Italian furniture is usually associated with high price tags, but those made by Calligaris are comparatively more practical and affordable.
A six-seat dining table can into a table for 12. A book shelf’s appearance can change when you move a few baskets.
A coffee table can be converted into a dining table for four and, later on, six people with a few adjustments.

1) Coffee table

2) Table

3) Dining table

Founded by Antonio Calligaris in 1923, Calligaris has been described as a “democratic furniture” brand because they’re made for upwardly mobile individuals who are looking for impressive but affordable furniture and home accessories.
Company chairman Alessandro Calligaris was in Manila recently to launch the new showroom of Calligaris at the Clipp Center in Bonifacio Global City.

Alessandro Calligaris and wife Bruna

Ten years ago, Florence Ko, managing director of Gruppo Mobili Philippines, brought the brand to the Philippines.
Grupo Mobili Philippines is also the parent company of luxury home store Furnitalia, custom closet and kitchen crafters Space 2000 and lighting specialist store Lucern.
The company started in the Manzano district of Friuli, Italy with a handcrafted wooden chair called Marocca. Manzano, incidentally, is known as Italy’s “Chair District.”

Calligaris’ strength as a furniture brand is quality craftsmanship. While some brands are known only for beds or couches, Calligaris covers everything from sofas and dining tables to lamps and vases.
The Urban is a fixed and modular sofa which offers multiple configurations.

The Gamera chair has a polyamide shell, is stackable and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It is light and tough at the same time.
LAM is a table that’s available in fixed and extending versions. The design is based on the idea of adopting a construction principle wood and metal.
The Frame table, created by Stephen Burks, has a light frame that intersects under the glass top.
Moss consists of a modular mirror with one colored metal container of equal size. The modules can be put together in different ways. When looking at a configuration, identification of the shapes and repeatability of the modules are almost impossible to detect.

Calligaris CODE (which stands for Complements Design) is a capsule collection of furniture created by Italy’s young designers. Calligaris also allows homeowners to customize pieces with choices of materials and colors.
The Calligaris showroom is located at the mezzanine of Clipp Center, 11th Avenue corner 39th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
For inquiries, call 869-1059 to 61 or email info.calligaris@furnitalia.com.ph.

If Margarita Fores is cooking, it’s hard to refuse an invitation.
What more if it is for a special Artusi degustazione meal prepared by Margarita Fores and Casa Artusi executive chef Carla Brigliadori.

Margarita Fores and Carla Brigliadori make piadina on the spot

Dinner was at was Alta, Margarita’s new restaurant located at the Ascott Residences, Bonifacio Global City.
It was part of a three-day event to launch Cucina all’Opera, Musica e Cibo in Emilia-Romagna (The Operatic Kitchen, Music and Food in Emilia-Romagna), a book celebrating the food and music of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

The book features short biographies of legendary musical masters of the country like Arcangello Corelli and Gioachino Rossini, their indelible contributions to the society, and traditional recipes promoting quality produce.
Written by Giancarlo Fre and translated to English by his wife, Margherita Spinazzola, it provides a unique literary, musical and gastronomic taste of Italy.

Before dinner, cocktails and a buffet of antipasti were served at the poolside of Ascott Residences.
Guests enjoyed Formaggi e Marmellate (cheeses and marmalade), La Frittura (fritters of sage, mushroom and squash flowers), Salsiccia coll’Uva (sausage with grapes), Trippa alla Parmigiana (tripe alla Parmigiana), polenta, cured meats, pickled vegetables and a Romagna-style bread.

Salsiccia coll’Uva (sausage with grapes)

Then everyone moved to Alta where the dinner started with Sformato di Cavolfiore (cauliflower mold) with US scallop and Batangas lobster.

After that was Tonno Fresco Coi Piselli (fresh tuna with peas, red wine and tomato). A orange ice of dalandan, Manille Dalandan Liquer and mint was served next to clear the palate.

The next course was Papperdelle all’Aretina, papperdelle noodles with organic Batangas duck, Parmigiano Reggiano and thyme.

We also had Cinghiale Al Vino Rosso (wild boar in red wine and served on adlai, a kind of grain) and Bollito Misto (boiled meats consisting of beef belly, ox tongue, organic duck and cotechino) with duet of mostarda, cremona and Philippine fruit.

Bollito Misto

For dessert, guests had Latteruolo—milk pudding, Batangas chocolate and Philippine mango.

The recipes of the dishes served that night were culled from Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well by Pellegrino Artusi and Cucina all’Opera.

The Alta team responsible for the Artusi dinner

Very recently, Liza Ilarde of Style Weekend—Manila Bulletin‘s weekly Friday magazine—asked me to write a story about Jo Ann Bitagcol, whom many consider the toppest model in the local fashion industry.
Jo Ann was one of seven women featured in the magazine’s celebration of International Women’s Month, along with Heart Evangelista, Aivee Teo, Sarah Meier, Ann Ong, Olivia D’Aboville, and Gang Badoy.

Now that the article has been published on newsprint, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to share it here so that those who missed it can read it too.

When I got pregnant for the first time, Jeroen and I really wanted a little girl.
Jeroen grew up with only one brother, so his heart ached for a baby girl. We started thinking of baby names.
When I told my Dad we thought of naming the baby Jasmine, because the doctor said the baby was now the size of a grain of rice, my Dad said, “I hope you have a boy.”
So we changed her name to Anneliese, after Anne Frank.
Imagine the pain when the doctor said, during my second trimester ultrasound, “I see a scrotum.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks.

Newborn Ben

Ten months after Benjamin was born, I was pregnant again.
On the second trimerster ultrasound, I heard the doctor say, “And there, right there, is the scrotum.”
Tears rolled down my cheeks.
My friend Patrice has three boys. When I cried to her, she reassured me that boys are loads of fun, are so lambing, and will cherish their mom.
I thought of three women who had all boys: Princess Diana, my Lola Paying, and my mother-in-law, Wil van Straten.
All of them were cherished by their boys.
And so I had Markus.

Both my babies were born jaundiced and had to go under bili lights

After I had Markus, the doctor said the factory was closed, but I still wanted a bigger family.
Jeroen and I thought of adopting a baby girl.
But things don’t always happen as planned. Jeroen and I went to the orphanage and I fell in love with a boy named Christian.

I am now the mother of three boys and I used to wonder why.

As it turns out, God knows what is best for me. Here’s what I love about having three boys:
1) Boys clothes are cheaper. You may have less choices in Manila, but they are cheaper.
2) They do not have to watch every Taylor Swift or One Direction concert. They are cheaper.
3) Having three boys means you need to enroll, bring, and fetch them from one school only.
4) Boys take care of themselves. I do not have to mind them all the time, as I imagine I would if I had a girl. But yes I do have to nag them about personal hygiene and manners all the time.
5) Since the boys can take care of themselves, I can have my “me” time and take care of myself whenever I feel like I am about to go nuts.
6) Yes they adore me. My boys—13, 11, and 7 years old—tell me they love me every single day. They fight for me. They kiss and hug me everyday. They give me flowers nicked from the neighbor’s garden. And most of the time, I don’t have to beg.

The only setbacks are the amount of shoes, gadgets, and haircuts they want or need, and the fact that they want to kill each other single everyday (think Cain and Abel).
On my recent trip to Hong Kong I finally realized why God didn’t give me girls: I can’t deal with Disney princesses.

Jeroen and I talked about it and said we are likely to give in anyway if our daughter wanted to become a Disney princess. But I guess I’ll never know. At the Hong Kong International Airport, when I saw those costumes on display, I finally walked away and told God, “Okay, now I get it. I’m OK with it. Thank you for giving me boys.”

TOUGHER by Takashi Uokawa from Osaka, Japan visits TALA Manila this weekend.
See what’s in store this summer for men and women—from bags to tops in the coolest fabrics and shorts to match, cotton T-shirts, pants, and chambray shirts that can be customized.

March 28-30, 2015 from 10 AM-7 PM at Tala Manila
Unit 103, Three Salcedo Place, Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati

What TV shows are you watching this season?
For me, it’s Girls, Scandal, and my old favorite, Little House on the Prairie.

I usually stop watching a show when:
a) the plot becomes lame
b) I start to hate everyone on the show
For these reasons, I’m giving up Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

But even though I hate almost everyone in Girls, I can’t stop watching because the dialogue fascinates me. Lena Dunham—who plays Hannah Horvath in Girls—is someone I can’t stand and admire at the same time.
The show is so cool that I got kilig when I saw a Filipino guy in a scene with Dunham and Gillian Jacobs, who plays Mimi-Rose on the show.

In the scene, Hannah and Mimi-Rose stop by a convenience store to buy snacks, when Lena asks the Filipino cashier if she can use the restroom.

An argument ensues when the cashier barks at her and tells her no, so the two girls walk away with an unpaid item. How do I know he’s Filipino? Because he shouts “HOY!” to them on their way out.
As I was watching this I couldn’t help but think: Geez, why do I know that guy?
I tried to remember where I had seen him.

And then it came to me. When I was a studying in New York in 1994, there was a Mel Chionglo movie called Sibak (Midnight Dancers) that my gay friends and I watched in the theater.
I remembered an actor who played a bit role as a young gay student in the film.
In the scene, Gandong Cervantes played a male prostitute who offered to devirginize a student played by Herbie Go. This was them more than 20 years ago.

I’m quite amazed that I was able to retrieve this piece of useless information in my memory bank.
Makes me wonder how Herbie went from Midnight Dancers to Girls?

According to IMDB.com, New York-based Herbie Go has the following movies and TV shows to his credit:
Aphasia (Short, 2014) as Delivery Man
Girls (2015, TV Series) — Cashier
Ask Me My Name (2015) — Cashier
Love in Ambush (TV Movie, 1997) — Aide
Midnight Dancers (1994) — Gay student
Fortunes of War (1994) — Khmer Rouge Officer

Amazing what the Internet brings you.

I have extreme office envy after seeing the Candy Crush headquarters in Stockholm.
Yes, I am still playing Candy Crush. I have already spent $500 on lives and boosters, but am no longer spending as much since I can play the game on five gadgets.
Candy Crush is a stress reliever as well as a productivity killer.
Currently I am at Level 867 on Candy Crush Saga.

On Candy Crush Dream Levels, I am at Level 587

On Candy Crush Soda which I recently started, I am at Level 305.

Candy Crush Soda is the greatest game ever since Super Mario 3, Hatris, and Dr. Mario, in my opinion.
Now take a look at where my $500 went: A conference room

Lounging area

A place to eat

A place to lie down

Meeting room

And my favorite rooms

The space was developed by Adolfsson & Partners for gaming company King, which owns Candy Crush.
Wish I could visit.
Source: High Snobiety

“I was the first Valentina—in color,” said actress Celia Rodriguez.

The younger members of the press during Acer Philippines’ event at Salon de Ning seemed quite clueless. But there I was standing in awe of her.
Valentina. You gave me nightmares as a child. I swear.
Back in 1973, Celia played the role of Valentina, Babaing Ahas in Lipad, Darna, Lipad!, which starred Vilma Santos.

I almost didn’t make it to the Acer event due to my sore throat, but I had to be there because my son Markus is asking me to check out Acer for his graduation gift.
I had no idea, so imagine my thrill when I found myself in front of Celia Rodriguez and Cherie Gil at Salon de Ning. And both did not disappoint in how they looked.
Celia wore a drapy red top by Fanny Serrano. Her makeup was done by Leony Diaz. Blast from the past.
Cherie Gil, who also played Valentina in Darna! Ang Pagbabalik in 1994, wore a shimmery gold by Mark Bumgarner.

The two actresses star in Acer’s new ad campaign #PowerLook, which introduces new products from Acer’s new premium line. Among these: the newest and most powerful laptops, 2-in-1 tablets with removable keyboard, desktop computers, projectors, monitors, and mobility products—all of which combine powerful performance and good looks.

Aspire V 13

H6510BD Projector + Aspire Revo One

P7605 Projector

U5313W Projector

Aspire Z3-615 AIO

Aspire Switch 12

Liquid X1

“These are very exciting times,” said Cherie Gil. “It’s amazing what technology can do.”
Rodriguez, who admits to being no techie, prefers to use a laptop where she can watch movies during lull moments at shootings or tapings.
The faces of Rodriguez and Gil can be seen in billboards all over Metro Manila and in a TVC showing how a #PowerLook can get you what you want. Watch this.

Acer Philippines said the two actresses were chosen because of “their ability to evoke a powerful image and personality through their attitude and look, which the new campaign and its products project well.”
The campaign highlights Acer Premium line’s pioneering technology and hopes to capture high end markets with its mid and high range products featuring first class engineering and sophisticated.

“In the Philippines, Acer is known for its low-mid options. But lifestyles are changing quickly. The tastes of the market are changing; people are looking to more elegant options that put a little more into their technology,” said Manuel Wong, managing director of Acer Philippines.

To know more about Acer’s new offerings, go to https://www.facebook.com/AcerPH.

Unique homes and green living ideas are highlighted in the April 2015 issue of ELLE Decoration Philippines, beginning with the residence of designer and blogger Cecile Zamora-van Straten on the cover.
“I like things that are very special and different,” says Cecile of her approach to home decorating.

The April issue also takes a closer look at homes with a green and sustainable focus, from artist Emily Campos’s electricity-free dwelling in Batangas to renowned French designer Philippe Starck’s weekend retreat in Paris that introduces his vision of the eco-conscious home of the future.

Emily Campos

Philippe Starck

Other notable stories in this issue include a garden special full of lush inspiration, a look at outdoor furniture perfect for summer lounging, and a roundup of environment-friendly hotels and resorts around the world that design-savvy travelers can enjoy.
The April 2015 issue of ELLE Decoration Philippines is now available at leading bookstores and magazine shops.
The digital edition is available via the App Store, Buqo, Summit Newsstand, and Zinio.
Follow @elledecoph on Instagram and Twitter and ELLE Decoration Philippines on Facebook.

When I was younger I had so much time for fashion. I would spend hours trying on many looks until my dressing room looked like a war zone. Well, it still looks like a war zone to this day.
I used to spend so much time putting an outfit together—whether it was just for school or for a big party.
Now that I’m older, with kids, I don’t want to think about fashion anymore. Yes, I enjoy the shopping part, but I don’t want to spend two hours getting dressed. That’s why I tend to wear a uniform or buy items in the same color scheme or even the same brand.

harlan + holden is a clothing brand for the woman who wants to look put-together but doesn’t have time to think about fashion. She has no time to go through an extensive wardrobe every time she dresses up because she is a wife and mother who is busy with her career, business, and other interests.

harlan + holden has owned the term “uniform dressing” because the clothes look deceptively simple, in colors that can be described as basic. Think blacks, whites, grays and beiges in styles that are easy and fuss-free.
The fabrics are carefully selected for easy care. They rely on hand or machine washing; no need for dry cleaning and/or meticulous ironing. The harlan + holden woman also likes to travel so clothes can be easily packed and stored.

Comfort is always a priority. You won’t find tight-fitting clothes at harlan + holden. The pleated skirt is one of the signature looks as it can be dressed up or down. The shirt dress is something every woman needs. Another wardrobe staple is a pair of black or white trousers.

harlan + holden recently unveiled B.C., a collection of 15 pieces that every woman needs in her wardrobe, at Greenbelt 5.
The collection, which remains in store for six months, is harlan + holden “stripped to the core.”
One of this season’s key pieces is a white cover up that would look good with a skirt or pants. There are also the brand’s take on jodhpur pants and a top with a cowl neck.

The clothes are meant to be worn by women ages 30 and above. They have a unique aesthetic. It’s all about slouchy, elegant silhouettes. The clothes are meant to be mixed and matched. The fabrics are light and breathable with design elements like drop shoulders and gartered waists ensure that the clothes are not restrictive.

Eman Pineda, who created harlan + holden in 2011, says the brand believes a woman doesn’t have to be in a skintight dress to look stunning.
“The harlan + holden woman doesn’t need to bare a lot of skin or endure the discomfort of wearing tight clothes. She wants tried-and-tested pieces in comfortable and breathable fabrics.”

harlan + holden stores complement the brand’s philosophy of fuss-free dressing. The wooden interiors and natural lighting create a comfortable setting for the shopper. The displays are also arranged according to color scheme.
The brand’s soon-to-open e-commerce site will feature stylish images and easy navigation for shoppers who will enjoy free shipping for a year.

harlan + holden is available at Adora, Greenbelt 5; Rockwell Powerplant Mall; and Shangri-La Plaza Mall.
For information, go to http://www.harlanholden.com.

I used to wonder why people would greet each other Happy Easter and this year I finally got it.
For the first time in a very long time I have been able to keep my Lenten sacrifice till the end.
Last Ash Wednesday I decided to give up Coke, ice cream, cookie, and cake.
To be honest, the last three items were easy. I found out I could actually live without them. But not having Coke is torture. I had serious withdrawal.
Not having Coke made me feel sad, frustrated, and extremely thirsty.
There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel. What stopped me was to keep reminding myself that Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the dessert. So I figured I should just count the days.

The height of my suffering was about three weeks ago, and then it became easier until last night, Black Saturday, I realized I had just one more night to go.
Last Thursday I ordered a lechon from Abub’s for Easter Sunday.

Sexy lechon skin

And today when I woke up, I found the words “Happy Easter” so meaningful. It was the end of my fast, my suffering.
This whole time, I had been praying for friends battling cancer.
Some people like to save a good bottle of wine. I have been saving two bottles of Mexicoke given by my friend Rica de Jesus, who is one my favorite bloggers.
Some say Mexico makes the best Coke in the world because it uses can sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup which is used in most countries (read the label).
So this was lunch at home.

I still don’t where Rica got it and how she took it home. She gave me four bottles, and as a frequent traveler, for me that’s a big deal because carrying liquids is a big hassle. So thank you Rica.

Now that Lent is over, I’ve decided to cut down on Coke anyway. I will try not to drink everyday, and if I do, only once a day, unless I am in Tokyo because the bottled Coke there is even better than Mexicoke for me.
Japanese Coke, I shall see you next week.

For me, wastelands are a sign of progress.
A wasteland is basically a store that sells colorful stationery and cute things you don’t really need but want anyway.
Why are they a sign of progress? Because food is the basic necessity and everyone needs to eat.
Clothing is next because many of us want to update our wardrobe from time to time.
Now wastelands are for shoppers who have money to spare on things they already have, but cuter.
Artbox in Singapore is one of my sister’s favorite wastelands.

She’s an artist in her 20s, so it’s really more for her age group or younger. I, however, have not outgrown cute objects and can spend an hour or two browsing in these stores.
The good news is, Artbox, which originates from Korea, opened at Glorietta 4 last November 2014.
Since I rarely go to Makati, I found out about it only recently through an Instagram follower.
A few days later, I dragged my friend Yodel to check it out.
Artbox was on sale when we visited. (Note to owner: easy on the SALE signs. We get it )

I love the festive party supplies

Birthday candles

Party hats

Tons of colorful notebooks

Knickknacks

Greeting cards

Stationery

Planners

Bags and totes

Loungewear, blankets, aprons

Sleep masks

Plastic containers

Wooden organizers

Kitchen accessories, and more.

I’m thankful the staff was friendly and let me take pictures. I would’ve taken more but the some of the merchandise were too high on display, or the lighting did not agree with my camera.
It’s worth a trip! I’ll be back.

The best way to locate Artbox is to either ask the Information counter at the mall or take the entrance across from Uniqlo at SM Makati.
To know more about Artbox in the Philippines, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Britain’s Got Talent Season 9—one of the biggest television talent competitions in the world—comes to Asia via RTL CBS Entertainment HD. The show will air live via satellite from the UK every Sunday beginning April 12 at 10:30 AM in Manila with a primetime encore at 9 PM.
Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams are returning to the judging panel. Ant and Dec are also back as hosts. The show is open to anyone and anything with talent to show—from comedians to contortionists, dancers to drag acts, and acrobats to animals.

Britain’s Got Talent Season 8 winner Collabro, who won in front of an audience of nearly 14 million people, has gone on to achieve success, securing a No. 1 hit with their debut album, Stars.
The boy band has also started touring alongside Season 8 finalist Lucy Kay, who released her debut album, Fantasia, last year, which shot straight to the top of the Classical Album Charts in the UK.
Other success stories from last season include musical duo Bars & Melody whose single, Hopeful, reached number 5 in the UK charts in July 2014, and swing band Jack Pack, who will release their debut album this year.
The show has created a host of stars over the years. To date, Susan Boyle has sold more than 23 million records worldwide. Dance group Diversity has had five sell-out nationwide tours in the UK. Singer Paul Potts has secured 27 platinum records worldwide and Pudsey the dog even starred in his own movie.

To know more about RTL CBS Entertainment HD, like them on Facebook.

It’s no secret that the love story of Heart Evangelista and Chiz Escudero wasn’t a walk in the park—more of a made-for-TV, forbidden love affair between a senator and a popular actress—persevering against the odds of a sizeable age gap and the bride’s disapproving parents.

It started when the couple was formally introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Even then, Heart said she had a crush on the senator since she first saw him in 2007. Little did she know that her “senator crush” would eventually become her husband.
The two dated and became a couple two years later. Then, during one weekend getaway in Buhatan, Sorsogon, Chiz got down on one knee and popped the question to which Heart immediately said “Yes!”

The wedding took place on February 15, 2015 at the private island club of Balesin.
Heart, donned in a Princess Grace of Monaco-inspired gown by Ezra Santos and bravely walked unescorted, all smiles, radiant, and ravishing. Chiz, on the other hand, wore a white Paul Cabral suit. The couple became emotional delivering their wedding vows, which brought the audience both giggles and tears.

The reception that followed was even more touching when Heart’s sister Michelle read a letter from their father.
Heart’s father expressed his desire to walk her down the aisle, “but a lot of things have happened that hindered us from going,” Mr. Ongpauco wrote. “If the time comes that we see that you and Chiz are happy and if I see him loving you the way you deserve to be loved, I will come knocking at your door,” he promised in his letter.

Despite the absence of her parents, Heart was undeniably happy. “I’m still on cloud nine,” she said Heart, more than two weeks after her wedding. “I still can’t get over how the sun came out on the day of my wedding. We had so much fun. It would not have been that beautiful if Chiz weren’t on top of everything. There were so many things that made me happy, I didn’t really feel the emptiness of not having my parents there.”

When asked what her thoughts were after the wedding, Heart’s responses are natural and positive. “I don’t really feel much of a change yet, which is a good thing, because many brides get cold feet after they get married. In my case, I feel great. I feel like there’s something permanent and that I have someone to go home to at the end of the day.”

This month’s issue of Hola! also features the Best Dressed Women in the World, such as Olivia Palermo, Emma Watson, and Amal Clooney. Plus, celebrity kids who are marking their own name in the industry: Georgia May Jagger, Kendall Jenner, and Patrick Schwarzenegger.

On the fashion front, take a rare peek into the beautiful home of design icon Giorgio Armani; find out the challenges that John Galliano had to overcome to return to prominence; be inspired by the impeccable style and personality of Queen Rania of Jordan; and learn what’s new with Tommy Hilfiger and what keeps him driven.

HOLA! Philippines is available in both print (Php 160) and digital editions within Metro Manila and in key provincial retail outlets. Digital subscriptions are available via iTunes Newsstand and Zinio app for only $34.99/year, and Magzter App for only P1542.54/year; for print editions, e-mail subscriptions@holamag.ph.
Follow HOLA! Philippines on Twitter and Instagram (@holamagph), join the conversation on Facebook (#holamagph), or visit www.holamag.ph.

Wedding photos: PAT DY

Thai celebrity chef and TV host Ian Kittichai recently visited Manila as part of a regional culinary tour called Taste of Thailand. Kittichai, who is Thailand’s Iron Chef, is the star of Asian Food Channel’s 3 Chefs 1 City.
He is also a cookbook author with a number of restaurants around the world, including his flagship restaurant Issaya Siamese Club in Bangkok, Thailand, which ranked No. 31 in 2014’s Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants.

Kittichai was recently at Dusit Thani Manila’s Benjarong where he cooked for food writers and bloggers.
I heard Kittichai sent two junior chefs to Manila two days ahead of his arrival so they could prep for the six-course lunch at the hotel, plus an Eastwood Mall event.
We were served two appetizers: Ma–Hor (caramelized minced shrimp ball, peanuts and pineapple) and Meing Tuna (diced tuna tartare, ginger, betel leaves and palm sugar-fish sauce dressing). Ma-Hor was sweet and savory at the same time. Meing Tuna is similar to our kinilaw, except it didn’t have vinegar.

Kittichai’s demonstration dish was (grilled beef tenderloin, fresh herbs and bird’s eye chili vinaigrette). This happens to be one of my favorite Thai dishes and Kittichai did it really well. I later learned this is one of his signature dishes.

Then we were served Tom Kha Goong, a traditional soup of seared tiger prawns in a light galangal coconut broth with kaffir lime. The soup was thick and flavorful and the prawns had a briny sweetness.

There were two main courses. First was a Chili Glazed Chilean Sea Bass, which was mildly hot because of the chili paste but not overwhelmingly so. The second main course was a more robust Beef Short Ribs in Green Curry Sauce served with Jasmine rice. The beef was fork-tender and the curry, bold. This dish actually needed an extra cup of Jasmine rice.
To end the meal, Kittichai served a Jasmine Flower Panna Cotta with Jasmine Rice Ice Cream and Jasmine Rice Tuille. Panna cotta and ice cream may not be native to Thailand but the jasmine flower gave the dessert a distinctive taste of Thailand.

3 Chefs, 1 City is a show that explores the world’s greatest foodie destinations through the eyes of chefs. It offers insider access, with each episode featuring three chefs hosting their own acts and offering a unique viewpoint on what makes their city’s food scene special.
To know more, go to http://www.asianfoodchannel.com/celebcheftours.

The Philippines and Spain share a deep and colorful history, and what better way to celebrate these two cultures than through their vibrant and intertwined culinary traditions.
This April 24-26, 2015, SM will host Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

“SM is proud to be the venue of the historic Madrid Fusion Manila. We believe that one of the Philippines’ best-kept secrets is our rich culinary heritage,” said Steven Tan, SM Supermalls senior vice-president.
“We also want to bring the excitement of Madrid Fusion, particularly Spain’s strong influence in our food and culture, to our mall-goers by taking these culinary festivities to our malls.”

From L-R: SMX general manager Dexter Deyto; SM Mall of Asia AVP operations Perkin So; SM Mart Inc. SVP marketing communications group Millie Dizon; SM Supermalls president Annie Garcia; Chef Margarita Fores; DOT director of market development and Madrid Fusion Manila project director Verna Covar-Buensuceso; Mielle Esteban of Arum Estratigias Internacionalización and SM Supermalls SVP marketing Jonjon San Agustin.

To help create national awareness for this cultural milestone, the official Madrid Fusion Manila 2015 TV commercial is being aired in all SM Cinemas nationwide.

Among Spain and Asia’s best chefs participating are: Andoni Luis Aduriz, Elena Arzak, Quique Dacosta, Ramón Freixa, Francis Paniego, Paco Roncero, Mario Sandoval, Paco Torreblanca, André Chiang, and Alvin Leung.
From the Philippines: Fernando Aracama, Margarita Forés, J Gamboa, José Luis “Chele” Gonzalez, Pepe Lopez, Rob Pengson, Bruce Ricketts, Myrna Dizon, Claude Tayag, and Juan Carlos de Terry.

A trade exhibition will focus on the finest Spanish and Filipino products from Spanish wines and cheeses, to world-class Philippines exports such as rice, cacao, coffee, mango, coconut, and liquors.
A premium selection of cheese, tapas, wine, ingredients, local finds, and special bundles will be available at The Gourmet Weekend Market from April 24 to 26 at SM Mall of Asia, in partnership with SM Supermarket and Hypermarket.
New food concepts will be available at select SM Mall of Asia restaurants, while SM Aura Premier will host its own Spanish-themed fiesta with music, dancing, food and drinks on April 26 at the Sky Park lawn.
Also from April 24-26, irresistible dining deals await all food lovers at SM Megamall’s newly-opened Mega Food Hall.

For the complete schedule of events, visit SM Supermalls on Facebook or @smsupermalls on Instagram.
For more information and how to register for Madrid Fusion Manila 2015, visit www.madridfusionmanila.com.

I know, I am super backlogged. But when you’re a mom of three boys, time flies like anything.
Last November 2014, Alexandra Seno invited me to Art Basel in Hong Kong.
I had never been to Art Basel so I booked right away for me and my husband Jeroen.
Last March 15-17, Art Basel Hong Kong 2015 opened to the public. But Jeroen and I got VIP preview passes, so we went last March 12-15.

The day before our flight, our son Ben got sick, so we almost didn’t make it. But he pulled through overnight, I hired a nurse to take care of him at home, and Jeroen and made the trip. We checked in at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental.
But while in Hong Kong, I got sick.
When we went back to Manila, the whole house was sick. Yaya had German measles. Christian had an ear infection. Markus had cough and fever. Ben got pneumonia. I was thinking about having the house exorcised.

Kids’ meds

My meds

Why Vivian Que Azcona is one of the richest people in the Philippines

We consulted so many doctors—Dr. Carolyn Butler, Dr. Keith Aguilera, Dr. Aye Nuguid, Dr. Gerard Henson. Thanks to all of them, everyone is well now, with Ben just coughing.
And then we had this trip to Japan last week and I had to fix the boys’ wardrobe and the visas of Yaya and Christian.
The whole month was tiring. We are back from our trip and now I have much work to catch up on.
Please bear with me while I get back on my feet.

I was 24 years old when I first saw Anne of Green Gables in New York because my aunt lent me the VHS tapes (yes, this was back in the ’90s).
I didn’t watch it right away, but I was glad when I finally did. I watched all three Anne movies many times over, and while the covers don’t look great, I can honestly say the trilogy is of the best things I have ever seen in my life.

The story revolves around an orphan named Anne who is adopted by a grumpy old maid named Marilla and her brother Matthew. Anne develops a special bond with a girl named Diana Barry, who has a crush on the school heartthrob, Gilbert Blythe.

At first, Anne despises Gilbert who becomes her competitor for the highest honors in school, but eventually their rivalry turns into affection. You will fall in love with their cat and mouse, old-fashioned romance—the kind of love story you don’t ever want to end.

I had a huge hangover for Gilbert Blythe or the actor Jonathan Crombie after watching the trilogy.
Sadly, Jonathan Crombie died of a brain hemorrhage in New York City last April 15, 2015. He was 48 years old.
I have no idea if he ever married, if he had kids, or if he was gay. Can’t seem to find anything online romantically linking him to anyone. Only wondering because some of the most dreamiest actors I love are gay, such as the late Montgomery Clift. I seem to have a pattern….

Moms, if you have a daughter, please watch with them so they get to know a pure kind of love.
Jonathan Crombie, minamahal kita.

My boys love their Muji bean bags. I bought two of them with extra covers when Muji first opened in Manila in 2010. Nearly five years later, the bean bags are still being used on a daily basis.
Only now, our dog Anwar has claimed one of the bean bags as his bed.

The Muji bean bag, also known as the Beads Sofa, is one of Muji’s globally known products. It’s filled with microbeads that conform to your body’s position.

Its washable cover is made with two kinds of fabrics: stretch and non-stretch. The stretchy side is for upright sitting to provide firmness and support, while the non-stretch side is for a horizontal, lying position, giving comfort, softness and relaxation.
I can personally vouch for the cover’s ability to withstand rough and frequent use.
The Muji bean bag is a great gift idea for any home with kids and pets.

If relaxing is important to you, you can download Muji to Relax, a musical app designed to help you rest and wind down.
Muji to Relax creates music based on pulse and time. Using your smartphone’s light and camera, the app detects and measures your pulse rate to create and play relaxing music for you.

The app is also designed to connect to smart Android watches and carries a feature upgrade of the Muji to Sleep app.
Download Muji to Relax from the App Store or Google Play for free.
Watch this:

In the Philippines, MUJI is exclusively distributed by The SSI Group, Inc. with locations at Bonifacio High Street Central, Power Plant Mall at Rockwell, Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza East Wing, and Ayala Center Cebu.

SM—host to the first Madrid Fusion Manila—recently held a cuisine demonstration at Sarsa Kitchen, Mall of Asia last April 16, 2015.
Chefs Bruce Ricketts, Rob Pengson and Claude Tayag, the Philippines’ representatives to the Madrid Fusion Manila Congress showcased their mastery in cooking, with the special participation of Chef JP Anglo.

L-R: Chefs JP Anglo, Bruce Ricketts, Claude Tayag, and Rob Pengson

JP Anglo’s Bangus Spring Rolls with Talangka Vinegar and Batikulon Mang Tomas Sauce

Claude Tayag’s Adobo ni Juan Tamad

Rob Pengson’s Mango Tapioca Surprise

Madrid Fusion Manila is set on April 24-26, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
SM, in partnership with Department of Tourism and Madrid Fusion Manila, provides a platform to expand ideas in culinary innovation and aims to present the richness of our culinary heritage through festivities at SM Malls nationwide.

L-R: Millie Dizon, SM Mart Inc. SVP Marketing Communications Group; Verna Covar-Buensuceso, DOT Director of Market Development and Madrid Fusion Manila Project Director; Chefs Rob Pengson, Claude Tayag, Bruce Ricketts, JP Anglo; Steven Tan, SM Senior Vice President for Operations

Madrid Fusion Manila is the first culinary festival with Spanish and and Asian chefs: Andoni Luis Aduriz, Elena Arzak, Quique Dacosta, Ramón Freixa, Francis Paniego, Paco Roncero, Mario Sandoval, Paco Torreblanca, André Chiang, and Alvin Leung.
Representing the Philippines’ will be chefs Fernando Aracama, Margarita Forés, J Gamboa, José Luis “Chele” Gonzalez, Pepe Lopez, Rob Pengson, Bruce Ricketts, Myrna Dizon, Claude Tayag, and Juan Carlos de Terry.

From April 24-26, visit the Gourmet Weekend Market at SM Mall of Asia for premium selections of cheese, tapas, wines, ingredients, local finds, and special bundles. This is in partnership with SM Markets (SM Supermarket and Hypermarket).
Select Mall of Asia restaurants will offer dishes with Spanish influence, using the finest local produce.
Also from April 24 to 26, irresistible dining deals await guests at SM Megamall’s newly-opened Mega Food Hall.

To know more, follow SM Supermalls on Facebook or @smsupermalls on Instagram.
For more information and how to register for Madrid Fusion Manila 2015, go to www.madridfusionmanila.com.