03 MARCH 2019

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14 LIVING SPACES Sunday, 3 March 2019 Daily Tribune When Nico and Erwan came to work…and play The end-result was their own space that is devoid of the traditional look of office spaces By Kathleen A. Llemit Along Chino Roces Avenue, there stands an old, nondescript building that seems just to fade away in the city that houses many of the country’s businesses. Along the stretch of the former Pasong Tamo Avenue are warehouse stores, car showrooms and offices with signages that scream the type of business they do. Those who have been to one of its floors, however, know the surprising sight of an unconventional space. From the moment they step foot on the staircase leading to the upper floor of Hectare One, they realize it is not the regular office with modular cubicles enclosed in white-washed walls. Rather, it is a cross between agricultural and industrial space. The walls are splashed with a somber gray, the flooring is cement, and the fixtures and furniture bear the green, brown and gray colors. There are occasional pops of color like a screaming fuchsia-colored square stool in one of the lounges and red chairs along one of the hallways. Accents are also very telling of who inhabit the place. There’s Yoda’s famous line, “Do or do not. There is no try,” stenciled on a piece of plywood, hanging by the rest stop in between the staircases. And then there’s a framed, signed football kit of Leo Messi at one of the prominent corners. By the looks of the office, it is a space frequented by unconventional office workers. Hectare One is the office of businessman Nico Bolzico and restaurateur and YouTuber Erwan Heussaff. Initially made famous through their showbiz girlfriends and now spouses, Solenn Heussaff and Anne Curtis, respectively, the gentlemen have successfully carved their names outside of the shadow of the gorgeous women they love. The popular brothers-in-law share the space where they let their creative side merge with their business practice. Work-life integration Bolzico heads LM10 Corporation. He sits as the president and chief executive officer of a “group of companies diversified to focus on bringing solutions.” The companies are Precision Agriculture, which conducts feasibility studies for land development; GenEx Biotech Group, a subsidiary that brings “advanced livestock genetics” in the country; Advanced Protein, an animal protein rendering plant and VieNovo, a manufacturing company that produces all-natural animal feeds. COMMUNAL areas define co-working spaces such as this pantry-cum-dining area. ERWAN does his Fat Kid Inside vlogs in his studio kitchen. NICO loves bringing his and Solenn's dog Pochola to the office. Heussaff, meanwhile, is in the restaurant business. He has put up dining outlets around the metro but he is more popularly known as “The Fat Kid Inside.” He started out with his blog bearing the same name as his moniker. The blog and his YouTube channel, all bearing the same moniker, have a combined million views. Viewers go to his sites for his travels, and most especially his cooking videos, which are shot in his studio at Hectare One. Workplace aesthetic “Most of the companies here are under the agricultural or food sector or a little bit of both. The name Hectare One stands for any agricultural endeavor that starts with one hectare. That’s where you’re starting, you grow from. The idea was to try to get all those agricultural notes — the rough flooring, the cement kind of feel, the very somber colors, but adding natural woods and greenery to get a very organic feel,” began Heusaff. Deciding on how the place was going to look like was a complementary process for the duo. Bolzico, Erwan recalled, was more of the “big picture kind of guy,” while he was more into the details. “I think both personalities really complemented each other in terms of how we wanted to create a space. Nico just wanted everything open, if Nico had his way there would be no walls. And then he realized: ‘Shit, I need walls,’” he recalled. His partner-collaborator agreed and corrected him a bit. “Being brutally honest I think I knew what I wanted but, I didn’t know how to make it to a reality so I think Erwan understood that, understood me very well because I have no taste; he has a lot of taste and he understands more about architecture — he knows what this is about. I have no idea. So I think he is being a modest about his answer, about the whole look and feel. I just said I wanted agri; I wanted it planned and I want it to look cool. Those were my three things,” Bolzico said. Fortunately for them, they found Mundo Design and Build, a design firm and general contractor that specializes in the fit-out phase of design and construction. The end-result was their own space that is devoid of the traditional look of office spaces. Was it because they both belong to the millennial crowd, that generation that is changing the landscape of the workforce in terms of behavior and workplace aesthetic? “Well, I think our generation is one that is very active and wants to as much as possible integrate our professional life with our regular life so we need to build spaces that are comfortable enough for people who are OK extending working hours or feel comfortable working on corporate hours. And that’s what we’re trying to foster here in terms of the culture — come and go as you please as long as the work’s done on time. And we’re all about productivity and POPS of color abound in Hectare One. efficiency versus clocking in and out of space. So what we have here is a very soothing feel but at the same time it is very professional. It’s kind of working at home but not really because it has structure,” Erwan explained. Space that fits They may strike one as carefree dudes who occasionally appear as goofballs in some of the videos they created with their wives, but here they present another facet of their personas as businessmen. “Well I guess the public sees a very small fragment of our lives. You know we’re just anybody else but in terms of the personalities of how we are very carefree but when it comes to work, we’re very professional. This is why the space is built this way. We didn’t want something too clinical and sanitized. We wanted something that fits our personality,” Erwan said. His partner and collaborator, Nico, turned serious and agreed. “Regardless of how public we are, we are entrepreneurs. The life of an entrepreneur is a rollercoaster. I think that goes that way. We work a lot in terms of a new project, we develop a lot of new things. We don’t have 9-to-5 jobs but we still kind of like to work all the time, some even on Saturdays and Sundays. And yeah the place reflects a little bit of that,” Nico ended. The edge of owning an office space For business owners, an office space which they can call their own signifies they have achieved a major corporate milestone. As an investor or entrepreneur, ownership enables them to capitalize on their assets, as opposed to merely being a tenant. Ownership of an office space affords them the freedom to fit out and customize their unit’s amenities, depending on their business operation’s needs and specifications. Ownership also offers long-term financial advantages and investment potentials, including tax savings and better cash flow management. With a long-term fixed-rate mortgage, they can anticipate their monthly expenditures without fear of annual rent increases or, worse, lease expiration. The 32-story Parkway Corporate Center is now opening its doors to investors who want to give their businesses the singular advantage of occupying a corporate space in an intelligent, green-oriented building at Filinvest City in Alabang. Parkway Corporate Center’s building features and amenities are bound to attract top tenants. Business owners can acquire an office unit at a low cost. Typically, one can also demand higher rent that creates increased profits. And as landbank options in major central business districts (CBD) decrease and with the shortage of office spaces in Metro Manila, capital values and rents are experiencing an upsurge, with multinational tenants seeking longer lease terms for up to five to 10 years, allowing for longevity of guaranteed income and the assurance of steady and continuous returns. The building employs intelligent space planning with flexible and combinable office units averaging 36 square meters. Whole floor options for larger companies are also available. Modern building facilities include six high-speed elevators, 24-hour security with CCTV cameras in strategic areas, 100 percent back-up power and advanced fiber optic backbone. Other amenities include an elegant main lobby, a retail plaza at the ground floor, a fully-equipped business center for meetings and other small business functions, podium deck garden, balconies on every five levels, plus eight levels of secured parking. In keeping with Parkway Corporate Center’s green orientation, its glass curtain wall is double-glazed with a low e-coating to reduce heat and UV (ultra-violet) radiation, reducing cost while raising energy efficiency and sustainability. Filinvest City is a prime and strategic setting where a full spectrum of offerings — from premium lifestyle and retail facilities to one-of-a-kind residential concepts — are found for a genuine work-live-play environment. Enjoy greater accessibility as Filinvest City has an efficient public transportation hub South Station and easily connects to the north and CALABARZON area through Skyway, South Luzon Expressway and Daang Hari Road. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is just 10 kilometers away. For more information, call (02) 809-6517 or visit www. parkwaycorporate.com. ARTIST’S perspective of Parkway Corporate Center’s combinable office units averaging 36 square meters. DOT PROPERTY PHILIPPINES AWARDS 2018 LAROSA CAPITOL HILLS BY PRIMEHOMES BEST RESIDENTIAL BOTANICAL DEVELOPMENT www.dotpropertyawards.com
Sunday, 3 March 2019 Daily Tribune BLAST 15 POCKET ROCKET The manual transmission version of the 2019 Suzuki Swift subcompact hatch is a pocket rocket. That is because a 1,200 cc engine, slightly below 870 kg of kerb weight, a stance reminiscent of a MINI Cooper and a stick shift make for thrills both forward and sideways. Going northward needs some skill in throttle moderation but there is always a positive response. You can’t let go of the gas and jump on it again, as there’s little to nil northward reaction. In fact, a notch or two after 2,500 rpm in second gear displays noticeable torque. If you want to make the car lively for long periods, don’t let the revs drop below 3,000 rpm. Just make sure that you’re in second gear as the ratio is somewhat tall. Short shifting to third gear drops the revs significantly as third gear feels like a mere bridge to fourth and fifth gears. If there is one quirk with the Swift’s stick shift, it’s the clutch pedal. The release point is high, which can be frustrating for those just learning to live with a manual transmission (M/T). Fortunately the leftmost pedal feel offers little resistance and the M/T stick has short throws. The shifter itself is a godsend when rifling thru the M/T slots on mountain passes, since your right wrist is void of tension on every row. A 1.2L straight four, slightly below 870 kg of kerb weight and a stick shift make for thrills both forward and sideways. The throttle and brake pedals are close to each other, which is great for heel-and-toe action. This movement requires you to step on the brake, your right heel hits the gas pedal in a manner that keeps the revs high and then going down a gear or two, in order for the engine speed to match the car’s speed. That way the transmission prevents itself from shift shock, thus prolonging its useable life. The Swift line is known for its handling. The 2019 Swift is no different, but this time toting 1,520 mm front and rear treads and Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 185/55R16 series rubber. The wide tire print and lateral distance between wheels make for supreme confidence going in and out of slow turns up to 80-90 kph. Surprisingly, even with the rim-and-tire combo, the ride is firm bordering on hard. Further, the dampers do a great job of absorbing most noise, vibration and harshness, helped a lot by the fabric seats. The steering has a light feel yet sharp on feedback. No need to make little corrections on sweeping decreasing radius turns as the front end rapidly follows the direction of the steering wheel. The Swift’s safety aspect can be a love-hate matter. The stoppers have strong grip, with just a simple middle pedal prod making the hatch display pitch at the first bite of the calipers. However, the rear brakes are drums. This means that on heavy deceleration, there are occasions when the rear end fishtails. Adding to this issue is the lack of stability control, which means your skill behind the wheel is what will save you and the Swift from a disastrous prang. It’s a fun car for the experienced performance driver, but for a newbie just getting used to driving an M/T, it’s best not to go flat out. Lights-wise, the daytime running lights are bright enough to replace the park lights and headlights at dawn or dusk. Just because the stick shift Swift is a speedster doesn’t mean that it can’t be comfortable. The fabric seats have a sofa-like thickness to them and allows any non-driver to get sleep on long trips. The front seats have pronounced bolsters similar to racing seats and help keep hips in place during cornering. The in-car infotainment has satellite navigation, a USB port and an auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth connectivity (including playing music via one’s smartphone) and steering wheel controls at the nine o’clock side. The airconditioning is cold, even at the blower one setting and the temperature at close to maximum level. There are eight cupholders, including one for each door and two within the rear backrest divider. The rear backrest doesn’t fold flush with the cargo bay but has Isofix latches to mount a child car seat or two. Last, the cargo hold can fit a balikbayan box and two to three medium travel backpacks, with the rear backrests upright and sans tonneau cover. The stick shift version of the 2019 Suzuki Swift may have some braking and secondary safety system issues but the forward motion, lateral behavior and cabin comforts make the hatchback a potential performance platform. JPM SPECIFICATIONS Vehicle: Suzuki Swift M/T (2019) Type: Subcompact passenger car (five door hatchback) Engine type: K12M DOHC 16-valve 1.2L inline four cylinder gasoline (73.0 mm bore x 71.5 mm stroke, 11.0:1 compression ratio), naturally aspirated Transmission: Five speed manual, front wheel drive Price as tested: P755,000 THE low ground clearance and overall design is similar to the current MINI Cooper line. Although the team refuses to admit it, timesheets and rivals deemed that Ferrari’s SF90 F1 car was the quickest in Barcelona circuit winter testing. At the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, lead Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel topped the timesheets with a 1:18:161 lap, running 160 laps or the equivalent of two-and-a-half Grands Prix distances. The German did most of his driving and data logging in the morning sessions, using the harder Pirelli Compound 3 tires. Second overall during the Barcelona winter testing was Vettel’s teammate Charles Leclerc. The Monaco resident posted a 1:18:247 and running three less laps than his teammate on the same Compound 3 rubber. Leclerc, however, was quick to downplay an alleged struggle to adapt himself to the SF90 after spending the previous F1 season with Sauber. “It’s a different position where I am now. Last year, (during winter testing), I was coming from Formula 2, so the step was big. Now it’s from one F1 car to another, so obviously the step is smaller. But I got used to it very quickly, (as I) already feel quite at ease with (the SF90). The car is quite easy to drive now,” said Leclerc in a statement to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile or FIA. Ferrari was the fastest in F1 winter testing, with lead driver Seb Vettel posting a timesheet-topping 1:18:161. Alexander Albon ran a 1:19:301 and some 100-odd laps before spinning out. New Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo sped up to 1:19:886 and was well on his way to his 29th lap before the rear wing snapped and broke on his RS19. Red Bull racer Pierre Gasly (fastest time: 1:19:814) was getting close to a century of laps logged before he lost control of his RB15 and smacked the Turn 12 barriers. Defending F1 driver’s champ Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes F1 teammate Valtteri Bottas were content to just log testing laps. The Brit ran just 74 laps and notched a fastest time of 1:19:928. On the other hand, Bottas and his W10 2019 ran 20 more laps than his teammate and was faster on a single lap (1:19:535). Bottas acknowledged during a late February event with Mercedes F1 sponsor Petronas in Italy that the SF90 was fast during the Circuit de Catalunya tests, but maintained that it was too early to tell as to who will be this season’s pecking order. “The in-season development will be what decides who wins. Obviously it’s impossible to make detailed calculations, but we can’t rely on upgrades all the time. We do need to try and make (the W10 2019) better and quicker.” Third overall during testing was McLaren F1 rookie Lando Norris. The F1 newbie logged a fastest time of 1:18:553 and ran 104 laps on the softer Pirelli Compound 2. The rest of the field were in the 1:19 level, but there were some dramatic moments. Toro Rosso F1 rookie driver PRETTY much you could see Ferrari’s SF90 at the top of the testing leaderboard at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
Page 1 and 2: PERFECTION SUNDAY ENDING I.S. WORK
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Page 17 and 18: KINGS GUN 3RD STRAIGHT P18 LOYALTY

03 MARCH 2019

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