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For regular people, unwinding on a weekend means a trip to the mall or a nice meal at a restaurant. But for Manila’s 1%, this is synonymous to exclusive access to luxury clubs whose members get to enjoy a secluded place to themselves away from the noise and bustle of the rest of the city. Becoming a member of these clubs is not all about money, though. You have to know the right people and get an invite from an existing member to secure a coveted slot.
In this article, we’ve selected five of the most prestigious and highly sought exclusive membership clubs where Manila’s elite hang out.
Manila Polo Club
One of the oldest rich-only clubs in the country, Manila Polo Club allows members to enjoy a range of sports activities including archery, golf, tennis, and squash. Restaurants and cafes are also on the site for those who want a more laidback stay. Being a member of this prestigious club is no joke: the admission rate is between P12.5 million and P13.3 million pesos, excluding an application fee of P112,000.
A secluded haven for moneyed people looking for a reprieve from Manila’s traffic and pollution, The Country Club at Tagaytay Highlands balances its greeneries with upscale facilities that dot the sprawling development. It has all the amenities one could think of: a 14-lane disco bowling center, an indoor basketball court, restaurants that range from local to continental, cable cars, and more. This club’s transfer fee starts at P120,000.
Developed by Filinvest, The Palms Country Club sits on three hectares of land flanked by trees and tucked amid Alabang’s most private space. It has on-site restaurants, a bowling alley, a pool bar, and a deli famous for its wines and pastries.
Admission to this club is reportedly around P1.2 million to P1.4 million, with annual membership fee of P56,000 and above.
Ayala Alabang Country Club
Another entry from the upscale side of Alabang, this exclusive membership club began in 1981 with more than 1,600 members. After 40 years, the club has not even doubled its numbers, an indication of the exclusivity that comes with being a member. The 74-hectare development houses a bevy of facilities including a golf course, swimming pool, badminton court, and a dance studio, among others.
For the regular folks, Balesin is known as local celebrities’ go-to R&R destination, thanks to its gorgeous, white-sand beach complemented by the property’s posh amenities. It sits on a 500-hectare tropical island, a 25-minute plane ride from Metro Manila. Members are treated to luxurious villas, a clubhouse, and villages themed after famous vacation destinations around the world. Its 14-suite Balesin Royal Villa admires the view of Lamon Bay and the Sierra Madre mountain range, a rare treat for the country’s elites.
If you want to be a member, prepare to fork out P2.2 million to P4 million.
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The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the demand for advanced, science-backed aesthetic treatments continues to grow. As a global leader in dermatology and aesthetics, Galderma reaffirms its commitment to innovation and patient care with the Galderma Aesthetics Diamond Awards 2025.
Now on its second year, the Galderma Aesthetics Diamond Awards is a platform where the brand recognizes its valued partners—key accounts, top injectors, leading institutions, and esteemed societies—and commends their continued commitment to aesthetic excellence and innovation.
The Galderma Aesthetics Diamond Awards 2025
The momentous occasion took place at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom I and II on April 2, 2025, attended by leading aesthetic clinics, professional societies, and Galderma executives.
Before the ceremony, Galderma’s top executives—Louie Roxas (General Manager, Philippines), Michelle de Jesus (Business Unit Head for Injectables and Aesthetics PH), and Christine Legazpi (Senior Marketing Manager)—sat down with the media to talk about the brand, the Diamond Awards, and emerging trends in the local aesthetics industry.
Photo by The Beat Asia
“We are at the forefront of dermatology—therapeutic, skincare, and injectable aesthetics,” said Louie Roxas, highlighting Galderma’s edge: science-backed, clinically proven products with over two decades of efficacy.
He also emphasized the importance of proper training for their doctors and injectors: “We don’t just allow doctors to use our products without knowledge. There’s a transfer of technology to ensure safety. We conduct workshops and hands-on training so they’re confident in using the product.”
On the global trends shaping the future of beauty, Michelle de Jesus shared six rising movements: cancelling age, pro-aging, beauty fandom, fast aesthetics, mindful aesthetics, and “expressionality.”
As for the Diamond Awards, Christine Legazpi explained that the initiative recognizes Galderma’s partnerships with clinics while strengthening their industry presence. “It’s a win-win. We honor our partners, and they gain awareness for their own brands.”
Galderma takes pride in its science-driven, personalized approach. “It’s very individualized,” said Christine Legazpi. “Our Restylane fillers come in eight types because what works for you might not work for me.” She emphasized the value of patient assessments in choosing the right product.
Louie Roxas echoed this, noting the premium quality of Galderma’s offerings: “We invest in clinical studies—10% of every peso goes back into research. That’s why we’re truly at the forefront of dermatology.”
The Aivee Clinic – Red Diamond Excellence Award Recipient for 2 Years in a Row
All eyes turned to the night’s most distinguished guests of honor, The Aivee Clinic. Known for their innovations in the Philippine aesthetic industry, it was no surprise that The Aivee Clinic once again received the Red Diamond Excellence Award – the highest honor given by Galderma to its partner clinics.
The clinic also took home the Sculptra Breakthrough Award and the Restylane Breakthrough Award, cementing their place as industry leaders and their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Founders Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo and Dr. Z’Shen Teo sat down with members of the media soon after the ceremony and shared their thoughts on their recognition, the Aivee Clinic’s procedures, and what’s next for them.
Dr. Aivee Teo began by thanking Galderma for awarding them the Red Diamond Excellence Award for the second consecutive year, calling it a validation of their passion and hard work.
Known for being one of the best in the industry and for their pioneering treatments, The Aivee Clinic is deeply focused on clinical safety when introducing new offerings to their patients. “It’s very important that we introduce products and injectables to our patients that have very good clinical studies,” said Dr. Z. “With the myriad of products that we have flooding the market right now, it’s important that we are able to select premium quality products that we are going to put into our patients’ faces and bodies.”
Dr. Z also emphasized how the Aivee Clinic always wants their patients to “come out feeling naturally refreshed.” Dr. Aivee echoed this, saying “it has to be the results.” “The patients come to us because they want to see good results from their treatment, and of course, in the Aivee Group we’re very particular about safety and effectivity.”
She also shared how their reputation as pioneers in the field has kept them on their toes. The team invests in extensive research and travels multiple times a year to stay ahead and bring world-class treatments to their clients.
As for current trends, Dr. Aivee says that there is a growing interest in preventive treatments. “A lot of patients now come to the clinic because they want to start early, and sometimes when they’re starting late. Even worldwide, the trend is collagen banking—stimulating collagen even before the [visible] aging process starts.”
She also mentioned how people nowadays are looking towards more natural-looking results, with a focus turning towards overall skin health.
Even as aesthetic treatments are becoming more accessible and normalized, some people still hesitate to take that first step. Dr. Aivee cites social media as an important factor to bridge this gap.
“A lot of our patients openly show and talk about their treatments, and I think that influence is important,” she said. “When they come in and see familiar faces, they would say “if she can do it, so can I.” We’re very candid and raw with our treatment, we show it as it is so you can see if it’s painful or uncomfortable and you can really see the effect right after the treatment.”
She shared that most of their treatments have little to no downtime, allowing patients to drop by the clinic, do their treatment, and head straight to their social activities without a sweat.
“When they come to the clinic,” she added. “It’s important to have a very good consultation and assessment with your patient, and it’s important that you have a lot of experience with these treatments because that will give you the wisdom to have a good consultation and to assess which treatments are good for certain regions.”
An Innovator in Science-Based Aesthetics
Galderma’s extensive range of aesthetic injectables is built on the foundation of science and safety, ensuring that every treatment delivers subtle, effective, and long-lasting results. They currently have five new injectables, all meaningfully designed to give 100% natural-looking results – Restylane, Restylane Kysse, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Skin boosters, and Sculptra.
Courtesy of GaldermaCourtesy of Galderma
As the leader in dermatology and aesthetics, Galderma is steadfast in its mission to provide cutting-edge treatments that meet the evolving aspirations of beauty-conscious consumers and industry professionals.
Echoing the words of Christine Legazpi, the Galderma Aesthetics Diamond Awards 2025 is not just a celebration of achievement—it is honoring the partnerships they have made, strengthening the brand’s presence in the industry, and advocating for aesthetic excellence.
Learn more about Galderma Aesthetics through their website and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Mathematics isn’t just limited to boring equations anymore.
For decades, scientists and mathematicians have always been seen as the ones who see the world through a series of sleek equations. Italian fashion house Max Mara switches this around and turns mathematical concepts into fashionably functional pieces for their Spring/Summer 2025 Collection.
Max Mara’s Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, aptly themed “Science and Magic,” continues to champion pioneering women from history and highlights Hypatia, a 4th-century mathematician, philosopher, astronomer, and teacher from Alexandria, and her legacy of elegant precision.
Courtesy of Max MaraCourtesy of Max Mara
Inspired by Hypatia’s work on slicing through cones at different angles, mathematically plotted elliptical curves created intriguing constructions revealing a segment of the abdomen, a sliver of shoulder, or a whole back — making it look sexy and sophisticated. The sleek silhouette hinges on jackets with a new shoulder shape: sharp, square, and narrow.
In this collection founded on geometry, precision, and articulation, there are impeccable linear fabrics, gabardines, drills, and haut de gamme denims that lend themselves to engineering, but there are also crumpled silks permanently crisscrossed with random creases.
When the aesthetic is inseparable from the detailed technical construction, even the modest poplin shirt can be elevated to a design statement. Max Mara presents a whole sequence to test that hypothesis — what says ‘summer in the city’ better than a crisp cotton shirt or a wrapped shirt dress, right?
Max Mara buzzes with sartorial alchemy for the Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, with colors mirrored from the phials in the lab: crystalline white, copper oxide as black as brown can be, deep delphinium blue, and silver nitrate.
This collection, despite being at odds with its scientific premise, affirms Kurt Vonnegut when he wrote, “Science is magic that works.”
Max Mara in the Philippines Partners with U-GO for Women’s Month
In an intimate event held at the Max Mara Greenbelt 3 Store last Mar. 26, 2025, Max Mara presented the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, “Science and Magic,” complete with six looks from the Runway Show.
Courtesy of Max MaraCourtesy of Max Mara
Present at the event were U-GO’s Mariana Zobel and Ariana Kader-Cu, who explained U-GO’s rationale and what it means to partner with Max Mara.
“It’s such an honor to be partnering with such a fantastic, female-led brand, and to be able to take that and multiply the effect on so many women we are hoping to educate this year and the years to come,” said Mariana Zobel.
U-GO is founded on two principles: first, that talent is universal, opportunity is not, and second, if you empower a woman, it has a multiplier effect on her family, community, and the economy.
U-GO has partnered with the Ayala Foundation in the Philippines for their operations in the country, and operates in other countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, and Tanzania.
Max Mara Philippines’ collaboration with U-GO runs until Apr. 30, 2025.
Take a look at U-GO’s activities on their website and Instagram.
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Discover Balesin Island Club’s luxurious offerings – accessible with just one exclusive membership.
Balesin Island Club proudly introduces Balesin Key, an exclusive membership offering made to redefine luxury living. Balesin Key expands Alphaland’s prestigious portfolio for its members, providing access to new destinations beyond Balesin Island – Balesin City and Balesin Pines.
Introducing Balesin City and Balesin Pines
Balesin City is a luxurious urban retreat where business and leisure seamlessly coexist. Formerly known as The City Club, the facility has everything for its members to enjoy, including business lounges, wide event spaces, and specialty restaurants, mostly the same restaurants found on Balesin Island. The property’s inclusive fitness and recreational facilities ensure that members’ well-being is never compromised. From indoor golf and pickleball to yoga and pilates, maintaining a fitness routine has never been easier.
Location: 4th to 6th Levels, Alphaland Makati Place 7232 Ayala Avenue Ext., 1209 Makati City
Balesin City | Courtesy of the Balesin Island Club
Balesin Pines, on the other hand, is a tranquil gateway for those craving fresh mountain air. With 18 luxury accommodations, an equipped gym, and the signature Leea Spa, relaxation is king at this mountainside retreat. Balesin Pines allows Balesin Key members to recharge in complete comfort, with nature’s soundtrack setting the mood for reflection and serenity.
Balesin Pines | Courtesy of the Balesin Island Club
One Key, Three Worlds
“Balesin Key is more than a membership; it’s our members’ passport to three extraordinary worlds that provide a complete lifestyle,” says Joanna Ongpin Duarte, Balesin Spokesperson.
“This new share allows members access to the tropical island escapes in Balesin Island, the cosmopolitan elegance of Balesin City, and the mountain serenity in Balesin Pines. Our members can experience seamless luxury across our three distinct properties with just one key.”
Elevated Expansions and Improvements
Balesin Island has elevated its appeal with beautifully refreshed villas, eco-friendly innovations, and a variety of leisure activities, making it the ultimate destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The villas in Balesin Village now feature a light, airy atmosphere with elegant finishes, expertly curated by Head of Design Rico Sison. Each villa represents the essence of island luxury, offering guests a serene and sophisticated retreat.
Courtesy of the Balesin Island Club
For those seeking nautical elegance, Balesin Island’s 38.5-meter superyacht M/Y Obsessions, now sports a sleek exterior with interior enhancements. Adventurous guests can delight in boat tours, including the scenic “Secret Beach” or “Turtle Cove” excursions, or try water sports like wakeboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Marine life surrounding the island has also been thriving under Balesin’s coral reef rehabilitation program.
A top view look into the Secret Beach Tour offered by Balesin Island | Courtesy of the Balesin Island Club
Foodies are in for a treat with revamped menus at Bali Warung, Costa del Sol Casa Grande, and Han-Gang Mama Lee, offering authentic flavors and memorable dining experiences. Classic Filipino dishes like the kilawin are still iconic must-tries at the Clubhouse Dining and Fish Fun.
Courtesy of the Balesin Island ClubCourtesy of the Balesin Island Club
Sustainability remains at the heart of Balesin’s evolution. By September, a solar farm is set to supply up to 60% of the island’s energy, reducing its carbon footprint.
In April, Hiraya Farm will start welcoming visitors for immersive farm tours. Balesin has partnered with Gourmet Farms to maximize the farm’s produce and efficiency based on the island’s food requirements. Guests can savor native snacks and fresh tea made from the island’s own produce, offering a delightful farm-to-table experience.
Balesin Island continues to stand out as a premier destination for guests, with its thoughtful blend of luxury and sustainability.
With Balesin Key, members can now enjoy seamless access to these unparalleled destinations, unlocking the freedom to choose how they live, work, and relax. It truly is not just a membership card — it’s an invitation to enter three worlds where luxury knows no bounds.
Welcome to a world where relaxation, recreation, and refined living come together effortlessly. Whether you’re closing deals in the city, enjoying picturesque sunsets by the shore, or finding peace and solace in the mountains, Balesin Key ensures that comfort and convenience in your happy places are always within reach.
All it takes is just one key to access a lifetime filled with ultimate getaways.
For more information, visit the Balesin Keywebsite, and follow their pages on Facebook and Instagram.
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Bold and experimental. From maxi frames to sleek cat-eye silhouettes, Fall/Winter 2024-2025 eyewear collections were nothing short of fashionable. The season saw a blend of retro revival and futuristic innovation, with tinted lenses, geometric shapes, and luxurious metallics taking center stage.
Before we head on to the Spring-Summer 2025 season, let’s take a look at our best eyewear picks from Fall/Winter 2024-2025 that turn heads for every style.
Sporty: DITA Lancier
Courtesy of DITA Lancier
Designed for optimal vision in any kind of environment — may it be the land, sea, or air, New York-founded brand DITA Lancier’s Fall-Winter 2024 collection is the perfect choice for a sporty style. Aside from its impeccable style, this collection boasts functionality with its advanced lens technology and anti-slip rubber nose pads and temples for utmost comfort.
Our best pick from the collection is the aviator sunglasses LSA-404, which comes in three colorways: the matte crystal gray and black palladium with a grey lens for sea activities; the matte black and white gold with a brown lens for land sports; and the matte black and matte black gun with a green lens for air activities.
DITA Lancier’s FW2024 is available at Vision Express stores nationwide. You can also check it out here.
Classy: Chanel
Photo from Website/Chanel
Keeping it classy? Go for French luxury house Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2024-2025 eyewear collection.
Chanel’s FW 2024-25 collection perfectly nails the classy look that never gets old. Take, for example, its rectangle-shaped sunglasses, adorned with golden tweed patterns on the temple, a timeless black frame, and, of course, the brand’s iconic double C logo.
But what really takes center stage in this collection are the Butterfly glasses, which turn heads with their uniquely shaped frame and lenses that mimic that of a butterfly. It comes in blue light glasses and sunglasses variations, depending on your preference.
Dare to be different? With a contemporary and bold take on sunglasses, Parisian luxury brand Dior’s VeryDior M1U sunglasses made its debut at its Winter 2024 show and instantly became a hit with fashion enthusiasts with its edgy look — kind of like what mysterious super spies wear on a mission.
These sunglasses, which take on the shape of a wrap-around frame, boast an avant-garde look with a gold-finish metal Christian Dior signature at the temples and woven patterns at the temple tip. It can also be worn as a headband, combining luxury, style, and functionality in one.
See how Dior’s M1U glasses fit your edgy style here.
Casual-Chic and Streetwear: Versace
Photo from Website/Versace
Have that perfect blend of a casual and chic style like Sabrina Carpenter or aespa’s Ningning, or the swag of NBA player Alexandre Sarr? If you do, Versace’s eyewear should be your go-to.
For Fall-Winter 2024-2025, the Italian luxury designer brand unveiled the 2024 version of their iconic Medusa Biggie glasses, named after the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. The collection features cat-eye-shaped frames, which are perfect for a chic ensemble, while the bold, low-lens-shaped sunglasses give off a cool vibe, perfect for a streetwear-inspired style. Its temples are also equipped with a gold-toned heritage Medusa Medallion for that added luxury and signature Versace identity.
Check out Versace’s new Medusa Biggie eyewear here.
Preppy: Miu Miu
Photo from Website/Miu Miu
If you’re in the mood for something cutesy and preppy, we recommend Miu Miu's Fall-Winter 2024 eyewear collection!
Aside from the usual black and brown lenses, the brand is also popular for their pink and blue-hued lenses, both of which go well with bright-colored fits and girly girl styles. We especially love the Nocturne collection, a reinvention of sporty sunglasses, which also comes in various lens colors.
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Andrea Tetangco has been in the fashion industry for 17 years now. As such, the fresh-faced designer, has seen the rise and fall of various trends, as well as the advent – and continuous growth – of social media.
“Seventeen years ago, we didn’t have social media. Growth was very organic,” she recalls. “We didn’t have that many young designers back then either.”
Today, Andrea has established herself through a namesake atelier that is known for elegant and feminine designs. She makes intricate yet timeless bespoke dresses for brides and event attendees. Through this, she’s had the privilege of dressing some of the most influential women in the country, including actresses and politicians. Yet, she acknowledges there’s a new wave of women today, one that cannot be discounted: the rise of social media influencers.
Marian Rivera in Andrea Tetangco | Instagram | Andrea Tetangco
Crediting content creators as one of the drivers for her new ready-to-wear collection, Andrea says, “We have more influencers now and people see that you can dress up. [The] Majority of people are on social media and they see that it is possible to dress up for things, it is accessible.”
For those curious about Andrea’s ready-to-wear line, it is available at her boutique office in Kirov Tower, at Proscenium Rockwell. Here, a wonderland of beauty awaits: from beaded gowns to ruffled skirts, to bow-top dresses, and feathered capes.
Dubbed “luxury ready-to-wear," Andrea’s designs are truly next level. “I love statement details on timeless silhouettes,” she explains.
A statement piece from Andrea Tetangco | Instagram | Andrea Tetangco
Though established now, Andrea admits that growing up, she had no idea she would end up as a fashion designer.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do [when I was young],” she says. “But I know what I wanted to become. I wanted to become successful.”
A born leader, Andrea established her design studio after completing her studies. To this day, she’s never worked under anyone but herself. Her powerful statement pieces embody the “girlboss” she is.
“I knew I wanted to lead, even at a young age,” she notes.
A bride celebrates in her Andrea Tetangco gown | Instagram | Andrea Tetangco
Of course, the business and fashion landscape was vastly different in 2007, when Andrea first started. As previously mentioned, social media had yet to fully take off. Back then, the designer had had to rely on word of mouth to gain traction.
“No one trusted me [in the beginning] but I couldn’t give up,” she recalls. “If people don’t believe in you, but you believe in yourself, you’ll find that you’ll [be okay]. You have to believe in yourself first before other people will.”
Now, through social media platforms such as Instagram gaining global prevalence, Andrea has found greater success. She dresses women who have the power to share their experiences with friends and followers. In this way, word of mouth is still the best kind of marketing for fashion designers.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that creativity and a good following are all it takes to run a business. As Andrea has come to realize, learning the technical aspects of management is crucial for designers.
“When you study fashion design, sometimes, business education is lacking. Fashion designers can be proud of their designs, but at the end of the day, it’s still a business. If you want to last, you have to learn, because the DNA of it all is your team, your production, and the data.”
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They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Whether you want to make a stand or express something to the world, it’s only right that we treat eyewear as a fashion statement. It's more than just about the frame’s design, but also how it fits the shape of your face ultimately enhancing how you look, while also improving vision and fulfilling your lifestyle needs.
With over two centuries of rich history, the Kering Group continues to lead the industry with its expertise in creating modern and authentic luxury pieces for its discerning clientele, and this includes stunning eyewear pieces that can help you make a statement every day.
The Beat Manila attended a dazzling showcase at Gallio Events, Parañaque City as the global luxury group presented its Fall/Winter 2024 eyewear collection to the Philippine market. Read on to learn more about this season’s features and standouts.
Fashion and Innovation Collide
Since its establishment in 1962, Kering has acquired numerous prestigious luxury houses, including well-known brands like Cartier, Dunhill, Gucci, Montblanc, Puma, and Saint Laurent.
Each of these brands presented a lineup of eyewear pieces that blends traditional and contemporary designs infused with innovative technology that is thoughtfully designed and distinct in its own right.
The new Cartier collection blends timeless design with modern elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Key pieces include the Trinity 100th Anniversary edition, which is available in rose, yellow, and platinum, and the Santos de Cartier models inspired by the classic 1904 Santos watch. The collection also offers a range of styles, from bold to rimless frames, that surely cater to different tastes. The Première de Cartier
line also brings back ‘80s charm with enamel accents and godron motifs, while the Panthère de Cartier designs evoke luxury with cat-like accents.
Photo by The Beat Asia
Fashion house Dunhill features vintage-inspired frames crafted from faceted acetate and lightweight titanium, which is meant to reflect British music icons. There’s also a new navigator style with a round frame and structured bridge. The latest collection highlights the seamless blend of tradition andmodern masculinity through its selection of both optical and sunglass styles.
Photo by The Beat Asia
Gucci’s latest eyewear collection is a celebration of the purest of designs that merge sophisticated details with intricate craftsmanship. You can don eyewear with neutral and vibrant colors, as well as with matte, shiny, and transparent finishes that enhance oversized geometric shapes.
Gucci’s iconic symbols appear as metallic embellishments, embossed scripts, or as the interlocking G logo across various styles. The collection also includes a limited edition of numbered models crafted from ReAce, a 100% recycled material derived from pre-consumer acetate scraps that showcases unique and colorful patterns, making each frame one of a kind.
Photo by The Beat Asia
Designed under the artistic direction of Marco Tomasetta, the Montblanc Fall/Winter 2024 Eyewear Collection is inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Meisterstück and features slim contours, Snowcap emblems, and refined metal accents. The iconic Nib motif is presented in both geometric and navigator styles. Modern sports aesthetics are also reflected in Extreme 3.0 patterns on rubber temples. Overall, this collection is a presentation of the brand’s evolving heritage as they continue to offer luxurious and versatile eyewear.
Anthony Vaccarello presents Saint Laurent’s iconic codes in a new eyewear collection featuring beloved silhouettes and refined details. Metal sunglasses introduce curvilinear shapes with side spoilers, while injected frames and bilayer structures create daring contrasts. The Saint Laurent logo gets a retro-inspired and high-impact design, as well as vintage versions on bold acetate frames. Transparent temples reveal a luminous metal core, while gilded YSL monograms embellish cat-eye styles. It’s a fusion of elegance and edge, providing you with the perfect eyewear for any occasion.
Meanwhile, sports brand Puma designs pieces not just for athletes but for those who lead a sports-centered lifestyle. The latest collection features dynamic shapes and vibrant details, with the Running theme highlighting new color options and two-tone silhouettes that reflect speed and strength. Enhanced mask sunglasses offer comfort and stability, with flexible temples and HDR (High Dynamic Range) polycarbonate lenses for optimal vision. Safe to say, this line impressively combines fashion and functionality.
Photo by The Beat AsiaPhoto by The Beat Asia
Making Things Brighter: Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 Technology
Maui Jim’s new collection named “Ekahi” — its first under Kering Eyewear, seamlessly infuses advanced technology with Hawaiian-inspired designs in various shapes and vibrant colors. We had the pleasure of learning more about the fascinating technology infused in each pair, ultimately making one's surroundings look more vibrant and colorful rather than darker like how most tinted sunglasses do.
Maui Jim features their new PolarizedPlus2 lens technology that protects against UV rays while enhancing natural light instead of dimming it, which in turn delivers exceptional color and clarity. And when we say this, we really mean it’s like stepping into Oz for the first time after being whisked away from Kansas. It’s like seeing color for the first time!
Photo by The Beat Asia
Born on the gorgeous beaches of Maui, Hawaii, Maui Jim began their journey in 1987, designing sunglasses that first and foremost aim to protect the eyes from the harsh rays of the island sun. Its founder, a local fisherman named Jim, wanted to create sunglasses that can be used more comfortably in the water, while also taking off the glare and making what you see more beautiful.
The variety of base lenses has different light filtrations, allowing people to find the right pair of glasses for their eye health needs. Maui Jim makes it a priority to protect their customers’ eyes without sacrificing your vision’s vibrancyandclarity once you put their shades on.
The new collection is divided into three main segments: MauiPure, MauiBrilliant, and SuperThin Glass which all cater to outdoor and fashion trends enthusiasts. Each segment boasts unique designs inspired by Hawaiian culture, with signature patterns like the Wavy Pattern and Slash that add a modern twist.
Photo by The Beat Asia
Today, Maui Jim has grown into a global brand — the world’s fastest-growing Premium Polarized Sunglasses brand in the world and is being sold in more than a hundred countries.
But what makes it unique from other polarized sunglasses, you might ask?
“It’s the community that we are trying to build for Maui Jim,” said Angelica Pineda, Kering’s In-Store specialist. “It’s not just about selling, but also about introducing a product that will help people’s lifestyles.”
Business Development Manager for Maui Jim, Anthony Le, also introduced us to some Hawaiian concepts and told us how much like the word “Ohana,” whose root word comes from “Oha” (shoot of a Taro plant that shares the same roots and is a vital part of life on the island), the Maui Jim brand treats their customers and retailers as family and invites everyone to try a pair and be captivated by a world filled with color.
Discover the latest eyewear innovations and designs and other luxury pieces by following Kering on Facebook and Instagram or visiting their website.
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With over 5 million foreign tourists coming into the country each year, the Philippines has always been a prime tourism destination, with famous beaches such as Boracay and Palawan remaining at the top of everyone's must-visit lists.
Fortunately, tourists are spoilt for choice as five Philippine resorts were included in the 2025 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. They're located in El Nido, Palawan; Panglao, Bohol; Mactan, Cebu; and Boracay Island. Check out which resorts made the cut:
This wasn't the first time that this hotel was awarded by Condé Nast. In 2023 and 2024, the Condé Nast Johansens award-giving body recognized Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay as the "Best for Families."
The resort is located at the exclusive Station Zero development and has grown to become a favorite for the affluent in Manila and foreign travelers alike. The Crimson Resort & Spa offers a private white-sand beach and exclusive airport-to-hotel transfer to/from Caticlan via speedboat.
The Saffron Cafe is one of the stars of this establishment, showcasing a fine selection of international cuisine. Guests can catch the resort's wide array of breakfast offerings here from 7 AM to 10:30 AM.
"We love the prime beach-front location and event facilities that allow for exclusive use of the entire property," the Condé Nast report said.
Room rates start from P12,500. Learn more about the hotel's room types and book them here.
Nestled on the quiet end of the white-sand Alona Beach in Panglao, the Amorita Resort has grown to be a favorite for romantic getaways and honeymooners.
The "little darling" combines superb service with natural hospitality, something that has always brought guests back to the hotel. The staff are also noted to be "particularly skilled" at organizing romantic dinners, with the hotel offering a "timeless package" for special occasions. The fact that this is the 6th time the hotel has earned the title from Condé Nast says something.
Visitors are also able to enjoy the vistas of Panglao, Bohol and watersports from the hotel swimming pool. Amorita Resort also offers tours to the Chocolate Hills, eco-adventure parks, and nature reserves.
Deluxe room rates start at P14,800. Learn more about Amorita Resort's hotel rooms here.
Location: Amorita Resort, #1 Ester A. Lim Drive, Brgy. Tawala, Alona Beach, Panglao Island, Bohol 6340
Best Value Experience Spa: Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan
Condé Nast Johansens describes Mactan as "one of the best locations for diving, snorkeling, sailing, and cultural adventures." Much like its sister hotel the Crimson Resort & Spa Boracay, the hotel is perfect for any kind of holiday, and you can get exquisite treatment from head to toe.
Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan also prides itself for "having everything you need" – three restaurants, a children's activity area, a luxury spa, and a wide selection of accommodations.
The Aum Spa offers outdoor pavilions and cabanas surrounded with lush greenery and the smell of dayap calamondin and orange blossoms wafting through the air. Visitors are also welcome to try the eight indoor therapy rooms in the complex, including sauna and steam rooms, separate male and female jacuzzis, a spa pool, and a yoga/Pilates room.
Deluxe room rates begin at P8,500. Find out more about the hotel room offerings here.
Palawan is beloved locally and internationally for being the country's last nature frontier, owing to its well-preserved ecosystem and scenic views. In the heart of El Nido, lies The Funny Lion, an "oasis of fun and excitement" right smack in the town's historic center.
All rooms, which were separated into Cub (Twin rooms) and King (King-size bed), lead to a veranda overlooking the courtyard pool. The pool is near the hotel's in-house restaurant, Hunt Restaurant, and its poolside bar.
The hotel also offers opportunities for relaxation at the Sea Tree Spa, ranging from Filipino massage therapies to bathing rituals, all using locally sourced natural ingredients.
The Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence is the hotel's first recognition since its opening in 2022.
Cub room rates start from P14,080. Read about The Funny Lion's room offers here.
Location: The Funny Lion, Balinsasayaw Road, El Nido Town, El Nido, Palawan
When we were younger and asked about the beach, somehow, we'd always think of Boracay first. However, there's more to the white powder sand beaches and crystalline blue waters that makes Boracay a prime tourist destination.
It's the kind of service and hospitality that we offer to everyone — and Shangri-La Boracay tops the list.
The Shangri-La Boracay is Boracay's "first and only" deluxe resort and is a "private paradise surrounded by natural beauty." Within the stunning interior adorned with abaca and capiz shells, lies Chi, The Spa, the hotel's 10-villa detached spa complex and sanctuary.
The spa draws inspiration from the origins of Shangri-La, where personal peace, enrichment, and well-being are key to relaxation. Offering a range of treatments including their signature Philippine Hilot Massage and Aromatherapy Swedish Massage, Chi, The Spa ensures the best treatment and service to all of its guests.
Deluxe Room rates start from P25,900. Find out more about Shangri-La Boracay's 219 room and villa offerings here.
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