So I found out I’m no longer a midtown kind of girl. I would like to take Jeroen to New York once but not stay in midtown where everything is normy and touristy (no offence). I would like to stay downtown instead.
Not too long after I had settled in the hotel, I heard the doorbell ring.
Grace and Alexei had walked over from their friend’s place.

Alexei studies in NYU and Grace is a graduate of Fordham, so they know the place pretty well.
Since it was late at night only a few places were open. The weather was cool.
Across from the Peninsula hotel is the St. Regis

Two blocks away is the Trump Tower

Trump kung Trump

One block away is the Louis Vuitton store where Yayoi Kusama recently launched her collection

Don’t worry, it’s wax

We walked over to the Apple store, which is open 24/7, 365 days a year

What can I say, it’s a man’s world

A hotdog stand

It hate Duane Reade. Each visit costs a minimum of $200, it’s not even funny.

It has crazy things. Don’t worry, I didn’t buy these weird scents

Bulutong levels (eew)

Nail “art”

I was tempted to buy one, but they don’t offer single cups

(To be continued)

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Back in the day when there was no Internet or cellphones, we read comics during weekends—everything from Archies to Tintins, to Pinoy komiks found in the pages of the newspapers.
Back in the ’80s, one of the more popular komiks was Pupung, created by a young cartoonist named Washington “Tonton” Young.
My Little Pupung started in the Tempo tabloid on December 15, 1983. It revolved around a young boy named Pupung, his family, and their congee restaurant.
The comic strip moved to the Times Journal until January 1986, when Young was fired after spoofing a radio ad for then-President Ferdinand Marcos.
Pupung later moved to the Manila Bulletin, where it appears to this day. (Wiki)

This September, SOLO celebrates Pupung through its Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia Series, which featured Larry Alcala’s Slice of Life in 2010, followed Tony Velasquez’s Kenkoy in 2011.
Tonton Young’s characters appear on SOLO his and hers graphic tees, varsity jackets, polo shirts, woven tops and dresses, men’s long sleeve shirts and shorts, necklaces, pouches, and coffee cups.

The collection will be launched along with SOLO’s Online Model Search, now on its 4th year.
Interested parties must complete an entry form and submit their creative photo entries wearing any apparel from the Pupung x SOLO collection.
Contest and voting period starts September 1 until November 30, 2012. Grand Winners will receive cash prizes, gift certificates, and a chance to appear in SOLO ad campaigns in 2013.
To know more go to http://www.facebook.com/mySoloOnline or http://www.solo.com.ph.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

COTTON ON, the Australian retail brand known for affordable, fast fashion opens September 7, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia.
Founded in Geelong, Australia in 1991, COTTON ON has over 800 stores worldwide operating in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Germany, South Africa and the United States.

Now COTTON ON comes to Manila via BENCH.
Be there as the store opens next Friday and enjoy these perks:

• Cotton On Php 500 discount coupon
Line up for the opening between 10:00-10:30 AM and get a Php 500 discount coupon you can use with a minimum purchase of P1,000 on regular items.

• Cotton On giveaway
Get a free Cotton On badge with every purchase. Or a Cotton On mug and badge for every Php 2,000 single receipt transaction.

• 10% discount for Bench Lifestyle cardholders
Present your Bench Lifestyle Card upon payment of regular priced items to enjoy a 10% discount.

• 25% discount for Bench Mastcard holders
Use your Bench MasterCard to avail of a 25% discount and earn 2x reward points. Valid for single receipt minimum purchase of Php 1,000 on regular items.

To know more, follow: https://twitter.com/cottononph
Like: https://www.facebook.com/CottonOnPh

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Watch as a Dutch dude takes revenge on his “little” brother for messing with his Facebook page—by turning the culprit’s room into a teenage girl’s boudoir.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

I dropped by the headquarters of Rogue magazine before leaving for New York.
I love seeing cool work spaces, even more when there are cool people working there.
I worked in the newsroom of Daily Globe back in the ’90s. The office was on Shaw Boulevard. I have lots of good memories there, though the office didn’t look anything like this.

I love old staircases

This is the first thing I saw.

I love the old rug against the concrete floor

Paolo Reyes is the Editor-In-Chief. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Louis Vuitton junket in Bangkok earlier this year. Over dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Paolo mentioned a story they wanted to do at Rogue and asked if I were willing to go on the record and be interviewed.

Here’s the busy main area.

In one corner are some coño problems—just kidding

And around it are a few personal office spaces

I like this room, it makes me sleepy though

Just before I left I saw the happy couple Mark Nicdao and Pia Zaragoza, who is visiting from Paris.

Mark Nicdao shot this month’s cover, which should be out in magazine stands this week. Buy it before it gets sold out.
If you thought the Birkin scammer was juicy, you would not want to miss this!

For those overseas, the September issue of Rogue will also be available for download at Zinio.com. Watch for it!

http://www.rogue.ph

(To be continued)

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Sometime last December or January, I was asked if I were willing to be interviewed for an article Jenna Sauers was writing about someone I used to know.
It was during the holidays and I couldn’t be bothered to go on Skype and put it together. Truthfully I just wanted him—the problem to go away—sort of like Bernie Madoff or the Birkin scammer who has fled to Texas.

When Jenna’s article came out in the New York Observer, I was disappointed that her article lacked many important facts, and I regretted the missed opportunity to say something.
So when fate brought me to Bangkok last April and I met Paolo Reyes of Rogue magazine, he talked about a profile they were doing on a certain blogger I used to know. He asked if I were willing to go on the record and help them put the story together. And with that I said yes. No more missed opportunity.

Now that the magazine is out, his friends/fans/supporters are asking why now? Why can’t I just move on?
How to move on when this creature and his sidekick continue to attack me online (parinig on Twitter) or anonymously in forums.
I am tired when people just assume I am jealous of him and his achievements.
I am baffled when I see that someone so evil can be acclaimed even by the same people he has tried to ruin on his evil blogs.
I am baffled with the short memory and that people don’t seem to mind that he got where he is by ruining lives—and by accumulating numerous credit card accounts.

To be jealous would be to assume that I want his life of traveling around the world, siting in the front row of fashion shows, being photographed and featured in magazines, going to all kinds of events, and spending like money grows on trees.
Fashion used to fascinate me when I was younger. But when I became a mom, my life changed, my goals changed. Even my weight changed.
My close friends will all tell you I would rather stay home in my sweats and with my boys.

The past two days have been crazy ever since the magazine was released in print and on Zinio.com.
I had a three-hour lunch yesterday with Fr. Allen of Calaruega, who gave me spiritual guidance and I am grateful for the friends and their moms who are praying for me through this difficult time, because to talk about the past is to relive the the nightmare and the firsthand experience of knowing what this evil person is capable of.

So yes I will move on. I can now move on because I have said my piece. And if people still choose to worship him, then we probably can’t be friends because our values are different and your motives will always baffle me.

P.S. Before Rogue went to publish, it was read through by their lawyers while I have my own lawyers on backup.
I am very sorry if there were other people I mentioned as a matter of storytelling. I have no ill feelings or any intention to confront or hurt any of them. I wasn’t able to see the final draft as I had to leave for New York with my mom.
You are victims too and you know who you are. I hope we can still be friendly.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

May I also suggest:
1) prayer
2) comfort food
3) watching your favorite TV shows
4) massage
5) hugging your kids
6) ice cream
7) mango shake
8) sleep
9) laughing with friends
10) a blowdry
11) online shopping
12) a trip/going away
13) solitude
14) a good cry
15) talking to a priest
16) charity

And you?

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics proudly announces its partnership with Katie Holmes as the brand’s first-ever celebrity face.
“Katie Holmes epitomizes the modern ‘Bobbi woman.’ I think of her as the modern day Ali McGraw, whom I have always admired,” says Bobbi Brown.
“Katie is a classic natural beauty, entrepreneur, and mother. When I met her, I thought she was a natural fit for my brand, and felt an instant connection with her because we have so much in common.”

“Bobbi Brown is exceptional. Sometimes it is just a lipstick or blush that makes you feel like you can do what you need to do. Makeup is powerful and I am thrilled to be a part of this brand,” said Holmes.

In spring 2013, Katie Holmes will appear in print ads, light boxes, on-counter and supporting editorial features. Additionally, Bobbi will be the lead makeup artist at the Spring/Summer 2013 Holmes & Yang Fashion Show, the eponymous line founded by Katie Holmes and celebrity stylist Jeanne Yang.

“This is a very exciting time for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and we are thrilled to be embarking on this new partnership with Katie, whose influence spans the globe,” says Maureen Case, President of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics.
“We are confident that this partnership will raise the brand’s profile with strong, smart, powerful women, while also introducing the brand and its compelling ethos to new consumers.”

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

To celebrate more than 80 years of quality craftsmanship, Florentine label Salvatore Ferragamo brings to Manila a replica of its iconic wedge—one of the most famous fashion inventions of the 1930s.
The memorabilia will be on display at the Greenbelt 4 Lobby for the whole month of September.

The cork wedge, which has become the most recognizable Ferragamo symbol, has generated a number of new models over the years. “I started working with bits of Sardinian cork,” wrote Salvatore, “pressing it, gluing it, fixing and finishing it till the space between sole and heel was filled up.”
The Duchessa Visconti di Modrone had the honor of owning the first pair. Within a few weeks it became Ferragamo’s most popular shoe. This wedge inspired Ferragamo to create many variants of the shoe by playing around with its platform and heel.

Since the 1920’s Salvatore Ferragamo has been an international leader in women’s footwear design and production due to its fine craftsmanship. Get a chance to appreciate and understand how the shoes are made through a live demonstration by an Italian craftsman in the Salvatore Ferragamo store at Greenbelt 4.
In the Philippines, Salvatore Ferragamo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) with stores at Rockwell, Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Makati, Alabang Town Center and Rustan’s Ayala Cebu.

http://www.ferragamo.com/

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Director Marie Jamora’s Ang Nawawala enjoyed a successful run during this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival, with sold-out screenings and two prizes: Best Original Musical Score for composers Mikey Amistoso, Diego Mapa, and Jazz Nicolas; and Audience Choice (New Breed), an award determined by votes from the Cinemalaya audience.
No mean feat, considering this was the best-attended Cinemalaya yet, with a 12% increase in viewership over last year.

The MTRCB has given the film a classification of R13.
Finally, this September 12, 2012, Ang Nawawala will begin its commercial run in selected theaters for one week only:

• SM Mall Of Asia, SM City North Edsa, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, SM City Bacoor, SM City Cebu, SM City Iloilo, SM City Pampanga
• Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Metro East, Robinsons Place Bacolod
• Eastwood Mall, Festival Supermall, Newport Cinemas (at Resorts World), Lucky Chinatown Mall
• GMall Davao and GMall Cagayan De Oro

Producers are currently in talks with Ayala Cinemas and Greenhills Theatre.
Full details regarding the much-awaited soundtrack will be revealed on September 12. Two more music videos will also be released.

Ang Nawawala stars Dominic Roco, Felix Roco, Dawn Zulueta, Boboy Garrovillo, Annicka Dolonius, Alchris Galura, Mercedes Cabral, Kelvin Yu, Sabrina Man, Marc Abaya, and Jenny Jamora.

To know more, go to http://angnawawala.com

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

These past few days have been crazy ever since the “issue” came out.
My phone has been off the hook. I’ve been trying to keep myself sane and occupied, trying not to go online so much—hence the lack of entries.
I’ve been going to the mall buying odds and ends, organizing the house, spring cleaning. I took a walk in our village and visited some neighbors. I talked to a priest and became a godmother for the nth time on September 8.
I’ve been having brunch, dinner, merienda, and late night talks with friends. But what I’ve been thinking about these last two days is really to get out, away from here, take off from work, and be unplugged.
Something like this.

And what about you? Do you want to get away and where?

http://www.getoutmore.ph/

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Esquire Philippines‘ Travel Issue takes on a distinctive slant—not so much on destinations, but rather the experience of getting there, wherever that is.
“You must give yourself fully to the experience, take the long road, so to speak – and not always with any particular destination in mind,” says Editor-in-Chief Erwin Romulo.
“You must allow yourself to wander. In fact, you should make it a point to get lost.”
Headlining this month’s issue is one of the country’s most well-known yet enigmatic businessmen and president of San Miguel Corporation, Ramon Ang, as he talks about amassing wealth, managing people, and expanding the business without fear.

Found in this issue is a guide to the best places on earth and a manual to a stylish life, complete with the skills, tips, and knowledge every man needs to look and be at his best when you’re out to see the world.
Esquire contributing editor Celine Lopez tells us what makes Amanpulo a really special place, beyond its celebrity-soaked shores. “Everything in this well-groomed island just works. The neon blue water, the blinding white sand, the coral dappled sunsets, the long sunny days and the cool evenings all make any honeymoon or family trip memorable,” she writes.
Plus, food and drinks editor Erwan Heussaff pens an article on how to drink like you know what you’re doing—whether in Paris, London, Bangkok, New York, or Hong Kong.
Also featured in September’s Woman We Love is Kelly Misa, the brief history of Martial Law and the rise of sex flicks during its time, Esquire’s 2012 Car Awards, and more.

The September issue of Esquire Philippines is available in newsstands and bookstores nationwide at Php 195.
To know more, go to http://www.esquiremagazine.ph/
Like: http://www.facebook.com/EsquirePH
Follow: https://twitter.com/EsquirePH

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Fans of modern Japanese design, do not miss this!
On November 24, 2012, Japan Foundation Manila in cooperation with the Yuchengco Museum will host Japanese artist and designer, Ms. Hiroko Takahashi, in a one-day lecture at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati.
The lecture is part of Yuchengco Museum’s “Design as Art” theme under their 2012 Culture and Development Program.
The lecture will start at 10 AM, followed by a short workshop on origami.

TAKAHASHI Hiroko (born 1977) is a Fashion Design Major graduate of the Saitama Prefecture Niiza Comprehensive Technical High School. She studied dyeing at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, where she finished her masters in 2002.

In 2003, she re-enrolled in the university for her doctorate and worked as an artist at The Cité Internationale des Arts upon the invitation of the AFAA of French Ministries of Foreign Affairs in 2005.
After successfully holding two exhibitions in Paris, she returned to Japan in 2006 to establish her original brand, HIROCOLEDGE.
In March 2008, Hiroko received her Doctorate in Fine Arts.

The signature feature of Takahashi’s HIROCOLEDGE is its eye-catching, graphical patterns composed only of dots and straight lines. Using various materials and techniques like chusen (the Japanese traditional dyeing method), Takahashi’s patterns are expressed on the traditional form of Japanese clothing such as kimono, obi sashes, yukata, tenugui, T-shirts and other items. She has also collaborated with artisans and craftsmen to create new product designs for lamps and other home furnishings.

Hiroko Takahashi’s lecture will focus on the use of modern product design principles in traditional Japanese crafts.
Entrance fee: Php 100.
For inquiries, contact Japan Foundation Manila at (02) 811~6155 to 58 or email@jfmo.org.ph. Or the Yuchengco Museum at (02) 889~1234 or info@yuchengcomuseum.org.
The Yuchengco Museum is at the RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City.

To know more about the artist, go to http://takahashihiroko.com/.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

What impeccable timing!
New York-based Filipino writer Alex Gilvarry, author of From the Memoirs of a Non-Enemy Combatant, is coming to Manila for a talk and book signing on September 15, 2012, 4PM at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4.

Photo: Erik Jacobs

His debut novel received positive reviews from The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Glamour Magazine among others. It tells the story of Boyet, a fashion graduate in the Philippines. He is full of dreams when he arrives in New York in 2002 but on the brink of fame and fortune, the flamboyant ex-Catholic is swept to America’s most notorious prison and locked away indefinitely to discover his link to a terrorist plot.

Gilvarry is the founding editor of the Tottenville Review, a book review collaborative website, and has written for National Public Radio’s All Things Considered, Vogue, The Paris Review and other publications.
He has been named a Norman Mailer Fellow.

To know more, go to http://alexgilvarry.com/

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

In line with its latest campaign “A Colorful Life,” BAYO’s new collection features an explosion of colors—from vibrant hues to powdery pastels. The collection is now available in all Bayo stores. What’s your favorite?

http://www.bayo.com.ph/

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

This Wednesday at 10 PM Manila time, watch Michael Kors Spring 2013 live on Chuvaness.com.
Beginning 10 AM EST (New York time) on Wednesday, September 12th, fans worldwide will be able to watch the Michael Kors Spring 2013 show live, with exclusive views from multiple vantage points.
A specialized microsite will also allow viewers to engage in live Facebook and Twitter chats through embedded feeds using the @michaelkors handle and hashtag #AllAcessKors.
Fans will also be able to share content on their own social channels.
ALL ACCESS KORS content will be shared on Michael Kors’ digital content site, DESTINATION KORS, as well as the brand’s social platforms.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

This 2012, Plato Wraps celebrates 11 years of hot, fresh, filling meals on the go.
If you’re looking for a quick filler-upper, Plato Wraps recommends their best-selling Chunky Chicken—premium, chicken breast chunks in special dressing and cucumber slices.

Their latest take on a Greek classic—the Beef Gyro—is a hefty portion of lean beef, seasoned and marinated with their own blend of spices, cucumber slices, and secret sauce.
Drop by any of their carts around the metro, and you’ll find these new gyros right along with their time-tested classics.

Started in 2001 by Tony and Kamela Seen, Plato Wraps now operates over 50 food carts nationwide, along with five bakeries and two restaurants in Pangasinan. They take pride in baking their own wraps daily.
After establishing their first branch at SM Megamall in 2002, Plato Wraps has franchised their food cart operations to places like Naga, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod, and soon at SM Baguio and SM San Fernando.
Aside from opening at the Powerplant Mall Cinema last August, Plato Wraps says they’re launching a brand new concept in Manila very soon!

What’s your favorite Plato Wrap?
To get the latest updates, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @PlatoWraps.
For delivery call City Delivery at 87878!

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It all started when I saw this Fuck “Goyard” bag by Undercoverism.

I just had to have it and went to the Japanese version of Johnny Air Cargo to look for it. You register at this site, search for any item popular in Japan (anything from Comme des Garçons to yakiniku grills), pay for it, and From Japan will ship it to your country at a minimal cost.
They’re so fast. After less than a week I received my notice of receipt from the EMS claims at Philpost.
I sent my driver to Pasay with the signed claim card, my ID plus Php 3,000 (wild guess on my part) and hoped for the best.
After five hours he came back empty handed, except for these two papers

An official print out from Japan and a scribble from the Philippine post office said I was being charged PHp 7,577 for a bag that cost ¥41,895 including shipping.
Luckily Commissioner of Customs @ruffybiazon is just a tweet away and I asked his opinion.
He was surprised that I received an unofficial scribble from the post office and said I should get an official form and receipt.
As for the taxes, I was in doubt, but found this useful online calculator at this site and came up with this rough estimate

I decided to swallow the cost and send my driver back with Php 8,000 and the papers. Three hours later he came back with this box and some change.

Inside, my gorgeous Fuck “Goyard” bag

I also got an official receipt. So all is well.
Here are the sites you need to know:
To order from Japan and have them shipped safely and fast, go to: http://www.fromjapan.co.jp/.
To calculate how much tax you can expect to pay here, go to this blog.
To see the Undercoverism collection, click here.
Follow @ruffybiazon on Twitter.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

In line with Rustan’s ongoing Spanish festival, NECK & NECK opened its first store in Asia in partnership with Rustan’s.
Known as one of the leading brands in children’s fashion, Neck & Neck is now present in 12 countries.

The opening event was led by Rustan’s Executive Vice President Anton Huang and his wife Nina, with Neck & Neck owners Maria and Eduardo Zamacula.

Neck & Neck’s latest collection was featured in a kiddie runway show.
Popular trends for the season are poplins and oxfords for all-in-ones and shirts, twills for skirts, and Bermuda trousers.

Neck & Neck also launched a new sports line for children called NECK & NECK SPORT, available in stores and online at http://www.neckandneck.com.

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

Last call to get pieces of Undercover’s final collection with Uniqlo at SM Mall of Asia!
I’ve loved Jun Takahashi of Undercover since the early ’90s. Mostly a men’s store, I used to visit his shop in Harajuku many years ago and never got a thing.
Recently I got this “F*ck Goyard” bag from his Undercoverism collection.
This Fall/Winter 2012, Jun Takahashi focuses on a family theme with a line-up of apparel for women, men and children.

Thecollection includes close to 100 items for men, women and children, and brings together Undercover’s unique design aesthetic with UNIQLO’s high-performance fabrics.
The lineup offers a color palette of wine, olive, gray and black, whereas the children’s items are available in a mixture of bright colors such as pink, red and yellow and darker tones such as wine and blue.

http://www.undercover.uniqlo.com/ph/

Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.