The Filipino is loved all over the world. The overwhelming outpouring of global support for the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” is testament to the solid relationships Filipinos have forged with all the world’s nationalities. We live in every country and are a part of the world community.
Aside from global-trekking overseas Filipino workers, our homegrown products have also raised our flag high in many countries. In the furniture industry, for example, giants like Dedon produces luxury outdoor furniture solely in Cebu City.
Dedon founder Bobby Dekeyser was recently in Manila to showcase its latest collection and his book “Not For Sale.” The intimate book launch was held at the home of Ferdie Ong, who distributes Dedon in the country.
Dedon CEO Herve Lampert was present and accompanied by Dedon regional sales director Ole Rauberg. Their founder stole the show when he arrived on a stand-up paddleboard at poolside. The handsome, salt-and-pepper-haired Bobby read from his book—a chronicle of his life, from triumphs to heartaches to learning curves. I love inspirational books and can’t wait to read it myself.
We all got our copies of the book and had them autographed by the charming author. The Austrian-German entrepreneur won over the crowd and I’m sure sales of his furniture will be surging upwards in Manila soon.
After the event, guests headed to popular Spanish restaurant Las Flores, where I got to chat with Bobby’s beautiful daughter Carolin, who is a budding jewelry designer. Bobby and I also delightfully exchanged our personal books with each other.
The launch was organized by Dedon’s Florence Jonkers and Philippine Tatler editor Anton San Diego. The magazine now sports a new, sparkling look starting this month.
On the cover is ravishing Kaye Tiñga, wearing a smashing Pepito Albert gown and photographed by Frank Hoefsmit. Kaye and I are already starting to talk about this year’s Red Charity Gala, which we hope will outdo all the previous ones.
Our Red Charity partnership with Kaye started five years ago, when my sister-in-law Ria Prieto teamed us up for the Dennis Lustico fashion gala. We are both so excited to start the ball rolling for this year’s Red Charity Gala featuring the understated elegance of Jojie Lloren’s creations. This year’s gala at Makati Shangri-La will be held on Oct. 18.
Philippine Tatler
The Philippine Tatler’s new look was launched early this month at the newly opened Sage Lounge at Makati Shangri-La. It’s been seven years since its last redesign, and the new look is quite impressive.
Tatler now sports a cleaner, fresher ambience, carried out from cover to the inside pages, and with new sections added to give its loyal subscribers more to read. The article on Kaye talked about her award as one of Asia’s most stylish women for 2013. She flew to Macau for the photo shoot, along with the other honorees from all the other Tatler countries.
The Tatler tandem of publisher Irene Francisco and editor Anton has truly set the bar higher!
Manila FAME
Meanwhile, over at the SMX Mall of Asia, over a hundred companies showed off their new collections and latest designs at Manila FAME. Several designers like Dennis Lustico, Amina Aranaz and Angela Angeles joined the Filipino arts and crafts fair.
There was a festive atmosphere against a backdrop of enormous, digitally recreated Juan Luna paintings, lent for the first time from the National Museum of the Philippines.
J. Anton Mendoza, Manila Fame creative director, reminded us of our heritage and to instill a justifiable pride in our ability as furniture designers.
I loved just walking around and meeting new suppliers. At Pacific Traders, specially woven fabrics were created into home furnishings by owner Ina Gaston. Her talented young nephew Martin Gallego made an art sculpture of a blue mouse.
My favorite exhibit was the whimsical new collection of world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue. Themed Circus Cobonpue, the playful and colorful furniture and décor are truly unique and creative.
Far East Furniture had a stunning exhibit, too. The Pampanga-based furniture company will soon open in Makati City by mid-year.
The Philippine Institute of Interior Design had an outstanding display as well. As a proud member, I’m looking forward to its golden anniversary this year.
‘Philippine Realty TV’
My interior design and hosting skills will once again be shown on TV as I join the Philippines’ first and longest-running real estate and construction TV show for local and global Filipinos, “Philippine Realty TV.”
I’ll be joining hosts Gabe Mercado and Angel Jacob for the show’s sixth season. I’m excited to feature the best real estate development projects across the country, and showcase various suppliers for home building and interior design.
“Philippine Realty TV” has also built concept homes from the ground up, and is the ultimate aspirational show for people looking to buy or build their dream home—whether they want to invest in a condo, horizontal project, or second home.
John Aguilar, the show’s executive producer, also launched his first book, “Project: First Home—Everything You Need to Know to Build Your House from Scratch,” at Manila FAME. The book was written in partnership with major sponsors BPI Family Savings Bank and Meralco, with minor sponsors Cemex Philippines, Jackbilt Industries, Phelps Dodge Philippines, Cypress Bomanite and Megabuild 101.
“Philippine Realty TV” airs Sundays, 9:30 p.m. with replays Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), with simultaneous airings on The Filipino Channel (TFC).
Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter or visit www.tessaprietovaldes.com.