Redmarch 03162014

MARCH 2014 www.inquirer.net/red

XANDRA ROCHA A Breath of Fresh Air

Editor’s Letter BE CURIOUS

PHOTOGRAPHY JO ANN BITAGCOL

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The millenials seem to be making more noise than any other generation.

During my time, when people went to a rave, they’ll be talking about it for weeks — probably until the next event happens. These days, with Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, life is documented — and thus experienced vicariously by everyone else — in real time. Nowadays, if nobody posted about something, it probably didn’t happen. It seems like all experiences need a “viral” element; else, why bother? There is only but a ten-year gap between these youngsters and I, and I already feel like I have to catch up or I’d feel left out.

For this issue, we focus on this curious generation. I personally am greatly inspired by their vigor about life and creativity. The lovely Xandra Rocha has an admirable taste for adventure, and did you know that she tries all kinds of food, no matter how it looks like? Tinay Villamiel, the daughter of the artsy couple behind the t-shirt brand Artwork, begins her own take on the home and apparel retail industry, and the results are wonderful (page 30). For our travel section, we went back in time and chose the historic country Jordan, because everybody — including the ever so fast-paced youth — needs to appreciate the power and passage of time. We are lucky to have Sara Black put life into the story with her beautiful photography (page 22).

What are my sentiments about the youth? I hope that I could keep abreast and know how to communicate with them long after the millenials reach my age. After all, I do have three toddlers, all growing up very rapidly.

Ria Prieto

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Contents admiRED /16

Xandra Rocha A Breath of Fresh Air

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ON THE COVER: body suit, Maison Martin Margiela, Univers, One Rockwell ON THIS PAGE: body suit, Rick Owens, Univers, One Rockwell

8 10 16 22 26 29 30

art There's vibrant life in death in Yeo Kaa's art attiRED Pretty luxe things come alive admiRED Xandra Rocha is not your token It girl exploRED Immersing in the old-world charm of Jordan inspiRED A home replete with wild (and Wilde) imagination inquiRED What would you tell your younger self? empoweRED Tinay Villamiel makes a stake on the home and

lifestyle front

Editor-in-chief Art Director Associate Editor Copy Editor

Ria Prieto Nina Muallam Mara Santillan Miano September Grace Mahino

Contributing writers

September Grace Mahino, Nina Mendoza Tammy David, Edric Chen, Sara Black

Contributing photographers External Relations Officer

Sophie Villanueva

Group Publisher

Bea Ledesma

Board Chairperson

Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez

Chief Operating Officer SVP and Group Sales Head, Inquirer Group of Companies Sales Director Business and Distribution Manager

Allan Florendo Pepito Olarte Ma. Katrina Mae Garcia-Dalusong Rina Lareza

desiRED

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Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 2412, Series of 2014. Promo period is from March 15 to April 30, 2014.

Please advise Globe's hotline agents to avail the Inquirer RED promo for verification.

*Minimum speed is 12-48kbps and minimum service reliability is 80%.

acquiRED

LEATHER LUXURY Meet the newest addition to Rustan’s Shangri-la: Loewe WORDS NINA MENDOZA

Loewe, an established Spanish leather house brand, has laid down new roots with its first boutique in the country opening at Rustan’s Shangri-La. Proving their stronghold on the growing market of upscale and world-renowned brands, Rustan’s is focused in bringing luxury to the local consumer with the premier leather goods label.

The Loewe's brand paints a rich history that goes back to the late 1800s when it was first established in the streets of Madrid, through the creative forces of Enrique Roessberg Loewe and a group of Spanish craftsmen, all experts in leather construction.

Promptly receiving the title of supplier to

the Spanish Royal Crown, fame and good fortune helped spread Loewe's name across the country and to the minds of many. Its fame was solidified when its impressive Gran Via store was opened in 1939 in Madrid, which eventually captivated the Hollywood crowd.

Expansions followed beyond its home borders, heading towards international waters, and now currently reaching Asia.

With a focus on the quality of craftsmanship, luxury goods from this distinct brand express an intimate story of its journey to fruition: “Loewe – where one touch tells the story”. The brand continues its legacy of excellence in producing quality leather goods, and has expanded its

products to fragrances, silk ties and scarves, as well as leather and suede garments.

The Pre-Spring 2014 collection is the epitome of luxury at its finest seen in a multitude of colors. The featured Amazona bag from the collection is shrouded in light blue refined calf skin. It also includes a coin purse, key ring holder and an elephant purse that embodies the collection’s name in its truest, and most literal form, the Amazon. The collection also carries satchels, pouches, and clutches in both leather and suede skins decked out in either one bold color or in multicolor.

Sunglasses and belts are incorporated in the collection, each one carrying the Loewe logo. •

baRED

SUBTLE BEAUTY At Dr. CRB, no one will ever ask, “Did you have something done?”

PHOTOGRAPHY (INTERIORS) EDRIC CHEN

Dr. CRB Aesthetic & Laser Clinic is from Cebu, where beauty is found everywhere— from its breathtaking views, sultry beaches, to its charming and attractive people.

Dr. CRB, they say, is the island’s bestkept secret. Dra. Cecilia Ramos Bernad, the prime mover of the company, took up dermatology in Bangkok, Thailand after graduating from the Cebu Institute of Medicine. Thereafter, she trained in the United States to gain experience in liposuction, fillers, fat transfer and soft tissue augmentation. She enjoys learning cuttingedge methods in the field, and this makes her one of the most invaluable surgeons in the country for a reason: Her goal is to always make her cosmetic surgeries look natural and invisible to the untrained eye.

Tell us about your practice.

We are an established, community-based, patient-centered practice established since 1995 in Cebu and recently expanded to Manila. Our practice focus is aesthetic surgery of the face and body, body contouring after massive weight loss, and many antiaging aesthetic treatments. We believe in a patient-centered approach with safety and a natural look as our utmost concerns.

Seeking plastic surgery is still considered by some to be an unnecessary vanity.

What is your viewpoint in this regard?

I find most patients want their appearance to fit how they feel inside. They may feel youthful, energetic, and active, but have

insecurity due to lower lid bags that make them look tired, or excess skin and loose muscle from childbirth preventing them from wearing the swimsuit or evening gown they desire. At DR. CRB, we are known for enhancing beauty in a more natural manner, so often our patients who have undergone cosmetic surgeries with us are often surprised by the natural end results.

Besides an improved physical appearance, what other benefits do you see in your patients who have undergone cosmetic or reconstructive surgery?

I find that the benefits of cosmetic surgery on a patient’s physical appearance directly translates to their mental and spiritual life. I see patients with higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, which directly translates to a healthier home life, lifestyle, and even professional life.

What types of non-surgical treatments do you offer?

Our services range from fillers, Botox, laser treatments, chemical peels to my own proprietary Doctor-developed skin care products. We continually invest and adopt the latest in anti-aging technologies and know-how to be in the forefront of natural aesthetic enhancement.

• Visit Dr. CRB Laser and Aesthetic Clinic at 1608 The Trade & Financial Tower, 7th Avenue corner 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

For inquiries, call (02)955-2375.

art

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART Yeo Kaa narrates her unexpected turn to art, her morbid fascination and the struggle in between

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Yeo Kaa (a pseudonym) is a personality as vibrant as multicolored hues of her hair, coming alive through the different colors it constantly changes into. A Palawan native, she astounds with her story on how she first started her career in art as a painter: A perceived failure in academics gave her a chance to redeem herself through a competition that would eventually be the platform for her entrance into the world of art. After failing her painting class not just once but five times, determination to prove her worth and hopefully boost her grade won her the grand prize in a competition hosted

by University of Santo Tomas to the disbelief of everyone, herself included.

In a family of business-minded members, Yeo stands out with her heart set on the art world, dismissing any idea of following her brood’s line of work. Although support has been hard to get by, she stands by her choice, explaining resolutely, “I don’t think there is any student in Fine Arts that have parents who were right away accepting and supportive of their field. They think that because it's Fine Arts, there isn’t any money in painting; you will go hungry there. They don’t know that there are others who live with this, that its beautiful here, that you are more relaxed here unlike the stress you get in business.”

Even at a young age,

she could already boast awards and staging exhibits. Her art illustrates empowerment, a constant reminder that even in youth, one can achieve many things. Her paintings are for those who are young and also for the young at heart. As Yeo goes deeper into her art, she grows to love it more, unraveling new knowledge everyday, and willfully sets herself on unknown paths that are likely untouched by any of her family. But with the art she so indelibly creates, it is no surprise that she stands strong despite her (as yet) short painting career. She continues to take the art scene by storm with her constant participation in shows and through her role in Studio 1616, a collaborative group of young painters she calls home.

Although her entrance to the art scene has garnered less than hospitable responses from onlookers and bashers alike, there is no denying her talent. With a morbid curiosity about death and the many ways one can die, Yeo has shown potential in conceptual art. In talking about her art’s genre, she admits, “I actually don’t know still. My art is very pop, [yet] the theme is very dark. I don’t know what to call it. No one has told me what it is yet. “ She continues, “The experiences of my friends that I hear about and can't get out of my head, I have to paint or else it will forever be stuck in my head. ” — NM •

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: EAT THE OLD YOU, acryclic on canvas, 24 x 24 inches, 2013; Kill Them First, acryclic on canvas, 5 x 7 feet, 2013; I Died In A Washing Machine... At Least I'm Clean, acrylic on paper, 4 x 11.8 inches; The Process of Becoming New, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 inches, 2013; Do I Look Like I'm Scared?, acrylic on canvas, 20 x 30 inches; Controlled Chaos; For How Long Will I Take?, acrylic on canvas, 3 x 2 feet

attiRED

PRETTY LITTLE THINGS Like gilded butterflies, these beautiful luxuries balance delicacy with symmetry

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THIS PAGE: Strappy heels and sandals, RenĂŠ Caovilla; necklace with synthetic pearls, Kenzo; LM Cuir Tote and Tribu Tote, both from Longchamp. All available at Rustan's.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Vintage earrings, Chanel; polka dot wallet, Comme des Garçons; black frill platform pumps, Nicholas Kirkwood; beaded clutch, Bea Valdes

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THIS PAGE: Au Sultan Verni Duffle, Longchamp; heels, René Caovilla; OPPOSITE PAGE: Shark earring in gold and silver, Givenchy; aristographic clutch, Gucci; white leather sandals, Tod's; neckties, Hermés.

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THIS PAGE: Black leather cuff, Dries Van Noten; silver and leather bracelet, Bottega Veneta; Hail To The Queen Diana texturedleather shoulder bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs; satin sandals, Nicholas Kirkwood.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Two-tone onyx cable bracelet, David Yurman; Margo Crinkle metallic box clutch, Kotur; strappy heels, Jimmy Choo; Amor Fati leather shoulder bag; M2malletier

NOT admiRED

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IT

Xandra Rocha redefines what it takes to be it: self-assured beauty, a curious mind and a whole lot of heart.

Xandra Rocha wants to make things plain.

“Let’s clear this all up: I have no desire to be considered an ‘it’ girl. I am definitely not an ‘it’ girl,” she begins, then muses, “However, I won’t be offended if you call me an ‘eat’ girl.”

Rocha graduated with a degree in Culinary Arts from Enderun Colleges, now writes food columns for Malaya Business Insight, is founder of Pinkerton Ice Cream, and hosts the Solar TV show Something to Chew On—a show that combines her two ultimate passions: food and travel.

Her love for food and travel begins at the core: her family. “They would take me on trips and force me to walk around even if my feet were so tired that I felt like chopping them off!” Rocha begins. “We love to eat. My parents always taught me to try new dishes and be polite at the dining table by [trying the food] even if the food may look gross or unusual. If I don’t like it then I don’t need to have any more of it, but the exciting part is learning to appreciate something new.”

The 26-year-old Rocha is an ethnic mix of Spanish-Filipino, with some Chinese and French blood thrown in. She says, “I’m a cocktail — a true askal.” But she expresses disdain for the lack of diversity with people’s perception of beauty, especially here in the Philippines. “I actually take offense to those ads about ‘Kutis Mayaman’. It’s funny how the fair-skinned want to get tans, while the darkskinned want to be white,” she comments.

“I just don’t like how they word things most of the time. It can be very insensitive and demeaning, and it encourages insecurity.” She recalls the many instances in shoots where the makeup artist wanted to cover up the moles on her face, and change the shape of her eyebrows. “I would have to ask them to please not cover up my moles. They are part of what I feel makes my face unique and interesting, even though others might consider them flaws to be removed. And even though my eyebrows might not fit the standard shape, I feel they frame my face perfectly. I like them that way.”

Body suit, Rick Owens, Univers, One Rockwell

THIS PAGE: Swimsuit, Por do Sol, pordosol.com, Univers; OPPOSITE PAGE: Alexander Wang, Homme et Femme, One Rockwell

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Because of the media, Rocha feels that men are brainwashed into believing women have to look a certain way, and as a result, whether purposely or not, their comments about how hot a model or celebrity is unintentionally make women feel more insecure and pressured to fit in the mold.

“It’s a cycle that is very hard to break. Even I catch myself checking out the Victoria’s Secret angels once in a while and feeling so short and stumpy, wishing I too were blessed with longer limbs and flawless features.”

It’s hard to imagine the beautiful Rocha feel insecure, but nevertheless, she has a healthy take on beauty. “Beauty is not about size or shape. It is about being healthy and embracing one's own uniqueness. Beauty comes when a man or woman is secure and confident. I find that the most beautiful people are the ones with personalities that shine brightly. People like that light up a room and will definitely outshine a Barbie girl type done up with thick makeup and hair extensions and having no brains. The more you get to know them the more beautiful they become.”

And when does Rocha feel most beautiful? “When my body feels strong and healthy, and I get a lot of sleep. I feel even more beautiful when all those factor in with summer time. I love being at the beach or

outdoors in general, with lots of plants and trees. Sunkissed skin, no makeup, with messy wavy beach hair.”

Though the beach is one of her key places to seek inspiration, she is most stirred with people. “People inspire me. To inspire, inspires me. Just the idea of knowing how each person can influence another in a positive way inspires me to try and be more like that.

The idea of how just smiling at a stranger or giving a random compliment to someone can make their entire day is inspiring. I wish more people believed that simply being kinder to everyone, that even these little gestures, make the world a better place.”

She reveals her looking forward to motherhood. “This might sound really weird, but the thought about one day possibly being a mother inspires me. I don’t have kids yet, nor do I see myself having them anytime soon… But I find that I am constantly thinking of ways to improve myself, to push myself to be a better person so when the time does come, I will be a great influence on them. I’d like to be able to share fun stories and words of wisdom with them!”

She is currently engaged to Luis Araneta, son of Irene Marcos-Araneta. She speaks about him briefly. “He is all sorts of wonderful. He definitely brings out the best in me and makes me laugh all the time!”

I N T E R V I E W M AR A S AN T I L L AN M I AN O P HOTO G R AP HY S ARA B L AC K S T Y L I N G RI A P R I E TO M AK E UP M AY E S A D E L O S S AN TO S HAI R JE T B AB AS

Rocha shares that it is always he who helps her step out of her comfort zone when she is feeling nervous or afraid, and then grounds her if her ideas are getting too unrealistic, a perfect balance. “He is very patient and confident, and not boastful. He is also a very private person so I should probably stop here,” she laughs.

Rocha has a lot of things to look forward to this year. Besides growing her ice cream business and filming season two of Something to Chew On, she is marrying the love of her life in April.

To end, she describes her dream adventure. “I’m going to be a little ridiculous here and just go all out: My dream adventure would be to have super powers so I could communicate with animals and be able to teleport. I would love to go to Africa and just be outdoors with all those animals without having to worry about being attacked or being eaten alive, haha! I would love to hang out with different tribes and learn about their cultures and rituals, and taste their food. And ride on a massive elephant or a rhino or giraffe or zebra or a lion to get to my next destination. I would like to end up on a pristine beach with crystal clear waters where I can swim and relax while eating fresh fruits and grilled seafood, while drinking copious amounts of coconut juice.”

•

Bikini bra, Alexander Wang, Homme et Femme, One Rockwell

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exploRED

PARADISE FOUND A journey into Jordan's many offerings P HOTO G R AP HY S ARA B L AC K

Right in the heart of Middle East is a place graced with a rich history and heritage that is teeming with culture and beauty waiting to be discovered.

Driven To Explore Ruins have a way of telling the story of its birthplace, passing of a once magnificent dwelling that housed historical events, persons and traditions over centuries. Albeit broken and crumbling, the sites found in Jordan are not ones to ignore.

Jerash City, one of the most preserved ancient Roman towns across the globe, hosts Hadrian’s Arch (a gateway to honor its namesake Emperor Hadrian), an amphitheatre, and temples for the Roman gods among other sites. White columns adorning what once were city streets stand tall on broken cobblestoned pathways, reminders of the powerful empire it had once been.

Ride by horse and trek on pathways that open up to a chasm between towering cliffs: the Siq. It opens up to the iconic Treasury of Petra, another well-known destination in Jordan.

It is a sight to behold, spanning lengths of rugged mountains that diminish any living form, both human and animal. Its grandeur took decades, and decades, worth of artistry and craftsmanship to complete, and not many are able to immediately grasp its immensity and beauty in full. At night, Petra is even incomparable.

Mediterannean Eats Jordanian cuisine includes a number of mouth-watering dishes that have been adapted by many countries but is still most delicious in its country of origin. Hummus, a puree usually served with pita bread, is most famous in Hashem, a small but popular restaurant found in Amman.

24 Jordan's sights are simply breathtaking: camels dressed in colorful throws and saddles, historic ruins, stone formations, locals clad in weather-proof threads, and of course, the wonderful desert sun.

Falafel is another Jordan favorite that is said to be so delicious that falafel shops lets its customers taste it first before buying.

Available in many street cafés, this dish is a staple in any Jordanian’s meal.

The national dish is the Mensaf, a lamb dish cooked in dried yogurt that, when eaten with rice and spices, perfectly encapsulates the country’s flavor palette.

Be One with the World An unlikely source of adventure is found in the Wadi Rum desert. Tourists spend the night here in a Bedouin camp, traditionally

known to have desert-dwellers. Stargazing, bonfires and camel riding across the desert are otherworldly experiences here that provide relief from the busy and stress-filled city and everyday lives of the Bedouin people.

A nature reserve with the largest area in Jordan is the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The view of this small paradise reveals uneven landscapes, villages and old churches, painting a mirage of the ideal place to unwind in and enjoy the view it provides.

Extreme Thrills Jordan is not only a country full of hauntingly

beautiful ruins and picturesque rivers, it also has a flair for the extremes. Freefall skydiving gives a breathtaking view of Jordan, from 13,000 feet, most especially its impressive and infamous Dead Sea. Skydive Jordan opens up this possibility to tourists who love the adrenaline rush.

From up high, going down deep into the mesmerizing underwater world brings a new landscape to discover. Diving in the Gulf of Aqaba, found at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea, will show you up close a world of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a multitude of • marine life.—NM

inspiRED

BEJEWELED How does a jeweler’s home look if she reads Oscar Wilde?

P H OTO GR A P H Y E DR I C CH E N

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A painting of the family portrait by Gerecho Iniel Cruz hangs on the living room, complemented by a geometric table by Vito Selma. The portrait of the Vietnamese lady is from Thailand, and the small sketch of the homeowner is by Robert Alejandro; An Hermès throw keeps the inhabitants comfortable while they watch TV in their blue-walled den; She acquired this Heima "Live Happy" neon light from a UNICEF auction.

It is understated luxury. Exquisite, but not at all flashy. “Simple, with a bit of rock and roll,” the jeweler calls it. This pad has been the home of her family for ten years, but before that, she spent some four years in Thailand — where she studied gemology — and this experience is evident in her aesthetic. Aside from the Thai curios and furniture she has brought back home, she is fond of pieces from Ito Kish, Nix Alañon and W17. Her curation of her home is very personal. “It’s eclectic and quirky,” the jeweler shares. She gravitates towards clean lines and geometric linear shapes, perhaps an ode to the nature of her work. “I find them very intriguing. But no, I did not like geometry in school.”

Welcoming you are canvases lined on the walls and on console tables — artworks of her children. The living space enjoys natural lighting, provided for by wall-to-ceiling glass windows. Perched on the higher ground of

a towering condominium in the heart of Makati, the inhabitants enjoy a 180-degree view of the cityscape. Books are everywhere.

We ask, “You like to read?” She answers with a smile, “Very much. Peter Mayle, David Sedaris and definitely Oscar Wilde.”

A woman who reads just thinks differently.

She possesses a fictional vocabulary; she understands syntax and the importance of the plot, to which she translates her perspective of the innate beauty of things.

The homeowner, expectedly, gets a kick out of unexpected details, much like her favorite author. Oscar Wilde was a proponent of the art movement Aestheticism, characterized by gilded wood, Far Eastern styles, blue and white (paying homage to porcelain and fine china) and the prominent use of nature, such as flowers, birds and feathers. In her living room are terrariums, lamps under glass domes and paper cut-out love birds

inside a wrought iron cage. In her bedroom is a painted gold feather, like a quill, by her redwood console table. “I wanted it all over the walls, but my husband stopped me,” she laughs. “I guess he thought it looked too feminine, so I yielded.”

She changes things around in her home frequently — every three months. “I am a firm believer in change,” she asserts. “A space needs to breathe. There has to be some flow.”

She admits her need to slow down when purchasing big pieces, however. “Otherwise I would have to move into a house!” She also chooses not to read home and design magazines because they tempt her to buy things she doesn't really need. Through this practice of temperance, her decorative choices are purely hers and her husband’s.

Her favorite area of the home is her children’s bedroom, where the whole family bonds. —MSM

devouRED

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LIKE A NEW YORKER Coffee artisan Toby Smith is Australian.

He had a lucrative career as a lawyer, but traded it all in for the love of coffee. His first café opened in a quirky Sydney suburb called Woolloomooloo, during a time when people thought the coffee culture was all too commercial and overrated. He charmed his customers with his direct-sale approach: He cut out the middlemen, sourced coffee directly from growers he eventually became good friends with, and built schools for their children. Whenever conservationist business-should-be-green kids from Brooklyn and Manhattan hear his story, they probably boycott the coffee with the

mermaid logo completely.

This month, Toby’s Estate opens its doors to Manila, and it resonates with Smith’s passion for the craft.

I enter the newly opened branch in Century City and ask to interview the general manager, but he proudly directs me to two well-trained baristas, who both knew the brand and products by heart. Gelo and Andy, young and equally enthusiastic about coffee-making, course me through the blends, all while pouring out the milk skillfully to create patterns. Gelo competes in the Latte Art category at the Philippine Barista Cup, while Andy competes in the

Brewing category at the Philippine National Barista Championships. Above those, they have also been trained under a standardized Toby’s Estate program.

There are a number of blends to choose from, but I personally recommend Woolloomooloo (named after Toby Estate’s ground zero), a smooth, spicy mix of Ugandan, Brazilian, Sumatran and Indian Monsoon blends; and Rodyk, a nutty, chocolate-berry finish made from Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Thai and Costa Rican beans. —MSM Toby’s Estate is located at 3/F Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave., Makati.

PHOTOGRAPHY SAM LIM

How Toby Smith made his cafe Brooklyn-cool

“Be true to yourself and don't give in to peer pressure. Value friendships that make you a better person."

—KERI ZAMORA

C O M P I L E D B Y R I A P RI E TO

“Nope, you will never ever figure everything all out. That's ok! Everything just keeps getting better (except maybe your metabolism so watch it)!"

—PATRICIA PASTELERO

"I would tell myself to concentrate harder on academics, and not be too distracted by girls. Same thing my grandmother told me."

—ITOS VALDES

inquiRED

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

"'See that cigarette?

Resist the temptation to smoke it!' I think I was 16 when I had my first puff — a nasty habit I finally got rid of 2 years ago."

—MEL LOZANO

“Don't feel bad Mom didn't allow you to go out tonight! Stay home and practice your singing because you will become a singer 10 years from now. And do not be sad you're grounded, because you will be partying every single day 20 years from now. Be happy!"

—J.M. RODRIGUEZ

Nena's “99 Red Balloons" or Queensryche's “Silent Lucidity”

—AIMEE MARCOS

"I would tell my 16-year-old self to continue to do whatever it is I'm doing because our future life is blessed and beautiful. Advice I'd give myself is to play more golf."

—NOEL DELA MERCED

Blind Melon's “No Rain" —GIAN ROMANO

"“Heed your parents advice, but do what makes you happy."

—CARLOS BARRETTO

“My dad would always take me to art museums whenever we travel.

I think my travel has been one of the things that have greatly shaped me.”

TRAVEL

"I love people watching. The streets of Japan inspire me. The Rock Garden in Kyoto has deeply touched my soul."

"My favorite places are Thailand, Heidelberg, Barcelona and Coron."

INSPIRATION

empoweRED

YOUNG BOSS Modern retail designer and entrepreneur Tinay Villamiel on staying fresh At 32, Marikina native Tinay Villamiel is founder, designer and creative director for home and apparel store Bleach, a brilliant rehash of Bleach Catastrophe that used to sell mostly clothing. Their placemats are reminiscent of Margiela, their throw pillows and kitchen trays have wit, and their totes (that are growing ever so popular as of the moment) are rustic and delightful.

Daughter of the artsy couple behind the t-shirt brand Artwork, Villamiel too worked as their creative director before paving her own path in retail design by heading a team of artists who developed and conceptualized products for the brand. She is firm on her vision of creating a fashion industry that will make a mark in the global scene — and Bleach, clearly, is right up this alley.

•

"In 2008, we opened our first store Bleach Catastrophe, a clothing store inspired by the visual arts. In December 2013, we rebranded our shop and made it into a lifestyle store.”

"I also collect artist documentaries.

Yoshitomo Nara and Yayoi Kusama are two of my favorite docus."

“I love taking pictures of old cars that are full of character.”

BLEACH

“I read classics once in a while. Noli Me Tangere, in this translation, helped me understand my being a Filipino. It is my number one novel.”

CURIOSITIES