Author: Ocean Blue Magazine
OCEAN BLUE’S 29TH EDITION
GRAND PRIX RACING NIGHT GOES FULL THROTTLE IN MEXICO CITY
Vanessa Fukunaga from Ocean Blue World, in partnership with renowned businessman Andrés Simg from Articulos JA and Paola Ibarra from Pola Collection, just unveiled their FIFTH edition of Grand Prix Racing Night kicking off Mexico´s highly anticipated Formula One. Held at the classy Pug Seal Allan Poe, over 350 high profilers came together to experience the racing adrenaline off track. At this #ByInvitationOnly event, more was more and it was full throttle ahead with speed, excitement and style found at every turn.
OCEAN BLUE EVENTS ARE NOT TO BE MISSED – GET ON THE LIST
Spotted: Julio Bracho, Mallilany Marin, Ines Sainz, Gregorio Sánchez, Carlota Ensenata, Miss World Mexico´s Karolina Vidales and many more — this was the event to see and be seen. Heating things up TV presenter Paola Madrazo welcomed the crowd and introduced the official items up for auction including helmets signed by racing drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. Throughout the evening, guests indulged in the most desirable experiences alongside iconic brands including Porsche, Ferrari, Swarovski, Louis XIII, Menchaca and Tequila Clase Azul. The entertainment was nothing short of spectacular with an epic performance from singer Zzoilo, a dramatic LED show featuring hula hoop artists, a bunch of extraordinary giveaways, and smooth DJ beats running long into the evening. Turning heads was an impressive fashion show by artist Sonia Falcone and AMA Designs presenting the “Miraflores Collection Autumn Summer 2021” incorporating Daniel Espinosa jewelry. On the menu it was tantalizing canapes served by Culto O Culto and authentic Spanish jamon by 5J Jamones. It´s no surprise that this supercharged event attracted top media coverage from the likes of Quién Magazine, Club Reforma,Trendy Channel, Grupo Formula, Hit TV Woman, and Ocean Blue Productions — WATCH THE #BEHINDTHESCENES VIDEO COVERAGE.
Firing up the thrill of the luxury sport, it was the classic Ocean Bluesignature experiences that ticked all the boxes. From the “Blue Lounge” hosting VIP experiences, to the #OceanBlueWorldBeautyBar and #StudStation, the Dr Cardenas VIP Treatment Experience, and the white gloved male ushers with their sophisticated blue rose buttonholes — this year´s event was beyond phenomenal.
“Clearly the destination of choice for the start of a fuel-blistering week, our annual Grand Prix Racing Night is always a can´t miss for racing enthusiasts. It´s life in the fast lane for Ocean Blue and just wait until you see what we have planned for 2022,” states Vanessa Fukunaga, Owner and CEO of Ocean Blue World and Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate.
Ocean Blue World would like to thank PUG SEAL ALLAN POE and ANTOLE FRANCE, and all their sponsors: DR CARDENAS, SONIA FALCONE, AMA FOUNDATION, DANIEL ESPINOSA, ENGEL & VOELKERS SNELL REAL ESTATE, UNIQ LUXURY, ARTIST IDRIS DUCRET, CHECO PEREZ FOUNDATION, YURUETA, FOUR SEASONS CDMX, NOBU HOTEL LOS CABOS, SAN JOSE LAVISTA.
THE INTERVIEW: DANIEL CRAIG
The Unbreakable Bond
With his glacial eyes, searing intensity and impressive physique, Daniel Craig has embodied the sexy, suave intrigue of James Bond for nearly a generation of fans. But he wasn’t the obvious choice when he was cast to play 007 in 2006’s Casino Royale.
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Photos Courtesy of MGM Studios, EON Productions, Universal Pictures
And, frankly, he wasn’t sure he wanted the role. He showed up to an initial interview disheveled, which in Craig terms means sans cuff links.
“It’s a huge challenge, a huge responsibility. Bond is a huge, iconic figure in movie history,” Craig later said. “These opportunities don’t come along very often, so I thought, ’Why not?”
Committing to Bond meant staying true to the character but doing so on his own terms. It required going to the gym — a lot — and doing extensive research in order to make the super-spy his own.
Although some critics thought Craig was too short (he stands 5’10”) and too blond to play the iconic character, Casino Royale and the films that followed proved that the talented actor brought a new sensibility to the part, with 007 crying, falling in love, and showing vulnerability, albeit with the character’s requisite aplomb, during Craig’s portrayal of Bond in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre, the last of which was released in 2015.
As the longest-standing Bond in history, with Sean Connery himself calling the casting of Craig a “terrific choice.” Craig’s first four Bond films alone have generated more than $3 billion worldwide.
But there’s more to come. In No Time to Die, Craig plays Bond for the fifth and final time. The much anticipated, COVID-delayed film release this October, with the retired 007 hunting a kidnapped scientist. It’s a film he wasn’t sure he could physically endure, with the strenuous shots over the years taking a brutal toll on his 53-year-old body, including a torn meniscus during the filming of Spectre.
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Photos Courtesy of MGM Studios, EON Productions, Universal Pictures
There was a narrative Craig felt needed to be finished, a continuation that began in Casino Royale, and a completion of a storytelling circle begun 15 years earlier that the actor now calls “emotionally satisfying.”
These are heady heights indeed for the notoriously private actor, who first began performing for patrons as a toddler at his parents’ pub in England.
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Photo Courtesy of BBC Films, FilmNation, Entertainment, Chad Bakta
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Photo Courtesy of BBC Films, FilmNation, Entertainment, Chad Bakta
“If I wanted to make spy movies for the rest of my life, that would be one thing, but I don’t want to just make spy movies.” — Daniel Craig
Unpopular in school and underprivileged, Craig found his first taste of stardom when a friend convinced him to join the cast of the school play Oliver! At 14, the applause unleashed by his performance was a rush he had never before experienced, a burst of adrenaline similar to a drug, he has said.
Not long thereafter, he attended a screening of the sci-fi film Bladerunner(1982) and was transfixed, he recalls, his mind reeling as he read the credits and the realization that he could actually make a living as an actor began to form.
Craig studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 1991, taking bit parts before landing his breakout role as Geordie Peacock on the British drama series Our Friends in the North in 1996.
This led to roles in Elizabeth (1998), Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), Road to Perdition (2002) and Layer Cake (2004). And then it led to Bond, when he was handpicked by producer Barbara Broccoli, granddaughter of the franchise’s creator Albert Broccoli.
Between Bond films, Craig has not let the franchise define him and has continued to cultivate his career with numerous television, film and theater roles, including starring opposite his wife, multiple-award-winnning actress Rachel Weisz, in 2013’s Betrayal which took Broadway by storm.
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Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Craig’s more notable film roles include poet Ted Hughes opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in the biography Sylvia, Steve in Steven Spielberg’s Munich, and as journalist Mikael Blomkvist in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, to mention a few.
Saying goodbye to the Bond character is bittersweet, but as one mega-franchise comes to a close, another is potentially waiting in the wings. Craig was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2020, for best actor starring in the detective-mystery and comedy film, Knives Out, a smashing box office hit with two sequels already in the works.
And although rumors continue to swirl around who will be the next Bond, Craig has some advice. The summary, without the expletive, being: don’t mess up his legacy, or that of the actors who have come before him. “It’s a beautiful, amazing thing. Leave it better than when you found it.”
OCEAN BLUE’S 28TH EDITION
Jon Batiste
Laissez les bons temps rouler
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“Art is a window to the truth.” – Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste, 34, has New Orleans in his blood. It dances in his eyes, sparkles in his broad smile and manifests itself fully in the infectious music he creates.
As Bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since 2015, he brings the ebullience of what is arguably America’s most musical city to the small screen on a nightly basis.
Born into an extended family of well-known musicians, Batiste started out on percussions at the age of eight, playing gigs on Frenchman Street with brothers and cousins before switching to piano at 11.
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Batiste’s talent quickly drew attention; he has shared the stage with artists such as Prince in South Africa, London, Spain, Paris, and at Carneige Hall in 2007.
Fress off a Grammy win in 2020 for the song “Soul” from the Disney film of the same name, Batiste began working on a new album, 2021’s We Are. Given the solemn backdrop of events during that year, Batiste created an uplifting masterpiece, a testimony to what brings people together to our shared humanity.
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“Whatever I do with music, I try to make it align deeply with the values and principles of who I am and what I believe the purpose of my life is. ” – Jon Batiste
Art & Design
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Endless Summer
Travel photographer Gray Malin’s style is instantly recognizable. Replete with sunshine, color and whimsy, Malin’s body of work over the last decade includes shots of balloons on llamas in the desert, aerial views of beach umbrellas and sun-kissed shores in cotton candy colors, evoking a nostalgic sense of beauty and harmony that has delighted his 440,000 followers on Instagram.
A little over a decade ago Malin, 35, was selling black and white photos from a trip to Europe out of a booth at a Los Angeles flea market.
He got to know his customers and realized that for many, the art world was stuffy and unapproachable and vowed to change that.
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“When I took this leap of faith, I had no idea that photography would become sort of the art form of this generation” — Gray Malin
Today his website hosts a range of products, from prints to puzzles to playing cards featuring his images, as well as five coffee-table books including Beaches, which was a New York Times bestseller.
The popularity of his work has also spawned compilations with Veuve Clicquot, Disney, Sperry Top-Sider, Le Meridien and the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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It’s the cheerful nature of the topics he shoots, and the escapism his photographs offer that, has captured the fancy of those looking to brighten up their walls with the endlessly sunny skies and blue waters Marin so skillfully captures.
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“I feel like I have so much in me still that I am fighting to create, it’s just this constant explosion.” — Gray Malin
Good Taste
Aroma
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Majestically set on the penthouse of the elegant Palazzo Manfredi, in Rome’s center, the Michelin starred Aroma offers a menu of classic Italian dishes on a picturesque outdoor terrace offering unparalleled views of the Colosseum. The 28-seat restaurant is at once intimate and grandiose, ideal for everything from al fresco romantic dinners to private parties.
Via Labicana, Rome, Italy
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Flair
Al fresco dining is taken to new levels at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, this rooftop restaurant and bar offers breath-taking views of Pearl Tower and the Bund. A selection of cocktails and premium brands as well as a seafood bar and pan-Asian appetizers make for an unforgettable evening in Shanghai.
8 Century Avenue, Pudong, China
ritzcarlton.com
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Downtown
Housed in the vice-regal splendor of the Earl of Miravalle’s palace, Downtown Mexico’s central balcony’s lounge offers an exceptional vantage point to relish in 17th-century colonial-era architecture and Manuel Rodríguez Lozano’s mural while delighting in al fresco bites. The enchanting building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Mexico City’s historic cobbled Centro Histórico.
Isabel La Católica 30, Mexico City
downtownmexico.com
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Level 43
Dubai’s outdoor rooftop terrace takes in stunning panoramic views across the whole of the city – boasting views of the Burj Khalifa on one side and Burj Al Arab on the other. Perched high in the Four Points Sheraton the lounge’s views of the city’s magnificent sunsets and glittering Arabian Gulf enjoyed over cocktails make it a must-visit.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
level43lounge.com
One Of A Kind
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“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their own dreams.” — Tina Turner
Simply the Best
If there was any doubt that Tina Turner is a global treasure, that was put to rest when HBO released its definitive documentary, simply entitled Tina in 2021. The film pays tribute to Turner’s body of work in a career that has spanned 50 years, beginning with her first hit, “Boxtop” with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in 1958.
Turner’s relationship with Ike, whom she would marry, was professionally quite solid, with the duo spinning out hits such as “River Deep – Mountain High,” and the Grammy Award-winning “Proud Mary.” Privately, however, their relationship was one of physical and emotional abuse.
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“I’m pleased with my life, with the journey.” — Tina Turner
Turner divorced Ike in the late ‘70s and went on to relaunch her career in
1984 with the multi-platinum album Private Dancer, which garnered her another Grammy as well as spawning her first number one hit, “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” at age 44, marking one of the greatest comebacks in music history.
Turner’s tours filled stadiums and arenas across the globe and she earned a total of 12 Grammy Awards before retiring in 2009 after selling nearly 200 million records.
With her spiky hair, endless legs, hauntingly sultry voice and relentless drive, Turner, who turns 82 this year, is truly a legendary talent and will forever remain the queen of rock and roll.
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“My legacy is that I stayed on course, from the beginning to the end, because I believed in something inside of me.” — Tina Turner
2021 Los Cabos Mifel Open ATP 250
BRINGING THE EXCITEMENT OF TENNIS AROUND THE GLOBE TO LOS CABOS, MEXICO
Tennis is one of the most engaging sports mentally and emotionally. It is like a physical chess match with more ups and downs than the stock market. Momentum is such a huge part of the game and critical points are frequent in a good match. The player who can keep their nerves better and handle the pressure is going to win. It can be painful rooting for someone but also so exhilarating! This week, some of the best players from around the world are set to show off their skills, fight for glory and bring the excitement of tennis to Los Cabos, Mexico in this year´s Los Cabos Mifel Open ATP 250.
As one of the players´ favorite destinations, this edition is sure to be another smashing success. Dozens of players in the top 100 will be competing in Los Cabos. The long wait is almost over to see the new tournament facility at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos. The last time that the tournament took place the players were able to stay at the resort and had nothing but fantastic comments on the rooms, the views and incredible service Los Cabos is known for. It will be an even better set up with the courts now located just across the highway.
Mexico´s premier destination has it all – renowned luxury hotel brands, professional sporting events, spectacular beaches, exquisite farm-to-table restaurants, dozens of world-class golf courses, as well as phenomenal trainers for all levels of fitness and sports activities. Locally based tennis company, TOP 10’S offers the services of international tennis pros at hotels and residential complexes all over the region. Whether you´re a new tennis player, an avid player or simply a fan, there are lots of options for you to get to the courts. Soon after the ATP tournament, the facility at Solaz will be open for guests to be able to use them, so be sure to bring your gear when you come to Los Cabos!
July 19 – 24: CLICK HERE FOR LIVE ATP RESULTS
Go #BehindTheScenes with #OceanBlueWorld at the 2019 ATP!
Brunch In The City
With the calendar now turned to summer, Ocean Blue World stepped out in style hosting their “Brunch In The City” experience in partnership with Tea Forté. Held outdoors on the chic rooftop terrace of Mexico City´s trendy Condesa DF hotel, this must-attend intimate event gathered together VIP partners, influencers and private guests to enjoy a one-of-a-kind brunch. Think a slick city backdrop, luxury brands offering tailored experiences and a charmingly decorated summer scene. Add on the historic celebration of Mexico City turning 500 this year and the combination of summer and tea tasting never looked so good! Take a closer look at Ocean Blue World´s latest #ByInvitationOnly Brunch In The City experience.
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Walking through the doors of Grupo Habita´s Condesa DF, guests were escorted by a lineup of white-gloved waiters offering a refreshing iced tea by Tea Forté and an Ocean Blue signature cocktail. Moving up to the rooftop terrace, elegant décor, charming floral arrangements and cool DJ lounge beats awaited. The setting was exquisite. As guests looked out upon the sights and sounds of the thriving city, Vanessa Fukunaga, Owner and CEO of Ocean Blue World and Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate, made her signature entry to the popular salsa song “Vivir Mi Vida” accompanied by suited ushers. After an official warm welcoming, guests were invited to a unique tea tasting session by Tea Forté savoring tantalizing flavors from around the globe including Formosa oolong tea and Darjeeling tea. Perfectly paired with orange, dark and milk chocolates by award-winning Mexican brand, Le Caméléon, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness was simply divine.Kicking off the taste and create experienceswas Lillet with their French cocktails paired with delicious sushi and ceviche canapes. Moreover, an interactive creating workshop by Tea Forté appealed in every way and more, and a unique sensory experience by Yurueta fused the aroma of lavender with classic jewelry and accessories.When it was time for a touch up, Ocean Blue World´s signature Beauty Bar and Stud Station made for a flirty find appointed with every beauty amenity.
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Timed to perfection, Fukunaga and her team presented the traditional Ocean Blue Raffle offering three valued prizes by Lillet, Yurueta and Ocean Blue to lucky guests. Drumming up the excitement, a hula-hoop performer and juggler entertained the crowd while the grand finale was a dash of brilliance with flower petals showering down on the classic wooden flooring. The cherry on top? The must have #OceanBlueSwagBag with a bevy of gifts including the recently released edition of Ocean Blue Magazine, special edition chocolates by Le Caméléon, an exclusive selection of teas by Tea Forté, a Lillet notebook, and much more.
“Ocean Blue World did it again with yet another not to be missed #OceanBlueExperience. This private and elegant brunch in Mexico City brought together VIP guests from the realms of entertainment, architecture, design, gourmet and fashion with a lineup of incredible luxury brands. It was the perfect occasion for summer uniquely celebrating lifestyle excellence,” says Vanessa Fukunaga, Owner and CEO of Ocean Blue World and Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate.
Ocean Blue World would like to thank all their sponsors: Tea Forté, Condesa DF, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate, Lillet, Le Caméléon, Yurueta, Articulos JA, Mod Pod With Fukunaga, CYPRÈS, and Karla Hernandez Mendoza.
Watch out for more must-attend #OceanBlueEvents coming soon including their annual Ocean Blue Glamour Racing Night during Mexico City´s Formula One week, and a special health and wellness reset. REQUEST AN INVITATION. Lauded for their over-the-top events and experiences, CHECK OUT the global, luxury networking platform´s latest events from 2021.
OCEAN BLUE EVENTS ARE NOT TO BE MISSED – GET ON THE LIST
**Committed to providing a safe service for all clients, guests and team members, Ocean Blue World was proud to set a great example as an organization that innovatively leads the charge forward with a rapid COVID-19 testing requisite upon entry. Top of mindis the health and safety of everyone involved.
Mod Pod With Fukunaga Launches Highly Anticipated First Season
It comes as no surprise that the woman behind two of the Baja California Sur´s most noteworthy companies is unstoppable. The latest revelation? Her podcast dubbed Mod Pod With Fukunaga. It´s exactly that – a modern podcast with the leading female entrepreneur – Vanessa Fukunaga. Starting this week, the podcast is now available and offers unique insights into the strength and pulse of the global luxury market. This is THE podcast that has everyone talking. Here´s why.
Vanessa Fukunaga, Owner, President | CEO of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate and Ocean Blue World invites the movers and shakers around the world for epic conversations on how they are topping the luxury market and using their craft, talent and influence to propose positive change and expansion. Followers will learn, laugh and be entertained with discussions on real estate, lifestyle, health, travel, architecture, fashion, beauty, technology, and absolutely e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g that moves the business world into high gear.
“Each episode will weave together industry experts and community leaders from Mexico´s fastest growing destination AND the hottest zip codes globally. Expect only the best on engaging dialogue set to inspire and motivate,” states Fukunaga.
Leading the charge, Fukunaga knows it takes everything to get to the top. Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate is positioned as Mexico´s #1 luxury real estate brokerage, and the award-winning Ocean Blue World continues to experience phenomenal growth as the preferred platform of choice for connecting and networking with high-end clientele. The journey to reach success with her globally recognized companies takes perseverance, vision and confidence and Fukunaga is the thriving example of a high-ranking commander in chief who passionately works to push her companies forward into the future.
She´s smart, stylish and one of a kind. It´s life in the fast lane and there´s no stopping this trailblazer. Tune in to Mod Pod With Fukunaga and celebrate the strength and pulse of the luxury market and so, so much more.
Starting this week, the podcast is now available on modpodwithfukunaga.com; Spotify; Google Play; iHeart Radio; Amazon Music; TuneIn + Alexa; Instagram; YouTube and all major podcasts.
NEVER MISS AN EPISODE.