GUCCI COMES HOME AND LANDS IN MANILA

The Maison's Cruise 2026 story unfolds over a Michelin-starred lunch and an intimate boutique presentation for Manila's style set.

- CHECHE V. MORAL

Chef Josh Boutwood of Helm, Binh Wong (Gucci Philippines and Guam's market director), and Alessandro Belloli (Gucci Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, and Guam's general manager) Andee Que (Gucci Philippines and Guam's communications manager), Valerie Tan (Gucci communications associate director for South Asia Pacific), James Reid, and Amanda Corvera (Gucci Philippines PR specialist) Anne Curtis tries her hand at decorating a Christmas wreath. The newly crowned Helm is this year's venue of Gucci's holiday get-together. Stellar holiday meal at the two Michelin-starred Helm by chef Josh Boutwood. Bella Racelis chills by the Gucci coffee cart. James Reid tests Gucci's The Alchemist's Garden fragrance collection.

Gucci may have staged its grand return to Florence for Cruise 2026, but in Manila, the experience began in a quieter, more intimate way — over lunch. Guests gathered at the newly two-Michelin-starred Helm, where Gucci regional general manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Guam Alessandro Belloli, market director