The Good Life: Editors’ Picks

Every week, we round up our editors’ and writers’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between. Here is our latest list: a feast of steaks in different cuts and preparations, an innovative skincare serum, confections by a local chocolatier, and a hotel in Singapore that cannot be missed.

“Beef Chronicles” at Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar

Where’s the beef? 

Well, tonight (March 25) it’ll be beef heaven at the ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort, as Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar presents its one-night-only “Beef Chronicles.”

Eight chefs from Shangri-La hotels around the Philippines and Singapore man eight live cooking stations showcasing eight premium cuts of beef from Japan, Australia, Belgium, and elsewhere.

Cuts we’re looking forward to include the Tajima 500 days-grain-fed wagyuWagyuA Japanese beef breed celebrated for intense marbling that creates a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture, graded on a scale where A5 is the highest. Wagyu is a luxury dining staple prizedGo to Wagyu Glossary rump from Japan; seared beef carpaccio of tenderloin from Cape Grim, Tasmania; four cuts of Black Onyx beef from Australia: slow cooked beef cheeks and oyster blade; chuck ribs in a lovely beef Wellington; and tomahawk on a Josper grill.

Then there’s the roasted West Flanders Red rib eye from Belgium and the wagyuWagyuA Japanese beef breed celebrated for intense marbling that creates a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture, graded on a scale where A5 is the highest. Wagyu is a luxury dining staple prizedGo to Wagyu Glossary OP Rib MB3+F1 from Australia.

“Each cut has its own story, and we’re excited to showcase the craftsmanship that goes into every bite, “ says Joris Rycken, Executive Chef of Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. 

Drinks included. An open bar features cocktails, beer, and wine. – Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content

One-night only tonight, March 25, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.  Limited seats available.  PHP 6,000 net per person. For reservations, call +63 917 536 3287 or email eats.slfm@shangri-la.com.  Photos courtesy of Raging Bull Chophouse and Bar.

Dior Prestige Le Nectar Intégral

The one ingredient that I feel does the most heavy-lifting in my skincare battalion are peptides, which are short-chain amino acids that signal the development of collagen, a natural component of the skin responsible for firmness and smoothness. It’s not in my genes to be very wrinkly (fingers crossed) but firmness is an issue I am already facing and an aspect I try to address seriously, even more than lines and wrinkles.

I’ve welcomed into my skincare routine Dior’s Prestige Le Nectar Intégral, Dior’s first ultra-concentrated serum; its cornerstone is a peptide, but not just any peptide. Rosapeptide™ Intégral is composed of 128 rose molecules extracted from Dior’s Rose de Granville, which are cultivated in their 7-hectare “garden” at the Granville basin where more than 50,000 plants are grown. It’s the first cosmetic rose developed by Dior Science.

What Dior has achieved is a way to extract a necessary component from the rose to allow a more effective way to store and transport these essential peptides so that they signal the skin to produce collagen more effectively. This product has the most patents in the Dior Prestige skincare line and is quite the powerhouse. (Of course, I’ll use anything that ensures the signals come through loud and clear!) Because lines, wrinkles, and sagging are not exclusive to women, Dior experts recommend that men use this nightly, too.

Le Nectar Intégral doesn’t just sit on your skin but gets absorbed very smoothly and luxuriously—a textural feature that Dior is very proud of. One thing that I appreciate, being someone very sensitive to smells, is that while its main ingredient is from roses, it features a top note of cut-grass that transitions into something more sophisticated without being seemingly perfumed at all.

Dior Beauty has several boutiques across the Philippines. Makati: Unit 23, Level 1, Greenbelt 3, Esperanza Street, Ayala Center, +63279155242; Parañaque: G/F, The Shoppes At Solaire, 1 Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo Sky Tower, +63283665037; Cebu: Unit#106-109 The Mall, NUSTAR Resort and Casino, +63325204476. Photos courtesy of Dior.

Pia Fine Chocolates

Pia Fine Chocolates by Pia Lichaytoo has become one of my favorite go-to hostess gifts. They are an elegant and delicious token of appreciation, but beyond their exquisite taste is a story of passion, creativity, and an unexpected journey that began during the pandemic.

When the world slowed down and homes transformed into both sanctuaries and classrooms, Lichaytoo found herself with time to explore a new passion. What started as a simple way to pass the time developed into a pursuit of chocolate-making excellence. She discovered that the more she experimented, the more her creativity flowed, leading her to craft unique and exciting confections.

Immersing herself in the craft through online learning, she enrolled in professional chocolate-making courses and studied under expert chocolatiers, proving that passion and dedication can overcome any limitations. What she learned on-line laid the groundwork for a brand that now delights Manila’s discerning chocolate lovers. 

At the heart of Pia Fine Chocolates is a deep commitment to quality. Lichaytoo understands that sourcing the finest ingredients is the foundation of exceptional chocolate. Every step she takes in selecting premium cacao and other components is driven by the belief that great ingredients yield extraordinary results.

Whether as a gift or your own daily indulgence, every piece of chocolate from this gifted artisan  is truly a special experience. – Alicia Colby-Sy, Lifestyle Editor

Find @piafinechocolate on IG and DM for orders. Photos courtesy of Pia Fine Chocolates.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore

I had the pleasure of staying at The Ritz-Carlton in Singapore and it was nothing short of amazing. Just about everything from the hotel was top-notch, from the service to the rooms and full-service amenities (a butler will even draw your bath for you).

All the rooms were well-appointed and had beautiful artwork to match along with windows that peek into the cityscape of Singapore. The hotel has a vast collection of art amounting to 4,200 pieces. From esteemed artists like David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, and Dale Chihuly, the luxuryLuxuryA lifestyle defined by exceptional quality, craftsmanship, exclusivity, and sophistication, encompassing the finest products, services, and experiences that represent the highest standards of refinement and excellence.Go to Luxury Glossary hotel doubles as an art spot that shouldn’t be missed.

The hotel houses restaurants like Colony, Summer Pavilion (for fine Cantonese dining), and Republic, one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars. – Enzo Peralta, writer

Contact +65 6337-8888 to make a reservation. Visit their site here. Photos courtesy of The Ritz Carlton Millennia Singapore.