My Refrigerator Door

Monday after Christmas, work was light, my friends Dinny, John and I were convincing each other to go on a serious diet in 2012. Our little talk ended with a head-splitting craving for Ilocos Empanada. In the next ten minutes, we found ourselves in Katipunan, wolfing down the best empanadas this side of town. Burp! Ilocos Empanada, Katipunan Road, Quezon City Dinny and John Perfect match! Empanada and Coca Cola Hot and meaty! Ilocos Empanada!

Indeed, technology has brought the world closer. I've been friends with these women and men for more than a decade already, but two years ago, after forming a Blackberry Messenger chat group called Harrots , we became family. The very exclusive group consists of the most talented actresses, the wittiest directors, geniuses Deo Endrinal and Biboy Arboleda , Olive Isidro , Joel Mercado , Juan Sarte and Liz Uy . Lino Cayetano is an honorary member. We wake up knowing what Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is cooking for breakfast. The latest news is broadcast a week before it becomes tv news headline. We virtually group hug when one is having love problems. We turn into prayer warriors when one has a sick sibling or parent. For our second Christmas, we dined in Zuchinni's. It was non-stop banter from the soup to the glorious mud pie. To cap our dinner, Biboy asked each of us to say what we are thankful for in 2011 and what we are wishing for in 2012. We were all smiling, not few tea...

I first met Joshua Aquino when he was a cute chubby five. Still cute and chubby at 6'2", Josh, along with five other students of Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco prepared a Christmas meal of roast chicken, breaded fish fillet, beef stew, pesto pasta and the yummiest blueberry panna cota. Not wanting to miss Joshua's triumphs, big or small, I braved the holiday traffic early and made it right on time. Hearty cooking, hearty recipes, hearty eating in this heartiest of seasons. Joshua setting up the buffet table. Roast Chicken Breaded Fish Fillet Blueberry Panna Cota Joshua Aquino and Tito JC

Early December, the weather was as fair as birthday celebrator Lucy Torres-Gomez . We all trooped to Ben Chan 's beautiful home to celebrate Christmas, Michael Carandang 's homecoming and Lucy's big day. Snow White, Kris Aquino lovingly calls Lucy. Beautiful, gentle, kind, cheerful and hardworking. When I grow up, I want to be just like her. My favorite corner in Ben Chan's home. Robby Carmona and Liz Uy Suyen and Benny Yap Tetta Ortiz-Matera , my very first model!  Nenita Lim and Rica Tinga Miguel Pastor and Juan Sarte Never a dull moment with Bea Ledesma ! Maurice Arcache and Anton Barretto Trishan Cuaso, Randy Ortiz, Ben Chan , me, Rey Lanada and Arnel Quiambao Happy birthday Lucy!! My favorite love team!  Richard and Lucy Miguel Pastor, Michael Carandang , me, Rey Lanada and Ben Chan

The Fashion & Design Council of the Philippines celebrated Christmas this year with an intimate little dinner at The White Space Commissary. We really loved the exquisite buffet they prepared for us and the fabulous 'looooong' table setting. As usual, I had to go back for seconds. It's always guaranteed fun when fashion people get together, but it was also a night of thanksgiving for a year of beautiful fashion and friendships. Ever efficient and friendly Cibo waiters preparing the long table. Table for fifty! Amina, Joel and Dong Olivier and Ivar Amina and our dear friend Jackie Aquino. Weaving The Future accessories division winner Adante Leyesa with Sandy Tonichi and model Jonathan Melo and Bryan Bianca and Mark With one of my dearest friends, Randy O. Last men standing, after last bottle of wine was consumed.

My good friend, designer James Reyes , brought a Miss Universe tiara to the Fashion Watch Christmas party. It was passed on from one head to another, giving us a minute each of camera flashes and beauty queen glory! Bella Tagle, beautiful Grace! Beautiful soul, maquillage genius, Eric Maningat! Ravishing Grace Molina! Model beauty, Jessica Yang. Ageless Beauty, Lulu Tan Gan with Patrick Uy. Cleopatra! Lou Munoz! A beautiful gem, Emerald! Sultry Sirene! Gwyneth! Fashion Watch dude, Jessie! Miss Universe Barbie, Justine! Pins please! ~ James Reyes Ria Bolivar's crowning moment! OMG! My crowning moment!