"We're not so much father and son. If you can get yourself into this frame of mind, then you will capture our essence in your photograph,” Andrew Tan gave a hint to the photographer Sara Black as he and his son, Kevin, pose for Philippine Tatler's latest edition.


Philippine Tatler pays homage to the "Man of the House" in its Father's Day special issue with, mega builder Andrew Tan and his son Kevin on the cover. Respected writer Krip Yuson writes about sons with famous fathers and tells us if this is a boon or a bane in his essay, "Measuring Up." Flip through the pages and read through the conversations with billionaire and casino mogul Lawrence Ho, violinist and music mentor Coke Bolipata, rising theatre personality Nacho Tambunting, and a number of inspiring stories of fathers with their sons. Not to be missed as well is this month's fashion spread exclusively shot in the famous Paoay sand dunes featuring Ermenegildo Zegna couture designed by Stefano Pilati. 

BEHIND THE SCENES

The fourth richest man in the Philippines in 2014 according to Forbes magazine is being photographed with his eldest son Kevin, an able partner in the execution of all his visions, particularly in real estate.

They do strike a picture of brothers. Andrew is youthful-looking, with a fit physique; Kevin, who used to have a boyish physique a few years ago, has now developed into a muscular young man. “I swim early morning or afternoon to avoid the sun, but I really like swimming in the afternoon because the water is still warm,” Andrew says. “I bike every day,” says Kevin.

There is a palpable warm synergy between father and son. They pose so similarly in every shot that Black and stylist Mia Borromeo would inject a touch of difference say, in the subjects’ hand positions, in a piece of accessory, or in their poses. When the Philippine Tatler team commented on this, Andrew said, “We are not just brothers, we’re twins!”

The pictorial was held in the house of Kevin, the family home which was given to him a year ago when he got married. Now the father of a newborn baby girl, he is easing into married life with beautiful wife Michelle who prepared a delicious spread of tea sandwiches for a midmorning snack.

By noontime the pictorial was finished and father and son were both off to face the millions of business details clamouring for their attention. Such are the travails and challenges of geniuses behind a growing empire.

Photography by Sara Black | Styling and art direction by Mia Borromeo | Grooming by Apples Fara-On of MAC Cosmetics

Learn more about Andrew and Kevin Tan's story of success in the latest edition of Philippine Tatler, available in leading newsstands and the city's best bookstores. Download it on your digital device via Zinio and Magzter.