Siraan ng wallet!

October 13, 2010, 9:24 am

I want to say say siraan ng buhay, but that refers to Comme des Garçons, so I will say instead, siraan ng wallet—when Muji opens October 15th at Bonifacio High Street.

Muji is located on the 2nd floor of the Gap flagship store.
October 15th, 10:30 AM is a press event, while 6 PM is a private event, so safe to say open to the public on October 16, 2010.
A lot of people are hoping prices will be good. I'm told that prices here will be 6-7% cheaper than Hong Kong.
So this afternoon, Jay, Jude and I came in to style six models.
As soon as we reached the top of the escalator, Jay said, "Am I in Manila?"

The place looks honestly like being abroad. Our Muji looks better than Muji Bangkok (even before it burned!)
It looks bigger than Paragon at Singapore, but I think Singapore has more clothes.
Let me take you around the store so you can see. This afternoon stickers were being fixed

Boxes were being opened for stocking, closely supervised by Japanese Muji staff.

The first thing you'll see are the women's clothing. A T-shirt costs around PHP 995.

Think Gap, Japanese style

Here's the fitting for Ornusa Cadness

Jessica

Brent Javier

Hideo Muraoka—sizzling hawtt!

Because Muji is about simplicity.

Here's the pen section

Sharon Cuneta would approve

Auggie Cordero would approve

Lovely, lovely paper and Manila envelopes made of skin

Beautiful stationery

Jay's not really excited to buy

Not really talaga (he's eyeing the large mesh luggage organizer, about PHP 550)

Tons of organizers we always wanted to buy but couldn't. Now say goodbye to overweight luggage.

Almost everything is here

From Japanese snacks (sorry Ginggay, no marshmallows at this time)

Kitchen items

Pots and pans, plates and tableware

Toiletries

Kakikayan

Yes, there are bookshelves

And just a little bit of furniture for now.

See soon you at Muji! I'll be there as early as 8 AM on Friday. XO

For all the latest

http://www.muji.com/

↧

Date with Jeroen

October 14, 2010, 6:23 am

≫ Next: Award!

≪ Previous: Siraan ng wallet!

Jeroen and I had an unexpected wonderful date in Hong Kong.
We were supposed to run to Ikea to buy a faucet but felt really starved on the way and ended up eating there.
I usually go to Ikea in Causeway Bay, but since we were staying at Kowloon side, we decided to go for the Megabox branch at Kowloon Bay.
Getting there was not as easy as we thought. You take the tube and go down at Kowloon Bay. From the MTR station you go to a huge MTR mall, go down, look for the shuttle bus that takes you to Megabox.
Unfortunately the queue to the shuttle was too long, we decided to just cab it. Cause time is precious honey.

It's bad to shop on an empty stomach, so we made a beeline to the huge Ikea cafeteria. I have never seen anything like it. The place is gorgeous and reflects Ikea design sensibilities.

You line up to get your food. You can use convenient pushcarts to stack your trays

Pay at the cashier, cafeteria-style

Then find yourself a seat

Here's what we had: Swedish meatballs

The best chicken wings—Jeroen was really good at getting the last serving

Gravlax and ten bars of Ikea milk chocolate for takeaway—the best!

You are encouraged to clean after yourself

That done, time to hit the shop!

Unfortunately, we forgot to buy the faucet. XO!

http://www.ikea.com/hk/en/store/kowloon_bay

↧

Award!

October 14, 2010, 4:09 pm

≫ Next: Muji Madness — AM

≪ Previous: Date with Jeroen

Watch as a rescued miner finds his mistress—not his wife—on the other side of the earth.

↧

Muji Madness — AM

October 16, 2010, 9:12 am

≫ Next: How to make a DIY bag @ Muji

≪ Previous: Award!

Jay and I left the house at 8 AM on Friday morning to style the models for the Muji opening.
An airconditioned tent had been set up in the parking lot for hair and makeup.
Time went quickly and soon it was 10:30 AM. Media were already waiting for the doors to open.
Spain has Brent Javier. In da Pilipins, we have Brent Javier, jeje.
Such a cutie. It's not difficult to make him look Japanese.
Brent wears a beret, white shirt and messenger bag by Muji.

Models Hideo and Brian enjoying the bean bags. These are seriously comfy bean bags. I bought the large one.

Brent Javier and Ornusa Cadness wearing Muji. And I want to go back for the round coffee table.

Anton Huang of Stores Specialists Inc. reads opening remarks from an iPad

Muji President Masaaki Kanai with Kissa Castañeda (who translated and helped set up Muji Philippines) and Robby Carmona (who did the opening event)

Seen at the scene: My fave fashionsita, JP Singson of Metro mag

Maxene Magalona and friends + JP

Agoo Bengzon and Ana Kalaw

David Celdran

RJ Ledesma

and the most adorable baby, Dylan Epperson.

↧

How to make a DIY bag @ Muji

October 16, 2010, 9:37 am

≫ Next: Muji madness at night

≪ Previous: Muji Madness — AM

First find the bag printing station near the cashier. You'll see three sizes of blank canvas bags (ranging from PHP 35 to PHP 145 each) and letter/number stamps.

Make sure the ink pad is well inked. Take one letter at a time, press down on the ink pad and press down firmly on the canvas.
Fabric crayons can also be used. Draw your design onto the canvas tote and iron the bag when you get home. Use a blank sheet of paper on top of your design before your press.

Pia did it first.

Then Candy

Then Jay

Cedric did it

Dennis too

And here's mine.

We started shopping at 11. But as the line to the cashier became long, we decided to park our baskets, have lunch outside and resume shopping after.
Back at the store we could shop to our hearts' content, knowing we would not have this opportunity when the crowds flock to Muji.
Here's Candy's loot

Jay's

and Pia's.

We are happy campers.

Then Jay and I went home for a quick rest and back to Muji for the 6 PM opening.

↧

Muji madness at night

October 16, 2010, 11:02 am

≫ Next: Michael Jackson's ghost

≪ Previous: How to make a DIY bag @ Muji

The calm before the storm.
Jujiin was spinning tunes, fresh from Tokyo

Daniel Tan was ready for the closeups

Models were on standby: Hideo

Jessica and Brian

Here's what greeted guests at the entrance

Spotted were Kerin, Divine, Victor, Ginggay and Candy

Raymond Gutierrez gave Divine Lee such a warm hug that I wanted one too

The Japanese contingent looked more than satisified

Also spotted: my "resbak", Cedric Cid

My lola, Chick Chick

My fave designer Normal Noriega

Rosanna Ocampo and Nix Alañon

He who has better in bags (and shoes) in my opinion, Dennis Robles

Our star witness, Tina Daniac

My best girls, Kerin Ching and Grace Velasco

BFFs Anton Barretto and Leah Puyat

Designers Joey Samson and Ivar Aseron

Lovely couples Ian and Joey

Jo Ann and Tadi

Albert

Roy and Melvin

Kate Torralba

Bambi Hernandez

Charina Sarte

Back in the store: Ryan Vergara

Rik, Pat and Marie

Taguig's new Mayor Lani Cayetano with Cedric Cid

and upcoming singer Marc Stroem.

Muji is now open on the corner of Bonifacio High Street, on top of the Gap store and right across from Fully Booked.
Have you been to Muji yet?

http://www.muji.com/

↧

Michael Jackson's ghost

October 16, 2010, 11:25 am

≫ Next: More love from Dove

≪ Previous: Muji madness at night

You may have seen this before on Larry King, but here's proof of Michael Jackson's ghost—listen carefully to the audio while watching the ghostly shadow walk across the hallway.

↧

More love from Dove

October 17, 2010, 4:55 am

≫ Next: All we need is Meal Muji

≪ Previous: Michael Jackson's ghost

Since there were 660+ entries vying for eight packs of baby Dove soaps, I asked Dove if the could add some more bars just to make more people happy. This came the other day.

Packed them in Chinese takeout boxes. Sorry, I ran out! I only had five left.
Got the packaging from a store in Tokyo, and I'm crossing my fingers that I can go back this November.
It's always nice when Clara visits.

I don't like picking out winners myself (too corny) so Clara did it.

And here they are! If you're a winner, please message me on Twitter and I'll DM you on how to claim.

Dove Philippines is celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
Dove beauty bar contains 1/4 hydrating milk to keep skin feeling smooth and moisturized.
Take the Dove 7-day test. To know more go to http://www.dove.ph/

↧

All we need is Meal Muji

October 17, 2010, 7:10 am

≫ Next: Céline

≪ Previous: More love from Dove

I wanna take Jeroen there next month.
Last year my mom, my sister and I got hungry while shopping at Muji in Tokyo, so we grabbed a bite at Meal Muji, but the line was insanely crazy. It took a while to get a table.

There's a Breadtalk kind of setup in the middle where you can just choose what you want and you can also line up for some hot dishes. Unfortunately the menu was in Japanese.

The cafe is so beautiful. So many families, it looks like a Japanese Larry Alcala scene, if only I could spot Larry's face somewhere in there.

There are several Cafe & Meal Mujis in Tokyo and I'm gonna take Jeroen there on our nth honeymoon in Tokyo.

http://www.muji.net/shop/cafemeal.html#

↧

Céline

October 17, 2010, 7:24 am

≫ Next: Your lola's colorful love life

≪ Previous: All we need is Meal Muji

Very limited pieces coming very soon to Homme et Femme.

Homme et Femme is on the 2nd level, Shangri-La Plaza mall.
Tel. 633-7009

http://www.celine.com/

↧

Your lola's colorful love life

October 17, 2010, 8:16 am

≫ Next: Margiela AIDS tee goes Japanese

≪ Previous: Céline

When we first heard about Madonna in 1985, she was dating a young music producer named Jellybean Benitez.

Before: he was a cutie

Now: he looks like John Lovitz

She got famous. She married Sean Penn for a while.

She became a bigger star. She dated Warren Beatty, perhaps a little bit too late.

She fell in love with her trainer, Carlos Leon, who gave her a stylish daughter, Lourdes

Married Guy Richie, who gave her a son, Rocco

And then I don't know the sequence anymore, but there was a string of dark Moorish or Latino men:

Basketball player Dennis Rodman

Baseball player Alex Rodgriguez

Model Jesus Luz

and now dancer Brahim Rachiki. Shokotei.

Well at least he can dance

↧

Margiela AIDS tee goes Japanese

October 17, 2010, 9:49 am

≫ Next: Moroso, now in Manila

≪ Previous: Your lola's colorful love life

Dear Jappy,
Please try to get these T-shirts for Margiela fans at Homme et Femme.

Maison Martin Margiela Shirt Goes Japanese For World AIDS Day
by Deidre Woollard

The charity AIDS T-Shirt has been present in all Maison Martin Margiela collections since Fall/Winter 1994/1995 but this is the first year that the text will be done in Japanese.
The shirt says: "There is more action to be done to fight AIDS than to wear this t-shirt but it's a good start."
A percentage of the sales is donated to 'AIDES', a French organization dedicated to fight the HIV virus and take care of patients living with HIV/AIDS.
Over the years, 170,000 T-shirts have been sold and brought a contribution of over 700,000 euros to 'AIDES'.
In addition to the seasonal English version, the Maison has decided to have a yearly edition every time in a different language for the World AIDS day, starting with Japanese.
Created in Paris, sold around the world, worn touching the heart, this limited edition charity AIDS T-shirt will be exclusively available in all Maison Martin Margiela stores. World AIDS Day is December 1. Source

http://www.maisonmartinmargiela.com/

↧

Moroso, now in Manila

October 18, 2010, 9:11 am

≫ Next: TRASH by Andy Mulligan

≪ Previous: Margiela AIDS tee goes Japanese

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Moroso showroom in front of Robinson's Galleria.
If you don't have an eye for furniture, you will probably miss it, as it's tucked on the side of an office building.
Established in 1952 by Agostino and Diana Moroso, the high-end Italian furniture brand is known for high-quality materials, unique design, and workmanship.

With Creative Director Patrizia Moroso at the helm, the brand has 37 designers from 22 countries under its wing.
The impressive roster includes Tord Boontje, Patricia Urquiola, Ron Arad, Marc Newson, Ross Lovegrove, Marcel Wanders, Konstantin Grcic, Tom Dixon, and more.

I sat down with the happy couple behind Moroso Philippines.
Newly married couple Stephanie Coyiuto and Joseph Tay are the warmest people you'll ever meet. Both are excited and knowledgeable about the brand.
Stephanie tells me it was her mom who dreamt of opening a furniture business in the Philippines.
As a furniture lover, I've seen a few showrooms in Manila, but Moroso stands out because I got this "lula" feeling while looking around.

The emotions I felt were a mixture of awesomeness, surprise, amazement and mostly shock at hearing the prices. I felt queasy in my wedge sneakers. Good thing they gave me a bottle of Absolut water.
The cheapest piece would be the adorable Shiitake stool which doubles as a side table, at around PHP 15,000.

While the most expensive piece would be the oversized Field Black Magic Sofa for PHP 1 million ++.

It makes me wonder if there are people in the 3rd world that can afford this, and the Tay couple tells me that sales are not bad. Customers are mostly businessmen furnishing their homes, couples building homes, some showbiz celebrities and (sadly) newly elected politicians.
On the upside, at least they have good taste.
For me the standout pieces are easily the Shadowy chairs by Dutch designer Tord Boontje

the Tropicalia pieces by Patricia Urquiola

Upstairs is a yummy-looking Highlands Bed

And this delicious couch I sat on. I could sleep in it (but it costs as much as a brand new Suzuki APV).

Love this oversized ottoman in front of the best-selling million-peso leather couch

and the couch called Beautiful Back Side which comes with unique pillows.

Here's the beautiful back side.

There's the charming Ukiyo side table by Japanese designer Tomita Kazuhiko

The Doll chairs and table by Toord Boontje (you can actually change the chair's "clothes")

Love this floor lamp by Shiro Kuramata. It reminds me of a giant Kleenex tissue

And the Charpoy daybed by Nipa Doshi and Jonathan Levien is really just beautiful.

Joseph and Stephanie are excited to announce the arrival of the Diesel x Moroso furniture coming soon, and I am just as excited to see them in person.
Visit Moroso on the street level, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue corner Garnet Road, Ortigas Center.
Tel. 470-6250 or 470-1089
To know more, go to http://www.moroso.it/
Read also: Moroso: More hip, more modern

↧

TRASH by Andy Mulligan

October 18, 2010, 9:30 am

≫ Next: The headband

≪ Previous: Moroso, now in Manila

National Bookstore invites you to the launch of TRASH by Andy Mulligan.
Meet and greet the author this Tuesday, October 19, 2010, 5 PM, at National Book Store Glorietta 5.

TRASH is set in an unnamed third world country in the not distant future.
Raphael Fernandez is 14 years old and has spent his entire life living on a dumpsite, making a living picking through mountains of garbage, looking for anything that can be salvaged for money.
Raphael and his friends are referred to as “dumpsite boys.”
One day, one of the boys finds something very special and very mysterious, that he decides to keep it for himself, even when half the city police show up and offer a handsome reward for its return.
This decision brings with it furious and terrifying consequences. Raphael and his fellow “dumpsite boys’ will have no choice but to use all of their cunnings and courage to stay ahead of their corrupt and determined pursuers. It’s up to these boys, boys with nothing—no education, no parents, no home, no money—to solve the mystery and right a terrible wrong.

Many early readers of TRASH remarked on the unexpected nature of the boys’ friendships.
Just when the reader is certain they will betray each other or leave the weakest link behind, the boys affirm their trust in each other. For when you have nothing, the only thing you have to lose is each other.

Andy Mulligan was brought up in South London and educated at Oxford University. He worked as a theater director for ten years, before travels in Asia prompted him to became as a teacher. He has taught English and Drama in Britain, India, Brazil and the Philippines. He now divides his time between London and Manila.

http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/

↧

The headband

October 19, 2010, 7:29 am

≫ Next: Call for entries: Cinemanila 2010

≪ Previous: TRASH by Andy Mulligan

It started with Mich's Chaos headband, which I loved.

It's by Vivienne Westwood. Chica ng lola mo.

Adam Ant wears it too, but his is Branded—so chica.

Is this cute or what??

Gurl, sayang ang genes!!

Quark's not happy. Look he's crying na.

Yes, the Bitch is back.

Thank you for my pasalubong from Londin.

My baby is the cutest. Isn't he the most adorable thing?

↧

Call for entries: Cinemanila 2010

October 20, 2010, 9:30 am

≫ Next: Book swap for charity

≪ Previous: The headband

Final submission of entries for the Digital Lokal, Young Cinema, and International Competition of the 12th Cinemanila has been extended to November 5, 2010.
Now on it 12th year, the CIFF has presented award-winning independent films, both local and international, and has discovered talents like Brillante Mendoza, Lav Diaz, Raya Martin, John Torres, and Remton Siega Zuasola, among others.

Film luminaries Quentin Tarantino, Lou Diamond Phillips, "City of God" director Fernando Meirelles, "Taxi Driver" screenwriter Paul Schrader, Indonesian actress Christine Hakim, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, Pusan International Film Festival director Kim Dong Ho, and Aruna Vasudev of NETPAC have received Lifetime Achievement Awards in the longest-running and only international film festival of its kind in the Philippines.
Entry forms may be downloaded at http://www.cinemanila.org.ph
For further inquires, cinemanila@gmail.com.

Poster artwork by Gertjan Zuilhof

↧

Book swap for charity

October 20, 2010, 9:45 am

≫ Next: The Assumption Swatch

≪ Previous: Call for entries: Cinemanila 2010

You're invited to a book swap to benefit the abandoned girls of Meritxell, Marikina.*
To participate, bring at least one educational book or children’s book—plus your unwanted books.
This is a great way to unload your home of books you don't want.
All educational books will go directly to the abandoned girls of Meritxell.
You may also choose from books brought by others and take home the same number of books you donated.
Be there on October 23, 2010, Saturday from 10 AM-6 PM
at the Balcony, 110 Dona Angela Building, Carlos Palanca Street, Makati

*Meritxell, Marikina has been housing marginalized and abandoned girls ages 3 -16 years old since 2007.
Those who are old enough to study are sent to private schools for education. Ateneo has recently listed them as one of their NSTP areas. In order for them to further improve their studies, they need more educational books.
The event hopes to collect 200 educational books to benefit three more orphanages.

↧

The Assumption Swatch

October 20, 2010, 10:19 am

≫ Next: Manila FAME 2010

≪ Previous: Book swap for charity

Good news: Available at PHP 3,500.
Bad news: Down to the last 100 pieces!

Order them now at Swatch stores in Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, Trinoma and SM Megamall; at watch kiosks in SM Mall of Asia, SM City North EDSA, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Place, Ermita, Greenhills V-Mall, Festival Mall, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, Ayala Center, Cebu; and at Hole in the Wall stores in Alabang Town Center and Ayala Marquee Mall, Angeles, Pampanga.

↧

Manila FAME 2010

October 20, 2010, 10:48 am

≫ Next: TRIAD II: RELUXE at Firma

≪ Previous: The Assumption Swatch

Every year we drop by Manila FAME at the World Trade Center to see what's going on in the Philippine export scene.
This year four of our friends were participating.
Brian Hagedorn and Reg Locsin were busy manning Locsin International

Neva Talladen was promoting Leyende handmade, natural and organic bath/body products

Here's the lovely new packaging

Mich Dulce was ~~selling hats~~ making Quark Henares cry—but hoy! Bawal kumain diyan!

And Rita Nazareno was taking orders at the S.C. Vizcarra booth

Rita is the third generation designer of S.C. Vizcarra products. Trained and educated in London, Rita brings an updated, artsy, modern yet functional feel to the brand, which was started by her grandmother in 1925.
The skull clutch features a hot stamp based on Rita's actual skull X-ray, which made me remark, "Rita, your skull is actually smiling?"

Whereas others usually reference fashion, Rita looks to furniture and architecture for her bags.
I loved this particular clutch.

This uneven Bilbao handbag is a hit among Japanese buyers

The Porthole bag with impeccable workmanship

And that tiny basket I love—perfect for bedside or desk trinkets, such as rosary, cellphone, nail cutter, etc.

Watch out for the opening of S.C. Vizcarra's shop next month. Will keep you posted.
Manila FAME is open to the public until October 21, 2010, Thursday.
Take advantage of this last day to buy samples from the vendors.
To know more go to http://www.manilafame.com/en/

↧

TRIAD II: RELUXE at Firma

October 20, 2010, 11:08 am

≫ Next: Hayden's agenda

≪ Previous: Manila FAME 2010

This Friday, October 22nd, Firma invites you to a group show of jewelry designers Paul Syjuco, Michelline Syjuco, and Kristine Dee in TRIAD II: RELUXE.
The idea behind RELUXE or renewable luxury is to recycle precious materials or give existing jewelry or jewelry scraps a second, third or even fourth life.
Stones are taken apart, gold scraps are remelted, reprocessed and molded into exciting new forms.
Be there at Firm, Greenbelt 3 at 6 PM.

Kristine Dee's Pebble Cuff

Byzantine Earrings

Goldie Cuff

http://www.kristinedee.com/

↧