If these walls could talk

History repeats itself. Looking back to the glory days of the past makes one wonder what it must have been like to live at a certain time. Loving the idea of having historical landmarks as the backdrop for glossy magazine shoots as it adds sense and texture in every frame taken. This author recently visited the Baluarte de San Diego in the famous walled city--Intramuros. The Philippines' main city was almost completely reduced to ashes during the war and whatever was left is merely a faint memory of old world splendor. The feeling you get with the place can be nostalgic and eerie but beyond that is a tickle to the imagination giving one a glimpse of how things were back then. The past is alive today as it becomes setting for a groundbreaking magazine feature with Manila's noteworthy personalities. Baluarte de San Diego's picture perfect appeal reflects history with an interesting vibe of stellar attraction.

The Classic

SM Men's Fashion recently launched this latest campaign "the new basics" presenting the classics. Yes, the leader in the Philippine fashion retail landscape focuses on reintroducing forever pieces every man should have in their wardrobe. Refreshing and upgrading the standard, the style catalogue is the modern bible of contemporary Filipino everyday dressing. Pinoy menswear retail fashion has gone global and has definitely made a style-setting step for greater things to come.

Style Matters

The ever-evolving world of fashion is moving at a fast pace. In these modern times, e-commerce has taken style and all it's parameters by storm. Fashion is a click away and everything is made accessible online. Front lining the Philippine market is AVA and it has recently announced its council of curators. Everything is beautiful and with the esteemed industry insiders, readers are assured of selective and well edited pieces that will definitely make every purchase worth your while. These notable fashion personalities are young masters in their respective art backed up by years of extensive experience. With them under AVA, online retail fashion raises the standard in the pursuit of quality and excellence. At the end of the day, good taste is the essence and substance of style that matters.

The Sanctuary

Life in the city never sleeps. In our grueling day to day lives in bright lights it comes to a point wherein the vibe gets to you. As the maddening energy escalates, one can't help but escape and get away from it all.
Holy Week in the Philippines is the best time to have the perfect vacation. With the 7,100 plus islands to choose from, this author finally decided to spend it back in his hometown--Palawan. Home to one of the recently proclaimed Seven Natural Wonders of the World-Underground River-the latest tourist attraction is swarming with both local and foreigners in the attempt to get a glimpse of one of nature's outstanding attractions. Aside from this on the radar vacay destination, there are more undiscovered places untapped by commercialism and one of them is Isla Arena. The turtle and bird sanctuary boasts of an area of 3 hectares of sand and 70 hectares of live corals. Nature is alive in its glorious presentation of life under the sea with all it's wonders. Powder like sand cushion every step as one looks into the endless horizon showcasing breathtaking hues of aquamarine, teal and blues. Lush greens fill the island with fresh air and sea breeze crowned by a remarkable Balete tree found right in the center. There is even a treehouse where one can take a nap or even an afternoon massage while listening to the wind as it cradles you to sleep.
Fantastical views are captivating as one goes around the island which takes a good 40 minute leisure walk. Sunrise and sunsets are amazingly glorious as they paint the skies with their overwhelming grandeur. Food is perfection as one gets to taste the bounty of the sea masterfully cooked by Manila-trained chef. One gets to experience dining by the sand bar at night filled with a blanket of stars under the glimmering moonlight.
The stellar appeal of the island is the fact that it's a turtle sanctuary. Throughout the year, hundreds lay their eggs as it has become home to the endangered species. When hatched, these turtles are then kept until they are big enough not to be eaten by predators and are released to return back to their natural environment.
The overall experience of Arena island is unforgettable. One that definitely unites us with nature and all it's splendor. Truly a picture perfect memory to last a lifetime.

Modern Narra-tives

What happens when two great minds get together and come up with something new in the style landscape-absolute genius. Journalists and bet friends Bea Ledesma and Ria Francisco Prieto recently launched their accessories/jewelry line called Narra at the Cake Club in Bonifacio High Street. The mini collection presented pendants, bracelets and necklaces in precious metals with interesting designs such as skulls, fossilized fish, sharks tooth among others. These masterpieces took months of research and experimentation, truly fascinating creations of noteworthy substance. The well-attended event was jam packed with Philippine industry's most popular fashion personalities and of course almost everything was sold out. To the most discerning of taste, style is a matter of substance and that's all that matters.

Narra will soon be available at AC+632 Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City.