IN THE HOUSE JANUARY 2023

We've never been more relieved to start a new year with hope, relish and vigor. The past year was one for the books, starting out with the pandemic still unabated, then the invasion of Ukraine, followed by floods and fires, rising inflation and unemployment. On the plus side, Argentina won the World Cup!

But 2023 feels different. Masks are off, for one thing. More people have been vaccinated and boosted against Covid, travel has opened up, and more face to face events are taking place, from schools to workplaces. After the gloom of the past three years, there seems to be so much to look forward to now.

On January 11 (Los Angeles time), we'll definitely be looking forward to the Golden Globes, and rooting for our very own Dolly de Leon, who earned a nod from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for her incredible performance in Triangle of Sadness. The Swedish movie had already been collecting accolades on the film festival circuit, most notably bagging the Palme d'Or at Cannes last summer. We had the immense pleasure of hosting Dolly recently for dinner at Manila House, and to be honest, we were simply starstruck by this powerhouse of a woman who barely even hits five feet in height. She was warm, witty and delightful. While she's up against some formidable talents in her category, we're confident she'll more than hold her own against them. Best of luck, Dolly!

May an abundance of luck be in the air for us all as we welcome the Lunar Year of the Rabbit on January 22.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Bambina

Olivares Director of PR and Arts, Culture, and Education Programs

JANUARY

JAY-R CONSTANTINO Restaurant Supervisor

A fairly new addition to the team but an asset nonetheless, Jay-R Constantino shares his experiences and aspirations as a Restaurant Supervisor

What was your first job, and how did that lead you to your role now in Manila House?

My first job was in Jollibee, as a service crew first then I became a manager in Jollibee Kuwait for almost 10 years. I went back to the Philippines and decided to stay and look for a job here. I saw the job post of Manila House, shot my shot and fortunately got in. It has always been my dream to manage and be part of a high end restaurant, and now I'm living that dream!

What is the most memorable and significant moment in your life, career-wise?

The most memorable and significant moment in my career was probably when I was in Kuwait and had to learn the language and adapt to their culture. There are many beliefs and restrictions that also apply to food and service and it was a big learning experience for me.

If you could serve dinner to five famous people, who would they be?

That would be Gordon Ramsay, my favorite celebrity chef; Gal Gadot, my favorite actress; Vin Diesel, because I love Fast and Furious; Jason Statham, one of the best action stars; and Jackie Chan, because why not!

What was the best advice you've ever received?

The best advice I received was from my former Restaurant Manager: "Do not get carried away by anger--- everything can be solved if you you talk about it in a civilized manner." I still follow that advice.

What do you look forward to the most in 2023?

Personally, I look forward to a healthy year for me and my family.

Reservations

+63 917 816 3685 reservations@manilahouseinc.com

Membership +63 917 805 5941 membership@manilahouseinc.com

PR and Arts, Culture & Education Programs +63 917 851 6541 events@manilahouseinc.com

DIRECTORY

POP QUIZ

My favorite Manila House dish is... the Manila House Fried Chicken. It's a classic! The best tv show or movie of 2022 is... Doctor Strange (Multiverse of Madness)

My new year's resolution is... When it comes to my job, that I continue to perform at my best!

Banquets +63 917 816 3671 banquets@manilahouseinc.com

Retail +63 917 851 6500, +63 917 560 0201 retail@manilahouseinc.com

Call us: +632 7 958 5007, +632 8 478 7163, +632 8 478 7165, +632 8 478 7176, +632 8 826 3196

Manila House Private Club, Inc. 8F, Seven/NEO, 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634, Philippines www.manilahouseinc.com

Manila House Private Members Club @manila_house @manila_house Manila House Private Club

QUICK GETAWAYS

Where to go when you need to escape from city life

For more information, please visit www.banwaprivateisland.com

UNVEIL THE SECRET OF EL NIDO: Experience Luxury in Simplicity at Lihim Resorts

In the Philippine lingua franca, Lihim directly translates to secret.

A secluded lagoon on Bacuit Bay reveals an expansive gradient of turquoise waters. Its surface sparkles like gems under rays of the sun. Some parts of the day, it is a looking glass that bares the storied underwater life of Palawan.

The luxury of experiences is something that unfolds itself at Lihim. In this well-kept secret, tucked in the depths of paradise’s last frontier, senses go on a journey where myth, magic, and mystery come to life. The curator, mastermind, director, and grand host behind all these: nature.

The exclusive experience in-property and on-location menu curated by Lihim Resorts promises to astonish.

Built in the tradition of Philippine huts, accommodations echo the warmth and brand of hospitality distinct to the country and reflect a design sensibility deeply anchored on local culture and everyday life. All sixteen villas on the property offer unparalleled views of El Nido’s storied vistas. With the opulent touch of personal butler, the team offers bespoke services tailored to cater to guests’ desires – from in-room check-in to hanging clothes in your walk-in wardrobe to organizing private parties to planning all activities within and outside of the property and to addressing every need and qualm.

For inquiries, contact Jeremy Aguilar at +63 915 104 9607 or email jeremy.aguilar@arawhospitality.com

Manila House Members now enjoy reciprocal rights at the following Clubs

KEEPING IT CLEAN

Inspired by the dichotomy of strength and gentleness, Shepard's limited edition scent combines extracts of jasmine and tonka bean with antibacterial lemongrass, to soothe and protect throughout the day. It comes in refillable spray bottles, and the refill bottles are made from Aluminium, it one of the most sustainable materials in the market.

Get yours now at our Retail Corner.

For inquiries, please contact Lyka Reynoso at +63 917 834 2204 or +63 917 851 6500

ALDRIN CHUA answers the MH Questionnaire

Tell us what you do.

I am currently the Director for Marketing of Techglobal Incorporated (Vesbo Pipes) and concurrently the President of Luftonic Philippines. Techglobal Incorporated is the pioneer for German-built waterline PPR pipes and sanitary line HDPE pipes which supplies to major developers and home depots such as SMDC, RLC, Vista, and Wilcon Depot among others.

Luftonic Philippines on the other hand is the pioneer for washable ULPA anti-Covid filters that are 50 times more powerful than HEPA filters. Luftonic air purifiers are German-engineered medical purifiers built with LEP 8-stage filtration technology that can effectively destroy viruses and bacteria at more than 99.99% efficiency rate to deliver the cleanest and freshest air possible.

In addition, I am also a partner and director for J. Recon Tailors and Yedang Korean Mart. We do top-tier bespoke Italian coats made with our Germanmade machines. J. Recon has master tailors and master curators to aid in making each coat true bespoke. Yedang Korean Mart is an all-around convenience store with branches all over Metro Manila offering all your favorite Korean snacks and goodies.

How do you define success?

For me, success is defined by the moments our struggles and tribulations have translated into these accomplishments; that we come out as better and stronger individuals ready to take on bigger challenges head-on.

What life lessons did you derive from the pandemic?

I learned that there will always be a silver lining in any crisis, no matter how gloomy, that life is fragile and fleeting, that’s why we have to make the most out of it, and that risks are worth taking.

The value of introspection – developing our purpose in life while life gives us that opportunity to do so as it slows down. We are able to restart with a renewed and greater sense of purpose that will hopefully make everything around us and ourselves much better as we head towards a post-pandemic world.

What’s the last movie/series you watched?

The Founder – lots of life lessons about grit and success.

What book is on your bookshelf but you’ve never read?

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

What would you like to see in the “next normal”?

I would like to see a more resilient economy with different industries evolving and improving to make products and services more advanced and simultaneously pandemic-proof allowing for shared value creation that will benefit everyone in the country.

What’s your favorite thing about Manila House?

The good food that’s always consistent, the good ambiance with the very fresh and clean purified air, and the good service from the staff and waiters!

If you had to be quarantined (again) which city would you choose to be in? It would be probably in Tokyo or New York because of the nice weather and good food.

"There will always be a silver lining in any crisis, no matter how gloom."

Source: Astrosage.com

SHINING, SHIMMERING, SPLENDID!

Our Members had a blast during All That Glitters: A Holiday Members Mixer. Tapas were accompanied by free flowing cocktails from Zabana, lucky raffle winners got premium gift certificates from Luminisce, and best dressed Members took home special ARC Christmas Gin gift sets!

PORTUGAL CALLING

You don’t need to be a Russian oligarch to seek citizenship or residency via investment in Portugal under the country’s popular Golden Visa scheme. An increasingly popular destination for many Filipino families considering a second passport, the Golden Visa scheme, as Vicky Magpantay- Luis, President of Golden Visa Centrale, discussed in a recent webinar, is affordable and extremely attractive. Joining her were Rosalia Torres, Head of Sales and International Markets at Arish Capital Partners, Rakesh Majithia, Chief Investment Officer at Arish Capital Partners, and Atty. Andre Miranda, Founder and Managing Partner at Pinto Ribiero Advogados, who explained the requirements, procedures, investment opportunities - not to mention the benefits of living - in the sunny European country.

To watch the full webinar, visit our YouTube channel

A GINGERBREAD CHRISTMAS

Kids and kids at heart had a messy but fun time making their own gingerbread houses. It definitely was beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Members celebrated Christmas Eve with an anticipated mass at the Club, followed by a sumptuous Christmas buffet. The Colegio de San Agustin Makati Choir also enchanted the diners with holiday carols.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Members and Guests welcomed the new year with a seven-course meal at the Bonifacio main dining, serenaded by musical theater performer and rising star Arman Ferrer, followed by award-winning performance artist Bituin Escalante. Free flowing cocktails were also served at the Avenue Bar and Deck while our resident DJ played until the countdown. Everyone gathered at the deck minutes before midnight and witnessed the amazing fireworks display as the clock turned 12:00AM. Cheers to 2023!