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Playboy Magazine / Art Issue Jan-Feb 2019
Playboy Magazine / Art Issue Jan-Feb 2019
FORUM: Art's Underlying Purpose
p. 22-23
FORUM: Art's Underlying Purpose
p. 22-23
Art’s Underlying Purpose
by Ringo Ordoñez
Let us suppose you are an obnoxiously wealthy person, overflowing with cash that came from an illegitimate source of income. Depositing all those money with different accounts in different banks is not enough to hide all your wealth. And sooner or later law enforcers will eventually sniff it out and seize it, they are good at that. Invest in dozens of luxury real estate? They will probably get that too. You don’t want them to take away your hard earned (but dirty) money from you, do you? What should you do then? Like all corrupt politicians, drug lords, and fraudulent individuals- you launder your money.
Behind The Canvass
Money laundering schemes has been around for ages, but unbeknownst the public, art has become one of the most viable tools for laundering money by acquiring artwork collections and other luxury items to make their illicit funds untraceable. Owning expensive artworks are not only a symbol of social status but a simple way of laundering money. This is why wealthy crooked individuals often have their own painting collections together with other forms of art like statues are displayed vulgarly in their luxurious houses. Fine art market is often unregulated, which makes an ideal gateway to move the money around.
This leads us to the Auction. Auction houses cater both legitimate and illegitimate pieces of art that is up for bid. Auctions are often rigged by which the bidding will go as they planned, planting phony auctioneers to make bidding more sensational and increases the chance of selling the piece. A piece sold means the money is now clean. Others use their illegitimate funds to acquire insurance covered artworks through auction and bids the highest price it can get for the benefit of raising the value, after a piece is bought it will be kept in a sub standard facility where then they can easily set up a false accident like fire, and let the insurance cover the damages.
Buying prestigious artworks and keeping it in classified and secured depositories, then marketing the item through black markets and underground auctions that lowers the risk of suspicion from the government is another notably scheme. An item can be purchased anywhere from the world without even leaving the depository. Transactions are possibly handled by a median where sales can be made anonymously with most outright confidentiality from both parties.
Seems Legit
World renowned paintings like “The Last Supper” and The “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci, “The Starry Night” and “Wheatfield with Crows” by Van Gogh just to give a few, are undeniably highly appraised pieces of artworks that are worth a fortune. What made its value soaring high? Factors ranges from the artist, time period, style of art and materials used.
In a Modern Art Gallery, a handful of sophisticated paintings are being sold from thousands to millions and most likely billions of dollars, made by lesser known artists, a young blood maybe, or an uncelebrated artist.
Ever wonder how modern art is appraised? One is to hire a highly trained appraiser who is knowledgeable in a certain form of art. And the other is to bring it to an auction house where trained staff members evaluate a piece and quote its market value.
But then again, there are still several ways to determine the value of an art work. Or so it may seem. Money launderers purchases paintings from some unrenowned artists with their dirty money. Put up their own exhibit where they employ faux appraisers and exhibitors to exaggerate the value and the art itself, making it more appealing to their target market, the high class, modern art collectors, and launderers themselves. In this manipulative scheme, art (works) is just a mere tool for organized crime since fine art market is unregulated it has been easy to run the money in a less conspicuous way.
Hand In the Cookie Jar
In June 2018, former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been charged multiple accounts of money-laundering. This includes private jets, real estates, luxury items and you’ve guessed it, paintings.
The collection includes: "Saint-Georges Majeur" by Claude Monet, "La maison de Vincent a Arles" by Van Gogh, and the controversial “Nature Morte au Crane de Taureau” by Pablo Picasso which according to reports was given as a gift to Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio which he eventually turns over the piece to US Justice Department to aid the investigation on laundering operation of the ex-PM.
Clearly this is not an isolated case that uses art to launder money; there are probably more schemes out there and more culprits beyond what is exposed. Mexican drug lord Joaquin Guzman Loera, aka El Chapo, possesses multimillion dollar art collection along with exotic animals, gun collection (he literally have guns made of gold), luxury cars and statues was found on his villa by authorities in 2014. And let’s not forget Pablo Escobar, the world’s most infamous drug lord. According to reports, Escobar owned artworks by Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Fernando Botero.
Do you think these individuals really fancy art collections? Maybe not. Instead they see it as a movable asset to launder money. The exploitation of art created a world where rich, powerful and corrupt individuals can pass along their unlawful wealth dodging law enforcements and the law itself making it virtually untouchable. Due to its exclusivity fine art market is not what we think it is, it became a haven, a super highway for launderers moving their money, hiding it in plain sight where general masses even the government are unaware of. Sadly, art has been and will always be a part of an organized crime.
PLAYGROUND: Music
p. 14
PLAYGROUND: Music
p. 14
What makes listening to music more delighting than having a good visual art to gaze upon. Art and music go hand in hand, adding more artistry to the craft, making music not only for the ears as well as the eyes. Here are OPM album covers and single cover arts that showcase artistic visuals we found on
Spotify.
Ben and Ben – Maybe the Night
The cover art provides a psychedelic approach, which depicts dreaming under the stars, complementing the soft melody with chanting–like drumbeats. It embodies the couch in a campfire and gives listeners a relaxing, outdoor mood. It’s more like, lucid dreaming!
IV of Spades – Bata Dahan-Dahan
From the funky, “Hey Barbara,” this IVOS single clearly shows the darker side of the band, reflecting the song’s cover art. A child inside the mouth of what seems to be a woman, represents innocence that has been exploited by domestic abuse.
Jana Garcia – Sabihin Mo Lang
The poignant yet moving sound of OPM’s Angelic Rockstar’s single, expresses love at its finest, giving everything for the sake of love. On the other hand, the cover art conveys the concept of time. The winged hourglass resembles how time flies unnoticed, and how much time we have left.
Brisom – Limerence (Album)
Body and butterflies symbolize freedom and ability to express freely. A monotone art accented by the color of the butterflies which made it a powerful piece. The simplicity of it makes it outstanding more like the music they make. Less is more.
PLAYGROUND: Gearbox
p. 17
PLAYGROUND: Gearbox
p. 17
Petrolheads, you might wanna step on the brakes, get off your old automobile and watch out for 2019’s exciting new breed cars that will hit the market this year.
Suzuki Swift Sport 2019
If you love hatchbacks you gotta love this. A 1.4 liter turbocharged engine that go from 0 to 63mph in less than 9 seconds with the top speed of 130kmh. 70kg lighter than the previous one, which makes this car quicker, easier to steer on tight corners. Talk about compact and fast; this is the bee’s knees.
Toyota Camry 2019
Unlike its predecessor, 2019 Camry is now Apple CarPlay and Alexa compatible, also equipped with JBL audio systems and a WIFI hotspot. It can easily fit your friends or family with this 5-seater sedan. Its 2.5 liter four cylinder engine generates 203hp makes this car classy yet powerful.
Ford Ranger Raptor 2019
Ford’s first-ever high performance truck is powered by 2.0 liter twin-turbo engine 10 speed automatic transmission with Terrain Management system that has six different calibrations, armed with enforced frame a giant bash plate and Fox Racing suspensions built to last in brutal environments makes this truck ideal for off-road experience.
Playboy Magazine / travel Issue mar-apr 2019
Playboy Magazine / travel Issue mar-apr 2019
PLAYGROUND: Music
p. 11
PLAYGROUND: Music
p. 11
Travel Playlist by DJ Arra Pascual
This is something everyone will agree on, listening to music while traveling. And DJ Arra’s playlist is a choice of music that should definitely be in your travel playlist; her dynamic upbeat, bursting-in-color-like sound delivers a sensible feeling of excitement and energy that will surely hype-up your travel experience bobbing your head along the way. Here are DJ Arra’s songs that you should include on your playlist.
This Filipina hottie is now Asia’s Top Girl DJ. With her prominence as a true club DJ, she earned her way to perform all across 18 countries in Asia. Not only does she perform on night clubs and party venues, she opened and performed with world’s top DJs like Morgan Page, Timmy Trumpet and Hip Hop star Nelly, just to name a few. Arra also did a cover for our September 2014 Playboy Magazine Music Issue. Talk about beauty and musical talent, Arra Pascual has it all.
PLAYGROUND: Drinks
p. 15
PLAYGROUND: Drinks
p. 15
4 Iconic Alcoholic Beverages in Asia
Size up your travel experience by trying their signature drinks. Here are 4 iconic drinks you must try when visiting these Asian countries.
Sake, Japan
Most popular alcoholic drink in Japan, referred by Japanese as “rice wine”. Made from fermented rice and brewed with high alcohol volume.
Soju, Korea
It means “burned liquor”, one of world’s most popular and top-selling liquor. Made from distilled rice, wheat or starch.
Moatai, China
Named after the town where it is made, Maotai is China’s national liquor. Distilled from fermented grain called red sorghum.
Mehkong , Thailand
Often mistaken as whiskey, Mehkong is made from distilled sugarcane and rice, which made it more of flavored rum.
PLAYGROUND: Gearbox
p. 17
PLAYGROUND: Gearbox
p. 17
Petrolheads, it’s time for another yield and check out this new line of automobiles.
Lexus UX
A luxurious 5-seater SUV ideal for city driving and long weekend drives. With its 4-cylinder, 2.0L engine you won’t have to worry about harsh road or climbing a steep road. UX also comes with AWD hybrid variants.
Subaru Forester e-Boxer
Marking the first hybrid vehicle by Subaru, e-Boxer bested the old Forester by its symmetrical AWD, a 2.0L engine and a powerful Li-Ion battery powered electric motor, the battery pack inconveniently took all the room, leaving no space for the spare tire.
Ducati Multistrada 950 S
The traiblazer on the array of new models and updates for Ducati is this revamped bike. This S version boasts a perfect balance of cutting-edge technology for safety and riding enjoyment form its Electronic Suspension and Cruise Control features, at the same time parades styles as it resembles the side 'wings' of it its bigger 1620 counterpart.
Immigration Etiquette
Do’s and Don’ts with dealing with Immigration When Travelling
By Ringo Ordoñez
It’s time to pack your bags and go off-country, travel to places you’ve been dreaming of, experience different cultures ,discover new places, try local food, and meet new people. With airline companies giving away special promo rates and countries open for tourist, visa free, travelling nowadays became much easier and cheaper. Before heading to your trip, whether you are an experienced flyer or first time traveler, here are few do’s and don’ts you should observe when dealing with the immigration.
Do’s
Upon arriving to the airport, make sure all necessary documents (passport, Identification cards, plane tickets and itineraries) are ready to present to the immigration officer when asked.
Arrive 4 hours early prior to your boarding time. This will give you enough time to make sure everything is in order, time for long lines and baggage check.
Bringing your own pen is vital, in case you need something to fill out.
When answering an immigration officer’s question, it’ll be best to be polite and be honest.
Second screening sometimes occurs, probably to clear some documents, just go with it.
Keep calm. Relax. This will avoid building up suspicions with airport security.
And also be nice to airport personnel and officers when asking some assistance.
Follow airport rules and security procedures.
Follow health screening procedures.
(continued)
Don’ts
Don’t be impatient. Airports hosts numerous amount of passengers all the time, expect long queues, and heavy influx of people. There are things to do when waiting on the line, like listening to music or reading a book about the place you are about to visit.
Airport security is extensive. Avoid getting irate easily if it took a while when they are checking your baggage or frisking, it’s for your own safety anyway.
When it comes to screening, avoid long answers and be concise when answering questions form an officer.
Don’t get too cocky when answering questions.
Cracking a joke with an officer is not a good idea, keep it casual.
Never bribe any airport personnel or officers to make your processing fast.
If screened twice, don’t get rude and demand to ease the process.
As I’ve said, airport security are heavy and extensive, being frisked or baggage is checked twice is normal, being furious won’t help you.
Making you go back to full body scanners and X-rays a couple of times can sometimes happen, machines tend to fail every once in a while, or there is probably something in you that triggers it, don’t get enraged quickly.
Remembering these tips might help you, don’t forget keeping it casual and professional is the best way for stress, hassle free experience with the immigration. Your journey starts here, now go, have fun and enjoy your trip!
Playboy Magazine / playmate of the year Issue mar-apr 2019
Playboy Magazine / playmate of the year Issue mar-apr 2019
PLAYGROUND: Gearbox
p. 18
PLAYGROUND: Gearbox
p. 18
Petrolheads, it’s that time again that we feature the best and latest rides that should be on the lookout. If you love motorcycles, you are in for a treat!
BMW R 1250 GS
This GS motorcycle is a combination of beauty and beast. Packed with a 1254cc twin-cylinder Boxer engine that ensures every rider will experience a powerful thrilling ride. It is also equipped with a 6.5 inch TFT display that allows rider to have access to navigation, music, phone as well as monitoring speed and RPM with ease.
Ducati Scrambler Classic
The Scrambler Classic has all the functionality of a modern bike but with the appearance of a classic ‘70s scrambler. This retro looking motorcycle is powered by an 803cc L-twin desmodromic engine that makes riding classy yet dynamic.
Mazda CX – 5
This new SUV by Mazda is equipped with G-Vectoring Control that improves stability and handling when it comes to tight curves and turns. The CX-5 is also packed with Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning which is very helpful on a very long drive. Powered by a 2.5L (variant) engine, this SUV is the best for long drives and cross country.
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