A list of the lush and lavish worth the splurge
If Jesus were alive today and you were one of the Three Wise Men, what would you give him for Christmas?
In case you have forgotten, the main rationale behind Christmas as a season of gift-giving is to remind everyone of the nativity and the three magi.
In modern times, however, more than a practice of faith or religion, the social ritual of giving and receiving presents has become an expression of personal appreciation and love, as well as an excuse for holiday indulgence.
Giving is easy. Thinking of what exactly to give is the challenge. If money’s no object, here are some of the most eye-catching items on the Philippine market, the most coveted luxury objects money could buy to spoil your special someone or yourself with.
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The new car on the block, a first-of-its-kind Maserati
A new contender supercar in the local automotive scene, the MC20 has been introduced to the country by the official and local importer and distributor of Maserati in the Philippines, Modena Motorsports, Inc.
With mind-blowing aerodynamic efficiency, the MC20 combines performance and luxury with the brand’s distinct aesthetic.
A patented, 100 percent Maserati engine that uses the Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) technology was developed based on the pre-chamber technology used on Formula 1 powertrains. The new 630 horsepower V6 Nettuno engine delivers zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 2,88” and a top speed of over 326 km an hour.
Designed in Modena at the Maserati Innovation Lab, the MC20 is produced at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant. Built to stun, it can storm around the track and perform superlatively on the road, with excellent driveability, comfort, and safety, as well as an interior where efficiency combines with exclusiveness integral to all models.
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A transpacific business class ticket featuring a meal that would blow your mind
Revenge travel is real. Those who have plans to go to America might as well go in style. So go, business class! Everyone likes to be treated like a VIP.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) sets another milestone, championing Filipino cuisine in its transpacific flights. Another good reason to do business class is the delightful gastronomic experience offered this month by the homegrown airline.
The country’s flag carrier collaborates with chef Tina Legarda of Parañaque restaurant Bamba Bistro to further elevate its in-flight menu served at nonstop flights from Manila to Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu, Vancouver, and Toronto.
The top Filipina chef created a special menu of heirloom homecooked meals, which gives a sense of nostalgia and reflects her Filipino and Spanish roots. Among the dishes are The Filly and Marias Toast, Creamy Calabasa Soup, LuzViminda Salad, Nasi ng Bayan, Milk Fish Inasal, Crab Mie Goreng, Banana Budino Trifle, and more.
“We are proud to bring the Filipino culinary legacy to the skies by partnering with culinary pros like Chef Tina,” says Ria Domingo, PAL vice president of marketing. “Beyond flying the public, it is truly inspiring to work closely with and provide these promising local chefs an impactful platform to showcase their talent and the taste of Filipino cuisine on the global stage.”
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Make it Gucci
The hottest Gucci pieces today appear in its latest gift campaign envisioned by creative director Alessandro Michele, featuring images captured by Carlijn Jacobs and a film shot by Jordan Hemingway.
From women’s bags, the fashion label presents the Horsebit 1955 bag, as well as the chain wallet, in bold tone-on-tone hues from purple to orange, black, and midnight blue.
Reimagined with a swirling optical print, either in black and white or pink and purple is the GG Marmont.
There’s even a selection of mini statement bags in pink GG Matelassé leather with a textural take on the house monogram.
Recounting Gucci’s imaginative vision of travel are trolleys, duffels, and cases of various shapes and sizes for carrying all things necessary and not.
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Giving is easy. Thinking of what exactly to give is the challenge. With hope, pandemic aside, Ukraine aside, money’s no object.
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The gift of precious depth: Johnnie Walker Blue Label Festive Gift Pack
This month, the Johnnie Walker Luxury Boutique was launched by Diageo Philippines Inc. Until the second week of January, the store that sells the Johnnie Walker Luxury line and offers a unique tasting experience will operate at the One Bonifacio High Street Park, BGC.
Among the unique spirits found in the boutique—and a great gift to whisky lovers—is the limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label Gift Pack, an invitation “for people to celebrate the ones who mean the world to them this festive season.”
The sustainably packaged kit includes a 750 ml bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and two walker crystal glasses.
The Blue Label has won a lot of major awards, including six Le Monde Selection Grand Golds and three Double Golds at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
This aesthetic delight makes a brilliant addition to any home bar or drinks collection. It is a statement gift to give to the people in life who remain optimistic, are full of passion, take bold steps, and “Keep Walking.”
Other spirits available at the BGC boutique are the Blue Label Chinese New Year (Angel Chen Limited Edition), Mortlach, and Singleton 21-year-old, to name a few.
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An exceptional island experience at SETIR
One could never go wrong vacationing on the beautiful beaches of the Philippines. Nestled in the crystal clear blue waters of Culion, Calamianes group of Islands in Northern Palawan, close to Coron, is Sunlight Ecotourism Island Resort (SETIR), an 18-hectare luxury retreat that boasts of Maldives-inspired overwater villas architecturally designed to have the ocean view of the sunrise or sunset.
A special 65sqm water villa could also be rented, good for two to three occupants. It comes with an indoor Jacuzzi, glass bottom floors, balcony, and a king-sized bed.
The private island has nine restaurant outlets to choose from, an infinity pool, spa, KTV, gym, and three beach areas. Guests may also enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, aqua jet, hydro bob underwater scooters, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and more. Island hopping and sunset cruise are also available. One may ride a buggy or go biking to go around the secluded island.
On offer now is a special Ber Months sale with bundles that include accommodation and roundtrip transfer through SETIR’s sister company, Sunlight Air, a service-oriented domestic boutique charter airline.