Aldreen Joy Baculi
Adorned with an intricately woven “spindle grille” to Capiz shells and natural wooden commodes, Filipino craftsmanship meshed with Japanese car technology in this sustainable yet modern space
1/5
It was nearly noon, and the light that glinted off the hubcaps and body of Lexus Electricfied vehicles illuminated their new pavilion on the first floor of Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City.
Inside, people milled around in dégagé ensembles and casual suits, chatting with one another as they looked at the apparel, tokens, and cars parked on display: sleek sedans and SUVs with pristine craftsmanship.
2/5
The recently-opened Lexus hub was a cultural exchange in its purest form: the fusion of Omotenashi, a Japanese term for taking the utmost care of one’s guest, and Filipino warmth and hospitality.
From car enthusiasts to environmental advocates and Japanese partners, guests were received at the entrance with frothy cappuccinos made by Lexus’ baristas, peach water as refreshment inside the lounge, and hearty East-Asian hors d’oeuvres from Bizu.
3/5
It is a modern space that welcomes you with familiar yet novel embellishments. Your eyes will be drawn to the spindle grille, a signature of the Japanese car luxury brand. Intricately woven in Cebu, the lounge’s pièce de résistance was fashioned after a nest box using natural materials found in the Philippines like Capiz shells, rattan, and natural wood. These locally-sourced articles are also found in the furniture, lighting fixtures, and décor of the space.
“The seamless combination of the Filipino and Japanese elements have been blended in a way where the spirit of craftsmanship is champion,” says Alfred Ty, chairman of Lexus Philippines. “[This is also] our way of embracing nature. The nest box design embodies the concept of spinning, nurturing, and weaving to represent Japanese craftsmanship—the art of Takumi.”
Takumi masters devote their lives to the perfection of an individual skill set using their finely-tuned senses to refine every intricate aspect of their work.
4/5
Apart from opening another expanse in Bonifacio Global City, the day was also complemented with the release of the RX 500h F Sport, a fifth-generation hybrid car that is designed to be more refined, spacious, and sporty.
“Off the bat, I know where I’d take the [Lexus] RX,” says Jade Sison, brand manager of Lexus Philippines.“I can cruise to The Manor in Baguio with such ease. I can have a culinary travel experience at a whim as gas expenditure is an afterthought with a hybrid [car].”
The RX 500h F Sport features an updated motif, improved comfort levels, and electrified powertrains. “It’s like having a cocoon even in the midst of traffic,” Sison adds.
5/5
More than a glittering affair, Lexus also extended its invitation to Senator Win Gatchalian, a fervent advocate of electric cars to lessen the Philippines’ oil dependence and move toward a greener future.
Since establishing a home base in the country, the Japanese luxury car brand has been optimistic about the way Filipinos have shown themselves to be enthusiastic about the use of hybrid cars.
“We’ve [also] adapted to the way our clientele cares about their carbon footprint. That’s where we’re headed—a sustainable future with smarter choices for the environment,” says Sison.
The Lexus at Mitsukoshi is located in 8th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, visit their official website.
