My Refrigerator Door

I have beautiful memories of Intramuros , I remember the first time I walked its cobbled streets on a field trip in Grade School. My college best friend got married in San Agustin Church wearing my first Maria  Clara design. Always, I am transported back in time when Manilenos were dressed in white suits and Panama hats. They say Manila was much cooler then, the breeze of Manila bay wafting inland up to Marikina. When I learned that Gawad Kalinga was taking charge of building homes for the walled city's informal settlers, I was more than willing to do my share in helping raise awareness in restoring Intramuros to its full glory. The Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) which I currently head will be presenting a fashion show at the GK Hope Ball on November 9th. Gawad Kalinga Champions will be modeling modern Filipiniana creations by the council members, a chunk of the cost of their gowns and barongs will go to the housing fund. On the same night, there ...

Does anyone still wear a hat? I think so, yes. For Manila FAME October 2012, I did a collection of fascinators made of Abaca from Catanduanes. I got inspired by surf waves and twigs you find on the beach of the island province. Many thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge , Manila denizens Tessa Valdes and Mich Dulce , there's a new romance with the chapeau and a new romantic mood in the city. I'm loving Manila's new design energy. I'll drink to that! Air conditioned Jeepney shuttle! The SMX Convention Center Fabulous neckpiece from Arnel Papa. Rings from Joyce Makitalo Adante Leyesa clutch. Binky Ilusorio's Larabee necklaces. Fringed clutch by Dennis Lustico. Patrice Ramos-Diaz's neck wear. Oj Hofer's 'blouse of beads'. Maco Custodio My Abaca fascinators by The Loom of Catanduanes. With Ms. Lumen Teves of The Loom Proclamation No. 277 declares...

I'm addicted to Instagram , and like most 'Instafans', taking photos of my meal has become a ritual after saying grace. Trying out new restaurants has become twice as exciting, with my phone and camera always at hand. Smack in the middle of Greenhills Shopping Center, the newly opened Wafu  is one place you'll have a field day taking photos. The first thing that will catch your fancy are the Ann Pamintuan lotus chairs, grouped in three table settings for diners who like a bit of privacy. I had an easy time deciding what to order, I skipped the main menu and chose from the Bento menu. A carnivore, I had the From The Land Bento which had Teriyaki chicken and Wagyu Skirt steak. A must try, my friend said is the Wafu Kit-Kat  for dessert. It came with a sprig of Jasmine, deserving of an Instagram shot. One bite and I became an instant fan, it was glorious. The first thing you'll notice as you step in are the Ann Pamintuan lotus chairs. View from the secon...

There are days you feel 'fugly' - fat and ugly. You feel bloated and your skin looks dull and blotchy from lack of sleep and late night eating. You feel the need to go inside a time machine and come out five years younger. Sunday, I did just that, after coloring and a hair cut at Bench Fix , I hopped across to the new Bench Skin Expert clinic in Glorietta for some pampering. I availed of their Skin White and Lift Combination and Maxi Sculpt Technology for my tummy, neck and face. I dozed off as my faced was gently massaged with creams and I started dreaming of green meadows and blue skies. I woke up feeling refreshed, my tummy softer that I tied my shoelaces with ease. I looked in the mirror and smiled at myself, ahh.. I am young again! After, feeling clean and white.  bench/SKIN EXPERT 2nd Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, Makati City, Philippines (632)6250013 (632)6250012