Inside Robb Report Philippines’ Car Issue

The last time I ever slid behind the wheel of a car was way back in 2014, when Rolls-Royce invited us to test drive the Wraith, its first sports car in what was then its 110-year history. At the time, I hadn’t really driven a car in about 20 years, but how could I say no? All I can say is, at the end of the day, I decided I wasn’t cut out for test driving cars, and fortunately I returned the car in one piece. But that’s also why Carl is on board with us at Robb Report Philippines.

On the cover, the sexy Lamborghini Revuelto, illustrated by Jaykee Evangelista. Similar illustrations he created are at Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. Carl Cunanan, our Cars Editor, and writers Kap Maceda and William Herrera penned stories about some of the most fascinating vehicles on the road today.

As I write this back home in Manila, my mind still wanders about in the paradise that is Amanpulo, on the sandy island of Pamalican in Palawan. We had a lovely, intimate launch for Robb Report Philippines back in February, a weekend where we presented our very special guests with the ultimate luxury: time. Three days to relax and enjoy the glorious sea, sand, and sun, either on their own or, if they preferred, with friends, old and new. We encouraged everyone to detach from their devices and glide across the turquoise waters on a Hobie Cat, have a drink at the bamboo bar in the middle of the sea, or take a boat around the island and swim with the batfish, and if they were lucky, a community of pawikan with a friendly one named Sandy, which is what we did. What a charmer she was.

Nature was on our side that weekend. Rain had been predicted for Friday night, but it was a cool, breezy one, and our dinner for eight in an illuminated square on the airport runway was quite an experience. Others enjoyed more romantic tête-à-têtes for two on the beach with the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

On Saturday morning, we were told the drone show scheduled for that evening would likely be canceled due to the same winds, a disappointment for sure, but what could we do? Later that afternoon we were informed they had moved the original water location to an inland venue, but at that point, there was only a five percent chance they would proceed.

As we walked to our dinner on the beach by Jordy Navarra and Team TOYO, a five-minute windless window opened up, and over 200 drones took to the skies to mark the launch of Robb Report Philippines. Luxury Without Compromise. What a spectacle!

With a threat of rain, we decided to move up the celebratory fireworks. Starbursts of light exploded in the night sky synchronized to three songs handpicked by our publisher, Archie Carrasco, who had orchestrated the whole weekend. “Celebration! Let’s all celebrate and have a good time, yeah, yeah!”

And as the last note played and the final spark faded away, the showers arrived, and umbrellas appeared like magic. Blessings! declared Robb Report Hong Kong publisher Tak Man Hong. Quick showers mean blessings!

And as if on cue, the clouds disappeared, and the umbrellas did, too.

Out came boxes with the Premiere Issue of Robb Report Philippines. On its cover, “Ilustrado” by National Artist Benedict Cabrera, who, fortunately, had landed on the island just that afternoon, after being honored at another event in Cebu the evening before.

We have lots of photos of that enchanting weekend in this issue. We invite you to relive it with us. Welcome to our Car Issue.

Also in our issue, Remembering Margarita Forés. Mark Nicdao and his possé photographed the celebrated chef and her heir, Amado, back in October, but we decided to hold the story till closer to the opening of her signature restaurant, Margarita. After the shoot, Margarita talked a mile a minute about how Amado’s pizza at A Mano had recently been recognized as the 70th-best pizza in the world, and how happy she was that her son had found his footing in the industry she loved so much.

Tara Sering, who was working on a book with her, writes about her last interview with the passionate Margarita who loved life and lived it to the fullest. What an impact Margarita made on our lives and in the world. We will miss her.

Read our e-mag through this link.