My Refrigerator Door

My Fashion Watch Spring-Summer Collection 2012 was inspired by First Ladies,  Carla Bruni Sarkozy and Jackie Kennedy in particular. I've been watching The Kennedys on History Channel and so I travelled back to the early 60s for inspiration. I used cotton and linen, pique, broderie anglais and silk abaca from Catanduanes. I experimented with bias insertions and peek-a-boos. Having used mostly black and white in my previous collections, I opted for color this time. I mixed beige and periwinkle blue and added a third color, Kelly green. For the fashion show, I chose my own music for the first time. I got some tracks from Breakfast At Tiffany's but I refrained from using Moonriver. I wanted to complete the feel of the pre-Mod years, when families went to picnics, when ladies dressed up for lunch and shopping. Many thanks to Eulalio Eguia for the photographs.

Gawad Kalinga's Enchanted Farm reminded me that life can be simple and uncomplicated. I want to go back again. Herbs and wildflowers grow along the pathways. Flowers of my childhood, Cosmos. Organic Pigs Yellow instead of red, Salted Golden Eggs Eggplant Salad and Golden Eggs Tinolang 'organic' Manok With Randy Ortiz, Tony Meloto, the man behind GK and Memey Mendoza A garden in honor of President Cory. Sunflowers

Show Schedules 08 September 2011                                             Jun Escario and James Reyes 15 September 2011                                             Joel Escober and Jojie Lloren 22 September 2011                                             JC Buendia and Patrice Diaz 29 September 2011                                             Francis Libiran and Dennis Lustico 06 October 2011                                                 Oj Hofer and Jerome Lorico 13 October 2011                                                 Joey Samson and Len Nepumoceno 20 October 2011                                                 Ferdi Abuel and Norman Noriega 24 October 2011                                                 Lulu Tan-Gan and Ito Curata 27 October 2011                                                 Ivar Aseron and Philip Rodriguez For reservations, call the Lobby Lounge of Makati ShangriLa, Manila (63 2) 8400884

The past two months of dress up events has forced me to go dieting. Last night, I went on a break and feasted on an eight-course dinner hosted by a friend who requests for anonymity. No people photos here. Yellowtail Sashimi, Ginger Garlic Soy Salmon Carpaccio, Truffle Ponzu, Arugula Toro Tartare, Oscetra Caviar, Ponzu Lobster and Scallops, Uni-butter Sauce Braised Wagyu Short Ribs, Foie Gras Roast Duck Breast, Snow Peas, Pommery Mustard Mixed Nigiri and Sashimi Chilled Chawan Mushi An extra treat, Nathaniel's Buko Pandan Salad!

Tessa Valdes once again brought sunshine back to Manila with her yellow themed birthday lunch at the spiffy new Midas Hotel. She introduced us to Fr. Gerard who celebrated a healing Mass. Feeling healed, I headed for the crispy roast pork and spicy 'laing'. There were parlor games and lots of yummy treats - bonbons, cookies, cupcakes and male models! Tessa chocolate bars The Midas Hotel Cafe Fashion designers Michelle Sison and Patrice Diaz Susan Joven, Millet Mananquil, Tessa, Fr. Gerard and Joanne Ramirez The Underwear Fashion Show Clockwise from top, Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, Millet Mananquil and Keren Pascual Our little Mrs. Sunshine, Tessa