“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.”—Confucius
Travel has always held such a fascination for me, and I find joy in exploring the many rich and varied places that make our world so colorful.
Even as a child, I longed to see the world, and I have been blessed, throughout my life, with opportunities to visit many special places. Each journey has brought its own sense of discovery as I uncovered each destination’s unique sights, sounds and wonders.
When the Philippine Tatler’s dynamic publisher and managing director, Irene Martel Francisco, decided to expand the group’s growing list of titles with the Philippine Tatler Traveller, the chance to edit it was, for me, a dream assignment.
With a fresh approach to luxury, this magazine was a perfect combination of some of my favorite things–travel, food, fashion and style. It wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our Special Projects team, with whom I spent countless caffeine and bubble tea-fueled nights to put our issue to bed: Maritess Reyes, Noel Camaligan and Cristille Cruz.
We launched our maiden issue with beautiful Nina Huang gracing the cover, shot at the stunning Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa. In this issue, an impressive roster of seasoned travelers (mostly our very generous friends) share their personal adventures with our readers. Wynn Wynn Ong revisits Burma, the enchanting land of her birth; Bobby Cuenca discovers Losari, Java’s garden of earthly delights; Bea Zobel JR explores exquisite Tokyo for the very first time; and Mandy Eduque experiences NYC’s “empire state of mind” as he trapezes though Manhattan’s five boroughs.
We travel all the corners of the globe through the discerning eyes of our contributors, bringing glimpses not only of cosmopolitan capitals, but also of remote and exotic locations.
Traveller’s premier issue is also enriched by features from Tatler’s regional affiliates, showcasing a luxury safari in the wilds of Botswana, charming Czechoslovakia as seen by the enigmatic American actor John Malkovich, and the latest buzz in this year’s Olympic host city of London.
International flavors
Gustatory pleasures being fundamental to every journey, we also savor an array of fabulous international flavors through our scintillating food and wine features.
At our private cocktail launch at Makati Shangri-la’s Red, favorite cuisines from around the globe—from continental fare to Asian dishes and everything in between, plus bubbly, red wine and lychee martinis—choices were plenty. While in demand DJ Elian Habayeb played world music, elegant guests nibbled on sumptuous bites from the Peking duck station, sushi and sashimi bar, truffle ravioli station and the cheese and salumeria spread. A pretty dessert buffet also served up tantalizing treats for those with a sweet tooth like me!
We were fortunate to have the enthusiastic support of our valued partners for the launch: Visa, Smart Infinity and San Miguel–world-class brands that share our passion for travel and for life’s fine pleasures.
It was, indeed, a happy celebration and, buoyed by the overwhelming response we have received since, we look forward to many more volumes of inspiring adventures as the Traveller journey continues.
