Lifestyle Asia celebrated the launch of its CRAVE coffee table book, an exciting partnership with Mastercard that showcases 15 of Metro Manila’s most lauded restaurants and their unique dining experiences.
On October 26, 2024, Lifestyle Asia celebrated the launch of CRAVE—a vibrant, in-depth coffee table book featuring the compelling stories of 15 of Metro Manila’s finest restaurants. Powered by Mastercard, the publication brings unparalleled dining experiences through an exclusive Lifestyle Asia Menu, offered to the book’s readers by some of the featured restaurants. It is a fitting partnership, as the publication and Mastercard both share a goal of providing unique experiences that transcend the material; in the case of the latter, specifically through its Priceless™ platform.
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A Spread Of Delicacies
The launch took place in City of Dreams Manila’s acclaimed restaurant, Crystal Dragon—one of 15 establishments in the book—which is known for its innovative takes on Chinese regional cuisine.
Under the leadership of its Executive Chef for Chinese and Asian cuisine Danny Khoo Teng Jin and Chef de Cuisine Chan Choo Kean, the kitchen team served guests an eye-catching spread of the restaurant’s signature canapés. These included the Poached Hokkaido Scallop in Sour Broth, Shanghainese Smoked Pompano Fish Fillet, Wagyu Beef Spicy Sichuan Style, and Chilled Coconut Crème Mango Yolk—smaller versions of the delicious dishes featured in Crystal Dragon’s Lifestyle Asia menu.
Taking Dining To New Heights
The event’s program opened with a rousing speech from Lifestyle Asia’s editor-in-chief, Candy Dizon, who expressed her gratitude to all those who made the stunning coffee table book a reality, and emphasized its significance in capturing the zeitgeist of Manila’s dining scene.
“Lifestyle Asia has built a legacy on its unwavering dedication to delivering the very best in coverage on fine dining travel and luxury living with a discerning eye and a passion for the extraordinary,” she shared. “It captures not moments, but the essence of sophisticated living. From uncovering the most exquisite dining experiences and luxury travel destinations to sharing insights on the latest trends in high fashion and exclusive events, our team has a commitment to excellence and elegance that is unparalleled.”
She added: “Each restaurant was featured, not just for its superb dining experience, but also for its unique role in enriching our local food culture.”
This was followed by a speech from City of Dreams Manila Property President, Geoff Andres, who expressed his excitement over Lifestyle Asia’s newest project.
“I got a chance to take a look at it before this event started, and I was blown away by the quality of the pictures and the quality of the copy. There’s a whole bunch of new restaurants now that I have to go try,” he shares. “We don’t talk enough about the incredible restaurant scene in Manila, in the Philippines, and I appreciate the fact that you guys have brought such talent and great things to our awareness. So we can now go out and spread the word that Manila is truly a special place to go and dine. Thank you for letting us host it here and kick it off.”
Meaningful Connections
The launch gathered the passionate culinary minds and restaurateurs who shared their inspiring stories with Lifestyle Asia, many of whom were visibly delighted to finally see their gastronomic journeys in print.
Meanwhile, representatives from Mastercard and its partner banks were treated to a VIP experience at the restaurant’s beautifully-arranged seating areas. Also present were dining enthusiasts, notable members of Manila society, book contributors, and valued sponsors.
Guests joined together to mingle, congratulate one another, and forge new connections and friendships as they celebrated the dynamic culinary landscape of the city. Copies of CRAVE were also distributed to and purchased by guests. Mastercard VIPs received copies featuring an exclusive jacket sleeve, which encapsulated the sophistication and exceptional dining contained within CRAVE’s pages.
After the program, attendees got to take home tantalizing giveaways from Lifestyle Asia’s generous sponsors, namely the country’s groundbreaking bacon snack brand Baken and Hendrick’s Gin.
Through Mastercard and Lifestyle Asia’s CRAVE launch, guests got to immerse themselves in exactly what makes the book and its contents so special—experiences that are nothing short of unforgettable.
Presented by Mastercard.
Special thanks to The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Baken, Crystal Dragon, and City of Dreams Manila.
Photos by Kieran Punay and Excel Panlaque of KLIQ, Inc.
