Fine watches and excellent whisky. These are two of the most popular choices of sophisticated people with discerning taste.
To rediscover the world of time and spirits, Federal Land hosted
a webinar series titled Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life. The
webinars showcase lifestyle and investment workshops aimed at reigniting
passions and appreciating finer things in life.
The three-part webinar series is hosted by Carl Cunanan,
Editor-in-Chief of Calibre Magazine and C! Magazine. As a prominent watch connoisseur,
Cunanan also shared his expertise on watches during the first featured Federal
Land Conversations. This was followed by a virtual whisky appreciation with
whisky professional Kris Ong, founder of dramboxph and the Philippine liaison of Scotch Malt
Whisky Society. The third webinar will
be all about the creation and appreciation of luxury cars airing on August 18.
Carl Cunanan and Lexus Philippines Brand Manager Jade Sison will share the
story of how to first-rate craftmanship and cutting-edge technology in every
Lexus vehicle.
It is time
In the watches webinar, Carl Cunanan walked the audience through
the wonderful world of watches, why they are considered a significant part of
history, how they bond generations together, how they are prompting people to
go back to the touchpoints of physical craftsmanship and attention to
detail.
Buying a watch may sound simple, but there are many things to
think about before getting one, specifically the “complications.” Complications
involve anything past the hour, minute, and second hand. The word complication
includes functions such as the day-date, perpetual calendar, chronograph, power
reserve, moon phase, repeater, tourbillon, to name a few. These all add value
to the watch depending on how one wants to use it.
While some may prefer a simple wristwatch, others would choose a
handcrafted luxury watch that serves as a legacy or investment. However, Mr.
Cunanan cautioned that these expensive timepieces require a different level of
understanding—from the brand, product, model, source, and future valuation if
they are bought with an expectation of financial return.
“Treat watches as an investment, but if you want to know the
value it will have in the future, you must do your homework. Not because it
came from one brand, its price will skyrocket,” Cunanan said. “Watches as an
investment are not only an investment in money. They are an investment in time,
an investment in passion, an investment in your soul. Spend wisely,” he
advised.
Just like property investments, watches are not only about the
price but what one is buying them for, the value in the future, and the
experience that can be received from them. The precision craftsmanship and
unparalleled design are also the very pillars of Federal Land’s
properties.
In the same way that the market for high-end condominiums like
Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower and The Seasons Residences is different
from those who want a simple corner home, watches also cater to different
market segments.
“If you look at the whole pyramid of needs thing, the further up
you go, it’s more about you and what defines you than it is about the basics.
But neither is right or wrong. It’s a matter of preference,” Mr. Cunanan said.
Water of life
Kris Ong took the audience through the whisky tasting process
and explained the various influences of one of the world’s favorite barreled
spirits known as “the water of life.”
Whisky was first used as an internal anesthetic and external
antibiotic. It originated in Ireland and Scotland and was made from different
types of grain such as barley, corn, rye, and wheat.
To pair whisky with food, Mr. Ong said it should be with
complementing or contrasting flavors to create a balance or a proper
counterbalance. For instance, a bourbon (whisky with 51% of grains made up of
corn) tends to be on the sweet side and would be best paired with a saltier
meal like a steak. A cream-based dish like Laksa, a whisky on the lighter side,
or a bit more acidic would help cut through the fat. Adding a few drops of
distilled or bottled water to some whiskies may also unleash more flavors.
When buying a whiskey, Ong stressed to never leave it under the
sun for too long as the heat can diminish the drink. He also explained that a
newly opened bottle of whisky could last for more than a year, but the air in
the bottle creates oxidation. It will not ruin the whisky but may change the
flavors, sometimes for the better. To preserve its original taste, an opened
bottle should be consumed within a year. The contents may also be transferred
to a smaller container to lessen the air.
Whisky-tasting opportunity is available at The Peak of Grand
Hyatt Manila, located at Federal Land’s Grand Central Park community in
Bonifacio Global City.
Luxury living
The next webinar under the Federal Land Conversations - Living
the Finer Life will be all about vehicles, particularly Lexus Philippines’ line
of luxury cars. It will be held on August 18, 2021, via Zoom Webinars.
Federal Land has lined up webinars to air in the following
months. One will be about learning the basics of real estate investing considering
your life stage. Another webinar will explore interior design for modern
living, the latest design trends and hacks, and how to create live-work spaces
at home to balance personal and professional life. There will also be a webinar
that will show how to cook delectable dishes and take appetizing shots for
posting and sharing online.
To join Federal Land Conversations - Living the Finer Life
webinars, visit www.federalland.ph to register.
ABOUT FEDERAL LAND
Federal Land, Inc. is under GT Capital Holdings, a listed major
Philippine conglomerate that is the primary vehicle for the holding and
management of the diversified business interest of the family of Dr. George
S.K. Ty. For more information, visit the Federal Land website at www.federalland.ph.
