Last Thursday, everything was all about Sarah Jessica Parker opening the new SM Aura mall in Taguig.
Almost everyone I knew was going to be there, including my husband who opened the 16th Pepper Lunch store at Food on Four.
I was invited by SM’s Millie Dizon to SJP’s press conference at 6 PM.
I left the house around 5 PM and got there at 5:30 PM.
Here’s what greeted us: massive but moving traffic.
It was well-organized.
A couple of days prior, everyone was asking if I would be attending, and some asked if I could bring them in, like Paulo and Jujiin who are known to dress crazy, even on a regular day.
I told Jujiin, “If you go, can you please not wear a costume?”
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw them all dressed up like this:
L-R: Jake Galvez, Matt Gozun, Jujiin Samonte, Paulo Castro
We all went in for the presscon, but it was crazy crowded. I have to thank these guys and Elmer Lapeña of SAGA for helping us get through security. Joey Mead was hosting.
Everyone was there
I’m so grateful I was able to secure a front row seat, but the presscon was crazy. Not a good idea to mix the press with the fans, because this was my view:
Behind me: Saab and Maxene Magalona with Mary Ann Tinio and Teddyboy Locsin, who patiently tried to listen through the noise
Seriously. The fans would not stop chattering, we could not hear a thing.
Anyway, Sarah Jessica Parker was a vision in a simple black dress, no vulgar jewelry, just simple hair and makeup.
She is much more beautiful in person, I just can’t put my finger on why as she is not a conventionally beautiful woman.
We are the same height, but she is probably 30 lbs lighter.
I wish I had better pictures, but butts were in my face.
These pictures I borrowed from Instagram. She is really beautiful.
Photo: Liza Ilarde
Photo: Deneb Villanueva
Photo: Deneb Villanueva
Photo: Kat Malicsi
I wasn’t able to look inside the SM Store with its new look, but I’ll be back when the crowd thins out.
Tried to eat at Pepper Lunch but it’s been packed since it opened at 11 AM on Thursday.
My friends and I ended up checking out what’s open. Digital Walker has a gorgeous store on the 4th level
Forever 21 had a crazy queue when it opened to the public yesterday
Passed by Cotton On
Spotted: Yvette Fernandez after a shopping spree
Passed by briefly at the cocktails, where I saw Robby Carmona, Cedric Cid, Dong Ronquillo, and Tim Yap
Ended up at Uniqlo to buy the lounge pants I’m wearing now
Overall an exciting experience. Haven’t seen so many people in suits in Manila, and SM Aura has the aircons to accommodate them, even in this heat.
I’m scared of crowds, so I’ll be back to check out the rest of the mall—maybe next month. 
Watch this!
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.