Hi,

What an eventful arts month the past weeks have been for us all! But aside from the art fairs, exhibitions, and performances all around the metro, it’s time for us to pause and dive deep into a serious matter concerning our heritage and culture—the rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

For several times this past year, I’ve had joy in beating the Metro Manila traffic by boarding the free ferry transfers traversing the whole stretch of the Pasig River. There, I’ve seen the decades-long effects of arduous efforts to revive the historic river into its former glory. Though it is not as unpleasant as it used to be anymore, Malacañang has set a high goal for this current administration—build walkways, bike lanes, and esplanades throughout its 50-kilometre stretch for the people to enjoy daily. More than that, it also believes that it is high time to utilise the river for transportation and economic development. However, the proposed construction of the Pasig River Expressway looms over it. Will the rehabilitation ever come to fruition? Our features writer, Gabriel Bohol, tried to get to the bottom of the matter.

Other newsletter highlights this week:

• 7 moments Rihanna redefined the jewellery game
• BRICS millionaire population is expected to rise by 85 percent over the next decade
• 6 riveting homes of famous authors
• Editor’s Picks: Over 100 artworks worth collecting at Art Fair Philippines 2024

Cheers,
Franz Sorilla IV
Assistant Digital Editor, Tatler Philippines

With nine Grammys up her sleeve, an empowering lingerie brand, and a cult-status makeup line to boot, Rihanna never fails to capture the world’s fascination. Whether it comes to music or style, the singer is renowned for her unparalleled ability to push boundaries, captivate and inspire.

This powerhouse performer is a bonafide fashion icon.

According to its inaugural BRICS Wealth Report, published in partnership with global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth, there are currently 1.6 million individuals with investable assets of over US$1 million in the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, including 4,716 centi-millionaires or ‘centis’ (with more than US$100 million in investable assets) and 549 billionaires.

BRICS is establishing itself as a powerful rival to the G7.

These residences weren’t just homes to cherished authors and their families, they were birthplaces of classic tales that transcend time.

Homes of the literary legends that are as uniquely diverse as their written works.

True, art is for all. Gone are the days when art was only for the well-learned men from foreign universities, for indefatigable institutions closed with four walls, white-walled galleries, and the autocratic elite who collected only the works they had commissioned. Art Fair Philippines has been an example of the creativity and craftsmanship of local, international, and diasporic artists.

Here are our suggested selections for the serious art collector.