Red magazine july 2013

www.inquirer.net/red JULY 2013

RED INQUIRER

MAGAZINE

FELI ATIENZA Woman on Top

Editor’s Letter Power Comes in Many Forms My husband and I recently had a dilemma about where to send our eldest son to school—we were supposed to send him to a big school but changed our minds at the last minute.

I find that choosing a school for our kids has been one of the most challenging decisions I’ve had to make as a parent because the gift of education is a gift of power. For our July 2013 Power Issue, Chinese International School Manila cofounder Feli Atienza was an easy pick (page 20). A Wharton cum laude and stock market success, Feli is the perfect role model for both the youth and the older generation.

An easy way to empower the youth is with a beautiful space. For inspiRED’s, we featured a quaint country house’s girls’ room (page 34). At an early age, nothing is more empowering than feeling like a princess. For the not-soyoung-anymore however, there’s always exquisite art installations. Alab Pagarigan, who graces our ART section (page 8), is a master of the art of wiring, and has exhibited his expertise with intricate wire sculptures.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JO ANN BITAGCOL

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Make sure to check out our baRED section (page 26), which I have to say is my favorite for the issue. It features today’s most premium beauty products with an artistic presentation, and it has inspired me to pursue similar concepts for RED in the future.

As for the powerful who have hectic work weeks, we’ve lined up a good weekend getaway: Vask restaurant (page 30), that serves creative and unique dishes both for casual and fine diners; Seoul (page 10), one of today’s hippest cultural destinations, and Terrazas de Punta Fuego for those who want to indulge in a relaxing and luxurious resort experience. If only I could do all three I would in a heartbeat!

I was most excited, however, with our empoweRED section, because RED Magazine got the chance to interview the well-respected Manny Pangilinan (page 38). It is an aspirational feature with the youth as its primary targets, but his words would be greatly encouraging to anyone.

I hope you let your kids read it after you do, because surely they will learn a thing or two. I loved it when he said, “Out of 100 richest people on earth, only 23 of the 100 were wealthy from inherited wealth, while 77 were self-made men and women of no pedigree, and not heirs of vast fortunes.” He is celebrating his birthday this month.

Happy birthday, Mr. Manny Pangilinan! We feel much more knowledgeable after meeting with you!

Ria Prieto

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Contents admiRED

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Feli Atienza

ON THE COVER: Top, Missoni, Adora, Greenbelt 5; printed jacket, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5; shoes, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5; harem pants, Rachel Roy, Rustan's; Watch, Bulgari, Greenbelt 4 THIS PAGE: Top, Harlan + Holden, Power Plant Mall; pants, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5; Watch, Bulgari, Greenbelt 4

Woman of Substance

06 08 10 13 14 26 30 34 36 38

acquiRED Fendi's luxe take on the iconic 80s bicycle art A young master of the intricate and difficult art of wire sculpting exploRED The spirit of Seoul, Korea revealed squaRED Gian Romano attiRED Ensembles that are as pleasurable to the touch as they are to the eye

baRED luxury cosmetics that uplift and beautify devouRED Vask, a restaurant that aims to surprise inspiRED A well-designed children's room and

imagination are all it takes to make a little princess

inquiRED What's the most precious thing you own? empoweRED Manny V. Pangilinan

Editor-in-chief Art Director Managing Editor Junior Managing Editor

Ria Prieto Nina Muallam Gabrielle Talan Mara Santillan Miano

Contributing writers: Contributing photographers: Editorial Consultant

Angela F. Garcia, Tracey Paska Sara Black, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Tammy David, Emilio Esguerra, Paul Mondok, Angela F. Garcia Thelma Sioson San Juan

Board Chairperson

Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez

Vice President, Advertising Pepito Olarte Business Development Manager Lou Gonzales Sales and Marketing Manager Cathy Bautista-Pumarega

acquiRED

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Ride Retro

The Fendi bicycle pays homage to the 80s classic, but with high-tech, luxurious features Fendi's Abici Amante Donna bicycle is a brainchild of the luxury brand's collaboration with Italian concept company Abici, known for their high-tech but retro-style handmade bicycles. It comes with a leather seat stitched with the Fendi label, leather handle covers, an exquisite chain and padlock set, a pump, and a protective nylon cover. Flagship stores offer the item in two price points: the regular bicycle comes with Fendi's Selleria leather accessories, a key and bike chain cover, a leather GPS holder, and a detachable Fendi front leather trunk, while the premium option comes with gazelle fur rear saddlebags. •

art

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Live Wire

At 28, Josen Pagarigan, or "Alab" as he is known in art circles, has come a long way from the plain wire sculptures he used to create in high school at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Makiling. Today, his structures are much more sophisticated. Armed with pliers, various types of wire, resin and fiberglass, Alab brings forth truly stunning creations; sculptures of the human form that are both tangible and nearly intangible.

Born into a family of artists, as a child, Alab was already fascinated by linear structures. He was far more interested in manipulating wires than making art out of solid materials. During his college years though, his art began in earnest. He began to experiment with more intricate wirework; with random twists and turns of his nimble fingers he produced sculptures that surprisingly seemed to possess a sort of pattern (although he says that there really is none to speak of).

His college thesis for the U.P. Diliman, entitled "Hollow Humans," consists of life-sized human forms in various poses. When viewed alone, the structures are stunning but to the untrained eye seem bereft of any real purpose. Alab explains that the structures are from a scene in the MRT station. Originally, he wanted to superimpose the sculptures against a wall where a video of the MRT scene would be projected. However, his professor advised him to do away with this idea and instead challenge the viewer to try and see what the artist is trying to convey without any help—difficult but not altogether

PHOTOG R APHY TAMMY DAVI D

Alab Pagarigan's sculptures are a step up from beautiful and unique

impossible. Today, his thesis, recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Thesis Award, stands in a beautiful home where it is much admired by visitors.

Alab's present work is a combination of solid material (made up of resin or fiberglass) and wires.

He uses epoxy to hold it all together and casts his solid sculptures in plaster bandages. The wires are of various gauges, ranging from 3.5 mm to 8 mm. A problem, he confesses, is the sturdiness of the structures, which can make the sculptures prone to dents, which he remedies with thicker wires.

Still, this so called problem actually contributes to the "ethereal" effect that Alab seeks to attain with each work of art.

When asked what the overall message of his work is, he replies that his work is the repository "of my experiences and emotions," and "in the coldness of the material they will find the human condition." Looking at Alab one sees a seemingly introspective and soft-spoken person, and seeing him stand amidst his creations, one thinks he could very well be one of them. However, the profundity of his art's message is telling of this young man's character and substance. The artist is an indirect reflection of his art and vice-versa. In Alab's case, this seems to be true, and could very well mean that the intricacy of his wirework reflects the intricacy of his mind.—GRT

exploRED

Seoul Searching Reasons to why one can’t help falling in love with South Korea W O RD S AN D P HOTO G RAP HY AN G E L A F . G ARC I A

Seoul, South Korea. The country's charm and beauty isn't lost to me even after consecutive visits in three years. The country is teeming with life, which makes it such a dynamic place. Though it is very much a grand metropolis, it is also very scenic. You will never run out of things to do, places to see, and delicacies to taste.

They say you never forget the first time you fall in love. I've discovered that when it comes to Korea, it is almost "inevitable" to fall in love a second and third time. With this list of sights and delicacies, see why you shouldn't miss out visiting this wonderful country.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion

This scenic pavilion is perfect for both picturetaking and ruminating, and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Seoul.

CLOCKWISE: Art adorns the Chonggyecheon Stream, making it even more picturesque than it already is; Korea has countless parks that everyone—from tourists to locals—can enjoy; The famous cherry blossoms only make an appearance during a certain time in spring and they definitely live up to the hype they get each year; The Chonggyecheon stream sets the balance between nature and the bustling metropolis. Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) is a delicious Korean dish that can usually be found in local bars and pubs.

PLACES Gyeongbokgung Palace Constructed in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest palace among the five built in the Joseon dynasty. Its name can be translated to "Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven." While the palace was destroyed during the Japanese war in the 20th century, it was reconstructed in 1867.

Dong has a floating population of around two million people a day.

Hyangwonjeong Pavilion Loosely translated as “Pavilion of FarReaching Fragrance,” this is one of the most photographed locations in the country with Mt. Bugaksan as its backdrop.

National Folk Museum In 1945, the National Folk Museum was established. It reminds the people of their roots and of the great lengths the Korean forefathers had gone through to get the nation to its present day state. The museum uses replicas of historical objects to convey the history of the Korean people.

Myeong-dong Shopping District One of Seoul's main shopping districts, Myeong-dong actually means "bright town" in English. Myeongdong features various retail stores. Many Korean cosmetics brands can be found there also. It is estimated that Myeong

Gwanghwamun Gate Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and is considered a national landmark of Seoul. It is home to the Government’s major administrative departments.

Insa-dong Insa-dong is a quaint neighborhood of alleys with modern shops, galleries, and food stalls.

Teeming with both locals and foreigners, Insa-dong is such a pleasure to walk through because of it is a veritable hive of activity.

Chonggyecheon Stream The Chonggyecheon Stream is a long, modern public recreation space in Seoul. It is considered a major success in urban renewal and development. The stream is a beautiful place to take pictures or to just enjoy a quiet moment of relaxation.

Madame Tussaud’s Of course, one great attraction is the world renowned Madame Tussaud’s. With galleries all over the world including Hong Kong, Shanghai and Bangkok, what sets Korea's apart is their section with popular K-Pop and K-Drama stars.

DMZ The Korean Demilitarized Zone is a strip of land

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Gyeongbokgung Palace) One of Korea's national treasures, this hall is where important and special state banquets during the Joseon Dynasty were held. It serves as one of the beautiful remnants of Korea's rich and colorful history.

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that serves as the border between North and South Korea. It is said to be the most heavily militarized border in the world. Visiting the DMZ is actually a very meaningful experience.

Lined around the guarded perimeters are the ethers and prayers of the South Koreans to their brothers in the North, each one carrying a hope for peace.

Lotte World Established in 1989, Lotte World is acknowledged by Guiness to have the biggest indoor theme park in the world. Considered any kid's dream place, Lotte World has a large selection of rides. It is considered one of the most world-class theme parks in Asia, raking in over eight million visitors per year.

FOOD Kalbi Kui One of the most popular Korean dishes, kalbi,

is composed of beef or pork short ribs that are grilled in a ganjang-based sauce. When served in restaurants, it is common for the kalbi to be cooked on a griddle in front of the customer.

The meat is cut in thin slices across the bone to expedite the cooking process and to soften it up.

Pajeon This dish is also known by many as Korean pancakes and loaded with mixed vegetables that are pan-fried to perfection. It is made from standard savory pancake batter that can be dipped in soy sauce. It is crispy on the outside but soft and moist in the middle.

Bibimpap When translated in English, the word bibimpap literally means "mixed rice." The dish is made up of rice, sauteed vegetables, and gochujang or chili pepper paste. Often, a raw egg and

sliced meat are added to enhance its flavor.

The ingredients in the rice bowl are then tossed and stirred together to make for a highly appetizing meal.

Samgyeopsal Samgyeopsal is a popular evening meal made up of pork belly meat. The pork is cooked on a grill and is very crisp and tender. While samgyeopsal can be eaten with rice, it is also very common to eat it with lettuce and chili pepper paste.

There is so much more to see and experience.

South Korea is the kind of place that can satisfy both your palate and your desire for adventure.

What I know for sure is that the Koreans are a warm people and that a photographer like me cannot keep still when I find myself in the middle of the city's busy streets, being constantly wooed by Seoul's history and culture. I'm ready for my fourth visit. •

squaRED

Construction Deconstructed

Designer Gian Romano's atelier is reminiscent of his clothing—deconstructed but with clean, precise lines P HOTO G R AP H B Y TAM M Y D AV I D

"My workspace is dark with a bit of roughness to it. Organized chaos."

attiRED

Texture Player

Statement pieces in a variety of hues, patterns, and consistencies

Champagne sequin fabric long gown with asymmetric neckline, Maureen Disini; pearl earrings and pearl strand, Jewelmer, Shangri-La Plaza Mall

THIS PAGE: Spaghetti strap empire-cut sheath dress in metallic rose chantilly lace, Marchesa Notte; diamond and ruby chandelier earrings, Janina Dizon, Manila Peninsula Hotel OPPOSITE PAGE: White boat-neck, silk organdy dress with pin-tucked bodice and flowy skirt, Joey Samson; coral and diamond brooch, Janina Dizon, Manila Peninsula Hotel; Ladymatic watch, Omega, Lurcerne, Shangri-La Plaza Mall

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THIS PAGE: Hand-sewn Irish-cut beads sleeveless top in cobalt blue, Dennis Lustico; diamond and blue sapphire, Janina Dizon, Manila Peninsula Hotel; Linea Chronograph, Baume & Mercier, Lucerne, Shangri-La Plaza Mall OPPOSITE PAGE: Metallic copper plisse silk, one-shoulder draped gown, Patrice Ramos-Diaz; pearl and diamond earrings, Riqueza, Firma, Greenbelt 3

PHOTOG R A PHY JO A N N BI TA G C OL ST YLI N G R I A PR I ETO M AK E UP C LA I R E SEELI N - D I OKN O O F SHU UEMUR A HAIR R I C KY D I OKN O O F KI EHL' S ST YLI ST SER I ES

ALPHA FEMALE

Feli Atienza successfully navigates the tightrope of career and family

A E

admiRED

Krie Lopez is clean and crisp with nothing to hide

T E X T AN D I N T E R V I E W B Y M ARA M I AN O S T Y L I N G B Y R I A P RI E TO P HOTO G R AP HY B Y S AR A B L AC K M AK E UP B Y G E L A L AUR E L HAI R B Y RJ D E L A C R UZ

Textured button-down top, Maria Cornejo.

Button-down top, pants, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5

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Button-down top, shorts, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5; Belt, Miu Miu

Power comes in many forms, and gladly, more and more frequently, in female ones. Feli Atienza is one of the most prolific businesswomen in the country today, who, after years of breaking records in the stock market, co-founded the Chinese International School Manila (CISM), a private K-12 international school in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

"When my son, Jose, turned two years old back in 2004, I started looking around for options for K-12 international schools that offered Mandarin from the pre-kindergarten level. I was surprised, given that the Chinese are one of the largest ethnic populations in the Philippines, that there was no school that offered an international education blended with mandatory Chinese Mandarin language classes beginning at the pre-kinder level! Then, I thought to myself, why don’t I start one?"

It was the need to fill a void that pushed Feli to do her part in Philippine education. "For me, the number one issue is education. Unless we address that, it is gonna be so difficult to help the less fortunate, and the women especially, who may even be more marginalized in a situation of poverty."

"My parents weren't very wealthy but believed heavily in the value of education, and really saved up [to send us to school]," shares the Taiwanese native. "We went around in jeepneys and taxis and I didn't care." Feli, evidently taking this to heart, graduated fourth in her high school class and cum laude in Wharton. When asked her to describe herself, she replies candidly, "In one word: Fierce! In two words: a fierce nerd!" She believes her driven personality is something she was born with. Feli was competitive growing up, and always wanted to be number one in class. "But very secretly," she laughs. Being humble and grounded, however, is something she greatly values. Glad to be living in Manila with her family, she says, "My children are not in a bubble. We ride kalesas and take pedicabs to the supermarket, flagging them ourselves, to buy their favorite snacks. They enjoy it, they think it's fun."

Jose, 10, Eliana, 8, and Emmanuelle, 7, are her three children with TV host and environment advocate Kim Atienza. She talks about her children with enthusiasm: Jose is street-smart, sociable and knows everything about airplanes, Eliana is a straight A student who loves to sing and dance, and Emman is an old soul, who at four, stated categorically that she would rather stay home and play with her dolls than go with the family to dinner. Family time is important in the Atienza household, and Kim and Feli travel frequently with the kids, "It's great bonding and they learn many survival and life skills." They flew to Beijing last summer and will be visiting Whistler this winter to ski. Next year, lucky Jose will be joining his mom in a National Geographic arctic expedition. Feli

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also shares how Kim, her husband of 11 years, is her best friend. They go out on dates at least twice a week, and before the interview in fact, she has just come back from a breakfast date with Kim at the Pancake House across CISM. "He finished his shoot early and asked me to hang out."

On Kim, Feli tells, "He is a huge people person and gets along with anyone. He is an optimist, and is so forgiving," she tells adoringly. "[When someone offends him], after a month or two he'll tell me, 'Oh by the way, I forgave him already,' and I'm like, 'What? Don't you remember what he did to you?' He's not cut out for politics."

The whole family are certified dog lovers too, and own 37 happy dogs, who are all fed on the bone and raw food (BARF) diet. "Combine ground beef with raw eggs, including shells, and you'll be surprised at how much your dog will enjoy it," she tips. "Few people realize that dogs are 98% genetically similar to wolves, and in the wild, wolves are carnivores. Our dogs eat purely raw food." They treat their dogs like they are a part of the family, and when their dear Welsh Corgy died in a freak accident recently, everyone in the family cried.

Feli makes a conscious effort to balance family time, "me" time and work. At present, she wakes up as early as 4 a.m., all fired up for the day. She works out at least five times a week, and eats healthy most of the time. Founding member and president of Commanderie de Bordeaux Manila, the oldest and most prestigious Bordeaux wine society in the world, Feli also enjoys one to two glasses of wine or champagne a day.

A real career woman foremostly, she muses, "I am extremely hardworking and passionate about my work. I love my work and it gives me much satisfaction and meaning." At the young age of 25, she became the associate director of sales at one of PSE's top foreign brokers and just a few years later, was hired by a rival company, which consistently ranked number one in terms of agency business, and regularly voted number one sales team by Euromoney, Greenwich, and Reuters during her time. She was only 37 when she founded CISM. Ultimately, it is passion that navigates Feli's career. She addresses the youth, "First and foremost, make sure you are passionate about your work, otherwise, it will be an arduous, meaningless journey and you'll eventually hit an insurmountable brick wall." According to her, the most important thing she learned throughout her years in the industry is that there are no short cuts. "Your success is directly correlated to how hard you work. Stay humble, keep on learning, find a mentor and learn from your failures." •

BY MA R A MI A N O PHOTOG R A PHY SA R A BLA C K ST YLI N G R I A PR I ETO A SSI ST ED BY PAT R I C E D I A Z MA KEUP KR I ST BA N SUELO HAI R R O D E L A LBEO O F ELEVAT I ON ' S SA LON

Top, Harlan + Holden, Power Plant Mall; pants and shoes, Paul Smith, Greenbelt 5

baRED

Riveting Refractions Reveal a glow that mirrors your inner beauty

OPPOSITE PAGE: Shooting Star compact powder, Estée Lauder; Tresor Eau De Parfum, Lancome; compact, Guerlain; Neuropeptide Firming Moisturizer, Perricone MD; white Baies candle, black Figuier candle, Diptyque; Pure Color nail lacquer in Bete Noire, Estée Lauder; Essential Revitalizing Concentrate, Chanel; Petite Cherie scent, Annick Goutal, all available at Rustan's THIS PAGE: lipstick set, Guerlain; Do Son cologne, Diptyque; Insolence perfume, Guerlain; Intensive Wrinkle Reducer, Murad; Radiant Sun compact, Estée Lauder, all available at Rustan's

OPPOSITE PAGE: Mon Jasmin Noir L'Eau Exquise, Bulgari; nail lacquer in Alpine Snow, OPI; Antique Sun compact powder, Estée Lauder; green shimmer pigment, MAC; Cap Ferrat Trio eyeshadow, Nars, all available at Rustan's; Bluebell eau de toilette, Penhaligon, Adora, Greenbelt 5 THIS PAGE: Genfique Repair Youth Activating Night Cream, Lancome; Mie Kabuki Mini Soft Touch shadow pencil, Nars; Mure et Musc perfume, L'Artisan Parfumeur; eye pencil, MAC; Advanced Night Repair eye cream, and Starry Night compact powder, both from Estée Lauder, gel eyeliner, Bobbi Brown, all available at Rustan's

devouRED

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The Genius of Food Located in Bonifacio Global City, the so-called "must-eat" restaurant Vask certainly lives up to its reputation, considering that Chef Luis Gonzales has worked in some of the best restaurants in the word, including Ferran Adria's El Bulli. Like the latter, the restaurant serves the finest in Basque cuisine and interesting and delicious forays into the world of molecular gastronomy.

Though Manila is sophisticated enough its exposure to this kind of cuisine is minimal, if any at all, and that is why Vask is such a refreshing addition to the city's list of places to dine. Its definitely for the adventurous and its definitely for those who know how to enjoy good food. Is Manila ready? It should be, otherwise it would be missing out.

Chef Luis Gonzales tells Inquirer RED a little about himself and of course, the restaurant.

What is your working principle as the head chef of Vask?

The average customer spends around two hours in a restaurant. When they spend two hours of their time in Vask, I want it to be a trip for them, an experience. It should be two hours of fun and adventure. I want them to feel in love! I want them to feel butterflies!

PHOTOG R APHY PA UL MON D OK

Adventure, brilliance, and delectable cuisine under one roof

How has the Filipino diner responded to this restaurant? Is this market already open-minded enough for this kind of eating experience?

I know that the food we serve is very unique and modern, so I expected it to be controversial. We reinvent tapas—the kind of food that we traditionally prepare in Spain. People will either fall in love with it or hate it.

What is Vask to you?

It is a culmination of everything I have learned in my culinary career. It is my passion, my whole heart. I don't want to be famous, I just want people to feel the love I feel when I prepare the food.

What are the things you learned throughout the time Vask was operating?

To believe in yourself. Stick to your passion. I have been in this industry for many years, and I believe in this restaurant. I have worked in very good restaurants before, I know what I am doing. I learned to stick with my thing.

Vask is Located at 5/F Clipp Center, 11th Avenue, Corner 39th St., Bonifacio Global City. For Reservations, call or text 09175872400.

OPPOSITE PAGE: US Angus Prime Ribeye served with Patatas Panadera (traditional Spanish potato dish with onion and green bell pepper) and Pimientos Asados (baked red bell peppers confit). The Jamon Salad is a luscious combination of foie gras chips, pine nuts, and jamon. Pulpo a la Gallega consists of flavorful octopus, potato, olive oil, and paprika. The Merluza en Salsa Verde consists of hake cooked in garlic, white wine and parsley with clams.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: This fine dining dessert, Choco Shots, is made of oregano strawberry culls, chocolate bombs, oreo crumbs, and ginger ice cream.

This delectable fine dining course, Cochinillo (suckling pig), cooked sous-vide (for 16 hours), pumpkin gnocchi, and vanilla. Roger Rabbit is a fine dining offering made of baby carrots, ruffle crumbs, nutmeg, green cardamom yogurt, and tomato-basil sorbet. A winner from the fine dining menu is the Boguerones: calamansi-marinated anchovy, garlic chili oil, frozen crushed beetroot, olive marmalade, and olive crumbs. An interesting dessert from the casual dining menu consists of dark Valrhona chocolate cream, ginger and hazelnut cookies, coffee ice cream, and pink peppercorn tuille. A truly interesting dish is the Tuna Pod, which consists of aromatic tuna tartare, lemongrass ice-cream, micro basil, served with dry ice.

Oceanic Reverie

A weekend retreat among the rolling hills and gentle surf of Terrazas de Punta Fuego offers a peek at life on perpetual holiday B Y T R AC E Y P ASKA

FROM TOP: The Turtle Pool at the Beach Club in Terrazas de Punta Fuego offers splash-filled fun for the family; Breathtaking sea views from the View Deck at De La Cresta are just tantalizing glimpses of what awaits Terrazas residents every day.

BELOW: Swimming in the infinity pool at De Los Picos, the highest point in Terrazas de Punta Fuego, is like floating in the clouds.

The invitation to join a friend at her coastal weekend home in Terrazas de Punta Fuego couldn't have come at a better time. After an exhausting workweek, the prospect of blissful leisure in a seaside resort setting was simply irresistible.

The two-and-a half-hour drive from Manila to Nasugbu, Batangas was a blur of changing scenery, with urban billboards and buildings giving way to rural rice paddies and sugarcane fields. As we approached our destination, however, I had yet to catch even a glimpse of open water. Soon enough, we arrived at Terrazas, and pulled in front of an open pavilion perched on the hillside.

A short walk down stone steps flanked by koi ponds and stone lanterns quickly revealed a tranquil infinity pool, with a truly unspoiled vista spread out before us.

Parcels of crops formed a patchwork in the valley below, while misty clouds softened the craggy edges of the Nasugbu mountain range beyond. The cool, pure air felt like cleansing the lungs and clearing the mind.

Illuminated cabanas along the boardwalk exude a warm glow as dusk descends on Terrazas Beach in Nasugbu, Batangas.

This was De Los Picos, or The Peak, one of Terrazas' residential developments and the highest point in the community. We stood in the De Los Picos Pavilion, where residents could picnic on the thick carpet of grass, enjoy a dip in the infinity pool or simply meditate over the magnificent view. Entranced by the sight, it was easy to indulge in a daydream of early mornings spent on a private hillside veranda, reveling in a personal piece of a mountain sunrise.

My friend smiled knowingly at my reverie - after all, such a fantasy was her reality as a Terrazas resident. But she had another surprise waiting.

Literally across the street, yet seemingly a world away, De La Cresta (The Ridge) is another Terrazas community. Like the flip side of a golden coin, it is both the equal and opposite of De Los Picos. Instead of a landscape of hills and valleys, it presented a seascape of isles and waves; where the sun rose over peaks there, it set below cresting waters here.

The cantilevered View Deck revealed a panorama of the West Philippine Sea extending to the horizon, in a tantalizing preview of the wondrous sight reserved for those fortunate to claim one of the limited lots along the gently sloped terrain.

We left our vantage point and headed to the Beach Club at Terrazas.

As a homeowner, my friend's membership in the exclusive Club Punta Fuego affords her access to luxurious amenities and unique facilities at both Terrazas and the nearby Peninsula de Punta Fuego, the flagship residential resort of developer Landco Pacific Corporation.

One such privilege is Terrazas' treasured 800 meters of pristine shore, considered the finest swimming beach in the area, and its oneof-a-kind beachfront boardwalk, flanked by airy cabanas furnished with

hammocks and cushioned divans for ultimate lounging comfort. In this setting, my friend arranged to have a special lunch served.

At the Café Sol and Juice Bar, residents can dine on gourmet comfort food offered in a relaxed atmosphere, but for special occasions and events, club members may also request a special menu from Club Punta Fuego's executive chef Cefri Avinante, such as the ones he created for both our cabana lunch and our dinner that evening in the Member's Lounge at Peninsula.

Indeed, for those seeking culinary indulgence, the kitchens at Café Sol and Café San Diego at Peninsula deliver sumptuousness in spades.

Chef Cefri and his sous-chef Nomer Garnados, Jr. skillfully prepared both traditional and innovative dishes, from classic Spanish lobster arroz caldoso and herb-crusted roast rack of lamb, to cream of potato soup with truffle foam and squid-ink infused 'black' tempura prawns drizzled with aioli.

There were more memorable moments during our weekend getaway: feeling utterly languid after a tension-easing massage; frolicking gleefully in the water features at Terrazas' family-friendly Turtle Pool; and being lulled to sleep by the staccato sound of raindrops on the cabana's tiled roof. If this was only a taste of life as a resident's guest at Terrazas de Punta Fuego, imagine the feast to be enjoyed as a fullfledged resident.

On the drive back to Manila, the changing scenery passed in a blur as I replayed our whirlwind weekend spent by the seaside, and began daydreaming of gilded mountains, sun-warmed sand and a life on perpetual holiday.

•

ABOVE: The dominant pink colors were used at the insistence of the young owners.

BELOW: The girls' nanny made this handicraft project for the door.

inspiRED

Fit For a Princess This quaint dwelling is every little girl's dream room

PHOTOG R APHY EM ILI O ESG UE R RA

"I sleep with a lot more stuffed toys, but Mom put them away today so [my room] looks more neat," shares Zoe. She is five, and shares this quaint bedroom with her sister Anouck, who is eight. Both of them love dolls and are the best of friends, but as with all sisters, are constantly bickering. "But I let them solve their own disputes," says their mother, who designed the room according to her daughters' preferences.

The home is made with recycled container vans, and she and her husband wanted to sustain the conservationist motif with natural light and ventilation. The room brags an abundance of windows, closets and chests full of toys, and book shelves housing classic fairytales. The floorboards are white-washed mahogany, and the pink walls are the insistent decision of the young inhabitants. "I asked them, 'Are you sure you don't want periwinkle?'" their mother recalls, who was concerned about them outgrowing the girly-ness of the room. "They said no, it had to be pink!" Between the two closets is a vanity featuring a charming, old-fashioned mini chandelier. In the middle of the room is a table set perfect for reading, coloring and, of course, tea parties. Nearby is a wooden stove and oven that doubles as storage. Their mother says, "We used to have a full set with a wooden fridge and kitchen counters, but I had them taken away because it was just too much clutter."

When the two girls aren't spending play time together indoors, they love having friends over, performing puppet shows for guests and dancing ballet.—MSM

FROM TOP: Among the girls' favorite stories are The Grimm's Fairytales, M. Sasek's books on cities around the world, and Madeline; Papier mache horses adorn the shelves; “My brother finds my Lalaloopsy doll creepy, but I love it."—Zoe

inquiRED “I'm a sentimental and nostalgic person. Those wonderful memories captured in each picture of family and friends are irreplaceable. I can’t buy back those moments or bring back those people who have passed away."

TRISH VILLANUEVA, DISTRIBUTOR, BUTTER LONDON

“It’s hard to pick one single thing as so many things are precious to me for different reasons.

Amongst them are my mom’s pearl earrings from when she was a young girl that I wear now. They are priceless to me!" MIA BORROMEO, EDITOR AT LARGE AND SPECIAL PROJECT EDITOR, PHILIPPINE TATLER

“MY MEMORIES BECAUSE THEY MAKE THIS LIFE WORTHWHILE. IT'S THE MENTAL SNAPSHOTS AND VIDEOS THAT YOU CAN LOOK BACK ON AND CHERISH. OKAY, MAYBE MEMORIES AND LIFE LESSONS...THEY WOULD BE THE MOST PRECIOUS THINGS I OWN." CHICHO SUAREZ, MARKETING MANAGER, THE NET GROUP

What is the Most Precious Thing You Own? C O M P I L E D B Y RI A P R I E TO

“I’m not a materialistic person, and what really matters to me are my children."

RAJ SADHWANI, PRESIDENT, OF DRAFT GASTRO PUB

“A vintage Van Cleef and Arpels watch from my grandmother, which was bought for her by my grandfather in the 50s on a trip to France."

CARLA SIBAL, PUBLISHER

“It would have to be my necklace. It’s a constant reminder of my family, friends, and religion. My family because of the cross my dad gave my mom, which was later passed on to me. The second pendant is a triangle, which represents two of my best friends who both have the same pendant. The last two pendants are a cross and a medal that was blessed by the pope and is a constant reminder to believe and keep my faith. ” JOSE FORÉS, STUDENT

A Word to the Wise

Business mogul Manny V. Pangilinan shares his most important life lessons B Y M ARA M I A N O

A word to the wise should be enough, and MVP, one of the country's most celebrated industrial leaders, may just be one of the wisest. His words, spoken calmly and carefully, are conceived unquestionably by a man of superior education and experience well-taken to heart. And however inadequate these words are in encompassing his journey to success, one can read between the lines. Manny Pangilinan is a man of principle, even at the first impression. One can imagine how easily he gains the trust of his investors, colleagues and employees. If anything, he is an example of power resting upon good hands.

38 empoweRED

On growing up: "I was a hard worker in school. I studied hard. I was an honors student, and I was on scholarship all of my academic life, up until my MBA. I guess I had to be studious because I wasn't necessarily the brightest kid in class. The only way to make up for that was to be diligent in studying. I was trained by that kind of work ethic. There is a tendency to be hands-on, perfectionist and maybe insecure even, since one tends to get down to the details of the problems at hand."

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On his ascent: "The most important aspect of being rich is the way you earn your money. There was this interesting chart in one of the sessions of the First Pacific Leadership Academy. If I recall correctly, out of the 100 richest people on earth, only 23 of the 100 were wealthy from inherited wealth, while 77 were self-made—men and women of no pedigree, and not heirs of vast fortunes. It tells a lot about how people become wealthy. The abiding lesson here is that enduring long-term wealth, especially for self-made people, really is about doing the right thing. There are no short cuts, and there should be no corruption. It is about earning money the right way, being diligent, being hardworking, and looking at the long-term view of things rather than short cuts."

On temperance: "When one is rich, one can argue that one can spend his money the way one wants to. But in my opinion, it should be within reason. We are not in a vacuum. We exist within a certain milieu. If one flaunts his wealth, it will upset some people, especially in the context of poverty. That's where the—if you may—delicadeza comes in. There is a right way of earning money and a right way of spending it."

On today's youth: "They should be more entrepreneurial. By nature, the Filipino youth seem to be more inclined to become employees, and there's nothing wrong with that. But in the future, I hope at some point, a number of them will grow to be like those people in the show: The Men Who Built America.

They should take risks. The youth should be enterprising, and become risk-takers. They are young enough to make mistakes and they will learn from them. They should set up their own businesses, find their niche, and work towards becoming their own boss. That will be a great engine for growth, for themselves and their families and the economy in general.

I think the youth are definitely brighter than we were, certainly more personal thinkers. I think the younger generation will be better. I see a manifestation of that in the 2013 elections. A number of the officials from the Senate down to the local levels, are quite young, which I think is a good trend. I hope to see a better set of public officials."

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