Interviews by AA PATAWARAN We all want to give the best gift of all—love or derivatives of it, affection, concern, friendship, and so we spend the gift-giving season looking for the perfect, most solid, most concrete, most tangible way to express the immeasurable value of our fondest feelings. KC Concepcion, actress and singer The ultimate luxury for me on any occasion is sharing a nice meal with friends and family. The gift of gathering over homecooked meals every weekend was something my grandparents always valued. Ours was always a house with a busy kitchen. Everyone in the family cooks! My grandma would be going to the market—even out-of-town markets, depending on what she was looking for—every morning and would sit down to cook with my cousins. I remember vividly watching her chopping and mashing ingredients, which were to be her classic beef morcon, while my grandpa would patiently tie each with rope before setting out to cook each beef roll. I will never forget that moment of seeing the kitchen so alive with both my ever-so-busy grandparents cooking together for a family reunion. I have learned the joy of gathering family and friends and now that I have a place of my own, in my home, fondly called Casa Kristina, food, wine, conversations, and even good music will always keep the family-feel alive. Hans Sy, executive committee chairman, SM Prime Setting in motion and completing various charitable projects give me a sense of high, a fulfillment that is truly profound. And in the same token, receiving support from friends with regards to these endeavors is as heartwarming. I must add that the depth of gratification should be regardless of monetary value and more so dependent on the sincerity of the act. Lucy Torres Gomez, representative, fourth district of Leyte Material luxury for me is not so much the cost of the item but more the thought that went into it. Everyone is in a rush now, and many people plow through the whole gift-giving process with little thought, and often more for compliance/obligation than real affection. While I am sure we all will appreciate the gesture of being presented with a gift, it may also be easy to agree with me when I say it can be especially precious and heartwarming when the present shows the giver really had the recipient in mind when choosing it. To a voracious reader, for instance, a set of books will be more appreciated than a handbag worth tenfold more, especially if the latter is in a style, color, and size not particularly to his/her liking. The medium is the message. Know the interests/hobbies/preferences of the person. Pick accordingly. In this fast world, a thoughtful present will not lose its sparkle and stand its own alongside more pricey alternatives. That is true material luxury, and will always count for so much more. Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, fashion designer For several years now, my gifts to my husband have been trips abroad, be it a snowy week in Niseko or a sun-drenched holiday in Mykonos. We both seek out travel and enjoy life at a slower, more relaxed pace every now and then. We come home inspired, reconnected with each other, and filled with fresh deposits to our memory bank. Tessa Alindogan, interior designer, painter Mom’s guilty pleasure has been and, I’m certain, will always be duman. Duman, a distinctively Capampangan delicacy, is the young kernels of unripe sticky rice (lacatan malutu), beaten to unhusk, pounded, and then roasted in a clay oven to release its distinctively nutty flavor. Since childhood, Mom has begun her day with a steaming bowl of duman, soaked in warmed carabao milk (gatas damulag) until it becomes a thick and creamy porridge. It is only available in November, after harvesting during the rainy season. These days, a patty (about 600 grams) can be bought for about P3,000, almost the price of a 50-kilo sack of specialty rice, that is, if you can even find it! I have made it a point in the last few years to source her favorite food, ordering it way before it is available. Duman is the material luxury that I gift my Mom with. The delight and happiness it brings is priceless. It warms not only her tummy, but her heart and soul as well. The joy I feel is boundless when I gift her with duman. A warm bowl of duman for Mom is, to me, a warm hug for her each morning. Ben Chan, founder, Bench I've always loved the experience of traveling and it is a luxury I wish to share with family and friends, especially during the Christmas season. Traveling provides the perfect opportunity to share memories together, which can sometimes be more precious than material things. Techie Bilbao, author and fashion stylist Luxuries may not be necessities, but it truly would be a joy to give or receive them. If only I could give or receive any of these things on my wish list. ...classic and contemporary art and other auctionable art ...fresh flowers daily ... trips of choice on private planes or luxury airlines ...shopping in the most fashionable boutique rows in Paris, New York, Rome, Palm Beach, Manila ...gourmet food trips ...the luxury of prayer in the most beautiful churches, wherever life brings you ...meditation, spa, and massage ... Argentine tango lessons ... building a Catholic church or shrine in a city of choice ...and my family and friends forever! I cannot give them away. Pinky David, media executive and licensing professional Though I would prefer to give books as a non material luxury, I think the ultimate material luxury is a piece of jewelry. Always thoughtful and meaningful to both the giver and the receiver, it suits every occasion. But in this age of fast paced digital technology, perhaps the next best thing is a gift that will keep on giving—a smartphone! I certainly would want to receive the latest one! Rita Nazareno, creative director, Zacarias I think gifts that are particular and specific to each person and their personality are the most special ones, since they entail non-material thought and time. A map of Sevres from a tiny Parisian gallery for a friend who loves cartography, or Hawaiian salt for the friend who always puts extra seasoning on her food. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a portable Bluetooth speaker, which I didn’t know I needed until I was given it. My friend said she knew how much I liked music, so she got it for me, and now I travel with it wherever I go. I think of her when I press the button to turn it on. At the end of the day, it really is that emotional connection that counts. Steven Tan, chief operating officer, SM Supermalls I would go for a well-crafted luxury timepiece. Apart from the immaculate design, technology, and precision, a watch represents the ultimate gift, the luxury of time. To take things slowly and savor the present moment. And when someone gives you time and space, isn’t it the most wonderful thing to receive? Carla Del Prado, businesswoman and housewife One gift that, for me, represents the joy of giving and receiving gifts on Christmas or on any occasion is a Jo Malone scented candle. It’s symbolic because a candle reminds us of light, of hope in times of difficulties we encounter in our lives and in society. At the same time it gives you that good fragrance that spells out calmness and serenity amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tina Tinio, brand builder Time is the ultimate luxury because it is limited and having it is always a gift! But if it has to be material, I’ll say any and all personalized items. Whether it is an expensive item (monogrammed luggage/bag) or a very simple one (set of gift tags, stationary, bag tags), a personalized gift always brings me joy and I feel you can never go wrong with it! Cary Santiago, fashion designer For me, it's perfume. Aside from it being handy, the scent defines who you are and what others would say about you. When someone dresses up, it's the perfume that will seal the entire look. It completes the package, making you feel your brightest and look your best. Lesley Mobo, fashion designer For me, time is a luxury. So a gift of joy for me is something mostly in a jar. Homemade gifts in a jar like marmalade, jams, chutneys, and sauces made from a family recipe should be considered luxury gifts and they are sure to please and a great way to show you care. They cost next to nothing to make but just might be priceless. Christmas doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Tokie Tantoco Enriquez, SSI board member What comes to mind when one brings up the luxury of giving would be a Rustan’s Gift Certificate. It always excites me to find out what items are chosen by those I give these GCs to, especially when they send photographs with very happy reactions. Since the brand selection is wide, it is the perfect gift for anyone since their options aren’t limited. Kai Lim, co-founder of Cura V This is a difficult question as today true luxury means the gift of time. If I were to choose a material item it would have to be something unique, one of a kind. Say, for example, a beautiful home or fashion piece, which can only be found in limited quantities or a one-off piece.