“Adam Levine is crazy ass hot. I mean CRAZY ASS HOT! I don’t know a single woman in this country that does not want to have this done to her by Adam.” — Candifier

Uhm…confession time: I did not know Adam Levine until Ginggay texted me this secret invite last week. He could be sitting next to me on a plane and I wouldn’t know who he is.

Wasn’t sure I could make it. But Rem came over to visit while I was cleaning my study room. She went through a pile of magazines I was getting rid of, including this one I bought at JFK airport.

I actually bought it for Grace, but when I looked inside I got bored.
So Rem grabs the magazine and zeroes in on Adam Levine and starts gushing. I asked her to explain and she says he’s the front man of Maroon 5 and she’s flying to Singapore to watch because tickets got sold out in Manila.
I told her in secret that BENCH got him as their newest endorser and showed her the secret invite.
Next I heard this deafening hyena in my ear. My eardrums nearly DIED. I covered my ears and asked the maid to please get rid of her, but Rem couldn’t get a hold of herself. So I texted Lawrence of Bench and asked if I could take her to the media event. Lawrence said yes.

When news of Adam Levine for BENCH trended on Twitter, many people started asking if I had access. Luckily Bench gave me 10 meet and greet passes at SMX, which I gave out to 5 Twitter followers (2 tickets each).
Then yesterday I asked my kids if they knew Adam Levine. The boys were impressed when I said I was going to see him at The Peninsula. They took out their iPads and played his songs for me. That was my sign that Adam Levine is indeed *duh* famous.
Fast forward to Salon de Ning earlier this evening. Rem she wore heels and got a home blowdry care of Lorie.

Raymond Gutierrez hosted and warmed up the crowd

He spoke to Bench CEO Ben Chan, who was proud to announce Adam Levine as their newest endorser

Then Adam Levine came out

Rem, who follows his tweets said Adam and the band arrived today in Manila.
I heard he had a photo shoot with Mark Nicdao and had one-on-one interviews with media. (I declined because I knew nothing about him prior to this day.)
Oh, I actually found out I know at least one song by Maroon 5.

Raymond did a good interview although Adam seemed a bit tired given his full schedule.
I thought his candidness was refreshing. Wish I could’ve video’ed the whole interview, but I wanted to enjoy looking at him instead of an LCD screen.

So now I know who Adam Levine is, and thanks to Bench for hosting a great launch.

http://www.bench.com.ph/

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

Mich Dulce wrote a great article on haters after having met the notorious Dutch artist Tinkebell in Malate.

On our way to dinner at Café Adriatico, Mich was happily fighting off Charice diehards on Twitter after she made a comment on Charice’s outfit and crimped/bleached hair.
“I love haters!” Mich laughed in the car as she retweeted the haters’ funny tweets.
Meanwhile, Tinkebell told us about a book she published in 2009. Dearest TINKEBELL is a collection of all the hate mail she received between 2004-2008 after making a handbag out of her own cat.

During dinner, Mich said she was used to getting hate tweets regularly. Carlos said, 7-8 times a week was normal, while Katinka gets it by the hour.
I may have been good at blocking many trolls because I seldom get hate on my feed. Yes I know they are out there, but I’d rather not look or maybe just have my lawyer look. I know very well to avoid picking on celebrities like Charice, Kim Chiu and all. I know the drill.

The thing is, everyone has haters. Even Jesus had haters. Mother Teresa had haters. Princess Diana had haters.
It’s just easier for any ordinary person to get haters now because of social media.
I bring this up because of two Instagram photos whose haters are bordering on funny.
First comes from Filipina actress Maxene Magalona, who has 153,892 Instagram followers as of this posting.
One of the prettiest actresses in the Philippines, Maxene posts random pictures of work, gifts, or even herself in doing everyday things.

What made me LOL was when she innocently posted a bag of Nestlé Buncha Crunch and hatred followed. See the comments below and how nicely Maxene handles it. Imagine that a bag of Nestlé Crunch can cause much anger to others.

• maxenemagalona For brunch! Hehehe
• piamialoves Nanibago ako s shot ni @maxenemagalona hindi ata pinagyabang ung tattoo nya lol
• ajsurjani Pakelamera ka @piamialoves! E ano naman sayo kung ipagyabang ni @maxenemagalona tatts nya? Inggitera!
• piamialoves @ajsurjani mas pakelemera ka bitch!
• ajsurjani Woo! Hater ka kasi! Hahaha. Comment ka lang para manlait? Haha perfect ka e no? Hahaha. Mas bitch ka sa mga comment mo no! Hahaha get a life dumb ass! @piamialoves
• _fais @ajsurjani @piamialoves for god sakes..pagtalunan ba ang picture na’to…pare pareho taung mga filipino tapos ito nagbabangayan sa maliit n bagay. Magsorry nga kayo sa isa’t isa.
• ajsurjani Kung makalait kasi yan kala mo perfect. Kung fan ka di ka dapat ganyan. Kung hater ka wag ka dito magkalat ng lagim para wala kang makaaway. Diba @_fais
• reignche Tama ka @_fais pare pareho lang tayo kumakain ng bigas ! Peace hehehe
• nomerdapilosoper @_fais , @piamialoves , @ajsurjani … Buti kayo yan Lang pinoproblema niyo, pasalamat kayonalakain kayo niyan think about for those people doesn’t have even 1 kg of rice inside the house… Nahihirap na nga pilipinas pasosyal pa din kayo.. E gamitin nio ang paging sosyal nio sa pagtulong sa tao e di good example pa kau.. Gamitin ang pagyayabang sa pagtulong… It make sense ). Aight!!
• dx2r_ae77 Hindi naman nila kasalanan kung nakakain sila ng ganyan. Siguro naman tumutulong din sila hindi mo lang alam. Do they have to tell you everything? Think…it make sense…: )
• chuvaness Best thread ever!!
• _fais @nomerdapilosoper @piamialoves @ajsurjani hindi naman sa ito lang ang aming prinoproblema.. Nagkataon lang na ito lang napagtuonan namin ng pansin kaya naging ganun. Kagaya ngayon kami ung napagtuonan mo ng pansin, ang ibig sabihin ba nito prinoproblema mo kami? Imbes na may ibang bagay kang pinagkakaabalahan.. Ganun b un? Pero may punto rin naman ang ipinamamahagi mo, hindi ko ikakaila kung ganun nga lang ang takbo ng isip ng bawat filipino mas maigi. Ang pagbibigay ng opinion ay hindi ibig sabihin pagyayabang, ito ay reaksyon reflex lamang ng utak natin. Salamat saiyong pagpugay pansin.
• nomerdapilosoper @_fais @piamialoves @ajsurjani … Mga utak ng Filipino?? May naituro ka naba sa mga filipino.. Parang underestimate mo mga isip naming mga filipino.. I’m proud to be a pure blooded filipino.. Are you?:). Salamat sa makabululang eskplanasyon @_fais
• maxenemagalona Mahilig ako sa white rice kayo? Ano paborito niyong bigas? Hahaha
• maxenemagalona @chuvaness Right! Laugh trip. From my tattoo to bigas.

I wish I had Maxene’s sense of humor and attitude. I cannot bear arguments so I tend to block or delete negative comments for the most part, instead of defending myself.
Another one who deals with hate on a regular basis is Michelle Phan, a makeup artist I really admire because she looks like the girl next door who just happens to be very good at what she does.
I watched her start as a cult phenomenon on YouTube to becoming the L’Oreal brand ambassador she is today—all due to talent and passion. Michelle currently has 346,567 followers on Instagram.

For me, it’s normal to get excited about staying in a nice hotel and sharing it on Instagram, like Michelle did recently. However, see how a lovely hotel room can make people upset.

• michellefawn My second home in NYC @RoyaltonNYC They treat you like family as you can see I really recommend this hotel if you’re in NYC.
• emilykbabb Lawl not everybody is rich
• elena_mir No one else can afford that
• katycat065 That looks expensive.
• kohboonkiat How much
• hellokittyhelloshirley Wow ur rich..
• coral_blais Maybe if I come up with $200 a night to blow…
• msleahann @hellokittyhelloshirley She’s a millionaire.
• meetmayra What’s with all the “rich” comments? $200 a night is pretty average for a hotel in NYC. Buncha weirdos.
• meredithknoxmua @ilystephan1e @neba345 the average not scummy hotel room in manhattan is about $200, this room is about $350, you pay for quality. Please don’t judge and be rude she was just trying to make a recommendation.
• ilystephan1e @meredithknoxmua I am not being rude. My comments are based on the fact that her average subscriber can’t afford this. It’s like- thanks for the recommendation; next time my university loans, car lease, and assorted bills are paid and I have a few thousand to blow- sure. I know my stuff. The basic room at the Royalton NYC 1 person, no package (based on the pics it looks like she does have one) is $349 +tax per night, upgrading simply to a king bed and terrace is 2k/$2,000 USD per night. Call 212-869-4400 to do your research if you’d like. Don’t start instadrama with me; I’m not going to engage in drama with all the followers who will jump all over me for not blindly kisses the ground a public figure walks on just bc of their notoriety. I don’t say anything catty, and my comments are based on facts.
• meetmayra LOL so much hate. Sucks to be poor I guess.
• silentmiko Like second home? You “recommend” this place to who? Us? You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me. #unbelievable
• sdu215 MP is just sharing her experiences. The girl made a comment about the hotel as anyone should do if they love something. If you can’t afford it don’t go. I know I can’t but I wont put down someone who obviously earned their success.
• kaelauren Okay, ofcourse she recommends this to those who can afford it. And obviously u guys can’t, you don’t have to hate! Duh
• caitielicious_mua Some people work hard And can afford this!!! If you aren’t one of those people you don’t need to bash those who are…. Plain and simple
• just_joha @meetmayra agreed Most of the people that comment are kids with no jobs yet :-O
• gnosallis Why are people so damn bitter. She never said you had to go to this hotel as she never spoke down about anyone who couldn’t afford it. Calm the fuck down kids. She was obviously speaking to adults with a job……SMH.
• claudialovespink NO ONE SHOULD HATE ON HER SHE GOT HER MONEY & WORKS HARD SO SHE CAN AFFORD A NICE HOTEL WHEN YA WORK HARD LIKE HER YOU CAN AFFORD A NICE HOTEL LIKE SHE CAN!! LAZY PEOPLE WANT TO GET ANYTHING THEY WANT WITHOUT WORKING HARD FOR IT TUHH
• bellefleur__ Beautiful room / suite . When you work hard , you deserve the best ! Even if those who may not be able to afford such , never the less should you be bitter . Live a little , right ? Keep up on what you’re doing <3
• simply_vana @miyuki_jazreel oh idk for sure. I’m just assuming bc it doesn’t look like the Holiday Inn lol
• moni_fuerte In NYC everything is expensive . Don’t expect to find anything under $150 or $200 . Even the cheap looking hotels charge a lot . You people should really stop complaining . It’s not like she’s spending your money . Plus she works for her money just like everyone else . Some people make more than others .

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

As a frequent visitor to Singapore, I can’t help but notice how packed Cotton On stores are over there.
No wonder, when they go on sale, they really go on sale. Check out Cotton On prices (in Singapore dollars) during the Great Singapore Sale in 2009.

Because of their affordable prices and easy-to-wear pieces, the Australian clothing brand is very popular among Filipinos traveling or living abroad. Only a matter of time before it hit the Philippines.
Last September 5, the BENCH group invited me to preview their first Cotton On store at Mall of Asia, before they opened to the public on September 7, 2012.

Here’s what I spotted: cool tops—just flip the hangtag and see its price go down when you buy two.

Three-in-one belts for Php 399 make me wish I had a waist!

Cute, metallic iPhone wallet makes me wish I used an iPhone!

Nice men’s undies

Flipflops at Php 290 each!

The men’s section—with soft basics in cool hues

The ladies’ section for younger set. I can see my sister in these

Mall of Asia is a stretch for most of us. But this Saturday, September 22, 2012, you’ll have another reason to go to Megamall when COTTON ON opens its second store there.

Special perks on opening day:

• Cotton On Php 500 discount coupons will be given to customers who line up for the Megamall store opening between 10:00-10:30AM. The Php 500 discount may be used when purchasing a minimum of Php 1,000 in a single receipt.
• Each customer gets a free Cotton On badge
• For every Php 2,000 single-receipt transaction, customer gets a free Cotton On mug + Cotton On badge
• 10% discount for Bench Lifestyle cardholders upon purchase of regular priced items
• 25% discount for Bench MasterCard holders, plus 2x reward points. Valid for a single-receipt minimum purchase of Php 1,000 on regular items.

To know more, go to https://www.facebook.com/CottonOnPh

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

The Off Price Show this September 28-30, 2012 (Friday-Sunday) at the World Trade Center Tent is an exciting retail event that brings together a wide selection of lifestyle brands such as H&M, Bershka, IKEA, Manhattan Portage, Ray Ban, Pull & Bear, and more—for up to 80% off retail prices.

The Off-Price Show concept has been growing in the US, more recently in the UK, and now in Manila.
Shoppers can also participate in a styling competition, fashion shows, and hourly raffle draws of either Cebu Pacific Tickets, gift certificates, and hotel accommodations.
To know more, go to Facebook or follow @TheOffPriceShow

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

Richard Gere has aged well.
At the age of 63, he is still fit, obviously goes to the gym and has kept his hair intact, even though it’s all white by now. His face hasn’t really aged. He doesn’t show signs of plastic surgery or injectables (unlike Billy Crystal who looks manas). He still looks perfect in the role of a rich guy (think Pretty Woman).
In Arbritrage, he plays a troubled hedge fund magnate who wants to protect his family from a series of bad decisions he has made, which have all caught up with him at the same time.

Richard Gere as Robert Miller with his perfect family

and his chica mistress, played by Laeticia Casta

I just had to download it after seeing this trailer on AppleTV.

This movie will make you feel glad you don’t deal in millions of dollars. I swear my driver is better off than this guy.
The only thing that bugs me is the ending. If you’ve had the chance to see it, please explain.

http://www.arbitrage-film.com/

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

I love Fall because of layering and well, my hair blowdries nicely.
Too bad we don’t have Fall in the Philippines, but it’s nice to check out GAP’s Fall pieces, some of which can be applied to our weather as individual pieces, or items to take on a trip abroad.
I love GAP stylists. I’ve seen them transform basic pieces into chic outfits—like the Navy Cropped Blazer, Grey Cashmere Sweater, Grey Turtle Neck, Slim Rolled Khaki, Brown Skinny Braided Belt, Brown Leather Mary Jane Wedge

Denim Polkadot Boyfriend Shirt, Ivory Turtleneck, Indigo Sexy Boyfriend Jeans, Brown Skinny Braided Belt, Burgundy Leather Clutch, Brown Leather Mary Jane Wedge

Indigo Denim Jacket Grey Striped Oxford Shirt, Dark Brown Tailored Slim Khaki

Khaki Trench, Striped Shirt, Track Pants, Brown Braided Skinny Belt, Brown Leather Wedge

Denim Peacoat, Chambray Shirt, Navy Houndstooth Slim Cropped Pant, Brown Braided Skinny Belt, Blush Leather Wedge

Black Leather Moto Jacket, White Oxford Shirt, Stone Frey Sexy Boyfriend jeans, Burgundy Polkadot Scarf, Blue Skinny Braided Belt, Black Leather Strap Wedge

Light Green Oxford Shirt, Olive Slim Fit Jeans, Olive Canvass Belt

GAP is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists, Inc. (CCSI), a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc. and is available at SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoMa, Glorietta 4, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, Abreeza Mall in Davao, and soon at Robinsons Magnolia.

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

Frozen, paralyzed was what I felt this morning when I found my youngest son unable to breathe properly.
I had gone down at at 8AM to get some luggage for my trip tomorrow and found him in his room with his yaya.
“No school?” I asked.
Yaya Joan, a mother of one in the province, had decided not to take him to school due to a very bad cough.
I took Christian upstairs to my room played some cartoons on Apple TV. But he clung to me when I started to pack.
I carried him to my bed and found him quite weak, suffering. I had never seen him like this.

“As a rule of thumb, even if a child is burning with a fever, don’t worry as long as they are active,” says my dad.
It’s when they are “lifeless” that we need to worry.
Christian, 4, had no fever but also no energy. I worried as I listened to his rapid, noisy, short breaths.
We had given him cough syrup and a dose of Tempra as I thought he might be having a headache.
He fell asleep on my bed. When I tried to take a nap with him I felt the bed shake every time he took a breath.
I decided to call our pediatrician in Makati with no success.
I wondered if I should take him to the emergency room, which I dread, having been there too many times in the past.
Then I remembered the good doctor I had heard about from friends.

When I was a kid, my cousins, siblings and I had one common pediatrician called Dra. Zalamea, whose visits we dreaded as she pulled out needles and syringes from her old doctor’s bag. God bless her.

I’ve been a mom for 10 years now and it’s my first time to get a house visit from a pediatrician.
I was lucky because the doctor happened to be near the area when I texted.
I was surprised to see a fine-looking doctor taller than my 6-foot husband.
After examining my son and asking some question, the doctor diagnosed asthma and explained what was going on.
We sat down while he wrote out a prescription, answered my questions, then he was off to St. Lukes.

I had the driver rush to Mercury Drug and by 2PM my son had his first dose of antibiotics, plus Ventolin every hour for the next five hours to start with.
To calm my nerves I hired a night nurse who arrived at 6PM for a 12-hour shift.
The good doctor came back at night to check up on Chris who was remarkably animated and talkative compared to hours before.

I can’t tell you how grateful I am for this day, that God let this happen while I was still at home.
I wish there would be more doctors who do house visits, not just for kids. I find it such a noble profession—saving lives and removing stress from parents who get frozen in fear.
I am grateful to the friend who recommended the doctor (please don’t ask who the doctor is, I know he already has his hands full with his current patients) and the nurse connection I have, which I should share with you soon.
Such a comfort to have Filipino nurses at home, especially at night when emotions are heightened and we need to get some rest.
Get well soon, little boy.

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

The second wave of Yayoi Kusama’s collaboration with Louis Vuitton hit the stores sooner than we thought.
The first collection, which came out in Manila last July 11, 2012 highlighted the Japanese pop artist’s iconic dots on Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Lockits, Pochettes, Papillons, accessories, and more.
While the second collection features the Kusama waves printed over Louis Vuitton monogram canvas Keepalls, Papillons, Speedies and the very popular Neverfull, along with the Zippy and Insolite wallets, cosmetic pouch, small agenda, and more.
Take your pick:

Papillon Monogram Pumpkin Dots

Zippy Wallet Monogram Pumpkin Dots

Neverfull MM Monogram Waves

Keepall 55 Bandouliere Monogram Pumpkin Dots

Speedy Monogram Town

Insolite wallet in Monogram Waves

Cosmetic Pouch Monogram Pumpkin Dots

Find these and more at Louis Vuitton Greenbelt 4, Ayala Center, Makati
Tel. (632) 756-0637

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

Update: Selected SM Cinemas will be screening Give Up Tomorrow from October 3-9.
See poster below.

Hi Cecile,
My name is Mimi. I am Paco Larrañaga’s sister. Thank you so much for supporting “Give Up Tomorrow”.
I appreciate it more than you know.
We have been fighting this battle for justice for Paco for so long. Now with the documentary showing the truth of what happened 15 years ago, I hope that many more will join us fight for Paco, his co-accused and all the other innocents wrongfully convicted out there.
Right now Paco is still in prison in Spain. He is not out on parole. Since he has served 15 years of his sentence, he has been allowed on furloughs and leave, BUT he has to go back to jail after.
A few months ago, I went to see him when he was granted leave. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. It was heartbreaking to have to bring him back to prison, but we don’t take these mercies and miracles for granted.
Every night, while Paco sleeps in prison, I pray that one day soon he will be able to walk out of the prison for good—a free and vindicated man.

Yours sincerely,
Mimi Larrañaga

Paco Larrañaga in jail in Cebu

and with his parents in a momentary leave from a Spanish prison.

After doing the rounds of film festivals abroad and sponsored/private screenings in Metro Manila and Cebu, Give Up Tomorrow will be finally shown for a limited time in selected theaters.

One of the most riveting and relevant documentary features of our time—Give Up Tomorrow—by filmmakers Mike Collins and Marty Syjuco—has been screened in over 50 film festivals in more than 25 countries. It has won 15 major awards including 7 Audience Awards, 4 Human Rights Awards, and the Activism Award at Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival.
Give Up Tomorrow brings to light the circus that is the Philippine justice system, with corrupt officials, bad cops, and a hysterical media playing to an angry public out for vengeance.
But underneath it all is an intimate drama focused on the struggle of two angry, sorrowful mothers who have dedicated more than a decade to execute or save one innocent man.

http://www.pacodocu.com/

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

ENSEMBLES—known for versatile pieces that go from work to weekend—welcomes fashion designer Chris Diaz to take part in this year’s Holiday Collection, Young Designers’ Series.
Past collections have featured the works of James Reyes, Debbie Co, Louis Claparols, and sisters Choc & Yvette Religioso.

Chris Diaz, a finalist in the 2002 MEGA Young Designers Competition, has been called a “romantic” designer because of his trademark feminine frills, laces and florals.
His 17-piece collection for Ensembles includes standout dresses and blazers, flattering tops in chiffon and poplin, plus dresses and skirts rendered in lovely laces, color blocking and soft fabrics.

To see more of Ensembles by Chris Diaz Young Designers Series Holiday 2012 Collection, go to https://www.facebook.com/EnsemblesOnline

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

“There seems to be a new genre of mistress movies,” noted my friend James over dinner at Le Salon last night.
So I heard from my Hong Kong friend Jiki, that Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsey have a new movie called A Secret Affair.
And based on their mega-blockbuster No Other Woman, plus John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo’s The Mistress, I boldly predict this movie will be another hit among Manila’s masses and “socialites” alike.

“I’m surprised you didn’t notice the different cup size.” — Andi Eigenmann in A Secret Affair.

Amazing cheezeballs! That line makes me cringe and barf inside my mouth.
Eye. Can’t. Wait! And you?

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

Wait. Back up. Did Victoria Grayson die? I forget.

http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/revenge

And forget The Mistress! I just found out Scandal Season 2 is also back!
Watch:

http://beta.abc.go.com/shows/scandal

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

As a huge fan of COS, I can’t wait to see H&M’s new fashion brand & Other Stories to be launched next year.
& Other Stories will offer a wide range of women’s shoes, bags, accessories, beauty and ready-to-wear from creative ateliers in Paris and Stockholm.

Expect diversified fashion collections made with carefully selected materials, great attention to detail, and quality at an affordable price.
Lines will be diverse—ranging from masculine tailoring to feminine chic.
& Other Stories aims to design lasting wardrobe pieces within a wide price range.
The new label will launch in stores and online during Spring 2013 in selected European countries.

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

I find photographers interesting subjects, because of how they look, what they wear, and the cameras they use.
Most of them are comfortable in front of the camera as well as behind.
I was inspired to make this post after my favorite paparazzi, Magic Liwanag, tweeted this tonight:

Sometimes I wish people would take a photo of me for a change hahaha kidding

— Magic Liwanag (@magicliwanag) September 30, 2012

Luckily, Magic Liwanag is in my archives. This was Magic at a BlackBerry event in 2011.

Others in my files: Mark Nicdao at a L’Oreal event, 2008

Jujiin Samonte working at a Kira Plastinina opening, 2009

Alex van Hagen at Plain & Prints, 2011

Soon-to-be wed Ryan Vergara and Garovs Garovillo at Bleach Catastrophe, 2010

Daniel Tan at Watsons, 2010

Niña Sandejas at Al Gore/SMX, 2010

Steve Tirona at Motorola, 2007

Jo Ann Bitagcol at Healthway, 2009

Raymund Isaac at his studio, 2007

BJ Pascual at Bleach Catastrophe, 2009

Eddie Boy Escudero at Cubao X, 2008

Raymond Fortun at a wedding, 2009

Bill Cunningham in New York, 1992

and late, great Francis M at Pepper Lunch Rockwell 2008

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

Okay, I’m not a big fan of Gangnam style, but you simply cannot ignore a music video that has 326,463,467 views on YouTube after only 2.5 months from posting!
Watch Ellen and Britney Spears as they learn how to do it from the Korean master himself, Psy—

Then watch showbiz love team Julie San Jose and Elmo Magalona do the dance as audience/guests—on Ellen.

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

Due to popular demand, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila’s innovative grill room, The Fireplace, extends its Ribs Straight from the Grill offer through October 31, 2012.
Sous Chef Noel Bejasa has prepared a selection of juicy, smoked, barbecued baby back ribs for only PHP950 net, per order. Marinated overnight in original barbecue sauce, the succulent ribs are smoked over wood chips then braised to perfection.

Choose from Chef Bejasa’s four signature rib creations:
Noel’s Smoky Ribs – braised, smoked ribs with traditional barbecue sauce
The Fireplace New-Style Ribs – braised, grilled ribs with a hint of sweetness
Asian-Style Baby Back Ribs – braised, grilled ribs with a combination of hoisin and ginger sauce
Ribs with a Kick – braised, grilled ribs with jalapeno pepper and chili powder

The Fireplace is on the 5th level of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila.
For inquiries and reservations, call (+632) 247.8666 or e-mail cath.mn@hyatt.com.
Restaurant reservations can also be made online.

Be part of Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila’s new and improved Club at the Hyatt program and enjoy the Ribs Straight from the Grill offer for as much as 50% off regular price.
With an annual membership fee of PHP4,500 net, members can get exclusive discounts at the hotel’s restaurants and lounges, as well as special dining gift vouchers, accommodation, gym membership and spa services.
A supplementary card is also offered at PHP2,000 net. Other privileges include a special member’s rate on room bookings, as well as dining benefits at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide.

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

I needed a break. I also realized I hadn’t gone to Hong Kong this entire year, so I started looking for someone to go with. Luckily my sister was going for work. I had miles, and I piggybacked on her room for three nights.

We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui. Location is right across from the Holiday Inn Golden Mile and right next to a subway entrance. I love this reception area.

The first day I stayed mostly in this hotel room. The beds are incredible comfy. The carpet is clean, even under the beds (I checked).

Normal hotel features

But the bathroom is to die for!

With minimalist counter sink and lots of space

Toilet in far corner (away from the sink)

Spacious shower and bath in a semi-enclosed area

Well-designed toiletries

My sister took over the work desk, so I found out an ironing board can also be a great computer table. If I were an industrial designer, I would design a computer table based on this

It can also be a dinner table

Slept early after a cold bottle of milk. I really needed this.

(to be continued)

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

I had no plan. I just wanted to get away and not have a plan.
The second day I worked in the hotel room up to 4:30 PM, looking at hundreds of Louis Vuitton photos.
My sister had finished all her meetings and conference calls. We took the subway to Central. I took her to COS for the first time.

I love that there’s no queue for the fitting room, unlike in Europe. Maybe Hong Kong people aren’t into it?
My sister and I bought a few pieces and parted. I walked to City Super in Times Square and bought my favorite pens. Then the supermarket, where I tried this new flavor of Royce´ Mild Milk and bought three.

At Times Square, a cute Frankenweenie cemetery was set up to promote Tim Burton’s new movie.

As I grow older, I find any kind of “horror” movie stressful.

I prefer Takeshi Kaneshiro

Met up with friends for dinner at Hysan Place

L-R: James, Penny, Jiki, Kester

Then a nightcap at in Causeway Bay.

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

I actually like riding the ferry in Hong Kong because the boats are old and nostalgic. It reminds me of my Lola. I imagine she rode the same ferry many decades ago.

I prefer taking the ferry between Hong Kong and Kowloon because I have a phobia of taxi drivers. I’m really scared of taking a cab alone—doesn’t matter which country.
Unfortunately I can’t swim, so every time I get on a ferry, I sit next to a lifesaver (salvavida).
I’m always aware of the possibility of an mishap, and it doesn’t hurt to say a prayer each time we ride a public vehicle or go on a trip.
So this comes as a shock to me. I knew that Hong Kong was celebrating a national holiday with lots of fireworks. Fortunately I’m already back in Manila as I find out this horrible thing happened yesterday on the ferry.
Never thought it could happen in Hong Kong. RIP.

More

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

What do Nora Aunor and Rolando Laudico have in common?
a) The hair
b) The height
c) The Colgate endorsement

I’m just kidding! Love you Chef!!

Seriously, Chef Rolando Laudico, his wife Jackie + Jeroen and I go way back—before they opened Bistro Filipino at The Fort and way before we opened our first Pepper Lunch in Rockwell.
Check this out: Rolando and Jackie with their first baby in 2005

Rolando with Tessa Valdes at Bistro Filipino in 2006

Jeroen, J Gamboa, and Rolando at Chef’s Table, 2009

Love this couple: Rolando and Jackie Laudico catering in 2009

Through the years I never asked how Rolando started cooking. My husband Jeroen knew he wanted to be a chef since he was 9; turns out Rolando thought about it earlier at the age of 7.
Watch this:

On his Colgate endorsement, Rolando says, “Listen, I wasn’t hired because I’m a such great chef. I was hired because of my sensitive teeth!”
Ever since he was young, Rolando had problems with his teeth. His tooth sensitivity made eating and drinking difficult at times. He describes the sensation as a “sudden sharp pain that spreads like lightning from my teeth to my brain.”
As a chef, he needs to taste a lot of dishes everyday—from hot soups and sour sauces to frozen sorbets and sweet desserts.
Having sensitive teeth made his job less enjoyable. It became such a nagging problem that he asked a dentist to recommended a remedy for sensitive teeth.

Now, Chef Lau swears by Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief® toothpaste.
“It’s like the toothpaste the dentist uses in the clinic. I like the pleasant taste. I’ve been using it for a year and my teeth have become less sensitive to the point that I hardly get any painful surprises at all.”

Tooth sensitivity is a common name for Dentine Hypersensitivity. In Filipino, it is referred to as “pangingilo.”
If you’re suffering from tooth sensitivity, try the latest breakthrough from Colgate®.

Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief® provides instant relief and lasting protection against tooth sensitivity.
It has Pro-Argin™ Formula, clinically proven to effectively plug the channels to block the tooth sensitivity.
Simply massage a small amount of Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Relief® on the sensitive tooth for one minute.
With regular, twice daily use, it builds a lasting barrier that acts like a protective seal against sensitivity.

http://www.colgatesensitive.com.ph/

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