After searching for hotels in the Ginza area, I’m convinced Peninsula Tokyo is the best.
Four of us arrived at night—we almost didn’t fit in the van!

We got two connecting rooms. I immediately unpacked my stuff in the walk-in closet. That’s one of the first things I do upon entering a hotel room—I need to get organized. This is one side

The other side is where my SIL and I hung up our clothes. Guess which side is mine?

In the other room my sister started pressing her clothes and my mom’s.

This was our room

My work desk and TV—always on CNN

The bathroom that needs no further explanation

Lavazza coffee

Salad I can eat everyday

and simply the best hotel staff I’ve ever encountered—from the front desk lady who gives me the Ginza shopping map, to the front door people who make you feel at home.

Can’t wait to be back next year (wishful thinking)!

http://www.peninsula.com/Tokyo/en/

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

November 9, 2012—Remember last Friday, the day 11 vehicles collided on northbound C5?
We had a psychological evaluation at Makati Med at 3 PM.
At 2 PM, I took my 4-year-old son in the car to meet my husband at Makati Med.

On the way, we didn’t know an accident had occurred. The traffic was so massive, I told my husband to go ahead and talk to the doctor at 3 PM.
Four minutes later, my husband texts that I don’t have to go, I can just re-sched my appointment.
Meanwhile, Christian had fallen asleep in the van. Since we were already in the Fort area, I told my driver to pass by S&R to buy some odds and ends, plus a giant pizza for my friend Jude who was at Mommy’s wake.
After S&R, I told the driver to proceed to Loyola Guadalupe so I could drop by for a bit.
Traffic was still bad.

It was dark when we made it to the funeral parlor.
As I got ready to step out of the car, Christian said, “Where are we going mommy?”
“We’re gonna visit Tito Jude.”
“Is this Tito Jude’s house.”
“No, baby. He’s just visiting his mommy here for a few days.”

I took Christian to the second floor where Jude’s mother lay in state.
As I have Jude the pizza box, I told Christian to kiss Tito Jude.
Then Christian says, “What’s that?” pointing to the white coffin.

“Lola is sleeping,” Jude said.
“I want to see!” Christian insisted. So Jude carried him up to view the casket.
“See, Lola is sleeping.”
“No she’s not,” Christian said. “She’s DEAD.”

My jaw dropped as I heard about the incident, while Jude couldn’t help but laugh.
P.S. Thanks to everyone who tried to contact Chary Lagdameo whom I mentioned in a past entry.
She was informed of Mommy’s death and was able to visit the wake.

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

Pepper Lunch introduces a wide variety of new dishes to its Grand Menu—from Japanese Curry meals to Cream Sauce of Tomato Sauce pasta dishes, and delicious tender Chicken Aglio Olio Pasta.

We’ve also added our best-selling Garlic Beef Pepper Rice promo item to the main menu.
Think thinly sliced beef, marinated in fresh garlic, herbs and spices, mixed with garlic chips and corn on rice.

And for those with healthy appetites, all Pepper Rice dishes are now available in two larger portions:
UPSIZED is +20% more meat +20% more corn + 10% more rice
JUMBO is +40% more meat +20% more corn + 20% more rice

Follow: @PepperPhil
Like: https://www.facebook.com/pepperlunchphil

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

Do you have a recurring dream that keeps playing itself when you sleep?
I have one about a wasteland in Japan. I’ve been dreaming about it for more than 10 years and it goes like this:

A wasteland is what I call stores packed with cute, colorful items, usually made in Japan.
In my dream I’m in Tokyo looking for the wasteland. I’ve been to the wasteland a couple of times in my dreams, and I’m looking for it and I can’t find it. It frustrates me that I have to find it before I wake up.
In my dream, the wasteland is full of colorful stationery and is nearby the hotel we are staying in.
It is also near an old restaurant that serves delicious steak and is located near a train station and amusement park.

That is all I know, and you know dreams don’t make sense when you tell it to someone else.
Many years ago I thought the wasteland might be in Sogo, Hong Kong.

So each time I went to Hong Kong, I had to go there, no matter how packed my schedule was.
Unfortunately the wasteland in Sogo was renovated and it is no longer interesting.
I have searched for the wasteland in Singapore (Takashimaya)

Bangkok (Loft)

and even in Utrecht (Paperchase)

But hands down, Tokyo is wasteland central, starting with Hakuhinkan in Ginza

and Kiddyland in Harajuku. Just leave me here for two hours and I’ll be fine!

Recently I discovered Loft in Marunouchi—so much space!

and Tokyu Hands is pure heaven!!

In my heart the true wasteland is called Etoile in Bakurocho, but it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to go there because it is a wholesale membership club.

I know the pictures don’t say much, but for me it’s the happiest place on earth.
There is never enough time in Tokyo. Never enough money and never enough baggage allowance.
So frustrating!

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

Have you ever felt the presence of someone who has just passed away?
Funny how Jude and I were just talking about Mommy. Today is the 9th day after her passing.
Jude said Mommy has a funny way of saying hello. He has smelled her perfume on two occasions, a perfume given by me.
And just now, while cleaning my desk, I found this note underneath my pile of press releases (which I have to work on!).

I like to think that she meant for me to find this today, after all, it is dated “today.”
I immediately called Jude to tell him Mommy is indeed funny, and it made him laugh.
So thank you Mommy. You did tell me your name, I just wasn’t paying attention.

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

History lovers, don’t miss the biggest TV event of the year, as Mankind: The Story Of All Of Us, premieres tonight, November 14, 9 PM on HISTORY™.
Acclaimed actor and Oscar nominee Josh Brolin narrates the English language version of the epic, six-part series.

Over two years in the making, Mandkind is one of the most in-depth television series ever produced by HISTORY.
It will be the first TV series to look at the history of the human race through the ages, in a highly ambitious way with the scale of its cinematic vision.
Jaw-dropping CGI technology and dramatic reconstructions of the most critical events in human history will leave viewers spellbound to the compelling story of our race.

In every episode, the path of Mankind’s progress will be unlocked through a set of mysterious keys.
These will range from the first tools to the construction of the pyramids, to the birth of agriculture and the revolutions in military technology.

Through geology, astronomy, meteorology, and physics, the series delves into the forces of nature, exploring human’s ability to harness these immense natural powers through engineering, science and innovation to assure their survival. Remarkably, Mankind’s path is guided by events that stretch back, not hundreds, but thousands, even millions of years.

Watch Mankind every Wednesday night at 9 PM on HISTORY™.
To know more, go to http://www.historyasia.com
Like: http://www.facebook.com/HistoryAsiaTV

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

Whatever is lacking in Manila, Hong Kong makes up for it.
We’re lucky that it’s only 1.5 hours away.
I do apologize for the lack of entries. Hong Kong is probably the only city where I can’t feel my legs after a day of shopping/walking. That’s because you can still buy something even though it’s 11 PM in Causeway Bay!

Jeroen and I left the house at 8:30 AM for an 11 AM Cathay Pacific flight.
The new business class seats are okay. I was happy to charge my gadgets during the flight.

But I prefer the old fishbone layout. I find it easier to sleep there.
Here’s the old business class

And the new business class

I heard that many passengers complained about feeling cramped in the old fishbone layout, while I personally like the feeling of being enclosed in a cocoon.
The bad news is: my fear of flying is back. It’s back with the full-blown anxiety when turbulence happens.
Good thing Hong Kong is only 1.5 hours away. I can’t say it enough.

We checked in the W Hotel because it’s right next to H&M at the Elements Mall.

We used to love this hotel, but it’s gotten old. Our bathroom showed corners with mildew, a defective bathtub drain, and a toilet stall that constantly needed air and odor management.
Tired, I took a delicious nap and wanted to stay in. But Jeroen and I had to step out for dinner.
We walked to the mall and ate in a place called Dondonya.
Jeroen had the curry katsu

and I had the beef wagyu bowl, which I was too hungry to photograph.
We did a little shopping at Kurachika (Porter store)

before checking out the queue for the Maison Martin Margiela with H&M opening at 8 AM the following day.
At 10:30 PM there were already a few brave souls in line.

I decided to get some sleep and ready to wake up at 5 AM, to be in line by 6 AM.

(To be continued)

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

I learned about Martin Margiela as a fashion student 20 years ago, when a Swedish friend, who was working at IF in Soho, started raving about the new Belgian designer.
At that time, the majority of my wardrobe was Xuly Bët and Margiela.
Don’t laugh, here’s a rare picture of me wearing Martin Margiela in Parsons back in the day.

Washed hundreds of times, the shirt’s still with me—and it fits!
I kind of lost interest in Margiela after he sold to Diesel, but this recent H&M collab got me interested again. I just had to fly to Hong Kong and be there.
While not all countries were hot for the collaboration, a good amount of fans lined up the night before to be the among the first to get the goods.
Take a look at photos I grabbed from Instagram showing which cities had the most intense fans.

I took this photo in Hong Kong at H&M Elements Mall around 10:30 PM the night before. There were 30 people in line with their books, food, mats and tablets.

Brian del Rosario spotted a brilliant customer who brought a tent in Singapore?

Not sure what happened in Osaka. This doesn’t look good.

Copenhagen was probably a good place to be (along with Los Angeles, Shanghai and Zürich, from what I’ve heard)

Inside a Calgary mall looks like a good place to camp out—I’m sure they had a clean restroom to use.

Camping out in London (take note: mostly Asians)

and Kuala Lumpur

Waiting in Milan

and New York

More Asians in Austin TX

More queueing in Barcelona

Brussels

and Margiela’s hometown, Antwerp.

(To be continued)

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

I figured Hong Kong was the easiest place to fly to for Margiela with H&M.
First of all, no visa required. Second, only 1.5 hours by plane.
I found out from Cher Chui of H&M that four Hong Kong stores would be stocking the collection:

From there I chose a store nearest to a hotel.
I decided to queue at H&M Elements since it is next to the W Hotel.
I have stayed at the Langham Place in Mongkok and while the hotel is OK, I find the area a bit secluded.
I didn’t realize the Ritz-Carlton was right next door to H&M Elements! I should’ve stayed there instead!
It looks lovely. As in this entrance

was literally a few yards away from this queue!

On November 15th, Margiela day, I don’t remember what time I got out of bed. It was awfully dark and I was a zombie.
I showered but didn’t wash my hair. I figured all the people who had stayed overnight to queue wouldn’t notice.
Plus I was afraid to be late.
I ended up in queue around 6:30 AM and found my place among the locals, some of who had been there for maybe 10 hours.
I knew that only the first 280 people would be given shopping passes, in the form of color-coded bands.
I counted the people in line and was relieved I was among the first 200.

Weather was good. I took out my copy of YES! magazine and sat on its plastic cover. I had my baon of gluten-free brownie and bottled water.
A few people tried to cut the line (read: make singit) but there were six cops watching. I don’t understand Chinese, but some of them were allowed and some were not.
I felt bad as I watched a chic Chinese lady arrive in a taxi at 6:30 AM with a bag of McDonald’s takeaway, which she handed to her smiling Asian maid (Filipino?) who had been waiting overnight.
Around 7 AM, some H&M staff came out and handed out fliers with a color-coded schedule, like this

Then all of us got a colored tyvek wristband. I got pink, which meant I could come back and shop for only 10 minutes at 9:50 AM.

With more than two hours to go, I went back to the hotel room where I found Jeroen still in bed. I excitedly told him about the events downstairs.
Jeroen got up and ended up hiking for five hours on the other side of Hong Kong, while I passed time fixing the room and studying the catalogue for which pieces to grab.

I ended up falling asleep at 9 AM—very briefly—before going down again at 9:30 AM.
When I got there, the pink bands were already in line. After 15 minutes, 20 of us were allowed in the second level of the store where a section was dedicated to the special collab.
In ten minutes I grabbed about 10 pieces and went down to the fitting room to try them on. I ended up buying five pieces and was done by 10:30 AM.

I went back to the hotel room to wash my hair, then I went down to the I.T store to see the real Margielas—where one piece costs more than five pieces bought from H&M.
From W Hotel I took the free shuttle to Silvercord at Canton Road and had a quick lunch before lining up again at H&M.
At 1 PM I was inside H&M Silvercord, where there was much more stock and bought more for me and my friends.
I was a happy camper. This was my loot.

After all that, I didn’t need to shop for more clothes. I ended up just buying one more Limi Feu coat at I.T.
Two days later and back in Manila, the Margiela loot is still inside my luggage. I have to take some of them to Kingsmen to chop maybe six inches at the hem as most pieces would fit a six-foot European girl.

So it’s true, the early bird catches the worm. I got everything I wanted except for one pair of faded baggy jeans and a silver candy clutch—but lucky for me, a reader in Shanghai will send me one

Was it worth it? Yes! I had so much fun just being there and lining up with the locals. But there are not many designers I would do this for. Maybe Limi Feu is one, but I doubt that H&M would tap her as not many people know the brand.

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

When I was a student in New York in the ’90s, I used to wonder why Filipinos celebrated Thanksgiving there.
It didn’t mean anything to me—the turkeys, the pilgrims, the pumpkins.
I had to ask Grace what it all meant. She told me to watch Addams Family Values and gave us a DVD.

Last year I had this big desire to celebrate Thanksgiving but didn’t know how. So we had a small dinner at home with some friends. I intend to make this year better!
I also envy Chinese who have an extra holiday to celebrate during Chinese New Year. Sometimes I want to celebrate but don’t know how. Someone please teach me the dice game!

If for whatever reason you want to celebrate Thanksgiving with turkey, you can’t go wrong with turkey by Chef J Gamboa of Cirkulo and The Commissary of Margarita Forés.

Chef J’s version is a maple-glazed roasted US turkey with sausage stuffing, giblet gravy, dried cranberry compote,
buttered French beans, and baby carrots.

Comes in two sizes:
• Small (7KG) P9,995 NET for pick up (good for 12-15 persons)
• Large (9KG) P13,995 NET for pick up (good for 16-20 Persons)

Order at Cirkulo NOW at 810-8735 and 810-2763.

• • •

Celebrate the holidays this Thanksgiving (22 November), Christmas and New Year with a special roast turkey and your choice of stuffing from The Commissary of Margarita Forés.

Choose from:
• Roast Turkey with Focaccia, Pate di Fegato, Dried Mangoes and Chestnuts (PHP 9,650)
Sides: Candied Yams, Whole Cranberry, Cranberry Jelly
• Roast Turkey with Ensaymada, Jackfruit and Jackfruit Seeds, Antipolo Cashews and Prunes (PHP 10,200)
Sides: Candied Yams, Cranberry Jelly, Fresh Langka and Pear Compote
• Roast Turkey with Rustico, Sage, Honey, Sultanas and Pata Negros (Organic Prosciutto from Negros) (PHP 11,550)
Sides: Candied Yams, Cranberry Jelly, Apple & Sultana Compote

Each turkey weighs a minimum of 5.5 to 6 kilos and serves 20-25 persons.
Order at least two days ahead. Contact Anna Lopez or Heidie Apilado at 729-0030 or (0917) 513-8945
Or email: m.commissary@gmail.com

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

Grammy-winner Chris Botti returns to Manila in a one-night Christmas concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila on December 6, 2012.

Joining the trumpeteer is American actress and singer Renee Olstead, who is best known for her work in film and television (Still Standing, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, 13 Going on 30, End of Days, Space Cowboys), as well as her musical achievements.

Botti and Olstead have worked together previously on Botti’s 2005 album To Love Again: The Duets and on the 2006 DVD Chris Botti Live with Orchestra and Special Guests.

Opening the show are Pinoy jazz legends Richard Merk and Jacqui Magno, and the prestigious Philippine Music Ensemble. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hour’s programs to aid disadvantaged Filipino youth.
Christmas With Botti is another big event by Radio High 105.9/FM, partnered with Resorts World Manila.
For tickets and inquiries, call Ticketworld at 891-9999, or go to Ticketworld.

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

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve changed careers—I’ve been a fashion designer, journalist, shopkeeper, blogger, mom. In between all of that I wished I had studied bag making instead of fashion design. Now that I’m older, I wish I had taken up interior design instead.
If I were 25 again, a dream job would be to work at yoo—the innovative design, branding and marketing company founded by Philippe Starck and international property entrepreneur John Hitchcox in 1999.

John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck at JIA Hotel, Hong Kong

Since the early ’90s I’ve been fan of Philippe Starck, having enjoyed once upon a time, New York’s Paramount Hotel

The old Royalton Hotel

and the former JIA Hong Kong

You can imagine my excitement when I found out yoo was finally doing a project in Manila, care of Century Properties.
Yesterday I was in a media event with John Hitchcox and his yoo team at Century City.
With Hitchcox were yoo head of design Mark Davison, yoo designer Anastasia Kessaris, and yoo marketing director Michelle Van Vuuren.

It would’ve been too much for me if Philippe Starck himself were there.
yoo‘s individual designers also include Marcel Wanders, Jade Jagger, Anouska Hempel and Kelly Hoppen. Together they help developer clients, such as Century Properties, compete in the residential and hotel marketplace, by providing the very best in design, branding and marketing.

yoo‘s experience spans 33 different projects in 27 countries, throughout Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Middle East.
Some of their famous projects include: J Plus Hotel in Hong Kong (formerly JIA)

Mama Shelter, Paris

yoo Pune, India

Dwell95, New York (residence of Gossip boy Chace Crawford )

and yoo Adelgade, Copenhagen

So Manila, are you ready for this?

Yesterday, Century Properties Group and yoo formally unveiled its much-awaited residential development called Acqua Iguazu.
The 1.3-billion peso development will be first residential tower in the Philippines to be interior-designed by the UK-based yoo inspired by Starck.
Location will be the fifth building to rise within Century Properties’ 2.4-hectare Acqua Private Residences project in Mandaluyong City.

Acqua Iguazu Tower is at rightmost of Acqua Private Residences

Acqua Iguazu will rise to more than 50 storeys, with approximately 400 units.
On top of the building will be a distinctive crown called Cielo, a multi-level amenity deck full of yoo inspired by Starck design.

Cielo will have a gushing waterfall and swimming pool

a Wonder bar, DJ booth, dance floor, plus indoor and outdoor library

Movie room

Function room, and dining area.

Plus, this could be the coolest lobby in Metro Manila.

For the Acqua Iguazu units, three interior design inspirations will serve as reference motifs for unit owners who wish to decorate in true yoo inspired by Starck style:

Minimal

Nature

Culture

I was able to view the Acqua Iguazu showroom in Mandaluyong and see them in person, starting with the 1 Bedroom (36.18 to 38.70 sqm) with balcony, decorated in Minimal theme. The bed looks delicious.

You can see the trademark Philippe Starck-framed flatscreen TVs against the sheer white drapes

Bathroom is very spare, with Starck fixtures

Next was the 2 Bedroom (79.40 sqm) with balcony, decorated in Nature motif

The framed flatscreen TV

Living room

and little bathroom

Here’s another 2 Bedroom rendered in Culture motif (79.40 sqm with balcony):
This was my favorite theme with the strongest Starck features (well maybe not that eagle chair)

Love the carpet

The canopy bed

and the burlesque dancer on top

This beautiful wallpaper

and the moody, Starck bathroom

You can see for yourself at the Acqua Iguazu showroom in Mandaluyong.
For viewing hours and location, call (632) 818.9041 or (0917) 5555.274.
To know more, go to http://www.acqua-iguazu.com.

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

Apple TV is one of the best gadgets I’ve bought this year. It’s a small gadget you plug into your TV.
With an iTunes account (hopefully you have one with a US address) you can pick out any movie from its vast menu and rent it for 3.99 or buy it for around $9.99 more or less.

This afternoon Jeroen and I had one of our movie dates in bed. For $3.99 or about Php 163, two of us got to watch a movie we chose at the time we wanted without having to get dressed, join the traffic and drive to a mall, spend for gas and junk food, or leave our kids at home.
Today we watched a movie we’d never heard about. We chose it on a whim and became engrossed. But after the movie I felt a certain sadness and fear.

Many of us are fascinated by how rich people live, especially those who spend money like there’s no tomorrow.
But what if these rich people were high-living beyond their means, spending money borrowed from the bank or some other means, and what if one day that money goes away?

Queen of Versailles follows the true story of David Siegel and his wife Jackie, who made lots of money selling time-share vacations all over America. At one point Siegel was worth 1.8 billion dollars.
They live with eight children, lots of pets, and Filipino nannies among their household staff.

They ride private planes, hobnob with the likes of Donatella Versace and Donald Trump, and were in the process of building the biggest house in America when the economic crisis hit them badly in 2008.
Hotels and resorts were sold, thousands of employees were laid off, and their life changed drastically.
When forced to take a commercial flight for the first time, their kids wondered what were all these people doing in their plane?
With household staff let go, they are left with a messy house, dead pets and a severely depressed man of the house.
In spite of all that, the Queen of Versailles lives in denial and cannot stop buying things they don’t need.
They realize their kids may have to go to college and make their own money (something they hadn’t planned for) and probably apply for a college loan.

Watching this will make you feel one of two things: one is relief that we are better off with less, by living simpler and within one’s means, without any debt.
The other one is fear that you can lose everything you’ve ever worked for without warning. Where will that lead you and what would you do?

To know more, go to http://www.magpictures.com/thequeenofversailles/

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

For me, a trip to Bonifacio High Street is never complete without dropping by Muji and Dimensione, which used to be just a short walk from each other.
Dimensione’s flagship store is no longer where it used to be. Now I need a car to go to its new location at One Parkade on 28th Avenue.

I dropped by recently to buy a funny stool I had seen at the I.T store in Hong Kong.

I know right. *Hatchoo!!* I couldn’t help it. This goes to the studio apartment I’m furnishing this week.
I love checking out what’s new at Dimensione. The new store has a new range of scented candles by Ines de la Fressange

The skitsch trompe l’oeil cupboards in the background

I love how this “bookshelf” cupboard

opens up to six interior shelves

These lounging armchair would be great for reading or watching a movie at home

The portable side table with removable tray comes in two colors

A selection of Oggimai clocks

The powder-coated iron bookcase or room divider

A selection of colorful Magis indoor/outdoor furniture

and most of the other things you love are at Dimensione, One Parkade, 28th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City.

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

Have you ever wondered where Celine Lopez draws her decorating ideas from?

Where Lesley Mobo sleeps?

Or how Hindy Tantoco lives?

Curious Setting—a fairly new blog by lifestyle editors Bea Ledesma and Ria Prieto—lets you inside other people’s private spaces.
“We didn’t want to approach this like a regular magazine, where everything is styled and fixed, unlike in real life,” says Ria.
“We’re interested in the way people inhabit the space, the mess and the junk, and the offbeat knickknacks,” adds Bea. “After all, that’s what makes a place yours—not some cookie-cutter layout copied off a design book.”

Bea Ledesma (L) and Ria Prieto

The site goes as far as London, covering the pristine townhouse of London-based designer Lesley Mobo, to nearby Guadalupe to the studio of 13luckymonkey, the label famed for their handcrafted, handcarved skull rings.
Other homes include the eco-friendly demesne of Hindy Weber-Tantoco who built her Laguna home from old container vans.
“We’re featuring a lot of people in fashion because that’s the world we know,” Ria explains. “But not to worry,” Bea adds, “we’re broadening our horizons.”
Ria and Bea are also known for their jewelry line NARRA.

Visit http://chuvaness.com/CuriousSetting.com

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

This one’s for my sister Ana who celebrates her 21st birthday tomorrow!
I sure hope these people had their hearts checked before entering the elevator.
Ana would love this.

Via: http://www.kalokohan.com/

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

Lechons have funny names. One of my favorite brands is Abub’s lechon, which I wrote about here.
I have yet to try Ulcing’s lechon, which someone recommended.
Most recently my friend Rhoda was raving about Pepita’s lechon, known for its different stuffings.
Rhoda specifically mentioned “stuffed with truffle rice”. Now, anything with truffle or bone marrow. pretty much seals the deal for me.
So one night Jeroen and I were invited to a lechon degustacion at the house of Pepita’s lechon. The 12-course sit-down dinner was hosted by Dedet de la Fuente, who started it all in her Magallanes home.

I thought I would walk into a buffet of all kinds of lechon. But the impatient diner in me had to wait through a few appetizers before the actual lechons were served.
We sampled German lechon, stuffed with garlic bulbs, marble potatoes, and herbs; Spanish Manileña lechon, with Spanish chorizo and crab fat paella; French lechon, stuffed with said truffle rice and Pinoy lechon, with laing rice.

I tried only the German and French lechons and loved them. Jeroen liked the Pinoy lechon with laing best. While Spanish lechon seemed to be the crowd favorite.
I served Pepita’s French lechon during dinner at home and it was wiped out in no time. I realized it was too tiny to serve for a big party. I personally think one lechon de leche is good for four-six people only (or less).
Good thing we had a larger Abub’s lechon on standby. Check out this beauty.

Pepita’s Lechon comes in one size only (small) and costs anywhere from Php 6,500-7,500.
Order at least three days in advance. If you’re having a party, I would suggest ordering more than one.

You can also arrange a degustacion dinner at Pepita’s home for a party of 15 at Php 1,500/head.
To know more, go to their Facebook page.
To order or inquire, call Dedet at (0917) 866.0662 or 425.4605.

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

It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to Ariel Lozada, who directed my first fashion show back in 1996 at Star City.
I bumped into him at the wake of our friend Jude’s mom, who passed away suddenly last November 5.

Ariel (L) and Jude at Loyla, Guadalupe

Ariel told me about the recent Lesley Mobo show he directed at the SM Mall of Arena—quite an unusual venue for a gala fashion show. Ariel said it was because in the beginning he had planned for models to come from above, but due to budget constraints, he settled for them to walk around stages set in the arena.

The benefit show had guests enjoy a dramatic candle-lit dinner by Margarita Forés, before Mobo presented his Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

I don’t normally enjoy watching full-length fashion shows, but this one is worth seeing and worth getting out of the house for. Do watch it.
Now if only more Philippine fashion shows looked like this.

Catch the first Colours Gala on TV this December featuring MOBO’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
Colours is on Channel 101 on HD and Channel 21 on SD, exclusively on Cignal.
December 1, Saturday at 7:30 pm
December 2, Sunday at 4:30 pm
December 3, Monday at Dec 9:30 pm
Repeat: December 6, Thursday and December 7, Friday, 2012

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

One Sunday while having lunch at my parents’ house, we distinctly heard the word “sh*t” coming from the kids’ playroom.
My dad rounded up the little kids at the lunch table and said, “Who said a bad word?”
The kids pointed to my son Markus, who was 7 at that time. (oopsie)

“Did you say a bad word?” Lolo asked. “Where did you learn that?”
“My mommy said a bad word!” Markus tried to justify as all eyes turned to me.
*gulp*
“Really? What did your mom say?”
“F. O. C. U. P.”

Everyone laughed out loud when they figured out what he was trying to spell.
“Why did you say that?” Dad asked.
“I was talking to McDonald’s delivery on the phone. Our food hadn’t come after two hours. I said, you f*cked up. I’m sorry, I told the kids not to copy me!”

And so Vanity Fair explains why this happens to me sometimes when confronted with bad customer service.
Not justifying, just saying I am what I am.

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

Of all the homemade desserts tried, two names stand out: Mrs. Yulo for Strawberry Shortcake and Mara de la Rama Poblete for her well-curated Dessert Du Jour selection.
This Holiday 2012, Dessert Du Jour offers its bestsellers ready for gift-giving, packaged with ribbon and tag.

Gateau de Crepes: Layers of paper-thin crepes with your choice of:
Vanilla, Php 1,200
Low-Sugar Vanilla, Php 1,300
Nutella, Php 1,300
Chocolate, Php 1,300
Pistachio, Php 1,300
12″ round serves 12-16

Flourless Truffle
Bittersweet Belgian Chocolate
9” round serves 8-­12 (Php 800)
7” mini (Php 600)

Quezo de Bola Cheesecake
With graham crust and muscovado whipped cream
9” round serves 8-­12 (Php 1,200)
7” mini (Php 800)

Salted Caramel and Chocolate Torte
Crushed shortbread with chocolate pain de genes, ganache, and salted caramel mirror
9″ round serves 10-­14 (Php 1,200)

Nutella Nutter Butter
Everyone’s childhood fantasy: Milk chocolate Nutella krispies with peanut butter bombe and chocolate mousse
9” round serves 10-­14 (Php 900)

Date and Nut Bars
A true classic with mediterranean dates, butterscotch, and crunchy walnuts
24 bars (Php 700)
8 Bars (Php 300)

Belgian Brownie Bites
The bestseller is back by popular demand!
One dozen two-­bite morsels at Php 250 per tin

Tres Leches Cake
Vanilla sponge soaked in three kinds of milk. With cinnamon whipped cream
9” round container serves 8-­10 (Php 700)

Chateau Gateau de Crepes (available in December or until supplies last)
Layers of paper-­thin French crepes filled with chestnut crème. A stellar addition to your Noche Buena table!
12” round serves 12-­16 (Php 1,400)

Order at least two days in advance. Call or text during office hours:
MARA (0917) 811.6272
SHIRLEY (0917) 803.6272
Landline (02) 806.9511

December kitchen schedule:
Monday to Friday — 7am to 8pm
Saturday — 7am to 6pm
Sunday — 7am to 2pm
December 22 and 23 — 7am to 2pm
December 24 — 7am to 2pm
December 25 to 27 — CLOSED
December 30 — 7am to 2pm
December 31 — 7am to 2pm
January 1 and 2 — CLOSED

All orders for pick up only at Unit 51, Ecology Village, Makati
(Take EDSA Gate 5 beside the Magallanes MRT station entrance on the QC lane of EDSA)

To know more, like them on Facebook.

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