Photographed by Borgy Angeles
The Vogue Philippines editors lead the gifting season with a selection of well-considered presents for their nearest and dearest.
Who knew that the weekly screen time notifications could get more anxiety-inducing for a Scorpio than revealing one’s Spotify Wrapped? As Digital Editor, or as a Citizen of the Internet, one’s time is spent mostly online, tethered at any given time to three screens via Koss headphones (the Porta Pro are preferred). At the end of each working day, the senses hunger for the tactile, whether a velvety square of uni toast or the musty shelves of a secondhand bookshop. But why not both? The most thoughtful gift is one that can be devoured.
For that friend who is Going Through It
You Know I Was Sentimental At The Thought Of The House by Lawrence Ypil and Zach Aldave
The poet Lawrence Ypil’s words meet photographer Zach Aldave’s stills of a house in a format-bending conversation-confessional-screenplay-poem-essay. Ypil, whose body of work involves peering closely at the places one has called home, is gentle even in the darkest moments, an outstretched hand to meet that of a friend in need of a breather.
Available at the Guava Sketches pop up at Kino, Pasong Tamo Ext, Makati City.
Pair with: a cocktail tasting menu at ITO Space
For an inaanak (godchild) putting down roots elsewhere
Hans Christian Andersen and Jose Rizal: From Denmark to the Philippines
Jose Rizal’s take on Hans Christian Andersen’s stories always surprises people by its mere existence. It’s a great gift for third culture kids, or any library shared by multiple cultures.
Available at the Anvil Publishing store on Lazada.
Pair with: 12/10 daytime dessert omakase
For the homesick
A Spiritual Pillow Book by Gilda Cordero-Fernando and Mariel N. Francisco
Artbooks is an independent bookstore dedicated to documenting and promoting Philippine art and culture, and holds a vast collection of rare, out-of-print, or limited edition material. Among its treasures is this Gilda Cordero-Fernando gem full of Elmer Borlongan illustrations, a sort of visual lullaby for those who can’t sleep at night.
Available via Artbooks.
Pair with: a bottle of orange wine from Bombvinos
For your situationship who treats Instagram Stories like Tumblr
But For the Lovers by Willfredo D. Nolledo
Publishing house Exploding Galaxies aims to breathe new life into out-of-print works of contemporary Philippine fiction. Their debut title by Nolledo holds heavy; it is not for the faint of heart. But if one makes it out alive through the complex turns of Nolledo’s words and the dire setting of occupied Manila, But For the Lovers offers a new kind of liberation.
Pair with: H Proper Coffee‘s roasts; you’ll need to stay alert
