“What do you love most about the Philippines?” I asked Jeroen when we were dating in 1997.
“Merienda.”
(Hmmm….I though he would say me…)

Around 2:30 PM, I still look for merienda. Especially when I’m writing.
Dinna and I were working at home last week when we decided to try Greenwich Pizza Thins.
Since I was already online, I just went to this site and ordered all five flavors: Signature Special, Hawaiian, 7-Cheese, Pepperoni, and All-Meat.

It was 2:37 PM.
At 2:48 PM, I received a text message from Greenwich confirming my order. I was impressed that nobody called to bug me and repeat everything I ordered. I would really like to cut the middle man when ordering food, so I love this.
The pizzas arrived at 3:20 PM.

They were still warm. We didn’t have to heat up anything. This was our pizza buffet.

1) Pepperoni • 2) Signature Special • 3) All-Meat • 4) Hawaiian • 5) 7-Cheese

And yes, there is a cracking sound when you bite into it.
The best thing about a thinner pizza crust is it doesn’t “compete” with the toppings. A thicker crust can sometimes be too filling or overwhelming, while a thin pizza crust is firm and crispy.
The 9” Double size is good for two people. There’s also a 12” Barkada size.

My favorite was the 7-Cheese pizza, with mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, blue cheese, queso de bola, special cheese and cream cheese. If you like salty and sweet, you’ll enjoy this with ice cold Coke.

Hawaiian, a Filipino favorite, has ham and pineapple chunks. Dinna liked this, because of the interplay of sweet and salty.

The Signature Special has 10 premium toppings of meat, vegetables and cheeses.

The All-Meat has pepperoni, ground beef, salami strips, Italian sausage and bacon.

And the Pepperoni is spicy and savory.

Choose the better pizza and #CrackThat with Greenwich Pizza Thins.
Order online or call 5-55-55.
http://greenwichdelivery.com/

So I went crazy and got some Olympia Le-Tan x LeSportsac.

Olympia Le-Tan is known for combining two of her passions—embroidery and books—into limited edition bags and clutches, lovingly made in France.
The self-taught designer used to work at Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld before joining Gilles Dufour at Balmain.
Now her creations have charmed Tilda Swinton, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams and Clémence Poésy.
Personally I find her bags so expensive, so when I found out she created a line for LeSportsac, I went nuts and ordered some pieces.

Olympia Le-Tan and the soft clutch at the launch of her LeSportsac collab in Paris

For Spring 2015, LeSportsac celebrates the literary tradition of love letters with three original prints designed by Le-Tan: Blooming Hearts in soft pink is a romantic sheet of postage stamps, while Love Letters comes in blue and black backgrounds splashed with letters, books, stamps, and kisses, and more.
Available in LeSportsac’s heritage nylon, the collection also includes three soft sided clutches inspired by Le-Tan’s signature Book Clutch

It also has specialty totes

and 31 classic LeSportsac styles.

See the other styles online and at LeSportsac locations. Now available at Estancia Mall, Robsinsons Magnolia, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang, Rustan’s Cebu, Rustan’s Gateway and Rustan’s Robinsons Place Manila.
In the Philippines, LeSportsac is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc.—a member of the SSI Group.

Don’t hold your breath. I am extremely hard to please when it comes to fashion.
I look forward to the Oscars each year and try to wake up early to watch the Red Carpet arrivals.
After spending a couple of hours looking at everyone’s attire online, here’s my Best Dressed List for the Oscars 2015, in no particular order.

The given: Cate Blanchett in Margiela. Because I’ve never seen Cate Blanchett get it wrong. She’s kind of perfect.

Pretty in pink: Vogue Editor Anna Wintour looks youthful with the perfect hair and the dress

Keira Knightley in Valentino. Because it’s hard to be gorgeous and pregnant at the same time, and we’re so over the skin-tight, show-off-your-baby-bump pregnant look.

I’m not a fan of Lady Gaga, but I really love her in Alaïa—red rubber gloves included.
Bit of trivia: One of my teachers at Parsons scolded me back in the ’90s for designing dresses worn with potholders.
I so get this look.

Juman Malouf. Wes Anderson’s partner reminds me of Mich Dulce with the hair, the glasses, the vintage-looking bag, and the dress that looks thrifted.

Finally, I’m not a huge fan of Adam Levine, but I am now. I love that he’s wearing a prom look to the Oscars, with the pomade hair, the rolled-up sleeves, and the tattoos. I lovett.

To sum it up:
Clean.
No jewellery.
No cleavage.
Minimal accessories.
Simple hair.

Lee Min Ho, we meet again.
Let me just say this: I love Lee Min Ho. Thanks to my cousin-in-law Keri Zamora, I discovered the wonders of Korean dramas via Boys Over Flowers, where Lee Min Ho plays the crushable rich spoiled brat, Gu Jun-pyo.
Since then I’ve been seeing Lee Min Ho all over Asia—for Bench

LG

Line

OSIM uDiva

Samsonite Red

FILA

and so much more. I have seen him a couple of times in Manila for Bench and I feel so lucky that all my encounters with him have been effortless.

And now we meet again.
The traffic in Greenhills last Tuesday reminded me of Christmas season—except people weren’t there to shop.
We were there to get a glimpse of the most popular Korean actor probably in Asia.
The event was set for 6 PM but fans of Lee Min Ho were already at the venue as early as 10 AM.

Kyochon, famous for its double-fried chicken, with over 950 branches in South Korea, recently opened its third branch in the Philippines at Greenhills Theater Mall.
We made it just in time to take our seat when popular Korean host Sam Oh and my cousin, San Juan Vice Mayor Francis Zamora, welcomed Kyochon ambassador Lee Min Ho amid screaming fans.
In fairness, I didn’t know Francis was that good onstage—showbiz na showbiz ang dating!

Sorry, my battery died.
Had no idea Lee Min Ho is almost as tall as my cousin Francis, who stands 6’5″.
According to Wikipedia, the Korean actors stands 6 feet 1 ½”. (Take a look at his shoe.)

This is the actor’s fourth visit to the Philippines. The 28-year-old is best known for his roles in the TV dramas Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, and The Heirs. He also stars in the upcoming movie, Gangnam 1970.

Love that smile

Last year, after opening at SM Megamall, Kyochon promised it would bring Lee Min Ho to the Philippines.
During the program, fans who had won in Kyochon’s Facebook contest received signed posters from Lee Min Ho and had a photo opportunity with the actor.

He also signed few tables that will be placed inside Kyochon stores.

Asked about his Kyochon favorites, Min Ho said his choice depends on his mood. He prefers spicy chicken when stressed, but normally goes for honey.
My personal favorite is the original wings. Yum!

Min Ho urged Filipinos to try Kyochon’s Soonsal series, which are chicken strips coated in special rice batter and served with three sauces.
Kyochon chicken is fried twice, making the skin crunchier and the meat less greasy. It is known for its thin batter and double frying method that removes excess oil.
Kyochon is now open at Greenhills Theater Mall, SM Megamall, SM City Fairview and soon at Eastwood Citywalk.

To know more about Kyochon, click HERE.
(Photos: Daniel Tan)

“Uhmm…I take back what I said about French men,” Grace said after finding this new Instagram account, Mecs Métro Paris, which features photos of men taken in the Parisian subway.
“You will ADORE the subway of Paris,” promises the Instagram account. It has gained nearly 55,000 followers after only two weeks on the Internet.

Personally, I’m scared of the Paris Métro. But check out the unshaven, unshowered?, I-can-hurt-you/apostolic looks of these men who know how to tie the scarf. Which begs the question: Bakit walang ganito sa Pinas???

Grace and I have been talking about starting our own Instagram account called “Hot AFAMs* in Manila” but have yet to spot one during the last week. One time it was raining men in Greenbelt, but lately, we haven’t seen any. Or maybe I need to get out some more.
If you’re loving the French men, the account to follow is @mecsmetroparis on Instagram.
Click HERE to see them all.

*a foreigner assigned in Manila

Greenwich believes the best combination for a fun time is delicious food, great music, and good friends.
Greenwich pizza toppings are also made of the best flavor combinations.
With this formula in mind, Greenwich has launched a search for the best and most creative bands that can play musical instruments and create a mash-up of different genres, like pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic dance music.

The first ever Greenwich #UltimateBandkada Search invites bands that may be composed of rappers, singers, instrumentalists, or DJs—ages 18-35 years old—to join the contest that challenges them to mash up at least two music genres in one song.
Watch Donnalyn Bartolome, DJ Stove Allen and the rest of their bandkada mash up music styles in this hit song.

Do you have what it takes? Gather your music-loving barkada and create your own mash-up for a chance to win P100,000 plus a management and recording contract with Viva Records.

How to join:
• Send a link to a 60-second video of your band’s musical performance via http://www.ultimatebandkada.com/
• Or you can visit one of several Greenwich #UltimateBandkada audition booths that will be popping up in campuses around the Metro.
• Students and non-students can go to live auditions in these areas as well as the Greenwich main office in Ortigas, Pasig City.
• Auditions will run from March 11-21 so keep an eye out for the #UltimateBandkada booth.

On April 23, 2015, Greenwich will announce the Top 8 bands that made the cut to compete for the title of Greenwich #UltimateBandkada.
Each band will be given lyrics to a Greenwich song which they will create music for with their chosen music genres. The contest judges will be announced soon.

For three months, the Top 8 “Bandkadas” will be trained by top musicians, artists, producers and vocal coaches from VIVA Records. These mentors will help in the preparation for the final #UltimateBandkada showdown which will be held in August.
The bands will go through an intensive Bandkada Bootcamp, during which they will develop an original Greenwich song that talks about friendship, sharing and fun while mashing up the identified major music genres. This will serve as their final piece for the competition.

The public can also keep track of the bands’ progress through the videos that will be posted on the #UltimateBandkada Web site, newspaper features and special segments on MTV Pinoy.
Everyone can also participate by voting for their favorite band from May to July.
The #UltimateBandkada winner will sign a record deal with VIVA Records, a management contract with Viva Artist Agency and a cash prize of P100,000.
The second and third placers will receive P60,000 and P40,000, respectively.
The Greenwich #UltimateBandkada Search is in partnership with Viva Records and MTV Pinoy.

To know more, go to www.ultimatebandkada.com

Last February 14, a 5th grade Xavier student named Ralph was badly burned during a camping activity.
The school’s official statement can be found HERE.
Every Xavier parent is affected and we have taken steps to raise funds for the boy’s long-term treatment at Makati Medical Center.
Viber parent groups are abuzz about developments in Ralph’s treatment. We are all praying for his complete recovery.
Meanwhile, my friends Penny and Patrice have been thinking of how to raise more money for Ralph.
We are planning to sell some of our pre-loved bags for the cause. Please watch for it.
Very recently I also posted this on Instagram:

A photo posted by Cecile van Straten (@chuvaness) on Feb 26, 2015 at 7:07pm PST

Since then I have a received a few donations from friends and followers—from the Philippines, Canada, and the US.
Today I deposited the amount of Php 167,573 to Ralph’s BDO account and have emailed the donors the scans of deposit slips.

My heart goes out to the boy and his family and can’t imagine the pain they are going through.
If you would like to help out, here are ways you can donate:
1) You can use the Paypal button below

2) You can send me a check and I can deposit for you. Please email me at chuvaness@me.com for my office address.
3) If you would like to make a direct deposit to Ralph’s account, please email me at chuvaness@me.com for the bank details.
4) Prayers are always appreciated.

Once received and deposited, I will email you a proof of deposit.
P.S. We are not in touch with Ralph’s parents, and we do not know them personally. We are doing this as an act of charity and have no personal gain except to help out a child and family in pain.
Thank you very much for your time.

I had no idea Charles & Keith was so huge in the Philippines, with 30 stores all over Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Olongapo, Pampanga, and more.
Known for affordable fast-fashion footwear and accessories, Charles & Keith finally opened its official flagship store yesterday at Bonifacio High Street.
Franchised in the Philippines by Suyen Corporation, Charles & Keith updates its look at Bonifacio High Street, with 100 square meters of space, characterized by clean lines, marble accents, and dark metal details.

Loyal customers look forward to new releases from the store that arrive weekly.
The flagship store opened with Charles & Keith’s Spring 2015 Collection, featuring pop-art wallets and accessories.

What we liked: the metallic zippered wallets (Php 2199) and card cases

The polka-dotted wallet (Php 2199)

The ID case (Php 1199)

and the platform oxfords (Php 2399)

Spotted at the launch were Richard and Lucy Gomez with Suyen Corp’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ben Chan

Love: Ben Chan’s shoes (Dior)

Ben Chan with Keri Zamora and Miguel Pastor

Karylle Yuzon

The Zombettes (Ornussa Cadness and Sanya Smith) provided happy music to the shopping crowd.

Charles & Keith, the flagship store is now open at B8, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig from 11 AM-9 PM daily, right across from American Eagle.

http://www.charleskeith.com/

Last night I decided to watch Fifty Shades of Grey because my office mate Dinna was talking about it and got me curious. And since I did not read any of the books I have a few questions, which I hope some of you can answer me:

1) Is Anastasia Steele supposed to be mousy? I don’t get the casting of Dakota Johnson. She looks like a mousy version of Isabella Rossellini. Why her? Is it because she is the daughter of famous parents? Is it because not many actresses want go fully naked? Is it because her breasts are small and not bastusin? Please enlighten me.

She looks like Isabella Rossellini

Isabella Rossellini

2) Is it possible to be 27-years-old and a billionaire with a your own building (Grey House)? What exactly does Christian Grey do (sorry I didn’t pay attention) and how does one get mega rich at 27 while having so much time for S&M?

3) Of all the women in the world, why does Christian Grey get smitten by the mousy Anastasia after only one encounter? Can’t billionaires get any woman they want, especially if they’re 27 and hot?

4) How does Anastasia transform into a non-mousy girl without the benefit of a makeover scene? Ang labo.

5) I don’t understand why this book and movie made tons of money. There’s nothing romantic about a guy who just wants rough sex. I just super got tired and bored of him kissing and f*cking her. Please explain.

6) How baduy lang that substory about Anastasia’s roommate and Christian Grey’s brother. Sorry I am out of words. I find it so baduy.

7) Sorry this is the worst review of the worst movie I have ever seen. I’d like to hear what you thought of it, whether you liked it or not. OK thanks, I’m done.

Romero Jennings, MAC Cosmetics’ director for makeup artistry, was recently in town for the beauty brand’s Spring/Summer 2015 Trends Presentation at Shangri-La Boracay.
For Spring/Summer 2015, runways were all about luminous and effortless beauty. Nothing was overdone and makeup was applied in a carefree but calculated manner. There were also lots of bold and fun looks.

Romero Jennings in Boracay

Jennings said that while the Internet is all about highlighting and contouring, this season there will be more light than shadow. He said the season was about four key makeup looks:

1) Re-view
Jennings described this look as “framing the eyes in a painterly way.”
Lashes are exaggerated and sometimes even clumpy by design. This look deconstructs the traditional rules of applying eyeliner and mascara. Essential products are Studio Sculpt Superblack Lash and Super Slick Liquid Eye Liner in Defiantly Feline.

Ann Demeulemeester

L-R: Alexis Mabille, Giles Deacon

L-R: Aquilano Rimondi, Costume National

2) Enlightened
This trend is about flawless looking skin, with minimal makeup coverage.
“Use oil and primers to make the skin look really luminous,” said Jennings. “Play with matte and shiny textures to not make it look greasy.”
For the runway, the look was about making the skin of the models look almost plastic. The essentials include Mineralize Skinfinish Perfect Topping in Lightscapade and Strobe Cream.

L-R: Issey Miyake, Prabal Gurung

3) Free Party
Inspired by the girl at Coachella who did her own makeup using her fingers. Colors don’t have to be applied precisely. Speaking of color, watermelon is a big trend. Jennings said there’s no need to use foundation for this look. Concealer should be applied sparingly and only where needed.
The result is makeup that looks messy and lived-in. Essentials include Blue Forecast and Superfresh from the Trend Forecast S/S 15 Eye Palette and Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Perky.

L-R: Aquilano Rimondi, Derek Lam

L-R: Max Mara, Moschino

4) No Makeup
You know that girl who doesn’t look like she’s wearing makeup but still looks perfectly beautiful? The No Makeup Trend is all about them. The look is about clean, hydrated skin, perfectly groomed brows, no mascara, sheer highlights, a natural-looking flush, and soft looks without lipstick.
“It should look like you applied everything using your fingers. No hard lines,” said Jennings.
The essentials include Must Have Melon and Go Guava from the S/S15 Lip and Cheek Palette and MAC Eye Brows in Lingering and Strut.

L-R: Desigual, Simone Rocha

L-R: Chloe, Ohne Titel

https://www.facebook.com/MACcosmetics

Thanks to two more donors, we have deposited an additional Php 45,000 to Ralph’s account, for a total donation of Php 212,573. To know more about the cause and how to help, click HERE.

Being married to a foreigner opens up your eyes to things you never even noticed about your country or fellowmen.
For instance, Jeroen wanted to know why almost everyone at his office has a mirror on his/her desk.
Well, as soon as I moved into my new office more than a year ago, I also had this urge to put a mirror on my desk and I have no idea why.
When I first put a mirror there, I found myself looking at myself too often, so I moved it to the shelf.
The mirror is now there for when I have to go somewhere after office and reapply makeup.

So why do Filipinos put mirrors on their office tables? I don’t mean inside their kikay kits or drawers. The mirror is usually placed below the computer monitor.
To prove his point, I asked Jeroen to take pictures of all the mirrors in his office and here’s what he got:

Amazing isn’t it? I also asked my Twitter followers if they had mirrors on their desks. Here’s what I got:

L-R: Andy, Gracey Lou

Owi

Berl

Paul

Toni

Hannah, a receptionist at my office, said she needs to check in the mirror, particularly if there is a visitor. But as the person who answers the phone, Hannah has a more practical use for the mirror.
“Whenever I answer the phone, I look at it to make sure I am smiling. When I am smiling, my voice is livelier,” said Hannah.

Another girl in the office, Grace, also uses her mirror to check her face when answering the phone.
“It’s a matter of habit,” she said. “I used to work at SM Hypermart with the accounting department and I needed to answer calls from suppliers. I would look in the mirror to check my face because my expression would reflect on my tone. I needed to be friendly and professional.”

Finally, I googled “Why do Filipinas have mirrors on their office tables?” and learned that some BPOs or call centers require their agents to talk to customers with smiles on their faces, so a mirror is very helpful.
So tell me, do you have a mirror on your desk and why? Feel free to post pics in the comments section.

This Lent I decided to give up four things that are difficult for me: Coke, cake, cookies, and ice cream.
In the beginning the list also included chocolate, but I need to have some sugar, so I’ve had a little bit of chocolate since Ash Wednesday.
Cake and cookies are the easiest to give up. Ice cream is hard but bearable. But not having Coke is hell.
I’ve tried to Google why one can skip fasting on Saturday or Sunday, but someone pointed out that Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights—why can’t I give up those things that aren’t good for me any way?

Since giving up Coke, I haven’t been enjoying eating as much. I try to compensate with orange juice and the thought of banana-Q for dessert, but food doesn’t taste as good without Coke.
Let me tell you it is a suffering. As I type this my mouth feels parched no matter how much ice water I drink. My teeth hurt!
I am almost delirious thinking of Coke and Chippy—that salty sweet and cruchy combination.
I can’t tell you how many times I have thought of throwing in the towel, but the suffering will end on April 5, Easter Sunday, when I can finally feel the ice-cold Coke down my throat. That’s 25 days from now.

A few years ago I gave up shopping for Lent, except for necessities. I used to think giving up shopping was harder than giving up Coke. Now I know better.
So far I have lost only 1 lb. so the fasting isn’t really a diet plan. If I could lose 5 lbs. then I would think about giving up these things for good.
And you, did you give up anything for Lent? How are you coping?

I’m old enough to remember The Odd Couple when it aired on TV back in the ’70s.
From 1970-1975, the original sitcom starred Tony Randall as Felix Unger and Jack Klugman as Oscar Madison.
Forty years later, The Odd Couple returns as RTL CBS Entertainment HD brings it back to the small screen on March 13, Friday at 9:55 PM.

This time around, The Odd Couple stars Matthew Perry as endearing slob Oscar Madison and Thomas Lennon as uptight neat freak Felix Unger.
The two former college buddies become unlikely roommates after the demise of their marriages. Not long after Oscar lets Felix move in, Oscar fears he’s made a monumental mistake.

Oscar’s jack-of-all-trades assistant, Dani, and his long-time agent, Teddy, have their hands full trying to keep Oscar’s career as a sports radio host on track as he deals with his new living situation.
Fortunately, their quirky next door neighbour Emily helps Felix adapt to his new life as a bachelor and rein in his many eccentricities.
Despite how exasperated Oscar and Felix make each other, in the end, these mismatched friends agree they can help each other move on from their divorces and make their crazy living arrangement work.

Aside from starring in The Odd Couple, Matthew Perry also serves as one of the show’s executive producers. Also in the cast are Lindsay Sloane, Yvette Nicole Brown and Wendell Pierce.

Raffles Makati launches its second Prêt-à-Portea series at the Writers Bar, this time in collaboration with Italian luxe brand Furla.
Enjoy high tea with teacup sandwiches, ham and cheese layered in an apricot chutney spread, bruschetta tapenade topped with finely sliced olives and cherry tomatoes, orange-coated macarons, lip-shaped truffles, and nutty pralines—all inspired by Furla’s Spring Collection.
Priced at Php 1550++ for two, you’ll get a three-tier assembly of raspberry beignets dusted with pink snow powder, apricot-flavoured scones, and a vanilla éclair donned with edible silver leaves.

The highlight of the day are the toasted marshmallow macarons with Furla’s Neo-Pop print design and the Candy Bag taking form in a black and red religieuse. Add a sparkling glass of Rosé champagne for Php 1000++.

Afternoon Tea will be offered March 16 to May 16, 2015, available daily from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
For more information and reservations, call 795-1840 or email dining.makati@raffles.com.

Sorry, I just got back from Hong Kong—am sick—and have lots of work to do.
The trip was planned way back in November when I got invited to Art Basel Hong Kong.
This time I chose to stay with my hubby at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental (LMO) in Central.
Didn’t know what to expect, but I’m a lucky girl, so we got upgraded to the Deluxe L600 room on the top floor.
This was the anteroom

that opens up to the living room. Jeroen and I enjoyed this couch very much. We had delicious naps here.

On the left is a work desk that we used mainly as a charging station and tambakan ng snacks, papers, etc.

Bed was OK. Sheets can be softer, but Jeroen loved the pillows. So happy there was an electric outlet near the bed, for my laptop.

Okay, here’s the thing about the room: it is all about the bathroom!! There’s a rounded partition that separates the bathroom from the guest room. It reminds me of an airplane fitting

The bathroom can be accessed through the bedroom and the living room. At night, it looks like a movie set.

Jeroen liked the Frette bathrobes. This way to the shower

The shower is fantastic, although I had a small accident when I opened the shower for the first time—didn’t know the hand shower was facing me and I got all wet!!

Because I was sick, I didn’t get to use the giant bathtub, which I regret because 15 years ago, I wanted a bathtub just like this. *sigh*

On the left counter is where I put makeup on

There were two lavatories

and the most amazing amenities drawer. Love the packaging!!

Sorry I forgot to take a picture of the toilet. It was in a separate stall and perfect.
What I loved: the hotel slippers

As usual, I overpacked for a four-day trip, but neglected to bring a spring coat and neck warmer, so I got sick.
Closets with lots of hangers are a must

I love my bag

Thanks Jeroen for coming along. Every trip with you is a honeymoon.

Other notes on the LMO:
1) Customer service is excellent. From the bellhops who call your taxi and take your bags to the room, to the people at front desk, and the servers who bring room service—service is A++++.
2) Unfortunately, I did not like the room service. The chicken rice was malansa—what is this word in English? Although Jeroen loved the nasi goreng, which he ordered twice.
3) Location is right next to the Landmark—a mall that doesn’t interest me. The nearest drugstore (Mannings) and grocery (Marketplace) are too far for. I do not like the brands in this mall, and I don’t like the food (too fancy).
4) The best part: Comme des Garçons is right around the corner at Ice House Street, and COS is not too far at Queens Road.
5) Hotel is very near the MTR Station.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark/

Madrid Fusión—the biggest gastronomic trade fair in Spain—comes to Manila this April 24-26 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. It will showcase new, cutting edge and avant-garde techniques, ingredients, and recipes from some of the world’s top chefs.

Among the Michelin-starred Spanish chefs expected to attend are:
Elena Arzak, 2012 World’s Best Female Chef, and Andoni Luis Aduriz of the restaurant Mugaritz, considered one of the world’s most influential chefs.
Six other Spanish chefs will be flying in for the occasion: Quique Dacosta (Alicante), Ramón Freixa (Ramón Freixa Madrid), Francis Paniego (Echaurren, El Portal de Echaurren), Paco Roncero (La Terraza del Casino), Mario Sandoval (Coque) and Paco Torreblanca (Torreblanca Bombonerias y Pastelerias).
Asian chefs André Chiang (Restaurant André in Singapore) and Alvin Leung (Bo Innovation in Hong Kong) will also be at the event.

From the Philippines, the featured chefs are: Fernando Aracama (Aracama), Margarita Fores (Lusso and Grace Park), J Gamboa (Cirkulo), José Luis Gonzalez (Gallery Vask), Pepe Lopez (Rambla), Rob Pengson (The Goose Station), Bruce Ricketts (Mecha Uma), Myrna Segismundo (Restaurant 9501), Claude Tayag (Bale Dutung) and Juan Carlos de Terry (Terry’s).

(L-R) Juan Carlos de Terry of Terry’s; Jose Luis Gonzales of VASK; Bruce Ricketts of Mecha Uma; Margarita Fores of Grace Park; Myrna Seguismundo of Restaurant 9501; and Claude Tayag of Bale Dutung

The culinary affair will feature three exciting events:
1) International Gastronomy Congress is where chefs will discuss and demonstrate trends and techniques that will transform the future of food. They will share and discuss various culinary traditions from Spanish and Filipino cultures.
2) The Trade Exhibition will showcase Spanish and Filipino premium products such as Spanish wines, cheeses, sausages, hams, beers and sweets, as well as Philippine rice, cacao, coffee, mango, coconut, liqueurs, chocolates, cheeses, nuts and artisanal salts and world-class kitchen equipment.
3) The Flavors of the Philippines Festival will run the entire month of April. It will bring together several malls, restaurants, bars, hotels, food trucks and exhibition halls to celebrate Philippine gastronomy through simultaneous events in Manila and other parts of the country.

Congress delegates will also experience the best culinary offerings of the Philippines through regional lunches that will feature exciting flavors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
“With this event, Manila hopes to retake its place as one of the gastronomical capitals in this part of the world. The event serves to challenge our food artisans to challenge our food artisans to bring out the best in their craft,” said Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. at the media briefing at Fairmont Makati

L-R: Lourdes Plana of Toro de Debate; Enrique Feas of the Spanish embassy; Spanish ambassador Luis Calvo; Inigo Canedo of Arum

L-R: Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Domingo Ramon Enerio, III and Spanish ambassador Luis Calvo

Madrid Fusión is presented by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Tourism Promotions Board along with Spain’s Foro de Debate, S.L. and Arum Estrategias Internacionalización (Arum).
The event is part of the DOT’s efforts for its Visit the Philippines 2015 campaign and will celebrate the shared culinary history of the Philippines and Spain.

Register now to enjoy an early-bird discount for tickets. It will include access to the three-day conference, regional lunches and meals, use of simultaneous translation device inside the venue, access to trade exhibition, badge, delegate kit, and a certificate of attendance.
http://www.madridfusionmanila.com

I believe that sharing is caring, and I think that if most of us would care to share tips, hacks and great finds, then the world would be a better place, and life and our journey would be much easier, smoother.
I also want to to kick myself in the ass whenever I try to recall where the hell I saw an item I didn’t buy at that time and need to have now.
For those reasons, I started a new Instagram account called @chuvafinds, where I post anything from where to buy the best crab fat in Manila, where to find nostalgic Orange Swits, and where to get those coveted Droog milk bottle lamps for my future house.

Follow me as I share cool finds from Manila to wherever I go.
https://instagram.com/chuvafinds/

H&M’s new Conscious Exclusive collection proves that fashion can be created using more sustainable materials such as hemp, organic linen and organic leather.
The collection, worn in the campaign by actress and humanitarian Olivia Wilde, will be available in around 200 H&M stores worldwide on April 16, as well as online.

This year’s Conscious Exclusive collection takes its inspiration from around the planet and focuses on the versatility of the dress. An organic linen and silk sleeveless gown with a glamorous cut is printed with hand-drawn images of birds.

Each piece is special, whether it’s the pilot jacket in Tencel®, reverse-like jacquard fabric with threads intentionally left loose, or the organic silk tuxedo blazer with sleeves slashed to the elbow to create a dramatic effect.

A model wears a sleeveless cocktail dress with a print inspired by Japanese ink-wash painting. It is made from organic hemp, organic silk and organic cotton.

A frayed scarf from the collection.

“I love the Conscious Exclusive collection at H&M, both for the look, and also for its ethics. This is how all fashion should be: great style that’s naturally more sustainable,” said Olivia Wilde.

“I love the global influences in this Conscious Exclusive collection and the beauty of the hand-drawn prints, made by one of our talented in-house designers. And Olivia Wilde is the perfect choice for this collection, because she shares H&M’s commitment to a more sustainable future,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor H&M.

Japanese eyeglass artisans Nackymade returns to Manila this March 20-22 at Tala Manila from 10 AM-7 PM.
For the last two years, Naoki (Nacky) Nakagawa his wife Tomoko have been traveling to Manila (as well London, Florence, New York, and Hong Kong) to receive custom-made orders for eyewear.

Each handmade eyeglass frame will cost around Php 25,000, without prescription lenses.
Nacky makes frames only. He will personally see each client and suggest what is best after measuring one’s head and face for the best fit.
You will need to make a 50% deposit and wait a few months for your glasses to arrive.
This year Nackymade celebrates its 10th anniversary by offering a new cherry blossom stem as well as brand new models and colors.

​For appointments, call Shiela Lobo at Tala Manila +639373725441 or email talamanilaonline@gmail.com.
Tala Manila is at Unit 103, Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati.
To know more about Nackymade, click HERE or go to http://www.nackymade.com.