TWG Tea, maker of fine teas, announces the opening of an island Tea Salon & Boutique at Rockwell’s Power Plant Mall.
It is the brand’s third destination in Manila in addition to Greenbelt 5 and Resorts World Manila.

The new TWG Salon and Boutique is a veritable jewel box with specially crafted artisanal curved-glass walls, offering over 800 different varieties of tea from 38 countries.
It’s a great place to find that special gift for tea lovers—like exclusive tea sets, tea-scented candles and gourmet goodies.

Anthony T. Huang, Executive Vice President of Stores Specialists, Inc. says: “We are very excited to bring this luxury tea brand to the Rockwell community. This unique and astonishing tea salon brings a one-of-a-kind tea drinking experience to all.”
Taha Bouqdib, President & Co-Founder of TWG Tea adds: “We are delighted to bring the world of TWG Tea to Rockwell Mall with the creation of another astonishing TWG Tea universe of luxury and refinement with a contemporary and fashionable edge.”

Find TWG Tea at the Archeology Wing of Power Plant Mall.
To know more, go to http://www.twgtea.com/

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

I know prom season is over.
I don’t have daughters, so I don’t have to fuss about prom dresses. But I’ve been my friends’ daughters, my niece, all over Instagram and Facebook. I know prom dresses are slim pickings here and can be very expensive.
But with Internet, Googling skills, and Johnny Air, it is easy to find good dresses at reasonable prices.
Take H&M’s recently launched Conscious Exclusive, a partywear collection made from more sustainable materials, like organic cotton, recycled polyester, recycled polyamide and Tencel.
The collection features clothing and accessories for both men and women, and is part of H&M’s Conscious work to offer more sustainable fashion.

A corseted dress with seemingly endless layers of tulle feels like it’s stepped out of the old world ($199)

A dress with pleated ruffles ($79.95)

A demure white dress evokes rock and roll romance with its sheer sleeves, asymmetric train and bird embroidery ($299)

A fringed dress in black ($199)

A floor-length dusty pink gown that is elegant in front and bare in the back is made from 100% recycled polyester ($59.95)

The Conscious Exclusive collection is now available in around 140 stores worldwide as well as online at http://www.hm.com/

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

OMG, Jeroen! It turns out, we don’t have to take cabs all the time. Check this out!

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

Everywhere We Shoot is composed of newlyweds Ryan and Garovs Vergara.
Having met at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde’s School of Design & Arts, both say were two kids who used to meet up at a fast food joint near school, just to hang out.
As a result, they ended up smitten not only with each other, but also with each other’s taste. Both were obsessed with magazines and irony, and working together just happened naturally.
Their work has appeared in almost every major magazine in the country as well as a number of publications abroad. They’ve also been commissioned to do brand campaigns, record sleeves, and lookbooks for top Filipino designers.

This April 27, 2013, Ryan and Garovs invite you to their first solo show at Pablo Art Gallery.
They won’t say what it’s all about, only that it opens on April 27, 6 PM
at Unit C-11, South of Market Condominium
9th corner 11th streets, Fort Global City, Taguig.
Exhibit runs until May 31, 2013.

http://www.everywhereweshoot.com/

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

There is an ongoing war in the Barretto family.
It involves showbiz sisters Gretchen, Marjorie and her daughter Julia in one camp (Team Gremarju)

and matriarch Inday and daughter Claudine in another (Team Clauday)

I don’t really know when and how the fight started. Someone please enlighten me.

All I know is they’ve been fighting on Instagram. (Because Instagram is the new jologs, that’s why.)
So I woke up this morning to news about Inday Barretto siding with daughter Claudine and saying all sorts of things about Greta.
Following is an open letter was written by Inday Barretto to her daughter Gretchen, published in Ricky Lo’s column:

You are a liar, Gretchen.
Many of your preys will attest to that soon. That is the style that you use when you want to play with other people’s lives!
To correct your lies…
• You claim Claudine said, “She will block Julia’s entry to Star Magic.”
Who did Claudine say it to…you? Or did you just make this up to put Claudine in trouble with Star Magic and make Julia’s big following angry with Claudine?
You did that before. Besides, Julia is very much “in” at Star Magic now.

• That Claudine said she is the only Teleserye Princess of ABS-CBN and will remain one ‘till eternity.
Hah? Did she tell you that or did you make it up again to block her entry to an ABS-CBN project?
First of all, Claudine was not a Teleserye Princess. She was ABS-CBN Teleserye Queen during her time, just like you were ST Queen during yours.

And, hello, showbiz holds no franchise to eternity.
Owners and big bosses go to hell, too, or to heaven in time!
• That Claudine will ruin Julia’s career? Why would she?
Next to Marjorie, “No one can love those children more than Claudine!!!”
There is a track record to that. At hindi isang kagaya mo lang ang maka-manipulate niyan.

Huwag mo naman gawing tanga ‘yung mga tao, Gretchen. They and we all know that “Claudine holds no power over the industry!”
Who do you think Claudine is — the Evil Queen of Bhutan?

Who’s more chica? Gretchen as Queen of Bhutan (L) or Jetsun Pema, the real Queen of Bhutan

• Raymart left home? Yes, it is true.
For a cooling off period? — Sana.
But if God wills it to be permanent, huwag naman sana. But still, our life is not in our hands!
So, Gretchen, do you also want to include God in your “bashing” and drip your perfumed saliva for the misfortune of your sister?
• Claudine has violent ways? Ay, talaga? Correct!

Nagbabasag ng plato at tasa ‘yan; buti na lang plastic, hindi ‘yung regalo ni Pres. Erap sa wedding.
I saw Claudine nagbato ng sapatos, natamaan ang pusa! Nabasa ‘yung shoes.
I also witnessed you, Gretchen, ah! When you were throwing expensive plates and vases at that time I was called to go to your place because nagwawala ka and you were threatening to swallow pills.
Muntik pa nga akong matamaan kaya I ran out of the house to the car on a Typhoon Signal No. 3, soaking wet. Pinalayas ako!
Yes, Claudine’s career slowed down but her talent did not!
What she holds on “record” for achievement, is “not gone” for how can you lose what you already have in your hand and kept in people’s mind? She doesn’t have to prove anything.
Julia and others will fare on their own — never dependent on anyone, comparable to none. They each have a gift from God! Oh yes, Julia is terrific, another good one coming.
You are insecure if you believe anyone can block that! For the record, that (your insecurity) can be supported by a well-known doctor.

Claudine has no “mental illness”…“mental torture,” yes, courtesy of an evil manipulation!
Some of these incidents will support it.
You attack Claudine with verbal abuse by phone and text messages, like these:
• Sabina — negra daughter of yours
• Santino — abnoy
• Raymart — bakla for not siding with you.

You told Claudine that she has no more career to go back to. Bakit, si Malou Santos ka ba, si Vic del Rosario ka ba?

Ipadadampot — for what? (Planted or framed up.) There are bashers — 10, 15 or more, when one is popular — and still you would still like to accuse your sister as the culprit!
Do not call Claudine evil!
Do not start giving away that title that belongs to you and you alone, now that it’s burning your palm and scarring your beautiful face.
Some basher called Julia “maarte” and you blow your top!
You call Claudine evil, prepare to attack her and you want me to be “angelic?”
Ang dali-dali n’yo lang manakit ng tao. Power drunk! Pero pag kayo na, konting pitik gusto n’yo na magpakulong.
I am taking this fight — now in front of the battle.
I am going to take all the bullets you shoot.
Watch and beware it will ricochet kapagka ina na ang binaril.

Stop, please stop. Stop it na, ha! Stop it naaaaa!!!

For the longest time now and all these years you did nothing but make it your favorite pastime to play with the lives of my family, the family you are ashamed to own, in spite of the fact that I brought you all up well, humble and human!
You have attacked, accused, maligned and tried to destroy each and everyone of us in the eyes of society, starting from your father, I your mother, and each and everyone of your siblings including their partners!
People ask and some who do not know any better, might believe that maybe we’re cruel parents, neglectful and remiss in our duties to you! Only, you, alone? Because no one else is complaining about their childhood!
How easy for me to have explained my side, but how can a mother defend herself without destroying a child of hers no matter that she is EVIL?
Most importantly, I could not in all conscience correct the bad “impression” (image) you gave us.
The truth is: This impression is the “Deceptive Device” you used to hook your man and landed you on the moon shining bright like a diamond!

I kept mum not wanting to rock your world but you are wrecking ours!
Gretchen, I am not a wimp, never been one, but lahat may “hangganan.”
I have protected you all these years without exposing to the world the real you. But you have pushed many of us to the wall. There’s no other way but for us to defend our names! I have always loved you as one of my own, and always will, but love of my family belongs to the heart and not in the garbage can!
I am letting go of a child now who never wanted me in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love…Claudine! — INDAY BARRETTO

Claudine Barretto photo by Jover Alforque

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

Joaquin Barretto, brother of warring sisters Gretchen and Marjorie against Claudine, just pledged allegiance to the two elder Barretto sisters by writing a letter tweeted earlier by Marie Lozano.

I’ll spare you the migraine and type this out for you. And I quote:

The letter of our mother which was published earlier today was shocking and hurtful. But what bothers me most is that while she attacks my sister, Gretchen, and pictures her as evil personified, she seems to have forgotten the truth.
Mom, as you have gone out of your way to answer the issues that Claudine ought to answer for herself, maybe it is high time to reflect on things and address these concerns as well.

You have lifted Claudine on a pedestal as the teleserye queen and labelled Grethen nothing but an ST queen.
But who took over the role of her parents, worked at the age of 12 and gave up her education to put her siblings to school? Who put food on the table, paid for the rent and electricity and hospital bills when dad suffered from his heart condition at least 2 times?

Did you ever once stop her from doing all that because you loved her and wanted to protect her just like what you are now doing for Claudine?

We all know the truth about Claudine’s condition. Gretchen never threatened about having her “padampot.”
Whatever for? May I remind you that it was you and dad who had her put in a hospital because you wanted to save her from destroying herself.
Yes, Claudine is going through rough times. Again. And if you truly love her, then you should take concrete steps to save her rather than hitting Gretchen simply because she is standing up to Claudine.

You claimed that Gretchen has been calling Claudine’s children names to her face. But how is that ever possible when Gretchen had long stopped taking Claudine’s calls?
Hasn’t Claudine changed her mobile number many time while still owning many prepaid sim cards as well? (my note: how jeje!)
On the contrary, it was Claudine who repeatedly said she was going to make an exposé. On what?
We were clueless until bashing began on Instagram (read: the new jologs) which is why Gretchen came to rescue of Julia.

If there is anyone who cared more for her niece, we all know it is Gretchen as she has proven when she chose to protect me and her siblings for a long, long time. This explains why, as you said, we never complained about out childhood.
Please mom, let us put a stop to this before our family totally falls apart while there is still something to save.

(Signed) Joaquin Barretto

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

When I think of Jollibee, I think of Chicken Joy. But that’s not what Anthony Bourdain tried while filming his new CNN show, Parts Unknown, while at Jollibee in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California.

Korean-American executive chef Roy Choi took Bourdain to a Jollibee drive through to try stuff we don’t normally see in a local Jollibee menu: a spam sandwich, halo-halo, and the Aloha Burger.
So amused he was, Bourdain tweeted this picture of the popular Filipino dessert:

Halo halo! twitter.com/Bourdain/statu…

— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) April 20, 2013

Watch what happens during his brief visit to Jollibee

See the full episode on Parts Unknown, CNN this Friday night at 10 PM.
To know more about the show, click HERE.

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

Each year, Havaianas diehards flock to the Rockwell Tent to create their own customized pairs of flip-flops.
And traditionally, the event features a commemorative pair that visualizes the theme for the year.
This time, working on the theme “imagination”, Make Your Own Havaianas launches its first-ever collaboration with Filipino illustrator Dan Matutina, who designed a glow-in-the-dark slipper with carbon blue soles, depicting spacemen with space markers, connecting stars to form images.


So mark your calendars and prepare to Make your own Havaianas this May 2-5, 2013 at The Rockwell Tent.
Opens 10 AM onwards.
To know more, go to https://www.facebook.com/havaianasphilippines

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

Ouch. This really hurts.
The Barretto saga is getting so trashy, the Kardashians need to take notes.
But grrrr….I can’t help but post them because my statcounter likes the traffic the Barretto family brings here.

This letter was published by Ricky Lo in today’s Philippine Star.
It was written Gia Barretto-Reyes of Boston, Massachusetts to their mother Inday, addressed to sister Gretchen.
And I quote:

When enough is enough

I respect that you do not want to be part of our family. At this point, we welcome it.
Not at any point do I ever recall us forcing you to be part of us but we have never also alienated you during the times when you wanted to be with us. Even during the times when you battled with one of us.

I say us because you have time and time again made extreme efforts to push us — mom, dad and all of us — away.
You have hurt us in ways that put the word decency to shame, you have had no rules when you attacked us.
If the attack were physical then it would be bearable. Bruises heal.
But the attack has always been vicious, below the belt and so evil that the wound borne from it cannot heal.
It is done repeatedly and unsparingly with permanent damage in mind.

You have tried to put mom and dad to shame with empty allegations without thinking that you, whether you like it or not came from them.
You ridicule them in front of friend, strangers and us. And, you expect us to just take it.
Your claims of financial support for this family have no basis, because dad always managed to provide.

For the record, we may not have been so rich but we were never poor.
1. We live in big beautiful houses
2. Slept in carpeted, air-conditioned rooms
3. Food galore
4. Put in an exclusive school
5. Members of exclusive country clubs
6. We each have our own yayas, yours even a midwife
7. Driven by chauffeurs
Long before you were born and even after you were in show business.

At 12 years old, could you have duplicated or taken over this kind of a style, with your meager earnings?
We did not have an excess of things but we had what we needed. You were never forced to get into show business.
I remember very clearly how you ran to the middle of the road when dad said “no” to you entering show business.
He believed that school was important. How sad that you cannot distinguish the lies that you make up and reality.

No Gretchen, it was not you who helped us during rough spots. It was Claudine.
You could not in the life of you convince her that our parents were abusive ones. It was difficult for you to accept that there was somebody who actually had pure intentions of helping where help was needed.
You once told me and I quote, “I just disappear when things get tough.”
You have become great at these disappearing acts. Claudine made an effort to be there always.

Just a few corrections: Claudine paid for my meds at UBC just as she paid for a lot of our nieces and nephews education. She gave them (our nieces and nephews), iPads, iPhones, concert tickets, clothes and so much more. She spoiled all of us not because she needed to but she wanted to.
She unlike you, has never equated her value with money or material possessions.

JJ comments on TV are only credible in as far as he is caught between a rock and a hard place, because he is in your employ. It honestly pains me to see that you could put him in this situation. To pick between that and his parents.

I echo mom’s words, “Stop it.” We get it. We know you don’t want us so please hear us now…”We do not want you, too.”
Please stop hounding us like an attack dog. We will admit defeat if you just leave us in peace. Just totally disappear from our lives without leaving a trail of vile and misery. Please.
Enough is enough! Leave us alone. Leave my family alone.

From GIA BARRETTO-REYES
Boston, Mass., USA
Sent from my iPhone

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

Oh, I never really got into Multiply, but once upon a time I was able to sell some pre-owned bags through the site, and for that I am grateful. That said, I feel sad to see them go. The end of another website.
Just got this email from Jack Madrid, Multiply Country Manager, Philippines.

Dear Multiply Merchant,

We regret to inform you that Multiply will be closing the marketplace on May 6, 2013 and discontinuing all business operations by May 31, 2013.
Multiply will maintain normal site operations through May 6th and will wind things down through to the end of the month. We will use the rest of May to make sure that all accounts are settled and that you receive all funds you earned on the platform. We hope this provides you time needed to identify and migrate to alternative ecommerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and try to minimize disruption to your business.
In order to ensure that all your earnings are disbursed to you in full prior to May 31, we will cut off buying activity on May 6, 2013. This will ensure that all orders have sufficient time to be completed and delivered to your customers before the end of the month.
If you have a Trust Badge, please contact our customer support team and we will ensure that you receive a pro-rated refund for the remaining time on your subscription.
If my team can be of any assistance to you during this transition, we will do our best to help.

Respectfully yours,

Jack Madrid
Multiply Country Manager – Philippines

http://multiply.com/

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

American retail giant, Aéropostale, opens its flagship store this May 2013 at the ground floor of the new Glorietta in Makati.
Named after a 1920s airmail company, the mall-based brand opened its first store in 1987, offering high-quality, fashionable wardrobe staples for teens. Today, Aéropostale is one of the fastest growing retailers of casual apparel and accessories with a price range that’s easy on the pocket.

Just to give you an idea and feel of the brand, last October 2012, Aéropostale opened a new concept store at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Long Island, New York.
The new and impressive store concept evokes a vintage feel with New York-inspired artwork and framed chalkboards that double as a Community board to keep customers in the loop with the many activities Aéropostale has lined up for the year.

Vibrant colored fixtures paired with dark wood, exposed bricks, and state-of-the-art lighting provide contrast and dimension, to give the store a warm and inviting feel.

While tucked in the back of the store is a fun and flirty Girls room or haven for underwear, yoga and dorm items

Each of the store’s five dressing rooms features a New York City neighborhood theme like Soho, Williamsburg, West Village, East Village, and Park Slope.

The store design is a collaboration between Aéropostale’s internal team and the award-winning, Montreal-based design and consulting firm, GH+A Design.
With its heritage and New York roots, Aéropostale is sure to be the next fashion hot spot in the Metro.
To know more about the brand, go to http://www.aeropostale.com/

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

Karpos Multimedia Inc. proudly presents Wanderland—an annual outdoor music and arts festival with sights, sounds and a little something extra—on May 18, 2013 at the new Globe Circuit Events Ground in Makati.
Wanderland brings together the hottest indie pop, indie rock bands, and up-and-comers, both foreign and local, all on one stage. Witness live art by Anjo Bolarda x Martojaks, Secret Fresh and Thursday Room, and enjoy inflatable slides, jousts, and a velcro wall.

Headlining the music festival is Australian five-piece outfit The Temper Trap, best known for upbeat joyride tracks “Sweet Disposition,” “Fader” and “Need Your Love.”

Joining them are two American alt-rock bands: Neon Trees, who rose to popularity with certified charttoppers “Animal,” “Everybody Talks” and “1983”

and Nada Surf, responsible for the ‘90s coming-of-age track “Popular,” the melancholy “Inside of Love” and its unforgettable rendition of the new wave anthem “If You Leave” from the seminal soundtrack of “The O.C.”

The lineup offers more indie-pop goodness in the form of New Zealand-based folk group Avalanche City

Australian pop duo Colour Coding

and the female-fronted indie quintet from Melbourne, Tully on Tully.

Homegrown talents Up Dharma Down, Taken By Cars, Pulso, Yolanda Moon, and She’s Only Sixteen round up the cast.
Tickets are priced at PhP 4,800 (exclusive of ticket service charge) available at all TicketNet, TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets. Gates open at 11 AM.
To know more, go to http://wanderland.ph/

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

While waiting for the next installment of the Barretto family saga, take a break and watch the three sisters—Gretchen, Marjorie, and Claudine—in a friendly interview by Boy Abunda in Private Conversations, back when
Gretchen was a natural beauty, Marjorie was with Dennis Padilla, Rico Yan was still alive, and Boy Abunda had a little bit more hair.

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

While waiting for the next installment of the Barretto family saga, take a break and watch the three sisters—Gretchen, Marjorie, and Claudine—in a friendly interview by Boy Abunda in Private Conversations, back when
Gretchen was a natural beauty, Marjorie was with Dennis Padilla, Rico Yan was still alive, and Boy Abunda had a little bit more hair.

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

I took this test and got a 34. I think this is a fairly accurate description of me.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who’s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

Dr. Phil did this test on Oprah and scored 55, while Oprah got 38 (similar to me).
Wanna try? Try not to cheat to get the most accurate score.

1. When do you feel your best?
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk…
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you…
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with…
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with…
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you…
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You’re working very hard, concentrating hard, and you’re interrupted….
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most….
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are…
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are…
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e ) 1
10 (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points, check your total, and see how others see you.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should handle with care. You’re seen as vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don’t always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who’s quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who’s constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who’ll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful, and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who’s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn’t want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don’t exist. Some people think you’re boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren’t.

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

If you’re chicken rice-obsessed like me, you’d know that it is best served yellow!
Unfortunately we don’t really have fatty yellow chicken like they do in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
That’s because they’re more expensive. And imported (obviously).
For a limited time only, Wee Nam Kee will be serving yellow chicken at Serendra in Bonifacio and the new Glorietta in Makati. Enjoy it from May 1-June 30, 2013 only!

It’s my first time to visit the new Glorietta. We were invited to dine there by Linfred Yap, Philippines franchise holder of Wee Nam Kee Singapore.
The place looks tons nicer than Wee Nam Kee Singapore, for sure!
This is Singapore

And this is Glorietta—voila!

Linfred showed me white chicken (left) vs. yellow chicken (right), steamed and roasted

He had me at yellow!!
Here’s what we had: a mixed platter of both (with chicken rice, of course!)

Sambal kangkong which I loved. Plus a roast pork dish

More roasted pork in hot pot with tausi

Yellow chicken owes its color and fat content to a high-protein diet composed primarity of corn, which makes its meat more succulent and its skin, well, fatty.
It’s boiled in Wee Nam Kee’s secret stock for an even more flavorful taste.
Available steamed or roasted, they’re best savored with chicken rice, complemented by pounded ginger, chili sauce, and dark soya sauce.
For a limited time only, enjoy it here in Manila only at Wee Nam Kee Serendra and Glorietta 2.
To know more, follow Wee Nam Kee on Facebook or Twitter.

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

Before anything, I have nothing against Gretchen Barretto!
I find her highly amusing and entertaining, unlike her sister Claudine, whom I find strangely aggressive.
One thing I’ve always wondered about Gretchen though, is why a pretty woman like her needs to alter her face that much.
Another thing, Gretchen recently found her voice in social media. Through Instagram we can all see her bling

her ride

her gifts

her drinks

her shoes

her bags

her food galore!

But what drives a woman who seems to have everything to show off what she has, when we all know she’s “married” to a very rich man?
The answer finally came when her good friend, former actress and schoolmate, Tania Montenegro, recently spoke to Pep.ph about Gretchen’s sordid childhood.
The idea was not to put down Gretchen, but to discredit Gretchen’s sister Gia, who wrote a letter to discredit brother Jay-Jay (Joaquin), who wrote a statement to discredit their mother Inday, who wrote a letter to discredit Gretchen.

I know, long story.
Tania’s story is quite a read in Tagalog. I thought it would be easier to understand by summarizing and asking my sister Ana Maria Zamora to illustrate them.
Here goes…

Tania Montenegro

While they were “put in exclusive schools”, Tania says many times during exams, Gretchen would be asked to leave the room because her tuition fee was not paid.

“Most of the time, she’d come to school, wala siyang baon. So many countless times, I make her libre for recess,” Tania recalled.

Food galore?
Tania says she used to see Gretchen’s siblings in the canteen, “nagre-recess, nagla-lunch”, while Gretchen only had one meal. “Bakit si Gretchen, it’s either lunch or recess, ganyan? Lagi, lagi ‘yan,” Tania asked.
Gretchen is the fifth of seven children of Miguel at Estrella “Inday” Barretto.
Her elder siblings are Mito, Michi, Jay-Jay, at Gia (non showbiz) while the younger ones—Marjorie and Claudine both joined Gretchen in showbiz.

“Sometimes, we’d go out as a group, hindi ‘yan oorder kasi she has no money to pay for the food, yung ganun ba.”

“Nakakaawa nga ‘yan, e. There was one time nga, e, dumadalaw ‘yan sa house, mga early 1990s.
We were living in Capitol Hills, and she was within the area lang, kasi she had shooting. She passed by.
So kami naman, unintentionally, we served Spam and California rice. She sat on the table and sabi niya, ‘Ang sarap naman nito! Di bale, I promise, some day I’d be able to buy myself this.’

Yayas and chauffeurs? According to Tania, Gia’s recollection of their lifestyle during the ’80s is “weird”.
The chauffeur was actually Jay-Jay, the brother who drove them to school in a yellow combi!

“And their house, lahat naman yun rented. Rented lang mga houses na yun.
There were times nga, may mga art project kami, may mga project kami for art or for GMRC [Good Manners and Right Conduct], na we’d have to go to the school and bring this. Wala siyang madadala, kasi nga wala…Hindi siya nabigyan ng pambili or ganyan. Kaya nga kami naging close niyan. Kasi ako, madalas, I’d share. I’d share with her.”

“Nagulat lang ako talaga kung bakit kinailangan magsalita pa ni Tita Inday. I don’t know why she had to come up with that statement na parang…parang disown Gretchen. Parang tinatanong ko lang, ‘What has she done to you guys? Kasi, all throughout…ano ‘yan, e, she has a very big heart. So I don’t know.”

Another thing she can’t understand is Tita Inday’s “hatred kay Gretch.”
“I don’t know why. Hindi ko rin maintindihan na bakit parang through all, ha…seven kasi sila [magkakapatid]. I don’t know why siya [Gretchen] lang, sa nakita ko, sa naririnig kong kuwento from Gretch, sa na-witness ko, I don’t know why merong ganyang hatred si Tita Inday kay Gretch. I don’t know why.

Kasi dati pa sasabihin niya: ‘Si Gretchen ang itim-itim! Ang pangit ni Gretchen!’ Kaya nga si Gretchen, nagkaroon ng kailangan na pumuti siya, kailangan gumanda siya. Kaya naging ganyan ang effect kay Gretch, e. Kasi she hears it from her mom na, ‘Maitim si Gretchen! Maitim si Gretchen. Hindi naman maganda si Gretchen! Maraming gano’n.’”

“And then there was one time, she had a big pasa dito sa may face niya…between her cheek and her neck.
Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘What happened to you? Why do you have a bruise?’
Sabi niya her mom slapped her daw. Sabi niya, ‘She hit me.’
Sabi ko, ‘Why?’ She started to cry.

“I didn’t bother asking her kasi naawa ako because of the bruise on her cheek. Yung malaking bruise.
We were like Grade 6 lang siguro—so, mga 12? There was one time, may pictorial may pictorial kami, na-late siya.
‘Parang you cried,’ sabi ko sa kanya.
‘Yeah,’ sabi niyang ganun.‘Inday pulled my hair.’”

Even though Gretchen now lives the good life, Tania says it’s not so difficult to please Gretchen—it could be as simple as mocha cake and hugs.
“Gretchen is so mababaw. A simple Goldilocks mocha slice or mocha cake will make her so happy.
When we were young, she would have to wait for her birthday para makatikim ng Goldilocks. Kaya if people out there want to make Gretch happy, give her Goldilocks mocha cake or mocha slice!”

“She was deprived kasi of love and affection growing up. That’s why, if you notice, Gretchen is a hugger, she loves to hug her friends, and she always says, ‘I love you.’ Because her mom never said that to her.” (Source)

So there you have it. And now if you see someone bragging shamelessly , ask yourself if that person had a deprived childhood
P.S. Gretchen didn’t pay me to write this!! xo

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

I turned a year older yesterday.
I don’t really like announcing my birthday because I get so tired trying to thank everyone who greets me. But it’s really sweet. I read every message. Some make me cry and some touch me in a warm, fuzzy way.
I feel guilty not answering all of them. Because if I do, I would spend the whole day just thanking people.

Yesterday I had so many cakes!
The first one was given by my son Christian, who came up to my room with his electronic cake that sings. The candles actually “extinguish” when you blow them. He’s so sweet…

No birthday of mine is complete without a Jollibee cake. I would be really disappointed if this doesn’t come, hehe.

Some friends from a hotel sent me a cake I didn’t get to eat because it came hot and deconstructed.
At first I thought the hotel had sent me a special cake that looked like ruins, because I like that. Then I realized it really was ruined! So I asked the delivery guy about it. He said he may have encountered a hump along the way.
I felt sorry for him so I didn’t complain. Also because I don’t want them to make him pay for it.
So in this case, it’s really the thought that counts.

My friend Van sent me the sweetest cake from The Royal Picadilly. Everyone who saw it was simply amazed.

I loved that the cake had my loved ones on it, plus a cake on top of a cake!

My friend Grace also gave me a caramel cake from Costa Brava (R), not Estrel’s

The caramel cake is still in the chiller thought, because I am eating this cake given by my friend Anthony.
When I first saw the cake, I thought it looked like the ruins. So me!

My friends and I dug in and guessed correctly—that the coffee crunch cake is by Mrs. Yulo of Forbes Park.
Tons better than Red Ribbon (jeje). Cedric called it the Coachella cake because it reminds him of the dessert.
I was so happy I had four slices last night and three slices today. I’ll work it all out starting tomorrow.

Finally, Jude and Yodel art directed this cake platter. It is a sight to behold.

It got me scrambling in the kitchen for the heavy silver tray Jeroen and I received at our wedding more than 12 years ago. I found it in mint condition in our kitchen cupboard.

There were a couple of other cakes that arrived just before I left the house. I wasn’t able to take a picture, but I want to thank you for the cakes, flowers, presents and well wishes. For those of you wondering, yes I share them with the people at home. There are 13 of us here.

Funny how the older I get, the more I like cake.

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

“Only in the Philippines” used to be a term of ridicule. But nowadays, it can be a good a thing. A very good thing.
Last night this house manager was treated to a Lipo-Cavitation and Radio Frequency session care of Slim At Home.
Here’s what I walked into last night at 8 PM—my study room had been transformed into a spa with candle and funky iPod music.

Wow. I’ve always wanted to do this, but find it too expensive, even with those online deals.
I once tried a similar service at home, but found it too messy and sticky with the plastic cover they put on my bed. Plus the technician kept scorching me. I just wanted each session to end.

Slim at Home was great! With aircon and darkened the room, I laid down on a massage bed with my tummy on top of a small metal plate, and slipped into pampering relaxation.
The initial noise doesn’t bother me. The whole session took about two hours. I didn’t sleep but checked my phone, read for a little bit, closed my eyes and thought how lucky I am.

The first procedure was Lipo-Cavitation—a non-invasive method that directs high-energy ultrasound waves to fat cells beneath the skin. The ultrasound waves cause microbubbles in and around the fat cell, eventually causing the cells to rupture, release, and be expelled through the body naturally.

This was followed by RF or Radio Frequency waves, which produce heat to rearrange and stimulate the formation of collagen fibers to tighten and renew the skin.

Check out before and after pictures (obviously this is not me or my underwear)

Got back fat? Say goodbye after many treatments, improved diet, and exercise.

After doing my thighs, we did my face—however I do not recommend this to anyone.
The treatment was brief (about four minutes) but the sound was too much to endure. I felt like I was going to be deaf or blind. I wanted it to end! But I also wanted to see if it would work.
After the treatment it felt like I had bionic ears! I could actually hear the crumpling of tissue paper—who the hell hears that? I was so freaked out.
Today my hearing is not yet 100% but getting there. Not sure if this is due to my cough, but I really don’t want to go through it again.

Overall, I love the whole idea of Slim At Home and highly recommend it. It will take time before I see results because you’re not supposed to do it everyday. Every four days is recommended.

Different treatments and packages can be customized according to your needs and budget, along with easy and convenient modes of payment.
Customers can also request an initial visit from Slim At Home doctor who will make sure you’re fit for treatments.
For questions, contact Slim At Home owner Happy Ongpauco-Tiu at (0917) 890-1225. Or book through Aileen at 0917-885-SLIM (7546).
To know more about the complete range of treatments, go to http://www.slimathome.com.ph or like them on Facebook.

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

The Visayan region’s delicacies take center stage at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s Paseo Uno from May 6-12, 2013.
Chef Pauline Gorriceta-Banusing, renowned for representing Iloilo’s famous culinary scene, will prepare signature dishes in the lunch and dinner buffets, such as Kadios, Baboy at Langka—more popularly known as KBL (a tangy soup made with kadios beans, pork and jackfruit, soured with batuan seeds)

Chicken pancit molo

Lukon na may Aligue kag Paho, or fresh Aklan prawns with crab fat in garlic and scallions

Chicken Inasal—Iloilo’s most popular chicken dish, made even more special with Chef Pauline’s basting sauce, and a Batchoy station where guests can add their favorite ingredients to suit their taste.
A spread of traditional Ilonggo desserts and beverages are included in the daily buffet price of PHP 1,990+ or PHP2,450+ for the Luxury buffet—available for dinner on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday lunch.

Chef Pauline trained at the Culinary Institute of America, New York, and the Institute of Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kump’s New York). In Iloilo, she operates four popular food establishments and a successful catering business.

For inquiries or reservations, call Paseo Uno at 750-8888 or email momnl-paseouno@mohg.com.

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