Nest Worthy

Recently visited Nest-one of country's haven of rtw fashion, chic decor and home furnishings - to find out five reasons why they are an imprint in Manila's style map. Curated by tastemakers, it is a showcase of contemporary lifestyle.

Old world geographic attractions.

Objects of Art.

Real beauty.

Modern home.

Fashion forward. Rhett by Rhett Eala.

Nest is located at 40 Jupiter street., Bel-Air village, Makati city.  Store hours: Mon-Sat. 10am-7pm.  Tel no. +6324033062

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.

Into the wild

Step into the world of luxury as Cura V presents its latest chic home offering - rugs. Curated by tastemakers, these  lush accents are made of quality cowhide that echo nowness in today's news making interiors.  Contemporary style trappings are redefining space with a sophisticated yet subdued statement all in the art of living.  There is a current global mood for exoticism in design and these come from Argentina and Brazil by Pure Rugs. There is beauty in the wild and style sets the look of luxury in the contemporary. Cura V is located at the 2F Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati city.

Channeling Coco

Fashion icon Coco Chanel is an inspiration to many. Her natural penchant for style and elegance has timelessly influenced women from all over the world. Through the decades, many greats have followed suit and her legacy has transcended into modern day lifestyle.

In the Philippines, the spirit of the fashion legend lives through a new haven of beauty-Coco Nail Studio.  Channeling the chic vibe, this neighborhood nail spa located south of Manila is a habitué of beauty and style in refinement.  Inspired from contemporary French apartments, the alluring interiors echo European design aesthetics as seen in immaculate white sofas, ashen drapes, sparkling ceiling decor.  Muted hues beautifully paint a style-setting atmosphere of relaxed elegance. The look sets an unpretentious mood where comfort is a tall order. Top of the line nail care and other premium services such as hair threading, waxing and chair massage options is what Coco Nail studio is all about.  Luxe brands such as Chanel, Butter London, Opi, Zoya, Jennifer Lynn Gel and Gelish by Harmony UK paint chic nails and every treatment comes with complimentary drinks together with their Buttercream Macaron signature.  For special  treats, they offer afternoon tea packages for small tete a tete during the weekends and spa party packages tailored to your budget.  

Coco Nail Studio is the new relaxing hub tucked away from the maddening city.  Refined aesthetics combined with personalized services have never looked so chic. Simplicity of elegance is made  timeless in this pretty haven that's definitely a sweet tribute to Coco.

Coco Nail Studio  

2nd Floor Don Gesu Bldg., Don Jesus Blvd., AlabangHills.

Tel. No. (02) 552-3156

Mobile No. (0917) 5685675

Pottery Barn Manila

Pottery Barn has finally opened in the Philippines.  The famous home and decor brand is ready to add style to the Philippine household.  Both classic and trendy accents bring to life the art of contemporary chic living.  The vibe of understated cool is a luxury echoed through the entire space located at the Bonifacio city in Taguig. A wide range of essentials from necessities to quirky pieces delight the senses.  Fill your rooms with neutral to colorful hues channeling a mood in casual and relaxed elegance.  Beautiful showroom showcases display ideal design ideas for the standard to eclectic to tropical home. Wonderful textures create amazing surfaces to form a collage of an easy laid back lifestyle. Pottery Barn is a treasure trove of ultimate home finds perfect for avid decorators and interior designers where there's always something new each season.

A taste of Florence

Traveling to Davao city for a work trip, this author decided to meet and catch with friends( who he met and travelled with on a press junket to Malaysia) on what's been happening with their respective lives.  We all got together one afternoon for coffee and merienda while reminiscing the memorable adventures we had in Kuala Lumpur. After laughters, giggles and tattle tales, we decided to head out to a new business venture one of them recently started. My dear friend  Florence Ferraris Alejandre recently opened a beautiful shop called Florence Home.  Having a penchant for furnishings and home decor, Davao's top events organizer/stylist has created this new quaint haven of discoveries.  Home is where the heart is and Florence has given her interests with utmost flair and style.  The art of styling and putting things together comes from an eternal love  affair with for beautiful and interesting things. Having a career in another industry, this past time reveals her deep interest in home decorating which was always close to her heart. Sourcing these chic finds from the region, her discriminating eye forms a delightful tapestry of noteworthy pieces every home would want to have. From simple to designer to rare acquisitions, the escalating orders are close to endless with a wait list at hand. As a result, the growing success of this new business has gone beyond her hometown and has reached all over the country.  A testament that passion and commerce is the ultimate key to success, Florence home is a plethora of style and design.

Florence Ferraris Alejandre.

For Inquiries:

Florence Home is located along Road 1, Doña Vicente Village, Davao city. Check out @florencehomeaccents on IG and orders on Viber 09177013346.

A day in IKEA

Malaysia is truly one of the top shopping destinations in Asia.  This 2014, the country recently launched its fourth "Visit Malaysia Year"(VMY), a promotional year- long campaign celebrating that include countless special events and activities for tourists.  Hundreds of celebrations are lined up as Malaysia invites and welcomes the world in open arms to their cultural extravaganzas, parades, carnivals, sporting events and festivities. Aside from the amazing colossal structures located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur where all the designer labels can be found, this author took a 30-45 trip out of the city to visit the biggest Home furnishing store in Asia-IKEA. 

Located at Mutiara Damansara, the store is linked by other renowned commercial centers like Ikano Power Center and The Curve which is one of this affluent and booming town's stellar attraction. The overwhelming sight of the place consists of 2 levels of car park below inclusive of 1,200 car park bays and 2 storeys of IKEA store above. One will be amazed with thousands and thousands of furnishing pieces you can think of and is literally a haven of everything you need for the home. You can get lost in this labyrinth of visual delight where one goes through the different areas of all things made simply beautiful. Countless ideas will run through your mind in this arresting showcase and display of furnishings. Modern designs unfold in a variety of wares practically made for the contemporary and practical households where living in style is made easy.  In between shopping overloads, you can lounge and take a break at the perfect dining setting-the IKEA restaurant. As a tourist, three hours isn't enough shopping time. To enjoy a leasurely treat in this shopping mecca, set a whole day to experience a different world that's simply IKEA.

 

No.2 Jalan PJU 7/2,Mutiara Damansara,
47800 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. 

Store hours:

Mon - Thurs: 9.30am - 10pm
Fri - Sun, eve & on public holidays: 9.30am - 11pm 

Restaurant hours:

Mon - Thurs: 9am - 9.30pm
Fri - Sun, eve & on public holidays: 

9am - 10.30pm 
Breakfast is from 9 - 11am