Cover Richmond Yu’s collection in his man cave (Photo: Scott A Woodward)
Richmond Yu’s collection in his man cave (Photo: Scott A Woodward)
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Discover the intimate man caves of five dynamic and multifaceted family men as they share their safe havens and passions
"Surely a man needs a closed space where he may strike root and, like the seed, become. But also, he needs the great Milky Way above him and the vast sea spaces, though neither stars nor ocean serve his daily needs.”
French writer, poet and aviator, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, so aptly expressed one’s need for refuge in order to foster growth. No amount of adventure and exploration can satisfy the yearning for a safe space where a man can collect his thoughts, feel centred and celebrate his passions.
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Although the term “Man Cave” has been tinted with negative connotations in the past—think raucous bachelor-style parties—in reality, these dens serve more as a quiet space to shut off from the world and connect deeply with oneself.
“In my time in Manila, I have had the privilege to meet so many truly interesting individuals that joyfully indulge themselves in their passions,” shares photographer, Scott A Woodward, who took a personal interest in this feature. “I wanted to document the very intimate spaces where they have created a personal safe haven."
Scott A Woodward, photographer
Above Scott Woodward seated
on a Frank Gehry Wiggle
Chair from CWC Interiors
in front of wallpaper from
Studio 11
Scott Woodward seated on a Frank Gehry Wiggle Chair from CWC Interiors in front of wallpaper from Studio 11
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“I grew up in a house filled with music,” shares Woodward. “My father was a radio personality for decades and has amassed a collection of over 5,000 vinyl records. I fondly remember listening to these albums with my father in his music room as a boy. I wanted to create my own sanctuary; a place where I can close my eyes and immerse myself in music.”
The room is inspired by the many boutique hotel lounges and vintage-style cocktail bars he’s frequented during his travels for work. “I love the hole-in-the-wall bespoke cocktail bars in Tokyo, where there’s just a few seats, a turntable and hand-carved ice cubes.”
A clear nod to the mid-century style, Woodward shares it’s something he discovered while photographing design spaces. “I’m attracted to the curvilinear shapes and vibrant pantones of the Mad Men era. The wallpaper was a risk, but it’s become the centrepiece of the room and I love it.”
The room features a mix of vintage and retro pieces. The credenza is custom made by Mid Century Manila, a vintage Sixties boomerang style rocking chair from Qwerty Manila, custom coffee table by Anglo-Filipino Company and an aniline leather sofa from Crate & Barrel
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His Classé amplifier is more than 25 years old and made in Canada. “It’s what I bought with my first bonus paycheck in the late Nineties. And the Buchardt rosewood speakers are a new addition; these were my first major purchases when I moved to Manila. These pieces both mark major milestones in my life.” The turntable is particularly special to Woodward, a classic Japanese Sony piece made in 1974, his birth year, that was given to him by his father.
Along with artworks from his second home, Singapore, and special gifts from his partner Stephanie Zubiri, like a vintage Eames chair and a custom neon bar sign, the room is a testament to sentimentality. “Everyone needs their own space that reflects their personality, their passions and can become a repository of memories and milestones. I always feel better when I am in this room.”
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Hayden Kho, Jr., doctor and entrepreneur
Above Kho retreats
to this space every day
to collect his thoughts,
work mindfully and set his
intentions
Kho retreats to this space every day to collect his thoughts, work mindfully and set his intentions
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“Having my own space is crucial for an introvert like me,” shares Kho. “It’s where I can relax, recharge and just be myself. It’s like my personal sanctuary where I can escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether I want to tinker with my hobbies, read a book or just chill, it’s my go-to spot.”
He begins his mornings here with prayer followed by some work. Organised into two rooms, a larger welcoming area, followed by an inner sanctum, of which he shares: “Only I can access this space, which is perfect for isolating myself and really focusing. I get distracted easily, so this setup helps me stay on track.”
Kho’s impressive collection of Leica cameras began with a fortuitous trip to Paris that launched him into amateur photography
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This space also houses his extensive collection of Leica cameras. “Around two decades ago, while on holiday in Paris, Kho picked up his first Leica camera. Since then, he was hooked. “I am inspired by legendary street photographers and storytellers like Henry Cartier-Bresson and Elliot Erwittk.”
A few years back, Kho started his own photography group with the likes of Hannah Reyes-Morales, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, and Marc Henrich Go, an award-winning architecture and landscape photographer. “Photography just clicked with me because it’s a beautiful way to capture and share stories. My favourite subjects are my wife and daughter—they’re my muses.”
Chris Lichauco, businessman
Above Lichauco seated
on a vintage leather
Chesterfield armchair
that he won at an
auction
Lichauco seated on a vintage leather Chesterfield armchair that he won at an auction
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“While taking my MBA in Arizona, I started collecting modern first editions,” shares Lichauco about his inspiring display of books. “I’d go to the Salvation Army, thrift shops and garage sales looking for a great book.” The carved custom wooden shelving is designed to look like a Bostonian classic library. “I love the smell of leather and wood, like that good bookstore feel.”
Lichauco sits on his Chesterfield armchair and ponders thoughtfully: “It’s a refuge for me. After a long day at work, I’ll go to this room and tinker around with my watches and look at my books. I know where every book is placed. It reminds me of a sense of accomplishment as well. I know that this room won’t last, and everything will go to my children. So, I also think of the future.”
The style is meant to emulate classic libraries from Ivy League universities and old fashioned bookshops
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Off to the side, Lichauco has a special room where he houses his collection of vintage watches. “I’m an old soul and I looked for the things I liked when I was young. I started with Seiko then graduated to Omega, Rolex and Patek Philippe—preferably all vintage. To wind your watch and hear it brings me joy. Imagine this watch after 50 years is still working—it’s amazing!”
His space is so important to him, especially since he is a self-confessed recluse. “I’m an introvert at heart. I really want time to myself. However, I believe every man needs to have his own space, to turn off the noise and to just be able to think and reflect.”
Richmond Yu, entrepreneur
Above Yu enjoys the
process of collecting
and turning a profit from
his collections but also
loves the sentimentality
of each piece
Yu enjoys the process of collecting and turning a profit from his collections but also loves the sentimentality of each piece
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Passionate about collecting since he was a child, Yu started with toys and NBA cards at ten years old, and has graduated to art, sneakers and frankly anything that catches his eye. “Initially, collecting was just a hobby. It became more serious as I gained the financial means to invest in my collections. My passion for these pieces stems from an appreciation for the artistry involved and the potential for investment, as the value of these limited collection pieces appreciates over time.”
Works by internationally celebrated street artist, Kaws, and special pieces by Ronald Ventura, stand alongside first edition cards and rare sneakers. A unique sculpture by Ventura is displayed alongside his Ferrari 458 from 2016, which is a main feature of his living space.
Richmond Yu's man cave
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A separate climate-controlled room houses all kinds of collectibles. “I enjoy visiting my man cave, where my collections are displayed. Each visit reminds me of the hardships I’ve overcome and the unique story behind every piece. It’s humbling to reflect on how I started and the journey each item represents. Every piece in my collection has a story. I often acquire a piece as a reward for completing a specific task or achieving a particular goal. Having my own space is a constant reminder of my journey in life. From collecting stickers at a very young age to now curating the most sought-after paintings by the best artists of my generation, it reflects my growth and passions over the years.”
Mahesh Mirpuri, entrepreneur and business leader
Above Mirpuri with his collections
Mirpuri with his collections
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“I am a big believer in imagination,” declares Mirpuri. “It’s particularly crucial in today’s digital world.” Fascinated by toys from the Eighties and superheroes, his entire basement floor is an impressive dedication to his massive collection—from limited editions to sculptures and countless pieces of memorabilia. “I’ve always considered myself a kid at heart. I dress up like a five-year old, I match my clothes with everything. I express myself the way I want to and it’s important to me that I embody who I believe myself to be. I’m here every day and it brings a smile to my face—it’s like I’m reliving all my memories as a kid.”
Mirpuri admits this is not a space for work. He’s converted a large area into a gym where he invites friends for what he calls “coffee, catch up and work out."
Although there is an impressive bar and poker table, he spends most of his time in the adjacent gym
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He also spends time rewatching vintage cartoons. “I have them all on a hard drive and they are so wonderful. I lived for Saturday morning cartoons, the storylines, the hand drawn animation, they are incredible.”
Having his own space is crucial. “I’m married, I have three daughters, I have a wife, I have several businesses, I’m very involved in my community—my life is busy. I think collecting and having a man cave is a way to relax, forget about everything else and just enjoy an interest that only you have. It’s very important to have passion. When you have this, then you can apply that same passion to other parts of your life as well. It’s very important to have that within you in all aspects.”
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Credits
Photography: Scott A Woodward
Stephanie is passionate about travel, food, wine and design but above all, she loves a beautifully crafted sentence with delicious words. You'll often find her indulging in life's little pleasures like enjoying a bath with a good book or playing with her kids. Follow her on IG @stephaniezubiri.
