Through a vibrant thanksgiving fiesta, Lifestyle Asia paid tribute to the community whose support turned the first chapter of its refreshed era into a year of remarkable milestones and unforgettable moments.
In the blink of an eye, it’s already November, and the Philippines’ oldest luxury magazine has just celebrated the first year of its refresh through the colorful, spirited thanksgiving gathering, La Fiesta Manila. It was an intimate gathering of 100 guests, all of whom made the achievements of the past year possible, from cover and feature personalities to the diverse cross-section of Manila’s emerging cultural and business establishments who’ve been supporting the brand throughout its refresh.
In its more than three decades of existence, this year was one of many firsts for Lifestyle Asia. These include a summer fete, art exhibit, wellness retreat, and the launch of four print magazines and monthly e-magazines that reflect the brand’s new direction: redefining what it truly means to live “the Good Life”—which, in the words of Vice President for Lifestyle Media Brands Apples Aberin, is a response to “a world where luxury is no longer defined by excess, but by intention.”
Lifestyle Asia Chief of Editorial Content Kerry Tinga expounds on this during her speech: “We give story and narrative to people, places, and ideas that, in a humble way, can let people see beauty and wonder and possibility in the world, and want to contribute to that.”
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Where The Past, Present, And Future Converge
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City served as a fitting venue for the occasion, with its historic spaces that reflect the richness of heritage while still making room for fresh possibilities: bright, modern fiesta decor, innovative Filipino food and drinks, experiential booths, and scintillating performances.
As they stepped inside the spacious venue, divided into indoor and outdoor pockets that transported them into the past, guests had their photos taken by lush vignettes styled by renowned events designer Jo Claravall, with floral arrangements in the Plaza Mayor by Jos Curates. Banderitas heightened the festive spirit, while a series of live marching band sets from the Sta. Cecilia Band 89 set the fiesta tone in grand fashion, filling the venue’s cobblestoned Plaza Mayor with the sounds of celebration.
The Ploom booth evoked the warmth of Filipino weaving, inviting guests to explore its lineup of popular products and take home printed photos as keepsakes from the evening. Furnitalia took the event’s theme to new heights, merging the very best of contemporary design and craftsmanship with traditional charm through a curated display of its elegant furnishings, which guests could browse through a convenient QR code that led to its e-catalog.
No fiesta is complete without an array of delicious food and drinks that pay homage to the country’s beloved classics. Baken incorporated their mouth-wateringly crunchy bacon products into a spread of appetizers bursting with Filipino flavors—such as Quesong Puti Croquettes with Bacon Jam, Tinapa Mousse with Ilocos Garlic Confit and Bacon Jam Crostini, and Baken Sliders with Atchara Relish—which guests indulged in as they sipped on drinks and conversed throughout the evening.
No one missed a chance to grab some sweet treats from Poppy’s Halo-Halo, which served both its Poppy’s Classic and Ube Keso flavors for the evening, cups jam-packed with creamy, chewy goodness. And of course, Destileria Limtuaco kept the party going with its roster of cocktails and shots inspired by nostalgic dishes: Turon Daiquiri, Mangga’t Suman Colada, Calamansi Garden Spritz, and Coco Pandan Shooters.
A Filipino Feast At La Fiesta Manila
Guests were ushered into the ornate hall of Las Casas’ Casa Kilayko for the evening’s grand feast, long tables bursting with color featuring creative plates from Casa Juan. Lifestyle Asia’s venue partner prepared a special menu for the occasion featuring sumptuous, elevated takes on comfort staples.
The meal opened with a refreshing Shrimp and Pako Salad with Red Egg, texturally accentuated with savory Baken Crisps, then drizzled with Honey Onion Vinaigrette. The main course was a hearty, layered dish of tender Slow-Braised Pre-Colonial Pork Adobo, Seared Local Mahi-Mahi with Golden Mango Chutney, and Poached Garden Vegetables. Rice is a must for any Filipino feast, and Luxe Slim stepped in to provide a fluffy, wholesome serving of Konjac Zero Shirataki Dry Rice wrapped in a banana leaf cone to complement the meal.
Throughout the evening’s dinner conversations, guests were serenaded by the soaring live music of jazz band Project 201, which performed a mix of iconic Filipino tunes and smooth chart-topping beats at Casa Kilayko’s striking balcony section, framed by works of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo.
Lifestyle Asia also gave guests a sneak peek of its upcoming December print issue, unveiling its newest cover star, Jessica “Jica” Sy. To cap off the dinner, Kerry and Apples led a toast to Lifestyle Asia’s anniversary and refresh, joined by Jica and the year’s other cover stars, July and September cover girls Bea Elizalde and Monica Lorenzo.
The night wasn’t over: Plaza Mayor opened once more with a set by DJ Uno, drinks, and food still flowing, guests gathering to enjoy each other’s company and continue the meal’s conversations. As the evening winded down, each guest took home a bag of mementos that embodied the event’s core themes. Casa Juan gave guests catch-all plates featuring a charming illustration of a sorbetes seller, as well as gold napkin rings with Filipino motifs. Marie France’s gift certificates entitled holders to one session of its FMS Elite and Plasti-Dermi Treatment on top of any package, while the Italian Chamber of Commerce treated guests to mini panettones for the holiday season.
It takes a village to both uphold and reinvigorate a legacy. La Fiesta Manila was not just a thanksgiving gathering: it was a reflection of the dynamic, multi-faceted community that makes Lifestyle Asia what it is today, its people set to propel the brand’s growth in the years to come. Kerry put it best in her speech: “Tonight, through the power of storytelling, and of course, the power of the amazing people behind this event, we connect with heritage: three decades of Lifestyle Asia, and the stories of culture and history that have shaped us, inspire us, and even challenge us to consider how we write the next chapter.”
Lifestyle Asia’s La Fiesta Manila is done in partnership with Furnitalia, Subaru, Ploom, Marie France, Baken, Luxe Beauty and Wellness, NEW Lounge PH, Hiessence, with venue partner Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Special thanks to Casa Juan, Premium Wine Exchange, Destileria Limtuaco, Poppy’s Halo-Halo, StyledbyJo, Jos Curates, B Hotel, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce.
Photography by Kieran Punay, Kim Santos, Excel Panlaque, and Ed Simon of KLIQ, Inc.
