Artsy Fresh

I bought my first Bench tee-shirt at the SM Boutique Square in Makati. It was white in the coolest of cotton with doodles of different flags printed on it. Back then, everyday wear for me were white tee-shirts, khaki shorts and suede loafers. Twenty-five years after and three sizes larger, I updated my tee-shirt look, pairing them with dark jeans and cardigans. I always like it that way, simple and fresh, and a little artsy.

The artsy energy at the Bench Secret Fresh launch in Greenbelt Gallery.

Bench big man, Ben Chan loving the hand painted figures.

Taking the spotlight.

The Bench Secret Fresh tee-shirt collection.

My favorite tee from the collection.

Randy Ortiz, Marco Protacio and Arnel Quiambao

Georgina Wilson, Miguel Pastor and Rajo Laurel

Daryl Chang and Kai Lim

Kristine Lim and Suyen Yap

Wes Rodriguez

Always a joy to see, Karylle.

Oh so adorable, Yumi Lim!

Sun, Sea, and Sky

I needed some sea breeze for my bad cough and my friend Reysie came to the rescue. She took me on a day trip to Camaya Cove, an hour and a half ferry ride from Manila. We were welcomed by refreshing drinks with lovely peacock picks. I fell in love with the sight of the majestic Mariveles mountains, I wanted to sing.

I spent the whole afternoon lying down under the coconut trees imagining I was in some Tom Cruise movie. I wish I owned one villa here.

Balcony overlooking the South China Sea.

My friend and tour guide for a day, Reysie Salonga,

Silver And Lace

I always cry at weddings, maybe because I develop a certain bond with the bride during the months of wedding preparations and jitters. It is much more so, when the bride has been my client and friend since her prom or debut. I would go on and make her first suits for work, her gown when she becomes a bride's maid and then the trousseau for her big day.

I met Angela ten years ago, she with the toothsome smile, our fittings would go on for hours because of the hilarious banter that goes in between. When she messaged me her happy news last year, we met up and she brought her mother's well preserved wedding gown. It was to be our inspiration for her unique design, a simple gored gown in silk Gazar with a hood fashioned from French lace.

I was filled with joy looking at her as I was fixing her lace hood before her bridal march. And as I saw her hug her father at the other end of the aisle, I could already feel warm happy tears streaming down my cheeks.

Angela's beautiful family

Angela's Matrons of Honor and Bride's Maids 

Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Little flowers make lovely bouquets

Cutest flower girls sang the Lord's Prayer

Chickoy and Angela with the wedding entourage

Best wishes to the happy couple!

Made In GK

Just a couple of blocks from C-5 Road in Taguig, beside the Maria Reyna de los Apostoles Church, you'll find this cute pastel-colored building that houses the GKonomics Fashion Lab and Showroom. Immediately as you get in, you'll fall in love with very useful items made from recycled materials by the Gawad Kalinga communities. I'm recommending these beautiful products as wedding souvenirs or birthday giveaways. You can even make your own design. Truly, there's so much we can do for our country.

Gawad Kalinga Pinagsama, Taguig

GKonomics Design Lab and Showroom

A true optimist, Tony Meloto

Totes and clutches made from used tetra packs.

Totes made from used tarpulins.

Rosary beads made from old magazines.

Theo-Philo Chocolates from the GK Enchanted Farm.

Bags by The Invisible Sisters made from used plastic bags.

The Invisible Sisters team.

My little contribution.

Basic pocket tees.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Tonichi Nocom

With Weaving The Future apparel grand prize winner, Roland Alzate.

Weaving The Future accessories grand prize winner, Adante Leyesa and his sister.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

After two weeks of New Year asthma and bad coughing, I went out on a date with two of my dearest gal pals, them with the most infectious laughter, Jenny and Pat. Pat wanted us to try the new restaurant in Burgos Circle, 1521. Named after the year Magellan discovered our islands, it serves Pinoy comfort food with the most amusing names. We ate and chuckled heartily, and I felt totally recovered.

1521, Burgos Circle, The Fort, Taguig

Kamias Cooler

AmpalaYummy

Pinakbet-Ter Than Best

Sinful Crispy Pata!

Through sick and sin, two of my dearest fiends, Jenny and Pat.