We’re in that horrible/wonderful season called the “ber” months. That usually means cooler weather (or storming, which is abnormally happening now) and horrendous traffic.
That means malls are playing Christmas carols and selling Christmas wrappers and decors.
Two of my friends, in fact, already have their trees up. As for me, I’d rather wait for a real festive-smelling Douglas Fir tree (from S&R).
I have, however, started Christmas shopping. And since we’re in that holiday mood, I’ve decided to put together a much-delayed giveaway, and a very huge apology goes to food stylist, reviewer and author Angelo Comsti, who sent five copies of his book along with bottles of Chardonnay and kitchen shears to share with five lucky readers.

From Our Table to Yours is a collection of heirloom recipes and family memories compiled by Comsti. Here he shares time-tested recipes by some of the country’s culinary authorities, including Tony Boy Escalante of Antonio’s, writer and blogger Joey de Larrazabal-Blanco, Aileen Anastacio of Goodies N’Sweets and PR consultant Gwen Jacinto-Carino.
From Our Table to Yours is not just a recipe book. It tells the story behind each dish, and it all began with Comsti’s search for a recipe of Filipino chiffon cake.
“With my family, food always came with good memories and I realized that recalling these can be just as indulgent as enjoying a piece of that cake,” said Comsti.

Comsti graduated with a degree in professional culinary studies at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia. He’s a food writer for television and various print and digital periodicals, as well as a food and prop stylist for magazines, print ads, billboards, restaurant menus and cookbooks.
He also holds cooking demos and develops recipes for corporate clients.

The book features over 50 main dishes, snacks and desserts with personal photos and short stories accompanying each recipe, including Beef Shank Soup (Pochero), Stewed Pork Knuckle (Estofadong Pata), Prawns with Coconut Milk and Bilimbi Fruit and Christmas Cheese Balls.
Some of the recipes even have very helpful tips. Luisa Consing-Locsin’s Heart of Palm Spring Rolls, shared by Patricia Locsin, tells us where to get the wrappers for the Lumpiang Ubod.
Purificacion Abueva Binamira’s Roast Pig Congee or Lechon Pospas, shared by Joel Binamira (the man behind Zubuchon Lechon) gives instructions on how to heat leftovers (add a little water or broth).

From Our Table to Yours: A Collection of Heirloom Recipes and Family Memories (Php 795) is available at National Book Store, Powerbooks and Bestsellers branches. Or buy online at nationalbookstore.com.
For those living abroad, the book is also available in Kindle and paperback format at Amazon.com.

(NEXT: Join my fab giveaway which includes Angelo Comsti’s book!)

And now for the giveaway!
There will be five prizes put together by yours truly in an extra-large limited edition Chuvaness tote by Lands’ End.

This roomy bag with multi pockets can fit a small child or an overnight’s worth of supplies.

Here’s what you’ll get if you win my giveaway:

1) Angelo Comsti’s From Our Table To Yours recipe book.
2) Masflex kitchen shears endorsed by Chef Gene Gonzalez.
3) Kleen Kanteen reusable BPA-free water flask made of highest quality food grade stainless steel, available at Certified Calm Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Bonifacio Global City, Howards Storage World, ROX, and select fitness studios in the country.​
4) Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am also including ICanServe Foundation’s limited-edition fundraising Envirosax eco tote.
5) Enjoy discounts, gifts and VIP perks to over 200 lifestyle brands located in Manila, Cebu and Boracay through Enjoy Philippines premiere VIP privilege card kit.
6) A bottle of Chardonnay care of Angelo Comsti.

Mechanics:
1) To join, you must have a Twitter or Facebook account.
2) You must be willing to pick up the prize at any of the following locations:
• Pepper Lunch Shangri-La Plaza
• NAC Tower at Bonifacio Global City
• Pepper Lunch Rockwell
• Panay Avenue, Quezon City
3) Share this entry by clicking the Facebook or Twitter button at the end of this entry.
4) Register HERE.
5) Entires accepted from October 2-7, 2014 only.
6) Five winners will be chosen electronically via random.org and announced on this blog.
7) Winners will also be informed via email.
8) Any unclaimed prize will be given away to another entry chosen via random.org.

In another unprecedented move, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Sun Cellular announced that it is expanding their free Internet offer to all prepaid subscribers as well as postpaid and broadband subscribers.
Furthermore, they are extending the duration of the free mobile Internet promo across all subscribers—postpaid, prepaid and broadband—from November 30 to January 5, 2014.
The announcement was made through MVP’s official Twitter account:

TY for overwhelming response to #SmartFREEInternet. Our early Christmas gift to our loyal & new subs-offer now extended to Jan 5 @SmartCares

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) October 3, 2014

Even better – free internet now open to ALL prepaid, postpaid & broadband subs of Smart, TNT & Sun #SmartFREEInternet for ALL @SmartCares

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) October 3, 2014

To avail of the free mobile Internet offer, subscribers just need to maintain an airtime balance of at least one peso, or be subscribed to any load bucket/promo. They can register each day, by simply sending FREE to 9999.
Registration is free. They will receive an SMS confirmation upon successful registration.
Once registered, subscribers can enjoy a free data volume package of up to 30MB per day. Data charges will however apply to peer-to-peer uploads and downloads, videos (unless embedded in Facebook), VOIP and messaging (except for Facebook messenger).

If there were a spaceship with all of the world’s fashionistas and movers and shakers on board—would you go?
I sure wouldn’t. I love fashion but can’t stand most people behind it (those who live, breathe, and talk about it all the time). I’m at that age where I can live in a uniform and Birkenstocks, and only once in a while do I still get a fashion heart attack, which usually happens at 5-2-1 Minami-Aoyama.
It’s been a while since I’ve written about fashion I like and for some reason, this Fall 2014 has lots of great things to be excited about:

1) Louis Vuitton’s Celebrating the Monogram Collection
Featuring collaborations with six iconoclasts: Christian Louboutin, Cindy Sherman, Frank Gehry, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Newson, and Rei Kawakubo. Guess which one I’m getting? Eye can’t wait.
http://celebrating.monogram.lv

2) Jeremy Scott does Barbie x Moschino
It seemed like Moschino the label died a little when Franco Moschino, the designer, died in 1984.
Well, Moschino is back and better than ever since Jeremy Scott took over as creative director in October 2013.
While Jeremy Scott’s McDonald’s-inspired collection for Moschino was a bit too goofy for me, I think his current Barbie-inspired collection is pure genius.
Some of my favourite pieces include the sweater dress and the pullover

The iPhone case and the backpack

The shoulder bag

View the rest of the collection HERE.

3) YULIA YEFIMTCHUK+
Super love this Ukrainian designer whose Fall ’14 collection was a standout at this year’s Hyères festival.
Her oversized utilitarian, black, white and red collection was inspired by her country’s history, focusing on propaganda posters that highlight a certain image of women.
See more of her work HERE. (Photos: Opening Ceremony)

4) Nina Donis
Composed of Nina Neretina and Donis Pouppis, the Russian/Cypriot design team studied at the Moscow Textile Academy before founding the Nina Donis label in 2000. Several collections later, their pieces are now available through the fashion forward (sometimes backward) multinational retail store, Opening Ceremony.
http://www.ninadonis.com

5) Jacquemus
Created by Simon Porte Jacquemus, a 24-year-old self-taught designer who started his own label at age 19 in his native France. Recently, Jacquemus was one of 12 finalists at the prestigious LVMH Prize.
His current collections feature crop tops, oversize T-shirts, and cartoony pieces with slouchy proportions, some of which are available at the uber-stylish La Garconne.
http://jacquemus.com.

6) Sacai Luck
Sacai (pronounced “sa-kai”) was established by Chitose Abe in 1999 after eight years of working with Junya Watanabe at Comme des Garçons. In 2006 she introduced Sacai Luck, a collection characterized by unexpected combinations of materials, while balancing light and delicate fabrics such as tulle, silk and cotton.
While Sacai maintains its flagship store in Minami Aoyama, the award-winning designer keeps her ties with CDG by producing the Sacai Gem line exclusively available at Comme des Garçons stores, 10 Corso Como in Tokyo, and Dover Street Market in London.
http://www.sacai.jp

7) Côte&Ciel
There are backpacks, and there is Côte&Ciel—a conceptual accessory brand that looks like art while it protects your laptop and other mobile devices.
Established in Paris in 2008, Côte&Ciel stands for ‘coast and sky’—two natural imageries that inspire the brand while suggesting its French roots.
Designed for the writer, artist, or graphic designer, its goal is to protect your personal technology via high quality, beautifully designed storage solutions at affordable prices.
http://www.coteetciel.com/

8) Mark Cross bags
An American luxury leather goods brand for a change, established in 1846 in Boston MA.
We’re loving the little boxy bags inspired by Grace Kelly’s bag in Rear Window (1954), and seen on celebrities like Alexa Chung and Jessica Biel. What’s stopping us, aside from the large price tag, is the small size that can barely carry our long wallet, two phones, charger, and wet tissues. Then again, you never know…
http://markcross1845.com/

9) John Galliano joins Maison Martin Margiela
Finally a Margiela designer we are allowed to photograph. The original Belgian designer—Martin Margiela—was so elusive, he avoided photographs and personal interviews, and the only way to communicate with him was through fax. Until he sold his name to Only The Brave, also known as the Diesel group.
In 2008, the New York Times reported that the creative director position had been offered to Raf Simons and Haider Ackermann (not a Filipino) who both turned it down.
As a fan of Galliano in the ’80s and Margiela in the ’90s, I’m interested to see how this “marriage” pans out.

10) Paris Hilton wears Mich Dulce
After Adam Ant, Leighton Meester, and Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton is the latest celebrity to wear Mich Dulce millinery.
More good things continue to happen to the Filipino designer who now lives and works in Paris for a famous French luxury house.

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Scoresheet:
French: 3
American: 5
Italian: 1
Ukrainian: 1
Russian: 1
Japanese: 2
British: 1
Belgian: 1
Filipino: 1
German: 1

Penguin paperbacks have been around since the 1930s when Allen Lane decided to make quality contemporary novels available everywhere at affordable prices.
Now the classic Penguin book cover makes an analog comeback through notebooks and journals featuring classic Penguin Classic book designs.

Available for Php 450 each, find them at National Book Store branches in Glorietta 1, Greenbelt 1, Power Plant Mall-Rockwell, Trinoma; and Powerbooks stores in Greenbelt, Festival Mall, Serendra, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Trinoma.
http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph/

Thank you for 1571 entries to my latest giveaway!

Here are the five winners chosen via random.org:
Myra Katrina Paredes
Sherry Ann Gole Cruz
Yzabel Espino
Amie Lyn Masecampo
Winnie Chan

Winners, please check your email and reply to confirm.
Thank you and watch for my next giveaway!!
xo

Michael Kors recently hosted a dinner at Hillcrest House for 150 guests to celebrate the launch of Claiborne Swanson Frank’s new book, Young Hollywood, with a foreword written by the designer himself.

Designer Michael Kors and photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank

Claiborne Swanson Frank drew inspiration from Old Hollywood when she photographed over sixty up-and-coming women to watch in Hollywood today.
Young Hollywood follows her first book with Assouline, American Beauty, published in 2012. The book is available for sale at select Michael Kors stores globally and through Assouline distribution channels this fall.

Cover girl and actress Isabel Lucas was at the book launch hosted by Michael Kors last October 2, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California.

Emmy Rossum

Actress Holland Roden

Actress Abigail Spencer

Model Harley Viera-Newton

Model Madisyn Ritland

Model Noah Mills

Actress Lorenza Izzo

Jane Ross

(L-R) Musicians Jimmy Giannopoulos, Zoe Kravitz and James Levy of the band Lolawolf

In the Philippines, Michael Kors is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. with locations at The Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Newport, and Bonifacio High Street Central Square.

Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club and The Kitchen God’s Wife will be a guest of National Book Store and Raffles Makati this October 23-25, 2014 in the first ever Philippine Literary Festival.

(Photo: Rick Smolan)

Attend three days of book signings and panel discussions on books and literature.
The Spotlight on Amy Tan panel will be on October 24 at 1:30 PM, while her book signing will be on October 25 at 2 PM.
Joining Amy Tan is Korean-American novelist Chang-Rae Lee, author of Native Speaker, which garnered numerous awards including the Ernest Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award and the American Book Award.
The Spotlight on Chang-Rae Lee panel and book signing will be on October 25 at 9 AM.

(Photo: David Burnett)

All events will be held at the Raffles Makati with registration beginning at 8 AM. Admission is free. Only books purchased at the Philippine Literary Festival will be accepted to signing passes for Amy Tan and Chang-Rae Lee.
View the complete schedule at philippineliteraryfestival.com.

http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph

Last July 2014, after we finished renovating our kitchen, our next task was to update the dining set. This was where we left off:

Seven years ago I wanted to have a dining set similar to Spiral at Sofitel

I wanted to sit on a couch while eating at home. So we created this setup at home—two dining sets that we could join together if we wanted to.

But after seven years, Jeroen really wanted a long table and the kids didn’t like the mismatched furniture.
So we looked at my Pinterest album and settled on this peg by Timms Bach/Herbst Architects

Through the help of our friend Cedric, we were able to order 10 Eames molded chairs from Herman Miller in the US. While waiting for those, we ordered the table from Triboa Bay Living in Makati, with measurements approved by Herman Miller.

Two months later, Cedric shipped the chairs from Los Angeles to his mom in Makati. Because I didn’t want to impose on her space (and kindness), I asked the help of Safehouse Storage to take the chairs and keep them for us while waiting for the table to be finished.
From Makati, the chairs were taken to this warehouse in Taguig

Safehouse has several storage sizes for your needs. I chose a small unit to store the chairs.

And here they stayed for two weeks

Finally, yesterday morning, the table was delivered and assembled at home.
In the afternoon, Safehouse delivered the chairs in perfect condition

Check out our new dining set and living room

Next on the agenda: change the pendant lamps!
Can’t wait to have guests over.
Couldn’t have done this without the help of Cedric Cid, his mom, and the folks at Safehouse Storage.

To know more about their services, click HERE.

British luxury label JOSEPH recently opened its first store in Southeast Asia and in the Philippines at SM Aura.
Extending over 150 square meters, the store also marks a significant moment in the brand’s global expansion strategy.
With over 30 stores in Japan and recent openings in Beirut, New York and Taipei, followed by Beijing, JOSEPH plans to continue its expansion in the Philippines with further locations set to launch within the next five years.

“We are thrilled to be opening a store in the Philippines at such an important time for the local luxury market, “ said Louise Trotter, Creative Director at JOSEPH.
“Showing the JOSEPH collection within a store that reflects the brand’s core DNA allows us to offer our clients in the Philippines the full JOSEPH experience.”

The store offers the complete assortment of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories from JOSEPH’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, and the space (designed by Architect Raed Abillama) reflects the brands sensibilities clean lines and monochromatic color scheme.
Its minimalistic feel was created through the use of coarse materials like concrete and black metal.

The brand hosted an evening of entertainment by London-based DJ Mikhail and special guest DJ Solange Knowles, who flew in from the US for the event.

Guests from the worlds of fashion, design, media and business toasted the occasion with champagne while enjoying a range of canapés including foie fras, soft shell crab and caviar.

Georgina Wilson

Eric Dee Jr. and Bea Soriano

Angel Jacob and Carissa Chan

Tootsie Caharian and Miguel Rosales

Natalia and Nicole Ortega

Daryl Chang

The Philippines store is operated by SM Premium Fashion Retail Designs, Inc. through an exclusive distribution agreement.
http://www.joseph-fashion.com

Smart Communications, Inc. has announced its pricing offers for postpaid subscriber interested in iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, as the new phones become available on November 14, 2014.
The iPhone 6 (16GB) is offered, starting at Smart Postpaid Plan 999, with Php 800 monthly cash-out or a total of P1,799 per month.
The iPhone 6 Plus (16GB) starts at Plan 999 with P1,050 cash-out every month, or P2,049 per month.
Both iPhone offers come with FREE all-net texts, all-net calls plus consumable data every month which can be used for video and music streaming, file uploads, and downloads, and chatting.

Wipeout promo
Existing subscribers who want to upgrade to the new iPhones can do so with Smart’s Wipeout promo, which allows them to “wipe out” their existing contracts as long as they have less than 20 months left on their contracts.
Corresponding discounts on the wipeout fee will be applied, depending on the number of remaining months in the contract.
Every subscriber that avails of the wipeout promo can get FREE 1-year handset insurance on their new iPhones for repair and replacement of the units in case of accidental damage or loss.
For more information, go to smart.com.ph/wipeout.

Free Uber rides for Smart customers
Subscribers who want to check out or claim their new iPhones can get free rides to and from selected Smart Stores from November 14 to 16, 2014.
All you have to do is download the Uber app on your phones, book a ride, and enter the SMARTIPHONE6 promo code to get the ride for free. Upon arriving at the store, look for the special lane so you can get your device on the same day.

Choose your number
For a limited time period, postpaid subscribers getting a new iPhone will be able to choose their own mobile number, if available (first-come, first-serve), when you sign up at any Smart store nationwide.

Free Blink movies
As an added treat, each subscriber to any iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus from Smart will get three FREE movies through Blink, a new mobile app that allows you to watch Hollywood movies and TV shows on your mobile phones.
Subscribers can purchase additional movies by texting BLINK 60 (catalog movies), BLINK 99 (latest movies) or BLINK 250 (unlimited TV series) to 3161.
To enjoy the videos, download the BLINK app from the App Store.

For the full list of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus plans and cash-out options from SMART, please refer to the table below:

http://www.smart.com.ph

Have you started Christmas shopping yet? I’ve started in small batches, but am no where near completion.
Sometimes I’ll buy a bunch of gift items that are cute and affordable and just keep them in stock because you’ll never know who you might forget.
Watsons is great source for buying little gifts for friends, classmates, officemates, Kris Kringle or stocking stuffers.
And this weekend is a good time to start Christmas shopping as Watsons (including SM department store’s Beauty Section) goes on nationwide sale from November 14-16, 2014.

Here are just some of the gift items you’ll see in Watsons stores now:
Buy three for Php 399 boxed bath and beauty sets

Or buy one for Php 149

Body lotions and skin conditioner sets

Buy three for Php 279 or Php 99/piece

Christmas caps and stockings

One Direction makeup kits at Php 675

Php 1475

and a three-tier One Direction Tour Case at Php 2699

Affordable makeup tools

and more premium boxed sets at affordable prices

More deals and additional discounts will be given if you shop from November 14-16 at all Watsons stores nationwide.

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

Jeroen and I take a special honeymoon trip every November 25th, usually in Tokyo, and this year marks our 14th wedding anniversary. So in a couple of weeks Jeroen and I will be in layers and cold weather.
Jeroen and I get along because he lets me be me. He’ll wake up early, find a cool place to eat and be back when I wake up. On my shopping day he’ll rent a bike from Muji at Yurakucho and go to places I’ll never see.

Here’s one place he’d rather not see —Dover Street Market in Ginza.
It’s one of three CDG stops for me, namely:
1) Comme des Garçons flagship in Aoyama
2) Comme des Garçons Trading Museum in Omotesando
3) Dover Street Market in Ginza.

Have a look at what’s in store right now as Simone Rocha x J Brand launches today

Louis Vuitton ‘The Icon and The Iconoclasts’

noir lei ninomiya by Rei Kawakubo’s protegee and former patternmaker, Kei Ninomiya

Comme des Garçons x 2

Comme des Garçons Tricot

Comme des Garçons Shirt (Girl)

Comme des Garçons Homme

Eye can’t wait.
http://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com/

Last July 2014, Pottery Barn opened at Central Square, The Fort.
Crate & Barrel is opening on November 20 at SM Fashion Hall, and I’ve heard that Zara Home is coming soon.
On the home front, we are getting spoiled in Manila!
But price-wise and design-wise, I really like H&M Home, which I’ve been to only in Amsterdam.
I find it frustrating to look at the online store and not be able to buy anything.
This was H&M Home in Amsterdam last year.

And just like that, the H&M Home concept will be coming to Manila on November 20, 2014, as H&M opens its second location at Robinsons Magnolia. The two-level 3,000-square-meter location will carry the brand’s full assortment for women, men, teenagers and children, as well as H&M Sport and Mama. It will be the first to offer H&M Home in the Philippines.
Have a look at what you can expect this holiday season!

Those shopping on opening day will get exclusive opening deals, such as free umbrellas and magazines for the first 500 shoppers. Tote bags and gift cards worth P200 to P2,000 each will be given to the first 150 shoppers, and the first one in line will get a gift card worth P5,000.
Store hours on November 20th will be from 11 AM to midnight, while regular store hours (10 AM to 10 PM) will resume on November 21.
See you there!

I believe that parents shape the taste of their children. Not all of it, but some of it.
The music, I got from my dad.
I have fond memories of my dad in his music room with the hi-fi stereo and the huge headphones he would put on the ears of my siblings and I. And we heard the happy music of Sergio Mendes.

Sergio Mendes gives me warm, fuzzy memories of childhood and growing up in the ’70s.
I have never stopped loving his songs.
So when I heard he was coming to Manila, I really couldn’t miss the chance and booked the tickets online a week before. The moment wouldn’t be complete without my best friend Jeroen who appreciates the music too.

Traffic was a killer on Saturday so Jer and I left the house at 7 and reached the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 7:45 PM.
Cubao still has a wonderful ’70s vibe that’s so festive in the holiday season. I can’t remember seeing a Christmas tree this big, up close, ever.

Jeroen and I were so thrilled to see senior citizens all around, some of them with white hair and holding hands. So adorable.
We found our seats at the fifth row. At first we thought the place would be empty—the VIP section right in front of us certainly was.
Veteran jazz singer Jacqui Magno opened the show. Sadly she sang with a low-tech minus-one recording instead of a live band. She can’t hit the high notes anymore, had to sit in the middle of her set, and apologized for taking sips of water in between songs.
The audience didn’t seem to mind though and I certainly didn’t because she just added to that nostalgic vibe I was craving. She felt like an auntie singing at a family reunion.

After Jacqui’s set, there was a 15-minute intermission. Jer and I looked for something to eat (sadly, not much choice at the coliseum). When we came back at 9 PM, the VIP area was already full.
Sergio Mendes came out in his signature Panama hat and yellow shirt.

Just wow!

His three singers included (L-R) his wife Granciha Leporace, Ayana Layli, and Katie Hampton

“They sound exactly like the CD,” Jeroen noted.
Visually I was thinking I wish I could style them. What would I make them wear?
They sounded amazing though. Shot me right back to my father’s music room.
The concert also featured Sergio Mendes singer Joe Pizzulo, who is known for the hit song, Never Gonna Let You Go. I could imagine the lols finding him hot

Joe Pizzulo certainly aged well. Look at him in 1984

At one point Sergio paused to acknowledge the presence of his good friend, Mr. Jorge Araneta, whose family owns the Araneta complex in Cubao. He also mentioned the presence of President Aquino who was seated at Lower Box with cabinet members and security guards.
That certainly added excitement to the evening. And yes, we saw him dance!
Also spotted: Mar Roxas, Frank Drilon, Herbert Bautista

It was awesome to hear my favourite songs, like Pretty World, Goin’ Out of My Head, Look of Love, Girl From Ipanema, live and in person.
How I wish Sergio could live on and on, and how I wish I could pass on the music to my boys.
I’d like to thank Jeroen for coming with me and the awesome photographer, Magic Liwanag/Ovation Production for sharing the photos.
Thank you Dad, and thank you Sergio Mendes for the music.

If you want to know what the concert was like, here’s the exact concert (minus Joe Pizzulo) they performed in Vienne, France, earlier this 2014

I never really knew the importance of a couch until we owned our own home.
A couch is the centerpiece of one’s living room and the rest of the pieces—from the coffee table, rugs, paintings, accessories—usually follow.
When we moved into our own house in 2003, we didn’t have a lot of choices in Manila.
A few years ago I was shocked at the prices of couches being offered in Manila’s better showrooms—who knew Filipinos could drop 1-2 million for a couch?

For those who are renovating, upgrading or starting a new home, luckily there’s Furninova, a Swedish furniture brand that specialises in couches, with prices ranging from Php 70,000 to 200,000.
“Before we brought in Furninova, there were no great mid-range couch brands in the Philippines,” said Joseph Tay, managing director of Dot Mobel Corp., which distributes Furninova in the country.

Joseph first discovered Furninova in Singapore, when he sat on a couch at a furniture store.
Impressed, he asked where it was made and found out that Furninova couches have a defect rate of .3%, which spoke volumes about the brand’s quality.

I learned out about Furninova’s showroom through Instagram while we were looking for a dining table.
I am simply amazed how a showroom located at the second floor of Hemady Square in Quezon City, is doing brisk business despite its unusual location.
Clients are mostly young but upwardly mobile couples who live in houses are smaller than their parents’.

“They want couches they can sit on comfortably. They want something sturdy that their kids can jump and play on, yet attractive and stylish for their guests. They can’t afford the million-peso couches, so they come here and are amazed that Furninova has pieces that fit their requirements,” said interior decorator Dana Uy, business partner of Joseph and his wife Stenie Coyiuto.

(L-R: Dana Uy, Stenie Coyiuto and her husband Joseph Tay)

At Furninova, customers can choose from any of their 500 fabric and leather swatches for their modular sofas. Furninova Philippines also employs interior decorators who help customers choose the right sizes of sofas and furniture for their homes.
Dana Uy, for one, is studying interior design at the Philippine School of Interior Design. She also designed the layout of the store.

You’ll go crazy with the swatches

For couch potatoes, Furninova is heaven. Every couch has options for bolsters. Some have pockets on the side for remote controls, magazines, or iPads. You can choose couches with trays for drinks.
Furninova couches all have solid frames and solid foam, not just scraps put together. Comfort level is very high, and each couch is built to last a lifetime.

“We’re a service-oriented store. Our customers love our personalized service. Despite opening without a formal launch in March 2014, we’ve had a lot of referrals and repeat customers. Because we don’t just sell sofas and other furniture, we will look at your floor plan or your house, and suggest what will work,” said Joseph.

The showroom also offers pieces from other brands like Conform, Oliver B and Woodpoint.
See for yourself at the 2nd level, Hemady Square, 86 Dona Hemady Street, E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City.
For more information, call 975-4470.
http://www.furninova.com

Great music, blockbuster movies under starry skies, exciting outdoor activities, and other surprises all come together at Cinemajam 2014 on November 29, 2014 at the Greenfield District Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Now on its second year, Cinemajam 2014 has fun activities lined up, including a zip line and wall climbing in the daytime, followed by outdoor movie screenings of Letters to Juliet and Now You See Me.

A midnight jam finale will feature popular bands like Franco, Urbandub, Imago, Itchyworms, Cheats, Chocolate Factory, Autotelic, Group Hug, Pedicab and Banda ni Kleggy.

Franco

Urbandub

Pedicab

Imago

Presented by Crizal Traditions lenses, “Cinemajam 2014 aims to promote good eyesight and positivity through a celebration of arts, music, and camaraderie, along with the launch of our latest product Crizal Transitions Signature Green,” said Jinky Navo, marketing manager of Essilor in the Philippines.

CinemaJam 2014 also supports the humanitarian organization World Vision.
“We are very excited to help the beneficiaries of World Vision and we hope to touch more lives in the upcoming years,” said Dra. Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor, the exclusive distributor of Crizal Transitions.

Be part of Cinemajam 2014 on November 29, 2014 at the Greenfield District Central Park, Mandaluyong City.
For tickets, call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or go to www.ticketworld.com.ph.
To know more, go to http://cinemajam.ph/
Follow Cinemajam 2014 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @cinemajam2014

CinemaJam 2014 is made possible by C-Interactive, Greenfield District Central Park, Myx, the Official Music Channel, Cinema One, Police, Toby’s, Medicard Philippines, Grab Taxi, the Official Sponsor Ride of Cinemajam 2014, Play FM, and WhenInManila.com.

Up next: How to win free tickets to this event!

November is perfect for a night out under starry skies.
Treat yourself and special someone to a midnight concert, outdoor movies, zip line, and wall climbing on November 29, as Cinemajam 2014 happens at Greenfield District Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Movies lined up are Letters to Juliet and Now You See Me, and concert features Franco, Urbandub, Imago, Itchyworms, Cheats, Chocolate Factory, Autotelic, Group Hug, Pedicab and Banda ni Kleggy.

Here’s how to win 2 tickets FREE to Cinemajam 2014:
1) You must have Twitter or Facebook account.
2) Share this entry by clicking on Twitter or Facebook button at the end of this post.
3) Like Cinemajam on Facebook or follow @cinemajam2014 on Twitter.
4) Register HERE until November 25, 2014 only.
5) Ten winners of two tickets each will be selected via electronic raffle.
6) Winners will be announced on this blog and contacted on how to claim tickets.

To know more, go to http://www.cinemajam.ph.

And just like that H&M home opened at Robinsons Magnolia. I did not expect it at all.
Last week I even asked my friend Rem to buy me H&M Home stuff in New York, where most of the stuff I wanted were sold out. So Rem only got two items for me.
Then I found out H&M Home was opening at Robinsons Magnolia today.
I am not a morning person but I woke up early and was there to take pictures before it opened to the public at 11 AM.
Here’s what I saw: Christmas items, like throw pillows, napkins, sacks and ornaments

Tabletop and party ware

Beddings

Cushion covers and inserts

Bath towels and rugs

Gift boxes and gift cards

And many other gift items, just in time for Christmas

I don’t think you will ever see AFAMs* manning the cash registers anywhere else in Manila

Friendly H&M staff like Joey and Joe, who are part of H&M’s global setup team

More AFAMs shopping

Two people I need to thank: Alexei Villaraza of Bridges PR (left) who helped me shop, and H&Ms PR Responsible, Dan Mejia who carried my bags

Success!

The H&M Home concept is part of a two-level 3,000-square-meter H&M store at Robinsons Magnolia.
Apart from Home, H&M’s second location in Manila carries the brand’s full assortment for women, men, teenagers and children, as well as H&M Sport and Mama.
To know more about H&M Home and what you can expect, click HERE.

*AFAM = a foreigner assigned in Manila

It’s a great time to be a home owner in Manila.
After the opening of Pottery Barn in Taguig last July, this November saw the opening of H&M Home at Robinsons Magnolia and Crate & Barrel at Mega Fashion Hall.
Crate & Barrel comes to the Philippines through a partnership with SM Retailer subsidiary HMS Development Corporation. Based on this agreement, the next Crate & Barrel stores will open in the country during the first quarter of 2015.
I was lucky to have been invited to its launch last November 19 at the 4th level of Mega Fashion Hall.
I arrived before ribbon cutting.

Standing by were Crate & Barrel and SM support team along with SM Prime Holdings President, Mr. Hans Sy (who wears the most perfect suits sans tie) and his mother Felicidad Sy.

I made sure to stand right in front of the ribbon to be the first customer inside.

And I was, hehe. I started on the left side where all the kitchen stuff are

Not that I need any more kitchen stuff. I did pick up two recipe books here

There are lots of plates, glasses and tableware to choose from

White is always nice and classy

Chopping boards

Pretty cake domes

Tea lights and candle holders

I love the display

A selection of dining tables, ranging from the glass

To the space-saver

which opens up to half or this

These are good, solid wooden tables, benches and dining chairs

Coffee tables

And this couch, which is seriously the best thing in the store

My friend Grace adores this bar cart

I love this compact desk hutch

which opens up to this study table/home office

Pretty filing cabinets

Cool tool with hidden side table

This bed I want in king size

A small closet

I love book cases

An easy chair

Side tables

Little knickknacks for dog lovers

and other gift items

What I bought: a pair of outdoor stools for our courtyard. Nice price, at three or six months to pay, 0% interest.

Opened in 1962 in Chicago, Illinois by Gordon and Carole Segal, Crate & Barrel was inspired by the simple, well-designed, affordable products the couple had purchased during their honeymoon in Europe.
The Segals called their home furnishings store ‘Crate & Barrel’ after the shipping crates and barrels, which brought their inventory and became their first store fixtures.

Working directly with European ateliers and factories to import their products, Crate & Barrel was among the first retailers to make modern tabletop and kitchenwares affordable to American consumers.
Today, Crate & Barrel is internationally known for exclusive housewares and furniture designs, excellent value and superb customer service.
Owned by the Otto Group of Hamburg, Germany, since 1998, the company operates stores in most major North American markets as well as international franchise locations in Dubai, Singapore, Mexico, and now in the Philippines.

Crate & Barrel now open at the 4th level of Mega Fashion Hall.
To know more about the brand, go to http://www.crateandbarrel.com.