Robb Report Philippines Celebrates Its July 2025 Design Issue at PVT

Robb Report Philippines marked the release of its July 2025 Design Issue with an intimate gathering held at PVT, a private member’s lounge located in the heart of Ortigas Center. The evening brought together leading figures from the country’s design, business, and creative circles for a relaxed yet thoughtful celebration of contemporary design.

The venue—designed by Carlo Calma, who also features as the issue’s cover artist—proved a fitting choice. Guests were greeted on the balcony with a Royal Salute Sour, prepared by Marek Klečka, PVT’s resident mixologist and restaurant manager.

Guests were served glasses of Royal Salute Sour, which featured Royal Salute’s 21-year old whisky. Prepared by Marek Klečka, PVT’s resident mixologist and restaurant manager, it was the night’s signature cocktail. *Gian Escamillas*

Inside the main dining suite, a Royal Salute 21-Year-Old Richard Quinn Edition II whisky tasting followed, led by Royal Salute brand ambassador Edgar Tordesillas who presented the brand’s Fashion Edition bottles created in collaboration with British designer Richard Quinn. Each guest received a Royal Salute gift, a gesture underscoring the evening’s themes of craftsmanship, heritage, and design-led storytelling.

The evening began with opening remarks from Yvette Fernandez, Robb Report Philippines’ Chief of Editorial Content, who officially launched the issue as well as welcomed the guests, some of which included the issue’s Leaders of Luxury features. Carlo Calma shared the conceptual thinking behind his cover artwork, which drew inspiration from his architectural design of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.

Centerpieces by Jo Curates decorated the tables. *Gian Escamilla*

As guests found their seats, they were met with tablescapes by Joselle Faustino-Castaner of Jo Curates—floral styling that echoed the magazine’s cover artwork, interpreted through sculptural arrangements using locally sourced buhok-buhok grass. The styling reflected the cover’s interplay of form, color, and movement, bringing a sense of rhythm and material expression to the space.

The dinner’s menu was prepared by Chef Patrick Ambrosio, formerly junior sous chef at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Singapore, now heading the culinary team at PVT. The multi-course menu opened with a cauliflower velouté, followed by melon with jamón serrano, mizuna, and herb salad.

For the entrée, guests were served either crisp chicken confit with mushroom and tarragon sauce, or slow-braised beef cheeks with potato purée and shallot confit. Dessert was a salted caramel custard paired with a roasted pistachio and rosemary sablé—a subtle but confident close to the evening’s fare.

The guest list featured a cross-section of the city’s cultural and design landscape, including Sofia and Patxi Elizalde, Joanna Ongpin Duarte, Marleen and Tim Uyecio, Florence Ko, Johnlu and Marilou Koa, Siu Ping Par, Anthony Nazareno, Lara Barrios, Liza Morales, Rita Nazareno, Jonathan Matti, and Pam Lopez, among others.

More than just a magazine launch, the evening served as a shared moment between peers—one that emphasized design not just as a luxury, but as a lens through which we navigate the material and creative world.

Click through the gallery to see more photographs from the Design Issue launch.