2025 Winter
TECH GURUS
We introduce four figures from the world of technology and entrepreneurship — Bryan Johnson, Jack Dorsey, Elon Musk, and Mark Zuckerberg — who are often referred to as “eccentric, crazy tech gurus.” Through their obsession and experimental mindset, they operate at the boundaries of technology, the human body, consciousness, and life creation. Our goal is not to celebrate or condemn them, but to present the phenomenon itself: what happens when the tech world elevates individuals who are not satisfied with conventional ideas of well-being, but instead pursue further, far-reaching goals — whether eternal life, total mastery over the body, or reproductive records.
The Luxury of Care
In the era of smart devices, payment is no longer just a transaction — it plays a crucial role in whether the value we purchase turns into a real experience. Online shopping can be very frustrating, for example when we still have to manually enter our card number, even though in most situations we’ve already grown used to payments happening quietly in the background. Just think of ordering a taxi through an app or managing our subscriptions. One tap in a café, a quick flash on the phone screen, and the purchase is complete.
But much more happens behind the scenes: technological developments now offer a level of security that was once reserved only for the most exclusive banking services.
Raiffeisen Bank’s new Visa debit cards not only provide the familiar reliability, but also connect to an ecosystem considered one of the most secure worldwide.
Djokovic Still Holds On
At this year’s final major tennis tournament, the November World Championship in Turin featuring the top eight male players, the sport’s veteran, Novak Djokovic, did not participate due to a shoulder injury. As a result, those expecting a generational shift were left without an answer as to whether the two main contenders—the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and the Italian Jannik Sinner, who occupy the top two spots in the world rankings—would push the 38-and-a-half-year-old Serbian star into the background.
Before the championship, 22-year-old Alcaraz could already claim 24 professional tournament victories and six Grand Slam titles, while 24-year-old Sinner, with 21 individual titles, had won four Grand Slam tournaments. Meanwhile, Djokovic, the absolute record-holder in men’s tennis, boasts 24 Grand Slam titles and 101 tournament wins. Notably, he is also a seven-time world champion, meaning those aiming to unseat him still have a lot of ground to cover.
FASTER
The future of sports is not decided only on the field — but also in the mind. Decision-making speed, focus, reactions, attention, and coordination are now just as important in an athlete’s development as strength or technique. This is what we discussed with István Szabó, an electrical engineer turned sport innovator, who—as the owner of Nrg Services Ltd. and the creator of FASTER Lab—is elevating individual athletic development to a new level in Hungary.
The interview takes place in FASTER’s newest center, where training is no longer limited to cognitive development: rehabilitation, physiotherapy, sport-specific strength training, and modern diagnostic tools now complement the methodology. Two key experts have joined the project: Anna Kovács and Lilla Tringer, physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists, owners of Studio F360 — who together built the renewed Budapest system.
On the Road to a Triple Polo Triumph
Ferencváros’s men’s water polo team is fighting for its third consecutive ultimate triumph in the newly launched season of the Champions League. The green-and-white side began its campaign as the defending champion, and its main rival once again appears to be Italy’s Pro Recco.
The signs, however, favor Balázs Nyéki’s squad, which has already triumphed in this year’s Hungarian Cup and, at the beginning of October, defeated Pro Recco 15–14 in the European Super Cup match at the Komjádi Pool. With that one-goal victory, Fradi claimed the Super Cup trophy for the second time in this series and the sixth time in its history.
Meanwhile, Pro Recco remains a nine-time winner. As things stand, considering the balance of power across the continent—and indeed the world—the best club team is Hungarian: Ferencváros.
Máté Nagy – The World-Traveling Hospitality Professional
Máté Nagy is the Deputy General Manager of TRIBE Budapest Airport. For him, hospitality is more than a profession — it is a way of life: connection, openness, discovery. “Even before high school, I sensed that hospitality would be my path. The closeness to people, meeting new faces, learning their stories always attracted me,” he says. Since then, his career has covered almost every corner of the field: from his early training years to internships in Finland and Poland, to the world of luxury hotels in England, and finally, upon returning home, to key positions in Budapest’s leading hotels and restaurants.
Today, Máté Nagy helps lead a hotel that represents one of the freshest and most exciting faces of Hungarian hospitality. His journey demonstrates that professional humility, openness, and continuous learning can open the world for someone in hospitality — whether on the banks of the Thames or beside the runways of Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.
The Music of Colors
Painting and music accompany the life of Gyula Medgyessy-Kovács in a unique harmony. For the Debrecen-born painter, it was almost natural to grow up with art as a part of everyday life: his father worked as an art teacher, his mother painted from childhood, and through his maternal family he is related to one of the most significant Hungarian sculptors of the twentieth century, Ferenc Medgyessy.
His technique is distinctive: he does not use a brush, but applies the paint to the canvas with his hand, palm, and fingers. “I plaster it on, I mix the colors, I have a direct relationship with the paint and the canvas. For me, it’s a metamorphosis,” he says. He works with oil paint, developing figures and composition simultaneously on the canvas, building with dynamic, impasto, expressive gestures.
His paintings are intense, colorful, and often provocative — but they always make an impact on the viewer.
The Elegance of Lake Balaton
On the shores of Lake Balaton, in the heart of Keszthely, stands Hotel Helikon — a name that has been synonymous with Hungarian tourism for decades. In recent years, the hotel has undergone a complete transformation, welcoming guests as a modern and exclusive yet familiar and warm destination. András looks back proudly on the past months: “In 2025, everything we had worked toward finally came together. We were able to stabilize our operations, further increase guest satisfaction, and ensure that the Helikon name became a true synonym for high-quality hospitality at Lake Balaton.”
As a fitting finale to the year, the hotel will host an exclusive “Golden Age New Year’s Eve” celebration, evoking the elegance and glamour of the early 20th century. Guests will enjoy a gala dinner, a live-music ball, a dance show, and a midnight fireworks display, accompanied by celebrity performer Zoltán Bereczki — all set against the magical winter beauty of Lake Balaton.
The Gift of a Smile
Dr. Lilian Nochta, an orthodontic specialist, knew from childhood that although a legal career was a possibility in her family, her calling was in healing. Her stepfather introduced her to the world of the clinic from a young age — by the age of five, she was already mixing materials and holding the hands of more anxious patients. She felt truly fulfilled when she saw new smiles appear on their faces.
For her, giving has always been a natural part of life. This year, she started a little earlier: she has long followed the work of Ágnes Wirtz, founder of the Világszép Child Protection Foundation, and found it a special experience to attend the opening of the Világszép KorTárs Connections exhibition. It was moving to see how art intersects with the lives of children in state care. She feels good knowing that through her contribution, she can help make life a little brighter for these children.
On the Path of Diplomacy
Laura Husvéth is a third-year student at Corvinus University of Budapest, majoring in International Studies. She began her studies in the fall of 2023 and will graduate the following summer. Her career choice was driven by a strong interest in foreign relations and diplomacy, as language skills, international communication, and networking are all key areas for her. She speaks English, German, and French confidently, providing an excellent foundation for her future plans.
At the beginning of her university life, she joined the student organization HEAD almost immediately, and she now serves as its president.
For Laura Husvéth, the future clearly lies in the international arena. Her journey and dedication demonstrate how determination and openness can go hand in hand, guiding one toward both professional and personal fulfillment.
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, Janos Kovacs, 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.
Variations on a Classic Theme
Christmas is one of the most intimate and eagerly anticipated times of the year — and in most families, it’s not only about exchanging gifts, but also about sharing meals and enjoying traditional dishes together. The foods served at the festive table carry recipes passed down through generations: fish soup, stuffed cabbage, bejgli, fried fish, poppy seed bread pudding. These are all iconic elements of Hungarian Christmas cuisine, tied to countless memories, scents, and flavors.
But what happens if we dare to experiment a little, combining traditional tastes with fresh ingredients, modern techniques, or unexpected spices?
What truly matters is that the Christmas table reflects who we are. Let it contain a touch of the past, a hint of the present, and a measure of courage for the future. Let’s boldly experiment with ingredients, play with flavors, and create a menu that is not only delicious, but uniquely and authentically ours.
Performance is What Matters
Today’s twenty- and thirty-somethings see wine and winemaking in a completely different light than previous generations. For them, wine is about atmosphere, shared experiences, and a story to post online.
Young people approach the world of wine with curiosity and openness, but they don’t want to get lost in the details. They seek refreshing, unique experiences; they don’t revere brands, but appreciate performance. They’re eager to try new things—whether that’s a wine cocktail or an unusual blend.
The philosophy and product range of the Streit-Zagonyi Winery in Villány align closely with the expectations of Generations Y and Z. Within the winery’s portfolio, lighter, playful wines serve as an entry point—capturing the interest of young consumers who then become more confident in exploring fuller-bodied wines. The sparkling Csintalan, the rosé, and Dilara, a distinctly fruity and easy-to-drink red wine, all speak to and attract this younger audience.
Highly Recommended
On cold winter days, a hot drink is always a pleasure, no matter where or when. Arriving at the office, standing by the skating rink, or coming home from a hike—we never say no to a hot tea or any other warm beverage that thaws our frozen bodies. And of course, those slow, enjoyable sips do no harm to our soul either.
The most obvious choice is tea, while in hospitality mulled wine is practically a staple. These classic hot drinks are familiar to almost everyone and widely enjoyed. Tea can be prepared in just a few minutes, while mulled wine takes a bit more effort, but it’s worth it—the right spices add a lot of value to the experience. In the non-alcoholic category, however, the ultimate treat is hot chocolate.
Bonbonier
In the heart of Ráday Street, at number 27, a truly special place awaits every sweet lover, celebration seeker, and gourmet: the Bonbonier Chocolate Manufacture, where since 2019 premium-quality chocolates, cakes, ice creams and artisanal bakery products have been crafted. All made on-site, with love, passion, and without compromise.
The story began with a bold decision: a former advertising professional became a chocolatier, turning a dream into reality and establishing a manufactory that today holds 23 international awards for its bonbons and chocolate specialties. Over the years, the workshop has grown and evolved into an authentic gastronomic hub — complete with an art gallery, an atmospheric guest space, and a bakery where quality can be tasted in every bite.
The cakes deserve their own chapter: unique, extraordinary, handmade creations that are not only beautiful, but offer a genuine taste experience.
The Extremes of the Animal Kingdom
The natural world is full of fascinating creatures, among which there are true “record-holders.” The extremes of the animal kingdom are not only entertaining curiosities but also offer insight into the incredible ways living beings have adapted to their environments. Let’s take a look at the fastest, largest, smallest — and many other “champions” of the planet.
Nature’s eternal record-holders, the extremes of the animal world, are more than just impressive facts — behind each record lies a long evolutionary story. These animals are masters of their own habitats, having become faster, stronger, smaller, or larger in order to survive. Nature, therefore, is not a racetrack but a vast experiment, with every creature excelling in its own unique way.
The Oscars Are Still a Surprise
Winter has arrived, the festive buzz and preparations add color to the gray weekdays, and of course, this season comes with a lot of activity. Yet for movie enthusiasts, the season doesn’t matter — there’s always time for one thing: going to the cinema to be among the first to see the latest premieres. Thanks to domestic distributors, many exciting films are coming to theaters during the winter months, and in our selection, we’ve highlighted some of the most promising ones.
The Art of a Beautifully Set Table
Table setting is not merely the arrangement of plates and cutlery, but a kind of “invisible language.” It conveys a message about the host’s professionalism, attentiveness, and respect for the guests, while also reflecting the quality of the event, contributing to its smoothness and elegance.
The number of plates, the order of cutlery, and the placement of glasses all serve this harmony. According to protocol rules, no more than three plates may be stacked, and cutlery must always be arranged in the order of use—that is, from the outside in. Glasses are placed above the knives on the right side, aligned diagonally.
A well-composed table setting is therefore never ostentatious, yet every detail speaks of refined and professional hospitality.
ZEMA
ZEMA Hungarian Porcelain and Jewelry House presented its latest ART DECO 100 Jewelry Collection at a grand event held at the Corinthia Budapest Hotel.
The evening was defined by radiance, strength, and style, as exclusive models — including singer Boggie, child actor Kála, and Olympians Michelle Gulyás, Bettina Fábián, Fanni Pigniczki, and Luca Hámori — showcased the debut of the new ZEMA collection.
The elegance and joie de vivre of Art Deco, combined with the dynamism and extravagance of the present era, were reflected in the porcelain creations. The invited guests experienced an uplifting, true “total art performance” evening.
Social life
Through our society column, we aim to offer our readers an inside look at various high-quality, exclusive events, parties, openings, film, theatre and fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events—at least those we consider truly exceptional.
The list is endless, but all these occasions have one thing in common: quality, elegance, and style. From issue to issue, we strive to report on captivating happenings and programs that spark interest and inspire.
In our winter issue, we attended a painting exhibition and a fashion show, as well as a Mexican cocktail party, a birthday celebration, and even a Halloween evening at the Madame Tussauds museum.
Different Styles
In our Christmas test drive lineup, we present the following passenger cars to our readers.
The new Grande Panda evokes retro charm while offering modern, practical solutions.”
The Kia EV6 is a model that combines a relaxed driving experience with the benefits of full electrification.
The Kia Stonic is a car designed full of life, offering the perfect combination of style and performance.
In the world of electric vehicles, BMW once again sets a new standard.
A compact electric car that makes a strong impression — the INSTER redefines city driving.
The MAXUS T60 MAX combines functionality and style, making it an ideal choice for both work and leisure activities.
The British Royal Family
In recent months, dignity and tension have once again appeared side by side in the life of the British royal family. The members of the House of Windsor have returned to the center of public attention — partly due to their official engagements and partly because of the scandals unfolding around them.
King Charles III appeared in early November at the Festival of Remembrance alongside Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine. The event was especially significant, as it marked the first time the royal family appeared together since Prince Andrew was stripped of his titles.
Those present attempted to project a calm and united image, particularly because of Catherine’s return, as she has made only rare public appearances in recent months due to health reasons.
Academy Museum Gala
The 2025 Academy Museum Gala took place on October 18 in Los Angeles, once again proving to be an elegant convergence of film, fashion, and philanthropy. Now in its fifth year, the gala is also a cultural celebration supporting the work of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — preserving film heritage, promoting education, and fostering community programs.
This year’s evening was especially spectacular, honoring four exceptional artists: Penélope Cruz received the Icon Award in recognition of her career and iconic film roles, Brazilian director Walter Salles was awarded the Luminary Award, and Bruce Springsteen, the legend of American rock music, received the inaugural Legacy Award — performing several of his classic songs live at the gala. Representing the fresh voices was Bowen Yang, the Saturday Night Live star, who was honored with the Vantage Award.
Sex Symbols
From Pamela Anderson to Sharon Stone: What Happened to the Sex Symbols of the ’80s and ’90s?
In their heyday, they were the world’s sexiest actresses, gracing magazine covers with ease — but their success was due to more than just their captivating beauty. The former poster girls are now grandmothers — so what’s going on with these former Hollywood sex symbols today?
Pamela Anderson has executed a perfect image transformation. Kim Basinger is now seen only once in a blue moon. Sharon Stone still confidently poses in a bikini. Susan Sarandon continues to lead an active, vibrant life. And with Michelle Pfeiffer, time seems to have stood still.
