My weekend

September 26, 2010, 7:41 am

≫ Next: Christopher Nemeth: 20 April 1959 - 22 September 2010

≪ Previous: It's about time

I was not on my best behavior this weekend.
Saturday, Jay and I went polvoron and crispy pata bingeing at Megamall.

'Twas the biggest crispy pata ever. See how big it is next to Jay's hand.
Mannang crispy pata is &hearts

That night I demolished chocolate cake at Jenny's dinner, Lorenzo's Way.

Too cute: Tokyo meets L.A.

Sunday, I became godmother to another nice baby

At the reception, I wasn't so nice. First, I ate too much lechon.

And then I made a booboo.
While eating heavenly paella, my back was turned against the musicians.
I heard someone announcing a song number. Then I heard a guy belting out "Fly Me To The Moon"—a little bit loud from where I sat.
That was my cue to go home.
At the same time I saw a woman frantically getting up with her handbag and thought she was also on her way out. So I said, "Alis na din ako. Kumakanta na eh." (Time to go. Cause there's singing.)
Turns out it was the woman's husband. Ugh!
*French exit*

Next, Grace, Kevin and I went to S&R The Fort to do groceries.
I had a long list of groceries, but tonight the bill was unusually expensive. I made a mental note not to shop here anymore, as my bill is 40% lower if I go to Puregold, which ironically owns S&R. Ugh.
On our way out, somebody checked our receipt and found out I was grossly overcharged for two small bags of Jasmine rice.

Check it out—two small bags of rice for PHP 1529.95 per bag—ano 'to, ginto??

While I'm grateful that they informed me that the barcode was wrongly priced, all they could offer me was either store credit or two giant bags of rice worth PHP 1529.95 each. No refund.
Store credit isn't even gonna work as I don't want to shop there anymore. Not only is everything overpriced, the supermarket is really incomplete, and the trust level for me is too low.
So yes, I have 50 kilos of rice in my house. If only there were a rice shortage, I wouldn't mind.
But I do and I'm not going back to S&R anytime soon.
People please be careful and check your receipts.

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Christopher Nemeth: 20 April 1959 - 22 September 2010

September 26, 2010, 4:11 pm

≫ Next: Love Tod's?

≪ Previous: My weekend

My most favorite tailor in the world has died at 51.
I "discovered" him in 1985 and it forever changed how I saw tailoring and jeans.
Christopher Nemeth died on September 22, 2010.

I was 17 years old when I searched for a shop in Omotesando I had read about in a Japanese magazine.
My friend Lita Manalastas took me there. I met Christopher Nemeth in his shop, all dressed up from head-to-toe Nemeth. He sneezed and apologized for his cold. When he sneezed, I inhaled. I wanted to absorb his genius.
He helped me pick out an entire outfit as I didn't know what to buy. I also bought a John Galliano dress there, when John Galliano had just graduated from Saint Martins, and a hat by Judy Blame.

My heart goes out to his wife and child. I saw his daughter as a baby and as a child helping out in the store.
I know they will continue his work, his patterns, his craft.

2010-09-24-17-55-46-4c9ce6221cc35-4644-4

Designer Christopher Nemeth Has Passed Away
Posted on September 27, 2010 in: Tokyo Fashion News

We are sorry to share the sad news that the influential Tokyo-based British fashion designer Christopher Nemeth died on September 22, 2010. Christopher Nemeth is a designer who has been an inspirational to creators of this website, and also to many of the people we meet on the streets of Tokyo. According to a family member, Mr. Nemeth passed away after battling lung cancer. Christopher Nemeth was surrounded by loved ones when he died. We send our condolences to his family and friends.

His fashion brand, Nemeth by Christopher Nemeth, is popular with young fashionable men in Tokyo, specifically in Harajuku. The Nemeth shop just off Omotesando Dori in Aoyama was a gathering place for creative and fashionable people. Christopher Nemeth’s unique design ideas – his items often feature bold patterns – made it easy for us to pick out people on the streets who were wearing his clothing.
As sad as we are, we’re sure that we’ll still see plenty of Christopher Nemeth designs – and his influence- on the streets of Tokyo, even though the man himself has left us.

Source

Be inspired by his legacy on The Selby and i-D.

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Love Tod's?

September 27, 2010, 12:45 am

≫ Next: Louis Vuitton x Edun for responsible trade

≪ Previous: Christopher Nemeth: 20 April 1959 - 22 September 2010

The iPad becomes more fashionable as Tod’s launches its new iPad case and application.
Choose from calfskin or crocodile in blue, brown, and tan, specially made for techies who appreciate luxury.
Available at Tod’s boutiques beginning November 2010.

No need to wait for Tod's iPad app, available now at the Apple store.

In the Philippines, Tod’s shoes, bags, and accessories are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and are available at the boutiques located in Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati and Rustan’s Tower, Shangri-La Plaza Mall.

http://www.tods.com/

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Louis Vuitton x Edun for responsible trade

September 27, 2010, 1:07 am

≫ Next: Is it dengue?

≪ Previous: Love Tod's?

Ali Hewson and U2-vocalist Bono—founders of Edun, an ethical clothing label—are photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Louis Vuitton's Core Values advertising campaign, shot in Africa in March of this year.\The image, portraying Ali and Bono walking in a vast landscape, reflects the couple's long relationship with Africa. Both are long-term campaigners in the fight against extreme poverty and in 2005 they founded Edun to encourage trade with Africa and highlight the possibilities for the fashion community to do business there.

In 2009, LVMH, in line with its long-standing commitment to sustainable development, acquired a 49% stake in Edun in order to promote the brand's positive vision of responsible trade.
For the Core Values campaign, both Ali and Bono wear Edun clothing.
Ali carries a Louis Vuitton/Edun collaborative bag—a Keepall 45 in Louis Vuitton's embossed Monogram Révélation leather, whose rich brown colour was especially chosen by Edun.

The bag is accessorized with a Monogram charm hand-crafted in Kenya by Made, a fair-trade fashion accessory company, which strives to provide employment and promote ethical trade in Africa.
Made regularly partners with Edun. Both the charm and the inside of the Monogram Révélation bag bear a plaque with the inscription "Every journey began in Africa.”
Along with his guitar case, Bono carries a waterproof Keepall travel bag in Monogram canvas.

Proceeds from the sale of the Louis Vuitton/Edun collaborative bag, along with Ali and Bono’s fee for the shoot will go to Technoserve in Africa for the Conservation Cotton Initiative and related programs.
Ali and Bono will also donate their fee for the shoot to Chernobyl Children International.
Edun founder, Ali Hewson says, “We want Edun to be a success because the more it grows, the more we can do on the ground.”
U2-vocalist and activist Bono says, “Ali has worked hard to build Edun from scratch, and thanks to LVMH’s commercial muscle and support, this fledgling company can go from strength to strength—which means increased business for our partners in developing countries.”

http://www.louisvuitton.com/

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Is it dengue?

September 27, 2010, 4:44 am

≫ Next: Ely's house

≪ Previous: Louis Vuitton x Edun for responsible trade

There's a bug going around and chances are you or your family members are affected.
My entire family has been sick in various degrees. Jeroen feels sick right now. Christian had fever for a day; Markus two days but able to go to school. Ben did not go to school for nine days, due to four days of fever and five days of weekend/holiday.

I'm extra vigilant when Ben is sick because at the age of 8, he has already been confined to the hospital three times. When Ben is sick it's hard for him to keep the medicine down. Once he starts vomiting, even a sip of water can turn into a gush of vomit within minutes. Dehydration is not to be downplayed. Because hospitalization is costly and not fun, we try our best to care for our kids at home.
When I was a new mom every little symptom would send me into panic. Now because of experience I've learned to be less panicky and become a discerning mommy. We look for remedies that are safe, tested and affordable.

Two weeks ago, Jay and I went out of town to visit the sprawling Unilab plant in Mamplasan, Laguna.
There with other bloggers we listened to Dr. Royce Mangubat, Medical Director for Unilab Pediatric Division, talk about that which alarms many of us moms—fever. And most moms I know are afraid of the D-word: dengue.

Dengue is a virus that circulates in the blood of infected humans for two to seven days—about the same time they have fever. It is transmitted through the infective day bite of low-flying female mosquito.

Here are the symptoms you should look out for:

• sudden onset of high grade fever (39°C to 41°C) that lasts from two to nine days.
• mild to severe headache
• weakness and fatigue
• joint and muscle pain
• pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain)
• abdominal pain
• bleeding
• skin rashes like measles, tiny red spots on the skin, or generalized redness of the extremities with intervening white spots

Treatment:
• Complete bed rest.
• Oral rehydration salts are recommended if the patient can tolerate oral fluids.
• No antibiotics.
• Paracetamol to bring down fever.
• AVOID Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Mefanimic Acid as they can increase the risk of bleeding.

Unilab has helpful sites to keep you up-to-date on health and wellness, health news, products, promos, events, advocacies and events.
Go to http://www.unilab.com.ph/, follow them on Twitter or see the latest ads on their YouTube channel.

↧

Ely's house

September 27, 2010, 6:09 am

≫ Next: I'm taking the Downy Passion Challenge

≪ Previous: Is it dengue?

More than the clothes, shoes, bags and cars, I'm curious how people live.
It's always a guilty pleasure to look at celebrity homes in magazines like Yes! and the like. Sometimes the homes make me cringe and sometimes I think, that's not so bad.
Among the local home magazines, Homestyle's the one that impresses me with the unexpected.
This month's issue features the home of Pinoy cultural icon/rock star Ely Buendia.

I kind of knew Ely and I were kindred spirits, even though it was never meant to be. I mean, I think we would agree on furniture and all that.
I don't know where he lives, don't know much about him, so the house is a surprise to me.

It makes me glad to see he spent his money well (see the pair of Eames rocking chairs) unlike some ancient rock stars that have become kawawa in their twilight years. You can tell he's devoted to his son Eon, as seen on the roof deck.

There's the kitchen/living area with the blackboard wall on the left, Eames lounge chair on the right

More photos, article and other cool homes are on Homestyle's 3rd anniversary issue.

To know more, visit their Facebook.

↧

I'm taking the Downy Passion Challenge

September 27, 2010, 7:04 am

≫ Next: Live beautifully with Watson's

≪ Previous: Ely's house

Hmmm.... if you had perused our last S&R bill, you may have noticed Downy was actually on top of our list.

With a household of 15, you can imagine the amount of laundry we have everyday.
We spend so much on detergent and Downy that I was thrilled to be offered a chance to win a year's supply of Downy.
I have to admit this package had been lying around the house for a while. I have so much work that sometimes things tend to get backlogged.
I've been given two small scented towels and I'm supposed to guess which was was sprinkled with perfume and which one was washed with Downy's new Passion scent.

For Challenge #1, I had to consult with an expert at Air & Odor Management Philippines, which has a division on scenting. According to their expert (and he hopes he's not wrong), Towel #1 is Downy, while Towel #2 is perfume.
As for Challenge #2, I have to guess which perfume notes are also used by Passion by Downy, aside from Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang and soft musk—and my guess is Rose.

So did I win?
Find the new Passion and Attraction now at supermarkets nationwide.

↧

Live beautifully with Watson's

September 28, 2010, 6:54 am

≫ Next: DJ Diplo for Blackberry

≪ Previous: I'm taking the Downy Passion Challenge

What if Watson's gave you 10,000 pesos to pick out anything for someone you care about?
Sounds like a fun project to me. I chose my friend Lia whom I've known since my knees were dark and my favorite outfit was a polyester jumpsuit with a forest print. Lia and I are like sisters who have our ups and downs. She's a survivor who's starting a new life with a new job, and her birthday's coming up.

I wanted to give her a fun and pampering package cause I want her to know she's in my thoughts, plus it's always fun to get a box with a little bit of everything.
Today I spent the afternoon shopping for her at Watson's Megamall. Take a look at what went inside my basket(s):
Because a little gossip is fun; everyone can use a new hairbrush; and I love Philippine-made natural shampoos.

Electric toothbrush changed my life.
Look at this amazing crave-away toothpaste—brush your teeth and lose your appetite! I love eat!
Could not resist the tooth-shaped dental floss. Plus one must always carry mints in their handbag.

I'm a sucker for cute packaging and promotional items. Wet tissues are a must in my handbag, and it doesn't hurt if Hello Kitty's on the package.
I thought the PH Care samplers looked cute, plus the Whisper Nights and Lactacyd are always good to have in one's bathroom.

Another thing I love are all kinds of Dove soap. I wish they would sell a variety pack like this.
Buy Filipino! Milcu underarm powder is a natural way to prevent body odor.
Fissan Prickly Heat Powder is good for preventing bacne. And Johnson's Baby Cologne reminds me of my childhood. I still think it is the best baby cologne scent ever.

Here's a kikay set of Revlon and Maybelline eyeshadow, Elf makeup brushes, Deep Cleansing Nose Pore strips, and tea tree-infused patches to lighten one's facial blemishes.

Because a couple of packs of Pringles won't hurt—especially if they're sour cream and onion.
Let's throw in some weight loss products like Slimfit and Xenical.
Pei Pa Koa candies for sore throat are good things to have with this bug going around.
Plus a couple of hair removal products, like the tried and tested Veet waxing strips and Intuition—simply the smoothest shave in town.

I made sure to throw in a care package of Advil, Biogesic, Centrum, Stesstabs, and Alaxan; an Epilin home waxing kit; two chocolate bars, and more.

All these went inside a box because I try to refuse all plastic bags.

Thank you for helping me carry this 17-lb. package

which I lovingly wrapped in Lili & Nana paper. Can't wait to send this to Lia. Thank you Watson's!

↧

DJ Diplo for Blackberry

September 28, 2010, 8:54 am

≫ Next: Chill out Hong Kong

≪ Previous: Live beautifully with Watson's

Ang hott naman nito. Pia, how did you know....?

↧

Chill out Hong Kong

September 30, 2010, 4:42 am

≫ Next: Love mushroom?

≪ Previous: DJ Diplo for Blackberry

Jeroen and I arrived in Hong Kong yesterday.

Surprisingly no serious lines at NAIA yesterday. Traveling at an all-time low?
Oh, and the toilets are still disgusting. I would like to ask Pnoy* if there is a budget for renovating NAIA toilets. Siguro naman with all the PHP 750 airport tax we pay each time and everyday, they can save some of that for renovating toilets. It's so embarrassing. When I'm in NAIA, I'm not proud to be Filipino.
To the Aquino family, when you're in NAIA are you proud to be Aquino?
*Why is our President named like a rapper?
When are we going to have nice toilets where we don't have to hold our breath and run for our lives?
The Hong Kong airport toilets are so nakakainggit.

Meet my welcome sandwich—Caesar wrap at the HK airport. Can I just call it Caesarap?
Order it hot. Available at Mix Wrapp.

In Hong Kong, the naked guy on the street is much better looking than Manila's naked guy on the street.

I love our hotel. Here's the bed.

To the left side of this is a secret passage to the bathroom, which is behind the headboard.
Et voila! Separate shower stall included.

Jeroen enjoys a couscous salad with falafel from Mix Wrapp.

Lanvin en Bleu bags are here

Spotted: Daniel Matsunaga for Pacific Place. Ang sarap mo naman tumawa. Binigyan ka ba ng unit?
How true that Daniel is dating Heart Evangelista? Ang swerte niyo naman! What a good-looking couple.

Last night's dinner at Grappa's: Yummy calamari

Jeroen's bistecca. Taba is mine!!

I love this dome thingy

O, see. A guy can look masculine even with a tote bag (Hint: @harold_geronimo).

If you peek inside the holes you will see your fortune

Well, I'm a Taurus

I dunno if this applies to me. I'm kind of married.

Seen at the back of a bus

My dear, this is the only place you'll be a model, I promise you. Ayaw ni Lola Karl. Jeje.

There is a crazy line to Monki, which opened yesterday.

http://monkiworld.com/

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Love mushroom?

September 30, 2010, 8:28 am

≫ Next: Free Carlos Celdran!

≪ Previous: Chill out Hong Kong

Nutty and earthy, the porcini mushroom takes center stage at The Fireplace of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila this October and November.

Popularly known as the king of mushrooms, this rare and wild delicacy is flown fresh from Europe and prepared by
Chef Kristine Oro.
The menu includes a warm, frothy cup of porcini cappuccino; grilled porcini drizzled with olive oil and topped with shaved parmesan; marinated porcini with organic greens and pumpkin seed oil; or a side order of grilled thyme infused porcini mushroom to complement the featured dishes.
For inquiries and reservations, call The Fireplace at 247 8666 or 245 1234.

http://manila.casino.hyatt.com/

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Free Carlos Celdran!

September 30, 2010, 9:18 am

≫ Next: Carlos Celdran update

≪ Previous: Love mushroom?

I cannot believe it. I'm under the sheets in a comfy hotel bed with laptop and aircon and Carlos Celdran is in jail!!
Supposedly he held a protest during mass. That's a crime? Isn't forgiveness divine?
What about all the crooks in government? What about the Ampatuans? Why not jail those instead?
I'm gonna freaking protest until Carlos is free! You know sometimes one needs to freak out to make a point.
Go Carlos!

Manila tour guide arrested for heckling during ecumenical service
By Philip Tubeza, Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Popular tourist guide Carlos Celdran was arrested Thursday afternoon after he held a protest in front of the main altar of the Manila Cathedral while an ecumenical service was going on.
Celdran was arrested by police after he began shouting for the Catholic Church to "stop getting involved" in politics during a ceremony marking the second anniversary of the "May They Be One Bible campaign," a joint effort by Catholics and Protestant leaders to distribute five million Bibles to five million poor Filipino families.
He also held up a placard with the word "Damaso," referring to the hated Spanish friar in Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere.

"Stop involving yourselves in politics!" shouted Celdran, who dressed up like Rizal and also had a top hat, inside the cavernous cathedral.
He later told reporters that he did the stunt because the bishops needed to "hear what the Filipinos are saying."
"Ninety percent of the people want the RH (reproductive health) bill," Celdran said.
But SPO2 Ernesto Andres Jr.—the desk officer of the precinct that sent the cops who arrested Celdran—claimed the tour guide later told police that he was against the reproductive health bill as crafted in Congress. He quoted him as saying ‘"Why are the poor being forced to buy condoms while it is okay for the rich to have as many children as they want?”
Among those present during the ceremony were Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Edward Adams, and several other Catholic bishops.
Protestant bishops Fred Magbanua of the Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches and Nathaniel Lazaro, chair of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines; and Rev. Richard Pridmore, of the Union Church of Manila were also present.
"(Celdran) should not have done that. This is a private and solemn occasion. It reminded me of the (Quirino grandstand) hostage-taking," said Amy Herrera, who attended the ceremony. (My note: EXAGG!!)
She said she saw Celdran enter the Church together with a female but he did not immediately display his placard.
Herrera said Celdran came out through the door on the right side of the cathedral but then returned later and walked to the front of the main altar, with his placard in hand.
"At first I thought it was some sort of play that was part of the ceremony but he kept on shouting especially when someone took his placard. I was alarmed," Herrera said.
Another witness said that Celdran walked towards the front pew, where Cardinal Rosales and other bishops were sitting.
"He was angry. I thought he was going to bash the cardinal with the placard," the witness said.
Security men later approached Celdran and he did not resist when they led him away. He was later brought to the police community precinct in front of the Lyceum of the Philippines.
The police said they would release Celdran should the Church decide not to pursue charges against him.
Celdran would be turned over to the custody of the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 in Ermita, the police said.
Andres, desk officer of the MPD Intramuros police community precinct, said that the tourist guide was brought to a hospital for the routine medical check-up and would be brought to Station 5 within Thursday night.
Andres described Celdran to be in a “Charlie Chaplin-like” suit (although other witnesses said he dressed up like the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal) and told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that when he asked the tourist guide why he had disrupted the mass at the Manila Cathedral, Celdran had said, “I am against the RH (reproductive health) bill. Why are the poor being forced to buy condoms while it is okay for the rich to have as many children as they want.”
The MPD officer added that Celdran had claimed to be a cousin of television personality David Celdran.
Andres told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the MPD officials have been asked to hold Celdran in custody at the MPD station 5 and wait for the arrival of a representative of the Manila Cathedral to reprimand and lecture the tourist guide.
He added that it would be up to the Manila Cathedral officials and the Episcopal Commission on Bible Apostolate to pursue a case of alarm and scandal against Celdran. Source

Video here.
Join the Facebook protest.

↧

Carlos Celdran update

September 30, 2010, 5:39 pm

≫ Next: Carlos Celdran, free at last

≪ Previous: Free Carlos Celdran!

My friend Jude visited Carlos in jail yesterday and says, "he's doing ok, it's just that he has to spend the night at the precinct. A lot of his friends are there, but his wife Tesa is in Bali right now freaking out. Hehe.
They're charging Carlos with a very archaic case called Offending Religious Feelings, like duh. Carlos said it's as old as Jose Rizal (Offending the Religious Feelings). I wanted to stay longer but he has to do a lot of things, like talk to his lawyer, grant interviews. I hugged him goodbye and told him to change to a less stuffy outfit coz it's gonna be a long night for him. Let's just hope he's gonna be free tomorrow."
People, Carlos Celdran is not just a "tour guide". He is a nationalist, performance artist, multi-media artist, activist, and much more.

Watch out for the priest with shifty eyes at the end of this video.

http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/

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Carlos Celdran, free at last

October 1, 2010, 8:26 am

≫ Next: Just launched: Randy Ortiz for Kashieca Luxe

≪ Previous: Carlos Celdran update

Carlos Celdran may have spent the night on the floor of a prison cell, but one good thing that's come out of this—he now knows how many care about him.
Overnight more than 17,000 people showed support for Carlos Celdran on Facebook.*
Here's a photo essay of recent events:
September 30, 2010, afternoon—Carlos Celdran disrupts a Manila Cathedral mass holding up a "Damaso" sign, wearing a Jose Rizal costume.

Around 4:30 PM—Handcuffed in a police station at Parian, Intramuros, while wife Tesa freaking out in Bali.

Behind bars: Carlos has finally peeled off his costume.

This is where he spent the night. Never mind the floor. I'm dreading the toilet conditions.

October 1, 2010: Fingerprinted and about to be released. Bail was posted at PHP 6,000.

In fairness may paparazzi ha

Getting ready to go. In fairness, chica pa rin. Whose bag is that?

Nice capture. Lawyer is at right.

Wow. Jail time was not in vain.

Bagong ligo and home at last. Spotted: San Mig Light on the table.

*P.S. Now what about DJ Montano? He went to jail and the media doesn't seem to care this time. Arrested in Arizona for grand larceny, stolen identity, expired visa and taking US$180,000 from another ex-lover in the U.S. (Note: this is a completely different case from Brian Gorrell).
Heard DJ's out on bail too, but will he serve time or get deported?
Incidentally, I haven't seen any "Free DJ" pages on Facebook, have you?

↧

Just launched: Randy Ortiz for Kashieca Luxe

October 1, 2010, 8:53 am

≫ Next: Langham Place

≪ Previous: Carlos Celdran, free at last

Inspired by the 1940s Parisian fashion house of Madame Gres, Randy Ortiz reinterprets classic shapes into easy, ready-to-wear pieces that vary from one-shoulder Grecian tops and dresses, blousons, tunics, slip dresses and wraps.
Playing with fluid silhouettes, Ortiz decided to channel Madame Gres due to his fascination on the use of silk jerseys for her designs. "Soft draping and ruching is one technique you’ll find in the collection," he says.

The elegant new collection is out now at Kashieca stores in TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood, Festival Mall, Gateway Mall, Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Bacoor, SM Cebu, SM Clark Pampanga, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Marikina, SM North EDSA, SM North EDSA
Annex, SM San Lazaro, SM Southmall, SM Sta. Rosa, MarQuee Mall, Ayala Cebu and KCC General Santos.

↧

Langham Place

October 3, 2010, 6:40 am

≫ Next: What's human LCD?

≪ Previous: Just launched: Randy Ortiz for Kashieca Luxe

After so many trips to Hong Kong, I still have not found the perfect place.
My requirements for the ideal hotel are as follows:
1) bathroom - must be modern, spartan
2) location - must be near the subway, and I don't mean near the exit. Must be near the train. I really hate long walks underground and I'm afraid of taxis
3) must be near eating places I like
4) room must be more than 30 square meters
5) price must be reasonable

This time I decided to go for the Langham Place hotel in Mongkok. I stayed here once before overnight and liked it because it's connected to the Langham Place mall, which has an MTR station connected to it. My first time there, the shopping was OK. But tastes change and this time I thought the shops were boring.
Jeroen and I did love the room called the Prime Place.

It has 37 square meters, a queen bed with delicious puffy pillows, an oversized bathtub we didn't use, a separate shower that was just fine, a DVD player, a large screen plasma TV, huge windows (nice), microwave oven and coffee machine (Jeroen drank three cups every morning), iPod dock, iron and ironing board, makeup mirror and real hair dryer that is not bolted to the room, safe, and wifi.

Wifi, however, cost us HD$120 per laptop/per day, which is harang.

Everyday Jeroen and I bought breakfast/snack items in the basement supermarket, so I had fresh bread and OJ every morning, while Jeroen fixed himself Turkey sandwiches and coffee.
Hint: you do NOT want sashimi for breakfast (*hurl*).
The bathrooms were cleaned amazingly well.

The hotel connects to the Langham Place mall which has a huge H&M store, an incredibly busy Muji, a small i.t store and a small Seibu store, among many others, mostly for teenagers.

There's a small Initial store for women, and another one for men. Oh, the salesmen can take your breath away.

It also has the newly opened Swedish clothing store, Monki, which bored the hell out of me.

One of the world's busiest Pepper Lunch outlets is there in the food court.

The mall has other interesting food concepts, but we didn't have enough stomachs to try all of them.
Do not bother with the coffee shop/buffet on the lobby level as the food quality is very low.
If you're staying with family or friends, you might be interested in this room, which can sleep three or four people (that's two singles and a queen bed).

Jeroen loved the pool upstairs.

If you're Cedric, you might be interested in the gym

There's a nice outdoor deck.

To know about the hotel, go to http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/
If you're a tourist, don't forget to get a discount card from the customer service desk at the mall.
To know more, click here http://www.langhamplace.com.hk/eng/

↧

What's human LCD?

October 3, 2010, 6:58 am

≫ Next: New classes by 25 Mushrooms

≪ Previous: Langham Place

Araneta Coliseum was the venue for Jollibee's human LCD, as witnessed by thousands of basketball fans of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
The two-minute spectacle was performed by no less than 350 teens that transformed into a giant moving screen, with colorful images and words—all in perfectly synchronized movements.

"After last year's successful flashmob dance at the Mall of Asia, Jollibee wanted to showcase once more the winning attitude Filipino teens," said Jollibee Marketing Manager Aileen Ricasata-Natividad.
While Jollibee Vice President for Marketing, Albert Cuadrante expounded: “As the Pinoy youth proudly showcase their individual talents and skills in the UAAP and celebrate the glory of sports, they also find pride in the Jollibee Yumburger which offers a one-of-a-kind langhap-sarap goodness that’s truly appealing to Pinoy taste buds. With these two unique passions that bring pride to the country, dynamic teens also get to celebrate as one.”

http://www.jollibee.com.ph/

↧

New classes by 25 Mushrooms

October 3, 2010, 7:36 am

≫ Next: Who is Carlos Celdran?

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25 Mushrooms cooking classes are designed for your household help or cook, but others are welcome to join too. *

Basic cooking on Thursdays from 10 AM-3 PM

October 14, 2010: Pasta Basics
Baked beef lasagna, smoked salmon with basil in olive oil, aligue pasta with prawns and sundried tomatoes, carbonarra fettuccine, seafood in pesto cream sauce, puttanesca
+ Basic knife skills, table setting—formal and casual, formal dining etiquette

October 21: Japanese
California maki, kani salad, tonkatsu, chicken teriyaki, prawn tempura, kaki age, beef sukiyaki, Japanese rried Rice
+ Weekly Menu planning & Kids lunch box preparation

October 28: Filipino Comfort Food
Chicken BBQ with java rice, beef kare-kare with homemade bagoong, rellenong Bangus with green peas and tomato sauce, crispy lechon wawali, authentic Bicol laing, guinataang halo-halo
+ Table service, basic waitering, napkin folding, party buffet setup

November 4: Thai
Pomelo salad, tom yum soup, bagoong rice, steamed fish with coriander, chili and garlic; phad Thai, Thai green chicken curry, Thai sticky rice with mango
+ Recycling basics, kitchen hygiene, and personal Hygiene

Advanced Classes through out the week, from 10 AM-3 PM

October 19, Tuesday: Spanish Restaurant recipes
Mushrooms al ajillo, tenderloin salpicao, Iberian Chicken, Paella Valenciana, Callos Madrilena, churros con chocolate

Oct 20, Wednesday: Japanese (Special extra class)
California maki, kani salad, tonkatsu, chicken teriyaki, prawn tempura, kaki age, beef sukiyaki, Japanese fried rice

October 26, Tuesday: NEW!!! Christmas giveaways
9 Easy recipes for homemade holiday gifts. Delicious, low-cost edible gifts, complete with creative wrapping and packaging.
Truffle-scented chicken liver paté, Oreo/blueberry/cherry cheesecake, chocolate crinkles, baked brie with walnuts and cranberries, cookie mix giveaways, dulong in olive oil
Bonus recipe: gourmet tuyo salsa in olive oil

November 9, Tuesday: NEW!!! Healthy Living 2/Low Fat Cooking
Sopa de Mariscos (seafood soup), chicken kabob with yogurt garlic cream sauce served with rice pilaf, fish fillet with parsley sauce served with vegetables and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, minced chicken wrapped in crispy lettuce, Indonesian chicken or pork saté, Hainanese chicken rice with three sauces

November 11, Thursday: Korean
Bibimbap, Beef Bulgogi, Pork Bulgogi, Chap Chae, Kalbi Jim (Korean Beef Stew), Pajeon (seafood pancake)

November 16, Tuesday: NEW!!!! Persian
Hummus with pita bread, Moutabal (grilled eggplant dip), homemade beef or chicken shawarma with garlic cream sauce and chilli sauce (no need for shawarma griller), chicken kabob with basmati rice and grilled tomatoes, beef kabob with buttered basmati rice, chicken tandoori

November 18, Thursday: NEW!!! Holiday Entertaining
Cesar salad with herbed croutons, paella 3 ways—Paella Valenciana, Paella Negra with aioli sauce topped with squid rings and jamon Serrano bits, Paella Montana (Lamb) with grilled asparagus, Prime Rib Roast with gravy, roasted Potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and creamed spinach, chicken marsala, fresh fruit panna cotta

November 23, Tuesday: NEW!!! Mexican
Tacos and nachos, shredded beef burritos, chicken enchilada with Mexican rice, chorizo quesadilla with Pico de Gallo, 7-layer dip with crispy tortillas, beef, chicken and prawn fajitas with homemade tortillas, guacamole and homemade salsa

November 25, Thursday: NEW!!! Filipino 2
Fresh vegetable lumpia with homemade wrapper, chicken inasal, crispy pork or chicken adobo flakes with garlic rice, pork sisig, sizzling pusit, tuna sisig, Bicol Express, assorted turon

November 30, Tuesday: NEW!! Kids' lunch, snacks and dinners
Spaghetti with meatballs, chicken cordon bleu with gravy, tenderloin tips with mushroom gravy served with mashed potatoes, roasted chicken with gravy served with buttered carrots and corn, homemade corn dogs, freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

December 2, Thursday: Oriental dinners
Create your own Mongolian barbecue buffet and more
Mongolian buffet with complete condiments and sauces, braised pork belly with anise flavored sauce, crispy lemon chicken, deep fried tilapia with two sauce (tamarind and coriander), crispy noodles with beef and vegetables, Gula Melaka

December 7, Tuesday: Vietnamese
Vietnamese pomelo and crab salad, fresh spring rolls with spicy peanut dip, Kung Pao chicken, breaded tofu with mushroom sauce, Mekong River fish with yellow bean sauce, Vietnamese grilled pork and chicken with fried rice and spring rolls served with sweet Nuoc Cham dip

December 9, Thursday: Chinese
Shrimp and pork siomai, chicken and sweet corn soup, Peking noodles with meat and vegetables, sweet and sour pork, stir-fry shrimp with green peas, Yang Chow fried rice, homemade buchi

December 14, Tuesday: American
New England Clam Chowder, fall-off-the-bone barbecued baby back ribs with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, beer battered fish and chips, quarter pounder beef burger with Parmesan fries and crispy onion rings, Buffalo wings with blue cheese dip, baked macaroni and cheese

*All classes are held at the Valle Verde 5 park/community center.
Fees are inclusive of all ingredients, guaranteed tasting portions for take home are allocated for all students who have booked or called in advance.

PHP 1,100/day for Basic or Advanced classes
PHP 4,000 for Basic course with training (once a week for 4 weeks)
PHP 4,000 for Advanced Cooking course (any 4 classes of your choice, additional classes @ PHO 1,000/class only)
PHP 95 for Cookbook/Manual (optional for those taking full courses only)
PHP 35 for lunch (optional)

To reserve, call Marlene or Thelma at 631-4822 or text (0917) 811-9797.
To know more, visit their Facebook.

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Who is Carlos Celdran?

October 3, 2010, 9:09 am

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Carlos Celdran was the topic of conversation during Sunday lunch at my parents' house and most probably, in yours too.
My mom thought he was good-looking. "Guapo siya ha," my mom reasoned out. "Mestizo, mukhang artista."
My dad called him a hero because he believes it's about time someone told the priests to bugger off.
Yesterday when Jeroen and I boarded a Cathay Pacific flight bound for Manila, we were pleasantly surprised to see Carlos's mug on the cover of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

I just love the facial expression. Some people say, if an ordinary person (say, Poma Malantic) threw a fit during mass, it wouldn't be such a big deal. I say, if they didn't put Carlos in jail, it wouldn't have blown up.
But this is Carlos Celdran—a nationalist, a blogger, a performance artist, a multi-media artist educated at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, a popular tour guide—and much more.
He owns a little gift shop in Intramuros called La Monja Loca, founded the Living Room in Malate, where he hosts art events, forums, talks, and even visiting artists who need a place to stay.

He has been married for more than ten years, to one of Manila's chicest, Tesa Celdran.

In a past blog entry, I suggested Carlos Celdran for the position of DOT Secretary. Because I believe we need somebody young, energetic, and creative to market our country and modernize its image. I myself would gladly volunteer to save our country, tourism-wise. I'd be in charge of upgrading NAIA and toilets everywhere—I wish!
So yeah, if you went to Mass today and the priest said in his homily that Carlos is "bastos" and up to no good, let me show you the Carlos we know.
First, with Grace at food tasting, Pepper Lunch, Rockwell

With Senator Lacson whom he criticized on his blog, but gamely posed with upon my request

With Team Manila's Mon Punzalan and Jowee Alviar

With friends at the Living Room, last year's Christmas party

With blogger Brian Gorrell in Australia

And announcing that I won a pair of Happy Feet sandals in a blog promo.

So you see there's much, much more to the guy who freaked out during Mass. I don't know anybody who hates Carlos. You don't really have to wonder why he is popular online and in real life—except maybe among priests.

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October 4

October 3, 2010, 9:32 am

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Happy birthday Jujiin, wherever you are!

http://www.jujiin.com/

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