Tatler Recap: Our 2023 covers and the compelling stories that made this year

For her role as Abigail in Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning film Triangle of Sadness, Dolly De Leon wowed audiences worldwide with her masterful performance. Filipino fans made plenty of noise once they heard that De Leon became the first Filipino nominated for a Golden Globe, and many clamoured for an Oscar. Though she didn’t make Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes, she has made it to the Hall of Fame of cinema greats and shows no intention of slowing down.

“I am proud of myself. If I were outside looking in, I would hug myself tightly. I had much to endure to get to where I am today,” said De Leon.

Read more on Magzter

More from Tatler: Out of the shadows: Dolly de Leon

Last March, Tatler sat down with mayors Joy Belmonte, Abby Binay, Honey Lacuna-Pangan, and Lani Cayetano to see how they address critical issues—especially those involving women and gender equality. 

“There is no force more powerful than the will of a determined woman,” said Binay.

“Don’t let people put you down because of your age and gender. As a woman, you have the right and the ability to pursue what you want in life,” shared Cayetano.

Whenever someone tells you that you can’t do it, don’t listen to them. Instead, tell yourself, ‘I am brave, I am strong, I am fearless, and I will succeed’,” said Belmonte

“I will work to give them the proper resources to go full steam ahead,” quipped Lacuna-Pangan

More from Tatler: Mayors Joy Belmonte, Abby Binay, Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Lani Cayetano prove women can lead

Sustainability, environmentalism, animal welfare, and mental health—these are things that our April cover lady, Nadine Lustre, passionately holds close to her heart. But her advocacy goes beyond raising awareness. This story reveals her plans to save the planet and how she plays her part in making the world better.

Inspired by a fable made famous by the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize laureate and professor Wangari Maathai, Lustre has made significant lifestyle changes and constantly contributes to causes. “Just like the story of the hummingbird, I thought that even in my small way, there was something I could do to help.”

Read more on Magzter

Read also: Actress and eco-warrior Nadine Lustre on how she plans to save the planet

Spotlighting the rich history and beautiful renovations of the Philippines’ seat of power, Tatler got an exclusive look at the centuries-old presidential residence. From refurbished furniture and a spacious veranda to an even grander staircase and a breathtaking facade, the Malacañang Palace transformed into a symbol of elegance that commands respect.

“It was bland and ordinary. We wanted to create an experience,” says creative consultant and renowned designer Jonathan Matti.

Read more on Magzter

Also see: Revisiting Malacañang Palace’s storied past and a tour of its recent renovations

Bringing pride to her country and homeland, the USA and the Philippines, R’Bonney Gabriel took the crown as the first Fil-Am Miss Universe winner. Tatler asked her what was next for her. The answer: An opportunity to voice out her advocacies with her newfound platform.

“What I’ve learnt from my experience working with women of underserved communities and visiting schools is that when you teach them something that they never even thought possible, it fosters growth in their mind and opens them up to possibilities they never imagined. I think it’s important to continue educating people on unique talents like that,” shares Gabriel.

Read more on Magzter

In case you missed it: Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel talks about inclusivity, diversity and sustainable fashion

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hollywood superstar Vanessa Hudgens has always felt something was missing. With strong emotions of longing and finding herself, she travels to the Philippines to retrace her Filipino heritage and is named the country’s Tourism Global Ambassador.

“I feel like my time here has been incredible and special, but I need more time. The country is so big, and it has so much to offer… I can’t wait to come back,” says Hudgens.

Read more on Magzter

Read more: The Hollywood star Vanessa Hudgens is set to showcase the Philippines to the world

In August, we spoke to the First Lady to learn more about herself, her family, her advocacies, her role, and her dreams for the country. While she’s been relatively quiet since assuming the role of first lady in 2022, there’s more than meets the eye with Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos.

Read more on Magzter

Don’t miss: In a league of her own: First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos

As the ultimate arbiter of all things elegant, Tatler knows style. With Asia’s Most Stylish, we’ve defined the standard for fashion for over 20 years. For our September issue, we have an exclusive list of the best-dressed individuals who made statements, invoked powerful emotion, and inspired thousands with their showstopping outfits. Headlining the Filipino listers is Anne Curtis, who graced our cover in a surrealist-inspired shoot by BJ Pascual.

Read more on Magzter

Read also: Asia’s Most Stylish 2023: The best-dressed individuals defining fashion’s standard

After his ten-year retirement from football, David Beckham talks to Tatler about his family, Netflix documentary, and the legacy he wants to leave behind. 

“You won’t hear this from everyone, but I just want to be remembered as a nice person. Humble, generous, hardworking—that’s the gist of it. When folks ask what I want my career legacy to be, it’s not about being the greatest—it’s about that good old work ethic. Never giving up, embracing challenges, and pushing through tough times—that’s how I roll. I got that strong work ethic from my folks,” shared Beckham.

Read more on Magzter

Also see: David Beckham talks to Tatler about his family, Netflix documentary ‘Beckham’ and future plans

The Ayala Corporation is one of the biggest conglomerates in the country. Its influence in shaping the commercial landscape is quite literally groundbreaking. Since 1834, the Ayala family has managed the company with extraordinary intuition, business prowess, and enormous public trust.

Now, a new leader rises to the occasion as Mariana Zobel de Ayala-Aboitiz takes the reins as the executive director of Ayala Corporation.

“I challenge myself with how we, the eighth generation, might contribute to this institution in a way that leaves it better than how we found it. In my case, personally, I am quite excited by the evolving Filipino consumer and Ayala’s role in that evolution. Perhaps there is an opportunity for us to contribute to that space more significantly,” said Zobel de Ayala optimistically.

Read more on Magzter

Read more: Mariana Zobel de Ayala takes the helm of the Ayala Corporation as its executive director

What does it mean to be influential? Generally speaking, it’s someone who commands respect and gets things done. But to be named Asia’s Most Influential demands far more responsibility. You need to innovate, spread advocacies that are dear to you, and inspire hearts to follow in your footsteps—not blindly, but with solid fervour. Capping off the year, we look at the trailblazers and pioneers who have moved mountains, set standards, and redefined industries with their power and influence. 

This five-cover edition of Tatler Philippines highlighted businesswoman and philanthropist Alice Eduardo, entrepreneur and media personality Erwan Heussaff, respected figure in the medical field Vicki Belo, business leader and environmentalist Jacques Christophe Branellec, and successful restaurateur Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo.

Read more on Magzter

NOW READ

The notable newsmakers of Asia’s Most Influential shaped public discourse in 2023

Jaime Ponce de Leon reveals to the public Juan Luna’s long-lost masterpiece

Jet-setter Tim Yap revisits his favourite US spots, New York and Los Angeles