My Refrigerator Door

I often go to Kamuning Market for men's fabrics and hard to find Chantilly lace. This morning, the smell of freshly baked bread lead me to the bakery right across the market. They sell the kind I grew up with, often with hot chocolate for merienda. I got overly excited and bought a dozen of each kind. Pan de Maria Spanish Bread, my all time favorite Good ol' Ensaymada Kababayan, our local version of muffins Kalihim

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!

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,

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...

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 ...