Heather Miss Grey Barbie

December 8, 2010, 1:21 pm

When Tessa Valdes asked me to style a Barbie for charity, it didn't take long for me to decide what to do—she just had to wear Heather Miss Grey.
I asked Cristine Villamiel of Bleach Catastrophe to create a Barbie version of the T-shirt dress Maxene Magalona wears here:

The headband is by Benoit Missolin and the shoes are by Melissa.
It's been years since I've touched a Barbie doll; she's gone such a long way, fashion-wise.
I spent an hour just fixing her hair and fluffing it, before I figured out how to create the headband.
And here she is. I wish I had an acrylic case to put her in.

She's so precious. Can't wait to hand her over to Tessa.

Heather Miss Grey is available at Bleach Catastrophe, Greenbelt 5 and Trinoma.

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Books for Crocs

December 8, 2010, 1:58 pm

≫ Next: What's new at KISH?

≪ Previous: Heather Miss Grey Barbie

Once upon a time Crocs were banned from the house, but the kids love them and wear them all the time.
I knew that Crocs are like clouds on your feet, especially if you've been walking around in heels.
I gave in when I found these.

Now this shameless endorser of Crocs invites you to donate books for a good cause.
You are encouraged to donate educational books, story books, and current school text books. Magazines will not be accepted.
Take your books to any of Crocs' 14 stores within Metro Manila.*
For every 5 books donated, Crocs will give a PHP 500 discount off one pair of any regular-priced footwear.
Crocs Philippines aims to collect 1,000 children's books by Dec 19, 2010. Currently they're at 600 books.
This initiative benefits the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc., an institution that serves marginalized and impoverished children in the society, from 6–18 years old. Book donors are invited to the turnover ceremony on December 22nd at Bonifacio High Street, where children from the foundation will sing Christmas carols.

*Take them to Crocs Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Megamall, Bonifacio High Streat, Greenbelt 5, Glorietta 3, SM Marikina, Promenade, Ermita, Gateway, Shangri-La Plaza, Eastwood Mall, Alabang Town Center, and Robinsons Galleria.

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What's new at KISH?

December 8, 2010, 3:01 pm

≫ Next: Goddess in a bottle

≪ Previous: Books for Crocs

This December, KISH home store celebrates its 10th year by offering four new services as it ushers in a new decade.

1) VISUAL MERCHANDISING
With over 20 years of expertise in visual merchandising, KISH has the resources and the know-how to create irresistible displays and visually appealing merchandise guaranteed to take your customers’ shopping experience to a whole new level. KISH is at your service!

2) DESIGN FOR LIFE
Have you ever stepped into a design retail store and just felt overwhelmed?
KISH’s new Design for Life service allows homeowners to connect with a team of professional designers.
When you send KISH your floor measurements, you can expect to receive a detailed floor plan, all at a minimum design fee to help you to make the most out of your space.
You’ll also receive helpful tips on home styles, colors, and finishes to speed up the design process so you can get your home ready in the shortest time and at minimum costs.

AN ORIGINAL DAY BED INSPIRED BY THE MID CENTURY PIECES

3) GIFT REGISTRY
Weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, birthdays and more.
With a new online system in place by December 15, KISH will make it easy for you to choose, pay, and send items from a wish list without ever having to set foot inside the store.

4) CONTRACT SALES
KISH understands designers have a multitude of requirements for their projects. That’s why contract orders and customization requests from our latest catalog, consisting mostly of original and mid-century-inspired pieces, are now welcome. Whether it’s a specific color or finish you’re looking for, count on KISH to get it for you.

Visit KISH at the LRI Design Plaza, Bel-Air, Makati from 10 AM-7 PM, Monday to Saturday.
For more information, call 896-8366 or log on to the new website starting December 15.
http://www.kish.ph/

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Goddess in a bottle

December 8, 2010, 8:26 pm

≫ Next: Banane Taipei

≪ Previous: What's new at KISH?

'Tis the season for giving and the season for so many new fragrances out there.
The latest one comes from Gretchen Barretto for Bench.

Launching December 10, 2010 at Trinoma's Activity Center at 6 PM.

http://www.benchtm.com/

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Banane Taipei

December 8, 2010, 11:45 pm

≫ Next: The Gift of Steak

≪ Previous: Goddess in a bottle

Got the cutest present today from Heidi of Bagahollic—a photo of a Birkin printed on a canvas bag.

Here's what it looks like in front

inside

on the side

and underneath.

The other colors are just as cute, it's really hard to choose

Price is PHP 4,000, and cheaper than eBay and other countries.
To order, email Heidi at bagahollic08@gmail.com or go to http://bagahollic.com/

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The Gift of Steak

December 9, 2010, 2:14 am

≫ Next: 30 Days with Charice

≪ Previous: Banane Taipei

Carlo Urrutia of Melbourne Prime shows us how steaks are cooked in his home.

Because Melbourne Prime steaks are sourced from the best farms in south-eastern Australia, you can taste beef that is naturally free-range because it's grass-fed. That means hormone-free, antibiotic-free and GMO-free beef that is good for you and your family.

Now you can enjoy Melbourne Prime at home, through specially packed Mastercuts Christmas crates and gift boxes.
Each pack contains a handpicked selection of Melbourne Prime steaks, Murray River gourmet pink salt flakes, Max and Deck steak rubs and seasonings, premium olive oil, and detailed instructions—everything you need to grill the perfect steak at home.

All beef are expertly aged for at least 21 days, for maximum tenderness and highest quality. They are vacuum-packaged and sealed in individual portions for optimum freshness.
Products are specially selected and airfreighted overnight directly from Melbourne to Manila.
Melbourne Prime beef is available chilled or custom-frozen, always aged, and always expertly hand-cut and trimmed.

Steaks are vacuum-packed on ice in a reusable black gift box or wooden custom-embossed crate.

Here's what you get:

Available at the Melbourne Prime Specialty Steak Shop
Ground Floor, Marajo Tower, 312 26th Street W corner 4th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
To order, call 403-4273 • 899-3344 • 0917-848-7813
Or email sales@melbourneprime.com or melbourneprime@gmail.com.

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30 Days with Charice

December 9, 2010, 8:44 pm

≫ Next: Yup, we use these

≪ Previous: The Gift of Steak

While the Philippines is really a gold mine of singers, only a handful ever enjoy international recognition.
Charice, whom Oprah called "the most talented girl in the world" is also one of the luckiest girls in the world.
Ever wonder what her life is like right now? Follow Teen.com's exclusive web series where they follow Charice for a full month from New York to Manila.

Start here: http://www.teen.com/30-days-with-charice-episode-one/

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Yup, we use these

December 10, 2010, 2:19 am

≫ Next: Beauty Bar goes online!

≪ Previous: 30 Days with Charice

Thanks for sending Para'Kito for my kids.
I don't really get bitten by mosquitoes, but my husband who has "sweet blood", and my boys often get bites.
If you fear dengue, Para'Kito is just for you.

Para’Kito is a pioneering mosquito repellent product from France that is designed to be small, handy and unobtrusive, your kids won't mind putting them on everyday. My sons hang them on the belt loop of their school uniform.

And when they're out of school and running around in shorts, they strap on the ankle band.

The natural, portable and refillable wristband and clip are made of neoprene and available in a range of colours and designs.
They are 100% waterproof and safe for showers, swims, and even dives.
Simply insert an active pellet to releases compounds from natural essences collected from climates around the world.
The formula includes seven essential oils known to repel mosquitoes, such as Pinus Pinaster Bark, Eugenia Piperita, Patchouli, Citronella, Lavandula Hybrida, and Geranium. Para’Kito protection is guaranteed 24 hours for 15 days.

Para’ Kito is available at Planet Sports, Toys R Us, Nothing But H2o, Itsie Bitsie, Intercare, ROX, SeaAir Inflight, Athlete’s Foot, Grantrail Bikes, Cycling Zone, Bikeline, Polo Club, Palms Country Club.
Suggested price for wristbands and clips is PHP 750 while refills are at PHP 450.

http://www.parakito.com/

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Beauty Bar goes online!

December 10, 2010, 4:35 am

≫ Next: Philosophy Christmas

≪ Previous: Yup, we use these

Are you a Beauty Bar junkie? My friend Cedric is.
Since it opened in 1999, Beauty Bar has been the go-to place for brands like Smashbox, Philosophy, Bloom, Youngblood and more, where you can load up on makeup, fragrances, bath essentials, hair accessories and other must-haves.
Now, getting your Beauty Bar fix gets easier as shopping is only a click away to Beauty Bar's new online store.
As a special treat, get a free gift for every minimum purchase of PHP 500 and enjoy free shipping for purchases worth PHP 2,500 and above.

http://shop.beautybar.com.ph/

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Philosophy Christmas

December 10, 2010, 5:20 am

≫ Next: Ensembles on Sale

≪ Previous: Beauty Bar goes online!

Something about Philosophy's scents and packaging warms the heart.
I love looking at these products, giving, as well as receiving them.
Philosophy's gift packages are perfect for sisters, nieces, teachers and girlfriends who appreciate cuteness and a little self-pampering now and then. Choose from these festive gifts sets, now available at Beauty Bar.

Warm and Toasty (6oz double rich hot cocoa, 6oz hot buttered rum, 6oz hazelnut espresso gels) PHP 1,850

Holiday greetings (4oz brown butter cookie gel, 2oz coconut macaroon butter, .5 pink frosted cookie lip) PHP 1,650

Melting marshmallow (4oz gel, 2oz lotion, marshmallow lip shine) PHP 1,650

Holiday hostess (cinnamon sugar icing 8oz gel, 8oz lotion) PHP 1,650

Cookie Exchange (shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath 6 oz. 2 pieces) PHP 1,150

To find the Beauty Bar shop nearest you, click here.

http://shop.beautybar.com.ph/

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Ensembles on Sale

December 10, 2010, 5:35 am

≫ Next: Arkiv Vilmansa in Manila

≪ Previous: Philosophy Christmas

Dress up for the holidays!
Enjoy 20% off on Ensembles by Louis Claparols Holiday Collection, this weekend only December 10-12, 2010.
This Ensembles exclusive treat is available to ALL ACCESS Card Holders only.

http://www.ensembles.com.ph/

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Arkiv Vilmansa in Manila

December 10, 2010, 6:40 am

≫ Next: Dessert du Jour Holiday 2010

≪ Previous: Ensembles on Sale

Indonesian contemporary artist Arkiv Vilmansa is in town to open his exhibit on December 11, 2010 at Vinyl on Vinyl gallery.

Entitled "Out of Nothing", the exhibit is a portal into Arkiv’s parallel world, harnessing creations from his lucid dreams, and eloquently using each stroke to make curves so vivid and fluid as it forms along the surface.

He creates playfully bold creatures that evoke a strange charm, some with bunny ears, others having ears that resemble a mouse.
Most vaguely reflect creatures from our daily lives yet cleverly manage to escape such conformity.

Arkiv Vilmansa has been painting, illustrating and designing cartoon-like figures since 2005.
Shortly after finishing his Bachelor Degree in Architecture, he plunged into the art world, citing his love for drawing figures as his inspiration for this change of career path.

Arkiv had a strong debut with his first vinyl figurine called Arkiv Instant, after which many exciting vinyl toys followed including a redesign of Mickey Mouse for Disney Asia.

"Out of Nothing" runs from December 11 to December 31, 2010 at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery
The Collective, 7274 Malugay, Street, Makati

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Dessert du Jour Holiday 2010

December 10, 2010, 7:46 am

≫ Next: Lookalikes

≪ Previous: Arkiv Vilmansa in Manila

Mara de la Rama-Poblete makes the best crepe cake in town (go ask my friends).
So if any of her holiday offerings are just as good, they are certainly worth a try.

Queso de Bola Cheesecake
Graham Cracker Crust and Muscovado Cream
Packed in signature pink box with silver ribbon and gift tag
9” round, serves 10-12, PHP 1,200

Mango Food for the Gods
Cebu Dried Mangoes, Butterscotch and Walnuts
Packed in signature pink box with silver ribbon and gift tag
24 Bars, PHP 700

Belgian Brownie Bites (The best-seller!)
Moist Two-Bite Brownie Morsels with Walnuts
Packed in silver canister with grosgrain ribbon and gift tag
One dozen bites / PHP 200 per canister: minimum of 3 canisters

Homemade Oreo Cookies
Packed in a silver pint canister wrapped with native sinamay, silver ribbon and gift tag
4 x 2 ½ ” Sandwich Cookies / PHP 160 per canister: minimum of 4 canisters

Chestnut Gateau de Crepes
Twenty Paper-Thin French Crepes filled with Chestnut Cream
Packed in signature crepe box with pink grosgrain ribbon and gift tag
Twelve-inches round, serves 12-16, PHP 1,300

Frozen “Hot Chocolate” Pudding
Velvety Smooth Frozen Chocolate Ganache Pudding with a Cloud of Whipped Cream
Packed in signature pink box with silver ribbon and gift tag
9” round container, serves 8, PHP 550

Goober Cookies
Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies sandwiched with Peanut Butter-Cream
Packed in a silver pint canister wrapped with native sinamay, silver ribbon and gift tag
3 x 2 ½ “ Sandwich Cookies / PHP 125 per canister: minimum of 8 canisters

And here's that wonderful crepe cake I mentioned:

Gateau de Crepes
20 paper thin French Crepes filled with your choice of:
*Vanilla Crème PHP 1,100
*Low Sugar Vanilla Crème PHP 1,100
*Nutella Crème PHP 1,300
*Dark Chocolate Crème PHPH 1,300

All orders are for pick up only at Unit 51 Ecology Village, Dasmarinas Village Side, Gate 5 Edsa, Makati City.
Please place your orders two days in advance and no later than Monday, December 20, 2010.
Call or text Mara (0917) 811-6272 or Shirley (0917) 803-6272 or email dessertdj@gmail.com.

Dessert du Jour by Mara de la Rama-Poblete
Closed by 12 pm on Friday, December 24, 2010
Operations will resume on Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Closed by 12 pm on Friday, December 31, 2010
Operations will resume on Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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Lookalikes

December 10, 2010, 9:52 pm

≫ Next: Happy times

≪ Previous: Dessert du Jour Holiday 2010

If you follow Desperate Housewives, you might be aware of the Scavo twins played by Max and Charles Carver.

I dunno, I just get so gigil to them. They look like sons I'd like to have, even though they get into trouble many times.

Maybe it's because they look like Matt Damon. They could really pass for Matt Damon's siblings.

Matt Damon, father of three girls and still married to the same woman for five years now. How rare is that for Hollywood?

Plus, 2007 People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive. Waahhhhhh!!!

Matt_Damon_in_The_Bourne_Identity_Wallpaper_5_800

And why is so Matt Damon hott? Because to me could pass for a Kennedy, don't you think so?

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Happy times

December 12, 2010, 3:35 am

≫ Next: There goes my youth

≪ Previous: Lookalikes

We took a day trip to Lipa today to attend the inauguration of the old folks home in Lipa.
On our way back to Manila and during the light nap I took at home this afternoon, I started reminiscing about Baguio.
Don't you love this nice weather we have right now? I love hiding under the sheets and just going back in time in my mind.
We were very small when my dad took us to the hotel he and his group had just opened. Back then it was called the Terraces Plaza, before the Hyatt acquired it and was called the Hyatt Terraces Baguio.

I'm not here to talk about the earthquake and bad times, only happy times and memories.
I'm lucky to have found these pics on Facebook, where a group of former employees have formed a group.
That's my dad in the middle of staff on their 5th anniversary at the Hyatt.

Kaili Coffee Shop is where we enjoyed Southern Fried Chicken in a basket and Spaghetti Mama Leone.
Do you remember what you ordered?
I loved sitting on those tall chairs, it felt like I won a prize.

This place gets really packed between Christmas and New Year and on Holy Week.

We used to love going up and down the first glass elevator we ever saw.

I wonder how they managed those plants.

During the holidays, there was this grand display at the reception/lobby.
I still dream about it sometimes.

These escalators were automatic. They would go on when you stepped on them.
My little brother caused a lot of chaos on them.

There was the Fireplace

The Gold Mine (aka Crystal Cave) was the first disco I was allowed to go to at the age of 12.
I even remember my baduy disco outfit—with lights!

I was too young, however, to sit in here

Other photos with my dad. Mr. Payumo was really an awesome architect.

All this got me thinking how old was my dad when he accomplished this much.
I calculated he was younger than my age now. It got me thinking about starting Baguio memories with my own kids now.
I should be planning a trip there soon.

If you have pictures of the Hyatt Terraces, please share them with me.

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There goes my youth

December 13, 2010, 7:19 pm

≫ Next: Best tweet of the day

≪ Previous: Happy times

After Penguin disappeared earlier this year, the last of my reasons to go to Malate has been struck by fire.
This used to be Penguin

Now the place I've gone back to as a remnant of the '80s is in danger of disappearing or being modernized.

Report: Fire hits restaurant in Manila’s Malate district
12/14/2010 | 07:44 AM

Fire of undetermined origin razed a two-story restaurant in Manila's Malate district Monday night.
No one was initially reported injured in the fire that hit the Cafe Adriatico at the corner of Adriatico Street and Remedios Circle, radio dzBB reported Tuesday.
The fire started at 10:45 p.m. and lasted 30 minutes before responding firefighters put it out.
— LBG, GMANews.TV

This was downstairs

and upstairs

Where am I gonna get my Chicken ala Kiev and adobo on rice??

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Best tweet of the day

December 14, 2010, 9:35 am

≫ Next: Oh noes!!

≪ Previous: There goes my youth

Dear Hubert,
15 years is a long time to stay out of the loop because you were in jail.
Many things have changed since then, like Sharon, Nadia and Arlene.
Traffic is much more horrendous now. Please avoid 168 at these times.
Twitter is fun and something you could get into, since you were a trending topic earlier this afternoon.
Here's something that didn't change since 1995: NAIA needs to renovate big time.

Guilty or not guilty, I don't really know. But one thing's for sure: hats off to your family who stood by you for 15 years visiting every Sunday in prison. I don't know of any other family that would do that.
I can't imagine what life will be like for you tonight and the next couple of days. You have a lot of catching up to do, so I made a short list of stuff you should experience right here, right now.

1) KFC's Double Down

2) Pepper Lunch (cause it rocks)

3) Royce Nama chocolate

4) Truffle fries at Bistecca

5) Zong's fried chicken with salted egg is to die for

6) Home massage!

7) Texting!

8) Facebook

9) iPad and Angry Birds

10) The wonderful world of dibidis

P.S. There are so many lists for you, like movies you missed and all that.
I'll leave the other suggestions to the readers, so readers please leave a comment.

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Oh noes!!

December 15, 2010, 10:25 am

≫ Next: Adam Ant: Spotted again in Mich Dulce hat!!

≪ Previous: Best tweet of the day

I've just received word that Ella del Rosario's concert was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Ella, hoping for your complete recovery by Christmas. Get well soon!
Here's the official statement from the producer, Dennis Garcia.

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Adam Ant: Spotted again in Mich Dulce hat!!

December 15, 2010, 7:32 pm

≫ Next: Digital Christmas

≪ Previous: Oh noes!!

Hardly Prince Charming: Adam Ant dresses up as Napoleon... while wondering around a churchyard slurping Guinness
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

If Adam Ant was hoping to drum up some publicity in the wake of his comeback, then he may well just have succeed.
The Eighties hit maker was spotted in London yesterday afternoon with a film crew in tow, dressed in a period costume reminiscent of French Emperor Napoleon. The Prince Of Charming singer completed his bizarre look with a can of Guinness and cigar in hand as he ambled around a church yard in Kensington at midday.

How bizarre: Singer Adam Ant was spotted dressed up in a Napoleon-style outfit as he wondered around a London churchyard with a camera crew yesterday

Up close: Handmade in Manila for Adam Ant

The troubled star, 56, real name Stuart Goddard, scurried away when he was spotted by the paparazzi, closely followed by his film crew. Ant, who was perhaps filming some footage for part of his comeback tour, was
reportedly sectioned in May, just a week after he performed a expletive-strewn show at a church in south England.But he is now back on the road, with a series of gigs and a new album in the pipeline.

Double take: The star, who is making a musical comeback, was certainly a bit of a ringer for the 19th Century French Emperor

On December 21 the singer, whose past hits include Kings of the Wild Frontier and Stand And Deliver, will return to the London stage at the HMV Forum with his new band for The Good, The Mad and The Lovely World Tour.
The singer, who gained popularity in the Seventies and Eighties as the lead singer of New Wave group Adam and the Ants, will perform a plethora of songs from his 1976 to 1995 catalogue.
It comes ahead of the release of his new album, Marrying the Gunners Daughter, which he is set to release in January.

Spotted: With his nails painted red and a whip in hand, Ant scurried off when he caught sight of the paparazzi

The LP has been written and produced by Ant will be released on his own music label Blueblack Hussar
Records. It will come as his first record release since his 1995 offering Wonderful, which was received to great critical acclaim. He is expected to confirm more shows in the New Year.
Ant has suffered mental health issues for a large part of his life, spending a year in a psychiatric care back in 2002. It follows his 2002 arrest when he wielded an imitation gun in a London pub.
The star currently has no known management company.

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Digital Christmas

December 16, 2010, 8:48 pm

≫ Next: Festive countdown at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila

≪ Previous: Adam Ant: Spotted again in Mich Dulce hat!!

This is too cool: how things may have been if Joseph were Mary had our current technology.
I love the ending! Shopping at Amazon rocks!

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