The Annual Executive Class Christmas List

It's the time of year when we in Executive Class reveal our list of top gift ideas for Christmas. Ever since we started this list three years ago, we made sure to include only the most luxurious and coveted gifts available in the market. This year, however, is different. The recent calamities that hit the country and the lingering economic downturn have forced us to rethink the usual list of ultra-luxe items and instead come up with gift ideas that are much more attuned and sensitive to the times. Now, this doesn't mean that we've abandoned luxury goods altogether, or even expensive ones. It's just that we thought of pushing our collective imagination up a notch to produce a list that wasn't only timely but also as accessible as possible.

The following list was tailor made for the shopper looking for gifts for the man or lady in his/her life as well for the children and business partners. As you can tell, the following list will reveal friendlier price points and quite a few gifts that appeal to those who want to see their money go to a useful or charitable cause. But, of course, we couldn't resist inserting some over-the-top luxuries for those who, well, just can't find any reason not to spend like usual this season. We hope you like it.

AFFORDABLE GIFTS THAT IMPRESS

For Her: Sta. Maria Novella Gift Package


This is one brand we've loved ever since it was introduced in the market by Rustan's this year. And although it was the mens line of shaving and personal care products that first caught our attention, the ladies products are just as impressive. Our favorite? Their soaps and colognes. And we're not alone. From Catherine de Medici to Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sta. Maria Novella continues to attract loyal fans ever since the first colognes were produced in this medieval Florentine apothecary (in fact, "cologne" comes from the mixture made in Sta Maria Novella for the nobility of Cologne in Germany). Today, we recommend the rose infused Acqua di Colonia - still very much made in the traditional way with all natural ingredients and a subtle yet memorable scent that's fit for royalty.

For Him: Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph "Obama" Watch


Giving a watch with heritage and history is practically impossible on a tight budget. Just try looking for an iconic watch that falls below 200,000 pesos (4,000USD) ! The Omega Speedmaster "Moon" watch used by the Apollo mission comes to mind, but even that's above slightly the 200k mark. So, imagine our surprise to see a watch selling below 15,000 pesos (300 USD) with a story to rival milestones like the moon landing, the JFK inaugural (Omega again), the swim across the Atlantic (Rolex), etc. Yes, we found one and it's called the "Obama"watch after the first African-American president of the United States of America.

Actually, it's called the Jorg Gray 6500 Chronograph. Never heard? Well, that's why it's referred to as the Obama watch instead. Jorg Gray hit the jackpot when then candidate Barack Obama was given this US Secret Service issued watch by his security detail during the campaign. Obama liked the watch so much he wore it to every major event in his candidacy and presidency - including his inauguration.

The watch itself isn't too shabby even at this price point. It's a handsome watch in the aviator style with an elegant black face and stainless steel case. Jorg Gray has issued a commemorative edition - with the President's name etched in the case back and unique serial numbers to boot. Chronos watch stores currently sell these pieces at about 15k each (negotiable down to 10k if you're lucky).

For the Kids: Sanrio Luxe MINO Flip Cam


This gift idea is actually two in one: Hello Kitty and Flip Cam - two of those most desirable brands among the young and digital savvy set. It's really just a video camera designed with a Hello Kitty theme, so why do we recommend it? Two reasons. One, we love Hello Kitty limted edition stuff and this is one good example of how Japan's Sanrio empire of cute turns everyday items into collectibles that kids from Tokyo to London desire.

The other reason is the camera itself. Flip cameras may not be the most sophisticated or hi-tech but they're the simplest to operate. Aim. Shoot. Flip the built-in USB arm and attach to the computer. After downloading the high def video to your hard drive you can immediately upload and share it on You Tube or any other site. It's that simple and because it's the size and shape of a mobile phone it's just perfect for your child's mobile and tech savvy lifestyle.

The camera is sold exclusively at Sanrio Luxe in Greenbelt 5, Makati (the only boutique outside Japan other than New York).

For the Corporate Partner: Lynch Bages Wines


Wine. It’s perhaps the most common corporate gift out there. Yet few are ever really kept or drunk by those receiving it – as most will simply pass from hand to hand this season. So if you’re looking for a bottle that deserves a place in the wine cellar we recommend a grand cru from Bordeaux – those bold and beautiful reds of legend.

For 2009 we suggest the wines of Chateau Lynch Bages. Drinkable, collectible and relatively affordable, it’s a winning combination you hardly find in Bordeaux these days – especially from an estate in Paulliac – the same commune in Bordeaux with the highest concentration of top shelf and highly prized 1st growth wines like Lafite, Mouton and Latour.

We were lucky to have the proprietor of Lynch Bages, the legendary Jean Michel Cazes, for lunch and a few glasses of his wine. Jean Michel is credited with restoring the 5th growth Lynch Bages into a Bordeuax powerhouse, a feat he’s achieved by modernizing the winery and keeping the vineyards in top shape.

Here's what we discovered after a few glasses. Lynch Bages can be drunk at an early stage, not too acidic, not too tannic and with rounded tannins and ripeness but also with strength and power that fills the mouth. To put it simply: powerful, elegant and full of finesse.

Sold exclusively by Bacchus in Shangrila Makati and Bacchus Epicerie in Rockwell, the price per bottle could range from 6 thousand to 15 thousand depending on the vintage. (They're all good). A small price indeed for a taste of what’s more than just fine wine - but a taste of Bordeuax’s rich history and tradition as well.

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

For Her: Cartier Bagnoire Watch


Floor the special woman in your life with the recently launched Baignoire wrist watch from the luxury jewelers Cartier. Literally translated Baignoire means bathtub…and that’s because of the shape of the bezel. Nothing less than the most carefully-selected diamonds and gold adorn any cartier and the Baignoire is no exception. At two and a half million pesos its a sizable fortune but since Cartier is part of the Rustan’s-wide "One World, One Christmas"corporate social responsibility initiative for the holidays, it's also a worthy investment in the poor children who benefit from this fund raising-campaign.

Of course, even without the donation from Cartier, this watch will be cherished by your loved one.

For Him: Custom-built Mountain Bike


Now here's one gift that just can't miss. Men love bikes - so that should be enough. But, here's the bonus. Remind him that biking is the most eco-friendly way of getting around town (apart from walking) and good for his health, too. But, even that assurance won't match his surprise and excitement once he realizes the bike you put together for him is a top of the line ultra-lightweight mountain bike.

We chose Bike Town Cyclery in Pasong Tamo, Makati for our project. The mission: assemble the best bike money can buy (more or less). With a budget of 300,000 pesos we got going with all the best components for this dream bike in our minds. Here's what we chose for our dream team of bike components:

Frame: IBIS Mojo SL in featherweight carbon fibre
Wheel Set: INDUSTRY 9 Ultralite Race
Group Set: SHIMANO XTR (what else?)
Front Suspension: FOX Float R Fork
Handlebar, Stem & Seatpost: THOMSON
Headset: Cane Creek
Tires: SCHWALBE Racing Ralph
Pedal: SHIMANO XTR
Saddle: SELLE ITALIA Prolink

The bike parts came in over-budget at a total of 320,000 pesos but it's possible to compromise on quality if cash is an issue. In fact, it's possible to build a decent bike for a tenth of that amount. The only important thing is that you remind him to use that bike so he can help reduce carbon emissions and stay healthy at the same time.

For the Kids: An IVY League Education


For a gift that gives back to society few are as lasting as a top quality education for your children.
It’s the one luxury even the least materialistic will agree to spend on. For the ultimate present – make it a Harvard education.

Ranked by US News and World Report as the top American university in 2009 – Harvard is also the oldest, richest and most prestigious institution of higher learning in the US with a roster of alumni that counts Fortune 500 CEO’s, world leaders, scientists, Nobel Laureates and US Presidents – including Barack Obama.

There’s more to a Harvard education than access to the best faculty and facilities – the university and the town of Cambridge also provide your children with an academic environment famous for diversity and intellectual curiosity.

A place in Harvard is no assurance as only less than 10 percent of applicants qualify – and then there’s the tuition fee and cost of living – an amount that averages at about 60,000 US dollars per academic year. Now that’s a lot of money. But just think of it as an investment - in your child’s - and your country’s future.

For the Corporate Partner: Messy Bessy Products at Echo Store


We just can't get enough of Messy Bessy household cleaning items. They smell great, they work great and they look great in their clever packaging. But the real reason we recommend this brand is for their brand values and corporate social responsibility. For one, Messy Bessy is made locally using all-natural and eco-friendly ingredients. And second,poor and abused women comprise the majority of the work force for which their labor is fairly compensated for.

For Christmas, Messy Bessy items like hand wash, cleaning agents and deodorizers can be put together for you by the staff at the Echo Store in Serendra, Bonifacio High Street, in a beautiful and recyclable basket that tells your corporate client or partner that you care enough for the environment and so should they.

LUXURY FOR THOSE THAT INSIST

For Her: MINI Clubman


We couldn't resist including a car on the list. Women pretend not to care about cars, but we never bought that line. Not especially when she sees a Mini in person. Although Minis have been around since 1959 (they celebrate their 50th this year), the originals have been more of the quirky and economical variety. But when BMW acquired the brand, things changed for the better - though also for the more expensive.

Minis today qualify as luxury cars and the Clubman model we chose for our list should please any modern woman or mom. What's not to like? The car is cute but not silly looking. It's fast - yes, quick enough to keep up - even beat most souped-up boy toys on the road. And despite the small and low profile footprint, there is enough space for the family and the shopping bags -the one criteria that's make or break for most women.

At 2.8 Million pesos it is definitely in German luxury car territory, but why give her a car that others have when you can give her one that's unique. You can pre-order the car from MINI Philippines so she can get it in time for the new year. In the meantime, you have a few more weeks to enjoy her company in yours.

For Him: Jaeger Le Coultre Limited Philippine Edition Reverso Squadra World Time Watch


Special edition watches are no longer new, but if you’re considering giving a sophisticated Filipino-themed collectible with real value and global acceptability, Swiss prestige watchmaker JAEGER Le COULTRE is offering the Limited Edition Philippines Reverso Squadra World Time Chronograph - a true limited edition with only 50 of these watches produced in house at the JLC manufacture in Switzerland.

At the core of the watch is JLC's iconic Reverso Squadra World Time Chronograph- an ingeniously designed reversible watch that provides chronograph functions on the front face and the time in different time zones on the back. This titanium encased edition alone, even without the country-themed details, is a masterpiece worth collecting. For the Limited Philippine Edition, the craftsmen of JLC rendered the minute and hour chronograph counters in red. The number 8 on the front face is also in red - to commemorate the year 2008 - the year when the first JLC boutique opened in Manila.

Hand engraved within the inner case are the words "LIMITED EDITION" and "PHILIPPINES 2010", framed by the Philippine archipelago. But the real highlight of the watch lies within the World Time disc. Instead of the usual Hong Kong, "MANILA" appears on the disc - the first time Manila is found on any Swiss luxury watch.

Last time we checked at Lucerne stores and the JLC boutique in Greenbelt 5, this 930,000 peso limited edition (negotiable, of course) was moving fast. And with only 50 made – it’s time to reserve one for him in time for Christmas.

For the Business Partner: The BACCHUS Ultimate Christmas Basket


Whoever said that Christmas baskets had to be run of the mill has never seen one from Bacchus. Alex Lichaytoo, owner and President of Bacchus, helped us put together the ultimate Christmas hamper using the finest stuff he currently stocks. Alex firmly believes that giving a basket with items that are unique and brands that have heritage is the proper way of doing it. After all, no one wants to receive a basket that's been put together in a supermarket and sold by the hundreds. What we all want is one where we feel extra special. It's not so much the price of the items that count, but the amount of thought put into it. Looking at what he put together in a bespoke picnic hamper for the holidays- there's no doubt you'd feel genuinely pleased and yes, extra special.

Mepra Stainless Steel Cutlery : (Italy)
Tognana Plates (Italy)

Spirits:

Tesseron lot 53 Cognac (France)
Petrus 1997 Bordeaux vintage (this alone is 105-thousand pesos). (France)

Food items:

Labeyrie Confit de Canard (France)
Foie gras de canard (France)
Milano salami (Italy)
Giglio provolone cheese (Italy)

Cooking essentials:

Giglio butter (Italy)
Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Italy)
Dried Porcini mushrooms (Italy)

Sweets and Beverages:

Leone candy, lozenges and hazelnut paste (Italy)
Valhrona chocolate bars and milk (France)
Lavazza qualita oro coffee beans (Italy)
Compagnie Coloniale tea bags (France)

All this will cost you about 150-thousand pesos, but the price can be reduced drastically depending on the wine you choose. As for the memories it brings the lucky recipient? Priceless, we're very sure.

And that completes our Holiday gift ideas. We hope you all find this a useful guide for your own Christmas list. Remember, luxury is whatever you consider it to be. Happy Holidays!

An Intimate Lunch with Jean Michel Cazes of Chateau Lynch Bages

It's during the holiday season that we turn our attention most to fine wine. A grand vintage, after all, is one of those gifts we cherish most - more so if its a Grand Cru from Bordeaux.

But, as always, picking the perfect Grand Cru for the season is an entirely arbitrary affair. With so many great wines from Bordeaux to choose from, the choice is often whittled down to availability, price and favorable reviews - published or word of mouth. For this year, however, we decided to base our choice on, well, emotion. If only there was one bottle out there that would capture our imagination with a great back story to share.

Perhaps by coincidence we received an invitation to meet Jean Michel Cazes, the owner and driving force behind the prestigious estate Lynch Bages in Paulliac who flew into Manila to induct the first batch of the Philippine chapter of the Commanderie de Bordeuax. Cazes is considered to be one of the most admired in Bordeaux and his having nurtured Lynch Bages from a respectable wine to one of prestige and collectible status has earned for him a legendary place among Bordeaux estate owners. I've always been intrigued by this 5th growth wine producer ever since I purchased a 1996 vintage so you can imagine just how exciting it was to sit face to face with this living legend over lunch and a few bottles of his highly regarded and extremely enjoyable wines.

The Cazes family have slowly ventured beyond their vineyard in the Bordeaux appellation of Pauliac so aside from a 2001 Cordeillan Bages and 2001 Lynch Bages, Jean Michel also offered an impressive (for the price) 2005 L'Ostal Cazes from Languedoc and an amazing Domaine de Senechaux from Chateuneuf du Pape.

Of course, the real star was the bold and beautiful Lynch Bages which was paired with pepper roasted rack of lamb - a perfect match considering how the wines of Paulliac go so well with the eponymous lamb from the same appellation.

What strikes me most about the Lynch Bages is just how drinkable and enjoyable it is. Paulliac is famous for cornering the most number of 1st Growths and estates like Latour, Lafite and Mouton have all sent prices of wine from this appellation spiraling upward - often artificially. The estate of Lynch Bages is nestled somewhere in between these legendary wineries but because Lynch Bages is considered a fifth Growth wine care of an archaic 1855 wine classification in France - prices for them are much more down to earth. Jean Michel considers this a blessing in disguise - as should any genuine wine producer who's not just in it for the money. He tells me his wines were meant to be drunk by the discerning public rather than uncorked in the private collections and portfolio investments of an elite few.

The small talk with Jean Michel over lunch revealed a lot that is so likable about this man: his humility, grace, and, above all, his passion for fine wine and the art of wine making. We had a chance to talk in more detail in the sidelines of our press lunch and here are some choice excerpts from our conversation:

Executive Class: How would you describe the wines of Lynch Bages?

Jean Michel Cazes: What we try to do we try to make wines which have longevity, wine that can age gracefully for a long time. But still at the same time being able to be drunk at an early stage, that is not too acidic, not too tannic with rounded tannins, ripeness and at the same time we want strength and power in the wine that fills the mouth and also finesse, elegance in the wine. That is what we try to achieve and this is the capacity of the Cabernet sauvignon grape to produce that type of wine and of course with Cabernet sauvignon has a little too harsh angles which may happen a little merlot, maybe 10-15% merlot does a very good job to blend... it's always a blend, and it's important because the 2 main varietals Cabernet and merlot each bring the peculiar character and qualities.

EC: And how do you achieve consistency?

JMC: Consistency is important, I agree with you, and consistency depends on hard work and of course the climate may be different from one year to another but the constant care of the vineyard, everything starts in the vineyard itself. If the grapes are well tended, if you keep the disease away, if you prune the vines correctly, and if you bring them to full ripeness then you have a very good chance to make a good wine. But it's something that has to be constant throughout the years. And of course the winemaking itself is important also. But I would like to stress the fact that quality starts in the vineyard itself.


EC: You're credited for reviving Lynch Bages...

JMC: Actually the truth is that my grandfather put Lynch-Bages back on the map. He was a very good winemaker and he was innovative and he understood the wines very well and wines he made in the 40s and 50s are really very good and today even after 50 years, the 53s and 55 vintages are really great wines so I try to follow his steps and adapt to the new knowledge because the science of vineyard and wine has made a lot of progress in the past 30 years. It's true that lynch-bages has been a success for some decades and I remember a few years ago an Englishman asked me do you know why your wine is so popular in england? And I said well probably because we try to make wine with power and finesse as I said and that appeals to people like you who live in cold climates, you like strong wines and he said no, it's popular because it's easy to pronounce, which is because the name Lynch comes from Ireland, you know. Anyway, we do our best year after year, and every year is different.

But, I probably was instrumental into bringing the vineyard and the facility into the modern times that is I turned a 19th century operation into a rather modern one using the latest techniques and adapting to the change.


EC: Do you think Lynch Bages deserves much better than 5th growth classification?

JMC: I don't really care, I think people who know the correct classification if there is a mistake and the market really is the actual classification and classification as it stands today with its 5 shelves it's probably outdated. If you look at the classification and the vineyards that constitute this classification, 3 shelves should be enough, 5 is too complicated.

EC: Tell us about the direction your family-owned company is taking?

JMC: Actually, we, like any other business, if we have a chance to expand we try to expand, but we only would do that in one direction: quality wines, small production. We are not good at mass production so we stick to quality, smaller vineyards. In Bordeaux we have three main vineyards. Of course we could buy Chateau Latour...I would love to buy Chateau Latour in Bordeaux but it's too expensive - not for sale anyway. So we turn to other places and we went to the Langcuedoc in the beginning of 2000 and found a place which we think we can make very good wines. Then to Chateauneuf de Pape which is a very well known appellation, the wines are very, very good and I love them personally very much and also we went to other countries, Portugal, where we have a joint venture with a friend, and also in Australia.


JMC: The reason why we went to other areas is also because I believe in the cross fertilization of knowledge between the different vineyards. Our technicians, they are good but they learn a lot from others. So they're having close contacts with vineyard owners in Portugal and Australia. This brings a very positive input to our technicians in Bordeaux. And for our staff it's also encouraging. It's more interesting to see what's going on elsewhere rather than stay in one location for 30 years.

DC: Wines, Bourdeaux wines in particular, continue to fascinate the public. What is the enduring value of wine?

JMC: Because wine has a very particular image, it represents so many things. First of all it represents a direct link to the earth. Most of us live in cities, our ancestors were living in the countryside. Most of the people who drink wine don't have any exposure to the country, to the agriculture, and by drinking wine, it's a link with their ancestors. This I believe is one, that's why you find all these people in paris and new york looking for it.

If you think of it there is no other product that has such a strong link with nature - with the soil. Another thing is that wine is the only time machine that works. When you drink an old wine, it's an occasion to remember, things to talk about the people who were there. When I drink my grandfather's wine you have to think about him about the people helping making the wine and who was the prime minister in those days. So it brings a lot of ideas, memories and also brings people together.

(Chateau Lynch Bages is sold exclusively at Bacchus in Makati Shangri-La and Bacchus Epicerie in Rockwell Power Plant Mall in Makati.)

Exclusive: Patek Philippe's Thierry Stern talks to Executive Class

As you can tell by now, the subject of luxury timepieces is one of our favorites on Executive Class. Over the course of doing the show we've come face to face with many of the top global executives and legendary watchmakers behind iconic brands like Omega, IWC and most recently, Glashutte. Still, few things compare with an invitation for an exclusive one-on-one interview with the new President of Patek Philippe - one of the finest watch manufacturers in the world.

Indeed, we do admit a certain bias for all things Patek Philippe. Patek was one of the first watch brands we covered in our first season of Executive Class (together with Vacheron and Piaget, of course). Timeless and classic yet technically innovative, Patek Philippe watches exude old world charm, unquestionable pedigree and just the right amount of restraint in an industry giving in to demand for bigger, blingier and flashier timepieces. A Patek after all, is the personal choice of men and women with impeccable taste and a deep passion for fine watches.

Held at the Patek Philippe boutique in Makati, our interview with Thierry Stern, the newly appointed President of Patek Philippe, affirmed our respect and admiration for the brand. More than this, the presence of Mr. Stern - representing the 4th generation of owners of this still family owned watch company - cements the Philippines' position as a growing horological hotspot in Asia.

Below are excerpts of our lengthy discussion on watch design, market trends and the future of Patek Philippe:


Executive Class: Patek Philipe is one of the few remaining family-owned watchmakers and a fiercely independent organization. How has this helped Patek Philippe's business?

Thierry Stern: I think first it's about a family that's fascinated with watches, and staying independent for my family means also that we have a very long term strategy, the view that we have needs to be very long. Just as an example I have to plan today for 2020 in terms of movement and by being independent that allows me also to invest in the company to be able to fabricate these kinds of movements for the future because, of course, you need a lot of investment to go on. And if you're independent you can do that. If you're in a group or if you are owned by shareholders, they will never really let you invest for such a long time. They will also ask for money inreturn. So for Patek Philippe it was always very important not to depend on shareholders but really just to focus on the line for the future and to be able to invest for the manufacture, for tooling, or for the people for the future as well.

EC: What would you say is the design philosophy behind Patek Phillipe?


TS: There is no book to learn about it. I asked this question many years ago to my father when I took over the Creation Department because at Patek the core is really to create the watch and then to build all around the rest of it. This is really something that the family is doing, that means my father is doing it, I'm doing it, I'm doing it also with my wife now who is also with me at Patek. When I started at the Creation Department, that was over 10 years ago, I asked myself how can I know if it's a nice Patek or not? And actually there was only one answer. He told me, well, you will see after really taking a few hundred watches in your hands, then you will understand. And that's exactly what happened. Year after year I was learning, looking also at the museum pieces, looking through catalogs also from auction where you have a lot of Pateks. And this is how you start to understand the product.


EC: Is there such a thing as a Patek Philippe DNA? Something or some value that is constant in every Patek timepiece?

TS: There's really no such DNA. I think every generation of the Stern family has to add something. If I go too fashionable the watch will be nice for 6 months but you will not wear it after 10 years or 20 years. It will be hard for you to pass it along to your son or your daughter. So we have to stay very... I would say, not sober because that is not the case, but we have to think about the future and how the watch will look like maybe in 10 years and this is what I always try to do. I would like you to wear the watch today and tomorrow and still be proud of it.


EC: You are known to avoid gimmickry and fads…

TS: Yes, I was not educated like that. For me a watch needs to give you the time first. It has to be readable. And also the challenge is to find really smart ideas. A very good idea that we found was the Annual Calendar. It is something very useful, it is different from the perpetual calendar which is a much higher standard and also at a higher price and not everybody can afford also to pay for a Perpetual Calendar. So by having the annual calendar, I thought it was a very good idea. Patek Philippe watchmakers and development people need to be smart, we need to talk together to find useful complications and not just gimmicks where at the end of it you don't even read the time on your watch because there is too many things on it.

EC: And yet, some of your competitors have gone the other direction - creating exotic, ever more complicated, limited edition, and some would say, deliberately overpriced timepieces, to attract the high end of the market and collectors alike.

TS: It was not the wrong direction, but I think there were too many people abusing it. New brands showed up and what was for me amazing was the price from some watches that I didn't even know a year before - brands that didn't exist and suddenly they sold those watches for half a million Swiss francs. And I was always worried to see that there was no back-up, no after sales service. What's going on? When you pay such price for a watch and suddenly the watch doesn't work anymore and nobody would be there to fix it. This is for me something that was wrong.

Now this kind of race it's also good because it has to push you. It shakes Patek a bit and we also have to find new things to improve but always with the purpose that I have to be able to fix your watch today, tomorrow and way beyond that.


EC: So you intend to stay away from this marketing trend?

TS: This is something I think also why Patek Philippe is still here on the market, still going very well. It's because people trust the brand, they know we would not abuse our situation, they know we will not only do limited series every year, which when you think of itare not limited at all because you do it every year. I think it's very important that people follow you and yet they need to be confident, they need to know that behind the brand there is a man who is not only just willing to push it to the maximum but who is also willing to improve the brand and I need to give it to my son for the future. So, I will not jeopardize the brand by doing such a stupid thing.


EC: Patek Philippe has been able to balance traditional methods with technical innovations. How focused are you on new innovations?

TS: Innovation? Yes... if it really makes a difference in terms of the accuracy of the watch, in terms of the possibility to create new complications, yes, we will use it. Now if it's just to talk about it and have heavy marketing on it, no, this is not for me. So I'm really working hard today. We have a development and research department which is over 70 people now. Some of them are only dedicated to researching new materials or a new shape of wheel which is very important because we have to avoid friction which is our biggest enemy. And this is especially for the escape which we have really been working on for the future. But we don't want to use it as a gimmick, it has to increase beauty, the accuracy or the finish of the watch. Every patek Philippe caliber if you look at it is very thin, and this is very difficult to realize. To make a complicated movement which is very thick, everybody can do that. But to make the same one which is maybe half of it in terms of height, this is a challenge. And of course that allows me to have a beautiful design around it.

EC: Is there a model line or iconic watch that best captures the spirit of Patek?

TS: every 10 years it's always changing but for now the Nautilus is very known. For sure people today are hunting for the Chrono Nautilus. But there's also the Minute Repeater and the very complicated watches. This is very important because you cannot cheat with the Minute Repeater. A lot of collectors are willing to have one of them, but they have to wait, but I will never release a minute repeater if the sound isn't perfect. And not only the sound, of course, but the accuracy of the watch too. Every minute repeater which goes out of the manufactory has been checked carefully and the final check is done by myself or my father or many times together and we check every single Minute Repeater to be sure that the sound is a very beautiful sound.

EC: Why do you think a Patek continues to retain its value over time and fetch much higher prices at auctions?

TS: Patek Philippe is now on its fourth generation and has been run by the same family. Before, of course, it was run also by Patek and Philippe, and they ran it as having the best and the top watches in the world. They never changed their strategy. They kept the lines. We also kept those lines but we started to build them up. That's very interesting as a collector because if you buy a Calatrava today, or a Nautilus, you will see that even 30 years ago the watches were still very much in the same design. We adapted the same line and as a collector it's fantastic to have the first one and to see the evolution of it.

Now, it's also with the movement, it's exactly the same movement. They can follow the evolution of the movement. So as a collector, it's fantastic because it really allows you to see through your own collection the whole evolution of the world through many, many years from 1839 until today, 2009.

EC: Describe the Patek Phillipe owner.

TS: I think it's somebody who is knowledgeable. Someone who also likes the Arts. Someone who understands also the mechanisms of the watch. He also has to be somebody who is passionate of and who is willing to have something which is more than just a watch but a watch with lasting value. It is something that you keep for you, that you keep for your family, and that you will keep also on your wrist and that means something. Very often we can see that the client is offering the watch for the wedding or for the graduation of his son or daughter. There is a meaning behind a Patek Philippe, there is a story behind every family and this is really for me very important because it's exactly the same for my family.

Limited Edition JLC Reverso Squadra World Time Chronograph puts the Philippines on the Horological Map

Special edition watches commemorating milestones in Philippine history and famous Filipinos are nothing new. SWATCH came up with a special edition to celebrate the 100th year of Philippine Independence in 1998 (and a recent one commemorating the Jesuit Ateneo's 150th year in the country). This year, SWISS ARMY released a limited edition watch honoring boxing legend Manny Pacquiao while PHILIP STEIN also released a watch commemorating the life of former President Corazon Aquino. Apparently, the Swiss watchmakers and their Philippine distributors believe the Philippine mass market is ripe for special edition timepieces like these.

In these cases, however, special edition is not quite the same as collector's item. For one, these brands belong to the mass to upper middle market segments and should have little appeal with serious watch enthusiasts. And although these are special edition watches, they aren't exactly limited edition as hundreds, if not thousands, of these are being sold.

For those seriously considering a genuine Filipino-themed collectible with real value and global acceptability, Swiss prestige watchmaker JAEGER Le COULTRE have just launched the Limited Edition Philippines Reverso Squadra World Time Chronograph - a true limited edition with only 50 of these watches produced at the JLC manufacture in Switzerland.

At the core of the watch is JLC's remarkable Reverso Squadro World Time Chronograph- an ingeniously designed reversible watch that provides chronograph functions on the front face and the World Time or the local time in different time zones on the back. This titanium encased edition alone, even without the country-themed details, is a masterpiece worth collecting.


For the Limited Philippine Edition, the craftsmen of JLC have rendered the minute and hour chronograph counters in bold red. The number 8 on the front face is also in red - this to commemorate the year 2008 - the year when the first JLC boutique opened in Manila. JLC also say that the number 8 should also appeal to the many Chinese-Filipino watch collectors in the country. (Coincidentally, Manila's time zone is also GMT +8).


Engraved within the inner case are the words "LIMITED EDITION" and "PHILIPPINES 2010", These words frame a beautifully engraved map of the Philippine archipelago - coated in black enamel to keep dirt from settling in as well as for visual impact. Because this can only be seen if the inner case is flipped, the handcrafted artwork of the JLC engravers is kept hidden for your personal pleasure.


But the real highlight of the watch lies in the World Time disc. Instead of the usual Hong Kong, "MANILA" is printed on the disc in the same bold red found on the chronograph face. This may seem like a small detail but not when you realize that this is the first time Manila is found on any Swiss luxury watch.

With the Limited Edition Philippines Reverso Squadra World Time Chronograph, Jaeger Le Coultre, one of the most revered of Swiss watchmakers, puts Manila and the Philippines on the horological map, so to speak. Daniel Rogger, JLC's Asia Pacific Managing Director, tells me that although they make other special edition watches, this is the first time they have ever produced a watch customized for a specific country. The watch, he explains, is a fitting tribute to sophisticated Filipino watch collectors and enthusiasts who have shown they are up there with the rest of Asia.

Well, thank you JLC. It's about time.

(The Limite Series Reverso Squadra is available at the JLC Boutique in Greenbelt 5, Makati. SRP is 931,000 Php)

Up Close with Glashutte's Watchmakers

When it comes to cars and electronics, there's no denying the lure of the "made in Germany" label. Recently, however, watch connoisseurs have started to add German manufactured timepieces to their exclusive collections. Yes, German-made watches. Well, not all German watches, just those manufactured in Glashutte - a quiet little corner of Saxony in the Eastern border of the country.


The journey to Glashutte should interest more than just watch enthusiasts but cultural travelers as well. To get to the old watchmaking capital of pre-World War II Germany, you must pass through the beautifully restored Saxon city of Dresden. Dresden was once flattened by Allied bombing raids but you won't notice any of the scars of war in the historical center today.


Because of an early appointment with executives at the Glashutte Original manufactory an hour away from Dresden, there wasn't much time to walk around the city. Good thing is most of the architectural landmarks are huddled together in the central part of the Old Town - all close enough to explore in a couple of hours. If you have the opportunity, however, a couple of days would be a much better time frame to take in all the sights scattered around the city (and catch a couple of world-class opera and classical performances in the process).

The 45-minute road trip to Glashutte is a pleasant one with views of green pasture and quaint villages along the way. Getting there is a bit of a surprise as the town looks nothing like a "watchmaking capital" at all. The streets are empty and you won't find anything that resembles an industry town. Instead of towering corporate headquarters and glass and steel factories, what you'll come across in Glashutte are low-rise buildings that blend in with old townhouses and a low-key street life - in many ways little changed from the original days of the watchmaking industry 160 years ago.


Best to start your tour of the town at the newly opened German Watchmaking Museum. Everything you need to know about the watchmaking tradition of Glashutte can be found here - and in English, too. The beautiful building was once a school of watchmaking established to supply the manpower needs of the booming watchmaking industry at Glashutte.

The various exhibits tell the story in a dynamic and experiential manner. Glashutte's watchmaking tradition can be traced to Ferdinand Adolf Lange (of A.Lange & Sohne fame), a watchmaker from Dresden, who encouraged colleagues to establish a new center for manufacturing pocket watches in this once poor mining town.

The rest is interesting horological history. From backwater to burgeoning watchmaking center, by the end of the 19th century, Glashutte's watch companies had established themselves for technical accuracy and aesthetic beauty. In 1900, the 'Universal Watch' was created by the Glashutte watch company Union - setting the record for the world's most complicated watch.


But both world wars of the 20th century and the economic depression that followed each would bring Glashutte's watch companies to their knees. But even as the Soviet Red Army carted away much of Glashutte's watchmaking machinery, local watchmakers persisted with their craft. The communist East German state would eventually take over the industry and consolidate all watch companies under a single state-owned entity - VEB Glashutter Uhnrenbetriebe (GUB).


All through the 1950's up to the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, GUB would produce excellent mechanical and hand-wound wristwatches still very much in the tradition of Glashutte watchmaking. But, lacking access to overseas markets, capital and advertising savvy, GUB was unable to establish itself as a global brand with an international distribution network. The company survived but was hardly mentioned in watch collecting circles.


All that changed with the reunification of Germany and the eventual take-over of GUB by the Swatch Group. Armed with capital and global reach, the revived brand under the name Glashutte Original would slowly re-establish itself on top of the watchmaking hierarchy. Within the Swatch Group, Glashutte Original is positioned next to elite Swiss brands like Brequet and Blancpain. Even Omega comes after that of Glashutte Original in the Swatch Group hierarchy of prestige brands.

The free market environment after reunification also saw the rise of other premium Glashutte brands like Muhle, Union, Nomos and the elite A. Lange & Sohne - all of which have manufactories just a short walk from each other in the town center. For a watch to bear the name "Glashutte", it needs to fulfill the so-called Glashutte Rule which states that 50% of the value added to the watch movement has to be developed and manufactured in Glashutte itself.


At the Glashutte Original manufactory, standards are even more rigid with more than half of the movement's components made and assembled in-house. What's more, the tools used to make these components are actually made at the manufactory as well. This is how Glashutte watches have always been made since the 1800s and how they continue to be made until today at Original.


Glashutte Original offer a free guided tour of their manufactory complete with access to certain departments where you can view first hand how watch components are made, polished and assembled. The highlight of the tour is at the final assembly department where whole watches come together under the skillful and steady hands of a new generation of Glashutte watchmakers.


We were given access to the Atelier - a restricted area where both limited edition and the most precious timepieces are assembled. Only the most senior and the most talented watchmakers occupy this department. Here, watches are hand-assembled from the ground up. Depending on the complications involved, it could take a watchmaker weeks to assemble a single watch. We saw one watchmaker putting together the extremely delicate movement of the PanoMatic Chrono. On another table, a Sport Evolution Impact Tourbillon was being assembled. These watches belong to the upper range of the Glashutte Original collection because of the time-consuming process required to assemble them and for the precious materials used in making them.


For most people, a watch is simply an instrument for telling time. In Glashutte today, as it has been ever since, watches are much more than just that. All you have to do is look through the sapphire crystal case back to appreciate 160 years of watchmaking tradition. Glashutte watches, you then realize, are works of high art and timepieces for generations to cherish.

Frankfurt Motor Show: TOP PICKS

I know, I know. It's been a full month since the Frankfurt Motor Show and this list is pretty much outdated by now. Still, it's always better to let the euphoria from the Motor Show settle down a bit and produce a list that's free of any lingering hype or influence from the pack of automotive bloggers and journalists doing real-time reporting. With so many cars and acres of showroom floor to cover, these are the automobiles and exhibits that really excited us:

1. The Silicon Valley Upstarts: TESLA and FISKER.


The American auto industry is still very much in the doldrums and the lack of exciting news coming out of Detroit other than that of survival strategies, bail-outs and mergers proves that the Big Three still have along way to go before capturing our imagination once again. But American cars are no longer just those rolling out of Detroit. In Frankfurt, two manufacturers from the US West Coast are leading the revival of the American auto industry with amazingly cool electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

TESLA has been making a lot of headlines recently with their, well, electrifying Roadster - an all electric sports convertible that puts Ferrari and Lamborghini to shame. And we're not just talking about the curvaceous shape of the car, or it's blazing speed (the Roadster accelerates from 0-100 km/h is 3.8 seconds!). What we refer to here is the fact that the Roadster runs entirely on electricity with absolutely zero emission and a maximum range of 700 kilometers!

Yes, the electric vehicle has come of age. Previous EV's were a bit of a joke. Most could only run up to less than 100 kilometers on a full charge and they were either too small (to keep it light) or too weird-looking (a strategy meant to attract non-conformist hard-core environmentalists). TESLA breaks away from EV tradition and offers a legitimate sports car that Ferrari fans would seriously consider. The robust lithium-ion battery pack is fast and easy to charge and light enough not to weigh down the car. And its attractive to boot.

The independent car tuner company, BRABUS, offers the TESLA Roadster Sport BRABUS in a uber-sexy, eco-chic, zero-fuel and zero-emission package with carbon fiber details, integrated daytime running lights, and customizable interior trim. And since electric cars are eerily silent, BRABUS provides a choice of simulated V8 engine sounds to satisfy sports car enthusiasts who just can't live without the engine roar.


The other US manufacturer with something groundbreaking to offer was FISKER. Their production ready Karma and Karma S offer a more practical alternative to TESLA's fully electric technology. FISKER is banking on a Plug-in hybrid system to propel its luxury sports vehicles instead.

Plug-in hybrids have an advantage over EV's. Unlike EV's, they can still run when the battery charge is depleted. A small internal combustion fuel engine on board extends the range of the car when the battery hits its limit. The same engine also recharges the battery simultaneously. This reduces the driver's dependence on finding a charging station during long-distance travel. And although many times cleaner and more efficient than a standard car, the downside of FISKER's Plug-in hybrid is that it does not qualify as a zero-emission and zero-fuel car. However, when it comes to peace of mind in extended driving conditions, the Karma may just be a better alternative to the TESLA Roadster.

2. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.


If only for the most viscerally exciting exhibition hall, BMW deserves to be on this list. We especially enjoyed the indoor track BMW installed which allowed us to view their new models in motion.

But showroom gimmickry aside, BMW's debut models were truly impressive - starting with the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept car they rolled out.

We've seen photos of the concept car a few weeks before the Show, but there's nothing like coming up close to it and literally staring into its futuristic exterior and interior design. It's a bit like the BMW M1 on steroids - but in a nice way. With Gullwing doors and an abundance of curves and tunnels designed to increase its aerodynamic ability, the car sort of reminds you of one of those machines in Transformers. Well, the photo tells the story better than any words could even if the brochure says that the sports coupe can run up to 250 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.


Speed, however is only one of its many strenghts. The Plug-in hybrid concept vehicle is where BMW wants to take its EfficientDynamics program in the next decade - with average fuel consumption rated at 3.76 liters/100 kilometers and CO2 emissions as low as 50 grams per kilometer. BMW was able to achieve this combination of speed and efficiency with the power of three drive units - a three cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and full hybrid system in the rear. Over-all output is an impressive 356 Hp and torque is rated at 800 Nm.

But that's not where the next generation EfficientDynamics concept ends. A combination of ultra-lightweight materials, a lower center of gravity, advanced tire design plus a host of other aerodynamic features makes the BMW concept vehicle a true car of the future.


Best of all, some of these advances in vehicle design have already turned up in BMW's new model range launched in Frankfurt: from the Active Hybrid 7 Series and Active Hybrid X6 SAV to the conventional X1 compact SAV and category-bending 5 Series Gran Turismo.

4. AUDI e-tron Concept.


It's interesting to see just how quickly the German automakers are catching up in the race for dominance of the electric future. Just a few years ago, the same German manufacturers looked at the market for EV's and hybrid vehicles as a micro-niche hardly worth competing in. For them, the German tradition of powerful and dynamic fuel-driven cars was simply incompatible with automobiles running on energy off the electricity grid.

Well, not anymore. Even Audi, which made a name for itself with fuel-sipping, performance-oriented Turbo-diesel engines, is going full-throttle into electric car territory with its e-tron concept vehicle.

Curiously, AUDI seems to have taken a page out of the TESLA book and leapfrogs the whole internal combustion idea found in Plug-in hybrids. Instead Audi installed a pure electric drive system for this high-performance sports car. Taking its trademark Quattro concept a step further, four motors, two each in front and in the rear axles, will produce 313 hp and propel the e-tron 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. The fully charged lithium-ion battery found in the e-tron can power the electric drive system to a maximum range of 248 kilometers.

For the superficial among us, the e-tron is handsome and takes design cues from the AUDI R8 super car - updated, of course, to include a new grille design, air intakes, LED lights, lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum panels and more curves in the right places for reduced drag and maximum efficiency.

For now, the e-tron is just a concept car and could take many years until a version of it can be found in showrooms.

4. Mercedes-Benz "Gullwing" SLS AMG and SLS AMG eDrive Concept.


If this were a year ago, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG would have been the undisputed star of the Motor Show. But, this is 2009, and climate change, unpredictable gas prices and the financial crisis have conspired against new car models that don't quite qualify as "green". Still, there's no denying that the new Mercedes Benz SLS AMG sports coupe is a stunner worth every bit of the lavish attention car enthusiasts are giving it.

What's working for this "conventional" gas-slurping sports car is one of the most classically beautiful designs of the year. It's so stunning - it's hard not to stare and slide your hand across its smooth and curvaceous body. Mercedes Benz designers stayed away from the cliche futuristic mold and opted for a more pure and classic design reminiscent of the legendary SL Class roadsters of the 60's. Yes, even the Gullwing doors have been revived.

The SLS AMG goes beyond classy styling and offers credible super sports car performance with an AMG-tuned 6.3 liter V8 engine that produces 571 hp and torque of 650 Nm. An aerodynamic design coupled with a lightweight aluminum space-frame bodyshell significantly improves the power to weight ratio for faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds!) and better fuel economy.

But here's the good news: soon, the SLS AMG will also come in a zero-emission, fully electric eDrive version driven by four electric motors attached close to the wheels for power and speed very similar to the conventional SLS AMG. Like AUDI, Mercedes Benz is doing away with the hybrid concept for its flagship sports car and putting its money on a battery-powered electric drive system.

5. Mini turns 50.



It's hard to believe that a car that looks this young is actually turning 50! More so when you think that most owners are probably nowhere near the half-century mark. Thanks to clever advertising, marketing and product design, the Mini will never, ever, seem old.

Even more spectacular when you consider the history of the brand is the fact that what was once a "people's car"- a car for the British working class - is today a sought-after lifestyle vehicle in the premium class segment. (The comical Mr. Bean wouldn't have been able to afford the Mini at today's prices).


And so the journey from humble sub-compact car to lifestyle icon continues with an exciting future for the Mini up ahead. At Frankfurt, the BMW subsidiary unveiled its Mini Coupe and Roadster Concept to predicyable praise from the singles and empty-nesters that form its core customer base. Though not exactly technologically groundbreaking, the Coupe and Roadster Concept cars are a step forward in terms of Design for Mini. Design, after all, is the strongest point of Mini and any new tweak introduced is always considered as some kind of breakthrough for fans.

Mini is also commemorating its 50th year by rolling out an eco-friendly diesel-engine variant to complement its existing line of plug-in electric Mini E cars. Now that's something to celebrate.

Munich Top Picks

Everyone is talking about how hip and cool Berlin is. But Munich? Well, we often associate the Bavarian capital with images of the Oktoberfest, beer halls and lederhosen. In other words - pretty uncool. Touristy, in fact. No, make that octogenarian tourist trap. You know, the silver haired types that spend their retirement money on bus tours and cruises across equally aging European cities.

Well, at least that's what most travelers think of Munich. But, they're dead wrong. Admittedly, Berlin may be where much of the current action is, but Munich will surprise you with its own sophisticated arts and design scene - not to mention a lovely and livable cityscape. One of my favorite magazines, Monocle, has consistently ranked Munich as not only one of the most livable cities in the world - but also one of the most culturally satisfying. Even the snobbishly hip Wallpaper magazine seems to agree - pointing to Munich's cutting edge design scene as one reason for the city's popularity with young creatives.

On the ground, there's little of that Bavarian stereotype we hear so much about. In Munich, the image of the overly serious and obsessively precise German personality isn't as evident as it is elsewhere in the Western half of the country. Locals like to think of their Munchen as the most northerly of Italian cities. Indeed, there's a certain joie de vivre palpable in the shopping boulevards (which stay open later than most German cities), street-side cafes and general street culture. But unlike many Italian cities, Munich is clean, safe and works just perfectly. Truly, there's a reason why a poll of most Germans reveal that Munich is the one city where they would prefer to live and work. Having the lovely Bavarian Alps just a short car ride away is, of course, a bonus.

Top Picks:

Street Culture.


Once again, Munich's lively street culture smashes all stereotypes of the lonely, serious German. It could be osmosis. Bavaria is the state closest to Northern Italy and travel and migration between the two regions over the centuries may have contributed to Munich's la dolce vita tendencies.

The Bavarian kings and princes borrowed heavily from their Italian neighbors in the South. Italian renaissance, baroque and rococo style are employed in most of the buildings and landmarks in and around the historic center. Most notable in the churches of Munich. The two Italian renaissance onion dome towers of the main cathedral, the Frauenkirche, are one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Old Town.


The city center is easy to get around by foot or bicycle. For a region that produces some of the world's best cars, you won't see many of them zipping around the Old Town. The preferred mode of transport is by tram, foot or bike. This keeps the city air clean and the street culture buzzing. Indeed, when the sun is out, it's hard to keep locals from strolling, shopping and slowing down in a street side cafe. No coincidence perhaps that there are more Italian restaurants, gelaterias and cafes here than in any other German city.

Historic Munich.


One must always be reminded that many parts of Munich were flattened by Allied bombs at the tail-end of World War II. This means much of what we see today is actually restored or even recreated from scratch. Still, the city breathes history and the many grand buildings continue to tell Munich's story as the once proud Bavarian capital that until only the 18th century became part of the German nation-state.


Most walking tours begin at the Odeonplatz surrounded by the beautiful baroque Theatinerkirche and the imposing Feldernhalle, the Military Commander's hall built to pay tribute to generations of Bavarian military leaders.

The sprawling Residenz, the Bavarian royal residence, is just across from the square. Today, the Residenz serves as a repository of fine art and artifacts and a venue theater performances. The grand complex is a splendid mix of renaissance, baroque, rococo and neo-classical styles, perhaps the best in the country.

Rest your heels at any one of the park benches or outdoor cafes at the beautiful Hofgarten just outside the Residenz. The 17th century Italian-style court garden is laid out with colorful flowerbeds and beautiful fountains.


When in Munich, try to get tickets to a classical concert or opera performance at the historic Nationaltheater. This is one of the most important opera houses in the world with Richard Wagner choosing to premiere five of his own at this theater. Today, it is home to the Bavarian State Opera, one of the best opera companies in Europe.

Another Old Town favorite is the Marienplatz, the town square where much of Munich's civic life continues to be played out. The town square is bordered by some of the most important buildings and churches in the city including the neo-gothic New Town Hall Neues Rathaus.


Apart from the intricate facade, the New Town Hall features a favorite tourist attraction - Munich's lovable Glockenspiel. Two times a day, life-sized figures of Bavarian history dance to four different tunes from 43 bells that chime and clang. It's undeniably touristy but fun nevertheless.

Modern Design.


It's easy to be taken in by the charm of Munich's past, but if you want to experience a more authentic side of the city - you're better of visiting the many modern art museums and architectural icons around town.

Not too far from the Old Town is a complex of buildings and squares where Munich's museums stand. Just across the world-famous Alte Pinakothek (said to be on par with New York's Met and Paris' Louvre) is the Pinakothek der Moderne. German industrial design and architecture is one of the most sophisticated and influential in the world and the museum pays tribute to icons of contemporary German architecture and design.


The newly-opened Brandhorst Museum nearby is in itself a work of art. The abstract art facade of colorful steel, wood and glass houses the collections of contemporary artists such as Cy Twombley, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

All across town are equally fascinating examples of modern architecture. There are just too many to count so if time is of the essence, head to the main attractions like the Herzog and De Meuron masterpiece Allianz Arena. The stadium was built for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and greets all those coming from and going to the Munich Airport (another architectural jewel).


A detour from the same highway takes you to the just completed BMW Welt which sits across the much older but just as iconic twin structures of the "4-cylinder" BMW Global Headquarters and BMW Museum.


The tornado and wave inspired glass and steel structure is more than just an architectural icon, it is every brand marketer's dream. Apart from the all the revolutionary design techniques and materials used, the entire structure pays homage to Bavaria's most recognized home-grown brand: BMW. It's a if the whole place was built by the guys in the marketing department. In it, you breathe, touch and experience the BMW brand and everything it stands for: joy, dynamism and cutting edge technology. BMW Welt is also a delivery facility where buyers can drive off with their new cars literally straight off the assembly line located in the BMW plant across the street.

The BMW Museum.


It's a bit embarrassing to have spent more time in a museum dedicated to cars then in those for art. But, when you think about it, BMW cars are, one can argue, works of art rather than mere mass-produced objects that get you from one place to another.

Not only is the museum structure and interiors - updated to house the marque's growing legacy of cars - architecturally impressive, it's the design of the cars themselves that make you feel like you're walking through a genuine museum of modern art.


Truly, you don't have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy the exhibit. (In fact, most car-junkies may be turned off by the whole museum lay-out, silence and feel). But you'll at least have to appreciate modern design to want to navigate the many levels and rooms dedicated to BMW's interpretation of industrial art.

Indeed, you can skip the rooms that pay tribute to BMW's origins and sporting history and head straight to the exhibits where BMW's most beautifully designed cars are. Beginning with the room for design icons like the BMW 328 "Mille Miglia".


The BMW 328 was way ahead of its time and the legendary model deserves all the attention the museum gives it. With a futuristic aerodynamic body and quick (for its time) engine, the 328 made history as the fastest car of its time and grand champion of the prestigious Italian Mille Miglia (1,000 mile) race. It remains one of the most captivating race cars ever built.


Apart from fast cars, BMW also built a reputation for beautiful cars. Right beside the 328 stands another design icon - the BMW 3.0 CSl . The six cylinder beauty would still look desirable on today's roads and that's why it's one of the automobile manufacturer's more collectible cars. The BMW design DNA is much more evident on this model - the aggressive "shark" front end and grille, double headlamps, distinctive C-Pillar and taut lines all throughout. One reason for the success of BMW is their ability to produce designs that are future-proof.


As sexy as the 3.0 CSl is, nothing quite compares with the BMW roadsters in the adjoining exhibit floor - especially the BMW 507. Considered to be the most beautiful BMW ever built, it's probably the most beautiful car ever built. This car achieved top speeds in excess of 200 km/h with its advanced alloy V8 engine. Only 253 units were built between 1955 and 1959 making the 507 one of the most collectible cars of all time.


Two other cars stand out for their original and revolutionary designs: the cute BMW Isetta and the perky 2002 Ti. The cheap, ultra-compact, motorcycle engine-propelled Isetta may look a bit out of place among BMW's luxury cars and road racers, but this best-selling people's car pulled BMW out of oblivion after the second world war and turned it into a household name. The retro design of this so-called "bubble car" makes the Austin Mini and the Volkswagen Beetle look a bit staid.


The joy of owning and driving a BMW really comes across with the quick, colorful and personalized 2002 Ti model. The car was offered in colors like hot orange and came with extra driving lamps and a range of accessories. Clearly, the age of the individual had arrived and the 2002 Ti was BMW's answer to the boring mass-produced cars that were coming out of assembly lines in America and Europe.

Once again, it's hard to imagine spending so much time in a museum dedicated not only to cars - but to a single car manufacturer at that. That is, until you come up close and personal with some of the most beautiful and groundbreaking cars in the world.

2009 BMW 7 Series Unveiled

The Philippines is one of the last Asian countries to launch BMW's flagship executive saloon and there's a lot of catching up for Asian Carmakers Corporation - the exclusive distributors of BMW vehicles in the country.

It doesn't help that the new BMW 7 Series looks very much like the previous generation model. Not that the older 7 Series wasn't attractive. It is. It's just that with only subtle modifications to the exterior of the car, buyers have little incentive to upgrade or trade-in in a hurry. At least, this what this writer said in a previous entry after looking at photos of the latest generation 7 Series on line. But, having seen the BMW 750li variant in person at BMW's launch at the Shangri-la Makati, I'm no longer sure my previous comments apply.


For one, up close the new design of the 7 Series gives the car a more imposing character. The subtle changes provide an equally subtle - almost subliminal - personality makeover. The car just seems longer, wider, more robust and powerful. The flat and stretched side profile give the 5th generation 7 Series that classic luxury limousine silhouette. This, after all, is a car for tycoons and heads-of-state so it better look like one. However, stodgy and conservative it's not. The 7 Series retains sporty design cues in the front and rear ends without awkwardly crossing over into sports car territory.

If the changes are subtle on the outside - the changes are much more radical under the hood. There's a lot of cutting-edge technology that appear for the first time in a BMW (and in the premium car segment). Most impressive is the application of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. Simply put: more powerful engines with far better fuel efficiency. For example, the V8 direct injection Twin Turbo of the 750li is capable of the output of a V12 engine (407 hp), but burns about the same fuel as an eight cylinder. Lightweight construction and aluminum panels also add to the fuel economy of the 7 Series. Surely, a person who buys a car that costs over 10 Million php isn't thinking of economy, but it's just the responsible thing to have even if fuel cost is not an issue.


7 Series buyers are of course looking for the highest levels of luxury and passenger comfort and not just a list of technological innovations and sporty credentials. More so since most of these buyers spend most of the time in the backseat and will hardly ever get to drive the car themselves. Well, its precisely interior comfort and luxury where the 7 Series excels. To name a few options: atmospheric lighting, airconditioned seating and a separate rear iDrive Controller for manipulating the rear entertainment system that includes two 9.2 inch LCD monitors for separate viewing or web browsing pleasure. All this plus impeccable leather, wood and ceramic trim in the interiors. And in the long-wheel based 750li there's an unbelievable amount of space in the rear compartment.


At this price point, other flagship models from Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Audi and Lexus come close in terms of technology and comfort. Indeed, feature for feature, the competition is very similar. Which is why it all comes down to the brand promise and experience. With the latest generation model, the sporty but luxurious 7 Series should keep BMW loyalists away from straying into both the S-Class or the compelling Lexus LS territory.

A Private Session with IWC's Legendary Watchmaker

Kurt Klaus was in town. Okay. He's not exactly a household name, but for watch connoisseurs and IWC collectors, Klaus is to haute horlogerie as, say, Sting is to pop music. Revered, respected and, yes, iconic.

So you could imagine the excitement when we received an invitation from Lucerne Philippines to sit in with Kurt Klaus for a private tutorial in watchmaking. After all, we were promised an intimate hands-on one-on-one and not some quickie interview or press conference like what usually happens when some big-wig from Switzerland flies into town.


If you still don't know (and frankly, I didn't until more research), Klaus is one of the most senior watchmakers of IWC, a man credited with some of the most exciting innovations including the revolutionary IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar. This watch featured an automatic chronograph movement with an entirely new type of programmed perpetual calendar that would last for the next 500 years. The movement was so successful with both collectors and the industry press that it was adopted in the IWC Portuguese flagship wristwatch. It's one of the few times that IWC has been able to out-innovate its older Swiss rivals and in honor of Klaus' achievement he continues to be called the "Spiritual Father" of the Da Vinci. (A limited edition of the Da Vinci has his face etched onto the back of the watch).


Impressed? So was I. So you could imagine the nervousness as my private lesson in assembling a mechanical watch was about to begin. The watch we worked on was a vintage IWC mechanical pocket watch. A smart choice since a much smaller watch would have been too difficult to work on for a beginner like me. Under Klaus' guiding hand the task turned out to be both interesting and surprisingly simple. (Of course, we only worked on the easier movements). You don't really appreciate the miracle of mechanical timepieces until you assemble all the miniature pieces that make up one.



I suppose this was the real intention of IWC. Up close and personal with the inner working of their watches with the help of the company's legendary master makes you realize why mechanical watches are so precious, collectible and, yes, utterly beautiful.

(IWC is distributed exclusively by Lucerne Philippines. The IWC boutique is located at Greenbelt 5, Makati.)

OLD SCHOOL: A Source Guide for Clothing and Accessories

It's good to see Old School making a comeback in Manila. I've always been fascinated with photographs of the old city - that is before it was devastated by American bombs and Japanese cruelty during the liberation of the city in World War II. Quite simply, it was the most glamorous city in Southeast Asia - and the men and women of the capital's elite dressed the part. It was a time of gentlemanly fashion - tropical suits, panama hats, wing tipped two-toned lace-ups and walking sticks. Think Commonwealth President Manuel L Quezon and you know what I mean.

Fast forward to the present - to baseball caps, oversized shirts and sneakers. Not that there's anything wrong with dressing down. Indeed, dressing comfortably is only practical in a tropical climate like Manila's. In fact, dressing simply is considered the socially conscientious thing to do in a developing country like the Philippines. Put another way, however, dressing down ought not to be the opposite of dressing up. After all, a man's choice of clothes and his manner of dress reflect more than just his station in life. A man's style, regardless of cost, is much better indicator of his sense of self-dignity and his respect for others he comes into contact. Thank goodness all isn't lost in today's generation of men. Despite the lure of mass-produced casual wear, there is a loyal tribe of gentlemen who continue to hang on to the dress codes of many decades past. For those who are still enamored with the sartorial elegance and dressing rituals of our grandfather's age - here is a shortlist of places in the city where handcrafted and bespoke clothing and accessories can still be sourced.

AC +632


Walking into this elegant shop in Greenbelt 5 is like inserting oneself in a Proustian novel. Indeed, Remembrance of Things Past could very well have been an alternate name for this store. Instead, the creative partners behind the shop opted for Manila's area code - even if there's very little on sale that reminds one of a city that used to be called the Pearl of the Orient.

There's a delightful mix of European vintage (mostly French-inspired) and modern Asian pieces but for the gentleman seeking to replicate his ancestor's style the best place to start is with the Panama hats. AC +632 stocks authentic Panama hats - that is, straw hats actually handcrafted and handwoven in Ecuador. That's right, Ecuador not Panama. The hat got its name when prominent men like Teddy Roosevelt were seen wearing the once obscure tropical headgear during the much publicized construction and opening of the Panama Canal in the 1900s. Photographs of the president seen on the day's newspapers and newsreels set off a fad for "Panama" hats and the rest is fashion history.

The Panama hat has withstood the test of time and trends because it's an extremely practical piece to own. Both the quality of the local straw and the meticulous handwoven technique by Ecuadorian craftsmen and women make the hat virtually impervious to sun and rain. Best of all, the hat can be collapsed and twisted for portability and storage without losing its original shape.

The Panama hat is perhaps the most recognizable fashion accessory in antique photographs of colonial Asia and Latin America. In the Philippines, both a local version and the original Central American were worn by gentlemen before World War II. It's hard to understand why this tradition was abandoned considering the practicality of a lightweight, breathable and weatherproof hat like the Panama.

Another accessory popular with gentlemen of the past is the classic two-tone Wing Tip shoe. AC +632 and local designer George Gobio have collaborated to bring back the old all-leather classic - complete with a "Made in P.I." etching on the sole just like the originals worn by our fathers and grandfathers. Unlike the Panama hat, these shoes may seem a bit odd when worn on the street. But they make for a great pair for those with confidence in their fashion sense. They're actually quite stunning to look at - especially with slim and slightly cropped pants (bitin). In fact, it's a pair that would look perfectly at home in a Paul Smith catalog.

AC +632 pays homage to both the old-fashioned gentleman and the modern dandy with other accessories like bow ties, cuff links and traditional walking sticks. These items may have lost their practical use in today's comfort and convenience-obsessed street style but they definitely provide any gentleman willing to use them with a level of elegance that is all but lost in this age.

ASCOT CHANG


We first came across this bespoke shirtmaker in a previous trip to Hong Kong. Ascot Chang is one of the many Shanghai tailors that were forced to move south from the mainland after Mao's communists took over China. But while Hong Kong is full of legendary traditional tailoring shops only Ascot Chang has been able to build a global brand name and establish branches in cities like Los Angeles and New York.

The Ascot Chang philosophy is simple: to make the best shirts. What is not simple, however, is making a perfect shirt for our very imperfect bodies. For Ascot Chang, the secret starts with getting the measurements right. This means you need to have yourself measured in person by their tailors. Of course, all tailors require this, but for Ascot Chang, only their most senior tailors are fit for the job. They go beyond measuring the usual body dimensions and compensate for your lifestyle. Often overlooked is the fact that we sit as much as we stand. Because of this simple reality the tailor needs to provide extra room where the stomach extends when we sit. Otherwise, you may end up exposing your belly button to the public.

Another simple fact often overlooked is the type of watch we wear. Once again, the tailor gives extra room in the cuff for those times you decide to wear that oversized pilot's watch or diver's chronograph.

The next step is usually the hardest part for the customer: choosing from an endless set of shapes and sizes of collars, cuffs and pockets. And, yes, another set of designs for your personal hand-stitched monograph (my favorite part). On top of this, you'll also need to choose from what is literally hundreds of fabrics and designs.


Ascot Chang carry a wall full of catalogs containing samples of shirt fabrics that range from exclusive Swiss sea-island cotton to Italian and British varieties. It can get a bit confusing choosing from at least ten shades of what look like the exact same color of blue or pink. In the end, go with a fabric and design that won't go out of style as the price per shirt can reach hundreds of dollars once the cloth and tailoring services are totaled.

When you're done choosing - your measurements, style preferences and choice of fabric are then communicated to Ascot Chang's main shop in Hong Kong for at least a week's work before being shipped back to your pick-up point of choice. Lucky for us, the Ascot Chang branch in Makati Shangri-la Hotel is the only other branch outside of China and the USA so waiting for your crisp, handcrafted, bespoke shirts should never take too long.

KING PHILIP


Unlike in Europe and in the USA, having your suits and shirts made by a tailor in the Philippines is often accompanied by a suppressed giggle. Maybe its because of showbiz personalities like German Moreno (a.k.a. Kuya Germs - a popular TV host in the Philippines) who would famously thank their tailors on air for what would always be outrageously unfashionable suits. Or it could simply be 'colonial mentality' - the penchant for putting down locally made in favor of foreign brands. Whatever it was that made us laugh at the term "haberdashery" or made us squirm when we were sent to the tailor for a suit for the prom, all that is now changing as we become more aware that the bespoke suits of Savile Row turn out to be far more desirable and, indeed, more fashionable, than a ready to wear suit from even the likes of Armani or Hugo Boss.

Its not that Filipino tailors aren't good at what they do. They just lack the marketing savvy of the foreign RTW brands. Since the 80's - foreign designer brands were what most of us desired. And, despite more evidence to the contrary readily available in magazines and the web, the obsession with RTW Zegna, Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren suits continues unabated. Not that these brands aren't worthy of their status - they often are. The problem is not with their quality - the problem is with their shapes and sizes. Simply put: their suits are made for Caucasian body frames.


I've seen many a Zegna suit sent to a tailor for major alterations. So many alterations in fact that it's hard to recognize the original at all. Too bad since all one really has to do is match good quality fabric with a consistently good local tailoring shop to get a suit as good or even better than an Ermenegildo Zegna or Hugo Boss number.

A good place to start is King Philip. I find the branch in Arnaiz avenue in Makati the most organized and the one with the best selection of cloth. King Philip belongs to the Shanghai school of tailoring similar to those you find all over Hong Kong. And like many local shops in HK and India, the interiors are unpretentious - and have that textile warehouse feel. The service is straightforward and the "maestros" or master tailors are never chatty. This is old-school macho stuff without the annoying flamboyant style of most couturiers.

The downside of this minimalist service philosophy is that you can't expect the tailors or staff to explain the intricacies of the fabrics or the latest styles and cuts in suits. That will have to be your job. My advice is to come prepared with the kind of fabric you want and the style and cut of suit you desire. As for fabric, don't let the spartan interiors fool you. King Philip carry a wide variety of cloth to choose from - including very exclusive (and expensive) wool and cashmere from the UK and Italy.

The best thing about bespoke services like that offered by King Philip is that you can have as many fittings as you want until the suit fits you perfectly. RTW suits may look great on the rack but they will never be able to adjust to your imperfect body. On the other hand, a tailor preparing a bespoke suit will be able to adjust and compensate for normal problems like uneven shoulders, a pot belly or a flat bottom.

There are other tailoring shops that are also worth checking out. Hampshire Place on the ground floor of Shangri-la Hotel Edsa is simple but elegant and the proprietor has impeccable taste just in case you aren't confident of your own and need advice.

At the upper price range, Ermenegildo Zegna at Rustan's Makati is probably the best. They offer bespoke services but you have to set an appointment as the Italian tailor from Zegna Singapore visits only two to three times a year.

MONTBLANC



Another Old School accessory that hasn't gone out of style is the fountain pen. No matter how impractical they sometime seem, fountain pens have a way of transforming the simple act of writing or signing your name into an art form.

Unlike most modern ballpoint pens, the flow of ink from the nib of a good fountain pen glides efforlessly. From a utilitarian point of view, this makes your writing more legible - with less gaps in between letters. From a more emotional perspective, your writing seems more attractive, more elegant. Not to mention the tactile feel of a well made pen in your hands and fingers. The sensation produces less fatigue on the hand and wrists - but only if its a truly good pen you're using. For this, a personal favorite comes to mind: Montblanc. Undeniably, the most exquisite fountain pen makers in the market today.

There's more to the appeal of Montblanc aside from great marketing and celebrity endorsements. You have to feel it in your hands to understand the hype around this pen. For one, balance. The pen just feels so good and solid in your hand. Another reason is the quality of the nib - probably the single most important part of the pen. Forget the collector's editions and the bling of the more exotic Montblanc pens, even the basic Meisterstruck line will give you the ultimate writing experience. That's because the real star in every Montblanc pen is the nib which lets the ink flow so flawlessly and consistently onto the paper.

You don't have to own a Montblanc to enjoy the ancient beauty of writing or calligraphy - most good fountain pens can do it for less the cost. But if its pride of ownership you want and an intantly recognizable symbol of sophistication - go for a Montblanc. You won't regret it.

OFFICINA PROFUMO FARMACEUTICA di SANTA MARIA NOVELLA


Last on the list is a set of beauty products for men unashamed of describing one another as beautiful. There was a time when men and women had equal standards for grooming but somehow and somewhere in some century women left us men behind.

Santa Maria Novella from Florence was established at around the time that physical and sensual beauty was being rediscovered as a natural human need - and not just a divine state. When the guilt and self-denial of the medieval age was replaced by the self-awareness and worldliness of the Renaissance, the elites of Italy and Europe turned to newly discovered perfumes, oils and medicinal products to satisfy their new-found vanity. Indeed, in an age when running water in homes was still unheard of and the humble soap bar had still be to be invented, the herbal perfume products of the Sta. Maria Novella Monastery were nothing short of revolutionary.


From monastic pharmacy in the 1200s to modern day apothecary, the products of Sta Maria Novella retain the essence of its proud past. In a way, it doesn't get any more Old School than this. In fact, today's Eau de Cologne can be traced to the Farmeceutica di Sta Maria Novella. Cologne in Germany was where the producer of the bespoke Acqua della Regina perfume for Catherine of Medici moved and so his creation was named after his new residence.

The product line available in Rustan's is updated to comply with modern health standards but all retain the ancient procedures originated by the medieval monks and all still use natural raw materials - herbs and oils - most of them grown on the hills surrounding Florence.

What is refreshing is the absence of anything industrial or chemical in both the ingredients and smells of the products. Instead of artificial fragrances concocted in some outsourced laboratory, the colognes all smell of the natural flowers and herbs they were extracted from - rose, carnation, magnolia and iris - to name a few.

Traditional shaving products will also appeal to many men who still enjoy the slow rituals of trimming facial hair the old way - with brush and shaving soap. But mostly, its the body soaps that are irresistible. Not just for their traditional Florentine paper packaging - but for their natural fragrance and natural milky sensuality.

Being practical and modern is no excuse for being shabby and sloppy. Good grooming, well-tailored clothes and elegant style are just as timely today as they were in the past. The great thing is a few good stores and brands are still around to remind us that Old School will never go out of style.

UPDATED. Off the beaten track in the Philippines: CAMSUR Top Picks.

CamSur is shorthand for Camarines Sur. The young governor of this Southern province of Luzon in the Philippines figured the new name would be more marketable among a younger generation of travelers. Smart move. The province of Camarines Sur is in Bicol - one of the most calamity-prone and one of the poorest regions in the Southeast Asian country. Googling the old name will most likely turn up a depressing list of facts and incidents that run counter to the revitalized image the provincial government wants to project.

The CAMSUR Watersports Complex

There's a reason why young travelers and extreme sports enthusiasts are being targeted. The province has been investing and continues to spend on tourism infrastructure precisely meant to attract young and extreme water sports enthusiasts. The CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Pili is already a magnet for wake-boarders this side of the Pacific ocean. (The Australian Wake Magazine even calls it the "Best Cable Park in the World").

The CWC was built around a man-made lake and features facilities for wakeboarding, water skiing, beach volleyball, skateboarding and is also a popular place for all day partying. The real attraction though is the state of the art cable skiing system where skiers and wakeboarders are pulled by an overhead cable suspended 8-12 meters above the water which runs around the lake. Instead of using a speed boat to pull skiers the CWC opted for a more environmentally friendly way of doing it. Cool.

(Update) Those who prefer more conventional water sports have a much bigger playground with the Lago del Rey. Like the cable park nearby, Lago del Rey is manmade. But unlike the cable park, Lago del Rey was built to accommodate practically any water sport you can imagine. For now, its a magnet for children whonaturally gravitate to the cute giant inflatables and boating facilities. Around Lago is a jogging and biking track for those who prefer to stay on terra firma.

Because the CWC is located far from most tourist facilities, the provincial government decided to build hotel accommodations and a dining hall right within the complex grounds. Considering the target market (kids!), It's a surprise to see upscale facilities. In fact, luxury travelers won't be disappointed at all by the Villa del Rey Villas. The villas are all in the trendy Modern Filipino Tropical style and they come with spacious private gardens and personal outdoor tubs. The rooms are huge and are all tastefully decorated while the toilets and baths are outfitted with high quality fixtures. (T&B's are my gauge of quality when it comes to hotels).

It's hard to believe that the villas are actually run by the provincial government - although service is typically laid back and uneven, but that didn't stop me from enjoying my stay. It's a small price to pay considering that villas start at 110 USD per night. The private garden and personal gazebo alone is worth it. (Update: as of July, 2009, the Villa de Rey Villas are closed for some much needed renovation. Many of the hardwood floorboards and wooden accents haven't weathered well in the province's humidity so word is that cement will be used where wood isn't practical).

There's a bit of that trickle down effect for budget conscious travelers. The nearby Villa del Rey Cabanas are scaled down versions of the Villas. Although not as luxurious, cabanas are clean and well-appointed. For 28 USD a night it's a steal especially since it's a short walk away from the cable park.

But the real budget deal is the Villa del Rey Trailer Homes. It's actually bigger and better than it sounds. Built from the shell of a container (as in, container van) they are surprisingly comfortable and seem entirely liveable over long periods of time. In fact, these were built with long-time visitors in mind so each trailer comes with a choice of one or two bedrooms, a kitchenette, bathroom and a private deck to chill under the stars. Prices per night begin at 22 USD! No wonder some guests never leave.

During peak season it's difficult to find a room in any price category. To address this shortage, 100 new pinewood cabins were recently completed. In terms of price and level of luxury the wood cabins slot between the Villa del Rey Villas and the cheaper Cabanas. They come in three sizes - small, medium and large - with space depending on your family or group size. All three varieties are comfortable and clean. They are better suited for guests that only use the cabin for washing up and sleeping. As of this writing there were no television sets or wi-fi facilities. On the upside, the beds are comfortable and there's strong water pressure in the bathroom. When you think about it, this is pretty much all that guests with an active lifestyle require.

The downside? Well, if sports isn't your thing, there isn't much else to do. And because the facilities are run entirely by the local government, there are questions about sustainability. The young governor who envisioned all this has one term left in office and we can only hope that his successor build on his success rather than tear down his legacy.

However even non-fans of watersports won't be able to resist the carnivalesque atmosphere that young and active travelers from all over the world and the Philippines bring to the complex. And although the CWC isn't close to any major attractions, it isn't that far either. With few, if any, upscale resorts in the province, the CWC is a good base for day trips around the province for bird or dolphin watching and treks to the magnificent Mt. Isarog nature reserve. Even the legendary Mayon Volcano in Albay province next door is only a few hours away.

Volun-Tourism

The guys at The Lonely Planet predict a surge in community tourism as younger travelers look for more meaningful experiences off the tourist trail. In the Philippines, there is no shortage of places where travelers can integrate with the local community. Provincial Filipinos are such open-minded and open-hearted people and that makes foreigners and even big-city Filipinos feel right at home so quickly. And while community tourism has been happening for many decades now, it's a largely unorganized phenomenon.

CamSur and the Gawad Kalinga Foundation are pioneering organized and marketable community tourism using the villages of relocated squatters as a backdrop for curious travelers and hardcore volunteers alike to experience provincial life untouched by tourism gimmicks. What the visitor sees is both the unfortunate yet often noble face of poverty in the countryside. Surely, it isn't as raw as it all seems. Gawad Kalinga Villages are clean and crime-free havens due to a high level of organization and accountability within the community. Still, the feeling of community spirit - what locals call bayanihan - is palpable and refreshing. Often even more so than the beautiful landscape before you.

Two Gawad Kalinga villages in CamSur have launched what they call the GK Bed & Breakfast services. Basically, its for outsiders wanting to experience life from the inside. My favorite is the B&B located in Iriga. Two houses at the top-most part of the hillside and with the best views of Mt. Iriga and the CamSur countryside were set aside as B&B's. The facilities are basic but comfortable and there's clean running water all day. Designated villagers will take care of you and even provide your meals for a negotiated fee. The Iriga village has its own organic vegetable patch so fresh produce is always assured. But, the one reason why you'll enjoy your stay here is the people. they're always willing to strike up a conversation and even invite you into their homes. It's one of those really emotional experiences: when people with so little in life have so much to offer a stranger.

As of this writing, an overnight stay at the Iriga B&B is 350 pesos per head. You'll need to (and insist on) paying extra for local villagers to help out in the cooking and washing. Here's a tip: pick your own organic vegetables from the village farm and take them to Aling Norma (there's only one Aling Norma) for cooking. She makes a delicious laing using organic camoteng-kahoy leaves cooked in local coconut milk and siling labuyo - Bicolano chilis.


Caramoan Islands

It's ironic that the French public were first to know about the Caramoan Islands. Even ahead of most Filipinos. The group of Islands were chosen by the producers of the French Survivor program as the backdrop for the popular reality TV series. But if not for them, the provincial government would not have been able to fund the resort infrastructure now in place. So, all is forgiven.

It turns out that the reason behind CamSur's best kept secret is simple: an inaccessible location. Like most jaw-droppingly beautiful but impossibly remote spots in the Philippines, the Caramoan islands were once a secret among local fishermen with pump boats and tycoons with helicopters and yachts. Backpackers were the first foreigners to explore Caramoan as only hardcore adventurers would have had the patience and courage to make the long journey across the coast by pump boat through mostly unchartered territory.

Today the CamSur tourism office is pushing Caramoan as an alternative to the increasingly crowded and overpriced beach destinations of Cebu and Boracay in the Philippines. Although there are a few family-run resthouses scattered around the peninsula, only the Gota Village on Gota beach qualifies as a resort.


Getting there is still for the more adventurous and patient among us. It's an hour's drive from the airport to the seaport after which you'll need to board a speed boat to the tip of the Caramoan peninsula where the resort is located. The speed boat ride could take up to two hours depending on wind conditions but unless you suffer from extreme motion sickness, the airconditioned ride is a great opportunity to view the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful Mayon Volcano in the distance. It's even possible to see dolphins racing into the open sea.

The dozens of cabanas of the Gota Village Resort were originally built to house the production crew of the French Survivor program but have since been converted into a quaint village-like resort complex. Each one is made of freshly cut pine wood and resemble Swiss log cabins more than tropical villas. Which is okay because I love the smell of pine.

The airconditioned and cable-ready cabins are small but space is utilized wisely so much so that it doesn't feel cramped. The resort has its own restaurant with an international menu which a Manila-based chef supervises for quality control. The local seafood is always fresh and you can have the staff pack a picnic lunch in case you want to dine in any one of the islands surrounding Caramoan. (Update). As of this writing, the Gota Village resort is closed to accommodate the Serbian crew of Survivor. (Before the Serbs, the resort was used by the Israeli and Bulgarian Survivor TV crew). After filming, the resort will be refurbished and reopened later in 2009.

In the meantime, visitors to Caramoan can look forward to the opening of a far more luxurious resort in Hunungan two coves away from Gota. Hunungan Cove is an even better location as its hidden from view by adjacent islands and surrounded on either side by towering limestone cliffs. These natural barriers also protect the resort from high winds and strong waves. The sea is always so calm, kayaking across to Cagbalingad island's beach is like sliding across a swimming pool on a raft.

There are 18 villas in Hunungan Cove and all face the beach. Interiors are in the tropical-modern-minimalist style and all feature large sliding doors that open up to views of the sea. Bathrooms are clean and water pressure is strong. Much thought was put into the shower area with the twin showerheads and a picture window that frames the seascape beyond.

The resort still has to build and staff its own kitchen but for now all meals are ferried from nearby Gota Village. Of course, you can always tap local fishermen to bring you prawns, squid and blue marlin for grilling on the beach.


Aside from island-hopping, rock climbing in the many limestone cliffs and caves is highly recommeded. Scuba divers and snorklers will also enjoy exploring the various underwater caves. Trekkers have some of the most beautiful landscape to navigate as trails wind through limestone formations, forest cover, lagoons and caves. There's one hidden lagoon a hundred meters from Tayak Beach you should ask your guide to take you to. It's surrounded by limestone cliffs and a fallen tree serves as a convenient plaform for diving or just sitting on as you take in the view. In a little while tiny fish will begin to swim to you and nibble at your toes. Pure natural ecstacy.

There are many islands to discover scattered across Pitogo Bay in Caramoan and everyone of them has its own unique geological character. Some are covered in limestone formations while others are flat-out beaches. One of the most scenic and unusual is Lahos Island. It's actually two limestone formations cut in the middle by a long and uninterrupted sandbar - creating what locals call a back-to-back beach.

Pitogo island itself is not as spectacular from afar, but its worth a visit if only for the strange flat stones that litter the entire coastline. The island's windswept hills are worth scaling for the beautiful 360 degree views of Caramoan and beyond. The coves near Pitogo have served as a sanctuary for sea vessels seeking shelter from storms lashing from the Pacific (a sunken Spanish merchant ship was discovered off the bay). One such cove - Tinago - is particularly interesting as it is literally hidden from the sea by limestone formations that enclose the cove (tinago is Filipino for hidden).


Matukad island is closest to the resort and has some of the finest powdery sand I've seen. This is the best beach for swimming although locals encouarge you to scale the limestone cliffs where a lagoon awaits.

Caramoan may not be the most beautiful string of islands in the Philippines (there is still Palawan), but its definitely up there with the best. I like Caramoan because it's neither overly touristed (yet), and neither is it too underdeveloped. For now, it has the right balance of creature comforts and provincial charm. Unlike many ultra exclusive resorts that keep you isolated in the middle of nowhere, there are still local communities close by and the area isn't closed off to the public. This provides Gota and Hunungan with an authentic sense of place and history - not the claustrophobic artificiality of most luxury resorts.

With roads to the Caramoan still many years from completion, the peninsula will continue to remain a private sanctuary for guests of Gota and Hunungan. That's good news for those who still seek that increasingly rare combination of luxury and untouched natural beauty.

Cambridge Top Picks

Cambridge is often mistaken as a suburb of Boston. The two cities, after all, are separated by just a narrow channel of water - the Charles River. In reality, however, the two are entirely different from each other. Boston is the political and financial center while Cambridge is the intellectual heart of New England - maybe even the whole United States. Crossing any one of the bridges that span the Charles is like walking into a different world altogether.

Natives of Cambridge like to call their city the Left Bank of Boston. This, of course, is a reference to the Left Bank of Paris - the enclave of bourgeois bohemians, artists, and intellectuals. The comparison is a bit of a stretch as Cambridge is far nerdier than its Parisian counterpart, but the analogy is not altogether far-fetched. Cambridge's university campuses, cafe culture, indie shops and lovely book shops all provide the college town with a youthful vibe that is, well, much like the Left Bank's. But, forget the allusion to Paris. Cambridge has an identity all its own. And although short on edginess and grit, the city is long on charm, authenticity and a refreshing sense of neighborliness.

Our top picks:

Harvard Yard


If not for the presence of Harvard, Cambridge would not have been able to develop into the sophisticated city that it currently is. The thousands of students, faculty and researchers that live on and off campus have provided Cambridge with that kind of multicultural and liberal character often noticeable in towns built around large and prestigious universities (i.e. Ann Arbor, Berkley).

Harvard may no longer be the best, but its certainly the most popular and the most prestigious. Partly because of a pop culture that continues to glorify America's oldest college. But, to be fair, also because the Ivy League university has been able to graduate some of the most prominent leaders and intellectuals. (US President Barack Obama would never have attracted any attention if not for his stint at the Harvard Law School).

But you don't have to study within its hallowed halls to appreciate Harvard. Harvard Yard is the quintessential academic quadrangle. It's what most of us expect an Ivy League campus to look like. (Thanks too to Hollywood films like Love Story and Legally Blond). Harvard today is a network of 400 buildings scattered all over greater Boston but the Yard is where the University originally began in 1636. A stroll around the quadrangle offers you views of the oldest buildings on campus. Most of them are now Freshman dormitories. Don't miss the red-brick Massachusetts Hall - the oldest building in the Yard. It was once the headquarters of George Washington's army in Cambridge.

Follow the crowds and tourists to University Hall where the statue of John Harvard - the man after whom the school was named after stands. John Harvard, a clergyman, donated land and his collection of books to what was at first a training institute for future clergymen like him. Harvard U may be a bastion of critical thinking today but it was once a breeding ground for some of the most intolerant Puritans in New England. (Remember the witch trials?).

The religious beginnings of Harvard are still evident in the many steeples that rise above the campus skyline. Few actually attend service on campus but the chapels and churches on campus provide the University with a sense of history.

Make your way around the Yard and beyond it for other landmarks like the Widener Library - the most extensive academic library in the US. Also visit the Harvard Law School just outside the gates of the Yard for a first-hand view of this legendary institution.

Brattle Street


Just off Harvard Square outside the Yard is the lovely Brattle Street where you'll find some of the most beautiful and most historic homes in all of New England. The street was once called Tory Row because of the number of loyalists to the British Crown that used to reside here in the 1700s. When the revolution began, most of the wealthy loyalists moved out - leaving their homes to a new American elite. The important mansions along Brattle have markers that explain their historic and architectural significance, but even those without one are amazingly pretty.

Highlights include the home of poet and patriot Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It isn't the biggest or the most beautiful, but the history within its walls make it a true national landmark. George Washington, then a general, used it as his base during the campaign against the British Army in New England. When Longfellow purchased the house, it was here where he wrote most of his literary works. Writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne visited him frequently. I can almost imagine the conversations taking place at the lovely flower garden at the back of the house.

The row of historic homes is interrupted by a simple but utterly modern monument to Joseph Fitzgerald Kennedy - the older sibling of the 35th US President who was MIA in the second world war.

Radcliffe Yard


A detour off Brattle St. takes you to Radcliffe Yard - an small but inviting oasis of greenery and peace. This was once the all-ladies college attached to Harvard. Not too long ago women were barred from enrolling at Harvard and Radcliffe was set up to accommodate these young, wealthy and driven ladies. In 1999, Radcliffe was fully integrated into Harvard and the small college campus today is a co-ed institution dedicated to advanced research - famous for its women's studies program.

On a sunny day, Radcliffe Yard is one of the best places to cool your heels. The 360 degree views of the grand brick buildings in the Yard from any one of the garden benches is simply indescribable.

Harvard Square


A few steps from the tranquility of Radcliffe is the buzz of Harvard Square. Although downtown Boston is only a train ride away, most students and faculty come here for their dining and entertainment requirements. Not just because its convenient, but also because the establishments on the Square are mostly homegrown and independent shops with a more honest feel about them.

L.A. Burdick's Chocolates

Simply sensational. These handmade chocolates and macarons are to die for. They are pricey at 2-3 dollars a pop, but the richness and the quality of the chocolates is amazing. Also to die for is their signature Dark Hot Chocolate - a cup of cocoa that is out of this world delicious. I read it somewhere that the chocolate is grated and melted down with steamed milk, then garnished with shavings from a cocoa ball cooked down with cardamon and cinamon. Yummy.


Sweet

Another specialty food shop to load on calories! Sweet's cupcakes are all baked in their kitchen on the same day they're displayed - making them exceptionally fresh and moist. Their branch in Harvard Square makes you want to be a kid again and deciding on a cupcake flavor can take forever since they all look so good. I went for the RED VELVET - described as a "gentle hint of Bensdorp Dutch cocoa, a classic shocking red hue and Sweet's delectable cream cheese frosting." Absolutely heavenly.



J.P. Licks Homemade Ice-Cream

Boston and Cambridge are both ice-cream parlor havens. They say Bostonians eat the most ice-cream in the whole country. Ben and Jerry's has a strong presence in town, but its the smaller, independent, homemade ice-cream guys that make the better stuff. J.P. Licks is one of these homegrown Boston cafe's that specialize in ice-cream concoctions, yogurts and smoothies. Their newest branch in Harvard Square is perfectly located across Harvard Yard so the place is always filled with students. The non-fat frozen yogurt I tried was as good as it gets but the real deal here are the original ice-cream recipes like their Bittersweet Hot Fudge.

Mr. Bartley's Burgers

America is the land of burgers and I've tasted my fair share across the country. Mr. Bartley's is perhaps the best I've had. They offer a hilarious list of burger choices named after politicians and celebrities. The burgers are matched with the personalities they're named after: the (elitist) Barack Obama burger has feta cheese instead of cheddar while the (blue collar) George Bush comes with double cheddar and BBQ sauce. Other choices are the Hillary Clinton, Steve Jobs, Joe Biden - you get it.

Mr. Bartley's gourmet burgers are freshly ground 7-ounce patties of choice beef. It's often a standing room only affair but the wait is worth it. No wonder the the joint has been a Harvard institution since 1960.


Upper Crust

Burgers and Pizza. This is America and Boston is no exception. But unlike the deep dishes of Chicago and the thick crusts of New York, Boston's pizzas are often prepared the authentic way - extremely flat and thin-crusted pizza with fresh toppings. Upper Crust is one of the better joints in Boston and the branch in Harvard Square reminds you why its so fun to be a young student with nary a care about your health.

MIT Architecture


The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is legendary when it comes to cutting edge engineering and architecture. So its only natural that the MIT campus should have an impressive collection of engineering and architectural landmarks of its own. The most striking is the Ray and Maria Stata Center designed by starchitect Frank Gehry. Like Gehry's Guggenheim Bilbao, the Stata Center's buildings are a deconstructed mass of undulating steel and glass that seem to crash and collide at the same time.

Another architectural icon on campus is the modernist-style Kresge auditorium designed by Eero Saarinen. The entire structure is held up by three footings alone. The circular MIT chapel across the auditorium was also designed by Saarinen and the interiors are particularly ingenious.

Although not modern, the neo-classical pantheon-esque domed main building at 77 Massachusetts is spectacular in scale and form. Also to check out are the buildings by MIT alumnus IM Pei and the many installations and sculptures by legendary artists like Henry Moore and Frank Stella scattered around campus.

Huron Village Stores

Cambridge is no longer just for those who work or study in schools like MIT or Harvard. There's a growing community of residents choosing to live here for the quality of life the city offers: good schools, beautiful homes, peaceful neighborhoods, sailing facilities and proximity to Boston. The influx of highly educated, highly skilled, but burnt out urban professionals is ushering a renaissance in neighborhoods like Huron Village close to Brattle Street. The visible effect of this migration is a burgeoning retail scene that reflects the sophistication of the neighbors. A few favorites tell the story:

Formaggio Kitchen


The kitchen-deli-grocer is the Dean and Deluca of Huron Village. But unlike D&D, there's an emphasis on locally sourced produce and artisanal products. The selection of artisanal cheeses from New England and around the world is mind-boggling. As is their array of specialty ingredients, organic produce, fair-trade coffees, wines, handmade chocolates and charcuterie - prepared meat products. If you're looking for a memorable picnic by the Pond or the Charles river, load your basket with goodies from Formaggio Kitchen.

Bryn Mawr Bookstore

Cambridge is home to some of the best bookstores in all of New England. Huron Village offers one more book seller to that venerable list: Bryn Mawr. The independent book seller specializes in rare and used books. It's a neighborhood shop so don't expect Christie's quality antique volumes and collectibles. The books in stock are meant to be read then re-sold or passed around. But there are gems lying around this friendly place. First editions and signed copies are mixed around with the others so you'll have to sift through the piles of books yourself. Fun.

Marimekko

What this upscale Finnish textile shop is doing in a quiet neighborhood like Huron is anyone's guess. My own guess is that Marimekko' s colorful Scandinavian designs resonate with the creative professionals and Volvo-driving bourgeois bohemians that live in the area. Marimekko stores are usually found in big retail centers like Manhattan and Tokyo. That a big stand-alone Marmekko store can be found in Cambridge says a lot about the lifestyle choices and purchasing power of the residents.

Cambridge Booksellers

Cambridge has the highest concentration of bookshops per square meter in all of the US - beating even bookstore crazy Manhattan and San Francisco. But that's not what makes browsing in the city one of the most satisfying experiences. It's not the number of shops but the quality and diversity of the bookstores that matter. Some favorites:

Grolier Poetry Book Shop

Fans of poetry all over the world must visit this tiny shop stocked with an incredibly large selection of books on poetry. There's an estimated 15,000 plus volumes on poetry about every theme imaginable from every part of the world. Dan Wuenschel, the store manager, is extremely friendly and well-versed in poetry so much so that he can find any book or poet you're searching for without the use of an impersonal computer database. This is the charm of Grolier - so authentically old world - just like the poetry on the shelves. Check schedules for performances and poetry reading sessions. Harvard is a haven for the written word so poet laureates are known to drop by every now and then.

Curious George and Friends

There's a story behind the name of this bookstore. Margaret Rey, the author of the popular childrens classic Curious George series helped set up this well-loved family-owned bookshop in Harvard Square. The store specializes in classic childrens literature for pre-school to high school kids. Stuffed and educational toys are also for sale but the best buys here are old classics like Tin Tin, Madeline and Babar - and, yes, the most complete collection of Curious George books and merchandise anywhere.


The Coop

This is the oldest bookstore in Cambridge and although attached to Harvard University, the store sells much more than academic books and journals. The Coop is as well-stocked as the large chain bookstores Barnes & Noble and Borders, but with a difference. The clientele of the Coop are some of the most influential thinkers and writers of Harvard and MIT so bumping into some of them at The Coop is highly likely.

Harvard Bookstore

Another Harvard institution with the most competitive prices in the area. The basement is where you'll find the used and marked down brand new books. Harvard students and faculty have access to online stores for discounted books but the neighbourly feel and intoxicating smell of pulp and ink is what keeps them coming to bookstores like this.

The Wait is Over: Toyota Launches the PRIUS in Manila

Its official...and frankly, overdue. Toyota has finally agreed to bring in their bestselling PRIUS hybrid. The Philippines may have missed out on the first two generations of the PRIUS, but better late than never as the the 2009 model promises more power and fuel efficiency at the same time.

What took Toyota so long? Mostly its economics. Unlike other markets, the Philippine government does not provide any meaningful incentives for car manufacturers to sell hybrids and electric cars in the country. Despite all the lip service from our energy officials and congressmen, no law has been passed or amended to give tax breaks to the likes of Toyota, Honda and Ford - all of which have been waiting for a favorable investment situation before rolling out their hybrid models in the Philippines. It's very political, you see.

To make a long story short - the new generation PRIUS now has a price tag of 2.2 million pesos slapped on it's dimunitive frame! Yes, that's close to the price of a BMW 3-series or Mercedes Benz C-class sedan. Unintentionally, and rather ironically, the PRIUS is now a luxury car. Just think of what message that sends everyone: environmentalism is a luxury.


Had tax incentives come into play, the PRIUS could have been priced in the area of 1.6 million pesos - like a Toyota Camry (the level Toyota was first hoping for). This would have been a reasonable price for young and upscale buyers plugged into the global "green" trend. The Prius, after all, is a hard sell to the executive crowd. It's an owner-driven compact car with a 1.8l engine and a learning curve best suited for a younger and tech savvy set. At 2.2 million, it now comes across as a novelty for the super wealthy as well as early adopters with lots of cash to burn.

This hardly means the PRIUS won't find a market. In fact, I can already imagine the Prius stealing market share from VOLVO. Both appeal to countercultural types that shun the showiness of other luxury car brands. So-called soccer moms will likely gravitate towards the PRIUS' "feel good" ownership as well. Hipsters too. The hip and cool appeal of a car that is driven by Leo de Caprio and Brad Pitt is too tempting to ignore. Too bad, the real value of the PRIUS - clean emissions and fuel efficiency - is still beyond the reach of the larger market. After all, for the PRIUS to make any real impact on the environment it needs to reach critical mass. For now, however, the PRIUS will have to prove it's a better car than the closely-priced Audi A3 and A4 TDI variants that have proven astonishing fuel efficiency and clean emissions records. For roughly the same price range, would you prefer an Audi or Toyota? It's an awkward question, right?

Well, let the market decide. In the meantime, the 2009 PRIUS promises to be another great car. We tested the previous generation PRIUS and had nothing negative to say. In fact, we were surprised by the car's power and quick acceleration. Hardly something we expected from an electric vehicle. The upgrade from the previous 1.6l engine to the current 1.8l should increase the car's power, torque and fuel efficiency further with a better power-weight balance.

The hybrid gas-electric system is a flawless technology as far as our test was concerned. Despite the temptation to over-analyze how it works - it's best to drive and forget what all that technology underneath is doing. All you have to know is that the car runs on a self-charging electric motor in low speeds like crawling traffic (the least fuel efficient driving condition) and switches to the gas engine when more speed is needed. Of course, it's more complicated than that. But leave it to the on-board computer to decide when to switch or combine both because you have no control over it anyway. (Do not attempt to repair or inspect the system yourself as the high voltage electric motor can kill).


The new model PRIUS also looks sportier. The aerodynamic profile reduces drag which in turn contributes to better fuel efficiency and faster driving (and cool futuristic looks). The interiors are basic but much more upscale than most Toyota compacts. Adding to the whole high tech vibe is a touch screen panel for manipulating on-board controls and gathering driving information. Passenger comfort is also very high especially since the electric motor is virtually silent in low speeds and entirely shut off when stopping.

Toyota has sold over 1.25 million units of their first and second generation PRIUS worldwide. Toyota's undisputed leadership in hybrid technology and new improvements in the 2009 generation model should attract Filipino buyers looking for their first hybrid vehicle. But pricing will be critical as other car manufacturers begin to roll out attractively designed diesel variants with Prius-like fuel efficiency.

All in all, Toyota is on the right track. Soon hybrids will be mainstream and the "first to market" approach of Toyota will pay dividends in the long term.

Boston Top Picks

The last time I visited Boston was in 1991. I was studying in New York at the time and decided to spend a weekend with a friend who was taking her MBA at the Harvard Business School. Either the weekend flew by too fast or Boston just wasn't memorable enough because I can't seem to remember much about the city except for how safe and clean it was compared to Manhattan circa early 1990's.

But that was then. Boston, after all, is hardly a place for a twenty-something looking for action. Although Boston shares the liberalism and multiculturalism found in most big cities of the American East Coast, it just lacks that in-your-face excitement and flash. Instead, the city is a model of understatement. And even that's an understatement.

Boston is extremely wealthy, but you hardly see any conspicuous consumption or vulgar materialism on the streets. Boston is one of the most culturally sophisticated cities, but you won't find any of that self-consciously advertised either. One must remember that Boston was founded by the Puritans - and although a hyper-liberal intellectual environment pervades the city today - the puritanical value of discreteness and understatement remains. And this is precisely the charm of Boston. If you have the time and patience to explore the city - you'll discover a city that is not only rich in history, but a city that is by far one of the most intellectually satisfying as well.

My top picks:

Freedom Trail

To understand Boston's character it's important to understand the city's history as well. The Freedom Trail is literally a trail that winds through Boston's historical center. There are many tours available and the best ones are led by irreverent costumed guides dressed up as the patriots. But because Boston's historical landmarks are all close to each other it's entirely possible to do the tour yourself.

The Boston Commons, the country's first public park, is where you ought to start your tour. This is where guides gather their tour groups but its also where you'll find many historical markers and grand monuments. Begin by reading through the landmark explaining the establishment of the city in 1630 by the Pilgrims. Remember, Boston back then was a colony of Britain and the pilgrims were the first white settlers.


The walking tour passes important monuments like the grand Massachusetts State House, the Old Granary Graveyard, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and, finally, Faneuil Hall. Each one of these landmarks tells the story of Boston's pivotal role in the American Revolution for Independence from the British. Familair names and events related to the Revolution like those of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, the Boston Tea Party and Bunker Hill - all these originated in Boston. Even if you're not a history buff, it's hard not to be carried away by all this well-preserved history around you.

Boston is still called the Cradle of Liberty - and no longer just because of its revolutionary roots. Boston will also be remembered for its struggle to emancipate the slaves. Also at the Boston Commons is a memorial to Robert Gould Shaw - the Union officer that led the first all-black regiment , the 54th, during the civil war with the secessionist South. Today, Boston remains one of the most liberal cities in the U.S. with a strong civil liberties tradition that has produced noteworthy Democrats like the Kennedys and Senator John Kerry.

JFK Library and Museum

Boston has no shortage of heroes and patriots. From Benjamin Franklin to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - the list goes on. But none more famous than the 35th President of the United States - John F. Kennedy. The memorial library and museum in honor of this native son is a must-see - not only for its spectacular location along the Boston harbor or for it's iconic structure built by I.M. Pei - but rather for its impressive collection of JFK memorabilia.

The Kennedy years took place at the height of the Cold War and the museum goes through great lengths to recreate the JFK White House during these global events, movements and conflicts. But its not all politics and diplomacy. Sections of the museum dedicated to the Kennedy family and the mythical Camelot years will surely delight followers of what many still consider America's royal family.


Museum of Fine Arts


Proof of Boston's cultural sophistication is the grand Museum of Fine Arts - arguably one of the most important repositories of art and artifacts in the United States. It's all here - from ancient to modern times - plus a wonderful collection of New England artists like John Singer Sargeant. You'll need a full day to explore the exquisite Chinese, Japanese, Egyptian and Classical wings, but if time is not on your side - go straight to the European Art section of the museum and to the Impressionists wing in particular to see one of the country's best selections of works by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh. Gosh, even the building itself is beautiful.

Beacon Hill


Beacon Hill is where Boston's most prominent families live. Sometimes called Brahmins, these families are some of the oldest and wealthiest in the city. Because of its commanding views of the Charles River and surrounding Boston, the Hill was where the very first white families settled in the 1600s. Today, its still the toniest address in town. But true to their puritan origins, there's nothing showy about the red-bricked buildings of Beacon Hill. Despite the pretty rowhouses, the colorful flowerboxes and rose gardens and the elegant ironwork - it's still hard to tell some of these properties sell for up to 50 Million dollars in the market.

Choose a sunny, summery day to explore the neighborhood when the flowers are abloom and the light casts long shadows on the brick and stonework. One of the best places to take it all in is at Louisburg Square and its private wooded garden. The grandest homes are on this Square including the brick townhouse of Massachusetts Senator John Kerry (his is the only one with the U.S. Flag hanging on the front).

Charles Street Shopping


One of the other advantages of Boston's modest apetite for material consumption is the visible lack of shopping streets crowded with chain stores and branded boutiques. You'll still be able to find High Street brands like Cartier and Ralph Lauren in nearby Newbury Street, but that would be the exception. The shops of Charles Street just off Beacon Hill is a much better example of Boston's penchant for independent and homegrown stores. Charles Street's antique, vintage and specialty stores are some of the best - but there are many other similar streets all over Boston and Cambridge.

Some Favorites on Charles Street:

Black Ink

This is a novelty shop that caters to hip and younger Bostonians. The selection of merchandise says it all: Tin Tin characters and merchandise, Japanese novelty items, European stationery and paper products, etc.



The Red Wagon

Clothing, books and gift items for kids. That is, kids of hipster parents that prefer local artisans and organic, eco-friendly materials. The prices are steep but the quality is first rate. Still mostly Made in the USA.



Beacon Hill Chocolates

3 dollars for a tiny piece of chocolate? Yes, that's the price you pay for artisanal bon bons by Boston's favorite neighborhood chocolatier. Try their bestseller - a concoction of fresh dark chocolate ganache, olive oil and sea salt. There are other premium chocolate brands for sale - most of them you'll encounter for the first time.

Period Furniture Hardware

I go crazy in stores like this. Imagine a hardware that sells vintage, antique and reproduction knobs, latches, door bells, faucets - name it. There are very few brand new homes in downtown Boston so it's nice to know there's a store like this in case that door knob from the 1920's needs to be replaced with a new one that looks exactly like the old one.


Upstairs Downstairs

Great vintage furniture finds. Paintings, dressers, lamps and a whole lot of period furniture without the tricky reproductions you'll find in similar stores in New York. You'll find may stores like this scattered around the city, but Charles Street has the best concentration of antique and vintage furniture and painting shops in the whole city.



Eugene Galleries
This specialty shop sells antique and vintage prints, watercolors, oils, maps and post cards. The friendly shopkeeper encourages you to sift through the extensive collection of prints and even handle them. They store a good selection of Americana prints but you'll be pleasantly surprised with their collection of European prints on display.

Seafood

Boston is located at exactly where some of the best seafood from the Atlantic ocean can be found and that's why even the chain restaurants deliver top-notch quality. When in town try the legendary New England Clam Chowder. You may feel a bit like a tourist but its worth the rich and creamy shellfish taste of this famous starter.

Also to try are Boston staples like fresh lobster, oysters and crab. For a city that likes to think of itself as simple, you'll be surprised to find so many gourmet restaurants in town. For seafood that simple and unpretentious - head to local favorites like Barking Crab and Legal Seafoods.


Au Bon Pain


Remember this bakery/cafe? I used to love their bread and sandwiches. And even their coffee products were better than anything from Starbucks. But one day their Manila branches just folded and I've never heard from them since.

Maybe Au Bon Pain was ahead of its time? After all, their stores closed just about before the likes of Starbucks and Seattle's Best started making it to the mainstream in Manila. Too bad.

So imagine my surprise to see an Au Bon Pain in almost every corner of Boston. Well, it turns out Au Bon Pain is a homegrown Boston cafe and bakery chain. And you'll find these clean and well-lit cafes all over the city. Aside from the old favorites, there's a wide choice of organic and all-natural stuff for sale. There's still a lot to be desired as far as the coffee is concerned but the bagels, croissants and pastries have all the same goodness I remember. Wish to have them back home once again.


Classical Music

Boston is no entertainment hub in the way New York or Los Angeles is but a well-established intellectual elite in the city means that Bostonians have very high standards when it comes to high brow culture. This explains the presence of a world-class museum for fine arts and a lively classical music scene.

Boston is home to the critically acclaimed Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as a number of well-known chamber orchestras and ensembles - not to mention the popular Boston Pops and the annual Tanglewood Festival.


Cambridge


The city of Harvard, MIT and some of the most beautiful and livable neighborhoods of the East Coast. There's so much to like about Cambridge it deserves its own list of top picks. I'll be working on that soon.

Brands We Wish Were Here

In the previous blog (and in many more previous ones) we told you about some of the luxury brands making their way to Manila's retail scene. Without doubt, the variety of brands available has improved tremendously from just, well, about half a decade ago. Back then the shopping options were limited to those brand names you'd normally find in Duty Free airports boutiques or in American strip malls. Not anymore. Indeed, you no longer have to fly to Hong Kong for your fix of A.P.C., Kidrobot, Cheap Monday or Surface to Air Paris apparel since these brands are now available in specialty boutiques like Homme et Femme and Theodore's in Manila.

Surely, unless these brands start setting up stand-alone boutiques in Manila, it's somehow hard to be convinced that the Philippine capital is inching closer to the retail scenes of Singapore and Hong Kong. Still, Manila is full of surprises - especially with stores like Fred Perry, Balenciaga, Ben Sherman and Rimowa - all of which rival if not surpass the retail outlets of their counterparts in Southeast Asia. Manila may have a much smaller base of consumers for luxury goods but its a base that has always shown and continues to exhibit a very high level of sophistication.

Since this base continues to show resilience even during the downturn - plus a heightened awareness of global brands not always on the radar - we'd like to see retailers continue to introduce new global brands in the country. Here's a short list of brands we like. Brands we think others will like. Brands we wish were already here.

1. UNIQLO.

This is Japan's answer to GAP. Though not a luxury brand per se, UNIQLO's attractive pricing, colorful merchandising and Tokyo-bred street-cred give it an edge over GAP's . The hip and youthful in-store experience of their flagship stores around the world is an important ingredient in their successful brand story. It's not all cutting-edge Tokyo street fashion styles (although the T-shirts designs by young graphic artists are obvious bestsellers) - the affordable basics are perfect for those who like to mix high and low fashion in their outfits.

2. AGNES B.

Before there was A.P.C. there was AGNES B. So it's a mystery why this French label continues to elude our shores - especially since Pinoys are more than aware of the brand since AGNES B. stores can be found all over Hong Kong. Relatively affordable French luxury is hard to come by and AGNES B.'s classic yet stylish designs should find a loyal following in Manila. So why hasn't anyone considered bringing this brand in?

3. FILIPPA K.

Scandinavian cool is still very much restricted to a small cult of globetrotting fashion-consious locals but that doesn't mean feeding this niche market with the clothes of one of Sweden's most loved brands can't be profitable in Manila.

Another great Swedish brand - J LINDEBERG's failure to attain any traction in Manila is not because of its stark designs or impossibly slim cuts - but only because it was poorly merchandised and marketed (as a golf apparel brand!). Let's put it this way: Stockholm is the new Tokyo. Get it.


4. MUJI.

I'd like to see a couple of hip Scandinavian houseware brands in Manila but for now I'll have to go with an old favorite from Tokyo: MUJI. MUJI stores have quietly invaded Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan and it would be great to see at least one open in Manila.

There's a lot going for MUJI - beautiful minimalist designs, affordable prices, eco-conscious products, and one of the best visual merchadising I've encountered. MUJI's products are also all made in Japan - which gives it instant credibility and desirability over the ubiquitous cheap stuff (and copies) from China. But here's more. MUJI is the anti-brand. No labels. No logos. Talk about counterbranding that works with a growing market of consumers suffering from brand fatigue.

5. VOLKSWAGEN.
We all grew up with VW Beetles so why can't we find any Volkswagens on our streets today? Industry insiders say two things. One, the previous distributors (in the 90's) messed up the brand with overpriced cars and poorly selected models - not to mention horrible after-sales service. And second, Volkswagen is much too identified with the original people's car of the 60's - the Beetle. Because of this, they say, the market will find it hard to accept the upscale and higher priced VW brand of today.

I think not. VW is mich more than that faded memory of your uncle's clunker (admittedly a fond memory). VOLKSWAGEN has genuine heritage, great designs and award-winning cars. In short: VW commands respect. Forget the Beetle, we're talking about cars like the VW Golf which every enthusiast will want to get his hands on. Or the Jetta, a sensible and well-designed alternative to top of the line Japanese compact sedans. And yes, those VW SUV's are truly good-looking and capable machines. VW are also famous for gas-sipping diesel variants that make buying a hybrid seem silly. Factor all this plus its solid alliance with German luxury carmakers AUDI and PORSCHE and it won't be difficult getting car buyers to resurrect their affection for the company that brought us the Bug.

This list could go on forever but let's stop at 5 brands for now and continue with another 5 in the future. But hey, we'd like to know which brands you'd want to see on this list too.

Luxury Sector Shows Resiliency; New Brands Coming Soon

Call it denial. Or sheer audacity. It seems local purveyors of luxury are unperturbed by the global recession savaging the luxury market. Instead, they continue to introduce new upscale brands in the midst of a downturn.

Partly, this is because many of these deals were cut way before the global luxury market showed signs of slowing down. But mostly its because retailers still insist that affluent Filipino consumers remain insulated from the penny-pinching epidemic spreading in markets all over the world.

Here's a glimpse of some of the sectors showing no significant signs of slowing sales: luxury cars, fashion accessories, beauty and cosmetics, dining - to name a few. Even shopping mall developers are surprised with this resiliency. Analysts point to the remittances from Filipinos working overseas. However, this would have very little impact on the luxury sector which is patronized by local elites.


Another theory circulating among retailers is that election-related spending has begun to kick in. Once again, this would only impact on mass-based consumer items and services - if indeed this spending has started at all.

It could also be that as big ticket items like foreign vacations and investments in real estate and the financial market are being postponed - a portion of this reserve wealth is being spent on luxury goods instead. Or maybe, it's just that core consumers of luxury (as opposed to the merely aspirational) have no intention of trading down and are rearranging their spending habits to support their addiction to luxury. Who knows? What's sure for now is that new luxury brands will continue to make their way to our shores. Aside from the brands we mentioned in a much earlier blog (i.e. Hermes, Jimmy Choo), here are a few new ones that are opening this year and next:

Tory Burch (opening 2nd half 2009)

This American fashionista favorite is ready to open its doors in Greenbelt 5, Makati very soon. Strictly speaking, Tory Burch is not a luxury brand but it qualifies by local standards. Store Specialists (SSI) will be responsible for distributing this eponymous brand and going by the comparatively classic tastes of Filipina upscale consumers - Tory Burch's stylish yet ultimately wearable apparel and accessories (not to mention fantastic word of mouth marketing) should find a loyal following here.


Lucky Brand Jeans (opening 2nd half 2009)

It could be said that the luxury denim craze has somewhat plateaud in the country with brands like Seven Jeans and Citizens for Humanity going mainstream and losing it's once cult status among local jean junkies. So much so that the combination of ubiquity and tiangge (flea market) counterfeits now make a pair of LEVI's seem cool again. Still, there's no stopping the entry of yet another upmarket american denim brand in this saturated market. Lucky Brand Jeans will open soon in Greenbelt 5-Makati care of SSI and it will be interesting to see how the brand's hippie-cool vibe will resonate with affluent denim lovers.

Just a note: There's an inherent disconnect between self-styled cult brands and the mainstream retailing techniques employed to sell it. How much of Lucky Brand's so-called street cred will be sacrificed in order to conform to Greenbelt 5's squeaky clean setting and SSI's brand of retail merchandising remains to be seen.

MINI (coming in 2010)

As in Cooper. Finally, BMW (the current owners of the MINI brand) have given in to local demand for one of the best loved cars of all time. The new MINIs may no longer be dimunitive but they remain extremely desirable despite their heft and upsized price tag.

Pent up demand, unmistakeable heritage and the benefit of years of slick global marketing are sure to guarantee respectable sales figures. However, the Philippine distributors of MINI should keep in mind the disappointing reintroduction of another cult favorite - the VW Beetle - many years ago.

The Beetle, like the MINI, enjoyed a loyal following and a fantastic redesign but failed to translate this iconic car into actual demand and sales. Sure, we all stopped to stare whenever the new bug passed by - but few ever really seriously considered paying the price of a luxury car for one.

Advice for MINI in the Philippines? A price tag not too far from those sold in the US or the rest of Asia. Oh, and yes, a solid commitment to after sales service and support the gray market sorely lacks.

The luxury car market has shown remarkable resilience so far and has even managed respectable growth in the first quarter of 2009. However, MINI's new Coopers will have to battle it out in the extremely competitive and price-sensitive entry level luxury car segment where rivals like the C-Class, 3-series and A4 curently dominate mind and market share. Like the successful VOLVO C30 - which is actually a much better comparison in terms of target market - MINI should rely on a killer combination of iconic styling and aggressive pricing in order to make a big splash in the local car market.

To these three newcomers - good luck.

VOLVO XC60...Finally Here

We've been talking about this car since the last quarter of 2008 - so much so that it's hard to believe that VOLVO Philippines is only now launching it in the country. That is, officially.

EXTERIOR Styling

We first saw a pre-production XC60, VOLVO's compact SUV (they call it a crossover - but it's really just an SUV), last year and we immediately liked what we saw and heard (or rather what VOLVO execs promised to deliver). The XC60, after all, is a truly handsome car - muscular and svelte at the same time. Quite a departure from the boxy VOLVOs of old - but not much of a surprise considering the design direction the Swedish carmaker has been taking with the new C30 and XC70 models.


What is instantly impressive is the car's exterior styling. VOLVO call it their most beautiful car ever - and they are right. Beautiful may sound a bit feminine for such a masculine design - but, yes, there is such a thing as a beautiful man - and the XC60 is such. Beautiful because VOLVO now understands that not all form should follow function. The human eye and the human touch are both sensitive to objects of beauty and this is why a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz will always stand out in a crowd. Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but there's no denying that these German cars (more so those of the Italians) - will always generate attention and that irrational urge to stare and slide your hand across them in showrooms (or parking lots).

We will miss the boxy and utilitarian designs of the older VOLVO's, but if the XC60 is the future - well, it's not such a bad compromise after all.

INTERIORS


VOLVO's swedish roots are still hard to shake off and the no-nonsense and practical interiors of the XC60 is proof of this. Unlike the competition, the bells and whistles and hi-tech features are all hidden from view. No I-POD like controls or big-screen multi-color displays here. Make no mistake, the XC60 is choc-full of the latest safety technology - it's just that they can't be seen, heard or felt as obviously. And this is a good thing. Yes. Like previous VOLVOs - there is hardly any learning curve to speak of. You can drive this off the showroom floor without having to go through the owners manual at all.

I find that fancy and flashing controls in the steering wheel and display only tend to distract me from the road - an entirely dangerous thing. You see, simple is not only elegant. Simple is also safe. Which brings us to another main draw of the XC60 - safety. VOLVO also say this is their safest car yet.

SAFETY


The XC60 comes with all the familiar acronyms (and a few new ones) that spell out safety: ABS, DSTC, WHIPS, ABL, HBA/RAB, etc. But VOLVO have added another world's first - CITY SAFETY - engineered to prevent frontal collisions where they tend to happen most often - in slow moving traffic. Radars, cameras and sensors mounted on the top of the windshield track objects in front of the vehicle and determine if a collision between the object and the XC60 is imminent - say, in case the car in front suddenly stops and the driver of the XC60 is either unaware or unable to respond quickly enough. In this situation, the XC60 stops by itself whether or not the driver hits the brakes. (This is one feature for those who insist on texting while driving in traffic).

We tried this feature in our test drive of the XC60 as we drove through heavy traffic in SLEX. You must activate the CITY SAFETY feature or it won't work - and listen to this - the car will only stop itself in speeds below 30 kph. This much is advertised. What isn't mentioned is that the object in front of you should have been there long enough for the XC60's computer to recognize and track - plus that object should be large enough to be noticed by the car's camera and radar system. In effect, the XC60 will really only stop itself within a narrow range of external conditions so it's best to stick to defensive driving as you cannot rely on the car to stop on its own in case a person suddenly darts across the vehicle or if you're about to run into a partially concealed island or road block.

What this all means is that it's better to activate the CITY SAFETY feature anyway and forget about it. If it works- then good - you paid for it. If not, well, why were you keeping your eyes off the road in the first place? Like air bags - they are reassuring to have but it's no reason to drive wrecklessy anyway.

Frankly, I wouldn't buy the XC60 for its CITY SAFETY alone. Even if it works flawlessy. The XC60 is much more than this safety feature which is still obviously in its infancy. Here are more obvious reasons why the XC60 should be considered.

WHAT WE LIKE


1. Let's start with ride height. Ground clearance is a generous at 9.1 inches. That's more than enough to travel with confidence over pot holes, road works, ditches and most flood conditions. With our kind of roads and erratic weather that's a reasurring fact.

2. Handling. Car-like handling is an overused and abused statement but yes, except for the tall driving and seating position - the XC60 handles like a regular car. You really notice this on curves as body roll isn't as exaggerated as most cheaper SUVs in the market. The over-all ride is comfortable and agile - thus, the car-like description used to market this vehicle.

3. Traction. Two things make the XC60 handle slippery surfaces very well: All-Wheel Drive and Dynamic Stability Traction Control. We drove through both pavement and mud in the heavy rain and the XC60 held its own very well.


4. Diesel Variant. The XC60 sold in the Philippines is the 2.5 liter, 5 cylinder Common Rail D5 variant. It's not the smoothest or most silent diesel engine in the luxury car segment (engine roar is audible), but it does what it's supposed to do best - deliver vast amounts of torque while keeping fuel consumption impressively economical.

The XC60 can be ordered with a 3 liter, 6 cylinder turbo engine that should please performance-oriented buyers - but don't expect fuel efficiency from this one.

THE VERDICT

All in all, the XC60 delivers the best of both worlds for SUV buyers - all the comfort and confidence a tall SUV provides in a truly stunning package at a fraction of the price of the German luxury SUVs in the market.

Highly Recommended

The VOLVO XC60 is sold exclusively in the Philippines by VIKING CARS, INC. Showrooms are at VOLVO Makati, Chino Roces Ave, Makati and at VOLVO CEBU, Banilad, Mandaue City.

Massimo Dutti Arrives in Manila

Understated class. This best describes the launch of Massimo Dutti in Manila probably just as well as it describes the European fashion label itself.

Despite the distinctly Italian name, Massimo Dutti is actually from Grupo Inditex - the powerhouse Spanish company behind ZARA. But a ZARA clone it is not. Surely, Massimo Dutti employ the same merchandising and manufacturing genius of its giant sister company - and for good reason. ZARA's phenomenal success is attributed to its lightning fast design to display strategy and Massimo Dutti benefits from this with up to date designs and quicker fashion cycles compared to most other European labels. But, there's a difference. At least i think so. Unlike ZARA's "disposable fashion" philosophy that emphasizes up to the minute designs that just as quickly go out of style, Massimo Dutti's are often much more conventional and have a style longevity unlike that of its sister brand.

If Massimo Dutti's merchandise is meant to outlast quirky trends and nano-second fashion cycles, this probably explains the slightly more mature and slightly more upmarket imaging of the brand - and yes, slightly higher cost of merchandise on display (a good 25% to 50% higher than Zara's). The upside is noticeably better materials and craftsmanship employed.

The first Massimo Dutti store in Greenbelt is much smaller than those we've seen in Spain and the merchandise mix is predictably more conservative as its targeted to a more mature segment of the Philippine market. This market of upscale yet practical consumers is currently underserved in Manila as most European brands sold locally are either too edgy (Diesel), too trend-driven (ZARA, MANGO), too conventional (SPRINGFIELD, BENETTON), too mature (M&S, DEBENHAMS), or too self-indulgent (LV, Gucci). Massimo Dutti is probably closer to the sweet spot with styles that are a cross between European sexiness and American preppiness. In short - stylish clothes that don't quickly go out of style.

Check it out.

Massimo Dutti is distributed by Store Specialists Inc. The first branch is located at Greenbelt 5, Makati.

Shanghai Auto Show: Top Picks

We're back from the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show and there's only one way to describe it: awesome. For one, it was huge -- with floor space the size of thirty football fields. But more than quantity and scale (which is expected from any event in China anyway), what was truly awesome was the quality of vehicles on display. Put it this way, almost all major luxury car brands chose the Shanghai Auto Show for the global launch of their latest car models. Shanghai! Not Frankfurt or Detroit, but Shanghai.


The fact that manufacturers like Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche skipped the European and American shows for their launch plans in favor of Shanghai is testament to the phenomenal size and growth of the luxury car market in China (and Asia). Analysts all agree that China is poised to overtake the US in car sales this year and will most likely become the top car consumer in the world. (China is currently second to the US).

So from what used to be token participation in the past, luxury car makers are all falling over each other to get a piece of the Chinese pie (or siopao). Aside from the latest models, CEOs and top executives were all available on the floor peddling their newest cars like showroom salesmen. With Europe and US markets still in negative territory, and China expected to post robust growth in 2009 (a projected 10 million-plus units), what else would you expect from these guys?

Here's our top 5 picks making their world (and Asian) debut at the Shanghai Auto Show:

PORSCHE Panamera



The PANAMERA was the undisputed star of the show. Drool. The PANAMERA lives up to all the hype and carefully leaked images. If you still don't know, the PANAMERA is Porsche's first 4-door super saloon. Porsche call it a gran turismo, but it's perfectly suited for a CEO's daily drive to the office. Heads are sure to turn and gasps are most certainly going to be heard when this sports car cum limousine makes its debut on our streets in the middle of 09.

We love what we can see and touch so far: a curvaceous, low profile exterior design that maintains the trademark Porsche look. The car is much longer and wider than it seems in pictures and that's good because it's meant to transport up to four passengers comfortably over long distances. Wealthy Chinese are obsessed with size (there are more Mercedes S-Class units sold in China than anywhere else) and the Panamera will surely please market demand.


Inside the PANAMERA is one of the most elegant interiors we've come across in this price range (roughly a bit more than the S-Class and 7-Series in the Philippines). Plus, beautifully stitched and supple leather upholstery complemented by the best-looking center console so far. The construction and materials resemble the luxurious tactility of a VERTU mobile phone and even sort of looks like one.


Porsche know its entering unchartered territory with the Panamera and have decided to minimize risk and maximize the Wow Factor by throwing in the best of everything - including an ultra hi-end audiophile BURMESTER 17-speaker entertainment system. Wow, indeed.


The PANEMARA range all come with characteristically powerful Porsche V8 turbo engines and a wide array of options that include Porche's successful PDK double clutch system, dynamic chassis control, all-wheel drive, bi-turbo engine, etc. In short: you can outfit your PANAMERA to out-run your CARRERA and out-comfort your CAYENNE. We can't wait to test drive one.

ROLLS ROYCE 200 EX 'Ghost'



A ghost of a chance is all we'll ever have of owning a Rolls Royce, but, even so, there's no harm imagining driving one to work or to play. The 200 EX 'Ghost' made its debut in Shanghai and I was right in front of it when the covers were lifted to reveal what looks like a Rolls Royce PHANTOM lite.

Even if not the most expensive in the luxury market, no other pop culture icon represents wealth and privilege better than a Rolls Royce. So who cares if the 'Ghost' is a junior in the Rolls Royce line-up (a.k.a Baby Rolls), it's elegant, it's comfortable and it's powered by the legendary Rolls Royce engine. What matters most to the rest of us (and China's growing brand conscious billionaire class) is that it's a Rolls Royce. Period.

BMW X5 M


The extremely capable large SUV from BMW just got even better...er, faster. The X5 M is, well, ready for motor sports. Why you would want a blazingly fast and powerful SUV isn't certain but maybe the market share of the Porsche Cayenne GTS may have had something to do with it.

This is the all-in-one vehicle for performance minded buyers: an SUV that handles like a true sports car on the rack and like a genuine off-roader on dirt. It's no longer the first to offer a sporty sports utility vehicle, but the M badge on any BMW never fails to carve out a niche of its own. Hey, the new M twin turbo engine on the X5 has an output of 408 kW. Last I heard, that's a first in this class.

The BMW X6 M also debuts in Shanghai and this one deserves the M badge more than the longer and taller X5.

MERCEDES-BENZ S400 Hybrid


Mercedes Benz is by now famously committed to developing cars that run on alternative and renewable power sources. In the meantime, they are rolling out at the end of the year a transition model in their bestselling flagship vehicle S-Class.

The gas-electric hybrid S400 combines a 3.5l V6 petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery that will improve fuel efficiency to 8 liters of gas for every 100 kms. of driving. (Mercedes have also launched AMG tuned S-Class variants for those who put power over mileage as a priority).

The S400 hybrid is no longer a promise or a concept, it is the beginning of the future of Mercedes Benz. Expect more hybrids and fully electric models from Mercedes in the future.

And, yes, the S400 features a minor facelift with a more angular grille and new LED front and rear lamps that update the look and stance of this aging favorite.

VOLVO S60


Chances are you've seen photos of the futuristic S60 already. The appearance of the S60 concept car in Shanghai is its first in Asia. Design-wise, the radical S60 is way ahead of its time. Perhaps too way ahead - especially for conservative Volvo loyalists. Still, you have to admire Volvo for taking risks in design. From the sloping profile to the door handles - it's a Volvo like never before.


The sci-fi theme extends to the interiors with a futuristic floating center stack of hand-made Orrefors crystal installed. Almost everything else is a first for Volvo except the reassuring commitment to safety. The S60 has the latest generation adaptive cruise control with auto braking in unavoidable high speed collisions.

The radical aerodynamic design, on-board technology and 1.6l GTDI engine promises to reduce emissions and improve mileage significantly. The S60 is a concept car for now but not much is expected to change when the final version is released in the coming years. We'll be waiting.

AUDI Q5



The Audi Q5 appears for the first time in Asia at the Shanghai Auto Show and judging from the crowds - it's one of the most popular models of the show. No surprise since it's a very handsome mid-sized SUV - even more so than its bigger sibling the Q7 (but not by much anyore with 2009 Q7's face lift).

The other reason for the swarm around it is because of Audi's spectacular success in China. The Chinese love Audi - so much so that they even produce exclusive long wheelbase variants of the A4 and A6 just for the local market.

Many find the Audi Q7 much too big and the Q5 should please the segment of the market that want a tall Audi Quattro that can still fit in most parking slots. Ironically, the A5 isn't really all that tall - just 1.65 meters high - shorter than most its up against in the mid-sized SUV segment (thus giving it a sportier stance). The engine variant that will be imported to the Philippines is the high-performance 2.0l TFSI and will begin delivery mid-2009.

Luxe Pick of the Week: U BOAT Watches

Form follows function: it's the most basic design principle. But what happens when the opposite is applied to the most classic of accessories - a gentleman's wristwatch? That's exactly what the Italian luxury watch brand U BOAT has done with their super-sized time pieces. And we're not even talking about the 40mm range of case sizes here. U BOAT's most popular sizes are 50mm and 55mm. And that's just the dial. The extra thickness of the case adds even more to the size of this, well, clock, on your wrist.

Surely, purists will deride U BOAT watches as nothing more than faddish bling. They're wrong. U BOAT watches have all the makings of a classic: artisanal Italian craftsmanship, a high quality Swiss movement, and top flight materials all over. The only reason why their watches cannot command the same prices as the upsized time pieces of BREITLING or IWC is for the simple reason that they are a new watch company without any real pedigree - just yet.


But that's what they all said about PANERAI - another "new" Italian watch brand - and look at how much their watches sell for these days. U BOAT is taking the same road. Like PANERAI, the brand is banking on its image as an Italian Navy watch during World War II. (U BOATs were actually the class of German Navy Submarines - but never mind). This explains the over-oversized dial - the easier for pilots and divers to tell the time underwater or in inclement weather. But, unlike PANERAI, U BOATs were never really produced for the Italian Navy. The brand was only developed in 2000 by Italo Fontana, the man behind the brand. (Fontana's grandfather was once tasked by the Italian Navy to prodce a watch for pilots but that project never materialized).

Still, the watches are handsome and, despite the size, never come across as showy. This is the genius of the U BOAT design: classic and clean - like the similarly sized BELL & ROSS timepieces and, yes, those of PANERAI - only more affordable.

The watch we took along for our video shoot in the Batangas coast was handpicked for its simple elegance and its genuine waterproof qualities. The Flightdeck Automatic Chronograph we chose was a 50mm model but it never felt heavy or awkward on my narrow wrist. If size is a problem, there are smaller 43mm models to choose from - but that would be missing the point about owning a U BOAT. Apparently, size matters.

(U BOAT Watches are distributed exclusively by ITS 'BOUT TIME INC. The watches can be viewed at the Jaguar/Land Rover Showroom at the ENZO bldg along Buendia, Makati.)