2024 Winter
Born Stars
Vera Tóth, Ibolya Oláh, and Laci Gáspár—three names marking the dawn of a new era in Hungarian pop music. These still-active performers began their careers in 2004 with the first season of Megasztár. Back then, we didn’t know if they’d stay in the industry, if they’d become stars “in their own right,” or if they’d forever carry the label of “talent show contestants.” In fact, several global stars were also discovered through such shows: Beyoncé made her first appearance on a talent show, and we could also mention Måneskin, the contemporary rock superstars who launched their career on Italy’s X-Factor.
What determines who will become a superstar and who fades away? This is what we set out to explore.
Do talent shows have a future? In Hungary, too, the way people consume content has changed over the last twenty years. Fewer and fewer viewers are willing to turn on the TV at a set time and stay glued to a long program.
Monet – The Immersive Experience
The world-famous Claude Monet immersive exhibition has arrived in Budapest, having already captivated tens of thousands of visitors in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and London. This 2,000-square-meter production creates a gigantic virtual world that evokes the spirit and magical impressionist art of Monet.
The creators of the Van Gogh and Dalí exhibitions have brought the Claude Monet immersive experience to Hungary, where digital and audiovisual elements bring the French painter’s works to life. Visitors to the BOK Sports Hall can enjoy a fun and educational experience, learning all about the life, muses, and work of this impressionist genius.
The Success Story
Since last year, Edit Neubauer has embarked on a truly remarkable journey in the worlds of art and interior design, and even more exciting challenges and opportunities await her now. Following her successful projects from last year, she is currently working on an interior design project for a beautiful family home in Balatonfüred, infusing elegance and style into the owners’ lives. Here, her creativity and expertise are taking on a new form. In the execution, she places great emphasis on creating unique, inspiring interiors that perfectly reflect the personalities and tastes of the home’s residents.
Alongside her interior design work, she has also flourished as an artist: following her exhibition in Paris last year, professional accolades have been pouring in. Her paintings have been showcased in Budapest, Vienna, and several locations in Finland, receiving increasing recognition from both art professionals and art-loving audiences.
„Cool dream school”
A Unique Institution Near the Danube in Budapest
In Budapest, close to the Danube, there is a unique institution of higher education that combines academically rigorous teaching with practical business challenges and attracts an international student community.
The ESSCA School of Management was founded in 1909 in Angers, the city of the Anjou kings, and opened its Budapest campus 30 years ago. Today, the university has ten campuses, offering young people opportunities to build international careers. ESSCA is an excellent choice for students interested in business studies who seek a dynamic, innovative school embodying strong professional and human values. ESSCA’s place among the top 100 business schools worldwide in the Financial Times ranking each year serves as a testament to its quality.
Dr. Zsuzsa Deli-Gray, Director and Professor of the ESSCA Budapest campus, spoke about the institution’s past, present, and everyday life.
PResston PR
PResston PR: A Leading Force in the Hungarian Communications Sector for Nearly 18 Years
PResston PR has been a key player in the Hungarian communications sector for nearly 18 years. Adrienne Terdik, the company’s managing owner, explained how they create the foundation for their partners to achieve peak performance.
When the company was founded, it had one clear goal: to build genuine partnerships with businesses and create value for them. Terdik believes communication works best when a firm understands its clients’ visions and develops a tailored strategy around them.
Their professional success is demonstrated by winning the Marketing Diamond Award from the Hungarian Marketing Association. This award not only recognizes the agency’s work but also honors one of their campaign communications. Terdik is proud of her team, whose dedication and results-driven work enhance the company’s reputation at both their Budapest and Debrecen offices.
AYURVEDA – THE PATH TO HEALTH
The F360 Health Center, led by Anna Kovács and Lilla Tringer, integrates the ancient, natural medical system of Ayurveda, which has been practiced in India for thousands of years, into its operations. Known as the “science of life” and the practice of longevity, Ayurveda primarily focuses on prevention, rejuvenation, and extending the lifespan of the body. Its philosophy is based on the belief that the mind, consciousness, and body not only influence each other but form an inseparable unity.
The core idea of F360 Studio was to harmonize areas such as physical therapy, therapeutic massage, nutritional counseling, and InBody analysis, allowing them to work together even more effectively through a holistic approach. They have begun a collaborative effort with Nidhya Job, an Ayurveda specialist from India, to facilitate the exploration of the path to health, with experiences and practices offered in India itself.
Rafael Nadal Says Farewell
In the world of elite tennis, known for the “Big Three,” Rafael Nadal has followed Roger Federer in deciding to bid farewell, leaving Novak Djokovic as the sole active player among the sport’s “super veterans.” Just as we had to accept that time had caught up with Federer, who retired at 40 with 20 Grand Slam titles, Nadal faces not only his 38 years but also the pressing issue of his health, which makes maintaining a high level of play impossible. In his announcement, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said: “The past two years have been especially difficult; I simply can no longer play without something holding me back.”
Reacting to the news of his farewell, Federer, speaking on behalf of many, said: “I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and the incredible achievements you have accomplished in the game we all love.”
Hungary’s Oldest Active Golfer
In an interview with our magazine, 92-year-old Tibor Kulcsár Sr. shared the origins of his love and passion for golf. Despite never having pursued any sport seriously in his youth, he decided at the age of 73 to take up golf.
Thanks to his enthusiasm and dedication, his improvement and success soon became evident. Just two years later, in 2007, he won the Stableford Championship, a series of eight tournaments. He went on to win this series four more times and placed second twice. He considers his greatest achievements to be his two second-place and two third-place finishes in the Hungarian Senior Golf Championship.
He loves challenges, especially the thrill of competing at age 92 against much younger players. He enjoys practicing, playing, the sunshine, fresh air, and spending time with his fellow players and friends.
Dunes and Flamingos
We traveled to France, to the Golden Islands near Hyères. We stayed in a simple hotel right on the sandy beach, where peace and quiet greeted us. The sea was pleasantly warm, and in the evenings, we strolled to the nearby marina, filled with boats and charming restaurants. Although the menus were only in French, we still enjoyed the local flavors, like the buckwheat pancakes filled with spinach and Roquefort cheese. We also explored Porquerolles Island, where only walking and cycling are allowed, and we immersed ourselves in the tranquility of the Mediterranean forests. We visited the lively Saint-Tropez and the Venetian-inspired Port Grimaud. On the last day, we said goodbye to the sea, promising to return.
TaPaNa
TaPaNa Studio Ltd.: Creators of 21st-Century Galas. Their name is the visionary creator and organizer of modern luxury galas. Their name has become synonymous with high-end events, driven by a strong family bond and a commitment to delivering not just memorable experiences but much more for weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, corporate events, or any special occasion—even grand ballroom events.
After their prestigious November St. Catherine’s Ball, I spoke with the company’s managing director, Péter Paál, and his mother, Anikó Tamás, who co-run their family business, to discuss their experiences and future plans.
Their motto, applied both in private life and business, is “Always fight, never give up.” With this spirit, they are eagerly preparing for their Spring Women’s Day Gala on March 8, to which they warmly welcome all interested guests.
The Power of Financial Knowledge
Anita Benkóné Paulovics owes her exceptional achievements to her perfectionism and openness, as she is not only an accountant but also works to spread financial awareness as widely as possible within the business world.
She met her husband, the father of her children, here, and they have been a great team for over 30 years. After the birth of her son, she completed her studies, becoming a certified accountant, and later earned qualifications as a tax advisor and in international IFRS standards.
In her first job, she led the accounting department of a dynamically growing corporate group. She also experienced and mastered the process of going public. In 2022, the time came for her to establish her own business, BPA Consulting Ltd.
In February 2024, she released her book The Power of Financial Knowledge in the Business World.
Currently, Anita is working as an interim manager, overseeing the 60-person finance department of a 4,500-employee organization.
Hotel Helikon
Located on the shores of Lake Balaton, the hotel, with its own little peninsula and a wealth of experiences, awaits all those who truly want to relax and recharge—especially now, as the year draws to a close and anticipation builds for the Christmas holidays and year-end events. András Csere, the hotel’s director, who took over the management of Hotel Helikon Keszthely in 2022, described the hotel as a true gem of Lake Balaton, located in the western basin.
This year exceeded all expectations: the summer reminded visitors of Lake Balaton’s “golden age,” and the hotel operated at full capacity throughout the season, thanks to the diligent and impeccable work of the management and staff. Based on guest feedback, visitors left with excellent experiences in every aspect, including accommodations, service, and amenities.
As the year-end holidays approach, a special series of events awaits the guests.
Christmas Menu
With the holidays approaching, I’m reminded of all the “how to store your grill for winter” videos I’ve come across, along with countless Christmas menu ideas that promise hours by the stove and the smell of cooking filling the whole house.
But let’s start with a real Christmas menu prepared on the grill. I usually make the traditional fish soup by straining it; both the soup base and the finishing touches are done on the grill. After the high-heat cooking of the soup, I put the traditional poppy seed and walnut rolls (bejgli) on the grill. Adventurous bakers can even try marzipan or chestnut-filled bejgli.
Finally, I leave the stuffed cabbage to roast overnight on the grill at 120°C (250°F). The smoke adds even richer, bolder flavors to this dish.
So my advice is not to pack away the grill for the winter. Instead, go ahead and use it—and don’t be afraid to prepare a festive holiday menu on it!
Hotel Abacus
The Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel**** Superior is located 25 km from Budapest, in Herceghalom. The hotel’s inspiring atmosphere, innovative environment and uncompromising gastronomical philosophy makes it the ideal place for family vacations, wellness weekends, conferences, business meetings and even weddings. The chef, Ferenc Toth, whose resume boasts with extensive foreign experience, uses simple, local and seasonal ingredients from Zsambek’s basin in his dishes. The majority of the spices he uses are grown in the kitchen’s own garden. Their dishes draw on both international sensibilities as well as the traditional Hungarian sense of taste; all while using modern culinary technology. The combination of gastronomical pleasures with a peaceful, familiar atmosphere and modern environment translate into more than half the guests being regulars. Their success was further confirmed when Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel won the title of Best Rural Business and Conference Hotel in Hungary.
The Grand Union
In the world of wine, France is still associated with the highest quality and the pinnacle of fine wines. When it comes to wine regions, Bordeaux is mentioned among the very best. The Bordeaux wine region became famous primarily for its red wines, with a special focus on the classic Bordeaux blend, which typically consists of 40% cabernet sauvignon, 40% cabernet franc, and 20% merlot grapes.
Following this recipe, the Streit-Zagonyi winery in Villány created a wine called The Union. To mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the winery’s namesake, they crafted The Grand Union blend, which features a similar composition but achieves an even higher quality and a more complex experience thanks to yield restrictions and advanced winemaking techniques. This is an exceptionally complex and unique wine, in both aroma and flavor, truly worthy of being called a “great” wine—and it could become the star of a Christmas dinner.
Forbidden Foods
The eating habits and dietary cultures of Earth’s inhabitants paint an incredibly colorful picture for those interested. The basic function—sustenance and pleasure—is the same, but the methods vary greatly. When we eat and what we eat are certainly not uniform concepts. Similarly diverse is the list of prohibitions related to food. What restrictions are imposed by major religious traditions, and what could be the logical explanations behind them? How many days and how strict are the fasts in different denominations? Why is the cow considered sacred in some parts of the world, and why are people prohibited from eating pork elsewhere? How do the regulations in the Old Testament differ from those in the New Testament? What does the word “breakfast” mean? Are Buddhists vegetarians? What does the “law of life” mean in relation to eating? You can find answers to these and similar questions by reading our article.
Our Own Wines
Tibor Benyeda embraced the enchanting world of wine in 1981 and trained as a winemaker. The Zweigelt grapevines, lovingly cultivated by his mother, were meticulously cared for over the years. As a result, he can now joyfully savor the wine he crafted himself. He believes that it is possible to create our own products even in a home environment. Through precise fermentation and careful racking, one can achieve a wine that proudly graces the table.
For wines destined for commercial sale, specific technologies and treatments are essential to ensure their stability and clarity in the bottle. However, home winemaking is a simpler process. As with everything, the finest is what you make yourself. With attention and a little effort, home-produced wine is unparalleled.
This is why he encourages everyone who enjoys this noble product to take part in creating this wonderful nectar—perhaps with his guidance.
Business Gifts
It’s not only significant personal events that “require” us to express our thoughtfulness, as well as our intention to establish or maintain a relationship, in the form of a gift. In the business world, it is equally important to be aware of the fundamental rules of gifting. Naturally, the range of people involved in business gifts, the scale of the gift, and the nature of the items considered business gifts all play a key role in determining whether we are dealing with gifting customary in the business environment. In business gifting, both parties—the giver and the recipient—participate in the exchange due to their “official” positions. Therefore, a well- or poorly-chosen gift, as well as the appropriate reception of it, can influence the perception of the organization we represent or even impact future cooperation.
Hajnalka Tórizs Head Couture
This year, the brand celebrated its sixth anniversary. This milestone proves that there is indeed a demand in Hungary for ladies to wear headpieces and hats. The trend of wearing protocol-appropriate outfits at various equestrian events is also gaining more space domestically. The designer has worked hard in recent years to showcase and promote the elegance associated with the biggest celebrations of horse racing. Furthermore, Head Couture plays a very important role at weddings, not only for brides but also for mothers of the bride, bridesmaids, and guests, as these small details help make the wearer unforgettable.
Hajnalka Tórizs offers handcrafted, unique creations for ladies who appreciate classic elegance. The wearer of her masterpieces shines with the perfect look from head to toe at every occasion, standing out in any social setting.
Social life
Through our social events column, we want our readers to gain insight into various, in our opinion high level and exclusive events, parties, inaugurations, film, theatre premieres and fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts, sports events, etc. The list is endless but the various events have something in common: the high quality, high standard and style. Our aim is to inform you about interesting activities and programmes in each issue of our magazine.
The list is endless but there is something still common among the various events, the high quality, high standard and style. Our aim is to inform you about interesting activities and programmes in each issue of our magazine.
In our winter issue, we attended a ball, a jubilee celebration, fashion shows, and a polo event.
125 Years of Fiat
The 125th birthday celebration of Fiat took place at the “La Pista 500” park on the roof of the Lingotto building in Turin, under the theme “Smiling Towards the Future.”
Founded on July 11, 1899, Fiat is one of the oldest car brands in the world, and as for the future, it promises to be even brighter than before.
A double world premiere was featured: the Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani, representing the highest level of Italian excellence, and the Fiat Grande Panda, a new global model.
From Krupp Tünde, Fiat Hungary’s Marketing Director, we learned that the event not only celebrated an anniversary that few automakers reach, but also welcomed the beginning of a new chapter in Fiat’s successful, socially relevant history within the automotive industry. Throughout this journey, the brand has remained customer-focused, marking the next milestone in its ongoing success.
Bold and Impressive
In our winter issue, we showcase the following cars:
The New Ford Focus has undergone an outstanding transformation in every aspect.The Ford Kuga captivates with its bold and contemporary design. The New MG HS offers a wide range of modern features, an impressive interior, and a sleek, sophisticated look. The MG3 Hybrid+ embodies perfect refinement, delivering an exceptional driving experience. The All-Electric MINI Cooper is a true masterpiece of design, where simplicity meets charismatic presence. The New Nissan Qashqai elevates SUV design to a new level with its bold appearance and refined details.
The New TUCSON, with its cutting-edge design, reinvented interior, and ultra-modern smart technologies, is the perfect companion for every adventure.
Dreaming of a Royal Dog?
While not everyone can live like royalty, it’s certainly possible for your pet to be just as cherished as Queen Elizabeth’s dog or even Meghan Markle’s beloved “black sheep” of the royal family. After all, dogs have a special way of winning everyone’s heart, whether you’re a beggar or a prince.
The British royal family has long been known for their love of dogs, with several breeds having graced the palace over the years, all of which are equally adored by their royal owners. Presenting a full chronological list of their pets would be impossible in a single article, but we would like to introduce a few of their beloved companions to our dear readers.
The British royal family has been known for their affection towards dogs for centuries. Monarchs have cared for dogs of various shapes and sizes, and besides the well-known breeds, the royal family is also fond of Bull Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers.
A Parade of Box Office Hits
Next year will bring a slew of box office successes to cinemas.
The Wonderful Life of Maria Callas
Pablo Larraín’s latest film, Maria, about the world’s greatest opera singer, was shot in Hungary and will be exclusively released in cinemas from early 2025, distributed by ADS.
Fear Vampires Again!
Robert Eggers, the master of modern psychological horror, says in his new vampire film Nosferatu, which will be distributed by UIP DunaFilm, that we can once again be afraid of the immortal bloodsucker.
Huge Hungarian Success: The Brutalist
The Brutalist can be considered somewhat of a Hungarian film. It was largely shot in Budapest, and its heroes are Hungarian-Jewish émigrés to America, with Hungarian-born, Oscar-winning Adrien Brody in the lead role.
Thanks to Fórum Hungary, among other films, we can look forward to Complete Unknown: Bob Dylan’s Life, a biographical film about Bob Dylan, which will be released in February, with the premiere coinciding with the Feast of Epiphany.
Love Doesn’t Count in Inches
In love, the saying is definitely true: size doesn’t matter. There are several famous couples in the celebrity world where the male partner, though not exactly overshadowed by his love, still has to look up to her—physically speaking. Especially if his partner wears high heels!
Several star couples are featured in our collection.
- Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster have been together for 25 years, through thick and thin.
- Brigitte Nielsen and Mattia Dessi: Not only Sylvester Stallone, but now her husband is also shorter than her.
- Tom Cruise and his two ex-wives, where the missing inches didn’t bother the action hero in love.
- Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban: He enjoys looking down on his partner.
- Daniel Radcliffe and Erin Darke are on the same wavelength, and for them, that’s what matters.
- Mick Jagger and L’Wren Scott: Their unusual love tragically came to an end.
- Zendaya and Tom Holland, where even his mom is taller than his dad.
