CHRISTMAS is truly the most wonderful time of the year especially for families. This month is extra special because Lifestyle Asia magazine chose our family to be featured in its December/January issue.
Presenting a more toned down version of the Sea Princess, my cover photo wearing an amazing Jaz Cerezo gown was devoid of the usual frills and feathers. Beautifully captured by photographer Ronnie Salvacion, the chosen image has a perfect balance of color and brilliance.
In the accompanying article, I talk about the unconventional dynamics within our family that is bound not only by a common love and respect, but also by staying connected, thanks to technology. Despite my busy schedule, family comes first and we keep our weekends free for bonding and having fun.
Lifestyle Asia’s family issue is filled with many festive features and also gives you full access on Asia’s No. 1 chef Gaggan Annand’s visit to Manila for a three-day culinary fete meant to open avenues for an exchange of cultures.
Staying connected
Adding to my many hats (literally and figuratively), I am honored to be the new brand ambassador for Globe Platinum. It’s wonderful to stay in touch using the latest technology that has helped me stay connected, find inspiration, and subsequently, inspire others.
Constantly on-the-go, I am able to attend to the many demands of work with the help of Globe Platinum’s features—reliable data and communication to help manage and access all my needs from anywhere.
Globe Platinum has designed the new and most powerful Lifestyle Plans to ensure that its customers are well-connected. From access to the newest devices, unlimited all network calls and texts (a first in the market), rich mobile data allocation, built-in roaming services that can automatically subscribe customers to unlimited data roaming services or the option to enjoy a consumable roaming allocation whenever they travel, to entertainment and content on demand with complimentary access to a choice of NBA, HOOQ, Spotify Premium and more of the best applications.
A huge plus are the Platinum Relationship Managers who deliver seamless, delightful and personalized service. The experience is further enriched with customers having dedicated hotline services, plus priority in Globe stores, as well as worldwide perks and privileges—an international concierge, access to airport lounges around the world, exclusive hotel discounts and even a personal shopper abroad.
Across oceans, all the way from Ireland, the celebratory vibe continued to fill the air at Gerry Lane’s 70th birthday party which was marked by an Embassy Ball, polo match and dancing.
28th anniversary
Incidentally, Lifestyle Asia magazine celebrated its 28th anniversary recently with a musical that transformed Valkyrie at The Palace in Uptown Bonifacio into a glamorous grand ballroom.
The Lifestyle Asia Musical Gala laid out the red carpet to welcome guests as they arrived, regaled by live music.
In line with the event’s theme, Cravings Catering and Events fired up their grills and assembled their courteous staff to provide a spectacular culinary feast inspired by timeless and popular Broadway musicals.
Joe Chan, son of celebrated composer and OPM legend José Mari Chan, serenaded the guests with the official Lifestyle Asia song, “Living in My Best Life,” which he composed in collaboration with editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña.
The musical theater set started with a beautiful overture of Broadway songs by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gerard Salonga.
Highlighting the world-class excellence of Filipinos, Lifestyle Asia invited some of the country’s best musical artists to perform show-stopping numbers that enthralled the audience.
Outstanding performers included Joanna Ampil, Nicole Asensio, Cris Villonco, Bea Tantoco and The Company.
Steering the event toward a better cause, Lifestyle Asia honored the efforts of Caritas Manila for its efforts in helping the calamity survivors through the Damayan Movement during Typhoon “Lando.”
One Mega Group chair Jerry Tiu, founder and CEO Sari Yap, Lifestyle Asia editor at large Cheryl Tiu, editor in chief Anna Sobrepeña, associate publisher Franco Laurel and Caritas Manila’s social marketing division head May Tiangco gathered on stage for a grand photo-op.
Chimes Specialty Boutique
My December social events included a trip to Davao for the opening of Felcris Centrale Chimes Specialty Boutique, its third branch.
Housed in a glass and steel modern structure, the store was conceptualized to exude comfort, accessibility and at the same time, luxury and affluence to appease Davao’s senses.
Cindy Yap, EVP of the Felcris group, was quoted as saying: “The Chimes specialty boutiques is the realization of the Yap family’s decadelong dream of bringing the international retail market right to Davao’s very doorstep.”
This one-stop lifestyle store offers a wide variety of products, ranging from cosmetic and skin care brands like Clinique to athletic wear brands like Under Armour.
Fragrances, travel products and accessories are just some of the things that can be found at this amazing establishment.
Clothing lines of renowned local designers such as Maureen Disini, Charina Sarte, Religioso, K & Company, Florence Fling, and the fabulously chic accessories of Aranaz and Jo of Joyce Oreña fill the stores and round out the incredible roster of products available at Chimes.
Gracing the launch of the newest Chimes specialty boutique were Manila’s fashionistas Liz Uy, Camille Co, Joyce Oreña, Nikki Tang, Katherine Cheng, Tessa Villalon, Ferdi Salvador and Lourd Ramos.
Celebrity Rocco Nacino was also present to show support for the Under Armour brand.
But the most high-profile presence was Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who came to congratulate his close friends, Felipe and Crisanto Yap and his family, for their newest achievement and to show his appreciation to the Manileños who came to lend their support to Davao and its people.