From stunning fashion galas to grand wine tasting events, here’s a review of the latest in lifestyle throughout the month of October 2024.
October was filled with an array of exciting lifestyle events, from brand collaborations to new showroom openings and meaningful initiatives. Here’s a rundown of everything that’s happened so you can stay updated on the latest and greatest in Metro Manila and beyond.
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Dining
Taste and Feel Portugal: A Grand Wine Tasting
Oenophiles gathered to taste and feel Portugal through wine tasting at the Fairmont Makati. In partnership with the Portuguese Farmers Confederation (CAP), the grand event gathered 12 esteemed Portuguese winemakers and their finest creations.
Guests got to roam around each booth and try their specialties: whether they liked their wines red or white, fruity and light or deep and oaky, there was something for everyone. Of course, not to be missed were the country’s most distinct product: sweet Port wine from the Douro Valley of northern Portugal. Featured winemakers included Abegoaria, Adega De Almeirim, Adega de Pegões, Barcos Wines, Campelo Wines, Casa Ermelinda Freitas, Casa Revlas, Casa Santos Lima, Quinta Da Lixa, Quinta Das Arcas, Santos & Seixo Wines, and Vallegre.
Prior to the event, some guests also participated in an elucidating master class with sommelier and educator Pierre Addison, who walked them through the complex flavors of some of the best wines in the exhibitors’ collections.
Don Julio: The Final Harvest at Uma Nota
Don Julio showcased its most refined and sophisticated collection of exquisite tequilas through an intimate dinner entitled “The Final Harvest” at the popular Brazilian-Japanese bar and restaurant, Uma Nota. During the event, expert mixologist and writer Icy Mariñas walked guests through a fun evening of tasting three of the brand’s creations: the Don Julio Rosado, Don Julio 1942, and the rare and limited Don Julio Ultima Reserva.
Each tequila had its own unique profile. The Rosado (aged for four months in the ruby port barrel) is crisp with a bit of sweetness; the 1942 (aged for 2.5 years) sweeter with a mellow, caramel-chocolate flavor; and the Ultima Reserva aged for three years in very rare Madeira wine barrels (and also made from the very last batch of agave that founder Don Julio himself planted with his family in 2006), possessed a very smooth, oaky and honey-like flavor.
Guests were served the perfect food pairings for every Don Julio creation: the Rosado paired with Ceviche De Atum (Akami tuna, maracujá or passion fruit sauce, red onion coriander, red bell pepper, and tuile); the 1942 paired with Chicken Coxinha (chicken croquettes with homemade chili sauce); and the Ultima Reserva paired with Smoked Wagyu Picahna (Australian black opal Wagyu Picahna Mb5 with mixed vegetables escabeche), then capped off on a sweet note with Creamy Don Julio Flambe (sponge cake soaked in three milks and Don Julio tequila with mango coulis).
Kas & Poly x Brunch Bureau Offer Comforting Brunch Classics
Astrological-themed BGC café Kas & Poly has teamed up with food concept Brunch Bureau for a special line-up of brunch classics from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These include innovative spins on Filipino breakfast and lunch favorites, like the Brunch Bureau Benedict (topped with fried tocino, fried spinach, eggs and torched dalandan hollandaise over buttery toasted banana bread and served with spicy truffle honey) and Manila Carbonara (creamy linguine with sausage crumbles, mushrooms, cream sauce, and poached egg with cured egg yolks).
Diners can also enjoy BGC-exclusive treats like the Honey Butter Chicken & Salted Egg Waffle (salted egg bubble waffle with honey butter crispy chicken and strawberry coulis and cream sauce for some sweet and savory fun), as well as the decadent Fruit and Nut Crêpe (generously topped with diplomate cream, salted caramel sauce, lemon gel, strawberry coulis, and fresh fruits with mixed nuts).
If brunch isn’t quite your thing, Kas & Poly also offers all-day Mediterranean feasts and pizza—along with creative cocktails—which are perfect for group hangouts or catch-up sessions. These include the wholesome Mediterranean Falafel Bowl (served with hummus, pickled vegetables, couscous, salsa fresca, dried fruits, and a side of pita bread) and Capricorn pizza (a white sauce creation with crumble feta, cherry tomatoes, chicken souvlaki, charred grapes, mushrooms, and cherry balsamic glaze). Day or night, there’s something for everyone in the new food concept collaboration.
Meaningful Lifestyle Initiatives
Philippine Sustainability Movement Dinner
The annual Philippine Sustainability Movement Event—spearheaded by SeaTrace International and Marriott Manila—celebrated its ninth edition through a beautiful feast that brought together key stakeholders from Philippine and international governments, embassies, chambers of commerce, environmental organizations, and hotel and culinary industries.
The event’s grand dinner emphasized the importance of eco-friendly sourcing and sustainable supply chains, with a focus on transforming food systems toward more sustainable practices. Seafood, in particular, was at the heart of this year’s event, which highlighted challenges in fisheries and marine conservation. Many of Metro Manila’s finest hotels and culinary academies joined in the cause, walking the talk by coming up with sumptuous dishes with ingredients from brands that prioritize more sustainable food systems.
From sweet Irish Gallagher oysters served with dollops of lemon sorbet to meals of blue swimming crab, the event was a medley of delicious flavors that showed how mindful sourcing can make a big difference in creating memorable dining experiences unlike any other.
“This year’s event demonstrated the power of collaboration in achieving sustainability. We are thrilled to see a stronger commitment from diverse sectors every year and to foster conversations that will lead to impactful change, which will grow further in the next years,” shared Christian Schmidradner, managing partner and COO of SeaTrace International, Inc. in a statement.
Crimson Breast Cancer Awareness
Crimson Hotel Filinvest City Manila and Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay staged their “Passionately Pink” initiative in October. For the past eight years, the month has always been a special time for the Crimson hospitality brand as it champions women’s health in line with Breast Health Awareness Month.
As in previous years, Passionately Pink is a joint initiative with StageZero by Project Pink Support Group, Inc. A portion of sales from promotional items will go to initiatives supporting breast cancer patients physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The properties offered a wide range of activities and offers that boosted awareness regarding breast health, offering support to breast health champions and their families, and providing a sense of enjoyment throughout the month. For instance, special welcome amenities and a FAB Crawl dining voucher to use at Firehouse Pizza, Alibi Lounge and Bar, and Baker J awaited those who book under the Bloom in Pink room package promotion at Crimson Filinvest City Manila until October 31st.
Crimson Filinvest City Manila also joined forces with the Asian Hospital and Medical Center for “In the Pink: A Lay Forum on Breast Cancer Awareness,” which offered free breast examination courtesy of attending doctors to attendees. Meanwhile, those who stayed at Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay got to experience a special welcome amenity in the form of delectable sweets for a warm arrival to the island paradise. Stay packages for the month also included a wide range of exceptional experiences that show off Boracay in a heartbeat.
“Stellar Fashion Gala” at Discovery Samal
Members of the Davao Fashion and Design Council Foundation, Inc. (DFDCI) recently presented a 100-piece collection during The Stellar Fashion Gala, a fundraising charity event for the benefit of b.LOOM Project’s weaving communities in partnership with Mindanao Trade Expo Foundation, Inc. (MTEFI).
Held at the Samal Grand Ballroom at Discovery Samal in Davao, the Luxe Resort collection highlighted the use of Philippine tropical fabrics like abaca, bandala, piña, banana, kawayarn, and other textiles, which were produced alongside DOST- Philippine Textile Research Institute.
Designers who joined the collaboration included Aztec Barba, Dodjie Batu, Emi Englis, Popoy Barba, Edgar Buyan, Egay Ayag, Windel Mira, and Benjie Panizales. Proceeds from the event went to the b.LOOM Project’s Sustainable Enterprise Program on Indigenous and Emerging Artisanal Textile Weaving among Davao Region’s Extra-Mile Creative Communities. The MTEFI also played an integral role in ensuring deserving communities were identified and the donation was adequately distributed.
“We’re in awe of the creativity and proudly Davaeño displayed by the b.LOOM Project at The Stellar Fashion Gala,” expressed Beatrice Gonzalez-Magallanes, president of Discovery Samal. “We look forward to welcoming more fantastic events with a priceless view of the Davao Gulf at Discovery Samal. Samal Grand Ballroom is ready for your next spectacular milestones.”
Shopping and Travel
I’m In Charge: Unveiling Chinabank’s Velvet Visa Signature Card
October 2024 marked Chinabank’s latest milestone with the launch of their first-ever Visa-branded credit card, the Chinabank Velvet Visa Signature. The card is the ultimate must-have accessory for aspiring individuals, particularly today’s modern, independent, and goal-oriented woman. Tailored to empower and embolden the on-the-move female achiever, it acts as an innovative financial companion with features meticulously designed to cater to her unique needs.
Chinabank aims to empower the woman in charge through exciting rewards that await cardholders, including a classic Pandora bracelet and charm as a welcome gift and additional perks such as the Velvet Eight Cash Back where cardholders get an P800 cashback for a minimum P8,000 spend every 8th of month, making this day of the month something to look forward to.
Cardholders can also take advantage of deals such as discounts of up to 50% off on shopping, beauty, wellness, and jewelry favorites through the Special Velvet Deals and Exclusive Velvet Installment Deals with 0% installment options at a wide range of merchant partners, making it easier to manage large purchases.
Make everyday transactions become valuable rewards with the Velvet Rewards Program where cardholders earn one reward point for every P30 spend. Whether shopping for essentials, dining out, or booking a trip, every tap increases points that can be redeemed from a variety of exciting rewards. The card’s Visa Concierge feature also gives a 24/7 personal and lifestyle guide allowing access to extraordinary experiences, customized deals, exclusive sales, and access to amenities from Chinabank’s roster of partners, from premier wellness establishments to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Moreover, the Chinabank Velvet Visa Signature credit card is crafted from recycled plastic which espouses sustainability, perfectly aligning with today’s eco-conscious mindset to enable a more rewarding pursuit of wellness, beauty, and shopping experiences. The modern woman’s partner in her journey to success, Chinabank Velvet Visa Signature provides the tools that will let her live her life to the fullest as she unleashes her potential.
Discovery Hospitality Corporation Unveils Reimagined Brand, Discovery Resorts
Leading Hospitality Brand, Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), is thrilled to announce a significant development on the horizon with the launch of its reimagined brand that epitomizes Filipino hospitality, Discovery Resorts. The main part of this evolution and innovation is the rebranding of its two renowned resorts, Discovery Shores Boracay and Club Paradise Palawan, embarking on a journey of transformation into Discovery Boracay and Discovery Coron, respectively.
Both resorts find their place under one cohesive brand of Discovery Resorts, and join Discovery Samal, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Since its establishment, DHC has been committed to creating dream vacations and creating unforgettable experiences. Using this innovative vision and recognized trailblazing approach, they curated a brand that not only emphasizes the inherent beauty of the Philippines but also enhances the guest experience through thoughtfully-designed services and amenities. The establishment of Discovery Resorts is a testament to DHC’s dedication to promoting the beauty of the local culture, which is in alignment with its principles of excellence and genuine service.
This strategic rebranding aims to ensure consistency and elevate the customer experience across all resorts. It is a crucial step in maintaining the high standard in service, amenities, and guest satisfaction that keeps Discovery Resorts distinct from the rest. The branding update, according to Jose “Jun” Parreño, COO and one of the pioneers of the Discovery group, also reflects Discovery Resorts’ modernization efforts to promote sustainability, personalized amenities, Filipino traditions, and positive wellbeing.
“We have always been known to provide Service That’s All Heart. That standard of service is what brought us a plethora of different opportunities that made us strive to become better at all times, and continue to trailblaze in the industry,” explains Parreño. “DHC puts in its thought-leadership into the whole process of this brand and curates more experiences that are stemmed from our core of heartfelt Filipino hospitality, meaningful local journeys, luxury of nature, and community connections—all accessible in the Philippines’ most stunning destinations.”
All of these will be delivered by the brand ambassadors, the GEMs, or Guest Experience Makers. Every team member, from front desk staff to housekeeping, even the back of the house staff, is a GEM that makes Discovery Resorts truly a happy place—not just for travelers but for all stakeholders.
Home and Design
New KARE Showroom Grand Opening at the Garden Towers
KARE has a long-standing history of pushing the boundaries of art and interior design since its founding in 1981 by two friends, Jürgen Reiter and Peter Schönhofen, who wanted to enliven the furniture industry. Since then, the brand’s philosophy of “Joy of Living” has been at the heart of their mission to create imaginative and inspiring spaces that reflect individuality and creativity.
The global leader in unique furniture and home decor recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest showroom at Garden Towers, Makati. With a hotel-inspired theme called “Check In to the KARE Life,” the event immersed guests in KARE’s bold and expressive take on design, in which creativity meets joyful living.
Schönhofen himself flew to Manila to grace the stylish event, with media, influencers, and the German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoshke also in attendance. To showcase their mission to transform spaces into one-of-a-kind experiences, KARE also collaborated with renowned Filipino creatives who embody the brand’s creative spirit. These include distinguished florist Teddy Manuel, lifestyle journalist Marie Lozano, and award-winning interior designer Chat Fores, all of whom styled various sections of the store inspired by the brand’s fresh approach to design.
“The Philippines has a vibrant market for expressive designs, and we felt it was the perfect time to bring KARE’s playful and bold approach to home decor here. Filipinos have an incredible appreciation for creativity and individuality, which resonates deeply with our brand,” Schönhofen expressed in a statement.
Genteel Home x Royal Pineda’s New “Ugnayan” Collection Exhibit
Genteel Home, a lifestyle brand that curates tailored furniture pieces, strengthens its commitment to redefining luxury furniture by promoting Filipino craftsmanship, forging collaborations with key talents, and achieving international recognition under the leadership of founder and interior designer Katrina de Leon.
Recently, the brand launched its “Ugnayan” collection at the Manila FAME 2024 event, the country’s premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products. The Ugnayan Collection is a special collaboration between Genteel Home and renowned architect Royal Pineda, who designed the exhibition space. “Ugnayan” is a communal living collection with the latest home pieces reimagining a modern Filipino way of living. Each Ugnayan piece features diverse and flexible materials and design elements that are inspired by today’s Filipino culture. Woven textures, carved wood, and fluid lines reflect the rich heritage of Filipino architecture interplayed with contemporary aesthetics.
The goal of the partnership is to create a platform for Filipino artisans to show their creative mettle, aligning with Pineda’s philosophy of Modern Filipino Architecture which focuses on simplicity, sustainability, and excellence. Where mass production is prevalent, the collaboration subscribes to one vision—people will return to what’s handmade, original, and authentic.
“It’s about creating jobs for Filipino artisans, preserving craftsmanship, and passing down these skills to future generations,” De Leon expounded. “We want to be present globally. We envision Filipino furniture and design to be appreciated by the international audience and the Ugnayan collection is just a start.”
Beauty
A Look Inside Remedy: The Clinic Redefining Acne, Scars, and Skin Health
Remedy Skin Solutions, a dermatological clinic dedicated to personalized expert care for optimal skin health, recently hosted an event celebrating wellness and self-care. This initiative marks another bold step in the clinic’s ongoing efforts to redefine skincare.
Held at Manila House, media guests and skincare enthusiasts began their immersive experience with a skin quiz and analysis. Using a Skin Analyzer—a facial assessment device popular in Korean clinics—guests received accurate, personalized evaluations of their skin conditions and potential treatment recommendations. The event also featured a Skin Sip Bar, offering refreshing drinks made with skin-beneficial ingredients like fruits and berries.
Remedy’s founder, Dr. April Geraldez-Rivera, and other board-certified dermatologists shared insights on the brand’s holistic, personalized skincare approach. Patients also recounted their skin transformation journeys. The discussions emphasized that effective skincare goes beyond surface-level aesthetics, focusing on overall health and wellness to achieve healthier skin.
With over 16 years of experience and more than 30,000 patients treated, Dr. Geraldez-Rivera and her team have transformed Remedy into a haven where patients receive expert care and feel empowered through education and personalized treatment plans.
Photos courtesy of KARE, Genteel Home, Remedy Skin Solutions, and Discovery Samal (unless indicated).
