SWEET ESCAPE

In the bustle of Manila, cute and unique establishments offer weary urbanites a quiet caffeinated haven.

Writer Hannah Galang and Shari Quimbo

Photographer Paola Aseron and Paolo Buendia

This summer, skip the traffic on the highways and instead partake in some sweet respites in the middle of the metro. SPACE compiles some of the cute and kitschy coffee shops dotting the metro, where the decor and atmosphere give as much of an energy boost as the drinks served.

Photos by Paola Aseron

Photos by Paola Aseron

Photos by Paolo Buendia

Photos by Paola Aseron

Photos by Paola Aseron

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Check out the full cafe feature with more photos and more cafes on SPACE's Spring/Summer issue out in the stands now!

Some like it Haute. SPACE Spring/Summer 2012 Issue with Maxims Hotel Manila on the cover.
Photographed by Kerwin Kaiser Yu

BANGKAL DIARIES

Original post from Editorial Assistant  Hannah Galang's blog.

Back in college a lot of friends would advice me to go and check out Bangkal in Makati but when I got the chance to drive around it, all the stores were closed and I never found the time go back. I never found the time to come back until my assignment for SPACE MAGAZINE's Spring/Summer 2012 issue came. 

A little side story during the production of this feature is that it actually took us 4 tries to finally shoot it-all thanks to the unpredictable weather! So when the weather decided to cooperate, I took the chance to go and discover what I could find in this so called super sized treasure chest. To my surprise, I actually found a lot of good finds--may it be good reads, home decor, antique furniture, asian home decor, lighting fixtures, vinyl records and cassettes, and yes..Even posters of Spice Girls, Backstreet Boys, and other bands that grew fame during the 90's.

Here are some photographs I was able to take during the trip:

HELLO THERE.If I wasn't commuting during that day, I would have gotten this. 

I didn't get the chance to look at the books closely but I've heard that some books available here are not available on bookstores anymore. 

This is the perfect place for you Asian style lovers.
They have ballusters, statues, wooden chairs, benches,
and even mahjong and chess tables.

I like this idea of recycling plastic.
You'd find these mobiles a lot and they come on different colors and figures too.

Sake, anyone?

Sake/Teacups are also one of the widely seen items here.
Collectors come here and actually haul them.

INTERESTING SET UP.I love how this particular store mixed the past and the present. Wooden chairs,
antique jars, a romantic painting contrasted the concrete wall.

MARIE ANTOINETTEThis particular piece reminded me so much of the noted French fashion and political figure.

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? 

THE ODD ONE OUT. Being a thrift capital, you will really get surprised as to what you
would find in one store. Even its arrangement of products ;)

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Here's a clipping from our SHOP TALK feature. 

Check out Bangkal and other stores for new, good finds and possible fun day tours and impulsive shopping trip ;)

Photographed by Kerwin Kaiser Yu ; Cover Story by Cristy Montrial

Make sure to check out SPACE Magazine's "Some like it Haute" issue out now in all bookstores Nationwide with Maxims Hotel in the Cover. 

SECRETLY ENSCONCED

Atelier 317, Stephani Zubiri's epicurean destination espouses the art of good food. 

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Writer Christy Monastrial Photographer John Daniel Garcia

While Manila's dining experience scene has a propensity for trendy restaurants, oftentimes churning out similar ones within moments of each other, it's still home to some of the most unique and well-thought out dining experiences you will ever have the good fortune to come across.

On top of that list? Atelier 317. Even as establishments clamor for an address at the best commercial spots in the metro, Atelier 317 chooses to keep its exact whereabouts hush-hush, only letting slip that it's located in a private home in the heart of Manila's business district to entice future patrons to learn more.

Executive Chef and Managing Director of Modern Epicurean Kitchen Stephanie
Zubiri smiles for the camera.

The weathered dining tables give a shabby chic vibe, while the dark blue wall anchors
the collection of framed vegetable prints.

Flames Kesong Puti (white cheese made from carabao milk) Caprese Salad

Agli e olio with your topping of choice (Dried salted fish flakes or truffle paste.)

Aside from the good food and warm Interiors, guests would also fancy the beautiful tiny details found around the place.

Colorful glasses reminiscent of the beautiful gradient and feel of the Tropics

ATELIER 317

Tel. no. +632 384 7064, +63 917 830 8393

(by appointment)

epicurisinc.ph

mek@epicurisinc.ph

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Read more about the feature on Atelier 317 in our Spring/Summer issue with Maxims Hotel, Manila on the cover.

Cover Photo Kerwin Kaiser Yu

EYE CANDY

Photographer: Jerome Apostol

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Summer is the season for bright colors, beach trips, smoothies and cocktails, as well as getting yourselves a hobby or a new business venture. The Bead Lady in Cubao Expo opens up like a candy shop for trinkets, charms and gems, its red door enticing passersby to take a look inside. 

 

Various hand painted flats could also be seen on the store. You will find them in different
colorful patterns and styles.

Done in gummy bear red and bubblegum blue-green colors, this shop brings guests back to childhood with a display of clear candy jars or pastry plates that highlight their delectable color. SPACE

ELEGANTLY LAIDBACK

SHOP TALK: INFINI 

Writer Shari Quimbo

Photographer Paola Aseron and Kerwin Kaiser Yu

Elegantly Laidback. Marguerite Lhuillier may have been designing furniture for years, but there is clearly no issue at being dated here. With Infini, Marguerite creates pieces that are classic, using indigenous materials to create classic furniture with a distinct Cebuano style. 

Woven details and rattan furniture, the feel is sophisticated yet laidback, which creates a distinct elegance. Infini’s showroom is a charming tableau in itself, housed in a traditional-style house complete with capiz on the windows. The furniture is arranged in mini-sitting areas, with colorful vases, oversized baskets and other accessories displayed on various corners and niches. 

Inside, the natural palette of wood and other materials are complemented by the natural light that flows in from the atrium in the middle of the showroom.SPACE

O' MIGHTY GREEN

New Treats

Here’s our selection of big design hits this season

Writer Sheryl Songsong

Image courtesy STAR strategies + architecture

O’ Mighty Green is a critical piece, a satyr, about Green Washing and the demagogical use of Green in design, architecture, urbanism, and in general in every aspect of the society. Green has come to represent sustainability. 

Sustainable Cenotaph

Eco Villa Rotunda

Eco villa in Savoye 

Sustainable village in Auschwitz

Monumento Continuo

Eco Berlin Wall 

A Green Barcelona

 Here are their thrusts: emancipation, function, style, religion and ambiguity. The study was selected to be exhibited at the International Festival of Experimental Architecture Eme3 in Barcelona last July and received an award from the jury.SPACE

O'MIGHTY GREEN As seen on SPACE Magazine's Design Drift Section (Nov-Jan 2012)