Embark on a journey of culinary wonders, whimsical performances, and multi-sensory experiences.
A train ticket, designed in the glamorous style of the 1920’s, intrigued as it invited me to a most unexpected venue, “platform 24” at One Ayala (the metro’s newest transportation hub at the bustling intersection of Ayala Avenue and EDSA). The personalized and numbered train ticket to a “surprise destination” allowed guests aboard the imaginary “Faubourg Express” for a multi-sensory voyage through the exquisite world of Hermès.
This unprecedented event in Manila by the French luxury house was the first of its kind globally. As guests arrived, they were greeted with glasses of champagne and the sights and sounds of an old-world train station. Stacks of elegant steamer trunks and luggage punctuated the railway lobby. Here, fine canapés were passed around as train whistles echoed through the air and the scent of adventure filled the space.
Each stop on the Faubourg Express is a meal on the menu; The guests are welcomed in a train station atmosphere, with luggage, train sounds, whistlings
Soon enough, the unmistakable sound of traditional platform bells signaled that the train’s arrival was imminent! The evening’s guests were ushered through elegant red velvet curtains into a spell-binding space, designed to mimic a glamorous dining carriage.
Aboard the Faubourg Express
On board, smartly garbed stewards—in classic French waiter uniforms cleverly combined with train conductor hats—guided us through the “train” setting, where elongated arched windows displayed the landscape in motion. We were invited to take our seats and to embark on a night of adventure and whimsy, with a culinary feast designed to complement each intriguing destination.
The evening’s journey seamlessly blended the romance of travel with the elegance of Hermès. Taking inspiration from the Maison’s emblematic address on 24, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the heart of Paris, the flagship store was brought to life through a series of drawings that were hand-painted onto the beautiful red curtains lining the venue. These referenced landscapes, travel elements, and other design details that paid homage to Hermès’ heritage and its history of luxury and craftsmanship.
Culinary Voyage
The night unfolded like a beautifully choreographed story as the Faubourg Express departed on a culinary adventure that transported us through flavor, texture, and artistry. Legions of wait staff magically appeared from behind the red curtains to simultaneously serve each and every guest with perfect precision.
Dinner progressed in four stages with each exquisitely presented dish named after a unique stop along the journey. First up was Sunrise on Honoré Valley. This delightful symphony of starters comprised golden herb-fried tiger prawns with mango salsa, a fennel, orange, and feta salad in a zesty citrus vinaigrette; Temari sushi, and poached lobster tail with passion fruit gel. The second stop, Cloud Race, took us to the indulgent main course: pan-seared tooth fish fillet; double-cooked Wagyu ribs, and foie five-spice Ibérico pork on fragrant truffle rice and roasted heirloom tomato salad.
A close up of the sweet garden; Guests were served their meal on a three-layer bento box; Souvenirs to end the journey on the Faubourg Express; The final floor of the Faubourg bento is the garden on the rooftop; The first course was inspired by the Sunrise on Honoré Valley
The intricate presentation of every course, each served on a finely etched layer of a wooden Bento Box, echoed the layered structure of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship store and mirrored the unique artistry and spirit of the Hermès universe. The spectacular final course, Le Jardin Sur Le Toit, paid tribute to the Maison’s secret roof garden and private oasis of the Hermès family. It was a delightful conclusion to an unforgettable dinner experience.
Music and Magic
Another key element to the night’s enchantment was the creative performances that flowed throughout the evening. The train conductors, part choreographers, part performers, brought a touch of intrigue and mystery to the journey as they danced through the train carriage to reflect weather changes, movement, and the rustling winds. Even the stacks of luggage came alive as a set for a spontaneous train orchestra, with the “porter” playing with the luggage in a rhythmical, artistic display.
Train stewards and wait staff wore beautifully designed costumes
.They surprised guests with creative dance performances in between dinner courses
The immersive train ride narrative reached its denouement as the mysterious train conductor, whose voice was heard throughout the evening announcing stops and stages of the journey with a suitably French accent, finally made an appearance. The train conductor’s deep and mesmerizing voice captivated the room as he led a resounding song to close the night.
Unforgettable Journey
Under the helm of Philippines Country Manager Mario Katigbak, Hermès once again outdid itself as it brought the multi-sensory Faubourg Express journey, for its very first staging, to Manila. What an honor it was to have witnessed and experienced this unprecedented event, an elegant tribute to the brand’s rich heritage, to the craftsmanship and creativity that define the Maison, and to the enduring art of travel. It was a marvelous journey that will certainly be remembered for years to come.
Paul Birkett, Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Anthony T. Huang, and Mitch Suarez; Jun Yupitun, Eda Yupitun, Dr. Earl Chua, Frannie Abad, Deandra Tan, Mario Katigbak, Stephanie Chung, and Patricia Chua; Mia Borromeo, David Batchelor, Marilu Batchelor, Suki Salvador and Andee Jugueta; Joy Rustia
Mario Katigbak, Mariana Zobel De Ayala, Anton Huang and Stephanie Chong
Joey Pulido, Mitch So, and Steven Tan; Kathy Huang; Dr. David Endriga and Catherine T. Huang; Chris Nick Delos Reyes and Nikki Huang on the Faubourg Express; Catherine Huang Endriga and Mario KatigbakChris Nick Delos Reyes, Anthony T. Huang, Nikki Huang, and Mitch Suarez
Photos courtesy of Hermès.
