White House

Davao, known for its famous "durian" and other sweet delicacies is also known for their cuisine. One famous attraction in the heart of the city is the White House. Located at J. P. Laurel avenue, the European inspired ancestral house of a renowned family has been converted into one of the best fine dining restaurant in Mindanao. Boasting of old world charm appeal, the beautiful interiors gives one a glimpse of life at a certain period in history.  Wood furnishings and crystal decors reflect a fusion of mixed heritage.  Heigh ceiling, huge window panels an wooden flooring are still intact as it is maintained an managed well.  The ambiance brings you back in time as the mood and feel is reminiscent of a glorious era full of parties, gatherings and socials. Run by chefs Cathy Binag and Niño Laus, their  impeccable fusion cuisine offers a wide variety of French, Italian and Japanese dishes to feast on.  The White House has a wine lounge with a great selection of both old and new world delights. The perfect place to relax and enjoy the evening with good food and buzz with friends. The outdoor setting is a spacious botanical area filled colossal trees with contemporary furnitures. The modern garden feel is perfect for events and big gatherings where one can enjoy the fresh air over bubbles and wine.  A must-see for everyone who wants something old but new. Definitely a place one would look forward to come back to in Davao!  

The author with Ish Tan, Florence Alejandre and Jesyl de la Cruz.

Inspire.

Modern art comes in a variety of forms and vinyl is one among the many.  While in Hongkong,  this author chanced upon this exhibit amidst the shopping and cuisine it's known for.  From the bright hues to black and whites, the interesting palette is seemingly refreshing. Being a non-art expert, the showcase is a form of beauty as it is to the eye of te beholder. The now and new becomes a source of inspiration in the process of creation. 

BTS BKK

Fashion and travel is the perfect combination.  With fashion editorials, destination locations create the mood, landscape, vibe and at times a statement as it becomes the backdrop of a shoot.  Asian Dragon and Asian Dragon bride( glossies in te Philippines) recently flew to Bangkok to fill postcard perfect pages in breathtaking style narratives.  Photographed by Jo Ann Bitagcol, this author and the team including editor Liza Ilarde were transported to various breathtaking locations close to the heart of the city.  In fashion, work and play produce outstanding results when the energy becomes one and everyone becomes family.  Despite the unbearable heat of the equatorial weather, the team breezed through shooting in historical and public landmarks to produce a memorable body of work.  After shooting for two days, bringing three huge boxes of clothes filled with gowns, dresses, accessories from the best designers in the Philippines was definitely worthwhile.  Life behind the fashion scene isn't all that gloss for to produce a great photo entails hard work.  No one really know what it takes to achieve an amazing shot when it comes out in the magazine, but the reality of it all is a lot of hands at work.  Passion, discipline, dedication, artistry and the pursuit of perfection all rolled into one bring out the best.  Beyond the "glossy" job, the company you keep with great laughs, quality time and of course fantastic gastronomic adventure truly make this trip one for the books.  Til the next one!

The A Team.  The author with model Jasmin Maierhofer, Asia Dragon's Francesca de la Cruz, Asia Dragon Bride and Style Weekend Editor Liza Ilarde and photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol.

River View.

Arresting Beauty.

The look of Fall.  Jo Ann Bitagcol and Jasmine Maierhofer in action.

Modern Geometry.

Linear perspective.

Tres Amigos.  The author with Liza Ilarde and Jo Ann Bitagcol.

Behind the "scene".

Edit, edit, edit.

How low can you go.

What lies beneath.

Photographer model.

Self We.

Its a wrap with dumbo. The author with Liza Ilarde, Francesca de la Cruz, Jasmine Maierhofer and Jo Ann Bitagcol.

Light me a river.

All aboard.  The author with model Jasmine Maierhofer.

View from the river cruise.

Time to say goodbye.  The author with photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol.

MET OPEN 2014

5 Curators and 208 artworks all for a benefit exhibition is the essence behind MET OPEN 2014.  Ongoing at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila along Roxas Boulevard,  contemporary art of both old and new create a brilliant and outstanding tapestry of a genre currently spotlighting the local landscape. The MET OPEN seeks to promote a better understanding of past, current and evolving themes etc significantly relevant and existent in the local art scene today.  From the 520 entries only the exhibited art pieces made the cut.  Abstraction, painting, seriality, pop culture, myth and symbolism were the themes in a glorious display of two-dimensional artworks, sculptures with installation performance, photography, video and ceramics.  

At the second floor of the museum is the MET's Upper Galleries "The Philippine Contemporary:  To Scale the Past and the Possible-over 200 artworks drawing chronological and current references from the survey exhibition.  

A must-go and see to everyone, the outstanding showcase of contemporary art in the Philippines is inspirational and optimistic of the best that's yet to come.

   

By Lor Calma.

By Nestor Vinluan.

By Lor Calma.

By Eduardo Castrillo.

By Napoleon Abueva.

By Maria Taniguchi.

By Lani Maestro.

A closer look at the wall.

By Lee Roy New

By Paolo Vinluan.

The author.

Metropolitan Museum of Manila is located at at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, 1004 Philippines. Museum hours is 10am-530pm. Visit www.metmuseum.ph