Timeless Luxuries to Love at The Shang

A lady wants many things but what she yearns for most is to be remembered and appreciated. Needless to say, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, choosing the perfect gift for her – one that clearly expresses all that that cannot be articulated in mere words – becomes a challenge. Fortunately, Shangri-La Plaza, the country’s top upscale lifestyle destination, offers a variety of luxury gifts and items, fitting for this season of love. 

While the typical dozen red roses, chocolates, and stuffed toy animals may bring a smile to a loved one’s face, nothing brings the same sparkle to her eyes as the brilliance of exquisite fine jewelry. Truly, every girl deserves to feel like it’s Valentine’s every day.  

Fall in love with these mesmerizing pieces from renowned jewelry brands and heirloom makers: Jewelmer, Golcondia, My Diamond, Rustan’s Silver Vault, Diamantaire, and Stardust. From simple statement pieces to more intricate creations, find everything that her heart desires –and more – only at this unique shopping address.

1.     Golcondia: Diamonds Are Forever

Mid-Level 2/3, East Wing

Taking its name from the region in India, fabled for its most perfect diamonds, Golcondia fulfills the same promise of producing only the most flawless specimens. The first showroom of its kind in the country, Golcondia has perfected the science of diamond making and has elevated the art of design with its handcrafted “jewels of everlasting love.” Compared to mined diamonds, Golcondia’s stones are 100% conflict free and are cultured in a controlled environment. Much like orchids that are cultivated in a greenhouse, cultured diamonds are grown in replicated conditions that result in the same stunning product. Thus, Golcondia diamonds are not only sustainable and the more socially responsibly choice, but they are chemically, physically and optically equal to mined diamonds in every respect.

And it becomes all the more exciting as even ultra-rare diamonds–those that come in pink, blue and yellow hues–can be cultivated. As seen in the showroom, the vivid tints and brilliance of each colored Golcondia diamond are unparalleled; a sign of true luxury. Share this exquisite beauty by gifting your loved one with the limited edition 18K rose gold LOVE bracelet, which comes with a solitaire pink cultured diamond. This stunning personalized gift comes at an unprecedented value, available only for the month of February.

2. Diamantaire: Shine Bright like a Diamond

Level 2, Main Wing

Here at Diamantaire, with its dazzling selection of designs, you can be assured that each piece is one of a kind as no design is ever duplicated. From bracelets to studs, dangling earrings and pendants, Diamantaire does not shy away from its use of precious gems and diamonds. Featuring diamonds of varying sizes, set in gold along with sapphires, rubies and emeralds, the array of elegant designs will have every girl swooning. Sky’s the limit when it comes to creativity, which is why each piece deserves to be displayed on a crown or paraded on a runway, and not simply tucked away in a jewelry box to be gazed at. Diamond connoisseurs will also have to calm their beating hearts once they chance upon Diamantaire’s prized creation- the stunning 10-carat heart-shaped stud earrings (a whopping 5 carat each!). With playful creations that inspire and excite, how can a girl not be absolutely smitten?

3. My Diamond: My One & Only

Level 1, Main Wing

Known for its wedding bands and engagement rings, My Diamond consistently produces pieces that are truly timeless; nothing too audacious or over embellished. One such example is the Unity Ring, a chic, seamless design that marries the masculine and feminine halves of a couple. The ring features a single white gold band with a 0.4- carat solitaire diamond (for the lady) that slips into another ring formed by two outer bands (for the gentleman).Uniting to form one special ring, no design better embodies the beauty and nature of a commitment. Aside from commitment rings, My Diamond also offers a staple of necklaces, dainty pendants and bracelets.

4. Stardust: Romancing the Stone

Lower Ground Level, Main Wing

With over 20 years of experience, Stardust helps breathe new life into family heirlooms by restoring the luster of well-loved jewelry. Specializing in repair and cleaning, Stardust treats every piece that passes through their skilled hands with utmost care, respecting both the sentimental value and heritage of each. Aside restoring jewels to their original glory, Stardust also offers their own made-to-order creations, designed by owners/ mother-and-daughter tandem, Marina Jocson and Shereen Ivy Soriano. While the former describes her style as “classic elegance”, the latter’s designs showcase more modern lines and sensibilities.

5. Jewelmer Joaillerie: Pearl of the Orient

Level 3, Main Wing

Working on the design philosophy that “poetry is in the details,” Jewelmer elevates the art of fine jewelry to brilliant new heights by celebrating French design and Filipino sensibilities. Bringing to the forefront our national treasure, the coveted golden South Sea pearl, Jewelmer continues to capture the hearts of the young and the young-at-heart with its versatile “Watch Me” design that can be worn on the wrist or around the neck; and the auspicious “888” design, which proudly makes use of 8 golden South Sea pearls and 8 diamonds; available in 8 designs. Ignite or rekindle a love affair with these wearable pieces of art.

6. Rustan's Silver Vault: All that Glitters

Level 2, Main Wing

It is love at first sight once you step into Rustan’s Silver Vault. With its thoughtfully curated pieces, chosen from the latest collections of renowned international brands like Hermès, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Mikimoto, and Yvel, among others, Rustan’s Silver Vault presents only the best for its most discerning clientele. Whether it’s gold, diamonds, polished stones or luxury watches, one can be assured that you can find the perfect gift to suit any occasion or any woman. Undoubtedly, it will be a match made in heaven.

Great Gustations at The Shang Part 2

6.     Spatzle

Level 5, EW 

The first of its kind in the Philippines, Spatzle describes it’s cuisine as European fusion. Promising fresh, light yet nourishing meals, Spatzle is all about highlighting and combining subtle flavours and presenting the dishes in a truly unique way. The embodiment of this philosophy is the Banana Bread Florentina. And I love the concept. It’s a surprising combination of chewy, warm banana bread topped with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, thick smoked ham and soft scramble eggs. It’s sexy and comforting at the same time, and hits all the right spots on the palate.  I would have this everyday for breakfast – and wouldn’t mind eating this for lunch and dinner, too! The roesti (a traditional potato pancake) and the Carbonara spatzle with egg will undoubtedly be a hit among children as well, even the picky eaters. It introduces something new to the kids, while still giving them something that’s familiar.

Spatzle doesn’t shy away from experimenting and improving its menu which is why diners are encouraged to drop by during the weekends for some of their special offers. One weekend menu must-try is the famed Weekend Pork Belly. Complement your healthy plates with their signature drinks- the Watermelon Lemonade and All Natural Citrus Cooler, which uses honey instead of sugar syrup.

7.     Duck & Buvette

Level 2, Main Wing

A favourite among the foodie crowd, Duck & Buvette lives up to its hype. Its refined use of fresh and flavourful ingredients and exquisite technique are well appreciated. The star of the menu is undeniably the D&B Crispy Half Duck Confit. To make confit, the fowl is cured in salt and spices for a day or two, before being slowly cooked its own rich fat for that melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. It takes three days to prepare this masterpiece and one will definitely taste the love and passion poured into it. The perfectly golden fowl is served with ratatouille duck rice and a cranberry carrot side.  For more depth, add a little whole grain mustard to the confit. A bright balance to the dish is the Grilled Octopus salad with lemon-chili-hazelnut dressing and fried capers.  D&B is also quite proud of their breads, which they bake from scratch using their own signature wild yeast. The crusty sourdough bread is heavenly with just a dab of butter or dipping sauce. For this visit, we also tried the Cafe Provencal pizza. The crisp, flat pizza crust serves as the perfect canvas to highlight the varied Mediterranean toppings of shrimp, capers, olives, parma ham, anchovies, garlic and mozzarella. Words do not do justice to all of D&B’s dishes; it’s best to experience a plate yourself.

8.     Poetry & Prose Patisserie: Let Them Eat Cake!

Level 1, Main Wing

“A party without cake is just a meeting.” This insightful quote by Julia Child embraces a small section of the wall in Poetry & Prose, perhaps a fitting reminder to all those who come here that dessert is, indeed, necessary.  For first timers, it’s recommended to try their decadent Chocolate Eclair and the L’Opera, a layered masterpiece of almond sponge cake, sweet buttercream and chocolate ganache. The desserts are not overwhelmingly sweet and are pretty light on the palate. Sample a little bit of everything with the Queen’s Tea Set. Work your way up from the bottom layer of finger sandwiches to the dense selection of scone with raisins and clotted cream, and finally the delectable desserts on the top layer. But it’s not all sweets at Poetry & Prose; savory selections are also available.

The traditional souffle gets a savory upgrade with the Herb & Cheese Souffle. Before it even reaches your table, the enticing aroma of herbs- a heavenly combination of basil, parsley, oregano and thyme - tantalizes the senses. The Smoked Salmon in Phyllo Pockets is another light and satisfying dish. The golden flaky crust hides a thick filling of smoked salmon and warmed, crumbled ricotta cheese. To bring out the flavours of the dish, a heavy cream with capers and tomato oil is drizzled over it.  For those looking for that sweet escape, Poetry & Prose offers just that.

9.     Pages: Deli divine

L evel 1, Main Wing 

Pages is the counterpart of its sister restaurant, Poetry & Prose. But comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges. Pages exudes a more masculine appeal with black sheen walls and chic chairs. Here, instead of coffee and tea (though they do serve both), enjoy a glass of wine with your favourite American-Italian deli favourites and selection of cheeses. Staying true to its concept, dishes are given fun, literary names. The hearty sandwich made from sourdough bread, a medley of fresh vegetables, homemade mayo, turkey hickory, salami, gruyere, and mozzarella with taro chips is called The New York Bestseller. While Pages’ simple and straightforward roast chicken dish is named, Much Ado About Nothing. Taking the theme further, with every order, diners get a tiny scroll on their plate, with a memorable quote from the book after which the dish is named.

.Woo Galbi – Taste of Korea

Level 6, East Wing

Bringing the authentic, traditional taste of Korea to the heart of Manila, the modern family restaurant, Woo Galbi, deepens our love and fascination for the Land of the Morning Calm. Tickling the Filipino palate for sweet and savory, the Mixed Meat Platter is a great starter for customers who are just learning about the new popular cuisine. The platter offers a selection of fork-tender slices of beef, chicken and pork that are drizzled over with a sweet teriyaki sauce. To warm your tummies, the seafood stew made with prawn, white fish, squid, scallops and clams, Haemul Tang, dances around the taste buds with its kick of heat. Of course, like all Korean dishes, dishes are enjoyed with Banchan, a variety of boldly seasoned appetizers including sweet beans, pickled radish, sweet chilli dilis, sautéed spinach and crunchy bean sprouts. Here, they believe that variety is, indeed, the spice of life.

First published in The Philippine STAR
Photography by Manuel Generoso

Great Gustations at The Shang Part 1

Making a meal is a modern art. And like any other creative discipline, it takes the same deft touch of a true artist to create something extraordinary. A chef is very much an artist, drawing out  flavours and aromas from simple ingredients and boldly weaving them into an inspiring feast. But more than just having skills, a true culinary artist is one who knows when to break free from a recipe and follow his dictate of taste.

Therefore, a meal is more than simply satiating appetite; it’s about creating an all-sensory experience. While a good meal sufficiently feeds, a great one nourishes the body and soul.

Here at Shangri-La Plaza, the top lifestyle destination and home to an exciting array of world-class restaurants, they not only promise a warm, filling meal but an experience. From time-tested culinary classics to new epicurean delights, The Shang holds no reservations in giving gourmands all that they want and need.  

1.     Epicurious : Exclusively Artisan

Lower Ground Level, East Wing 

Satisfy your curiosity at Epicurious, a one-stop deli, food emporium, café and culinary studio all rolled into one. Built on a shop, cook and eat concept, cosmopolitan foodies can simply take an unhurried walk around and select from the wide array of artisan food items that tickle and excite the taste buds. After selecting your ingredients, you can have your meal cooked  by the distinguished Epicurious’ council of chefs right before  your very eyes eyes.  The freshest, the most flavorful ingredients cooked by fine chefs ensure the tastiest bites gourmands could ever dream of.

While dining at Epicurious, do not pass up on the Charcuterie Board, Artisan Lasagna and the US Angus Rib-eye Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Garden Salad. Piled generously with slices of delectable dried meats and cheeses (including Manchego, Chorizo Pamplona, Jamon Serrano, soft gouda and assorted dried fruits and nuts), the Charcuterie Board perfectly primes the palate for the hearty meal ahead.  While many would consider pasta, especially lasagna, an ordinary dish, Epicurious elevates this well-loved classic to an awe-inspiring experience.  Luscious layers of tomato sauce and cream, locked in with a top layer of cheese and bechamel sauce makes for a sumptuous and sinful bite. Familiar and comforting, the lasagna makes you think of home and your mother’s cooking. While it should be good for sharing, after taking a spoonful, you’ll be selfishly thinking to have it all for yourself. For something meatier but equally appetizing, the Rib-eye Steak, cooked to a perfect medium rare, reveals a flavor unmatched. This mouth-watering dish is tender to the bite and is best eaten with the side of creamy mashed potato or garden salad. Epicurious, with its extensive array of cheese, dried meats, pastries, wine and chocolates, is a melting pot where you can find the finest ingredients and gourmet produce from all around the world.

2.     Lombardi ‘s Authentic Italian: Simplicity at its Finest

Level 4, East Wing

The anchor of great Italian food is fresh flavors brought out from the best ingredients; simplicity over elaborate preparations. And this is the same philosophy that is embraced by  Lombardi’s, an authentic Italian restaurant known for its delicious pastas and pizzas. Baked in a brick oven, their thin crust pizzas always come out perfectly crisp and hot. Their Quattro Formaggi pizza is a particular treat as I adore the rich, salty combination of Provolone, Fontina, Gorgonzola, and Mozzarella. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio Peperoncino con Gamberetti is a nice breaker from the richness of the pizza. Tossed in olive oil and garlic, the simple pasta is topped off with plump, nicely colored prawns. Not to be overlooked on this menu, of course, is a family favourite – Rustic Ossobuco with Saffron Risotto. Slow cooked for hours and braised in a flavorful tomato-based broth, the meat comes out fork tender and perfectly seasoned every time. Take a trip back to Italy with this authentic Milanese dish.  

3.     Balboa: Pasta Perfection

Level 4, East Wing

 Named after the famed (fictional) boxer played by Sylvester Stallone, Balboa offers you a ring side seat to the best Italian-American feast in the building. Chef Giorgio Bucciarelli, the talented chef at the helm of Balboa’s kitchen, forbids taking shortcuts when it comes to his dishes. In fact, his adamance to make everything from scratch is highlighted in his newly launched collection of Artisan Pasta. This “customize-your-own pasta” menu uses their signature pastas which are crafted right in their kitchen. And what delights customers is that the pasta comes in four varieties and colors: green (spinach), red (tomato), yellow (saffron) and black (squid ink). One dish that has me coming back for more is the Black Squid Ink Pappardelle with Putanesca Sauce. Its shocking, bold color and subtle salty flavour of the sea (from the squid ink) create a completely enticing bite. Every morsel surprises you and before your mind can even wrap itself around the fantastic meal, you’ve cleaned your plate with the last piece of crusty bread. The other pasta varieties come in more child-friendly colors, but with the same fantastic subtle flavors.

For group dinners, the Buttermilk Roasted Chicken and Dry-Aged Rib-Eye Steak are highly recommended. Served with hefty helpings of mashed potatoes, the roasted chicken and steak remind you of big family celebrations during Thanksgiving and Christmas. How can it not be a joy to eat? Moist, juicy and tender, they are delicious on their own. But drizzle them with Balboa’s homemade gravy and you’re in heaven.  To cap off any meal at Balboa’s, reward yourself with the San Honore, an uplifting dessert made with delightful layers of puff pastry and light Chantilly crème. It soothes the palate and ends the entire meal on a sweet note. 

4.     Wicked : Simply Sinful

Level 5, East Wing

Walking through the glass doors of Wicked, the inner child awakens, excited by the array of colourful sweets and mounds of chocolates. Satisfy your sweet tooth with bestsellers such as the Red Velvet Cupcake, Chocolate Bark and Brookies. The Brookies are my particular favourite. The luscious dense brownie, sandwiched between two cookies and then dipped in dark chocolate, has a great crunch when you bite into it. A glass of milk, which comes with the order, helps wash everything down. The Chocolate Bark, on the other hand, is made with chewy vanilla and chocolate marshmallows blended with crunchy honey graham and enrobed in decadent dark chocolate. If you’re ever feeling low, opt for this quick sugar high. For something sexy, the Chocolate Fire Cake will give you that soft flush in your cheeks thanks to its surprise ingredient- chilis! Wicked is a sinful temptation I will never feel guilty surrendering to.  

5.     Teddy’s Burger: The Bigger, Better Bite

Level 6, Main Wing 

Teddy’s Burger is the ultimate belly buster, a meal of epic proportion. Named the best burger in Hawaii since 2001, Teddy’s Burgers are made from 100 percent ground chuck USDA beef that are charbroiled to perfection, meaning less grease and more smoky flavor. But what separates them for your typical burger joint is its potato bun, which is fluffier, sweeter and softer. If the regular portions are too much for you, try burgers from the Great Kahuna line which offers burgers in smaller servings, fitting for the Filipino appetite. For a burger foodie like me, it’s hard to choose among the different variants. But the top three would have to be the Bacon Me Crazy, the Samurai and the Kukaelio.  The Bacon Me Crazy features an overload of bacon, dollops of cream cheese, drool-worthy cheddar, onions and decadent truffle honey. The Kukaelio is another mean burger. A huge portobello mushroom is first stuffed with cream cheese, grilled onions, garlic, cheddar and bacon bits before it’s deep fried and slapped onto a burger patty and bun. The Samurai, topped off with nori strips, a tangy teriyaki sauce and wasabi mayo with crispy sweet potato strips, is made exclusively for Shang. When at Teddy’s, you don’t wash your meal down with water. (That’s for wimps!) Have your choice of milkshakes, which uses four generous scoops of your preferred ice cream: chocolate, strawberry, peanut butter or vanilla. Here, it’s go big or go home.

First published in The Philippine STAR
Photos courtesy of Manuel Generoso

Jasmine Restaurant, New World Makati Hotel

Based on its colorful and respected culinary history, Cantonese cuisine, which originated from the province of Guangzhou, is considered China’s “haute cuisine” because of its vast popularity especially in the West. And now, bringing the flavors of Guangzhou to the Philippines, preeminent Master Chef Choi Wing Ki welcomes guests into the heart of the Renaissance Hotel Makati where he opens his new Cantonese restaurant, Jasmine.

Master Chef Choi Wing Ki takes lead from the great tradition of Cantonese cuisine known for its uncompromised use of fresh and flavorful ingredients, choosing simple and clear flavors over complicated heavily seasoned dishes. Cantonese cuisine of Southern China along with Sichuan (western china), Shandong (Northern China) and Huaiyang (Eastern Chine) compose what the Chinese refer to as the “four great traditions.” These cuisines are not only notably defined by their regional origin but also by their distinct style and taste of food. The trademark of Cantonese cuisine is the preserved natural flavor of its ingredients. With a particularity on freshness, the Cantonese are known for their steaming and stir-frying technique which is the least intrusive and healthiest means of cooking.








A connoisseur of this cooking style, Chef Choi Wing Ki, who has worked in world class restaurants in Southeast Asia such as Hongkong, Beijing, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Korea, flexes his wok-working talent and impresses us with his parade of delish dishes as he gives us a “hands-on” experience in Chinese culinary history. Sitting comfortably in our private dining table at the restaurant, we lend ourselves completely to the experience, enjoying the fragrant rice wine with champoy warm in our tummies, and the soothing ambiance of Jasmine’s chic art deco interiors.

From the soft lights to the warm romantic mauve colour of the walls to the plush cushion of seats and carpet, Jasmine is decked to assure you nothing but the best of dining experiences. And as we exchange laughter and cheerful conversation, our mouths water as we inhale the aroma of the first dishes- appetizers comprised of steamed scallop dumpling, shrimp dumpling and vegetable dumpling with bamboo pith and celery. This is followed by a Cantonese favourite, a slow-cooked braised seafood soup with conpoy and bamboo pith.

A traditional Chinese banquet would not be complete without the sweet and succulent Imperial Peking duck. It is roasted to golden perfection and sliced into delicate slivers that are a wonderful contrast to the stewed broccoli with Shimeji mushrooms and conpoy and the crunchy wok-friend minced duck in lettuce wrap. The lighter dish of steamed stone fish with soy sauce melts in your mouth and the savory light taste of the infused delicate herbs leaves your palate wanting. Dish after dish, Jasmine continues to awe us as we are served sumptuous viands of wok-fried diced beef tenderloin with sweet walnuts in XO sauce, deep fried spare ribs with chang-kong vinegar sauce and mayonnaise, and diced chicken and Chinese sausage. The feast seems never-ending and the fascinating combination of herbs, spices and meats are impressive, with each dish exquisite and different from the next.

Jasmine is truly a must try for food junkies who are in the pursuit of authentic Chinese food and great ambiance!

First published in PeopleAsia Magazine
Photos courtesy of Jasmine Restaurant

Picasso Boutique Makati: Fine Art

(it's not quite obvious but if you look closely, the paintings on the walls of each of the balconies make up one big picture.)

At the heart of Makati, just a stroll away from the Weekend organic market in Salcedo Park lies an intriguing boutique/ residences called Picasso. Modern and chic, Picasso was inspired by the painter and visionary it was named after. Cubism is reflected in its clean and stark interiors with bold colors that engage the eyes to appreciate the interplay of art and design that is inherent in each room, door and facade. (Even the room numbers are individually painted on canvas and from the outside you can see the composite painting that is painted on each of the balconies as seen in the first photo.)

Aside from the funky exteriors, the interiors rooms are simply magnificent, modern and minimalistic topped with the most comfortable amenities. Imagine how simply divine it would be to watch reruns in this gigantic room, which i did with my fellow writers! SUCH FUN!!! movie marathon!

Unfortunately i wasn't able to take pictures of the the bathroom. But it was crazy! Completely new jacuzzi with full length mirrors. We were a little bit uneasy at first because i think the room was made for honeymooners, the walls of the bathroom were somewhat translucent so you can faintly see the outline of the person while they're taking a bath. HOW KINKY!

Aside from being a chic home away from home, Picasso is also an art gallery, a venue for art workshops, exhibits and talks. An in-house curator works tirelessly to find invaluable finds and showcase the talent of different Filipino artists. Currently, the walls are adorned with paintings and sculptors from the renowned Kidlat Tahimik. All of which are up for grabs! :D

(A peek at their art gallery)

Next time i will definitely try out their restaurant, interestingly named- BRASSERIE BOHEME which was inspired by the hangouts in Paris during the 1920s... but with a modern twist. They serve a sumptuous mix of French, Continental, Spanish and Filipino cuisine which feature ingredients/products from their own organic farm in Cebu.

Can't wait to try! Wait for my future post!