The Good Life: Editors’ Picks of the Week

Louis Vuitton Capucines

A pretty Louis Vuitton Capucines bag perched atop a tower of monogrammed trunks caught my eye at the brand’s recent launch of its resort collection. 

Turns out it was a special limited editionLimited EditionA product produced in deliberately restricted numbers, often numbered, signed, and distinguished by special materials or design. Limited editions create scarcity, urgency, and desirability, and they are common across watches,Go to Limited Edition Glossary Philippine-exclusive Capucines BB crafted in wicker and red crocodile leather. Only seven of them were created.

Each bag takes 250 steps to assemble, a reflection of the brand’s savoir-faire. It was named after Rue des Capucines in Paris, where Louis Vuitton opened his first atelier in 1854. – Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content

Inquire about the limited editionLimited EditionA product produced in deliberately restricted numbers, often numbered, signed, and distinguished by special materials or design. Limited editions create scarcity, urgency, and desirability, and they are common across watches,Go to Limited Edition Glossary Capucines in Louis Vuitton boutiques located at Greenbelt 3, Makati, Solaire, Paranaque, and NUSTAR, Cebu.

Grace Wines

Grace Wine, founded in 1923 at the foot of Mount Fuji, took the spotlight at a recent Ayà dinner that celebrated Japan’s indigenous Koshu grape. Known for elegant, fruit-forward wines with surprising complexity, Grace Wine was represented by winemaker Shigekazu Misawa himself and its local distributor, Good Morning Wines.

Flagship bottles were paired with dishes by chefs Thirdy Dolatre and Kev Navoa. A crisp 2022 Grace Koshu opened the night with scallop kinilaw, followed by the 2022 Koshu Toriibira Reserve—structured and saline, showing off the grape’s range—paired with lumpia filled with pako, turnips, and salsa macha. The 2022 Yamanashi de Grace, with notes of cotton candy from Muscat Bailey A, was matched with tiger prawn in prawn-head sauce and beef pares mami.

A brief departure from Koshu came in the form of the 2021 Akeno Chardonnay. The “Shugoro”—matched with soy milk taho pudding, strawberries, and tapioca—showed a unique, fresher angle compared to the usual heady and weighted dessert wine profile.

I had never tried Japanese wines before this event, so the bottles were an unexpected, delightful discovery: elegant and fresh, yet not without structure. For those looking to add something quietly sophisticated—and a guaranteed conversation starter—to their collection, this is a winery worth knowing. – Kimberly Delgado, Digital Editor

Grace Wines are available at Good Morning Wines, Unit M1, Brgy, Prince Tower, 14 Tordesillas, Makati City, 1227 Metro Manila, and is part of the wine list of Hapag and Ayà. Shop online at https://goodmorningwines.com/. Photos courtesy of Ayà.

Sabai, Shangri-La The Fort

I was lucky to get an early taste of Sabai, an upcoming Thai restaurant opening in BGC this July. Sabai is as authentic as it gets, with native ingredients imported from Thailand and a flawlessly curated menu. 

Leading the kitchen is Chef Tob, a remarkable talent with an impressive pedigree that includes Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Normandie, Sühring, and Pru. He hails from Southern Thailand, a region known for its spicier, bolder dishes compared to those from the North.

We started with three appetizers. Khao Kreab Cream Mun Pu, a Thai crispy rice pancake topped with a rich crab fat salad, was an indulgent fusion of crunch and creaminess. I’ll be coming back for the Pla Kung Yang—tiger prawns tossed with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and chili. Most familiar to the Filipino palate is Tom Sap Pla Khao, a comforting spicy-sour soup (think sinigang with an extra kick).

Choosing a main was nearly impossible. Kang Panang Nuea Nong Lai, a stewed beef silver shank in rich panang curry, was just as irresistible as Kung Pad Prik Klue,  a dish of prawn stir-fried with garlic and chili. But my personal favorite was Khai Look Khueay—a fried boiled egg in sweet tamarind sauce. (Who knew a boiled egg could taste that good?)

Dessert was the perfect finale to a savory meal: coconut ice cream topped with golden thread egg—chewy little strands made of egg yolk. Future diners have much to look forward to, including a well-crafted cocktail menu that complements Sabai’s vibrant, distinctive flavors. – Katrina Montinola, Associate Managing Editor

Sabai is on the ground floor of Shangri-La The Fort. Photos courtesy of Sabai.

Art, By Repertory Philippines

Being an artist, I’ve learned that sometimes a painting becomes something else entirely once it is a part of someone else’s life. How timely it is that I got to see Art, a play that revolves around the purchase of a painting and how three longtime friends adjust to growing up and its implications on their friendship.

The play is an adaptation of the award-winning French play originally written and created by Yasmina Reza. Directed by Martin Lirio for REP, the comedy Art follows friends Serge (Martin Sarreal), Yvan (Bryan Sy), and Marc (Freddy Sawyer) as they reflect on the meaning of friendship, life, culture, and art in a compelling and funny play. The connection and the dynamic between the three actors is undeniable throughout the whole play. With its depth, sincerity, and themes, it is a play that will leave you reflecting well after the show amidst all the laughs and the drama. – Enzo Peralta, Writer

Yasmina Reza’s Art at REP Eastwood Theater runs until June 29. Tickets: https://premier.ticketworld.com.ph/shows/show.aspx?sh=ART25 More information: https://repertoryphilippines.ph/2025-season/. Photos courtesy of Repertory Philippines.