MANILA, Philippines - Can an art glossy depart from the tradition of the artsy-fartsy?

Flow, a new concept magazine, purports to do just that?without, however, sacrificing the art. It aims to showcase the fresh ideas and talents of designers and artists from the Asia-Pacific Region.

Launched recently at The Spa, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Flow is a quarterly magazine described as ?a recognition and celebration of the spontaneity, passion, craftsmanship, and authenticity of the country?s top designers from photography, fashion, interior design, graphic design and other media.?

Published by October Eighty Publications, Inc., it hopes to reach the young professionals and successful entrepreneurs who are exposed to new ideas and have an appreciation for individuality. They also welcome non-conformity and embrace uniqueness while living a contemporary, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The maiden issue, at 180-plus pages, is edited by Miguel Rosales and features stories on architect Alex Medalla, designer Kenneth Cobonpue, video artist Tad Ermitaño; photo spreads and artworks by Ringo Bunoan, José Tence Ruiz, Maria Taniguchi, Jay Ticar, Mac Valdezco, Olan Ventura and Constantino Zicarelli.

In his editor?s note, Rosales said that he chose to explore themes that reflected his passion for contemporary art and design as well as interest in urban development.

Flow also explores current directions on the local art scene, including fine art photography, installation and video art, and how they are received abroad.

He added: ?Each issue of this quarterly magazine will be developed by guest curators whose different points of view [will] provide a fresh venue where creativity is challenged and interesting ideas are recognized. It is a design laboratory of sorts, where the curators are free to experiment and share with us their world.?

For its second salvo, Flow will be curated by Cobonpue, while the November-January 2009 issue will see the collaborative efforts of lifestyle store owners and restaurateurs Chito Vijandre and Ricky Toledo, both merchandise consultants for Home Decor and Furnishings.

Flow Magazine is available in all leading hotels, specialty bookstores, and boutiques for P399. For inquiries, e-mail flow@octobereighty.com.

E-mail the author at dxmatilla@yahoo.com