The Good Life: Our Editors’ Picks of the Week
Every week, we round up our editors’ favorites—restaurants, cocktails, experiences, exhibits, and everything in between.
Our latest list features a paella that comes with a stunning view of Taal Lake, an iconic fashion designer’s retrospective show, and a bag for men and women that keeps things sleek, stylish, and streamlined.
El Lago Restaurante
On a day when the chaos of the city may feel particularly overwhelming and you need a quick escape, consider heading to the little town of Balete in Batangas, about an hour away from Makati. El Lago Restaurante by chef Pablo Lopez Iglesias, formerly of Donosti Pintxos y Tapas in the city, sits by Taal Lake, a picture-perfect mirror of placidity. The paella negra is particularly stunning, infused with just the right amount of broth, and a crisp thin layer of soccarat at the bottom of the pan. – Yvette Fernandez, Chief of Editorial Content
Reservations recommended. 0927 297 1776; [email protected].
Loewe Dice Pocket
Designed with both men and women in mind, the Loewe Dice Pocket–the size of half a letter sheet–may seem like too small a pouch, but it delivers a hefty punch in both style and functionality. Crafted from luxurious tan or black calfskin leather, it’s surprisingly spacious for its size (tried and tested) and ideal for when one only needs a few essentials. The outer pocket on the reverse is perfectly sized to hold a key, credit, and business cards, but maintains the bag’s overall sleek, slim profile. Loewe has an array of charms, too: choose from a range of classic initials or cartoon wildlife for a personal touch.
If one needs more room, highly recommended is the Pebble Soft Pouch, which comes in even more colors to choose from. – Kimberly Rocha-Delgado, Digital Editor
Loewe is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. and is available at Greenbelt 3, Makati City (+639175714335), Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong (+639178863297), and The Mall at NUSTAR Cebu (+639179332008).
Timeless: J. Moreno Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila
This week, I’m thrilled to visit Timeless: J. Moreno, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition celebrating the legendary Filipino designer Pitoy Moreno at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M). Marking the centennial of his birth, the exhibit honors Jose “Pitoy” Moreno, whose passion for fashion was ignited in childhood and led him to become one of the most iconic Filipino designers.
Renowned for reinterpreting the traditional Maria Clara silhouette, Moreno masterfully worked with a wide range of textiles—from piña to Japanese brocades—creating designs that defined Filipino elegance on the global stage.
The exhibition is curated by New York-based art historian Dr. Florina H. Capistrano-Baker, with co-curators Ditas R. Samson and Clarissa Esguerra. Accompanying the exhibition is a commemorative book that highlights Pitoy Moreno not only as a designer but also as a friend and a proud Filipino, offering deeper insights into his life, artistry, and enduring legacy. – Alicia Colby-Sy, Editor, Lifestyle
Timeless: J. Moreno runs from February 25, 2025 to June 29, 2025 at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Bonifacio Global City. Mariano K. Tan Center, 30th Street, BGC, Taguig