IMAGESASIA Volume 2 Number 2 2015 Second Quarter Edition Php 300.00 | US$13.50
the expressions of art, life and style
Jennifer Helen Weigel Philanthropist Extraordinaire
IMAGESASIA the expressions of art, life and style
Editor-at-Large ERNEST GONZAGA Editor-in-Chief MINA GERVACIO Managing Director/Head of Photography VOLTAIRE DOMINGO Advertising/Marketing Director RANULPH HUERTAS Graphic/Layout Director JOHN ERNEST GREGORY JAMES BENEDICT SACRAMENTO (Southern/Northern California) Chief Photographer HENRY FERRER Photographers SEAN PEREZ | MARLO CUETO |RONIN URBINA Contributing Photographers BRYAN VENANCIO | JERI BARRIOS U.S.A. /Europe Photo Correspondents JAQUELINE ANDREA Las Vegas, NV | HARVEY MCKENZIE Sacramento, CA IRVIN RIVERA Los Angeles, CA | MJ CACHERO Geneva, Switzerland Publisher ERNEST GONZAGA Associate Publisher KARR MARIN Transportation/Security/Delivery EFREN CHINIDO | FERDINAND MELARPIS Production Assistant ANTONIO EVARISTO
IMAGESASIA is published by IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING 6/F Raha Sulayman Building Benavides St., Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines SMS 0937 2170133 and the PHILIPPINE AMERICAN PRATTLER 1028 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel. No. 209 9148539 www.imagesasia.com FOR ADVERTISING Contact RANULPH HUERTAS Tels. 473-3229 / 472-7282 /472-8282 SMS 0906-414-7221 / 0923-416-1867 2015 Copyright IMAGES ASIA PUBLISHING. All rights reserved. Printed in the Republic of the Philippines. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher. Printed by MEGATONE PRINTHAUZ, INC. 96-B Panay Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, Philippines
Inside IMAGESASIA
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JENNIFER HELEN WEIGEL Philanthropist Extraordinaire Photographed by HENRY FERRER
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“ believe that it is important to have a good and kind soul. Always be kind to others and share what you have with those who have less in life,” these are words of Jennifer Helen Weigel, one of the loveliest ladies of the Queen City of the South. She is Cebu’s pride for her grace and charm but is best known and celebrated for her philanthropy. In her youth, she helped her late father, the Honourable Mayor of Lapu-lapu City Ernest Jun Weigel in his campaign sorties and throughout his term. She made sure that in his father’s nine years as Mayor, she also reached out to the less privileged. She is filled with energy and passion to serve others. Right after earning a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration at the University of San Carlos, Cebu at the age of 18, she had a head start in helping indigent yet deserving children go to school. She was able to send less fortunate kids to school by setting aside 20% of her income from modelling and real estate business. She also volunteered for the Poor Clares nuns and Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
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During his father’s term in office he was able to create the Mactan Export Procession Zone (MEPZ). This made an impact in turning a once small city into a highly urbanized and developed city it is today. Her father exposed her to private sectorgovernment linkages for creating and sustaining the growth of communities. With a rich experience in business, politics and social work, Jennifer had the right acumen and wisdom for a success formula. When she got married, she started a construction business with her husband. Through good working relationship with the staff, emphasis for high quality output and exceeding clients expectations, they were able to achieve Triple “A� category for their construction business. This enabled their firm to acquire big projects for both the government and private sector. Eventually, her desire to help out more people spurred her to establish her own recruitment company that provides job placements abroad for Filipinos. She gives opportunities for Filipinos to have better paying jobs that will help create better lives for their families and themselves as well. Given all her accomplishments, she considers her children as her greatest riches and prime source of joy. Her children have taken after her and turned out to become well-grounded individuals who have the heart to help others in any way they can. Her children have also followed her steps in gaining success in business. Her eldest child 30-year old Andrew owns a popular and chic bar in Cebu. He also helped secure a major deal in Negros Occidental for their construction firm. Her twin daughters Jennifer and Jasmin, 25 years of age, respectively manages the recruitment agency and construction firm. They both jointly own a facial and slimming centre. With her busy schedule, Jennifer finds renewal and rejuvenation in travelling with her family. She and her family thoroughly enjoyed trips to Europe to see all the beautiful sights and absorb all the cultural experiences. While her children were growing up, the favourite vacation spots were Boracay and different amusement parks in the US.
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Locations: CRIMSONS RESORT & SPA Cebu City PLANTATION BAY RESORT & SPA Cebu City
Wardrobes : CARY SANTIAGO JUN ESCARIO PHILIP TAMPUS
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As part of her hobbies, she also has an extensive collection of Lladro porcelain figures including limited edition pieces and a variety of paintings. Her heart’s passion still goes to helping others in need and she finds great fulfilment in actively participating in charity events and focusing on her enterprise with social responsibility. She envisions expanding her business so that she could in turn provide jobs and opportunities for more people. With her faith in God, inspiring intentions and gracious spirit, it’s not difficult for Jennifer to make a difference in the lives of others.
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Make-up Artist: RAMIL SOLIS Hair Stylist: HYATT LAUREL
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Stylist: BIANCA GAUTHIER Assistant Stylist: MAURICE
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Production Assistants: SALOME ALAGO ESTER ESTALONIO
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ANTHONY DE LEON Hallmark of Hospitality
Photographed by VOLTAIRE DOMINGO/NPPA IMAGES and SEAN PEREZ
In the country’s summer capital, the hospitality industry considers the name Anthony de Leon as
synonymous to leadership. As the General Manager of the Baguio Country Club, he motivates his team to deliver the highest standard of service excellence possible and ensures that guests at the Club immerse in a home away from home experience at the Pine City. At the helm of running the prestigious and historic club for almost three decades, Anthony makes it a point to lead by example. He impresses upon his team the importance of providing unparalleled service to all its guests. Each guest’s unique preferences are noted and anticipative yet unobtrusive service is rendered. “No success comes without hard work and focus. The best way to find your self is to lose yourself in the service of others,” Anthony stated.
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Anthony initiated the creation of the operations manuals and procedures and the documentation of job titles and descriptions at the Baguio Country Club. Through his standardization of processes and hands-on leadership style, he has gained the trust and respect of the Club’s board of directors, employees, the community at large, and the hospitality industry. At the prime of his career, Anthony reminisces on his ardent focus and vision to be part of the hospitality industry. While other teenagers were having fun, Anthony took it upon himself to acquire exposure in the food and beverage business as a food server in a popular fast food chain. After high school, he took up Tourism at the University of Sto. Thomas. He established his own piano bar and restaurant called “The Other Office” in Mabini which became a favorite watering hole of some of the board directors of Baguio Country Club. The board directors noticed his management skills, took a chance at him and offered him a job posting at Baguio Country Club. At the Club, he started out as a Maitre D’ Hotel. Eventually, he rose from the ranks from Food and Beverage Director to Resident Manager to Deputy General Manager until his current role as General Manager in a span of a few years. As the General Manager of Baguio Country Club, Anthony pursued further education in Hotel Restaurant and Institutional Management at De La Salle University - College of St. Benilde and completed a Professional Development Program and General Management Program at Cornell University, New York. He also obtained his certification as a Food and Beverage Executive from the American Hotel and Motel Association Education Institute.
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Balancing his demanding work, Anthony is happy to have a good family life. He is proud of his three children. The eldest is working as a trade manager for an investment house in Makati, his second son is working in Boston, and his daughter is taking up Mass Communications. He has high hopes that she will be able to work for one of the country’s prominent media outlets. In his spare time, Anthony travels with his wife and children to tourist destinations here and abroad. He and his family have visited top local tourist spots such as Vigan, Tagaytay, Cebu, Batangas. Across the globe, Anthony and his family have explored the natural wonders and urban vibe of New York City, Washington DC, Las Vegas, California, Hong Kong, Guam, and parts of China. With the future in mind, Anthony believes that being a leader is not a capability but a responsibility. He mentors future leaders in hospitality sector and promotes the country’s tourism wherever he goes. Under his tutelage, he further aims to maintain the prestige of one of the oldest golf resorts in the Philippines and Asia and continue to cater to the upscale club members.
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Locations: Baguio Country Club Panagbenga Park Burnham Park
Photographed by SEAN PEREZ
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TESS SCHOEFER Beauty of Dreams
Photographed by HENRY FERRER
If there’s any notable figure who she can compare her life to, Tess Schoefer alludes herself to being once a poor little rich girl who made it through life successfully like Cinderella. It is fiction but she believes in the beauty of being a dreamer with determination to make her wishes come true. Tess is living her dreams. She is busy building and renovating her newly-acquired holiday home. For over 27 years, she has been purchasing homes from all over the world for her personal and family use which turns out to become a lucrative business every time each property is sold. She has always combined business & personal pleasure as a savvy business woman. A seasoned traveller, she is fascinated with the social scene and cosmopolitan flair of each place she has visited. New York, Paris and Istanbul are three of her favourite destinations. Italy is one of her most favoured place to live once upon a time. While an African safari and a trip to Bali, Indonesia are some of the most unforgettable experiences she shared with her family. She’s happily married to a husband who recently retired in business but carries on as the guiding support of the family. Her daughter Raika is working for an event planning company and her son Nikolas is eyeing a profession in media, web creations and photography.
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With her beautiful life, she traces her humble beginnings from Nueva Ecija where she grew up and took her primary and secondary education. She then went to Manila to fulfil her mother’s dream for her to pursue a course in Education at the University of the East. She realized later on that teaching is not her calling and she shifted to Fine Arts major in Interior Design at the University of Sto. Thomas. She financed her own education without the interference of her mother, through the money that she earned from commercial and fashion modelling. She was part of the prestigious Karilagan International models and was exposed to travelling during her modelling days. Even in her youth, she proved to be a selfmade and independent woman. She supported herself to live life without the financial help of her poor and incapacitated but very loving mother. To achieve her dreams, she does not stop until she gets what she wants. She has the tenacity to finish what's been started and get it done. She is very caring to others, but imparts the wisdom that it is also important to love yourself. She believes that one will not be capable to care for others if one doesn't know how to care for his own welfare. At this juncture of her life when all her personal dreams have come true, she wants to see her two grown up children get settled and fulfil their own destinies. She would continue her business in order to sustain a comfortable life that she has made for herself and her family.
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Location: PENINSULA DE PUNTA FUEGO
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Baguio Country Club’s Raisin Bread Shop
Yummy Sweet Delights
Photographed by SEAN PEREZ
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RAISIN BREAD SHOP
In 1993, the Pastry Shop was built with a sitting capacity of 20 people and was renovated in July 2006. It was inaugurated last November 16, 2006 and was named the “Raisin Bread Shop”. The Raisin Bread Shop now offers a wide variety of homemade cakes and pastries. Going back, the Raisin Bread is an old home recipe of the late Mrs. Kate Reed Crosby, formerly the general manager of the Baguio Country Club year 1955-1968. She presented the Raisin Bread during “merienda” time to some members at the Verandah who were having coffee and often wishing that there was something to eat with their coffee. It made everyone’s day and went on to become a staple for the coffee drinker. From a “merienda” which is staple of old, it evolved through the decades into a trademark loaf. Anyone who visits the Club or City of Baguio has to have as “pasalubong”. This is one of the reason why people visit Baguio.
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Raisin bread
Carrot cake
BREADS Banana cake
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BREADS Sausage Roll
Cinnamon Roll
Ensaymada
Sovital Roll
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Tiramisu Cake
Strawberry Short Cake
CAKES Baked Cheese Cake
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CAKES Chocolate Mouse Brilliant
Michael Angelo
Blueberrry Cheesecake Sacher Slice
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Chocolate Brilliant and Green Tea Cheese Cake
Chocolate Cake
BABY CAKES Red Velvet
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BECKY GARCIA
High Society’s Sweetheart Photographed by SEAN PEREZ
A standout from the beautiful faces among the crowd whether it’s a private dinner with Prince Harry in London, luncheon with socialites in a Michelin-star restaurant in Amsterdam, a charity ball at Manila’s posh hotel, there’s no doubt that Becky Garcia is the name to remember. A stunning presence, she never fails to make everyone at ease around her. She spreads her joie de vivre and celebrates the good life with the who’s who of the cosmopolitan world. She chronicles her experiences with the glitterati on her society column regularly published in the Manila Times. While being a prominent figure in the glitzy and glamorous high society scene, Becky is also the proponent of ballroom dancing and dance sports in the Philippines.
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She founded the Dance Sports Council of the Philippines. Starting out with 20 couples as members, the group thrived to have more than a thousand dancers from all over the country. As the dance craze caught on, Becky related that allied industries flourished such as dance clothes, shoes and accessories. Under Becky’s helm, Philippine dance sports attracted international champions to visit the country for a demonstration and coaching of local dancers. It was not only a sport but an interconnection of cultures. With energy and gracefulness, Becky leads the dance sports council with three annual national competitions held in March, July and October. Adding another feather in her cap, she organizes the annual Asian Single Latin and Standard championships in Cebu. As a business woman, Becky is the president of two multinational companies with on-going projects here and abroad. In her personal life, Becky is a true romantic and shared that her husband Greek-German Dr. George Sarakinis has made life more colorful. One of her most memorable experiences is her Greek-themed wedding at Shangri-La Hotel Makati. Becky took it upon herself to make her dream wedding a reality by transforming the venue into a microcosm of Acropolis. The music, dancing and belly dancing were all inspired by Grecian culture. Becky and her husband George have jettisoned in almost all cities around Europe where the crème dela crème of society opens their doors for them, but both have a soft spot for the pristine and serene beaches of Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol and Puerto Galera. In every aspect of her life, the Greek Goddess of good fortune seems to have cast a broad smile on Becky as she lives it up with priceless friendships, joy and contentment.
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Gowns by OSKAR PERALTA
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Location: MAKATI SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
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Images Asia Grand Relaunch and Photo Show Kick-off dinner at the Shang Palace of the Makati Shangrila Hotel.
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Lanelle’s works seem to defy boundaries and befit contemporary establishments in any cosmopolitan city. This is a reflection of the artist herself who grew up hopping from one country to another due to her father’s postings in different universities across the country and the globe. Her father is the notable educator Jose Abueva. Lanelle together with her father and the rest of the family travelled from Manila to Hawaii to Brooklyn to New Haven, Connecticut to Siliman, Dumaguete to Katmandu and back to Manila in the span of her childhood to teenage years. The extensive travel has opened her eyes to different cultures. Lanelle took up Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. It’s the same alma matter where her father was the President in the late 80s and early 90s and where her uncle National Artist Napoleon Abueva first honed his craft. She got bitten by the artistic bug when as a little girl she remembers interacting with her uncle at the art studio and playing around with available materials to develop her talent for the arts. After graduation, for three years she apprenticed for a master potter in Hachijo-jima, Southeast of Tokyo. The ancient Japanese art form is steeped in traditional techniques and discipline. To cultivate her own creative style, she further studied at Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Idaho. Upon returning to the country, she finally found her roots in her hometown Antipolo. It’s also the place where she raised her own family in a home decorated with her collection of elephant figurines, textiles from different countries and paintings of local artists. She is fond of spending her free time bonding with her daughters Majalyha and Celine. Since 1981, Lanelle has established her own creative studio in Antipolo. Her studio produces the sought after collection of stoneware shipped to various hotels, restaurants and spas around the world. She also set up Crescent Moon Café, a casual dining spot with a menu that includes her late husband’s recipes and favorites. On the artistic side, the restaurant showcases some of her beautiful stoneware dinner sets, serving bowls, coffee servers, tea cups, lamps, chimes, bathroom amenities and oil burners on retail. On select weekends and summer, the restaurant offers pottery classes for enthusiasts. Nowadays, she still widely travels to Europe, India, Southeast Asia and South Korea for solo and group exhibits as well as arts and cultural exchanges. She is most delighted to travel around the country where she finds inspiration from its rich, diverse and indigenous culture and materials which she proudly incorporate in her pottery masterpieces.
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LANELLE ABUEVA FERNANDO Molded to Perfection Photographed by SEAN PEREZ
If striking and modern vase sculptures adorning the lobby of a 5-star hotel in Manila, glazed pottery accent pieces in premier hotels, spas and resorts here and abroad, elegant stoneware for plates and tea sets in plush restaurants have caught one’s fancy, chances are it’s a serendipitous encounter with the works of Lanelle Abueva-Fernando. The workmanship of her stoneware unravels the harmony of textures, lines and colors. Molded to perfection, each handcrafted object de art evokes opulence either as an adornment or with functionality.
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A photographer and multi-media artist, she combines her creative skills to produce art nouveau of graphic design. She magnifies the still life photos mainly composed of a myriad of flowers and plants with intricate symmetry, textures and shadows. She then edits the photo with altered tints, unique angle and shades of contrast, prints it on canvas and combines it with wood and glass works. The results are exceptional art works that interpret beauty, harmony, serenity and infinity. Suzette has already done one-woman and group exhibits of her fine arts photography as well as multimedia works. When not busy pursuing her creative passion, she co-manages a graphics and advertising agency which she co-owns with her husband Robert. She honed her artistic skills at the University of Santo Thomas where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts major in Advertising. Dabbling into arts is like second nature to Suzette. When she was younger, she taught herself how to play the guitar and paint with oil on canvas. Her hobby involves collecting oriental teapots of interesting shapes and characters. Each tea set comes from a different dynasty that has a colourful and rich story associated with the use of the tea cups. She is fond of travelling to see nature’s ever changing palettes and formations. Together with her husband and two sons, she marvels at the corals and ocean life of Cebu and Marinduque. Abroad, she enjoys the arts and cultural oasis of Paris and Rome. In the future, she plans to transform not only her subject matters but herself as an artist. She aims to take her master’s degree in photography and pass on the torch of creativity to the younger generation.
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SUZETTE BERNARDO MONTELIBANO Art Nouveau through the Lenses Photographed by SEAN PEREZ
A true artist constantly reinvents her subject. Suzette Bernardo-Montelibano creates still life out of bold graphic floral photos turned into installations on wood, canvas and glass. Her unique perspective behind the camera lens and her sublime use of fabric printing unravels extraordinary and vivid floral architecture that draws the viewer to its enigma and elegance.
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Her parents noticed the creative spark in her and sent her to art lessons in between school breaks from her primary and high school education at Assumption Convent Herran to her college years at Assumption San Lorenzo. Some of her most notable art mentors were Lino Severino and Onib Olmeda. However, her artistic interest temporarily took a back seat as she focused on raising a family and creating a happy home life. She is fulfilled to have four children who have carved careers of their own now. It was only in 2011 that Lisa decided to pursue her passion. From Manila she flew to Bacolod to attend her friend’s mosaic art workshop. At the end of the course, she was disheartened that most of the attendees were done with their creative output but she was still starting out her piece of work. Upon returning to Manila, she challenged herself to do better and in a light bulb moment she drew a figure of a geisha and began creating mosaic art. Feminine, fluid and conveying a resilient character, Lisa dubbed her first unique modern mosaic art creation as Sayuri. From the moment she mastered the mosaic art technique, inspiration has never left her side. Lisa continued to produce mosaic art with her unique expression of life as festive and cheerful vignettes, nature in bloom and portrayal of women in graceful motion. Lisa makes her women in mosaic come alive with sparkling eyes and chutzpah to overcome any challenges in life. With each modern mosaic art, Lisa presents the delicate process of creating shards, picking up each tessera, putting the pieces together in context of the theme and emotive values of joy, hope and solidarity in a seemingly complex yet organic composition. Her powerful work is a delight to the senses for its textures, visual enigma and emotional appeal. Her unique style is partly influenced by Gaudi and other European modern masters of mosaic. With her indefatigable dedication for her craft, she has already mounted one-woman and group exhibits. Like Neruda’s description of poetry as a fever or forgotten wings, Lisa has returned back to her passion for the arts. She showed her own strength of character to piece by piece and step by step surmount the odds and make her mark in the art world.
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LISA DE LEON-ZAYCO Resilience Piece by Piece Photographed by SEAN PEREZ
Her artworks are made of cold and hard irregularly-shaped and varied-colored ceramic fragments but certainly as a whole convey the softness of flowing movements and vibrancy of life. It’s the signature style of the Philippine’s celebrated contemporary mosaic artist Lisa de Leon-Zayco. As a young girl, Lisa remembers that she had a fascination playing with tiles. When her uncle made a mosaic table, she couldn’t help but run her fingers on it and told herself that someday she will be making one herself.
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Confluence Artists Photographed by SEAN PEREZ Hair & Make-up Artist: CARMELA JIMENEZ Location: CRESCENT MOON POTTERY & CAFÉ Antipolo City
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Locations: COSTA PACIFICA RESORT HOTEL Baler, Aurora SABANG BEACH Baler, Aurora OLD BALETE TREE Maria Cristina, Aurora
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She is focused on passing on the legacy of entrepreneurship balanced with the pursuit of the arts to her kids. Her children collectively manage a call center business. On the creative side, her eldest daughter Vina is also a fashion designer, her son Vyhr is a budding film maker and the youngest daughter Vianka is a visual artist. Babylyn herself has a flair for things of beauty. She used to nurture a variety of orchids when business wasn’t as hectic as it is today. She channels her artistic sensibilities through make-up. In the long run, she plans to create her own make-up line. With a loving family by her side, her next big dream is to have a farm of her own. She would love to go back to basics at the farm while spending the weekends and holidays with her children as well as parents who are still strong and healthy.
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BABYLYN NEWFIELD Iron Woman of Business Photographed by BRYAN VENANCIO
Her strength of character seem to be born out of Eleanor Roosevelt’s musings, “I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.” For Babylyn Newfield, the untimely loss of her spouse did not quell her fortitude to continue the business that she started out with her late husband. Nowadays, she is known in her industry as the iron woman of business. Surmounting the trials and challenges along the way, as the President and CEO of Cartridge World Philippines, she led the company to become Asia’s top seller for the business-to-business category. She owes her success to her entrepreneurial drive, supportive team and faith in God. Full of zest for life, Babylyn enjoys travelling both for business and pleasure. She likes discovering new places with her children, but does not shun exploring interesting sights and cultures on her own and out of her comfort zone.
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When asked about his dream project, Edgar is quick to point to the different rooms of his house. He hopes that the empty rooms will be occupied by his brothers and sisters who are currently overseas. “I designed my home to have enough bedrooms to allow my brothers and sisters to all come back and spend precious time together. I want us to catch up with each other as often as possible.� Family reunions are always eventful for him. Of particular importance to him is the recent decision of his brother, a leading cardiologist in the United States to spend more time in the Philippines. He is excited by the opportunity to assist him in a venture that would help more Filipino patients with arrhythmia or heart rhythm problem. Though it is an enigma on how the venerated architect will partner with the heart specialist, his proven success in the architectural world will leave one wondering on the immense possibilities that lay ahead.
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It is not surprising to hear his former clients raving about their one-of-a-kind homes – each featuring distinctive qualities that suit their needs. Despite his celebrated works and numerous clients, he maintains client confidentiality and leaves it a mystery as to which homes are his masterpieces. In claiming his own place in a highly competitive industry, Edgar’s works reflect his artistic values. He is influenced by the seminal works of the iconic architect Zaha Hadid who is best known for her buildings, museum and landmarks reflecting the modern interpretations of nature’s forms, synchronicity of pattern and construction to its environment, a flair for unique ideas and historical references. In his own works, Edgar infuses the marriage of the indoor and outdoor components of each project as his focal design point in creating his upscale abodes. He considers all the houses he has built as priceless, timeless and worth keeping. Making his mark in the luxury home design, he relates that he is fortunate to acquire new projects through word-of-mouth by previous clients. For Edgar, the most challenging part in creating modern homes is bringing the imagination into reality and putting it in long-term perspective. He has to think about how the house will last for decades while maintaining a balance of design and functionality of the present. Despite his demanding schedule, Edgar values time with his family. His collection of his family’s timeline photographs is a graphic reminder and testament of his love for them. When asked about his dream project, Edgar is quick to point to the different rooms of his house. He hopes that the empty rooms will be occupied by his brothers and sisters who are currently overseas. “I designed my home to have enough bedrooms to allow my brothers and sisters to all come back and spend precious time together. I want us to catch up with each other as often as possible.” Family reunions are always eventful for him. Of particular importance to him is the recent decision of his brother, a leading cardiologist in the United States to spend more time in the Philippines. He is excited by the opportunity to assist him in a venture that would help more Filipino patients with arrhythmia or heart rhythm problem. Though it is an enigma on how the venerated architect will partner with the heart specialist, his proven success in the architectural world will leave one wondering on the immense possibilities that lay ahead.
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EDGAR CHAN
Iconic Architect Of Modern Luxury Homes Photographed by JERI BARRIOS
Whether expressing utopian ideals or fluid and curving structure or staccato layers that makes contemporary luxurious homes, Edgar Chan is known as one of the most sought after architects in the Philippines. His foundation in creating remarkable and statement designs is collaboration. Armed with his artistic sensibilities, he works closely with clients to understand their lifestyle, personality and design inspirations. He takes time to know each client when planning for a dream house and takes careful measures to incorporate the client’s design ideas. With all the careful pre-planning, Edgar considers the openness to change is another important attributes for success. “That is why we call it a plan. There can be plan A and a plan B. Changes should be welcomed. No matter how passionately you believe in the original plan, one should not lose sight of the possibilities -- of the what-ifs.” He shared. He earned his architecture degree from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1995. Since then, he has been designing and building homes that provide opportunities for greater affinity and bonding of families, friends and loved ones.
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Wardrobe by RYE BAILE Hair & Make-up by MHEL CANDIDO
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Shirley devotes quality time with her family. She is happy that they are able to travel together as far as Alaska and Australia for their annual vacation. To support her children’s education and enjoy the good life, she and Lawrence started out their family business from humble and modest beginnings. Shirley relates that when they were starting out the business, there were numerous challenges that she faced. However, her sheer hard work, optimism, perseverance and determination have paid off the long-term profitability of her trade. Her Bachelor of Science in Math degree also came in handy. She is currently the managing director of two trading firms. As a socio-civic leader, Shirley was recognized as one of the most outstanding first class presidents of Rotary Club Manila in 2014. One of her key projects is the continuous engagement program for public elementary schools. She led her Rotary Club team in the distribution of school supplies, food provision and education campaign on proper hygiene practices for pupils. Despite her busy schedule, she stays fit by being active in sports such as swimming, playing badminton and tennis. For living it up with grace and class, Shirley was selected as one of the 2013 Empowered Women awardees and 2014 Best Dressed for 2014. Shirley noted that she has a contented heart and gratitude for all her triumphs in life. She expounded that it is not the awards and recognition but the opportunity to give back to others that she considers most fulfilling.
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SHIRLEY YOUNG SOBREMONTE Modern Woman
Photographed by HENRY FERRER
While being a stay at home mom is a life choice, a new breed of women have proven time and again that it is possible to have the best of plenty of worlds. A modern woman can enjoy success in family, business and community sphere as Shirley Young-Sobremonte demonstrated in her life. She and her husband Lawrence raised three children. The eldest daughter is already a physician in the United States. Her second daughter has completed her Masters degree in Spain and now works as a marketing officer in one of the leading banks in the country. The youngest is still a freshman in high school.
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Through the years he has acquired several artworks of some Philippine maestros who have walked through the halls of history and changed the way our generation views art. Amongst his art collection are works by Joya, Malang, H.R. Ocampo, Ang Kiukok, Olazo and Orlina. His collection is made of diverse types of media and works in both painting and sculpture. Ultimately, Seb’s philosophy in life is for a man to be happy he has to find his passion and pour every bit of action he has into it. Then the world simply feels like a warmer home and an encouraging place. The next logical step would be for the artist in Seb to share and teach everything he knows to the next generation.
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Seb looks up to Henry Moore as a creative icon and sculpting genius. Seb finds it a pleasure to see Moore’s works in person, because they have a robust charm to the abstraction that governs them. Travelling is another source of inspiration for Seb. It’s an opportune time for him to spend unforgettable moments with loved ones and stir him to discover new ideas for his craft. Locally, Seb picks the natural wonders of the Philippine seascape. Having been to the marine-rich shores of Palawan, enthuses on the vivid colors of marine life and the breathtaking diversity of the islands and ocean biome. While abroad, he goes for the tranquil forests of Japan and the pristine glaciers of the Alaskan wilderness for its intriguing pockets of nature. He likes European cruises, as he and his family sail through Europe’s limelight cities and historic marvels. Seb thinks it’s amazing how the evolving human ingenuity can create new forms of art in every part of the world. With his family as the foremost motivating force behind his pursuit of the arts, Seb guides his children to also seek their hearts’ passion and combine it with practical business logic. His kids seem to have heard him loud and clear. One is a gemologist who is top of his batch from the Gemological Institute of America, and another is a pioneer in the field of 3D printing in the Philippines. On the other hand, the youngest is an avid learner and cultural enthusiast of Japanese society and heritage. Given his passion for modern sculpting, Seb is also a serious collector of Philippine arts. He surrounds himself with brilliant art as a key to understanding the truest expressions of life.
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SEB CHUA
Sculptor at Heart Photographed by JERI BARRIOS
Like most who hails from a Chinese clan, Seb Chua’s path is laid before him to delve in the family business. His kinfolks have been grooming him to manage their automobile manufacturing arm and the export portion of furniture trade. However, as Robert Frost has expressed in his timeless poem of the proverbial two roads diverging in the woods, Seb has taken the one less travelled and made a difference as he heeded his calling for the arts. As part of his education, Seb took his formal studies in fine arts at the University of Santo Tomas, and took further art studies in British Columbia. It was the pivotal year of 2014 when a friend encouraged Seb to try to put together his first exhibition of glass sculptures. Seb finally took a leap of faith and ventured into arts on a professional level. His glassworks evoke an ultra-basic theme, combining contemporary elements and minimalism style to create a clean and sharp fit. The interplay of visual asymmetry and the changing reflections of light on glass make his magnum opus standout from the rest.
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Wardrobe and Styling: DOBIE ARANDA Hair & Make-up : JETT TORREVILLAS
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Location: THEODORE BOUTIQUE HOTEL Tagaytay City SKY RANCH Tagaytay City
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As a parting shot, she advises men and women in their prime to embrace aging gracefully, maintain beauty within and outside, and open their mind in enhancing their looks through the use of science and technology. Prescy further emphasizes that having good skin is not only vanity but a healthy protection. To paraphrase Yves Saint Laurent , the most beautiful cosmetic for a woman is passion for a life well lived but for what’s pleasing to the eye, modern and hassle-free aesthetic treatment is available through Prescy’s innovative beauty solutions at her medical spa.
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A well-rounded woman, Prescy believes that family always come first. A dutiful daughter to her parents, she is glad to have good relationship with them and still takes care of them in their twilight years. As a parent herself, she is proud of her eldest who has finished her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at La Salle and is currently in the United States taking up Post Baccalaureate degree in Aesthetics. The eldest seems to follow her footsteps in business. Prescy also takes pride in her second child who is currently in college and her two other kids who are still in elementary school at Ateneo de Manila and Miriam College respectively. Prescy finds joy in her travels to Japan, South Korea, USA and Europe, a combination of business and pleasure trip. Most recently, Prescy and her entire family spent Christmas in the United States to spend precious time together and create a special and priceless bond. In the future, Prescy aims to forge ahead, expand her business and serve as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs. She plans to work even in her golden years, as long as she’s still able in mind and body.
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Prescy oversees the skin care, slimming, laser hair removal and dermatological services of Skin Rejuve. On skin care, she enthuses that hydra facial is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure that provides instant glowing skin result and oxygen facial is a soothing facial that utilizes anti-oxidants to fight against free radicals. For slimming, she added that clients have a myriad of non-invasive and non-surgical options such as cryolipolysis, lipo cavitation, radio frequency for body contouring, wrap it blanket, electro muscular stimulator, venus sculpt, powerslim and lipo laser. To modify imperfections, Prescy relates that CO2 Fraxel is a non-surgical procedure for improvement of scar, melasma, freckles, fine lines, wrinkles and stretch marks. For the latest techniques in the permanent removal of unwanted hair, IPL, e-Light and diode laser hair removal services are available at Skin Rejuve. For an age defying appeal, Prescy mentions that Skin Rejuve also offers mesotherapy, sclerotherapy, body peel and thread lift. Precy noted that Skin Rejuve’s innumerable quality services for non-invasive body and face makeover are keys to the medical spa’s triumph in the beauty business. On her business acumen, Prescy is partly influenced by her former boss of 16 years. She learned invaluable business lessons on how to manage and grow a company from him. She also admires American scientist and businessman Steve Daffer who started his business from his backyard to large warehouses for aesthetic machine distribution in the USA and the Philippines. The zest for entrepreneurship also comes naturally as breathing air for Prescy. In her adult life, it is evident that she seizes opportunity as it knocks and she is not afraid to take calculated risks in business. She traces her entrepreneurial spirit during her childhood and growing up years. She remembers that she sold knick knacks to her classmates and turned it to a profit. A budding powerbroker, she was outgoing and sociable with her stints at the student council, stage plays and dance presentations. As she bloomed into the role of a business woman, Prescy finds fulfilment in establishing her own companies and helping create more jobs. At the moment, Prescy is balancing her time between her role as President of her three companies and as incoming President of Rotary Club of Makati Gems. With a keen sense of style and unmistakable Mida’s touch in business, Prescy was awarded as one of the best dressed and empowered women of 2014.
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PRESCY YULO Timeless Allure
Photographed by HENRY FERRER
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Elegance is the only beauty that never fades,” according to classic Hollywood actress Audrey
Hepburn. While it rings true, one can still complement one’s grace and sophistication with a renewal of youthful glow and health through accessible and non-invasive aesthetics treatment, thanks to beauty advocate Prescy Yulo. Prescy is an embodiment of timeless allure herself. Guessing her real age would be a difficulty. To stay young-looking, she follows the golden rule in the proper skin care regimen of cleansing, toning, moisturizing, sun block protection and hydration. For a shapely figure, Prescy selects a balanced meal and does not shy away from the modern beauty machines at Skin Rejuve. Though she wasn’t born with the proverbial silver spoon in her mouth, through hard work and determination, she now enjoys the success of thriving business ventures. She is one of the driving forces behind establishing six branches of Skin Rejuve in as short span of three years, and simultaneously running two other companies. She and her husband work in tandem. She leads the sales and operations while her husband spearheads the financial management of the three companies. Her more than a decade of experience in aesthetic machine sales, training and distribution, proved to be an asset in setting up Skin Rejuve, a medical spa facility focused on non-invasive and minimally-invasive aesthetic procedures. For Skin Rejuve, she formed a team of doctors who are experts in the field of aesthetic intervention and board certified nurses. Her medical spa business attracted plenty of loyal clients due to its quality yet affordable service treatment. To gain pivotal knowledge of the trade, Prescy took up Post Baccalaureate degree in Aesthetics and Management in Japan, South Korea and USA. This is aside from her dual degree in Nursing and Medical Technology.
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IMAGESASIA Volume 2 Number 2 2015 Second Quarter Edition Php 300.00 | US$13.50
the expressions of art, life and style
Prescy Yulo Timeless Allure