My Refrigerator Door

One night, I had the privilege of being invited to a dinner party for the British vocal quartet Blake. Very thankful of Filipino hospitality, Stephen, Jules, Ollie and Humphrey sang for us a capella, Moonriver and Silent Night. That night, it felt like Christmas eve, indeed. Leah Puyat interviewing Humphrey Humphrey Berney and Rey Lanada Host with the big heart, Mr. Ben Chan Ben Chan's elegant sister, Nenita Lim Blake - Stephen Bowman, Jules Knight, Ollie Baines and Humphrey Berney

Back when I was a young apprentice to fashion designer Cesar Gaupo, when Christian Lacroix and Gianfranco Ferre ruled the runways with poetic creations pinned with the most delicate silk flowers on a cinched waist or on a fichu collar - I frequented El Arte Filipino in Cubao to have fabric blooms especially made to match pouf cocktail dresses and bridal gowns. Today, I still go to their little quaint looking store for pretty Camelias or Orchids that I so love using for my pantsuits and day dresses.    El Arte Filipino, house of flowers Peonies made from Silk Gazar Cabbage Roses in Organza and Taffeta Orchids in Silk Gazar Black orchids add whimsy to a sedate pantsuit! Gingham Camelia for a jeunne fille look! El Arte Filipino is located at 24 Banahaw St., Cubao, Quezon City. Telephone 3922903

I was invited to be a judge for Bb. Catandungan the second time in the Southern city of Virac, Catanduanes. And like the previous year, I looked forward to the day after the pageant, away from deadlines, dress-up events and writing checks. Thank you Lord for this lovely day. An hour drive from the capital city Virac is Baras. HUGE crabs! The waves of Baras has lured surfers from around the world.

I love coffee, I love coffee breaks, I love coffee talk, I love the smell of coffee, I love the color of coffee and I even love saying it - kaw-fee, like Brooklynites do. Now, I have a new way of loving coffee. Jiggy Cruz and Tim Tayag talking about the new coffee machine. Awesome launch of an awesome coffee machine! Aahhh.. my perfect cup!

T'nalak is made from  Abaca   and dyed with natural vegetable dyes in red and black. The red is said to represent bravery, commitment and love, while the black stands for struggles, hardships and perseverance. The geometric patterns vary from piece to piece, with no two pieces of T'nalak being exactly alike.  The fabric has become the best-known product of the province of South Cotabato. For spring summer 2012, Fashion designer Randy Ortiz created T'nalak pieces you'll fall in love with at first sight. Leather and Tinalak obi Tinalak Clutch Tinalak iPad Case Tinalak Origami Top Randy Ortiz and his Tinalak Collection.

What I loved most about Shanghai aside from its rich history are its maple tree lined avenues, I could imagine how beautiful it will be in October. A slaughter house that has been converted into a mall. What used to be the house of the Soong Sisters is now a restaurant called Sasha's. Pine cones Weeping willows

The non-stop rain has given me and my friend Kat weeks of craving for ramen. It brought us to this noodle house that serves one of the best tasting gyoza, tofu chicharon that is as good as the real thing and ramen that will rank number two in my best list. Five artists worked on this graffiti on the walls of this art hub. Tofu Chicharon Gyoza Oh men! Ramen! With Luis and Kat Ramen fans versus pho fans! Wabi-Sabi Noodle House & Vegetarian Grocery is located at 7274 Malugay St. Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City