fort@pablo galleries.com Web: www.pablogalleries.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 7PM

Secret Fresh Gallery

THEATER

RONAC Art Center, Ortigas Ave., Greenhills, San Juan City Tel No.: +63 2 570 9815 loc. 7 Email: freshmanila@gmail.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 7PM, Su: 1PM – 6PM

Silverlens Gallery

2F YMC Bldg. 2, 2320 Don Chino Roces Ave. (Pasong Tamo) Ext., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 816 0044, +63 917 587 4011 Email: info@silverlensgalleries.com Web: www.silverlensgalleries.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 7PM Sa: 1PM – 6PM

Vinyl On Vinyl

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 922 848 7427 Email: vinylonvinyl@gmail.com Web: vinylonvinyl.blogspot.com Business Hours: T, W, Th: 12NN - 7PM F, Sa: 12NN – 10PM

MABINIEXTN

MUSEUMS

MO_Space

3rd Level, Mos Design Bldg., Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 856 2748 ext. 2 or 3, +63 917 668 3951 Email: exhibitions@mo-space.net Web: www.mo-space.net Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 11AM – 8PM

NCCA Gallery

633 Gen Luna St., Intramuros, City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 527 2192 loc. 512, +63 908 178 2897 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 9AM – 5PM

Padre Burgos Drv., City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 527 0278 Web: www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 10AM – 5PM Free admission on Sundays.

Vargas Museum

Shop 7, Cubao Expo, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 920 960 5690 Email: post@pablogalleries.com Web: www.pablogalleries.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 12NN – 7PM

West Gallery

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 940 8310 Email: parasakanto@gmail.com Business Hours: W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM – 10PM

National Museum of the Philippines

Post

Kanto

The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 940 8310 Email: parasakanto@gmail.com Business Hours: W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 2PM – 10PM

BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd., City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 250 5271 Web: www.metmuseum.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 4:30PM Sa: 10AM – 5:30PM

48 West Ave., Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 411 0336 Email: info@westgallery.org Web: www.westgallery.org

Ayala Museum

Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 757 7117 to 21 Web: www.ayalamuseum.org Business Hours: Museum – T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 9AM – 6PM Library – T, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM – 6PM

Lopez Museum

G/F Benpres Bldg., Exchange Rd., Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 631 2417 (museum), +63 2 631 2425 (library) Email: info@lopez-museum.org.ph Web: lopez-museum.com Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F, Sa: 8AM – 5PM

Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Roxas Ave., University of the Philippines Diliman Campus, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 928 1927 Email: vargasmuseum@gmail.com Web: vargasmuseum.wordpress.com Business Hours: T, W, Th, F, Sa: 9AM – 5PM

All of these groups organize workshops for adults or children. Check their websites for most recent schedules.

Philippines Educational Theater Association (PETA)

The PETA Theater Center, 5 Eymard Drv., New Manila, Quezon City Tel. No.: +63 2 725-6244 Email: petafr@petatheater.com Web: www.petatheater.com

Repertory Philippines

Unit 13-14 Ecoville Executive Townhomes, Metropolitan Ave., Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 843 3570 Email: workshops@repertoryphilippines.com Web: www.repertoryphilippines.com

Tanghalang Pilipino

2/F PDC Bldg., Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City Tel. No.: +63 2 832 1125 loc. 1621 Email: tanghalangpilipinomarketing@yahoo. com.ph Web: www.tanghalangpilipino.com

Trumpets Playshop and Musicademy

L/5 Shangri-la Plaza Mall, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City Tel. No.: +63 2 636 2842 Email: trumpetsplayshop20@gmail.com Web: www.trumpetsplayshop.com

The British Council - Philippines

10/F Taipan Place, F. Ortigas Jr. (Emerald) Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel. No.: +63 2 555 2000 Web: www.britishcouncil.ph Business Hours: M, T: 9AM – 5:30PM W, Th, F: 9AM – 5PM Sa: 9AM – 4PM

Goethe-Institut Manila (German Cultural Center) G/4-5/F Adamson Centre, 121 Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati City Metro Manila, Philippines Tel. No.: +63 2 840 5723 Email: info@manila.goethe.org Web: www.goethe.de/manila Business Hours: Reception – M, T, W, Th, F: 8AM – 6PM Library – M, T, W, Th, F: 12NN – 6PM Sa: 8AM – 12NN

Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural Center) 855 T.M. Kalaw St., Ermita, City of Manila Tel. No.: +63 2 526 1482 Email: cenmni@cervantes.es Web: manila.cervantes.es Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 8:30AM – 5:00PM F: 8:30AM – 4:30PM Sa: 8:30AM – 12:00NN, 1PM – 3:30PM

The Japan Foundation

23rd Floor, Pacific Star Bldg., Sen. Gil J. Puyat (Buendia) Ave. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 811 6155 to 58 Email: email@jfmo.org.ph Web: www.jfmo.org.ph Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 10AM – 7PM Sa: 9AM – 1PM

Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

2/F Mancor Corporate Bldg., 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel. No.: +63 2 555 1711 Web: phil.korean-culture.org Business Hours: Center – M, T, W, Th, F: 8:30AM – 8PM Sa: 8:30AM – 5PM Library – M, T, W, Th, F: 8:30AM – 5PM Sa: 10AM – 5PM

ARTS & CULTURE

GALLERIES

CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS Alliance Française de Manille

209 Nicanor Garcia (Reposo) St., Bel-Air II, Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 895 7585 Email: info@alliance.ph Web: www.alliance.ph Business Hours: M, T, Th: 8:30AM – 6:30PM W: 8:30AM – 8:30PM F, Sa: 8:30AM – 5PM

RADAR / September - October 57

US IC M

Of Beats and Bliss

Organizing the Chillout Stage for Fete de la Musique is always an interesting challenge. It has to be laid back enough to distinguish itself from the more raucous fare, but not so calm that listeners overlook it, like the Fete equivalent of ambient nature sounds. So when that task fell into our hands at Radar Manila, our staff gamely welcomed the chance to deliver a show that proved the old saying about music soothing even the savage beast.

The venue was Buddha-Bar Manila, a global franchise of the established French nightspot. We had two areas to work with – the airy rooftop Terrace, with its skyline view, and the swanky indoor Lounge area. With that in mind, we set about gathering a lineup of acts that could hold people’s attention, even while putting their mood at ease.

The Lounge area picked things up around 7PM with Buddha-Bar’s in-house DJ, Joseph Alturas, hewing close to the bar’s trademark Orientalist electronica style. Marts Ballesca kept it minimal for the older crowd inside, and nAk matched his pace. Alley Kat and Spak traded places in the booth to wrap things up, incorporating deep house touches as the night wore on. Up on the Terrace, the music began just ahead of the sunset, with DJ Emel Rowe paired with the returning Erwin Edralin, fresh off his latest stint in Boracay. As dusk fell, electronic pop act Techy Romantics hit the stage. Their fullband set-up defied the expectation that “authentic” chillout tunes must only be the work of a lone spinner and his/her gear, as they loosened up the crowd with favorites like “Out Of My Mind” and “Escape”.

MUSIC From there, eclectic beatsmith Medmessiah plowed through a set that gleefully skirted the line between the expected chillout fare and more upbeat world influences. The focus switched back to the live set-up for A Problem Like Maria. They made their Fete debut with a set highlighted by Maria Carmina’s lilting vocals, set against Pao Narciso’s moody electronics. Daveman was up next. His liquid drum and bass selection kept the mood – and the bar’s signature cocktails – flowing.

dry. Joseph Alturas took over from there, after his extended set in the Lounge.

After Daveman’s set, the mixer in the DJ booth was swapped out for turntables, to make way for veteran Mulan of B-Side and Black Market. At this point, the skies let out a brief downpour. Undeterred, Mulan hit the decks like a pro, his midtempo trip-hop selections keeping the crowd feeling safe and

The event may not quite have been as blissed out as Siddhartha under the Bodhi tree. But in comparison with the usual hustle and bustle of Saturday night in the Metro, it felt like it lived up to the theme.

Just before midnight, Cheeba stirred up the crowd. Cherry Malaya and her bandmates tempered their usual funk to match the relaxed vibe of the event, but they lost none of their characteristic soul. By the time their set wrapped up, Beach Please were all set to cap off the night. The duo sent the audience home with minimalist good vibes.

Photography by Jenna Genio

surprise though. Attend’s style harkens back to a time where DJs opted to sound more organic, by default, instead of mechanical; when they were not afraid to commit mistakes while playing their music to the masses. While some regard these socalled mistakes as imperfections, he sees them as marks of spontaneity. Indeed, spontaneity describes him very well. This is someone who once flew to Thailand on a whim, with nothing more than a backpack of clothes, 80 records, and a crazy notion that having no plan is the plan. “I had a plan to play at a French bar, but the guy who I was supposed to meet never answered my calls, and I never saw the bar. But on my first night, I met a guy who introduced me to a place called Hole in the Wall and I played there for 2 weeks. Then I took a night bus and a boat and went to Koh Tao, which was like Ibiza 20 years ago, where they had turntables everywhere: in the bar, in the clubs, in the forests where they did raves. I stayed there for 2 months.”

Up to Scratch I

t should come as no surprise why veteran French DJ Jon Attend was one of the headliners in this year’s 20th annual Fete De La Musique– and he certainly knows his stuff. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet. DJ Jon Attend started out a bit like your ordinary crate-digging music geek. He listened to a lot of pop and rock records, before veering towards post-punk. He name checks Iggy Pop, Bowie, and a bunch of “French touch” (another name for the catch-all term “French house” music) records as his early influences that got him into music. Pretty standard. But then, from out of left field, he suddenly went deeper, going into a tangent about Daft Punk and “Chicago house” music, and how it all correlated to the filtered sounds of French touch. “But this music never pushed me to get any [DJ] equipment” he said, “I never had that flash where I thought I should be like them.” That happened when he first heard Canadian DJ TygA. “He was perfectly mixing house, electro, and rock and roll music. He was able to fit so many kinds of styles together, and at the time I said: OK, I could find myself making music this way.” Everything just snow60 RADAR / September - October

balled from there, from playing clubs for two years in Paris, to living in Berlin and cutting his teeth on its underground party-hard rave scene. Then he and his crew threw their first rave in the city center of Paris. “We were actually caught by the police. They took our cables in a very unfriendly way,” the DJ reminisced. This was also their first collaboration with Fete Dela Musique. It’s no wonder why Jon Attend sees himself as a Berlin DJ rather than Paris DJ. “The way people consume techno music in Berlin is very different than in Paris. There, I really got more involved with the music, more so than in Paris.” Club residencies found him shuttling back and forth between Berlin and his hometown in Paris. Along the way, he also founded his own independent record label: Salon Records. They specialize in Techno and House music, mainly its subgenres Minimal house and Deep house. The label deliberately presses all its music on vinyl, true to Attend’s position as a diehard analog champion. Seeing as the label’s mastermind spins almost exclusively with physical records, this should come to no

Similarly, after his headline gig at the mainstage of Fete, Attend decided to hang around Manila a little while longer and really get into the swing of things. He played a plethora of the top places like Rocket Room and Vyne, but perhaps the most remarkable of all his Philippine gigs was the semi-private scratchfest held at Black Market in collaboration with #WeAreBiPolar’s Tom Thurnherr and Tukar Sinatti’s MedMessiah. Flipping great records long after the lights had gone up, Attend showed true happiness and joy at being able to play for and amongst like-minded individuals -- even donning a silk kimono in a pastiche to another DJ friend of his back home in France, with exuberant abandon threading its way through his amazing set, woven gold into the tapestry of the night. Musically speaking, Attend is far more than up to scratch; he surpasses all expectations, with his easygoing manner, superb musical taste, and impressive collection of vinyl. Small stories like this are why Jon Attend deserves to be more than a blip on the radar of electronic house music. He’s been doing this for a whole decade already, and from where he’s standing, his Salon won’t be closing its doors anytime soon.

By Tomi Uysingco Photography by Romain Rivierre

Listen to Jon Attend’s music on Salon Records. www.soundcloud.com/salon-records

Drop That Beat, Not Your Phone I

nstead of downloading games that make you addicted to crushing candies, building farms, and killing zombies, why don’t you try and bring out that inner music producer? I’ve rounded up some interesting IOS music apps (according to me) that have old-school counterparts.

IMASCHINE

The Imaschine is an IOS version of the Maschine. It (the Maschine) is a digital instrument designed for beat production, which is very popular among hiphop beat enthusiasts. These days, the Maschine is used in every genre. The brains behind this amazing app (and its physical counterpart) are Native Instruments, a German company that also came out with Traktor and Komplete. The Imaschine features 16 pads, a piano keyboard, a mixer with effects, and a built-in microphone. You can export your work to Maschine Micro or Maschine. Price: USD3.99 from the iTunes App Store Visit the Native Instruments website to purchase expansion packs or more tutorials for your Imaschine: http://www.native-instruments.com

ANIMOOG

Animoog is an app developed by the same company that invented the Moog Synthesizer. Quick history lesson: Robert Moog, founder of Moog Music, invented the Moog Synthesizer, which is one of the first electronic musical instruments. Going back to the Animoog, it’s basically a pocket-sized version of a Moog Synthesizer. It is the first professional synth designed for smartphones and tablets. First thing’s first: what is an X/Y grid? An X/Y grid has 8 timbres comprising 16 waveforms each. Why did we have to tackle that? Well, the new Anisotropic Synthesis Engine (ASE) powers the Animoog. The ASE is a dynamic waveform animator, which is made up of the X/Y grid. In laymans terms: so many sounds to choose from just by swiping on a single grid. Price: USD9.99 for Iphone, Blackberry and Android USD29.99 for Ipad Visit the Animoog website for expansion packs and patches: www.moogmusic.com

KORG’s iELECTRIBE [Only available for iPad] Are you familiar with the Electribe•R? Here are the basics: it’s a drum machine released in 1999, used by studio musicians and DJs to create tweakable beats. The iElectribe was recently launched for the iPad. Now would-be DJs can build grooves on the go using the iElectribe – a recreated version of The Electribe•R’s sound engine and sequencer, in a convenient tablet-friendly format. Price: USD19.99 from the iTunes App Store Visit the Korg website for more information on the iElectribe: www.korg.com

So with that, I leave you to choose which application you want to play around with. Mind you, downloading any of these apps doesn’t automatically make you a producer nor a DJ – if that’s your goal, then take lessons or study up on it.

RADAR / September - October 61

MUSIC

Piersonally Speaking

E HT L IF NI G

Dressed for the location

“Come as you are” is a comfortable lie – every so often, listen to the Elsa Klensch in your head, with her vast reserves of sartorial knowledge. Just like events, nightspots also have their own character that makes them more suitable for one style of dress over another. Sure, the fashion police may not kick you out of the venue for minor lapses in judgement, but it will probably leave a more favorable impression if you look like you belong at these places. By Paolo Cruz Photography by Romain Rivierre Styling by Karla Zulueta for ZOO Modeled by Nicole Asencio

ZOO

Shop Statement Making pieces online with FREE nationwide shipping atwww.zoo.com.ph. Instagram: zooshop_ph Twitter: @ilovezooshop #zoogirl

Pablo’s Pablo’s naturally attracts a crowd that’s unafraid to dress to match its subtle gangster affectations. Aptly enough, one can let out their inner Rat Pack swinger, would-be kingpin,or mobster’s moll during a night on the town here. However, looking the part of sharp-dressed hooligan doesn’t mean you ought to behave like one. By all means, take the Armani, but please leave the guns. 2nd Floor, The Forum, 7th Ave. cor. Federacion Drv., Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Tel. No.: +916 618-7045 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th, F: 12NN – 2PM, 5PM – 1AM Sa: 5PM – 1AM 62 RADAR / July - August

M Cafe The professional dress code varies wildly, from strictly business ensembles to corporate casual wear. No matter what one’s prescribed attire may be during office hours, you’ll be welcomed at M Cafe right after punching out. Show up on a Thursday to find the party spilling out into the courtyard facing the Museum. Things can get pretty raucous – if you spill a cocktail on that power dress you wore to the board meeting, chances are nobody will remember, and it will come off in the dry cleaning, if need be.

NIGHTLIFE

G/F Ayala Museum, Dela Rosa St. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel. No.: +63 917 816-6061, +63 917 833-6804 Business Hours: M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa, Su: 8AM – 12MN

RADAR / July - August 63

Time Dress for optimum body movement at Time. As a total clubbing experience, it’s worth partying on all three floors. Opt for club wear that gets exactly the level of attention you hope to receive, while still giving plenty of room for motion. Wear and tear matters too – for a club called Time, it sure whizzes by here! The weekend revelry can last well beyond sunrise. 7840 Makati Ave. (across A-Venue), Makati City Tel. No.: +63 2 519-8903, +63 927 571-4188 Business Hours: M, T, W, Th: 9PM – 3AM F, Sa: 9PM – 9AM

64 RADAR / July - August

71 Gramercy

Located on the 71st floor of the highest residential building in Manila, the panoramic view from the roof deck terrace already packs in the crowds. Regular guests are drawn to the swanky interiors and (in) famous clientele. 71/F Gramercy Residences, Century City, Kalayaan Ave. cor. Salamanca St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 847 7535

Agave

The unlimited refills on mojitos and margaritas are what keeps guests coming back to this place, beyond the Mexican fare on the menu. There are branches in Eastwood City, Venice Piazza, and SM SouthMall. Bonifacio High St. Bldg. B3, 5th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 403 6003

Barcino

A broad wine selection is the main draw here, usually paired with a tapas platter. Choose from seven branches across the Metro, including Rizal Drive and SM Aura Premiere in Fort Bonifacio. Greenbelt 2, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 501 3250

BigSkyMind

Depending on the night, the vibe at this repurposed shophouse can go from relaxed to debauched. Gigs happen sporadically on the lower floor. There’s usually an art exhibit ongoing, spread out across both levels, although the quality of work can vary widely. Broadway Ave. cor. 14th St., Brgy. New Manila, Quezon City

Blind Pig Speakeasy

of imported beers and unique spirits. 108 Forbeswood Heights Condominium, Forbes Town Center, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 856 9014

Exit Bar

Look for the unmarked door within Plaza Cafe to find this hidden spot. Guests have their pick from a diverse range of specialty cocktails. Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas cor. Legaspi St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 551 1283

Finders Keepers

Bringing the hidden bar concept outside the staid borders of Legazpi Village, Finders Keepers shares its space with dance club Black Market. Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave. cor. Sabio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 908 813 5622

Long Bar

Shamelessly embracing the finer aspects of British imperial chic, Long Bar traces its brand of colonial outpost style to the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Its namesake was the birthplace of the signature Singapore Sling cocktail. In keeping with its regard for tradition, shells from the complimentary peanuts are tossed on the floor, for good luck. Lobby Level, Raffles Makati, 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 555 9777

Prohibition Liquor Lounge

True to its name, you get to this place via a hidden entrance inside Dillinger’s 1903. It’s just like a bootleg liquor lounge in 1920s America, only far more upscale.

LIVE MUSIC

CLUBS

B-Side

Hyve

Despite inconsistent opening hours, this place has been running for four years now. Its staying power comes from theme nights like the reggae-centric Irie Sunday. The Collective, 7274 Malugay St., San Antonio Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 859 1013

32nd St., cor. Justicia Drive, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 823 9499

New World Hotel, Esperanza St. cor. Makati Ave., Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 576 8479, +63 917 581 3572

Last Home

Privé Luxury Club

One might think this place was targeted primarily at geeks, with framed comic books on its walls and a name that references a Dragonlance novel. But no, Last Home draws a broad clientele with relatively affordable booze and a different type of live music on each night. Ortigas Home Depot, J. Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City Tel No.: +63 915 244 1193

Route 196

Like Saguijo (below), this venue started out as a house. It gives their rock-oriented shows an intimate vibe, since they’re literally happening in someone’s former living room. 196 Katipunan Ave., Blue Ridge, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 2 439 1972

Salon De Ning

The look of this place is inspired by a heady mix of 20th century Chinoiserie, Oriental chic, and even hints of steampunk in the Boxing Room and Zeppelin Room. Spirited hotel lounge live acts provide a backdrop for the older regulars to share after-hours drinks.

227 Salcedo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel No.: +63 917 549 2264

Chill out and take in the view of the ever-developing Metro Manila skyline at this swanky, airy lounge.

The Peninsula Hotel, Ground Floor, Makati Tower, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 887 2888 Ext. 6737

Roofdeck, W HighSt. Building, 28th St. cor. 11th Ave., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 2 478 4278

Saguijo Cafe + Bar

As its name suggests, the mood here is carefree and artsy, from the street art on the walls to the comfy, worn-out sofa seats. This one-time residence maintains its familiar charm. The clientele is especially LGBT-friendly. 272 Ermin Garcia Ave, Quezon City Tel No.: +63 917 702 7392t

Café Curieux

This homey, French-owned bar offers home-brewed rum in a variety of flavors. It’s a welcome, laid-back respite from the chaos of the Burgos Avenue area nearby. Bel-Air Soho Polaris St. cor. Badajos St., Makati City Tel No.: +63 905 482 6371

The Distillery

A veteran in the specialty booze market, The Distillery boasts a Eurocentric range

Vyne

While the main draw here is breezy terrace, the main seating area features an interesting mashup of grafitti style art with tasteful, upscale interiors. 8/F W Global Center, 9th Ave. cor. 30th St., The Fort, Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 553 0197

Palladium

Located inside New World Hotel, Palladium draws a mixed clientele with its opulent decor and crowd-friendly music choices. Table rates vary from Black (PhP5,000) to Gold (PhP15,000) based on pride of place.

3F Greenbelt 3, Esperanza St., Ayala Center, Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 621 6790

Boho Sarapsody

8/F W Global Center, 9th Ave. cor. 30th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 633 5882

Most people know of Fat Benny’s by way of Skinny Mike’s Sports Bar, which it shares space with. A lively, growing selection of live acts are gradually helping the place come into its own.

Fat Benny’s Rock Bar

Determined guests make an effort to find this intimate, dimly-lit bar to sample its custom drinks. It’s hidden away in an unassuming condominium building.

Skye Lounge

This upscale club is the only place in town that serves Dom Perignon Luminous Label, which glows in the dark.

For nearly a decade, this converted residence in the backroads of Makati has been a hotbed for Pinoy independent music, from established scene veterans to upand-coming acts. Entrance is usually P150 with one beer or iced tea. On any given week, the sched will usually cover a random mix of styles, including production nights dedicated to niche appeal genres (soul, reggae, punk, etc.)

This place keeps a healthy gender ratio with some appealing promos for women. There’s complimentary drinks on Tuesday ladies’ nights and free entrance before midnight for women in stilettos on Wednesdays. The standard entrance fee is PhP600. Reserve at least one week ahead of time. The Fort Strip, 7th St. cor. 28th St., Bonifacio Global City (The Fort), Taguig City Tel No.: +63 917 898 8181

Republiq

Wearing its Vegas aspirations on its sleeve, Republic prides itself on its exclusivity. It opens to the public on Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends. Booking a spot can be challenging, even with prices ranging from PhP4000 (for a cocktail table) to PhP20,000 (for a top-range platinum table). Second Level, Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City Tel No.: +63 917 5508888

Time

Dance and house music are the focus of this multi-level club. Their roster of DJs make an effort to broaden guests’ tastes with an eclectic mix of underground electronic sounds. 7840 Makati Ave. (across A-Venue Mall), Makati City Tel No.: +63 2 519 8903

NIGHTLIFE

BARS

7612 Guijo St., San Antonio Village , Makati City Web: www.saguijo.com

Black Market

Built in a disused warehouse, Black Market has a roomy, industrial vibe. Theme nights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays focus on particular urban subgenres. Warehouse 5, La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave. cor. Sabio, Makati City Tel No.: +63 908 813 5622

RADAR / September - October 65

BT LG

More Than A Woman By Paolo Cruz Photography by Romain Rivierre Hair by Hyatt Laurel Makeup by Carmie Locsin

hen the media takes an interest in designer Cheetah Rivera, they usually focus on her professional work. With a resume like hers, it’s understandable. She was the runnerup in season 3 of Project Runway Philippines. Her bold “maximalist” designs are prone to turning heads during events organized by the Fashion Designers Alliance. However, most stories about Rivera shy away from mentioning her gender. As a high-profile transgender female, she’s a rarity. In fact, she points out that gender bias still happens, even in a local fashion industry that caters mainly to women and includes prominent gay male creators. Part of the issue is a lack of familiarity with the language of gender and sexual identity. Filipino terms like “bakla” are often used as catch-all description for people whose desires fall outside the scope of conventional vanilla heterosexuality. “Bakla” – and even “bading” – are meant to be umbrella terms, covering gender (which is related to behavior; how masculine, feminine, or “neutral” you are) and sexuality (that is, which sexes one is attracted to). The Pinoy vernacular, including casual street language, has no specific word for the idea of being transgendered – that is, identifying with a different sex than the body that you’re physically born in. Even without a word to describe her gender identity, Rivera knew she was not unlike other boys, as far back as grade school. As she grew into her teens, her family recognized that Cheetah felt more female than male, so they encouraged her to dress and behave the part. Her parents reacted casually to her decision to start wearing women’s clothes. In fact, her father would ask her why she was dressed “out of character” whenever she wasn’t dolled up. She’s very fortunate, in that sense – it was already difficult enough making sense of her identity, and figuring out how it differed from other related categories, like “cross-dresser” or “transvestite”. Her family’s support made it easier to transition to her life as a trans woman, once she began undergoing hormone treatment in 2010.

66 RADAR / September - October

During her Project Runway stint, Rivera found a mentor in streetwear designer John Herrera of Trilogy boutique. However, her personal style icon is someone much closer to home: her own mother. “She knows when a garment is beautiful or not,” says Rivera, describing her mom as “brutally honest” when it comes to assessing Cheetah’s outfits. Rivera’s success on Project Runway has minimized some of the discrimination she experienced when she first got into the industry. These days, more people are willing to see her as a designer, first and foremost, regardless of her gender expression. But that’s precisely why she feels it’s imperative to make her gender a matter of public record – to humanize the idea of trans folk. She wants transgenders to be recognized as capable of the same empathy, professionalism, and skill as any other person in the field. Rivera’s message to her transgender fans is simple: “Just be yourelf. Be proud.” It’s a simple message, but it’s one that’s worth repeating, in a culture that subtly pressures trans folk to conform to a more rigid, familiar gender identity. She adds, “Work hard. Fall in love. We are beautiful people.” If that sounds awfully general to you, it just reinforces the belief at the core of Rivera’s advocacy: that trans folk are human too.

Gender Glossary

Cheetah Rivera is a trans woman – she identifies as a female born in a man’s body. This is related but different from:

Cross dressers and transvestites. These people take on the clothes and appearance that defy the conventions of their birth sex, for example, men who habitually wear dresses and heels, or women who sport a butch look on regular basis. However, they may still regard themselves as male or female, based on the body they’re born with.

Drag. People in drag adopt the style and behavior of the opposite sex, as a deliberate performance – it’s meant for show, like in the Club Mwah cabaret or RuPaul’s Drag Race. It’s usually more exaggerated than how most people express themselves. Cheetah Rivera Couture is custom designed. See her previous work at @imcheetahrivera on Instagram. Email cheetahriverafashion@ yahoo.com or call +63 939 9238669 for inquiries.

RADAR / September - October 67

LGBT

“Be proud. Work hard. Fall in love.”

Around the same time that Rivera was discovering her gender identity, she also embraced her fondness for creative pursuits. In elementary school, she would often join art competitions – her first effort at fashion was a contest featuring dolls in various national costumes. Her family supported her art, just like they did for her other lifestyle choices, which gave her the confidence to join Project Runway.

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UNDER THE RADAR By George Harris

OF CALAMANSI CUTIES AND MANGO MAIDENS Welcome, fellow sleazeballs!

This is your local Kutong Lupa, and like any good insect, he has been dapo-ing around, observing the comings and goings of his human hosts. When I tell people, especially other guys, that I live in the Philippines their thoughts naturally turn to the famed beauty and sexuality of the Pinay women and a conspiratorial smirk threads its way across their faces as they ask me if all that they have heard is true. The answer though, is not that simple. Beauty certainly is in the eye of the beholder and this will explain why nearly every western man, myself included, will drool over some slender-limbed darkskinned delicacy from the provinces, as she totters on her impossibly high heels across the open spaces of Greenbelt and yet she will receive barely a glance of interest from Pinoys. Why is this? Like other countries famed for their women’s allure, the Philippines is a melting pot of races and it’s this very mixing of creeds that produces some of the stunners you see around on any given evening stroll. Broadly speaking, you can logically break down these women into four groups: the Elite, the Middle Class, Ghetto Girls and provincials or Promdi’s (literally, “from the Province” said in a thick Filipino accent, playing on the Pinoy difficulty of differing between P’s and F’s). The Elite, in my experience, is split into three parts: the landed gentry, Politicians and Artistas. The first two are encompassed in approximately 100 families. Often fine featured, taller than average, and carry themselves with that air of entitled arrogance, just like the heiresses I knew back home in Europe. They are the lords of their fiefdoms and they know it, own it, and breathe it. Well groomed often to the point of over-compensation, they are ethnically a clear split between Chinese and Latin, and could be equally at home in Barcelona, Bogota or Beijing. The Artistas are different. They are in the Elite by virtue of their alleged talents, which are usually entertainment-based, and so these chicks are by-default hot. Rarely accepted by the Gentry, they are sought after by politicians as trophy accessories. Not necessarily mate-material, but definitely arm candy for the clicking cameras. The Elites in general. but not the talents, show a disdain and mistrust of occidental men, taking their motives with a pinch of salt. Well travelled and educated they have an understanding of the wider world. It is these women that are held to be epitome of Pinay beauty by the indigenous male populace, both of mixed descent and pure homegrown 68 RADAR / September - October

kayumanggi. Our next group is a different ballgame altogether: the Middle Class. Some of them take your breath away, with their combination of Latin physique, flawless Asian skin and large almond eyes. Whilst others are just downright plain, at least from a non native’s point of view. Tending to be shorter with a lot more Malay heritage residing within them, there is a clear demarcation of the super slender to the rather chunky in this group that blends brown, white and yellow into the colour of perfectly brewed mead. These are the BPO/office workers and part of the burgeoning bourgeois, a clear indicator of the country’s potential for stability and growth. This aspirational group is hardworking and constantly striving to better themselves and this extends even to relationships. Often they are first generation college kids that support their family members back home; they have the curse of knowing about the outside world from movies and the internet, but not the luxury of ever having travelled, so will be drawn to us exotic Caucasians like bees ‘round a honeypot’. It is here in this group you get that curious mix which doesn’t work, the weak-chinned, doleful-eyed, pouty-bottom-lipped type, that walk with splayed feet. I suppose there will always be exceptions to the rule. The majority of these yuppies are generally clean living, with a little drinking in between their long hours of work, and usually no drug culture whatsoever. You just have to ask those wet-behind-the-ears pasty white guys loitering around the twenty-four hour Starbucks outlets in McKinley for confirmation. As a tall Adonis-like Dayuhan I get looks all the time from these women, for I am exotic and have that most desirable of qualities. Well there is that, but I was talking about my Roman nose. Anywhere out and about in dingier parts of the city, you will usually come across a small group of petite, full-lipped young women of varying shades from mochaccino to espresso. Again I receive the same stares but this time there is no shyness as they clearly greet me with a ‘hello Joe’ (the ubiquitous greeting for the American servicemen that has now been translated to all foreigners). Loud, crude, whiny, and sexual these ‘Palengkeras’ are the Ghetto Girls, invariably young as they are essentially over the hill at twenty-five years old. They are plenitful, if that strikes your fancy. Their goal from Westerners is money, and they are unabashed by the seeming shallowness

of it. They view us as rich; we represent a ticket out of the purok or barrio, to be obtained by their ubiquitous currency of faultless fellatio. Even more so, if you can find a ‘mango maiden’ from those special regions. Strangely, these display models are not big drink and drug users; well, not until they have bagged their prize. For that, you have to seek the veterans in the deep dark recesses of Malate and Angeles City. Finally, Promdi’s are traditional and naïve, and they can vary greatly in looks from the fine-boned Ilocanos and Aurorans to the more Polynesian Samar girls. They view westerners as exotic, novel and unknown, but will not give it up easily unless there is some level of commitment on the cards. Once they land you, however, they tend to care f*ck all about maintaining the relationship. We have all heard the tales of how they expect you to support them en masse with their extended family,becoming breadwinners care of their vaginas. Not quite the same as Ghetto Girls, as they are less jaded and generally nicer people. To understand the allure of Pinay beauty one must also see who the audience is and the different groups that make it up. Foreigners that come here are made up of many different guises, from the traditional Sexpat to the Broke-ass Backpacker. It is however the delusional ones who are oblivious to their fallibilities, that make me laugh the most. Often losers and largely overlooked in their own country, here they are treated like gods by the young bar girls and inevitably, that adulation goes to their heads. Occasionally love is found but more often than not, these little fish sink into selfish depravity in the bordellos and bars of Angeles, Malate, Burgos and the countless other provincial amphitheaters. More so now than ever before, there seems to be a new sort of Foreigner in town. The mythical Foreignoy: these particular pilgrims learn the language, speaking it with almost native intonation, effortlessly blending into their surroundings (or so they themselves think). Of course they want that Pinay p*ssy, but they’re far more strategic about it. They want to exchange ideas as well as bodily fluids. Just like the Pinoys have their aesthetic of their nation’s female beauty, so does the Foreigner. And unsurprisingly they differ greatly. Many westerners view the Elite girls as unobtainable and high maintenance, The Middle Class girls as eager to please and most desirable, and have a general rule of thumb when it comes to Ghetto Girls: don’t fall in love, don’t get married, and don’t give them your house keys either. However if you are in a Pygmalion frame of mind, a nice sweet eighteen year old from the provinces will go a long way especially for a well travelled forty something that doesn’t wish to export his spouse abroad. There is a lot to be said in finding your Galatea relaxing on a white sandy beach ordiligently going about her business in a town market. In short, Pinay beauty is like the Calamansi, the native citrus of the Philippines; small, juicy, varying in taste depending on its ripeness, from sour to sweet, and highly fertile. It’s a veritable cornucopia of fruity flavours for all tastes. Questions? Comments? Violent reactions? Please email akosi.kutonglupa@gmail.com.

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for the requisite 20% interest. Interestingly, a large portion of 5-6 lenders consists of Indian nationals who have migrated to the Philippines to participate in this lucrative industry. (Speaking of not being PC, Filipinos refer to an Indian lender as a “Bumbay.”) There are many Bumbays in small communities across rural and urban Philippines because the service is in high demand; so many people get denied formal financial assistance. While expensive, 5-6 loans at least offer flexible loan repayment and renewal terms, and do not require official documents nor collateral. However, the 5-6 lenders mostly target borrowers who need loans for small business purposes, and not for personal emergencies. Photo courtesy of bubblews.com

Welcome to What the Balut? – a place where we explore the daily affairs of life in the Philippinesthat make the foreign expat/tourist initially think “what the *uck?” In this column, I help Metro Manila newcomers cope with seemingly bewildering cultural, social, and physical environments.

Show me the money!

Hello readers! This issue’s topic may not be the most PC, but it is a common aspect of expat life in the Philippines… being asked to lend money. It happens. All the time. Especially if you have hired help or Filipino relatives or in-laws, or work at a local company with Filipino colleagues. I was caught off guard but eager to help when my earliest domestic helper asked for a loan of PhP 4,000 to buy medicine for her children. I became more wary (and slightly suspicious) when she started asking for Php 4,000 every month or so. My driver, one of the most reliable people I know, has also requested to borrow money – PhP 7,000 at a time. Whether there is a reason to be suspicious or the need is actually legitimate, the fact is, low and lower-middle income Filipino citizens do not have many options. And if you spend enough time interacting with them, you often become the preferred option.

chances of getting a loan are low – many people don’t even have bank accounts because they can’t afford maintaining account balances. Formal financing institutions don’t serve the “unbankable” population – people without steady and formal income, collateral, reliable credit history, etc., like my part-time hired help. Pag-IBIG also known as the Home Development Mutual Fund provides only loans for housing, and SSS provides “salary loans” and “calamity loans.” However, both programs require borrowers to have contributed to the funds th rough formal employment. 2. Borrow from informal institutions: a) “5-6” loans from community lenders and b) loans from friends, family members, colleagues or employer (AKA you, the reader). The colloquial term “5-6” comes from the payment condition – borrow 5 pesos and repay 6 pesos in a week’s time, thus, these loans are known

So it makes sense that people want to borrow money from us foreigners (or anyone relatively well off). This isn’t to say that I am encouraging readers to make a habit of loaning money. It’s a very personal and emotional matter, and really depends on the specific needs of the borrower, your relationship with him, and your personal financial standing. Lend only if you’re comfortable with the situation. If you give assent once, the borrower may be encouraged to ask for more loans in the future. But if your feelings of guilt and sympathy overcome your reluctance, here are some things to consider when agreeing to a loan request: • Minimize your risk: lend an amount where the borrower can pay the loan back within a month or two based on his income. • Don’t lend more than you can afford to lose. Temporary work arrangements can end suddenly – if your hired help quits before full re-payment, you’re likely to not get the rest of your money back. (I’d feel petty asking for that PhP 1,500 back…)

But let’s break down some of those alternatives, and look at the level of financial inclusion (range of financial services available) in the Philippines.

• Try to make the payment directly to the need. Write a check payable to the school if it’s for tuition, or buy school supplies personally. I’ve heard that you can also pay Mercury Drug directly to fill the prescription.

Person X is in dire need of PhP 25,000. What options does Person X have? 1. Borrow from formal institutions: a) Commercial banks and b) Government programs like Pag-IBIG or the Social Security System (SSS). Commercial banks charge interests rates in the mid to high teens. Red tape consists of red lots of paperwork and fees and more fees (for processing, late payments, amendments, etc.). And

Borrowing from friends/family/colleagues/employers has all the perks and none of the disadvantages. These suckers, very nice and caring lenders, normally ask for zero interest, no collateral, no official documents, and repayment is flexible without the extra burden of penalties or fees for late payment. (Would you actually call the cops if your borrower is a month or two late with paying his last PhP 2,000 owed?)

Utang Clan Ain’t Nothin’ to F*ck Wit! Indian money lenders purportedly ride on bikes around their communities, making daily payment collections or finding new business. Picture from the blog of Professor Jean Padua Ayende.

At the end of the day, it’s only money. Try not to let it ruin your relationships or experience here. After all, the best things in life are free – just like this magazine.

Yours truly, JL RADAR / September - October 69

Editor s Note: fashion, puhlease

For any queries about advertising, suggestions on features, inclusion of events in the calendar, and new directory entries, please contact:

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

alexa.radarmnl@gmail.com

Truer words were never spoken. Thank you, Coco Chanel! And what city in the world breathes ideas, progress, and dynamism more than Manila? Well, pronounced the way we’re comfortable with, technically we’re fashown. This issue was certainly a wild ride for everyone on the Radar MNL team, what with the addition of a new column, more interaction and enagement with our readers, and a solid IN to the fashion industry via our valued friends and contacts. Now that the Fashion Issue is under our chic braided leather and dyed-canvass belts (yes, I’m looking at you, Michael Kors), the sky’s the limit as to what we can tackle next in this fair city of ours. Now that the brrr months have swung round and people are starting to hear Christmas carols played in the malls, it is time our thoughts went to higher things. Sublimiora Spectemus, says my family crest, or rather, so do the coasters I found with the Warren emblem on them while spring cleaning this past week. In our next issue, we tackle the ageold quandry of what is rich and what is wealthy, and it is up to you to see on which side of the divide you fall. Are you merely keeping up with the Joneses, or making your own waves? Is luxury all it is cracked up to be? Well, let’s see, shall we? There are great rumblings afoot, my dear little cabbages. I am so glad you’re along for the ride. Please please please drop me a line and say hey, would love to hear more from you. Lovelovelove,

Izzy

EIC, Radar MNL

izzy.radarmnl@gmail.com

Marketing Director:

Alexandra Pierson Advertising Manager:

Mikhail Guingon mikhail.radarmnl@gmail.com Enquiries:

radarmagazine.mnl@gmail.com

The Crew Editor In Chief Izzy Gonzalez Managing Editor Paolo Cruz Marketing Director Alexa Pierson Advertising Manager Mikhail Guingon Head Photographer Romain Rivierre Art Directors Micki Aviado Rich Tuason Staff Writer Jenna Genio Chairman Mark J. Kooijman Publisher and CEO Isabelle Gonzalez CFO Antonio Arellano Jelmer Ikink Soo Fong Woo Jay Magsaysay Edgardo Vallente Contributors Zack Varkaris Gianluca Vialli Israel van Barin