Andy Vázquez-Prada, Kaye Tinga, and Ian Giron set the stage for an unforgettable meal with their exquisite tablescapes
Andrés (Andy) Vázquez-Prada
Co-proprietor and Creative Director of W17
Andy is responsible for curating the direction of the lifestyle store W17. In creating unique home accessories and furniture, he likes to steer clear of trends and conventions and go by his own instinct. “I’m something of a perfectionist,” says Andy, “but I’ve found that this has made me extremely sensitive to critical details that can breathe new life into a space.”
How would you describe your personal entertaining style?
I’m driven by a general passion for beauty—collecting individual pieces and constructing spaces that play to all of the five senses, and I try to evoke this as much as possible when entertaining. The scent of the room and the music played have to be conducive to the theme of the event—what sort of feeling is it that a guest should leave with? And of course, food and drinks must be perfect. All in all, my personal entertaining style is defined by contrasting elements that still manage to come together harmoniously for a complete sensory experience.
What was the inspiration for your table setting?
Table settings have to be highly visual but also very textural: an assortment of semiprecious stones beside corals and antiques, sharp architectural flourishes with soft floral arrangements.
Kaye Tinga
Wife, Mother to four children, Co-proprietor of W17
Kaye is active in efforts to support causes for women’s rights, anti-poverty initiatives, and chidren’s protection. A partner in W17, a home store that showcases wonderful things from the Philippines and finds from all over the world, she feels lucky to work in a business that allows her to indulge in her passion for all things beautiful, “whether it’s a single bud, a written line, a face, or a piece of cut crystal.”
How would you describe your personal entertaining style?
I’m very old school. For me entertaining is all about making sure my guests are well-fed, and that their glasses are always full, but doing it in style, whether it’s a casual lunch with friends, a business dinner, or a milestone event. It all starts with the menu, no matter how outrageous or fabulous the décor is, if the guests are not happy with the food, I would consider the event a failure.
What was the inspiration for your table setting?
Lately, I’ve been fixated with the outdoors. I’m enjoying working with plants, and I am experiencing a new energy as a result. Natural crystals have also long been known to provide positive energy. I thought it would be wonderful to combine both elements in a single setting that will create a unique and beautiful environment for a meal with friends and provide renewed energy for them as well.
Ian Giron
Designer, Travel Enthusiast, Cultural Worker
Ian likes to create and work with artisans from all over the country to produce exquisite and fascinating objects of art. It is his passion to promote, preserve, and propagate Philippine arts and crafts and in so doing, strive to contribute to the development of the “Filipino human spirit.”
How would you describe your personal entertaining style?
Guests may forget what food you serve... But they will never forget how you made them feel. For me what is most important is the comfort of my guests. I always try to address all the five senses: sense of taste—food; sense of sight—table setting and decor must always be visually arresting with proper lighting to set the tone; sense of smell—rooms must always smell fresh; sense of hearing—music plays an integral role in any celebration; sense of touch—room temperature must always be comfortable.
What theme did you select for your table setting?
The theme of my table setting is resort entertaining, Filipino style. I used all Filipino products for my table. (Ed’s note: many of which were personally designed by Ian and handcrafted in different workshops). To me it is very important to celebrate our Philippine heritage and our artisanal traditions.
What was your inspiration?
I am greatly inspired by how my parents entertain. They always use and showcase local produce and products from our home town of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.