Dara Roa, Nicole Whisenhunt, Kai Lim—their taste, your finds – The Diarist.ph

If you’re still looking for unique treasures or gifts, post-holidays or better yet, pre-Valentine, take a look at what we discovered—a special place where one-of-a-kind pieces rule and hand-picked items take precedence over the usual mall finds.  Curio at Rockwell PowerPlant is a little pop-up boutique that is often overlooked in favor of more high-profile shops. We’re fortunate we found out about it.

Curated and created by Dara Roa, Nicole Whisenhunt, and Kai Lim, it is full of beautiful objects with interesting stories behind them. Whisenhunt, a jewelry designer, says that her favorite pieces in the store are the silver ones. “I truly enjoy entertaining, and I know how silver is timeless and looks beautiful in every tablescape. It also rises in value, so I see it more as an asset than an impulsive indulgence.”

Roa, also known as the “Collab Contessa” because of  her events planning venture, says she loves the hand-sculptured glass art pieces by Lilianna Manahan called Frame Series. She says that each piece encapsulates a memory Manahan treasures and the milestones that brought her to where she is now, which are all part of a bigger picture. “I, for one, am grateful for everything that has happened in my life, both good and bad.

So I highly appreciate how Lilianna collected her precious memories to create this series.”

Lim, whose projects include Cura V and Comme Çi, has a similar view. “There is a modern Lilliana Manahan hand-blown sculpture that I love.

In a way, it describes my personality: a traditional woman with a modern perspective.”

Roa says, “When we came across items we liked, wherever in the world we were, we discussed if we should carry them at Curio.” Lim says the items include “heirloom pieces of antique and vintage value that you’ll want to keep forever.” Whisenhunt adds, “Curio was born out of our love for home decorating, entertaining, and collecting beautiful objects.”

Other treasures include carved Chinoiserie sculptures, four feet high, and an antique Baliuag table from 1850 with carved columns. There are also contemporary objects, glassware, crystal, and specialty jewelry.

Although it’s a bit early to shop for Christmas, it’s always in style to buy items for your home or for gifts for special moments that you hope 2023 will have plenty of.

CURIO, R2 Level, Power Plant Mall, Makati City