We know how hard it is out there: we’re inundated with so many choices for everything from sunscreen and skin care products to bars and restaurants, and from household appliances to watches and cars, that it’s not unusual for many of us to suffer from analysis paralysis.
So here’s your cheat sheet for some of the best products, services, and experiences that money can buy. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the selection process and picked out items that we think you’ll appreciate and love. It wasn’t easy as we had to sort through dozens of middling and average to get to the exceptional and just plain cool. Because, let’s face it, as an Esquire reader, you’re already cool. Now, here’s a list of things that deserve your attention and consideration.
Planning a trip can be a hassle. You have to book a hotel, look up tour packages, check user reviews of tour agencies, and plan out where you're eating and shopping. The whole process totally misses the point of destressing from your already very stressful 9-to-6. But the travel booking platform Klook makes sure you have everything you need for a seamless travel experience: attraction tickets, tours, transportation, accommodation, and even eSIMs or routers when you're abroad. Deals and discounts are also often available so you can make the most out of your travel budget.
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Editors' Choice for City Hotel Staycation: Hilton Manila
Five-star hotel Hilton Manila started its pet-friendly policy back in 2019, and that itself makes it a top choice for us when going on a staycation with the family. Canine companions even get their small bed, water bowl, and snacks. Its Vega Pool, an outdoor lagoon-style pool shared with Sheraton Manila, also earns it plus points. Guests can choose to lounge around the beach chairs, get a drink in the pool bar, or do some laps. Hilton Manila's quality service and overall cleanliness remain top-notch, even if they have been around for six years now.
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Editors' Choice for Integrated Resort: NUSTAR Resort and Casino
NUSTAR Resort and Casino in Cebu has emerged as a premier destination for luxury and entertainment. Its relatively secluded location on Kawit Point allows guests to enjoy the multi-hectare property that features a casino, a five-star Filipino-themed hotel called Fili, and the modern Chinese dining restaurant, Mott 32, the first in the country. It also boasts a luxury mall with premier cinemas, international restaurants, and high-end retail brands.
Editors' Choice for Backpack: CabinZero Classic Backpack
You can't go wrong with a classic, and that also goes for CabinZero's Classic Backpack. It's the perfect travel companion for when you can't be bothered to check in a weekend luggage or even a week-long one if you've mastered packing light. It opens up clamshell-style with expandable buckles on the sides, for when you need extra storage. The bag itself doesn't weigh much, immediately subtracting much-needed kilos from your carry-on. For your other items, there's a quick-access front panel zip pocket, inner zip pocket and mesh pocket, and a laptop sleeve. It also has a top handle and side handle, making it easier to carry wherever you're stashing it during travel. Each CabinZero bag also has a unique Okoban identification code, a lost-and-found lifetime tracking system used by airlines and airport companies.
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Editors' Choice for Affordable Luggage: Mixi Wide-Side Trolley Case
Mixi has a variety of trolleys, from the carry-on 20-inch to the bigger 24-inch ones, with plenty of color options. But their claim-to-fame is the wide handle design model, giving it more balance whether you're pulling it behind or rolling it on your side. The five-centimeter expandable layer, while doesn't seem like much, actually gives you 25 percent additional storage space—perfect for all the shopping you'll probably do when you travel. The brand also has a side-opening aluminum-case model, which is useful for more adventurous trips like camping as it can double as a table.
Editors' Choice for Luxury Luggage: Rimowa Original Cabin Plus
Rimowa's iconic luggage is popular for a reason. The German brand, which started with lightweight wooden cases, now boasts signature aluminum trunks that have become the gold standard in the industry. Its sleek line, signature groove, and silver color just scream style and luxury; while its material (anodized aluminum and ding-resistant polycarbonate) guarantees durability.
Editors' Choice for Packing Organizers: World Traveller - Compressible Packing Cube Set
There is an art in packing light, and by art we mean the use of compressible packing sets. World Traveller's line of organizers, which is available at The Travel Club stores and website, features expandable zippers that are useful when you feel like you have too much to pack. Some smart folding, a squeeze here and there, and end-to-end zip, then you're good to go. The three-piece set is available in Ocean Teal and Slate Gray.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Grooming
Editors' Choice for Hair Care: Hairreve Hair Rescue Thickening Serum
Having thinner hair is a silent struggle. You have to style and moisturize a certain way just to make sure your hair is decent-looking. Hairreve Hair Rescue Thickening Serum has two great benefits: strengthening and stimulating follicles, and moisturizing the scalp, allowing for better circulation. It nurses the hair back to a healthier state, thanks to a concoction made up of rosemary, green tea, and larch extract, among other ingredients.
Editors' Choice for Toner: Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
The average toner can either dry out the face or cause some mild irritation. At times, there's also an unwanted menthol-y fragrance we can't name—basically, all the things the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner isn't or doesn't have. Because it's alcohol-free and hypoallergenic, the toner tends to remove any dirt all while maintaining the natural oils in our faces. It's refreshing, to say the least, especially if you're someone struggling with dry skin.
Editors' Choice for Moisturizer: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer
People looking to start a skincare routine should definitely try Kiehl's Facial Fuel Moisturizer. It's one of Kiehl's most popular products for a reason. Even the driest or oiliest skin responds well to this mainly because of its vitamin-enriched blend. Easy on the skin, this cream rehydrates the face while making sure there's no clogging in the pores (it actually leaves the pores open enough). In just a few days, you'll easily notice a brighter, more balanced complexion, as well.
Editors' Choice for Cleanser: Dove Amino Acid Facial Cleansing Mousse
If you read off the ingredients alone, you'll see that the Dove Amino Acid Facial Cleansing Mousse is packed with advanced skincare ingredients (Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Trisodium HEDTA, PEG-150 Distearate, and Stearic Acid, among other delightful features). Sure, it's creamy but it is dense and makes use of the active-boost serum and double hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moisturized and revitalized. It cleanses pores effortlessly and cures any signs of dullness in the face. It's basically a moisturizer and cleanser in one.
Editors' Choice for Sunscreen: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus
Anybody who has tried the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF50+ PA++++ swears by its formula. Packed with zinc oxide, this sunscreen offers quite the protection against UVA and UVB rays, especially for sensitive skin. The Centella Asiatica Extract and Niacinamide, on the other hand, function as soothing mechanisms and even reduce the skin's redness in hotter conditions. Its lightweight application also makes it versatile, enjoying a dewier finish that just feels great to the skin. Best of all, it doesn't leave any strong scents or even a white cast.
Editors' Choice for Tropical Fragrance: Creed Millesime Imperial
With a combination of aquatic elements and strong hints of iris, musk, and woodier undertones, Creed Millesime Imperial is the ideal fragrance for that vacation getaway you've been planning. It enjoys medium protection and even has decent longevity. Noticeable, too, are top notes of Bergamot with base notes of cedarwood. Interestingly enough, even with the complexity, it still manages to maintain its fresh citrus character, which is perfect for warm summer nights.
Editors' Choice for Body Wash: Men+Care Holy Basil + Hemp Seed Oil Inner Peace Body Wash
There are certain products that you automatically know have been made with that extra bit of care to it. Such is the case with Dove Men+Care Holy Basil + Hemp Seed Oil Inner Peace Body Wash. This vegan body watch enjoys a 92 percent naturally derived formula. This means that it's packed with vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin. You can actually feel the basil and essential oils working throughout the shower. The most rewarding aspect of all this is, of course, the soothing formula, which also doubles as an outstanding moisturizer.
Editors' Choice for Everyday Deodorant: AXE
Sometimes, the simplest may well be the best. No need to overcomplicate things. AXE Deodorant Body Spray has long been one of the most reliable products in men's grooming. The 72-hour protection promise delivers, even through warmer temperatures, and even manages to create a cooling effect for optimal comfort. It's no secret that the product probably has three generations of fans now.
Editors' Choice for Body Soap: Personal Collection ALFA-1 Antibacterial Body Soap
Many of the soap brands available in the market today make all sorts of promises in the name of personal hygiene. But what we all really need is just a soap that works—that washes away the grime of the day and leaves us smelling (and feeling) clean. That’s exactly what Personal Collection’s ALFA-1 Antibacterial Body Soap does. It does the job, no more no less. And that’s good enough for us.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Food and Beverage
Editors' Choice for Degustation: Hapag 2.0
A new Hapag, located in the fancier Rockwell area, elevates Filipino cuisine through a creative and sophisticated dining experience. Chefs Thirdy Dolatre, John Kevin Navoa, and their team use classical techniques to reinterpret traditional dishes in their 10-course "Metodolohiya" menu. Each dish transforms familiar ingredients into extraordinary gourmet presentations, exemplifying Hapag’s genius. Included are innovative takes on Filipino staples such as Nilaga soup, Silog amuse bouche, and a standout Kinilaw ceviche. Dishes like Pinausukan fried bonete bread and the Binakol/Inadobo/Insalada main course showcase their artistry. The attention to detail extends to every aspect of the dining experience, from the double doors at the entrance to the exclusive upstairs bar, Aya, which offers stunning views of Rockwell’s high-rises.
Editors' Choice for Spanish Restaurant: Asador Alfonso
Unlike typical Spanish restaurants, Asador Alfonso strays from serving traditional tapas and paella, focusing instead on finely executed Spanish flavors. This vision, shared by celebrated chef Jose “Chele” Gonzalez and renowned architect Carlo Calma, is situated on a 9.4-hectare property called The Lava Rock in Alfonso, Cavite. The restaurant offers a serene, artistic environment with Calma's architecture blending concrete, glass, and wood. The menu features high-quality Spanish ingredients and specialties like A5 jamon de wagyu and Tosta de Boqueron, roasted in a unique, massive oven—the only one of its kind in Asia.
Editors' Choice for Steakhouse: Steak and Frice
Amado Forés' Steak and Frice showcases his bold entry into the steakhouse business, teaming up with Hong Kong-based interior architect Sean Dix. Opened in December 2023, it merges Parisian, New York, and London influences with Manila’s local flair. The restaurant’s thoughtful design, featuring bespoke seating and cultural elements, creates a cinematic experience. Operational efficiency and flexible seating enhance diners' comfort. The menu highlights premium steaks such as US Ribeye, S&F Wagyu Striploin, and Chateaubriand, complemented by signature sauces and a unique “steak rice” side. Additional menu items include artisan bread, cheese puffs, bacon steak Caesar salad, and delectable desserts.
Editors' Choice for Fastfood: Burger Beast
Launched during the 2020 pandemic by CloudEats and helmed by Chef Carlo Miguel, Burger Beast redefines fast food with its gourmet-quality burgers. The new restaurant brand elevates every element of the burger, from patties to sauces, offering innovative options like the Umami Burger and Truffle Umami Burger. Operating both digitally and through physical stores in key locations like SM Mall of Asia, Burger Beast allows customers to customize their burgers and enjoy a variety of sides. The flagship store enhances the experience with branded merchandise and soon-to-be-launched Beast Brew ale. This proudly Filipino brand delivers indulgent, bold, and memorable burger experiences.
Editors' Choice for Bar: Bizarre
Bizarre, the newest bar in Makati, offers a unique drinking experience with its five-course cocktail degustation. Located beside B House in Poblacion, this hidden gem features an intimate 25-guest venue with a cinematic black-and-white motif accented by red elements. The architectural design by Rocky Legaspi, Miguel Alomajan, Raymond Zapirain, and Mike Coscolluela enhances its surreal ambiance. The star attraction is the innovative cocktail degustation crafted by Ian Libang and Chef Kel Zaguirre. Signature cocktails like the atchara-inspired drink surprise with flavors and are paired with elevated bar bites. Guests can also personalize their drinks with "Peculiar Curations." Bizarre promises a memorable narrative-driven dining experience for all its visitors.
Editors' Choice for Whisky: Johnnie Walker Blue Label
It's Johnnie Walker's rarest and most premium variant. It's said that only one in 10,000 casks meets the high standards required for this whisky. It offers a complex aroma of honey, floral blossoms, and smoke, while its rich palate features notes of brown sugar, vanilla, and dark chocolate. Its velvety smooth finish and ability to maintain its character whether neat or with ice make it a standout choice for extraordinary occasions, providing an unparalleled sensory experience.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Sex and Relationships
Editors' Choice for Her: Womanizer Liberty 2 (Clitoral Simulator)
When going down on your partner gets a bit tedious, let the Womanizer Liberty 2 do the job for you. It's a discreet, compact, yet powerful toy that your partner can bring along, so she can achieve the sexual pleasure she deserves anytime she wants. Its best feature is the Pleasure Air Technology, which provides clitoral stimulation without direct contact. Soft air pulses replicate the sensation of sucking, akin to a human mouth, leading to orgasmic bliss. It includes a hygienic cover case and a secure travel lock, perfect for people on the go.
Editors' Choice for Her: Iroha Lipstick (Vibrator)
This vibrator is ideal for beginners or those in the careful or curious stage because it's gentle and not intimidating. But if your woman desires more intense vibrations, this might not meet her expectations. It's petite, similar to a lipstick, which makes it very handy. It's also user-friendly, with a soft silicone tip that's gentle on the skin, and it's waterproof, always ready for action in the bath, bedroom, or while traveling. When you're caught in traffic with your lover, this little device can transform steamy tempers into steamy moments. Just be sure your car windows are tinted.
Editors' Choice for Her: Jellytime Deuce (Dildo)
This pleasure device doubles your partner's enjoyment with its ingeniously designed dual-body structure, offering simultaneous clitoral and vaginal stimulation. It also features a silicone texture, providing a realistic, skin-like sensation, two powerful motors, and 10 different vibration modes, ideal for achieving a blended orgasm. Both of you can use it to tease each other's erogenous zones like the nipples, navel, inner thighs, lips, neck, ears, armpits, and the back of the knees. Ever wondered if the G-spot exists? This toy can help you find it.
Editors' Choice for Him: GoRocky Men's Delay Spray
Formulated with 10mg of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, this spray is a highly effective, easy-to-use, and safe solution that allows you to confidently enjoy lasting performance during your intimate moments. Just apply the spray to the desired area to reduce sensitivity and enjoy immediate, visible results. Many users praise the product for giving them the control and confidence they've always desired in the bedroom, transforming their sex life and making it stress-free and more fulfilling.
Editors' Choice for the Both of You: Unprude Mobile App
The Unprude app, the brainchild of sex therapist Dr. Rica Cruz, seeks to revolutionize conversations about sex, aiding couples in exploring and embracing their sexual identities comfortably. It offers a personalized curriculum based on users' experiences, perceptions, and goals; and caters to various life stages and situations, providing tailored content such as expert insights, podcasts, audio meditations, and exercises. Its comprehensive sex education module, available for free, covers topics like contraception and relationships, aiming to fill the gap left by inadequate sex education. Interactive digital games further facilitate open discussions about relationships and sexuality. Unprude is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Editors' Choice for the Both of You: Durex Play Feel Intimate Lube
This gel boosts a couple's sex life by offering a smooth, silky texture that eases discomfort from vaginal dryness and lessens friction, making intimacy more enjoyable. Its water-based, non-staining, and non-greasy formula guarantees easy cleanup, enabling couples to focus solely on their intimate time. Safe for use with condoms and appropriate for oral, vaginal, and anal sex, this multifunctional lubricant caters to diverse needs and preferences. Properly stored, it maintains its effectiveness for up to three months after opening. Its simple application and gentle, body-friendly nature make Durex Play Feel Intimate Lube an essential tool for enhancing intimacy and comfort.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Finance
Editors' Choice for Consumer Finance App: BillEase
Never mind credit cards and their expensive interest rates. With BillEase, you can shop all you can and pay back at your own pace through its flexible “buy now, pay later” plans. What makes it more appealing to customers is that borrowers need not have existing credit cards to get approved—changing the traditional credit landscape. Plus, you can guarantee payments have zero interest. No wonder the consumer finance platform is becoming the go-to choice for quick, convenient, and affordable installment plans.
Editors' Choice for Digital Bank: GoTyme
So many digital banks have been popping up left and right, but not all of them allow customers to grow their funds as much. This is where GoTyme—one of only six licensed neobanks in the country—comes in, offering four- to five-percent savings interest rates yearly through its GoSave feature. You can grow as many accounts as you like and not worry about maintaining any balance. Bonus points that the app is very neat and user-friendly, perfect for use of all ages.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Gadgets and Technology
Editors' Choice for Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Apple AirPods Max
Don't worry. We hate sounding like Apple fanboys just as much as you do. But, you gotta admit, Apple sure knows how to deliver. The AirPod Max is the best in its class when it comes to noise-canceling and audio quality. In terms of comfort, the weight distribution is far better than most in its segment, and the sleek metallic look gives it an interesting aesthetic dimension. Its signature remains neutral, while the sound and spatial audio are just superb for headphones that aren't high fidelity.
Editors' Choice for Work Laptop: Apple Macbook Air M3
We can sit and argue about how Apple just feeds us more of the same. But in the Apple Macbook Air M3's case, we can definitely see a thinner, more powerful refresh from its predecessor. The redesign allows for a lighter feel and the internal specs upgrades are just remarkable. The M3 performance, on the other hand, is another Apple Silicon success, surpassing benchmarks of even the 2024 Dell XPS laptop's 14th Gen Intel. Complementing this is a battery life that is the best in its segment, making it the ideal laptop for professionals across the board.
Editors' Choice for Gaming Laptop: Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
Now this is a laptop that feels like it needs a ceremony before unboxing it. The Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 is a huge gaming laptop with a robust performance and a vibrant mini-LED panel. It can handle 4k gaming with relative ease thanks to the Core i9-14900HX and GeForce RTX 4090. The 18-inch, 2560x1600 pixel, meanwhile, is the kind we'd expect in a product you'd probably stare at for 10 hours straight. Sure, it might not perform as great as, say, the MSI Titan 18 HX A14VIG (if you're looking for something similar in proportions), but the battery life for this thing just takes the cake.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Home
Editors' Choice for Air Conditioner: Carrier Crystal 2 Inverter
One word: lifesaver. The Carrier Crystal 2 Inverter is one of the top-rated air-conditioning units in the country for a reason. It’s the epitome of clean and comfortable cooling that is big on power-saving. Not only does it free customers from the burden of paying more expensive electricity bills; the aircon also has a self-cleaning function that would save you from the hassle of booking maintenance service every now and then.
Editors' Choice for Smart TV: LG OLED EVO G4
Talk about cinematic. This 65-inch TV is what you need for your next movie marathon at home. Boasting cutting-technology and high-caliber quality, the LG OLED EVO G4 makes pictures seem more crisp and true-to-life, promising next-level experiences for viewers. Its Dolby-powered features are why it’s exceptionally ideal not just for watching, but even for gaming and other entertainment purposes.
Editors' Choice for Coffee Maker: B. Coffee Co. Sophomore Starter Kit
This coffee maker is made for on-the-go caffeine drinkers. With B. Coffee Co’s Sophomore Starter Kit, you can get that milky, frothy cup in just seconds—perfect for those with hectic schedules like us. Its professional built-in steam function is the highlight, making the brewing and frothing procedures so much easier, especially for beginners.
Editors' Choice for Microwave: American Home AMW-INV25B
You can never go wrong with American Home for these kitchen essentials. From its one-touch feature to its defrost, plateless, and grilling functions, this microwave oven keeps things quick and simple, while making sure you have everything you need and more. For us, another standout here is its child safety lock, providing an added layer of security for users. Must be why it’s the one of the best picks among families.
Editors' Choice for Oven Toaster: Breville Smart Oven Pro
Whether you’re baking pizza or cookies for merienda, or cooking roasted chicken for dinner, this countertop oven can have it delivered for you in a ding. Breville’s Smart Oven Pro is powered by the so-called Element IQ system, controlling the heating elements to suit whatever food you are making. Ultimately, what we love about this product is how convenient it is to use at any time of day—reducing cooking time by up to 30 percent. An “oven that does many,” indeed.
Editors' Choice for Washing Machine: LG WashTower
An all-in-one laundry must-have, the LG WashTower is a stacked washer and dryer, designed stylishly to fit even in small spaces. Although it doesn’t look like it, it actually has an extra-large washing capacity, and comes with a central control panel for your convenience. We mean it when we say this washing machine could do all the work for you—complete with a smart technology that assesses the best wash option for every laundry load, and coordinates the washer with the dryer to automatically assign cycles. You literally don’t need to put in any effort! More importantly, why pay for two machines when you can get them both in one piece, right?
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Automotive
Editors' Choice for Car Under P1 Million: Kia Sonet
Kia PH just introduced the Sonet, which replaces the popular Stonic. In this highly competitive segment, Kia has four variants targeting several sub-segments—from its price-sensitive value entry-level model LX MT variant to its topline SX AT variant that has all the safety and tech goodies. It has several class-leading features and specs to win the Gen Z and younger millennial market that are mostly first-time brand-new car owners.
Price starts at P758,000.
Editors' Choice for Car Between P1 Million and P2 Million: Toyota Corolla Cross
There is a reason why the Corolla is the bestselling nameplate in the world. It is the go-to choice for its reliability, efficiency, resale value, overall package, and performance. The new Toyota Corolla Cross is no different. It combines the best of both worlds, making this crossover both sustainable and more versatile in all aspects of performance and efficiency. Plus, it’s powered by Toyota's advanced hybrid technology. Now, the Corolla Cross is a dedicated all-HEV lineup across all its variants, which makes it an even better and more attractive option.
Price starts at P1.498 million.
Editors' Choice for Car Between P2 Million and P3 Million: Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out as arguably the best choice in another highly competitive segment. Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, it also comes with a total of eight drive modes, namely: Normal, Eco, Sport, Smart, Auto, Sand, Mud and Snow, and Hyundai Traction (HTRAC) All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. With its three-row, seven-seater layout, Hyundai’s safety and tech features, spacious interior and premium materials, not to mention its somewhat familiar yet unique-looking boxy silhouette, the Sta. Fe is a standout choice with unmatched value.
Price starts at P2.410 million.
Editors' Choice for Car Between P3 Million and P5 Million: Mazda CX-90
Mazda is punching above its weight with the first-ever CX-90, which combines luxury, comfort, design, and performance. It is a thinly disguised luxury SUV; and with a very competitive price point, it literally is unmatched in value. The CX-90 is a very driver-centric vehicle with a powerful 3.3-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine and hybrid system. Its Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) makes this large SUV very agile and fun to drive. The CX-90 offers one of the best driving experiences in this class with its Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-DRIVE) system and four drive modes, Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, allowing the driver to extract the most out of the ride.
Price starts at P3.680 million.
Editors' Choice for Car Between P5 Million and P10 Million: Lexus 450e RZ
There are currently numerous platforms and options out there in the emerging market of EVs, but Lexus is betting on 450e RZ, which is considered the first EV model that seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with the opulence that the brand is known for. At this price point, the 450e RZ represents the best choice because of its winning formula of performance, driving pleasure, and refinement of an all-electric vehicle. This vehicle has it all: from its meticulously crafted interior, spaciousness, powerful motors, and DIRECT4 all-wheel drive control system, not to mention its refined suspension that allows spirited driving with an intuitive operation that strengthens the sense of connection between driver and machine, making it the ultimate choice in this segment.
Price starts at P5.228 million.
Editors' Choice for Car Over P10 Million: Bentley Bentayga Mulliner
One may think you have lesser choices in the top-tier ultra-luxury segment, but British ultra-luxury carmaker Bentley begs to differ. It takes words like bespoke and coachbuilding very seriously and will go the extra mile to listen to their customers to see how they can create custom finishes and make their cars as exclusive and personal as possible. We chose the Bentayga EWB Mulliner that can be customized with the most exotic and out-of-this-world finishes imaginable, like a 200-million-old natural stone or a rare wood specie that can be cut and shaved into thin veneer finishes.
Price available upon request.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Watches
Editors' Choice for Watch Under P150,000: Tissot PR516 Mechanical Chronograph
The Tissot PR516 Mechanical Chronograph is a revival of its popular 1970s model. Its new and beefier 41mm stainless steel diameter case comes with sapphire crystal with a see-through caseback showing a Valjoux hand-wound movement with a power reserve of 68 hours. The dial’s classic three-register layout shows a central 60-second chronograph hand, 30-minutes and 12-hours counters with Super-LumiNova-coated indices, and hands that offer excellent readability even in low lighting. This motorsports-inspired chronograph has a tachymeter on its bezel to measure travel speed on the fly the old-school way. It also comes with a well-finished stainless steel interchangeable quick-release bracelet and, best of all, a price point that offers great value.
Price starts at P116,000.
Editors' Choice for Watch from P200,000 to P500,000: Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT
Tudor’s Black Bay 58 GMT is new this 2024. It comes with a comfortable 39mm diameter case and a bi-directional bezel, making it a reliable companion for the quintessential traveler. It has warm hues of burgundy, black, while gilt accents on its bezel, indices and hands give it a vintage vibe and is particularly useful for moving through time zones. It uses Tudor’s GMT Manufacture Calibre MT5450-U movement, which is both certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), and by METAS as a Master Chronometer. It comes with a choice of "rivet style" stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap.
Price starts at P260,000.
Editors' Choice for Watch from P500,000 to P1 Million: IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun "Lake Tahoe" Edition
This white IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun Edition “Lake Tahoe” is a striking addition to IWC's aviation-inspired collection. It features a 44.5mm white ceramic case, reminiscent of the snowy landscapes around Lake Tahoe, and a contrasting black dial for optimal legibility. Powered by the IWC-manufactured 69380 calibre movement with a 46-hour power reserve, the timepiece is emblematic of IWC's Top Gun range. The “Lake Tahoe” edition merges high-performance engineering with a distinctive design, appealing to both aviation enthusiasts and style-conscious watch collectors.
Price starts at P709,000.
Editors' Choice for Watch from P1 Million to P2.5 Million: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph
We love this Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph in steel with a gorgeous translucent lacquered blue dial, which is a boutique exclusive. It has a date aperture between 4 and 5 o’clock, and the back reveals an exquisitely crafted movement with an engraved oscillating rotor weight in 22K gold inspired by a wind rose. It has three easily interchangeable straps—steel bracelet, leather, and rubber.
Price starts at P2.170 million.
Editors' Choice for Watch Over P2.5 Million: Patek Philippe World Time Ref. 5330G-001
Any serious watch aficionado would want this Patek Philippe new generation World Time. It comes with a date display, which synchronizes and self-adjusts on the local time based on the selected time zone at the 12 o’clock position on the city disk and indicated by the center hands and an innovative differential system that indicates the date on the periphery of the dial by means of a center hand in transparent glass with a red hammer-head-style tip. It has an opaline blue-gray dial with a carbon pattern on a white gold case and is paired with a beautiful blue-gray calfskin strap with denim pattern, making it a very casually elegant timepiece for all occasions.
Price starts at P4.659 million.
Esquire Essentials 2024 for Health and Wellness
Editors' Choice for Spa: Chi, The Spa at Edsa Shangri-La, Manila
Stepping into the grand lobby of EDSA Shangri-La's Chi, The Spa immediately gives you a glimpse of the luxury that's to be expected in their facilities. Rooms have have an en suite bathroom with a complete set of toiletries and a shower-slash-steam room, where you can get ready for your massage. We especially liked how the therapist spent some extra time on our shoulders and back, which a lot of people probably complain about because of all the sitting we do on the daily.
Editors' Choice for Fitness Program: Sparta Calisthenics
What we love about calisthenics is that all you need is your body, and maybe a few bars. And that's what you get at SPARTA, which is short for Sports and Recreational Training Arena. It's not to be mistaken for the Spartan Race, although you can train for that and other OCRs at this gym. Schedules for their group classes are spread throughout the day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it easy to fit a session into your busy schedule. Each class has about 25 people, but you don't have to worry about joining such a big group since the coaches can customize each exercise for you depending on what you can do and your progress. The muscle-up drill, for example, has a beginner version and an advanced version.
Rates start at P2,500 for 10 classes, valid for 30 days.
Editors' Choice for Gym: Kinetix+
Exclusivity and personalization are at the core of Kinetix+, which opened in 2023 at The Shops Ayala Triangle Gardens. The first thing that members get at this luxury boutique gym is a Strength Meter and Motion Scale Assessment, where a physiotherapist assesses your posture, balance, and body composition, and a coach checks your flexibility and endurance. These tests, along with a discussion with a nutritionist, are factored into the creation of a training program that's right for you and your goal. Kinetix Plus takes in only 250 members, which allows a 1:1 client-to-coach ratio, exclusive use of their AI-powered machines, and 900 square meters of space. The fact that it's in the middle of the Makati CBD makes it accessible after work.
Editors' Choice for Online Mental Health Clinic: Recovery Hub
Looking for a psychiatrist and/or a psychotherapist is a lot like dating. You have to try talking to a few before you find the one that matches you and your mental health needs. Recovery Hub PH, a user-friendly mental health hub, lets you do this without the hassle. You can just browse through their filters and book a mental health expert depending on the available schedule, whether online or offline. You can also easily pay online, download your medical certificate, and get a prescription with just a few clicks.
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