Flash mobs are so yesterday. Yet I found this Bureau of Immigration airport dance highly entertaining.
Who knew they could dance?
Dozens of Bureau of Immigration personnel surprised arriving passengers last June 12 at NAIA Terminal 2 by dancing to Pharrell William’s Happy, as part of the Bureau’s “customer intimacy project, consistent with its branding initiatives,” according to its YouTube channel.
“This also to communicate the Bureau of Immigration’s plan of action: Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out.”
Their program BI-CARES aims to “deploy a friendlier, more customer-oriented troop of immigration officers who will create a better environment for all travellers going through our ports.”
BI C.A.R.E.S. stands for courtesy, accountability, responsibility, efficiency and services.
Spotted joining the dancers were showbiz personalities Grace Lee and Ai-Ai de las Alas.

Stop the press! Er, the lottery.
Rissa Mananquil Trillo just sent me a bunch of Happy Skin products to share, so I’m adding these to the train cases I’m giving away.

Rissa sent my favourite SS (second skin) creme—it’s what I use instead of foundation, plus moisturising lippies in various shades.

Happy Skin is probably the only homegrown, world-class makeup brand I really like. I will tell you all about it in an another entry.
Happy Skin lippies are available at Php 499 each in six shades:
First Kiss, Girls Night Out, Crushing On You, My First Time, Just Married, and Summer Fling.
Find them at Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-La, Beauty Bar, and Plains & Prints stores.
Or buy them online at shop.beautybar.com.ph.

To know more, go to www.happyskincosmetics.com.
I’ll be announcing the winners within the week. Thank you for your patience!

This story appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Father’s Day special last Sunday, and I love how the writer was able to capture the story of Christian’s first days in our home.
I am quite amazed how Jeroen remembered the little details about the grains of rice, which I’d already forgotten.
So it’s great that this story was written, especially for Christian when he begins to understand.
Thank you Inquirer for contributing to our family’s memory bank.

How the van Stratens gained a third son–a self-reliant toddler

The first thing Jeroen van Straten noticed about his newly arrived foster child was how the boy, then barely 2 years old, would pick up rice grains that dropped out of his plate and pop these into his mouth while at the dinner table.
“If we gave him a toy, he would hold on to it, even a piece of paper. Whatever (it was), it was very valuable to him,” van Straten noted.

The child also knew how to clean up after relieving himself and was not scared of the dark if he had to do it at night.
Van Straten surmised that the child was on “survival mode”—that no one else would take care of him and so he had to do all things by himself.
“He knew how to eat by himself. In the orphanage, they’d probably give you a bowl and that’s it. You’re on your own. There was a caregiver for 30 kids,” said the businessman who manages two family enterprises.

Van Straten and wife Cecile have two biological sons.
“I always wanted to have a sister. I have a brother. I asked my parents before for a sister but it never happened,” he recalled.
After the two boys were born, the doctor advised Cecile not to have any more babies. So the couple decided to adopt a third, preferably a girl.
“There was this cute boy jumping at the back but I wasn’t really looking (at him). I was scouting for a girl,” van Straten said.

On the way back home, Cecile asked him whether he could still change his mind about getting a girl because, apparently, the jumping toddler had already captured his wife’s heart.
And so the “very long process” of legal adoption began.
The challenges actually began at the home front. The couple’s two sons were about 6 and 7 when the idea of adoption was raised.
“At that age, they didn’t want an ‘intruder,’” van Straten recalled.
Cecile hoisted a sign on their bedroom door asking their sons whether or not their parents could take the new boy home.
“There were stickers they could move to indicate their feelings. Our elder son was sort of ‘yes’ from the start for a couple of months but the (younger) one was ‘no,’ ‘maybe,’ ‘no,’ maybe’,” van Straten said.
Eventually, the younger boy said he was concerned about having to share his yaya and toys with the newbie.
“If that’s your only problem, we’ll solve it,” his parents said.

The van Stratens were able to take in the toddler months after submitting their application papers, but it took about four years from the time the child was 1½ until 6 before a decision favoring the adoption was released.
One requirement was for van Straten to submit a police clearance. Being a foreigner, he was asked to get it from the Interpol.
But did he need a worldwide clearance? “I’ve been here longer than in any other country. Where do I get this police clearance from,” he asked.
Van Straten has been living in the Philippines since 1997.
There were also numerous home visits by social welfare agents and so much paperwork.
Van Straten’s bigger concern, however, was that unless a child moves out of an orphanage, nobody could take his slot in it.
“No new child can come in because (the orphanage) is already full. If it takes four or five years to take a kid out of an orphanage, in the same period no new kid can enter. It’s a waste of a child’s life,” he lamented.

Source

I’m excited to send five of these out to the winners of my last giveaway.
The bags are heavy because they are loaded with goodies.

Out of more than 1300 entries received, these were the lucky names chosen via random.org.

Glaiza Cay Santos of Carmona, Cavite
Annah Francesca Hipona of Cagayan de Oro City
Michael Villegas of Pasig City
Felice Faye Marco of Novaliches, Quezon City
Josie Villon of Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

I’ll be contacting the winners via email. Winners, please check your junk mail just in case it ends up there.
Thanks for joining and watch for my next giveaway soon!!

A recent visit to SM Megamall’s new Fashion Hall revealed three floors of H&M in progress, scheduled to open third quarter of this year. That means we’re at least two to three months away from having our own H&M in the Philippines.

Encompassing more than 3,000 square meters of space, H&M at SM Fashion Hall starts on the main floor all the way to the third level. It is clearly massive. Gisele Bundchen is all over the walls.

Last Tuesday, H&M opened their Manila showroom to special guests who got to preview what’s coming to the store this Autumn 2014.

There were collections for men, women, and children

At first I thought Daniel Padilla had become a DJ, but it was DJ Badkiss on the deck

Drinks overflowed

I loved the flowers

and took these home. Thank you! They are still alive!!

Spotted at the event were the H&M team: Karin Bringevall, H&M PR Project Responsible, New Market Expansion; Danreb Mejia, H&M PH PR Responsible; Nikki Verzo, H&M PH Showroom Responsible; Abby Wee, PR Exec; and Lisa Chan, Regional PR Responsible

Nicole Jacinto, Grace Velasco, Alexei Villaraza

Actress Lauren Young

Rogue Editor-in-Chief Paolo Reyes, Rosanna Ocampo-Rodriguez, Juana Yupangco, Sidney Yap, Luis Espiritu and Kelly Misa-Fernandez

Janeena Chan

Donna Cuna-Pita, Myrza Sison, Isha Valles and Ianne Evangelista

Dong Ronquillo

and me!

Here’s my favourite piece from Autumn 2014—a nice hooded bathrobe jacket, perfect for the plane

As a “tomgirl”, I preferred the men’s pieces to the womens

When I was a kid there were only two dress shops in Manila—Mary Mike and something else that sold itchy puff-sleeve dresses. Kids have it so good these days…

And we can’t wait.
H&M at SM Fashion Hall will be part of the brand’s 3,200 locations across 54 markets worldwide.
“We are very proud to open our first store in the Philippines. H&M has always been about making great fashion and quality at the best price, and Manila promises to be a very exciting market,” said Magnus Olsson, Country Manager of Greater China and South East Asia H&M.
“We realise how much the country’s fashion-savvy shoppers have been anticipating the arrival of H&M, and we can’t wait to see how they will respond to the opening of this first store.”

Football fever is on as Complex Lifestyle Store offers three limited edition collections collections from Sperry Top-Sider, Keds and Havaianas.
Brazil’s most popular Havaianas flip-flops celebrates football’s greets teams led Brazil, Argentina, France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. (Php 1,145)

Sperry Top-Sider’s limited edition Authentic Original Flag Pack features the classic boat shoe in colour ways inspired by flags from around the world. (Php 5,295)

And Keds Flag Collection for girls features the Champion silhouette printed with the flags of England, Spain, and Brazil. (Php 2,795)

Complex Lifestyle Store is located in Eastwood Mall (Level 2), Shangri-la Plaza (East Wing, Level 5), Glorietta 5 (Ground Floor), Alabang Town Center (Level 2), Festival Mall (Level 2), Fairview Terraces (Level 2) and Ayala Center Cebu (Level 2).
For more information, visit facebook.com/complexlifestylestore or follow @complexstore on Twitter and @complexlifestylestore on Instagram.

Isobel Francisco memorialises Icarus in her stunning new collection of visual pieces at Vinyl on Vinyl gallery from June 19 to 30, 2014.
Icarus was the son of master craftsman Daedelus, who made him a pair of wings out of wax and feathers.
Despite being warned not to fly too close to the sun to avoid its heat, Icarus was overcome by the powerful sensation of flying.
Soaring wildly and carelessly, the sun had melted his delicate wings and he fell to his death in ocean now called the Icarian sea.

The tension between our prominence and pettiness in the grand scheme of the universe was Isobel’s driving force. “The mythical character Icarus serves as a cautionary tale,” she said. “We are a scientific marvel and yet we remain, in the larger sense, insignificant. We struggle with this knowledge versus our innate desire to rise above ourselves and to explore the why’s of our being. What else could we do in such a short amount of time we have but to set ourselves on fire?”

Isobel Francisco’s Icarus Smicarus will be on view at Vinyl on Vinyl, The Collective, Malugay Street, Metro Manila until June 30, 2014.

It’s been a while since I last went to Singapore—February 2013 to be exact.
I’m a little scared to go because every time I visit, I gain weight.
Lately I’ve been going to Wee Nam Kee at Serendra due to its convenient location. I like to go at off-peak hours and I don’t mind eating alone, because I try to have my dinner before 6 PM.
I usually go for the classic chicken rice and cereal prawns.

Cereal prawns are covered in a mountain of cereal mixed with curry leaves, chili, corn flour, milk powder, eggs, sugar, butter. No sharing, no leftover.

Aside from those two, my favourite Singaporean dish has to be fried chicken in shrimp paste. It is the best thing ever. The best I’ve had was at YY Kafei Dian on Bugis Road, but the owner was sungit (read: bad mood) because it’s not on the menu. I’m afraid to go back.

So usually we take a cab all the way to Powsing in Serangoon Garden Way so I can have my fried chicken in shrimp paste fix. These are so good.

Last week I found out Wee Nam Kee in the Philippines has a new menu, which includes Prawn Paste Chicken Wings.
So last Sunday, we were there. It did not disappoint.

We started off with the crispy Mantou bread dipped in condensed milk. My husband Jeroen says it’s just like a fried cuapao.

Jeroen and our friend Joris both enjoyed the wok-fried chicken with chili and cashews

as well as the butterflied tilapia with chili crab sauce—perfect for those who don’t want to work for their food (translation: ayaw maghimay).

As for the kids, they loved the chicken but were looking for plain rice.
What they really loved was the Milo Dinosaur—a tall glass of chocolate milk topped with Milo sand.

Pardon the candid photos. We had four kids at our table and tons of food—very hard to take proper food pics.
I’m thrilled that Wee Nam Kee has a new branch at Shangri-La Plaza’s East Wing—much closer to home, with many shops to discover.

Wee Nam Kee has many other new dishes. Didn’t get to try them all, but I’ll be back for my favourites.

Established in 1989 in Singapore, Wee Nam Kee now has eight branches in the Philippines:
Ayala Triangle Gardens, Serendra, Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, Promenade Greenhills, Trinoma, Shangri-La East Wing, and the new Fairview Terraces Mall in Quezon City.
To know more about their new dishes, follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @WeeNamKeePH

I meet CJ Cruz in 2008, while shooting Fatima Rábago at my house.
Kai Huang was the photographer. Melvin Mojica (L) and I were styling.

At that time CJ was practically a baby at 16 years old, the same age as my baby sister Ana.
He had tagged along as Melvin’s assistant and now considers Melvin his mentor.
Since Melvin considers me his mentor, does that make me CJ’s grandma mentor?

Shortly after we met, CJ moved to London to study fashion design but would frequently return to Manila, where he interned for Melissa Dizon at Eairth and eventually set up his own workshop in Taguig.
“I’ve been in London for five years now since I was 16,” said CJ. “My dad is from London and I am British by default of citizenship. I wanted to explore the culture I didn’t grew up in since we moved to Manila when I was four years old.”

CJ Cruz in Taguig, photographed by Judd Figueres

CJ ended up studying at London College of Fashion under the BA Programme and did very well.
His capsule collection was recently featured in Vogue UK.

“It’s a visual autobiography,” CJ explains. “These are clothes, silhouettes, and colours that I trust and stand by. I pragmatically designed them and continuously pushed the envelope of its possibilities.
I believe it’s an honest, discreet, and intimate collection—very personal from the development of the fabrics with the mills, cutting and producing it, and adding all these final details.”
Everything was made in the Philippines.
“It is also a challenge to myself regarding integrity. I believe in integrity and hopefully that is one thing my generation can sustain and push for—quality over quantity. Grounding oneself and being self-aware helps a lot, it makes one see what we really want.”

So what’s next for Carl Jan Cruz?
“Slow motion. I have designed this be a permanent collection that I can keep offering and developing whilst growing in the industry. I am still up for serving time under houses I believe in, and that will make me grow.”

To know more about CJ Cruz, click here.
http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/CarlJanCruz

Do you believe in signs from God?
Back in 2001, I was pregnant for the first time. Something horrible happened in my business (don’t ask) and because I was pregnant, I didn’t have have the energy to fight back. I didn’t know how to proceed. So I talked to my sister and she told me that if you need a sign from God, ask for something difficult and specific.

I know this sounds super shallow, but during that time there was a Stephen Sprouse x Louis Vuitton bag I really wanted. I saw it in the shop (when it used to be at 6750) but it was reserved by someone else.
I told God, if you want me to give this up (the problem), please let me have the bag.
A few days later I got a call from Louis Vuitton (and I was not a VIP customer), they told me the bag was now available because the one who had reserved it changed her mind.
The bag is very special to me. I ended up selling the business.

Lately I’ve been praying to God more often. This year 2014 hasn’t been good for me, but through the kindness and prayers of friends and family, I’m still here.
Last June 12, I prayed to God for a sign. “Are you with me? My faith is weak and I need to know if You are with me.”
“What sign do you want?” was the question I got back.
“Ask for something difficult and specific,” I remembered my sister’s words.
“Yellow shoes. On a man. I have to see yellow shoes on a man before June 18.”
Yellow shoes.
Who the hell wears yellow shoes in Manila, I thought. This is going to be difficult.

So the next three days I kept looking at people’s shoes in the mall, in the hospital, in the supermarket.
I saw nothing. Then on June 15 I was feeling kind of sick. I took an Advil PM and went to bed. I could not open my eyes when Netherlands played against Spain in the middle of the night.
Once in a while I could hear my husband getting excited.
“Are we winning?” I would ask. “What’s the score?”
Netherlands ended up winning the game 5-1.
The following day my husband was on the Dutch Telegraaf watching the five magical goals that made them win, and showed them to me.
Here’s what happened.

“Wait. Are those green or yellow shoes?”
“Yellow,” said Jeroen. Pause.
I told him about my prayer.
The entire Spanish football team, plus two Dutch players that scored important goals, wore yellow shoes.
“If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is,” Jeroen said.

Last week I finally saw a man at the Shang—live in and in person—in yellow shoes. I wanted to stop him and take a picture for my blog. But I was too shy.
June 16 was the first time I watched a World Cup game this year. Since then I’ve been seeing yellow shoes all the time, almost everyday.
Is God with me? I certainly hope so.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

Good news for Dean & Deluca fans: the first Dean & Deluca store in the Philippines is scheduled to open this Novemeber 2014 at Rockwell Center’s Edades Tower.
Franchised by Ms. Caroline Tanchay of Citimax group, the 187-square-meter store will include a mezzanine floor for a total of 250 square meters of space.

Started in New York in 1977, Joel Dean and Giorgio DeLuca opened their first shop at the corner of Prince and Greene Street in the heart of SoHo’s gallery district.
With its high ceiling fans, white walls, and mosaic-tiled floor, the atmosphere suggested a European café culture, which became the standard for cafés to come.
In October 1988 they expanded to a flagship market at the corner of Broadway and Prince Streets, offering gourmet food in departments manned by product experts.

Even though I wasn’t into food at that time, Dean & Deluca fascinated me as a student in New York in the ’90s—
with its minimalist look, marbled floors, and stainless steel shelving.
Every time I went there to buy a $2 brownie or a small rack of lamb, it felt like I was buying myself a present.

Since opening 34 years ago, Dean & Deluca has opened retail stores and cafes in selected U.S. markets, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, the Middle East, and soon, the Philippines.
Japan alone has 14 stores—a little more than the 11 stores in the U.S.
Personally, I’ve found that Dean & Deluca is different in each country—at least the ones I’ve been to.
Nothing beats New York’s massive SoHo Market. You cannot compare it with Singapore, which is much smaller and offers more of an East-meets-West menu.
Tokyo is a whole new experience altogether because everything is cute with lots of merchandise.

I don’t expect to see these in Manila

but I’m hoping they’ll have these.

Looking forward to what Dean & Deluca will offer in the Philippines.
What Dean & Deluca products are on your wish list?

People often ask me for travel tips. I’ll give you a great one: Watsons disposable panties—just because I don’t want to bring home dirty underwear. I’ve been using them for years and it’s only gotten better.
Watsons disposable panties used to be made of paper, but now they are made of polycotton.

I used to hoard these in Hong Kong, but when Watsons opened in the Philippines in 2002, it changed the way we hoard.
I love the Watsons brand because it gives me choices of good, quality products at a much lower price than other brands.
I also love my job. Yesterday Watsons invited me to shop at their Greenbelt 1 store to experience the Watsons Switch & Save products.

Carts are a must. I was assisted by store supervisor Jane Mabao who took me around the store. If not for her I wouldn’t know how many Watsons brand products there are. (Perhaps they should have a dedicated shelf just for it so people would know where the goods deals are?)

We started with my favourite makeup remover round puffs (buy one, take one at Php 89). I use so much of these—first thing in the morning before putting makeup on, and last thing at night for makeup removal.

A must in any girl’s bag are tissues and wet wipes, especially if you’re a mom.

Don’t leave home without these.

Watsons also has the cutest boxed tissues in a pack of three

On your red days, you’ll save more if you switch to Watsons sanitary napkins (Php 74 for 24 pads).

I remember when these were the newest things and the first time I tried them. The word “forest” comes to mind.
Nose pore strips are Php 119 for a pack of ten

Got kids? Watsons has a Looney Tunes line just for them, like the top-to-toe foaming baby wash at Php 299, buy one-take one

Baby cologne

and baby lotion (a buy one, take one steal at Php 239)

If you prefer square facial puffs to round ones, there’s the Tweety Bird variety at Php 99—buy one, take one

Watsons is known for the generously packaged toiletries at buy one, take one prices.
Giant cream shampoos are Php 269 for two

Treatment shampoos are Php 189 for two

Shower gels, Php 259 for two

Exfoliating body wash, Php 239 for two

Chubby bottles of hand soaps, Php 149 for two

plus refills for Php 109—buy one, take one

Large bottles of mouthwash, Php 249 for two

Hair treatment wax, Php 239 for two

Body lotions are Php 119 each

And so much more! I ended up with five baskets for our household of 14. Not bad for Php 7000. Nobody in the house has to buy shampoo and shower gel for the rest of 2014.

I also got a Watsons tote bag, zippered pouch and fat bottle of hand soap—for free!
To find out more about Watsons’ Switch and Save products, go to a Watsons store nearest you.

http://www.watsons.com.ph/

By Sunshine Reyes

Everywhere We Shoot’s obsession with grocery items carry on in their second solo exhibit, Panic Buying, opening at West Gallery on July 3, 2014 at 6 PM.
While most people panic-buy for security reasons, Ryan and Garovs Vergara fall into the habit when enticed by attractive packaging and ridiculous promos.

In last year’s Foods exhibit, Everywhere We Shoot showcased food in its most awkward glory—stripped bare of artifice and set against a bright backdrop.
Panic Buying reimagines the frenzied atmosphere in a grocery store and the delirious state a shopper gets when exposed to this setting.
A series of lightboxes with aluminium lining are put together to mimic a juice and dairy section, but a closer look reveals distorted and multiplied packaging labels—an interpretation of the confusion when presented with too many choices.
The products taken during the hoarding were shaken out of their packaging and haphazardly styled, resulting in a colorful, visually striking mess.

Ryan and Garovs Vergara, photographed by MM Yu

It’s been a yearly tradition for Everywhere We Shoot to release their “SuperLimitedEdition” merchandise.
This year they’re launching a new sculpture for the exhibit: a pile of leftover trash shaped in resin and coated with metallic paint.
After all, that’s what Everywhere We Shoot does best—recognise beauty in the most unlikely objects.

PANIC BUYING by Everywhere We Shoot
3 July-2 August 2014 at West Gallery
48 West Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines

For more information call +632 411.0336 or email info@westgallery.org
Gallery hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM
Closed on Sundays and public holidays

http://www.everywhereweshoot.com

To celebrate London Collections: Men Spring-Summer 2015, Tommy Hilfiger (L) co-hosted an intimated dinner with Condé Nast International Chairman and CEO Jonathan Newhouse (R) at the acclaimed Little House Restaurant in Mayfair.

Little House, Soho House’s most exclusive venue, is a private members club in the heart of Mayfair.
The intimate space is lined with conceptual and graphic contemporary art by celebrated American artists Jenny Holzer and Taryn Simon, among others.

Mr. Hilfiger and Mr. Newhouse welcomed an array of international fashion press, retailers and VIPs to the event, such as models Robert Konjic

David Gandy

and Jack Guinness

Talent agent Andrew Weitz

English actress Tamara Beckwith and Tommy’s wife, Dee Hilfiger

Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet

Model Tatiana Cotliar with Dazed & Confused founder Jefferson Hack

Businessman Harold Tillman and Topshop CEO Sir Philip Green

Author Nicholas Foulkes with KleverMedia Founder Spas Roussev

GQ Deputy Editor Bill Prince and Esquire Fashion Director Catherine Hayward

Art director Ronnie Cooke Newhouse with husband Jonathan Newhouse and Sir Philip Green

Comme des Garçons President Adrian Joffe, Jonathan Newhouse and fashion editor/stylist Grant Pearce

“I always look forward to coming back to England to celebrate London Collections: Men, and I am delighted to once again support the incredible design talent here,” said Tommy Hilfiger.
“Since my first collection in 1985, I have rooted my designs in the prep classics, and as the birthplace of preppy style, England is always close to my heart—the architecture, the art, the music and the culture of the city offer endless inspiration.”

“London Collections: Men has in a short time established itself on the fashion calendar as an event not to be missed. The range and depth of talent on display is extremely impressive. London has become a true fashion capital for menswear, and we at Condé Nast International are proud to give it our enthusiastic support,” said Jonathan Newhouse.

In the Philippines, Tommy Hilfiger is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza, Newport Mall Resorts World Manila, Abreeza Mall, and Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza (children’s wear only).

Manila’s newest performing arts group, The Sandbox Collective, mounts the groundbreaking Off-Broadway musical Dani Girl this July 11-27, 2014 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.

Dani Girl tells the uplifting tale about a young girl’s battle with leukemia.
Far from sitting back and letting her condition take over, nine year-old Dani Lyons, whose cancer has returned after three years of remission, sets off on an imaginary quest with her guardian angel Raph, her film-obsessed roommate Marty, and her teddy bear Mr. Fritz, to get back her hair after losing it to chemo, and find the answer to the question, “Why is cancer?”

Told from a child’s perspective, this provocative, new musical by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond explores the universal themes of life in the face of death, hope amidst despair, and the peerless power of a child’s imagination.
The show has played at sold-out houses off-Broadway, as well as in fringe theater festivals and regional theaters across Australia, Canada, and the United States.
Dani Girl will be making its Asian theatrical premiere through The Sandbox Collective.

“We are very privileged to be re-imagining this bold, new musical for our local audiences,” said Toff de Venecia, The Sandbox Collective’s managing artistic director and Dani Girl director.
“The songs are beautifully crafted; the story, a bit dark but positively uplifting; and the production, promising to stretch you to the limits of your imagination. This is theater for new audiences.”

The show will run for 15 performances from July 11-27, 2014 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
Tickets available at Ticketworld.
For show-buying, block-buying, and ticket inquiries, call 585-6909, (0917) 899-6680, or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
To to know more go to http://thesandboxcollective.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

CAST: (in alphabetical order)
Reb Atadero (Marty / Raph)
Rebecca Coates (Dani)
Pamela Imperial (Mother)
Mitzie Lao (Dani)
Lorenz Martinez (Raph)
Luigi Quesada (Marty)
Shiela Valderrama (Mother)

PRODUCTION:
Director / Executive Producer: Toff de Venecia
Co-Executive Producer: Anna Santamaria
Musical Director: Ejay Yatco
Choreographer / Movement Designer: Delphine Buencamino
Costume Designer: Maronne Cruz
Hair and Makeup Designer: Myrene Santos
Set Designer: Faust Peneyra
Lighting Designer: Meliton Roxas Jr.
Assistant Lighting Designer: D Cortezano
Additional Set Design: Leeroy New, Bibo Reyes, Kayla Teodoro
Additional Prop Design: Denis Lagdameo
Sound Designer: Chuck Ledesma
Dramaturg: Giselle Garcia
Production Photographer: BJ Pascual and Shaira Luna
Head Stage Manager: Bym Buhain
Design Director: Maine Manalansan

Dani Girl is presented with the special participation of My Apt. by Heima, St. Lukes Medical Center Global City, Aristocrat, Toy Kingdom, CSB School of Design and Arts, KEDS, Kythe Foundation Inc, Childhaus, and media partners Young STAR, Chalk, Metro, Metro Society, Working Mom, Circuit, MYX, Travelife Magazine, The Lifestyle Network, JackCITY, Jeepney TV, Focus Media, Business World, HerWord.Com, TomCat Radio, Green Giant FM, and The Manila Bulletin.
Dani Girl is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

You know I’m obsessed with almost anything Japanese. I can’t help but think about Filipinos who look Japanese, but tell you the truth, I had a hard time coming up with ten.
Japanese to me—or at least the ones I’ve observed—have an innate coolness, whether they are teenagers or grandfathers. There are certain things they’ll wear. It can be the simplest top and it will just look cool on them.
The Japanese I’ve observed don’t wear body-fit clothes or short sexy dresses, which Filipinos love. Or maybe I’ve been hanging out in the same areas in Tokyo.
Japanese have nice haircuts and are a quiet, relaxed people.
The Filipinos I’ve chosen here are for the most part shy and introverted. They express themselves through talent and they way they dress or colour their hair. Chances are you’ve never even heard of them if you’re not in the industry.
There are Filipinos who try to look Japanese but some of them look like caricatures or maybe more Korean, Taiwanese or Chinese.
This is just my list. I’m sure there are more out there but I probably don’t know them.

The model: John James Uy
This Filipino actor and model was born in Mountain View, California but now working and living in Manila. I rooted for him in the Be Bench Model Search in 2007 but he won second place. I grabbed his pics on Instagram @johnjamesuy and I know him as the boyfriend of model Jessica Yang.

Tom Girl: Jo Ann Bitagcol
I first spotted Jo Ann Bitagcol around 1995 when she was just starting out as a model in Manila. I chose her to open and close my first fashion show in 1996. After that her career just took off and she became Manila’s top model. Since then she has transitioned into one of Manila’s most respected, in-demand photographers.
She continues to be low-maintenance in her lifestyle and the way she dresses.
Her personal style is “tom girl” (a girl who dresses like a boy) just like me. Anything I own just looks more fabulous on her but we don’t hate her.

Jo Ann wears Carl Jan Cruz, photographed by Charles Buenconsejo

The obvious: Jujiin Samonte
It’s not difficult for photographer/videographer Jujiin Samonte to look Japanese. He’s often in Japan where his mother is based. His name sounds Japanese. He looks so Japanese that when he’s in Tokyo, people speak to him in Nihongo and they are shocked when he tells them he’s Filipino. I’ve been with him in Tokyo where he easily blends in and even gets stopped on the street to be photographed for street fashion magazines, such as TUNE.

Kawaii girl: Reese Lansangan
Reese Lansangan is an all-around talent who does visual art, graphic design, fashion design, writes music, you name it.
I don’t know how I found her on Instagram @reeseypeasy but she looks like the girl I would’ve wanted to be if I were in my 20s again. We want to know more about her. She’s so cute!!

The alien: Andre Chang
We don’t know where he came from, but Andre Chang is a Filipino who looks like he’s from another planet. I’ve had my eye on him since 2006 when I started spotting him at fashion events. Good thing I had a style blog; I had an excuse to talk to him and take his picture.
Stylist and fashion editor Andre maintains a Lookbook page that has over 38,000 followers. And while he seems to have broken every rule in the fashion book (while boldly mixing local and international designer brands), we can’t take our eyes off him.

The sister: Daryl Chang
If one has a brother like Andre Chang, what are the chances that the sister would know fashion as well?
I met Daryl through Andre and liked her on sight. Like Andre, I’ve seen her looks transform—physically, hair-wise, fashion-wise. These days she’s second-in-command at Preview magazine where she works as Fashion Editor. I’ve seem her bloom from quiet to confident—all the while keeping her feet on the ground—and we like that.

The Boyfriend: Mano Lotho
Daryl Chang’s boyfriend, Marketing Officer for H&F Retail Concepts, also has his moments of looking Japanese, with some Spanish mestizo mixed in. Unfortunately he is so low-key there are not many photos of him online, so all we have are photos of him with other people. We love the way he can wear a regular Fred Perry shirt and look so good in them. Simple, laid back, Japanese style.

With Daryl Chang in Malate

With Raymond Ang at Lusso

With Ethan Hawkes-Pippen at Univers

Manila’s Herb and Dorothy: Ryan & Garovs Vergara
Ryan and Garovs may look like a non-conventional couple, but deep inside they are very much traditional.
Ryan knew she was “the one” when she spotted her in the hallways of the College of St. Benilde during their school years. And after being together and working together as Everywhere We Shoot, they finally tied the knot in an unforgettable wedding ceremony in 2012.
Of the two, Garovs is the one who looks really Japanese, but when they’re together, we can’t help but imagine Ryan speaking fluent Nihongo, then neither of them would look out of place in Tokyo.

Everywhere We Shoot photographed by Mark Nicdao for HUMAN

Photo: MM Yu

The jack of all trades: Mikko Sison
I’ve known Mikko since high school during the ’80s, when he was one of the few guys who dared to wear a skirt to parties. I’ve seen him grow from Parsons New York student to painter, graphic designer, interior designer, father to Rojo, and head of his own company, MassZero Project Management Inc..
Aside from a sharing a love of Japan, Mikko and I also have a common envy of anyone who is visiting Japan at the moment. It is an envy only few would understand.
(Photos by @denisembp on Instagram)

The actor: Jake Macapagal
It was my friend Jude who pointed out that Jake Macapagal, who starred in Sean Ellis’ Metro Manila, look Japanese. I mean just look at him with the chiseled nose, Oriental eyes, nice haircut and carefully chosen wardrobe. Not much photos of him online, but hoping to see more of him on the big screen.

Photo: BJ Pascual

Photo: Pilar Tuason

As a homeowner, I’m excited for any home store opening in Manila because of our limited choices.
The newest brand to enter the country is American home furnishings retailers Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids. Scheduled to open July 16th at Bonifacio High Street Central, expect exclusively designed furniture and accessories for the living room, dining room, bedroom, bath, outdoor, and more.
Last night I checked out the space at the newest mall at BGC.

It is pretty much empty for now, except for Baskin-Robbins ice cream upstairs.

I had forgotten about the opening of Baskin-Robbins and didn’t drop by.

Pottery Barn will open to the left of the entrance.

The store continues on the second floor—this way to Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Baby.
(Too bad no Pottery Barn Teen and Dorm—my favourites.)

Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids are part of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. portfolio of brands. Originally founded in 1949 in New York City, it was acquired by Williams-Sonoma, Inc. in 1986
Now in partnership with Stores Specialists, Inc., Pottery Barn Philippines will bring to the Philippines home furnishings of exceptional comfort, quality, style, and value.
Get a feel of what to expect, as seen on Pottery Barn’s Instagram:

Can’t wait for July 16th!
For updates, follow them on Facebook.
http://www.potterybarn.com

It started with a dress.
My husband accompanied me to the Comme des Garçons flagship in Aoyama, and while I usually start on the right side of the store, Jeroen made a quick round before settling onto a chair to wait while I shopped.
“You have to look in there,” Jeroen urged me to look inside of the circular nooks in the store.
“You have to see what those girls are wearing,” he said excitedly.
I recognised one of the “girls” as the famous Japanese blogger and Comme des Garçons collector, Room Boy Pony.
I wanted to say, “Hello! I’m a fan! May I take your picture please??”
But this was Comme des Garçons and we are supposed to be cool and detached. Room Boy Pony left the store.
The other girl happened to be a Comme des Garçons sales assistant who was wearing this dress.

Ah…I fell in love! Here it is on the runway (Photo: Style.com)

And on the street

I bought the dress not knowing where to wear it.
Back in Manila, I saw my clairvoyant therapist Jinky Amores, who said it is important for me to celebrate my birthday this year because of all the unfortunate events that have happened in the first quarter of 2014. It’s going to get better!
It had been seven years since I last had a big birthday party, so I went ahead and planned it.
Through the help of graphic designer Yodel Pe and Tinay Villamiel of Bleach, we created this throw pillow which was given out to 70 friends and family. (Photo: Hayden Kho)

I imagined a place full of dots. Comme des Garçons was my peg for the decor.

I found the polka dots online and secured Whitespace for my venue.

I met with my friend Melvin Mojica, Anthony Prudencio of Margarita Forés catering, and Ashley Rye of Saga Events to sort out the details.
I found the polka-dot balloons and paper placemats online and shipped them through Johnny Air. (Thank you Analyn Diego!)
Anthony and I came up with this table setting

While Ashley got the 70 ghost chairs and supervised as Saga Events placed 400 polka dots on the walls.
Together we transformed Whitespace into this magical party venue.

(To be continued)

Following Mandarin Oriental Manila’s recent announcement of closure after 38 years, the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Tivoli, will be saying goodbye though a grand finale menu this July 16-25, 2014.

Executive Sous Chef Remi Vercelli and his team will present the Tivoli’s best dishes in À la carte, Business Lunch, and Degustation menus, which includes the Millionaire Salad, Tivoli Bouillabaisse, US Nebraska Certified Angus Prime Beef Rossini, Roasted Rib Eye from the trolley, Roast Sea Bass with Potato Gnocchi, Crab Diablo, Duck Breast a l‘orange, and Traditional Crepe Suzette.
The three-course Business Lunch menu is priced at PHP 1,818+, while the six-course Degustation menu is at PHP 3,400+++.

On July 18, Mandarin Oriental, Manila Executive Chef Rene Ottlik and Margarita Fores will join forces in a seven-course Degustation menu of Foie Gras Carpaccio, Acquarello Risotto with River Prawn and Latume Sac Ciccioli Crumble, Pappardelle Al Duck & Lardo di Colonnata Ragu, and Beef Tenderloin a la Griglia.
The Degustation menu is priced at PHP 2,400+++. Limited seats available.

The Tivoli is open from Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and on Saturdays for dinner.
July 25, 2014 is the last day of the restaurant.
For reservations or inquiries, call 750.8888 extension 2433 or email momnl-tivoli@mohg.com.

I rue the day I first tried Coke. I don’t know how or who got me to try Coke, but I wish I never had because it is a hard habit to break.
So yes, I still drink Coke and I’m still trying to stop. But I had 3 Cokes today. Tomorrow, no Coke for me.
Well, I had an excuse. I got this Coke invitation, which I couldn’t turn down.

I have no idea how they found out our cook is named Lydia, but she was thrilled when I gave it to her.
Lydia deserves a Coke because she cooks the best liempo in town, and may I add—perfect with Coke and rice.
But this is more like it

Today I went to the Share A Coke launch x Bench at SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall.
The phenomenal Coca-Cola campaign that has taken over 50 nations by storm is finally in the Philippines.
Leading the celebration was Jasmin Vinculado, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines, who also headed the first ever Share a Coke campaign in Australia.

Jasmin Vinculado introduces Bench CEO, Ben Chan

“We brought Share A Coke to the Philippines with one goal—to share happiness. Sharing a Coke is a simple yet fun and exciting way for us Filipinos to be able to show our appreciation to people who make us happy. For mothers who cook our breakfasts every day, for the fathers who drop off their children to school every morning, for the friends who listen to our never-ending problems, for the manang who serves our food in the cafeteria, for the manong who opens the door for us and wishes us a great day with his bright smile, for everyone who has shown us kindness—we would like to share a Coke with them simply because we know that happiness is made more real when shared,” Vinculado said.

Spotted were Atty. Adel Tamano, Vice President-Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Philippines

and Rajo Laurel

Highlighting the event was a fashion show to celebrate the long-standing partnership between Coca-Cola and the country’s leading teen clothing brand Bench.

Coca-Cola Happiness Ambassador Joseph Marco


Jessica Yang

Also on the ramp were Coca-Cola Happiness Ambassadors Julia Montes and Enchong Dee who shared personalised Coke cans and balloons with guests.

L-R: Jasmin Vinculado, Julia Montés, Enchong Dee, Coca-Cola FEMSA CEO Juan Ramon Felix Castañeda, Joseph Marco, Ben Chan

Find personalized Coke packs at sari-sari stores, convenience stores, groceries, supermarkets, and vending machines nationwide. You may also drop by Share a Coke booths in supermarkets, malls and schools to make your own personalized Coca-Cola printed in minutes.
To know more, go to www.shareacoke.com.ph.