Tower of Power

As one steps into the Tower Club, it dawns on you: You are entering a different, rarefied world of subdued elegance and tasteful discernment reserved for a group of men and women held in esteem by industry leaders. This is their elegant enclave. A place for them to relax, unwind, keep fit and network with their peers. It is the domain of the privileged few.

I stride through the famed passage, made of Carara marble and a granite ceiling gracefully curving and cut from a single block. Soft, muted lights are everywhere, while six Orlina sculptures line the passage.

Member and guest comfort is the common theme everywhere--declaring itself in every minute detail in the amenities and facilities. the truly exceptional facilities of the Tower Club include two tastefully appointed restaurants: The Taipan, the Club’s Chinese restaurant, manned by two accomplished chefs personally handpicked by tycoon Washington Sycip and the Continental.

I settle in one of Taipan’s richly detailed seats. Charming and statuesque staff members immediately see to my convenience, the napkin is prepared. The specials of the day are rattled off for my preference. I sample the Taipan’s exquisite pork pastry; its wrap is crusty but soft in the inside. It is heavenly. Next, are the delicate dumplings, with its excellent shredded fillings. Every bite is a tour of tastes. The rest of the course is an indulgence of the senses, reveling in the rich, diverse flavors in Chinese cuisine. It proves to be a superb lunch.

The Continental, meanwhile, is overseen by Swedish-American Stefan Larsson, who trained under three-star Michelin rated mentors, among the best in the world. Larsson’s oeuvre is a spectacular range, sampling the best from every western cuisine. I especially like the salmon pasta wrap, with its thick, rich tomato sauce, a light but filling special.

Even the Health Club is above par: It is supervised by carefully selected professionals ready to structure programs best suited to each member. It boasts of a panaromic view of the city.

As I leave the premises of this most exceptional club, and exit the Philam Tower, I take with me a glimpse of how these men and women, all respected business leaders who control 10 percent of the country's economy, reward their hard work by indulging themselves with the best venue to unwind: the exceptional Tower Club.

The Tower Club was developed by Philamlife, the country’s largest and most respected insurer and a proud member of the American International Group (AIG), the leading US-based international insurance organization and the largest underwriter of commercial and industrial insurance in the US.

The Tower Club is managed by CCA International, based in HongKong and London, and is one of the leading leisure companies in the development and management of golf resorts, city, country, athletic clubs and hotels and resorts in Asia and Europe. CCA owns and operates over 30 clubs and hotels with 200 affiliate clubs worldwide available for use by members of the Tower Club.