I never thought I’d get fat.
When I got married in 2000, I weighed 95 lbs. During the ’90s When I was studying in New York, my fattest would be 104 lbs, which would make me not eat for a couple of days to go back to 100.
It all changed when I got pregnant in 2001. Nobody told me not to gain more than 23 lbs. So I went up to 143 lbs—not funny, considering the baby weighed less than 7 lbs.
Two weeks after giving birth, I lost 28 lbs. through breastfeeding and actually managed to go down to 106—until 10 months later when I got pregnant with my second baby.
Went back to 143 lbs. and gave birth. Breastfed down to 118 lbs. which I then dieted and exercised down to 106.
Everything changed when I hit 40 years old. It’s been a constant struggle to lose 10 lbs.
Just 10 lbs please dear Lord!!

Do you remember Ina Raymundo who became famous in 1995 for her Sabado Nights TV commercial?
She appears in the end with a young Paolo Abrera who had hair back then.

Ina makes me feel bad when I see her Instagram photos. The masochist in me can’t help but stalk her there.
In 1999, Ina met Canadian-Ukranian businessman Brian Poturnak, whom she married after their first child was born.

They now have five children—the youngest was born only two weeks ago

Here’s the sad part: take a look at Ina five days after giving birth

I read that Ina gains only about 18 lbs while pregnant.

If you do that and breastfeed, you’ll be back to your normal weight after two weeks, or in her case, less!
Ina Raymundo 12 days postpartum. She is now 36 years old.

Serves me right for eating all that junk food—pregnant or not pregnant.
Ina you are killing me!!!!

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

Thirty years after its very first screening, Himala remains one of the most celebrated Filipino films ever made. Ten years ago, this multi-awarded film was made into a musical called HIMALA: Panibagong Pagtingin sa Mukha ni Elsa.
Now, in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the musical, a special concert entitled Himala, A Celebration of the Musical will be staged at the PETA Theater.

Synopsis:
Barrio Cupang was a community craving for a miracle to rescue them from what they believe was a twist of bad karma.
Elsa becomes the miracle they were longing for.
During a solar eclipse, the Virgin Mary appears to Elsa, who Elsa begins to heal the townsfolk. Soon she becomes a national figure whose miraculous power draws the faithful, the curious and the skeptic to this once quiet town.
What happens when people are faced with the miracle they’ve been longing for? How do they react? What will they believe?

Experience a new perspective of Ricky Lee’s story through the music of Vincent de Jesus and the powerful voices of May Bayot, Isay Alvarez and Cynthia Culig-Guico, as they take audiences into a heartwarming and thought-provoking journey into the life of Elsa and Barrio Cupang.
Himala, A Celebration of the Musical will be staged at the PETA Theater Center on March 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24.
For ticket prices, click HERE.

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

When it comes to elections, I’m a loser. Whoever I’m for never wins—whether it’s a presidential election (US or Philippines) or even Miss Universe.
I know my readers’ opinions don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the masses, so just for fun I’m conducting a poll of who your top 12 senators are. The results may surprise us.
Choose up to 12 names below.
P.S. One of the candidates is my kamag-anak. Can you guess which one?

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

If I were to marry a hotel, it would be The Peninsula Tokyo.
For me, this video captures the charm and elegance the city offers, and staying at the Peninsula Tokyo makes the experience extra magical.

The video is part of Peninsula Moments, a new global brand campaign that shows how The Peninsula Hotels help moments and memories to remember. These are brought to life through local insight and the genuine desire of Peninsula staff to showcase the very best of their cities.
Produced by Ridley Scott Associates, the videos are directed by Jean-Claude Thibaut and Antony Crook, whose previous work includes videos for Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Boss.

“My main objective was to amaze the audience with real stories and authentic moments to capture the overall magic of The Peninsula Hotels, fuelled by the staff’s genuine desire to inspire, both on and off each hotel property, with their unique approach to their work giving an original view on each city,” said Jean-Claude Thibaut.
“My approach was simple: documentary style with particular emphasis on the photography, inspired by the Italian Neorealist movement in cinema with non-professional actors—the staff of each individual hotel—and filming on location without set decoration.”

I love how this captures the shopping bags and the fleet of Rolls-Royces not uncommon in Hong Kong.

Now the Roll-Royces are replaced by jeepneys in Peninsula Moments, Manila-style:

Complementing the videos are images by photojournalist and portrait photographer Russel Wong, a Singapore-based photographer known for his portraits of celebrities, together with his work in Hollywood as a stills photographer for Underworld, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and The House of Flying Daggers.

“I wanted to be able to capture specific moments that are unique to each Peninsula property and at the same time be able to show some of the people and aspects of service that make The Peninsula Hotels tick. I wanted it to appear very narrative, almost like scenes from a movie,” says Wong. “I tried to inject a romantic notion into the overall campaign, and hopefully it’s all uniquely Peninsula.”

To know more, go to http://www.peninsula.com/moments/

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

More than two decades ago, someone broke my heart in the worst possible way.
The night we said goodbye, before he left for Paris, I had no idea I wouldn’t see him again for the next 20 years.
I spent the next two years crying. It’s a miracle I survived it.

So ugh, I had to bump into him in Hong Kong two years ago. It was Cedric’s fault. Cedric had seen him in the hotel lobby while I was waiting for the airport bus to arrive. When Cedric told me the ex was there, I told Cedric specifically not to speak to him.
But Cedric being Cedric couldn’t help but say hello. The next thing I knew, the boy who pulverized my heart, tore it to pieces and stepped on it, was walking towards me and saying hello.

I was not prepared for this. I gave him the most evil eye and told him simply to f*ck off. (Sorry, I’m not sorry.)
But what I wanted to say was, “No. You don’t get to smile and say hello and be my friend as if nothing happened.”
After I recovered, I saw him maybe three times in various malls since he moved back to Manila. And always, I ran towards the opposite direction. Sorry, I can’t be friends with exes. I’m not sorry.

It’s a different story when mature artists are involved.
Performance artists Marina Abramovic and Ulay met in 1976 and began an intense love story that resulted in a decade of influential collaborative works.
In 1988, when they felt the relationship had run its course, they decided to break up at the Great Wall of China, where both artists walked for three months from opposite ends, met in the middle for one last hug and handshake, and said goodbye.

Marina and Ulay in 1980

From March 14 to May 31, 2010, the Museum of Modern Art mounted a major retrospective and performance recreation of Abramović’s work. During its run, Abramović performed The Artist is Present—a 736-hour and 30-minute static, silent piece, where she sat immobile during museum hours, without rest, in the museum’s atrium.
Visitors were encouraged to sit silently across from the artist and become participants in the artwork.
At one point, Ulay came to sit in front of her.
Watch what happens.

Source

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

Blame it on Catholic school upbringing.
Since the 3rd grade, I got used to hearing Catholic school urban legends such as the white lady that walked in the Science Lab, because the school was built on top of a graveyard, and that the end of the world was looming due to the fact that the someone had predicted the last pope.
This was back in 1975, mind you. My classmate said there was a wall in the Vatican that had portraits of the Popes, and when that was filled up, it would trigger the end of the world.
Yesterday while watching CNN, I saw a picture of that legendary wall of portraits my classmate was talking about. So it was true! And it appeared to show two slots left!!

Does this mean, the new Pope is good and the next one will be the anti-pope that will usher in the end times?
Ever since Pope John Paul II died, it hurt so much. It felt like nobody could ever fill his shoes.
Since Pope Benedict XVIth stepped down last month, I’ve been scared of who will be the next Pope, so I’ve been glued to CNN, watching and waiting.

Black smoke means no Pope

Seagull means cuteness

Black smoke means no Pope

Yesterday I pretty much monitored the news over CNN or Twitter since I was in and out of the house the whole day. Got home at 8:30 PM and was so stressed I wanted to take a sleeping pill to get through the night.
Good thing I didn’t. I kept tossing and turning. Finally around 3 AM, I checked my phone and found a message from my friend Dolan: “WHITE SMOKE!”
I turned on the TV in the dark, shaking. I was really scared to see the new Pope. I was scared to see a doomsday countenance.

I woke up Jeroen. “There’s a new Pope!” I said.
Jeroen looked up from his sleep mask. “What nationality?” he asked.
“South American,” I mumbled.
He had the face of an angel, like a kind grandfather.

Jeroen went back to sleep.
And I was relieved, happy. On cloud nine. I prayed as he led the Our Father and Hail Mary in Italian.

They called him “an inspired choice.”
Just like Pope John Paul II, he wasn’t even among the Top 10 contenders.
His marked trait is humility and a deep concern for the poor. He gave up a car and chauffeur to commute, and he cooked his own meals.

I loved him on sight. And then I saw some Twitter hate and had to look away. I went to sleep.
The Pope is not a politician. He is not there to make promises, be popular, and please everyone. His job is to continue the teachings of the Church and be true to it, not deviate. So if you don’t like him, please, walang basagan ng trip.
Give him a chance. Pray for him if you do. Pray for us.

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

One good sign of an improving economy is a robust real estate industry. And contributing to this boom is the newest landmark to rise in the Ortigas-Pasig block—Privato Tower by Green Asia Real Estate.
To be professionally managed by Enderun Hospitality, Privato is a hotel where investors can purchase a unit and be part of the rental revenue’s profit.
“Whether it is your specific unit that was occupied or not, you will still receive 70% of the hotel’s generated income. No monthly dues. No repair or maintenance concerns. Plus free renovation every five years,” promises Green Asia’s President & CEO Gab Perez.
“In short, it’s not just a condo unit you’re buying but a hassle-free, self-liquidating rental asset.”

L-R: Enderun’s Jack Tuason, Green Asia’s President and CEO Gab Perez, Mabuhay Awards’ 2012 Hotelier of the Year, Mr. Bobby Horrigan

Having officially topped-off, Privato is in full gear to launch this 2013.
“Now that we’re moving onto the next stage of construction, we very excited to execute the designs of some of the best practitioners in Philippine Architecture,” said Perez.

Progress photo taken last March 7, 2013

Privato’s lead architect is Casas+Architects, who are also behind some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

It is strategically located along Pasig City’s Shaw Boulevard, by the main Shaw rotunda and across the Ynares Sports Center.

Interiors are designed by London-trained Architect Juan Carlo Calma, including a rooftop bar with a sweeping view of the metropolis.

Amenities include two ballrooms, six function rooms, a gym, rooftop swimming pool, coffee lounge, and all-day dining.

Architect J. Antonio Mendoza, who did People’s Palace, Sala Bistro, and Aria, gives his signature crisp and clean design to Privato’s all-day dining area.
Privato’s Banquets and Cafe will be operated by the Romulo Group, which is also behind the Romulo Café and Cerchio chain of restaurants.

“With Privato, we try to revolutionize not just the standards of construction but also the multi-faceted qualities of a sound and savvy investment. By having a self-paying asset, all you will have to do is wait for your dividends without having to lift a finger,” said Perez.

To know more, go to http://www.privato.com.ph/ or email mail@privato.com.ph.

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

I’m a believer of updating furniture when you have to.
What you thought was cool ten years ago may not look so great today.
Or maybe you have kids who have outgrown their beds, toys, and furniture.
The playroom they used to love is no longer being used and you dream of converting it into a guest room, home office, family room, or all of the above.
But what to do with the old furniture? You might want to donate them to a good cause.

From now until April 15, 2013, Gus* Modern Philippines invites you to trade in your used furniture and get a 25% discount on any Gus* furniture purchase listed in the promo. These include selected sofas, tables, chairs, beds and storage cabinets
All trade-in items will be donated to Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

Terms and Conditions

1. Items not qualified for purchase are timber tables, acrylic-I beam, cubes, lightings, pillows, ottomans, magazine racks.
2. The trade-in discount will be applied to purchases made during the promo period. Purchases made before or after the promo period are not eligible for a discount.
3. Indent orders made during the promo period are included in the promo.
4. A maximum of one trade-in item is allowed for every item purchased.
5. At the end of the promo period, Gus* will forward the donated items to Habitat for Humanity Philippines.
6. Furniture pieces for trade-in must still be usable and intact or Gus* has the right to reject them.
7. This promo shall not be used in conjunction with other promos or special discounts.
8. Trade-in items and can be picked-up by Gus* free of charge within Metro Manila. Outside of Metro Manila will be charged an appropriate fee.
9. Clients also have the option to bring their trade-in furniture to Gus* Metro Manila warehouse at #12 Tagdalit Street, Manresa, Quezon City.
10. This promo available in Gus* Studio Manila at G/F The Residences at Greenbelt, Ayala Center, Makati and Gus*@Design Pod, 59 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan.

For inquiries, call (02) 621-8171 • 940-9580 • 416-0948 or email info@livingspace.com.ph.
Like: https://www.facebook.com/GusModernPH

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

If there’s one thing I learned from my mom, is to be wary of being alone with the opposite sex.
I always used to wonder why I was the only girl who had a yaya waiting in the car when I was 22, as I partied in Subway disco or Penguin Café, back in the day.
It was much later when I found out one of my tita’s daughters was gang-raped, and a distant cousin of mine was murdered by her yaya’s boyfriend.
My mom was protecting me.

This being wary of the opposite sex is something I’ve carried on to this day, even as a married mom and homemaker.
I’m never alone when expecting the cable guy or aircon cleaner.
Whenever there are men working around the house, I make sure the maids are nearby, watching.
I remember one time when I was living alone in New York, my mouse died. As in my Apple mouse.
An Apple guy came over to replace it—for free. Not being a morning person, I looked like a total hag in my pajamas, glasses, and curly hair.
I may have brushed my teeth but hadn’t showered. I looked like the anti-rape victim.
But trust me, girls, guard yourself and don’t be alone with a stranger.

A Twitter follower of mine emailed me about his friend who was recently attacked by a Sky Cable employee who is pictured below:

Rommel Mendoza is wanted for attempted rape and homicide

Dear Chuvaness,

Thank you for replying to my tweet.
The incident happened the other night (March 13, 2013), around 8 PM at my co-worker’s apartment in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Cable reception was bad so she called up Sky Cable to have it fixed.
The victim was alone when the cable guy arrived. He was the same cable guy who installed her cable system a month ago so she trusted him.
Things happened fast. After opening the door and letting him in, the victim directed him to her TV set.
Within seconds, the cable guy was grabbing her from the back. She felt a knife pointed at her so she didn’t move or make a noise.
She was brought to her room, her hands tied when they reached her bed. She struggled hard when she sensed rape. It was during this time that the stabbing happened. A small steel/glass table was thrown at her and hit her head. The cable guy used broken pieces of glass to further stab her. Feeling so much exhaustion she decided to play dead.
The stabbing stopped.
After the cable guy left, she took the phone that she hid under her bed and called for help.
She was brought to Asian Hospital that night. Alabang Police sent SOCO to the crime scene.

The next day, our connections in the PNP started doing their investigation. Initially, the cable guy was identified as a sub-contractual employee. But later that evening, we were given new leads that the cable guy was actually an employee of Sky Cable and not from a sub-contractor.
I posted this on Facebook and Twitter. One of the people handing the PR of Sky Cable contacted me on Facebook, requesting me to take down my entry as it’s damaging to the company’s reputation. He even told me there was no report of any incident in the cable company’s head office. It surprised me because the head of security of Sky Cable is now communicating with our boss (the victim and I work in the same company).

As of the moment, the cable guy is still at large.
The cable guy was identified as Rommel Mendoza, whose photo was supplied by his co-worker to the security department of Sky Cable.
Mendoza was positively identified by the victim yesterday morning when representatives of Sky Cable showed her the photo.
As of now, the victim is still in the hospital to undergo a series of operations for multiple stab wounds to her face down to her legs. Her lungs were deeply punctured.

Thank you.
Erik Catabas

Read also: Manhunt on for cable technician accused of attacking woman in Muntinlupa City

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

Sige means yes and pigil means no.

I used to wonder why God gave me three sons instead of a daughter who could go shopping with me.
I still remember my ultrasound tests where they tell you the sex of your baby.
As soon as I heard the word “scrotum” I started bawling.
I tried to think of other moms who had all boys: Princess Diana, Victoria Beckham, Patrice Ramos Diaz, my Lola Paying.
Patrice, mother of three sons, assured me: “Boys are so much fun. And they will adore you.”

Eleven years later, I realized why God gave me three boys.
Boys basically take care of themselves, so this neurotic mom can take care of herself.
That said, I consider myself a “sige mom.”
I don’t mind if the boys come home dirty, with various cuts and scrapes from playing outside. How I wish they would do that more often, now that they’re addicted to Minecraft. Though part of the Minecraft deal is they have to take a break to either swim or play basketball outdoors, which they love.
Now I wouldn’t trade them for a girl.

Ben loves any kind of animal

Fishing in Tagaytay

Let them get dark

And plant flowers.

They like playing with chalk

Building sand castles

Shooting hoops at Ronac

And rough housing in Paris

Kids can’t help but get dirty and come home with stains on their clothes after spending an hour or two playing outside.
Now Breeze introduces today’s “sige moms”: award-winning actress Dawn Zulueta; women and youth issues advocate Senator Pia Cayetano; socialite and columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes; and sought-after celebrity mom Carmina Villaroel.

“Parents nowadays get paranoid when their kids play outside. They want to keep them indoors but at the same time you don’t want to compromise their opportunity to learn and experience the things we did as kids,” says Dawn.
“I encourage my son to play outdoors and be physically active. Not only does it build his immune system, it also allows him to meet other kids. That’s why we are moving from a condominium to a house of our own so he can have more space to move around.”

Dawn Zulueta Lagdameo pledges to be a ‘sige mom’ by placing her handprint on the Breeze pledge wall

“It’s fun being a mom,” shares Tessa, whose children were born practically decades apart, which, incidentally, allowed her to spend as much time for each of her kids. Despite the age gap and different preferences, all her kids had their share of being outdoors and pursuing their own interests. They go to the beach during most weekends because her children are into wakeboarding.

Tessa (R) with daughter Annika Valdes

Breeze with ActivBleach was recently launched at the Manila Polo Club in an active fun event attended by a large group of excited moms and their kids, including the four Breeze sige moms who encourage their kids to learn new things and explore the world through play—even if it means getting dirty at the end of the day.

“My twins are very active. I want them to have the kind of childhood I had. Laking kalye ako, hindi lang halata,” Carmina beams. “I let them do what they want—play with their friends, ride a bike, go swimming, play badminton. They even play with our dogs.
“Of course there was a time I didn’t allow them to go outdoors when they were little. Like typical moms I would say, ‘Wag kasi madumi,’ but after a while I let them be. They also need to experience na madapa o masugatan because that’s how they learn,” Carminda adds.

Carmina with twins Mavie (L) and Cassie (R)

Senator Pia couldn’t agree more.
“My two girls play football in school so they really get dirty. And my youngest, who is only two years old, seems to follow the footsteps of her ates.
“Hangga’t kaya, gusto ko nakakalaro talaga sa labas ang mga anak ko because they need to explore. I don’t mind them getting dirty. I think they will miss out on their childhood kapag masyadong maraming bawal.”

Pia and her son Lucas

Breeze with ActivBleach is packed with a superior formulation to help moms cope with the toughest stains due to their children’s various activities. It uses a 4-enzyme technology that removes more stains, and a patented whitening agent that brings perceivable whiteness right after the first wash.
This fast-acting ingredient works right on target, freeing moms from worrying about stains and dirt.
A unique AD system was also added for better bubbles, while special melamine encaps ensure laundry smells fresh and clean.

With these technological advancements in a laundry detergent, moms can now let their kids enjoy life to the fullest through their experiential activities.
The business of dealing with tough stains is now a thing of the past. Just like Dawn, Sen. Pia, Tessa and Carmina, they can all say Sige sa Mantsa! by simply welcoming Breeze into their homes.

To know more about the campaign, go to http://www.sigelang.org/

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

I think it’s amazing how Filipinos seem to have changed Multiply from a social networking to a leading e-commerce site in Southeast Asia. Well, at least I think the Filipinos did it.
Today, Multiply has over 5.5 million users. It’s where Filipinos feel comfortable buying and selling online—from fashion to gadgets and even food items—from over 130,000 merchants.
Multiply provides a venue for entrepreneurs, big and small, to compete in the online market without the shouldering big overhead expenses.

Multiply’s Origination Awards seeks to acknowledge the creativity and ingenuity of these Filipino entrepreneurs.
Recently, three local merchants were adjudged winners of the first Multiply Origination Awards.
For their excellence and creativity, the three merchants each received an online business package worth Php 200,000!
Mommy Patch’s handy and all-natural insect repellant Mommy Patch Anti-Mosquito Rescue Stick was awarded Most Original Mommy Management Idea.

Most Original Gourmand Idea went to World Fair Trade Asia’s Pineapple Vinegar, a fair-trade product made by a non-profit Christian organization.

Manila Sole Shoes—or shoe soles made from recycled tires—won Most Original Fashion Forward Idea.

Multiply Origination Awards also singled out outstanding merchants for special awards.
The Smart Money Innovation Award went to Soak Swimwear for the innovative development and marketing of its figure-friendly swimwear Cabo Feather Maillot.

Retailer Honey Baby, which sells infant headwear Hoot Hats, meanwhile, was given the Sulit.com.ph People’s Choice Award for taking a photo studio accessory and transforming it into quirky and practical infant hats.

The winners of the Multiply Origination Awards were chosen by a panel of judges comprising experts in both entrepreneurship and e-commerce, including Go Negosyo Founder and RFM President and CEO Joey Concepcion, Sulit.com.ph Co-Founder and Managing Director RJ David, SAVP for BDO’s E-Commerce Consumer Lending Group Cofa Gutierrez, Multiply Philippines Country Manager Jack Madrid, and Cecile Van Straten of Chuvaness.com
To know more about Multiply Origination and its winners, go to http://origination.multiply.com.

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

My friend Ginggay has a very interesting iPhone case called the knucklecase.

Made of aluminum, it comes in many colors.

But don’t ever think of taking it to Hong Kong.

Ginggay was recently there en route to London. As her bag went through the airport’s transit security X-ray, Ginggay found herself being stopped when they saw something suspicious in her bag.

Upon inspection, they found the iPhone and knucklecase.

Ginggay was asked to step aside into the security desk. They took photos of the knucklecase, measured it and called the local police from the city. Within 15 minutes, six cops arrived.

Upon getting Ginggay’s info, the Chinese officials made calls to check if she had any criminal records in Hong Kong, which of course she didn’t. They did make a file on her.

When asked her why she was carrying a weapon, Ginggay said, “No, it’s a phone case. They asked me where I bought it and all, so I showed them the website on my Phone.”

“After some time chatting amongst themselves in Chinese, the pinaka boss of the police went up to me and said they didn’t find anything suspicious and handed the knucklecase to airport security,” she said.

Basically they were letting her go, but it was up to airport security to decide if she can take the knucklecase inside the plane.

Airport security said no. They took the knucklecase and gave Ginggay a receipt. They told her to proceed to the Cathay Pacific Service Desk and get instructions how to claim it on her trip back.

But Cathay said they didn’t know what to do in this case.

Meanwhile, 45 minutes had passed and Ginggay’s flight to London was already boarding. She told them to just forget about claiming it.

All this time, her husband Noel calmly looked over and didn’t interrupt. (Guys, take note.)

“He got kinda scared when the battalion of police came, but he kept out of it. He wanted to joke about it, but then you never joke around airport security, especially on foreign soil. It might make things worse, so he just stood there, looking on from a distance,” Ginggay said.

Ginggay and Noel dela Merced in Leicester Square: love this couple



“No they were not rude to me naman,” she added. “Besides I just cooperated, kept quiet, and answered questions only when asked. Moral of the story: just check it in or don’t bring it at all. I guess they let me go because I was just smiling, not making taray or pulling my weight around. Ands besides, I look so not suspicious.”

Note to self: Do NOT bring Vlieger & Vandam bag to Hong Kong.

P.S. Knucklecases are on sale now on Fab.com for a limited time only.

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

If you’re a multiple-gadget household like ours, you might feel frustrated trying to organize all your ipads and laptops.
You don’t want to pile them up together because they can fall or get scratched.

I thought hard about how to fix this and found this wooden FANBY rack in IKEA.

I hoarded a few of these and voila—my kids know where to find their iPad if they leave theirs lying around my room.
It’a space saver and it’s cheap!

Here’s another gadget I love, which was a favorite Christmas gift last year—the XtremeMac Docking Station—for Apple products. You can choose from either three or five docking stations

I put this on my husband’s bedside table where he parks his iPhone.

Last Christmas, the families I gave these to really appreciated it.
To know more, go to http://www.xtrememac.com/

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

Last week everyone was talking about the opening of Solaire Resort & Casino at Entertainment City along Manila Bay.
They say it’s Las Vegas in Manila. Because I missed the opening and media previews, I asked to be invited to a more intimate tour with Solaire’s marketing group.

It took us more than an hour to get there from Pasig on a Friday night.
Upon arrival, I was imagining what it would be like if our international airport looked like this.

Since it opened only last March 16th, I was quite surprised to see the place buzzing with activity, though some of the photos might not reflect that.
Our tour began with a dinner at StripSteakhouse

We met Katrina Razon, lovely daughter of Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon, Jr.

My dinner consisted of the freshly baked bread from Solaire’s in-house bakery

Grilled Hokkaido scallops

and this 350-gram ribeye steak, which Jeroen helped me finish

All the head chefs in Solaire are imported, including baker, pastry chef, and many food items.

After dinner we began the walking tour to burn some of the calories we ingested.
Yakumi Japanese restaurant was right next door.

We met Japanese chefs Norimasa Kasaka and Shinobu Endo.
Prior to working at Solaire, Mr. Kasaka (L) has prepared sushi for celebrities like Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Dolce and Gabbana, Michael Schumacher, Naomi Campbell, and Nicole Kidman.
The fact that Nicole Kidman came back for more and Naomi Campbell didn’t throw chopsticks at him, probably means his sushi is worth a try

Busy that night

I was quite interested on who would get to taste this giant Hokkaido crab (Hi Ana!)

At Finestra Italian fine dining restaurant, we met Executive Chef Salvatore de Vicentis (L) with Finestra manager Giulio Gongarini

It felt like walking into a dream—or a movie set

My first thought upon seeing this was: We’re not in Kansas anymore. Seriously it felt like I had traveled abroad.

Red Lantern, the Chinese restaurant next door, brought me back to earth

with beautiful flowers flown in from the Netherlands

There’s the Lucky Noodle Bar

and the popular Fresh buffet restaurant

Very affordable compared to many buffet spreads in Manila

Some of the offerings: cheese spread

Seafood bar

Dreamy desserts!

Here’s Chef at work

Celebrity sighting: Liz Almoro and Victor Aliwalas

(To be continued)

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

It’s been almost 1.5 years since I last had fresh lychees.
I bought these in Singapore last December 2011.

They were so expensive. And perfect.

Since then I’ve been searching for fresh lychees in Manila, Hong Kong and Singapore and have not found any.
I remember many years ago, Mich Dulce and I were in Hong Kong. She bought fresh lychees on the street and was savoring them in the hotel room. Now even in Hong Kong I can’t find lychees anymore.
Where have they all gone?

Health benefits of lychees:
• According to a Chinese book, the nature of the flesh of the lychee is warm and can help improve the blood.
• The Chinese believe lychee has the ability to relieve pain and shrink swollen glands.
• Studies conclude that lychee prevents the growth of cancer cells. Flavonoids found in the lychee fruit pulp were found to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and appeared to be especially effective against breast cancer.
• Lychee is a rich source of Vitamin C and can benefit those suffering from colds, fever and sore throat.

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

It’s more fun in the Philippines as Rustan’s partners with PNB in its Journey Into Summer promo.
Take home free Samsonite premium items or win free stays at some of the country’s top resorts with a minimum single-receipt purchase at participating Rustan’s stores (all Rustan’s department stores, Rustan’s Red Tag outlet store, and Rustan’s brand stores at Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila) from now until April 15, 2013.

Choose between a Samsonite foldable tote bag or duffle bag with a minimum Php 10,000 single-receipt purchase.
A minimum Php 50,000 single-receipt purchase entitles you to a Samsonite Headline 3 Backpack.
And if your single receipt purchase amounts to Php 100,000 and up, you’ll get a Samsonite Cosmolite Blue 55cm Spinner.

But if you use your PNB/Allied Bank Credit Card to purchase, you can get your Samsonite gifts for less!
Spend just Php 9,000 instead of Php 10,000, Php 45,000 instead of Php 50,000, or Php 90,000 instead of Php 100,000, to get your corresponding gift.
To redeem your Samsonite gift, present your receipt to the Concierge desk at Rustan’s department stores.
Please note that qualified purchases do not include merchandise from cosmetics, perfumeries, toiletries, SSI brands, Debenhams, Rustan’s Flower Shop, as well as purchases of Rustan’s gift certificates.

Win free stays at top resorts

From March 15 to April 30, 2013, every Php 3,000 minimum purchase at participating Rustan’s stores entitles customer to one raffle ticket.
A total of 24 winners will be drawn:

Four winners will win 3D/2N stays at El Nido Resorts

Five winners will win 3D/2N stays at The Farm at San Benito

Five winners will enjoy 3D/2N stays at Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa

Five will win 3D/2N stays at The District Boracay

Another five winners will each receive a three-piece set of Samsonite luggage.

Grand raffle will be May 9, 2013 at Rustan’s department store, Makati.
Per DTI-NCR Permit No.2464 Series of 2013

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

Aside from all the new restaurants plus a newly opened food court serving affordable fast meals, Solaire also has 488 hotel rooms (deluxe and grand deluxe rooms, suites) and bayside villas.
The reception counter is located inside the bustling lobby.

Nothing like a brand new hotel room, you can lie down on the carpet

Bathrooms the way we like it—clean, simple, modern

Let’s not forget what’s in the heart of Solaire—the casino.
Solaire Club offers high-limit tables and slots for VIPs who want to play big and win bigger.

Photos were taken pre-opening. It was pretty busy the night we were there

As you can see, they mean business

If they cut corners, it sure didn’t show

As for the rest of the folks, there are many gaming options

To know more about Solaire, go to http://www.solaireresort.com/

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

Margarita Forés has a new baby—and it’s a not a new sibling for Amado.
A couple of years ago, when I heard Margarita was planning a new restaurant called Grace Park, my first thought was, I’m in.
Grace Park reminds me of something kitschy like Caloocan or a Korean student in Harvard Law School.
It turns out Grace Park refers to her paternal grandmother’s place in the former Elpo compound.

Work in progress: Grace Park at One Rockwell

Trivia: Elpo is a defunct brand of rubber shoes which belonged to Margarita’s family.
Short for El Porvenir, which means “the future,” it opened for business in 1933 and was popular for decades.
Back in the day, the impressive Elpo Compound covered two blocks on the 2nd and 3rd Avenues of Grace Park, Caloocan City.

In 2010, when Margarita brought her son Amado to study in the U.S. they took time out to dine in farm-to-table restaurants such as ABC Kitchen, Vinegar Hill House, and Joseph Leonard, where they came to know healthy, rustic food without much styling.
Her interest in organic and healing foods began when she battled and beat thyroid cancer in 2006.
Today she takes a glass of green juice every morning and looked ten years younger when I interviewed her last Friday.
This sensibility is reflected in Grace Park’s menu, offering organic juices, salads, and vegetables produced by local farmers.
The computer-printed menu, mounted on recycled corrugated board, was designed to change every two weeks—it all depends on what suppliers are offering.

We talked over a huge Grace Park OMG Burger, which I ate in layers.
I started with the top bun of delicious tiger bread. Underneath, bits of organic bacon over cheese and two beef patties, plus a side of salad, and chunky home fries.

On Sunday night I was back again with my family. I had the bone-in tenderloin with garlic buttered rice.
I don’t know what it is with Margarita’s steak and rice—I feel like Homer Simpson (bottomless pit).
This food makes me happy.

My sister had the River Prawns in Anchovy Butter. It’s my first time to see prawns with massive heads, which should be great if you love prawn heads (read: bitin!).

Leave room for desserts developed by Margarita’s partner, Alvin Lim, such as the Key Lime pie and his famous cassava.

For starters, try Panzerotti, Mozzarella, Mortadella

The two-level loft was designed by Margarita with her cousin Jorge Yulo, who does her restaurants.
They made use of unfinished ceilings, unpainted walls, distressed floor planks, iron barricades, and gold-leafed bricks salvaged from old houses.

She keeps it sustainable by recycling old tables and chairs and bringing out the mismatched utensils, plates, and glasses from segunda mano sources.

Don’t be surprised if they serve the fish straight on the frying pan.

Even the toilet is a surprise. (It also smells good.)

Soft-opened last March 21, 2013, Grace Park is still a work in progress.
The menu and interiors are still changing. Credit card payments are being fixed—so please bring cash.
The most expensive thing was probably the bone-in tenderloin I ordered. But everything else looks reasonable.

Grace Park is at One Rockwell, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center Makati
Open 11 AM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM
Best to reserve. Pending PLDT and SMART connections*, guests can reserve via (0917) 513-8945.
To know more, go to Grace Park on Facebook.

*SMART: (0939)-93-GRACE • PLDT: 843-PARK (7275)

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

A door greeter is someone who welcomes visitors and customers as they arrive at a restaurant, retail store, or other businesses. The greeter may also bid people farewell as they exit the premises.
Their job frequently calls them to provide answers to questions regarding store hours, merchandise location, and the like. But most of all they are supposed to make the customer feel welcome upon entering the store.

In Manila, we don’t really have greeters. We have security guards.
At S&R there are greeters and security guards, but their main purpose is to check your bag and your membership card.
Last week I was in Quezon City to take my son to a vision and hearing test required for school.
After the exam he wanted french fries and ketchup, so we made a quick drive through Jollibee.
I was still holding my pack of fries when I saw the sign Estrel’s from the car.
I had never seen the Estrel’s mothership, and the sign that said “Since 1946″ made me very excited.
I told the driver to make a U-turn.

Estrel’s is a caramel cake I’ve come to know through dinner parties at home. Grace, who lives in QC, used to bring them until she had a bad experience after many years.
Estrel’s are the prettiest, daintiest cakes you’ll ever see. But I might add, they are prettier than they taste.
I think I like them more because they remind me of my grandmother’s simple, homemade cakes, God bless her.

The thing with Estrel’s is you can’t just walk in, buy a cake and walk out.
There are rules: You have to order three days in advance, you have to pay a deposit. The rules are listed here.
That sounds fine to me, a would-be customer. What I didn’t appreciate was how the security guard greeted me.
It wasn’t a hi, hello, or good afternoon. Instead he said, “Anong sadya niyo?”
“What?” I said, clutching my bag and fries.
“May pi-pickup-in ba kayo?”
“Nope.”
“Bawal yan dito,” he was eyeing my fries.
“Ganon? Hindi ko naman kakainin dito.”
I really didn’t want to throw the fries or walk away. I just wanted to see the store.

Normally you’re not allowed to eat in the supermarket or a clothing store for obvious reasons. But a cake shop that doesn’t even sell cakes to go??
I ignored the guard and pushed the door open. Once inside I saw the strangest cake shop scene of people behind desks taking orders from customers seated in front. No pretty cakes on display. Just desks, people, and papers.
Nobody greeted me. Nobody said, hi, may I help you? Nobody looked up and smiled. It had the warmth of a gestapo office.

So I left. On the way out I got myself a leaflet but not without telling the guard how I felt:
“Anong bang tinitinda niyo diyan? Ginto??”
I couldn’t believe what serious business it was to order an Estrel’s cake. No wonder Grace stopped bringing them.
I was so upset I started tweeting in the car.
Since presscons are all the rage in Manila (what with Kris Aquino and her sisters and Heart Evangelista’s parents), someone suggested I call a press conference to talk about Estrel’s.
Of course that sort of thing wouldn’t happen in real life, so I asked my sister Ana to draw me and my sisters in a presscon.

“Inapi ako ng guard sa Estrel’s! Huhuhuhu….”
My sister Diday is in the middle, my sister Ana, the artist is at right.
Makes you wonder how a place like Estrel’s has lasted since 1946 with this kind of service.

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

In a nutshell, almost everything is closed on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Except for some restaurants in Greenhills and Newport Mall, which is open on Thursday.
To see is to believe, so I went around looking for mall schedules online.
Aside from checking out your nearest mall, have fun looking at the different graphic designs

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Market! Market!
Open on March 28 and 29, 2013:
Moshi Koshi Noodle Boss, Seafood Island, North Park, Goodah!!!, Mini Stop, Café de Lipa

Alabang Town Center

Eastwood Mall

Festival Mall

Greenhills Shopping Center

Lucky Chinatown

Market! Market!

Power Plant Mall

Trinoma

For the expats

and for Pepper Lunch lovers

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