For its December 2014-January 2015 issue, Esquire presents The Future, a special portfolio guest edited by no less than top ad honcho David Guerrero. Leading the lineup of stories are the year's Best and Brightest; we honor 10 recognized geniuses in their respective fields, and we asked them to forecast the state of the Philippines within the next five years. No flying cars were mentioned in their answers.

What do the next five years hold for Senator Grace Poe? The potential Presidential candidate sat down with Esquire to talk about alleviating hunger, fixing the energy department, and how we’re better off now than four years ago.

In 1970, Pope Paul VI was the Philippines's most anticipated visitor since The Beatles. But no one expected his visit to be blemished by the assassination attempt on his life. Jerome Gomez profiles the suspect, Bolivian artist Benjamin Mendoza, who despite being the most hated man in the country at the time, found solace in his art and the company of Manila’s artists and bohemian souls.

Before many of our great heritage sites perish under the vacuous war of politics, they quietly hold their ground. A look at the state of the buildings of Manila, as they await their fate. Photographed by Frank Callaghan.

Plus, the rock star of the chess world, Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, imparts everything he’s learned on playing the game—of chess and life.

All this and more, this month on Esquire Philippines.

Download your digital copy of our December 2014-January 2015 issue using the Esquire Philippines app. Log on to www.summitnewsstand.com.ph/esquire-philippines for more details.