I always look forward to Jeremy Scott’s limited edition collabs with French leather goods company Longchamp.
My favorite is the Gold Card my friend Victor brought back from Paris in 2008

Mark Nicdao got me the Pills, also from Paris

This is cute

I really wanted this one. Then I thought, do I really need another one?

This Spring 2013, Jeremy Scott does Leopard Flourish, his new limited-edition design in Longchamp’s Le Pliage® holdall.

Leopard spots, baroque swirls, and the unmistakable typography of the US dollar are bound together by a bold, gold color scheme. Made of fine-quality cotton canvas trimmed with dark brown cowhide leather, only 2,500 were produced worldwide.
Find them at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-la Plaza.

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

My son Ben, 11, asks the most curious questions.
When he was little he asked me, “Mommy, when you were a kid, did you use feathers to write?”

“No Ben, Mommy’s not that old. We had pens and pencils.”
Another time: “Mommy, when you were a kid, was the world black and white?”

“No Ben, some were sepia. (just kidding!!) We had color. Only TVs, movies, and pictures were black and white.”

Then one night Ben says, “Mommy, why do I feel like this happened already?”
“What happened?” I ask him.
“You and me sitting here. It happens to me sometimes. Like something that’s happening happened already.”
“Ben, that’s what they call Déjà Vu—the feeling that something already happened.”
Hard to explain.

Back in the ’80s, during one of those summers, my family was staying at the Hyatt Terraces Baguio

I was a scrawny little kid with glasses and curly hair. I remember grabbing a hairbrush, standing on the bed while facing the mirror and lipsyncing this song on the cassette player. I closed my eyes, feeling the moment.
You could say I was already a gay man at that time…

I was halfway through the song when I opened my eyes and saw a roomboy/housekeeper standing by the door and holding a stacking of towels with his mouth hanging open.
I swear to God, I wanted the earth to swallow me up like Ricky Lo interviewing Anne Hathaway.
I don’t remember what I did to get out of that situation, but I survived. And now whenever Déjà Vu comes to mind I think of a hairbrush, a bed, and a roomboy with a stack of towels….

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

And speaking of one of my recent trip, Megaworld partners with Singapore Airlines, Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI), Marriott Manila, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and some of the finest restaurants of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in Eastwood City, Newport Mall and Lucky Chinatown Mall, for its exciting Your Choice of Luxury incentive program for Three Central.

Three Central is one of Megaworld’s prime property developments in the Makati Central Business District.
The 51-story tower is located along Valero Street in the financial side of Salcedo Village. It enjoys an advantageous proximity to Ayala and Buendia avenues, as well as top corporations, institutions and multinational companies.

Those availing of Three Central’s upscale suites also can enjoy an exciting incentive program for a limited time only—until March 15, 2013.
Travel in luxury with Singapore Airlines, shop at Kenneth Cole, Calvin Klein, L’Occitane and Samsonite, and dine in the world-class restaurants of Marriott Manila and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, as well as Newport City’s Opus, Beurre Blanc, Crisostomo and Tao Yuan.

The Marriott Café

“Our partnership with these high-end brands speaks of our commitment to the true luxury we’re offering to buyers of Three Central. Our most luxurious development this side of the Makati is close to being sold out and we want to offer these gifts to the last few clients who are making the right choice,” says Eugene Lozano, head of sales and marketing, Megaworld Makati CBD.

Three Central showcases a sleek, modern architectural framework that recreates the world-famous International Financial Center (IFC) Tower in Hong Kong.
Privileged residents can enjoy topnotch amenities such as an exclusive culinary station, indoor and outdoor spas, reflexology path and meditation gardens.
It will also house a podium mall, the first and only lifestyle mall in this side of the Makati CBD.

To know more about Three Central, call (0917)887-6223, or email threecentral@megaworldcorp.com.

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

Searching for the perfect gown just became easier for Filipinas wishing to get married in Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Reem Acra, Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, or Lazaro Noir—as multi-label premium boutique, Trinity Gallery, recently opened in Singapore’s Raffles Hotel Arcade.

Founders Cecile Chen and Jessica Lee’s inspiration for the business grew out of their experience while shopping for Cecile’s bridal gown in Hong Kong.
“We wanted to provide the attentive and personalized services every bride-to-be expects when searching for the perfect gown. It is, after all, a once in a lifetime experience,” says Cecile.
“We were also surprised that some globally renowned designer bridal labels that we love, such as Oscar de la Renta, were not available in Hong Kong, considering Hong Kong is a known fashion capital,” said Jessica.

L-R: Jessica Lee, Elaine Neo and Cecile Chen

Elaine Kim completes the trinity as the new partner in Trinity Bridal Inc.
She too, had a first-hand experience of the gap in Singapore’s bridal gown market, having had to fly to Sydney to find her dream Oscar de la Renta bridal gown.
“Asian brides are more cosmopolitan and discerning nowadays and I am delighted to be able to help brides, through Trinity Gallery, to have access to the most beautiful designer gowns from across the globe,” she added.

Trinity Gallery sets itself apart from other boutiques by helping clients select their bridal and evening gowns—down to the pairing of accessories, veil and shoes; as well as choosing attire for bridal parties.

The boutique is housed in the historical and renowned Raffles Hotel. It features dark timber floors and a display of beautiful gowns lined under the glow of a crystal chandelier.
The goal was to create “a beautifully designed showroom that offers a luxurious, intimate and stress-free environment.”

Trinity Gallery is at 328 North Bridge Road, #02-14 Raffles Hotel Arcade, Singapore 188719
For more information call +65 6336 5052 or email info@trinitygallery.com.sg

Store hours:
Monday to Friday from 11 AM – 9 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM – 6 PM

To know more, go to http://www.trinitygallery.com.sg

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

Hard to believe Y-3 is only ten years old, because it seems like it’s been around much longer.
In 2003 I already had my second child. I was more mature, just like Y-3 designer Yohji Yamamoto.
My body had changed, my sensibilities changed, though to this day I still wear sneakers often—either with skirts or with long pants.

This Spring/Summer 2013, Y-3 celebrates its 10th Anniversary by blending the past with the future, in a collection Yamamoto describes as an act of “walking backward into the future.”
Since the beginning, Yamamoto’s vision for Y-3 was to “define the future of sport and style.”
“My desire was and still is to make sportswear elegant and chic. With Y-3, we created something that did not exist before. After 10 years we are falling in love with the three stripes once more.”

The new collection interprets footwear and apparel in Y-3′s signature sport styles—with the acid-bright prints, the bold, voluminous silhouettes, and graphic three stripes shown on billowing coats, pleated skirts, accessories.
The collection also features eye-bending graphic prints by Mr. Hayashi, Imperial printmaker to the Japanese royal family.
Mr. Hayashi designed the iconic hibiscus prints in Y-3′s debut collection in 2003. This time around he produces three motifs called Feather, Water, and Thorn in hues of orange, blue, pink and green.
The prints appear in mesh parkas, baseball caps, silk scarves, stretch tights, canvas totes, ruffled gloves.

Y-3 in the Philippines:
Y-3 BHS
SWLG (SOUTH WEST, LOWER GROUND) 106, Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig

HOMME ET FEMME
314-315, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City

UNIVERS D´HOMME ET FEMME
104-106 One Rockwell East Tower, Rockwell Center, Makati

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

This March 1st, 2013, American Eagle Outfitters opens its Philippine flagship store at the former Dimensione building in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig.

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the American clothing and accessories retailer was founded in 1977 by brothers Jerry and Mark Silverman. The brand targets a market of males and females from teens to early 30 years old.
American Eagle Outfitters has more than stores all over the world, including the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Kuwait, Riyadh, Dubai, Lebanon, Cairo, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong-Kong, Warsaw, and now, Manila.

Here’s a chance to get a Php 500 coupon when you purchase Php 1,000 worth (single receipt) of regular items.

1. Follow @AEO_PH on Twitter.
2. Like and share the Facebook page of American Eagle Outfitters Philippines.
3. Answer the question “American Eagle Outfitters Philippines is known as America’s Favorite __________ Brand.”
4. Email your answer and contact details (full name and mobile number) to americaneagleph@gmail.com with the subject AEO promo.

5. Deadline for entries: February 25, 2013 at 11:59 PM (Manila time)
6. 50 winners will be posted here on Feb 27, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
7. Winners can claim their Php 500 peso coupon (for every Php 1,000 single-receipt purchase of regular items) on March 1, 2013 at the AEO Bonifacio High Street store from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
8. Look for the registration table to claim your coupon. Present one valid ID and a printout of your email confirmation.

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanEaglePhilippines.

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

Pacific Place—in the middle of Hong Kong with the convenient Admiralty station underneath and the luxurious Upper House on top—became home to Louis Vuitton’s new global store when it reopened last December 2012.

The refined, three-level expanded store offers Louis Vuitton luggage, leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches and jewellery collections.

On the third level, pass through a Monogram-inspired LED-lit facade leading to the main entrance foyer and women’s universe—with the latest ready-to-wear collections and city bags by Artistic Director Marc Jacobs, the full range of shoes and accessories, plus the rare and exceptional bags from the Monogram Majestic line.

Also on Level three is a semi-private area showcasing Louis Vuitton’s watch and jewellery collections.

A marble staircase leads to Level Four’s Haute Maronquinerie or “Made To Order” salon.

Here’s where elegant women can create very own Louis Vuitton City Bag by choosing from five different shapes (such as Lockit and Milaris), eight types of leather in 26 colors, and two finishes, before the personalized bag is handmade in Asnières, France.
Pacific Place is the second store in Hong Kong to offer the service after Landmark.

There’s the VIC Salon for Louis Vuitton’s Very Important Clients

Also on Level Four is an animation space where Louis Vuitton that can be accessed through a 16-meter-long Monogram patter LED-lit façade.

The men’s universe can be accessed instore or from the mall through and LED-lit façade in Damier pattern.
It carries ready-to-wear by Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton Men’s Style Director.

Louis Vuitton now open at Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Open Sunday to Thursday from 10 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday to Saturday from 10 AM – 9 PM

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

Top model Godfrey Gao

Patina Lin

Coco Chiang

Mikki Yao

Eunice Chan

Louis Vuitton Men’s Ready-to-Wear Style and Studio Director, Kim Jones
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Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.

I knew a few girls who wished they had Simon Le Bon’s babies back in the day.
It all ended when the lead singer of Duran Duran married model Yasmin Parvaneh in 1985.
(As for me, my favorite Duran Duran was keyboardist Nick Rhodes)

The couple has three daughters: Amber, Saffron, and Tallulah.
Amber, the first daugter is now 23 years old, a DJ, model and musician.
She regularly cuts her own hair and prefers to hang out with her dogs, a Chihuahua named Tinker and a terrier named Cecil, when she’s home in London.
As a DJ, she has over 6,000 songs in her iTunes library—and is a self-proclaimed nerd when it comes to her choice in iPad apps (Pottery HD and Rock Garden are among her favorites).
This time around she collaborates with Michael Kors in the designer’s third installment of his Kors Collaboration series.

In August 2012, the series debuted with Claiborne on Kors, a digital photography book by Claiborne Swanson Frank featuring shoppable images of inspiring, Kors-clad women.
The second was a holiday-themed collaboration with DJ and A-lister Alexandra Richards that featured a specially curated Spotify playlist released in December 2012.
Michael Kors will continue to roll out new collaborations on a quarterly basis.
To know more about the collabs, go to http://www.destinationkors.com/

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

Following the success of her color-blocked TATJANA clutch, comes Janina Dizon’s TATE clutch for Spring/Summer 2013.

The versatile clutch can easily go from day to night. It’s made of soft lambskin leather and the finest stingray sourced from the same supplier of exotic skins to the houses of Louis Vuitton and Fendi.

The clutch measures 11″ x 7.5″ x 2″ (it can fit and iPad) and features an outer and inner pocket slot. It also comes with an adjustable lambskin leather shoulder strap.

Choose from topaz, citrine, olivine, tourmaline, jasper, coral, onyx, lapis, amethyst, quartz, and garnet—all with a signature three-pointer diamond in sterling silver at the center.

The clutch is available at JANINA for Jul Dizon at the Peninsula Hotel, Jul B. Dizon Jewellery at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, and CURA V at the Powerplant Mall.
For more information email janina@janinadizon.com or call +632 845-0140.
http://www.janinadizon.com


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

When I heard Troian Bellisario of Pretty Little Liars was going to be in town for ETC, I told Dinna Vasquez of Manila Standard I wanted to be there.
Dinna hooked me up with Ed Uy who invited us to the press conference at Marriott Resorts World this afternoon.

Truth to tell, I watched and enjoyed Season 1 of Pretty Little Liars. Not sure if I finished Season 2, but I stopped because the show was stressing me out. When I watch a “whodunnit” show, I want to know who did it. I don’t want to keep waiting in suspense. I just can’t.
Admittedly the show’s target market is about half my age—from teens to 20s.
Based on the popular book series by Sara Shepard, Pretty Little Liars is about four friends trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of their queen bitch frienemy, Alison DiLaurentis.

(L-R: Shay Mitchell, Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, Lucy Hale)

Of the four cast members, only Ashley Benson (the blonde) hasn’t been to the Philippines.
Last year, Lucy Hale was here to promote Bench

Shay Mitchell is currently in Manila to open American Eagle at Bonifacio High Street tomorrow!

By coincidence, Troian Bellisario is traveling in Asia with her boyfriend Patrick Adams who is here to promote Suits on ETC.

Photo: Dinna Vasquez

Of the four, Troian Bellisario is my favorite. I prefer her character, Spencer Hastings, the straight-A student and overachiever from a family that expects the best, as she discovers are far from perfect.
I prefer Spencer’s boyish wardrobe and her choice of men (Toby) to the other characters’.
I also think she’s the prettiest.

Standing 5’7″ with much ligher hair in person, I spotted her at the hallway leading to the Marriott’s Garden Room.
Though she was already being ushered in, I saw her take time to accommodate some eager fans asking for a photo op.
She wore a little sleeveless dress with pumps. Her oval face really reminds me of the Virgin Mary.

Troian said she is really lucky to have met her boyfriend Patrick Adams before both of them became famous in their respective hit shows.
She answered the requisite questions about Filipino food. As a vegetarian, she couldn’t try anything with chicken or pork, but said she enjoyed durian after getting over its smell.
Asked if she had plans to meet up with Shay Mitchell at some point, she said, “Yes, because how can you not see each other if you’re both halfway around the world?”
Also on her itinerary is to visit one of the country’s beautiful beaches with her boyfriend.

I was just thankful the press they invited today seemed to be real fans of the show. They asked all the right questions and avoided asking anything Manny Pacquiao or Charice.
At one point they ushered in the Bellisarians of the Philippines.
“Now where did you get that name?” Troian asked her most loyal fans in the Philippines.

At first I couldn’t help but laugh at how cute they were trying to behave around Troian when we all know they just wanted to scream (they all got hugs from her). Blogger Rod Magaru was cracking me up in the next seat.
But when one of the fans read a heartfelt letter to Troian, I found myself smiling and crying at the same time.
Even Troian looked very touched by the words.

Now on its third season, Pretty Little Liars airs on ETC every Saturday at 8PM. It is match-aired with the U.S., which means the series is up-to-date as it is shown.
While the season finale will air on March 23rd next month, fans will be happy to know the show has been confirmed for a fourth season.

http://www.etc.com.ph/

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

Chef who???
Only the renowned Thai master chef from the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

According to the Michelin guide, a restaurant with three stars means “exceptional cuisine and “worth a special journey.” (It is also “often extremely expensive, and with an extensive wine list.”)
Don’t know if the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has any Michelin stars, but in my book, the food there is definitely worth a journey.
I’ve been dreaming of coming back ever since my last trip there last June 2012.

Ever since that trip I’ve been wanting to go back just to eat!
I can’t tell you how delicious the spicy beef salad was, how perfect the mango with sticky rice.
Or how heavenly the hotel buffet was.

Oh, but yes I can! Because Chef Sumet Sumpachanyanont returns to the Mandarin Oriental Manila this March 4 to 10, 2013—as Paseo Uno brings back Tastes of Thailand in partnership with Thai International Airways.
Chef Sumet Sumpachanyanont will be accompanied by three other Thai chefs, who will prepare traditional and innovative Thai dishes and drinks that will be incorporated into Paseo Uno’s daily
lunch and dinner buffets.

Enjoy delicious homestyle Thai favourites such as: Yaam Mamuang Nuea Poo (Spicy mango salad with crab meat), Gaeng Phed Moo (Red pork curry with sweet basil), Pla Nueng Manow (Steamed fish with chilli lime sauce), Phad Woon Sen Gai Goong (Stir-fried glass noodle with minced chicken, shrimp, egg and vegetables), and Khow Niew Piak Lam Yai (Sticky rice porridge and longan with coconut cream).

The buffet is priced at PHP 1,990+ while the Luxury buffet, available for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays and lunch on Sundays, is priced at PHP 2,450+.
Buffet prices include a glass of traditional Thai drink, with a choice of lemongrass, sugarcane, Thai iced tea and coconut juice.
As an added treat, on March 10, 2013, one senior citizen family member receives a complimentary buffet meal when dining with at least four paying companions.

Also on March 9, Chef Sumet will hold a cooking class on how to prepare authentic Tom Yaam Pla Gub Goong (spicy fish and prawn soup with lemongrass and straw mushrooms), Gai Ob Khamin (oven-baked chicken marinated with yellow turmeric yoghurt), and Khow Niew Mamaung (coconut sticky rice with mango).
The class fee is PHP 3,500 nett inclusive of a three-course lunch and a light breakfast preceding the class. Attendees receive a certificate, a recipe booklet with Chef Sumet’s autograph, and an apron. Class starts at 9 AM.

Thai celebrity chef Sumet Sumpachanyanont is the culinary ambassador of the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’s famed Thai restaurant Sala Rim Naam.
Besides teaching at Mandarin Oriental’s Professional Thai Chef Programme, he also hosts a popular TV cooking show in Bangkok.
The 42-year old master chef has travelled to Australia, Hawaii, England, Japan Macau, France, Malaysia and Hong Kong to lord over various Thai food promotions and trainings. He also presided over the first successful Thai festival in Paseo Uno in 2008, and again in 2012.

For reservations and information, call Paseo Uno at 750-8888 ext 2411 or email momnl-paseouno@mohg.com.

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

They say it’s more fun in the Philippines. And now there’s more furniture in the Philippines.
When I moved into my own place around 15 years ago, I swear there were no decent furniture stores in the country.
I had no choice but furnish my home with locally made, extremely heavy wooden and wrought iron furniture from the mall.

Now with so many furniture stores opening in Metro Manila, I can’t keep track of them all—mostly Italian I might add.
The latest Italian furniture brand to open in Manila is Novamobili in Bonifacio High Street.
Located at the 3rd floor of Fully Booked, you must enter through the book store, up to the third floor, and find a walk way that leads to the art, fashion and design books—leading to the 400-square-meter Novamobili showroom.

Last Thursday, Chris and Jaime Daez of Fully Booked and now, Novamobili, invited me to a sneak peek inside the showroom.
I met (L-R) Dario Reicherl, Novamobili’s Director for Asia Pacific; Mario Battistella, President of Novamonili S.p.A.—Battistella Group with his son and office manager, Alberto Battistella; and Novamobili Bonifacio High Street manager, Alberto Segalla (imported from Italy).

I got the full tour where Dario proudly showed what Novamobili offers, starting with the closets.
A mirrored closet is a great way to make a space seem larger, aside from checking one’s outfit.

The sliding door opens up to this

The Plissé closet was inspired by pleats. Gorgeous in person, it doesn’t look anything like a closet from the outside.

Inside, you can customize it according to your preference

My favorite closet is the walk-in variety. Novamobili makes them so stylish—at 30-50% less expensive than other Italian closet makers I’ve seen.

Dario demonstrates how a clothes rack drops down for easier access

Here’s a bed with a secret storage

Most of them open up this way

But I’ve never seen it do this. Have a backache? Imagine tucking in the sheets this way.

Here’s a great bookshelf that also hides a TV

For small spaces, there are easy-to-transform couches

and tables

And a couch whose back can go from low-to-high

Established in 1967 by Alfredo Battistella, Novamobili, or “new furniture” is 100% Italian-made and combines cutting-edge technology with manual processes to ensure top quality products.
To know more call +632-7382430 or email info@novamobili.ph.

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

A few years ago, when we wanted food delivery, our options were limited to fast food from Shakey’s, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s and Jollibee. Max’s was an option, but I usually call Mann Hann.
City Delivery changed that when they introduced multi-restaurant delivery in the Philippines.

Now you can order Lola Ising’s Adobo Rice from Café Adriatico, Chicken with Cashew Nuts from Jatujak, or even Garlic Beef Pepper Rice from Pepper Lunch—depending on your location.
Choose from over 300 partner restaurants and place your orders without waiting in long queues or experiencing busy lines. Just call 87878 or go to http://www.citydelivery.ph/.

Now, if you have an iPhone, download and order via City Delivery’s new app.
Designed for people on the go, the app is free for download and it gives you the convenience of ordering food without having to call or log on the internet.

Ordering is as easy as this:

1) Select one from over 300 restaurant partners from the merchant list

2) Select the branch nearest you

3) Choose and add items to your food cart.

Feel your mouth water (I’m serious).

4) Review your orders in the Food Cart. Select Checkout when you’re ready.
5) If you’re not logged in, a command box will ask you to do so.
6) Fill out your delivery and payment information.
7) Review the details. Select Submit to finalize.
8) Wait for the call from a customer service representative to confirm your order.

Check out What’s New in City Delivery’s app.
Unfortunately no app yet for Android, and City Delivery tells me they’re tweaking the app to eventually include a search list per area.
Download it HERE

http://www.citydelivery.ph/

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

I love to speak Tagalog (especially the cuss words), but I don’t read Tagalog very well.
I may know most of the gay terms, but certain words in Tagalog are really new to me. Like “hitad.”
I read this while looking at Ivy Lisa Mendoza’s Twitter profile:

I thought it sounded like a female relative’s term. But why would she call herself that?
I decided to find out on Twitter.

[View the story "Hitad" on Storify]

Hitad

After seeing @ivymendoza’s bio—"news hound, magazine junkie, janitress of bad copies, hitad"—I had to ask….

Storified by Cecile van Straten· Tue, Mar 05 2013 00:51:42

@piamagalona@chuvaness That’s higad naman. Mich Hung

@chuvaness hitad, higad, what’s the diff! They’re BOTH creepy crawlies Pia Magalona

Sir @teddyboylocsin , I say this w/ the utmost of respect, but this is a case of the blind leading the blind. @chuvanessMon Yadao

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

I feel so blessed to have National Bookstore as a sponsor, or should I say, benefactor?
That means I get invited to book signings, receive autographed copies of books, plus wonderful swag and gift checks that I can use to my heart’s content.
National Bookstore is my wasteland. I’m happy when I get to share the joy with friends and family once in a blue moon.
Today after buying new shoes at Payless and an early dinner at Pepper Lunch, my five-year-old son wanted to buy a Lego book. So off we were to National Bookstore with Ate Mariza and the nanny.
First, I found this really funny. With the elections coming up, I don’t know which politician would actually use these

Ate Mariza and Yaya Joan wanted to buy pocketbooks, which they share with everyone in the household, including the neighbors’ maids. I told them to choose 10 each.

I was kind of surprised to find these: 50 Shades of Grey in freaking Tagalog!

I should’ve opened it just to see how “butt plug” and “nipple clamps” would translate in Filipino.
And no, I didn’t show it to our maid. Here’s what they ended up getting:

Don’t know if this is a good idea…

Here’s what Christian got—he is a super hyper baby

And my loot: the latest Yes! magazine, Chanel book

Plus The Happiness Project book and journal

The latter is a gratitude journal, where today I will write: “Had a fun time at National Bookstore…”

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

Confession time: I had never heard of American Eagle Outfitters until I found out Bench was bringing it in and moving into the former Dimensione flagship in Bonifacio High Street. (Click here to see Dimensione’s new location.)
My friend and former store manager, Efren Te, is now the American Eagles’s visual merchandiser.
He recently flew over to train in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so I was excited to see the results.

Last week, Efren gave me the full tour before the store opened to the public last March 1, 2013.
When I arrived at 2 PM, Robby Carmona was busy rehearsing with live band and models for the launch.

The store’s design—as well as the wooden planks—came from the U.S.

We start on the second level where the menswear is located

I think my husband would wear these

Neutrals and colors

and an obscene amount of underwear to choose from

On the street level are the womens collections

A bit too young for me, but perfect for students and young ladies

Plus more cute underwear

P.S. I really love the fitting rooms—

Nice, spacious, spare, and plenty.

Efren showed me its special feature—the call button you can press if you need assistance or another size?

A first in Manila, I think.

To know more about American Eagle Outfitters:
Follow: https://twitter.com/AEO_PH
Like: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanEaglePhilippines

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

American Eagle Outfitters celebrity endorser and Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell flew in to host the event

Shay Mitchell with Miguel Pastor (L) and Bench CEO, Ben Chan

US Ambassasor Harry K. Thomas Jr.

Ribbon cutting with Cong. Freddie Tinga, Tony Aquino (Ayala Land President), Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Simon Nankervis, (AEO VP for International Franchising and Global Business Development), and Ben Chan

Actors Carla Abellana

and Diether Ocampo

Ben Chan with Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Kris Aquino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Simon Nankervis

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

Grace’s tweet made me giggle.

If i see another instagram of a bottle of cookie butter, i’m going to hurl.

— divasoria (@divasoria) February 24, 2013

I’ll admit that I may have posted one of the first Cookie Butters on Instagram (cause hey, my son loves it)

I also like to post really fabulous gifts, such as an entire carton of Royce’ chocolate potato chips—because it doesn’t happen all the time

Or the latest caviar collection from La Prairie, so sue me.

What are your Instagram pet peeves? Choose your top five only or leave a comment after the beep.

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

I get swag all the time—but not everything is useful. Some gifts I get to try only when I discover them again in my pile.
Here’s one thing I’ve been using and I think it’s working.
For one, I feel like my skin got lighter. Not that I wanted to have lighter skin, but some people have been telling me my skin looks better. I’ve heard some people say “payat” and all that, meaning my face looks smaller. I don’t know if they’re pulling my leg or trying to make conversation.
I feel awkward with compliments when I know I haven’t lost weight and people say I look thin.

The product is called Belo Nutraceuticals: Glutathione+Collagen. It’s a whitening and anti-aging detox pill that cleans your liver with its anti-oxidant properties (Glutathione) and improves your skin’s resilience (Collagen).
Belo Nutraceuticals is infused with 250 mg of compacted glutathione, which fights dark spots to whiten your skin, and collagen to lift skin from within as it provides strength, elasticity, and resilience.
And hey, it keeps Tim Yap young!

The recommended dosage is two capsules per day, with or without meals. For best results, take two capsules in the morning and two capsules in the evening.
Belo Nutraceuticals: Glutathione+Collagen is available at Mercury Drug, Watsons, and other leading drugstores nationwide, in three sizes:
10 capsules: Php 480
30 capsules: P1,440
60 capsules: P2,700

To know more, click HERE.

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