Seven days is too short for Japan—especially if you’re traveling with kids. Next time, we will go for ten days.
Being the mom of three boys, there are sacrifices to be made. Nobody wants to go to Puroland but me.
Shopping is next to impossible, so that must be carefully planned around what they want (read: Nike).
Here’s a quick guide to what we did within one week in Tokyo:

1) Kiddyland in Harajuku is a must stop. Kiddyland is five levels of cute stuff. I’ll take Kiddyland to any other toy store in the world. Kiddyland and Hakuhinkan are my favorite toy stores.

2) Whatever you do, do NOT be fooled into going to the Ninja restaurant in Akasaka. I regret having been tricked by a blog to go there. It is a horrible tourist trap. I thought it would be fun to take the kids to a realistic Ninja restaurant but it was really dumb, I can’t even put it into words.

This three-piece toro sushi was the only good thing we ordered

Not the kind of salmon Ben expected, so Jeroen ate it.

Worst yaya meal: Ate Mariza and Markus ordered curry. This is what they got: inedible black balls

Inside:

Jeroen had a bite and then nobody touched it anymore.
The food was so bad we were ended up “fighting” over expensive steak, but it was not enough.

Our bill for 6 people: about Php 14,000

We were still starving after dinner so we ended up buying food at this place.

3) Here’s our favorite restaurant in Tokyo: Barbacoa which specializes in Brazilian all-you-can-eat churasco.
Jeroen and I have been eating here since 2000. We have tried to bring it to Manila, but the Japanese simply aren’t interested.

This is our family’s happy place

with the unli Japanese rice

and all kinds of barbecued meat brought to your table

P.S. Their rolls are to die for

4) Chris and I really love the milk ice cream at Meal Muji. I am still dreaming about it. There is nothing like it in Manila. This is a must have.

Ate Mariza has one too

Wish we had Meal Muji in Manila

5) Sega Joypolis in Odaiba is a boy’s world. Since Jeroen and I don’t know how to take the train, we took two cabs and it was expensive to travel to and from Shinjuku.
It’s a three-level high-tech indoor playground that is perfect for a rainy day. We spent a few hours there and the boys loved it.

The boys enjoyed the virtual rides, but even Jeroen felt sick after two rides and had to slow down.

I saw myself as a fish in a virtual aquarium and felt very sad

The boys went wild with the shooting games

Jeroen and Markus won plush toys

Finally, Ben and Markus had their caricatures drawn by a Japanese artist

He’s so talented

(To be continued)

6) Where did the time go? In 2012, Ben already had a taste for clothes.

Then last April I took him to Comme des Garçons, Aoyama, for the first time.
He loved it. He loved the Evian bottles and the whole experience, which he told Markus about. He bought two shirts a pair of shoes. At 13 years old, he stands almost 5’8″.
Ben and I took a walk in Omotesando before taking a cab back to Shinjuku.

7) We met up with the rest of the gang to go to the Studio Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. As fans of Hayao Miyazaki films, we were all excited to go.
I may have expected too much as I thought we would visit a place as magical as the movies Studio Ghibli has produced, such as Spirited Away, Totoro, and Grave of the Fireflies.

My friend Sayoko bought our tickets in advance. To get there, we took the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku station to Mitaka.

From Mitaka station we took a shuttle bus to the Ghibli Museum. How to get there.
This is the entrance to the museum

Covered in ivy

No photos allowed inside, but I managed to steal a few.

Basically it’s a big house with rooms of memorabilia that shows the fine art of animation, back when everything was drawn by hand.
There are three floors. The top floor has a play place for small children and a souvenir shop—but honestly there are better Studio Ghibli merchandise at toy stores like Kiddyland or Hakuhinkan.
After going through all the rooms and floors, we watched short animated film before heading back.

Basically the trip going there was longer than the actual time we spent at the place.
The highlight of that trip was when Markus bought me my favorite milk ice cream.

We walked the rest of the way back to Mitaka Station. It was seriously tiring. Unless you have long Dutch legs and love long walks, please take the shuttle bus back to Mitaka Station.
Thank God the weather was good. I love looking at Japanese houses and pointing them out to the boys

and those trees

(To be continued)

Good morning!! I just woke up to these pics on my phone (thanks to Cedric!).
First I was wondering, who is this woman on the cover of Vanity Fair?
It took a while for my brain to wake up. Then I remembered Bruce Jenner’s interview with Diane Sawyer when he refused to reveal his new name.
Caitlyn it is. He is a sweet little girl inside pala. I mean she.

Read the story and download Vanity Fair HERE.

Oh, I miss the days when I had all the time in the world to watch all the films I could get my hands on—at the expense of my grades. All the better if subtitled. That was 30 years ago.
So it’s good to know that the French Film Festival celebrates its 20th year of bringing critically acclaimed films and blockbusters to Filipino audiences.
This year, the festival also pays tribute to Philippine cinema by screening Taklub starring Nora Aunor and produced by Sen. Loren Legarda, which follows the lives of Typhoon Yolanda survivors.

The French Film Festival runs until June 9 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas in Makati City and at the Bonifacio High Street cinemas in Taguig.
Tickets for each screening are at Php 100 each, available at the cinema box office or through www.sureseats.com.
For this year’s festival line-up, the 19 releases contain themes that range from family, love, conflict, passion, and the arts.

This year’s festival goes beyond cinema with a concert on June 5, Friday 8 PM at the Greenbelt 3 Park.
French DJ Oof will fuse electro and cinema with the Cinémix project, a collection of reinterpretations of French soundtracks from the 1960s and 1970s synced to videos flashed onscreen. Entrance is free.
It all ends with a fashion night hosted by L’Officiel Manila and the SSI Group Inc. at the Central Square, Bonifacio High Street on June 9, Tuesday.
Guests will enjoy perks and discounts offered by the different brands at Central Square.

For more information, go to www.frenchfilmfest.com.

You can’t go wrong with chicharon.
Whether dipped in vinegar or crushed and sprinkled on top of food, it’s just plain awesome.
Last year, Pepper Lunch Philippines came up with two Pinoy Fiesta meals topped with chicharon. The dishes are back by popular demand at all Pepper Lunch restaurants (not Express).
Sisig Pepper Rice contains spicy sisig, rice, sauce, corn and green onions, while Lechon Pepper Rice has rice, slices of tasty lechon, sauce, corn and green onions.
Try them both at Php 247 each.

Get them at Pepper Lunch Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Ermita, Eastwood Mall, UP Town Center, Subic Harbor Point, The Peak Davao, Century City Mall, Fisher Mall, Centrio Mall Cagayan de Oro, Estancia Mall, Ayala Cebu and Robinsons Mall Bacolod.

For more updates, follow Pepper Lunch on Facebook.

For me, everyday would be a bad hair day if not for my hairstylist Lorie, who comes over to blowdry my hair. Traveling is a nightmare because I cannot bring her with me. I’ve tried going to salons abroad, but nobody can get it right. Plus it’s so expensive.
Because of hair issues, styling tools are very important to me.
I recently received a W Beauty Box from Watsons with the following tools: W Elite Gold Curl and Straight Nano Ceramic Tourmaline Styler, W Elite Gold Nano Ceramic Hair Dryer and Watsons Heat Active Hair Serum.

1) The W Elite Gold Nano Ceramic Hair Dryer has an ionic function that leaves your hair smooth and silky.
2) Hair dryer attachments.
3) Watsons Heat Active Serum uses advanced technology from Japan that harnesses heat energy from blow drying and heat styling to activate NanoRepair, an ingredient that delivers restorative and protective benefits to your hair. Apply this after shampooing.
4) The W Elite Gold Curl and Straight Nano Ceramic Tourmaline Styler has tourmaline ceramic-coated plates which heat up in as fast as 60 seconds. This is a straightening and a curling tool.

The W Elite Beauty Box is available at Watsons and The SM Store Beauty Store Beauty Section.
But you can also join my giveaway and win one of three boxes from Watsons.

How to join:
1) You must have a Philippine address.
2) Share this entry by clicking on the Facebook or Twitter button at the button below this post.
3) Register HERE.
Promo runs from June 5-10, 2015, after which I will choose three winners via random.org.
Winners will be notified via email or text on how to receive their prizes.

Visit Watsons or The SM Store Beauty Section for more hair styling and hair coloring products perfect for women.
For hair styling and coloring tips from experts, go to Watsons’ Hair Affair event at SM Megamall from June 18-24 or June 27 at SM North Edsa.

https://www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH

I am!
I discovered West Elm online when I was looking for paper placemats a few years ago.
Here’s the table setting we did for my birthday in April 2014.

Since then I’ve only shopped online and never been to a physical West Elm store. So imagine my excitement when I saw this coming up at Estancia mall last December.

Launched in Brooklyn, New York last 2002, West Elm isn’t your ordinary home store. Aside from offering well-designed goods to personalize your home, the company makes sure they use honest business practices in everything they do—from handcrafted and local products, to supply chain transparency and sustainability.

Estancia at Capitol Commons is our favorite new mall. It’s not very big but it feels safe and has a great lineup. Pepper Lunch just opened, that’s why we are often there. It also has a Lesportsac store on the top floor. Opening soon along with West Elm are Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and PB Teen. Home-wise, it’s a one-stop shop.
A couple of nights ago the mall had many foreigners walking around, setting up at West Elm. My kids and I literally peeked through an opening in the window cover and stole this shot (well, the foreigners were on a break).

Can’t wait to shop here. To give you and idea, here are some things I found online and hoping to find here, starting with the gift items, like candles

Tote bags

Nicely packaged soaps

Kitchen and table ware—yes, that is a butter dish cover

Hot dog and snack servers

Placemats

Trays

Office and desk accessories

Lighting

Hooks and mirrors

Hampers

Puffy pillows

Tables

and other exciting furniture

I can’t wait!
Follow me on Instagram @chuvaness and @chuvafinds for live updates from the invitational event on June 11 at 4 PM, while West Elm opens to the public on June 12, 2015 at Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons.

http://www.westelm.com/

I was already in my teens when I first went to Japan in the ’80s. I remember feeling very intimidated with the surroundings, I would hide behind my dad.
I felt like my clothes were baduy. I had a strong desire to fit in and be like them. There was this one shop girl whose look I really liked, so I copied her down to the long hair. The only way I can describe how she looked was when I tried to replicate that look in Muji show I styled back in 2012.

Model Irish Ong wears Muji

I’m so glad I have a three-year, multiple-entry Japan visa. Now that I’m older and can afford it, I try to go to Japan at least twice a year; three if I’m lucky. I’m also glad to have known Filipinos who feel the same passion for Japan.
My Tokyo is different from anyone’s Tokyo. I’m a creature of habit. Even though there are new places to discover, there are certain places I have to come back to, just because. And that’s what this post is all about.
I asked some hardcore Tokyo visitors to share what makes Tokyo their happy place.

BEN CHAN
Founder and CEO of BENCH

How often? Three to four times a year
How long? 5 days at least
Airport: Haneda
Airline: ANA
Transport: Taxi
Stay: Peninsula Hotel, Ritz Carlton
Area: Marunouchi-Ginza
Shop: Comme des Garçons, Thom Browne, Dover Street Market, Visvim, Isetan Men’s
Eat: Maisen Tonkatsu, St. Marc Cafe, Kyubei Sushi, Marugame Udon. Across Isetan is a very traditional tempura place where the name is written in Kanji so I don’t know the name. All the seafood are alive before they are fried into tempura. It’s been there for over a hundred years.
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? Osaka
Pasalubong: Leaf Pie, Yoku Moku, Japanese roasted rice tea

JAPPY GONZALEZ
Managing Director, H&F Retail Concepts Inc.

How often? 2-3 times a year
How long? a week more or less
Airport: Narita
Airline: JAL
Transport: Uber or bike!
Stay: Hotel Cerulean or my friends’ (Argie Bucot & Jim Hough’s) house in Shibuya
Area: Aoyama, Shibuya, Daikanyama
Shop: Good Design Store, Comme des Garçons, MoMA, F.I.L. (Visvim)
Eat: Tamawarai, Dosanjin, Kakuro (my good friend Rene Domingo brought me here), the misono at The Hotel Okura
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? I’d like to go to Hokkaido
Pasalubong: KitKat

DR. GERARD HENSON AND FAMILY
L-R: Children Gabbie and Rafa, Gerard, and wife Tere in Tokyo

How often? Two to three times a year
How long? 9-10 days
Airport: Really prefer Haneda but flight schedules to and from Manila are not very favorable
Airline: Delta, ANA or JAL
Transport: Train
Stay: Hotel within Shinjuku area
Areas: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotedando, Aoyama, Daikanyama, Marunouchi
Shop: Isetan, Isetan Mens, Hankyu Mens, Yohji Yamamoto, Sacai, Muveil Gallery, Comme des Garçons, The Pool, Blue Blue Japan, Beams, United Arrows, Beauty & Youth, Journal Standard, HeadPorter, Parco
Eat: Maisen, Tonkatsu Santa, Fukuzushi, Santouka, Tsunahachi, Tenichi, Rangetsu, Nabezu, Blacows Burger
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? Only other place we’ve been to is Kyoto
Pasalubong: Anything from Isetan Food Court

JUJIIN SAMONTE
Videographer

How often? There was a time when I used to do it yearly. The last time I was there was in 2012.
How long? 1-3 months
Airport: Narita
Airline: JAL. I like when they always mistake me for a Japanese.
Transport: Train! I love the Yamanote loop because it stops at my favorite stations. But nothing beats walking. I usually get off at Shibuya (or sometimes when I leave early I start in Ebisu/Daikanyama) and end my walk in Shinjuku (passing Harajuku, Omotesando, Aoyama, Yoyogi Koen). There’s always something new to discover and the things you expect to see are still as magical as before.
Stay: I stay at my mom’s
Areas:
Harajuku—I like to sit on the railings in front of Laforet and people-watch and take it all in
Yoyogi on a Sunday
Ginza at dusk
Shinjuku at night
Halloween in Shibuya is an experience
Ueno Koen during cherry blossom season
Shop: DSM in Ginza, MMM in Ebisu, Laforet, Wut Berlin, Spiral & Dog in Harajuku, CDG in Aoyama, Candy in Shibuya
Eat: EVERYTHING
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? I have only been to Osaka and Yokohama. Tokyo pa rin!
Pasalubong: Any random, interesting stuff from Tokyu Hands and/or Loft (and sometimes Disneyland/Sea)

KERWIN GO
Head Chef of People’s Palace and Blackbird

How often? Twice a year now, but hopefully more often
How long? 5 days
Airport: Narita, but if you can get a flight to Haneda, better, as it’s closer to the city
Airline: JAL
Transport: Taxi or train
Stay: If budget is not as issue then The Peninsula is the best.
Got cash to burn? Park Hyatt Shinjuku.
Want something central and reasonably priced? Then Century Southern Tower. It’s right across Takashimaya and the Shinjuku train station so it’s easy to get around the whole city
Shop: United Arrows and Sons in Harajuku, Isetan Shinjuku, Dover Street Market, Saturday Surf NYC in Daikanyama for casual clothes at great price points. Tsutaya / T site in Daikanyama.
Eat:
Tempura at Tsunahanchi or Ten Ichi
Sushi at Fukusuzhi in Roponggi
Pastries and bread at Gontran Cherrier
Gyoza Harajuku on Cat street
Food hall of Isetan
If you have more budget, Ryugin for kaiseki
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? Kyoto—especially during the sakura season
Pasalubong: Any Pastry from the Isetan food Hall. We also bring home fruits. At the airport, Shiroi Kobito—think lengua de gato sandwich with chocolate.

MIKKO SISON
Architectural/Interior Design Consultant

How often? Once a year for a “pachinko junket” with mother and sister
How long? On average, 10 days
Airport: Narita
Airline: Delta, or any that gets me there in one piece
Transport: Train
Stay: Prince Hotel, Shinjuku
Areas: Ueno, Akihabara, Shinjuku, Okachimachi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro
Shop: Isetan, GU, Project 1/6, Atmos and Windsor
Eat: Anything and everything
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? Have only been to Osaka, but plan to explore ALL of Japan. Maybe write A Gaijin’s Guide to Paching
Pasalubong: Goodies for my family (clothes, toys)

KISSA CASTANEDA McDERMOTT
EIC of Home Journal, Hong Kong

How often? ​Not as often as I wish. After leaving for good in 2011 (lived there for almost 7 years), I finally visited again last April. I hope to go at least once a year—it’s like my second home.
How long? ​I spent a week over Easter. I think a trip should be a minimum of 4 days. That being said, you cannot have enough days in Japan. There’s so much to do and discover!
Airport: ​I’m fine either way. Though Haneda is more convenient.
Airline: ​Being based in Hong Kong, I fly Cathay or ANA. For the full Japanese experience though, I’d go ANA.
Transport: ​Train – especially of you have the rail pass. Though I prefer the subway when going around Tokyo (compared to the JR lines).
Stay: It’s a bit of an open secret but Claska is a good option for those who don’t mind being further out. Not so great location-wise, but I find that it’s good value for money. It also allows you to have a more local experience. Really want to try Andaz the next time I visit.
Areas:
Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama—Just a great place to window shop, find inspiration, and have coffee
Kagurazaka—I really love this area. So quaint and still quite local
Yoyogi / Shinjuku​—Biased because this is where I lived when I was in Tokyo. Great parks that are perfect for hanami (and koyou—changing of leaves during the fall).
Shop: Beams, Tokyu Hands, Muji in Yurakucho. I also like going to random second hand shops in Shimokita and concept stores such as La Kagu in Kagurazaka.
Eat: I find following Robbie Swinnerton of Japan Times to be helpful
Besides Tokyo, where else is good to go? ​Close to Tokyo, I enjoy going to Nikko, Kamakura and Izu. Further away, I love Kyoto, Nara, and Sapporo. One of the more undiscovered regions in Kyushu—I think it’s really cool! I lived in Oita Prefecture during undergrad and I think the Japanese countryside (called inaka) shows a very different side of Japan.
​P​asalubong Something at the depa chika for foodie friends (like Japanese sweets from Toraya). For those who prefer fashion, designer handkerchiefs (so nice and cheap in Isetan) ​or nice stockings / cool socks at Tabio (there’s one in Omotesando Hills).

Home furnishings retailer West Elm opens its first store in Southeast Asia today at Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons.
If you haven’t been there yet, Capitol Commons is in Kapitolyo, Pasig.
The new development is a lifestyle destination with residential and office spaces, a park, and the Estancia Mall.

West Elm in the Philippines is a partnership between the New York-based brand and Stores Specialists Inc., a member of SSI Group Inc.
It is known for furniture and home decor that combine modern design and traditional craftsmanship. Many of the products are results of collaborations with independent designers and craft communities around the world.

The 7,000 square-foot store showcases West Elm’s summer collection of furniture, beddings, bathroom accessories, rugs, window textiles and hardware, lighting, decorative accessories, dining, kitchen products and gifts.
At the Design Lab, customers can consult design specialists and space planners for free.

“We have found a really great partner in Stores Specialists Inc. and it seemed a natural extension because we work with Filipino artisans,” said Kerri Ackermann, Division Merchandise Manager for West Elm.
Ackerman said West Elm designers travel the world to look for artisans and communities to collaborate with, such as Filipino capiz artisans and weavers. West Elm has also worked with potters from Sto. Tomas, Pampanga for Linework vases.

Kerri Ackermann (West Elm Division Merchandise Manager) with guest Grace Velasco

“We are extremely proud to open West Elm in the country not only because we can offer Filipinos more design and quality choices but also because West Elm cherishes Filipino craftsmanship,” said Anton Huang, President of SSI Group Inc.
Also at the opening were Matthew Anderson (West Elm Global Visial Manager) and Ashley St. John (West Elm Visual Manager, Chelsea NYC)

West Elm showcases four collections—Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall—every year, so we can expect new merchandise every three months. Ackermann said however, the “heavier” materials and fabrics such as velvet will not be sold here.
“We really came here to understand the market so you’ll find that everything is lighter and more suitable for the climate.”

Take a look of what’s in store now at West Elm Estancia Mall, starting with the Emmerson Reclaimed Wood dining table and bench matched with Willoughby leather dining chairs

Rustic Modular Storage desk and shelves with Helvetica leather office chair

Belgian linen pocket place mat with classy gold flatware

Giftable candles hand-poured into recycled glass containers

Rounded Retro Sofa with Reeve Mid-Century Oval coffee table

Reeve Mid-Century side table

Rewined candles: all-natural soy wax hand poured into repurposed wine bottles

All kinds of table top items

Beds and linens

Home office items

What I got: Mid-Century Turned Leg planters for Jeroen’s herbs

On opening weekend, shoppers can get 20% off on outdoor furniture and select decorative accessories

West Elm joins other Williams-Sonoma Inc. brands that have opened stores in the Philippines with SSI, including Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PBTeen—all of which open today at Estancia Mall.
For more information, like them on Facebook and follow @westelmph on Instagram.
West Elm is open Monday-Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM and Friday-Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM.

http://www.westelm.com/

Hello!
Sorry for my absence this week. I’ve had a lot to deal with and I need to get back on track and work.
I did pick out three winners of our giveaway yesterday via random.org.
They are:

Sheryll Austria of Palawan
Kristine Joy Fontillas of Baguio City
Ria Hazel Lumandog of Tondo, Manila

So wow! I get to ship all packages to them!
All three winners will have these delivered to their addresses:

Inside: The W Elite Gold Curl and Straight Nano Ceramic Tourmaline Styler, W Elite Gold Nano Ceramic Hair Dryer and Watsons Heat Active Hair Serum.

Winners, please check your email. Also, watch out for my next giveaway!

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

Sorry for being quiet these last two weeks. One of my dearest friends just died last Monday after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
Even though my mind has been busy like Divisoria, I feel like I’ve lost my voice and don’t know what to say.
I’ve had insomnia for about two weeks, though the migraine and stomach ache have disappeared since my friend passed away.
Tomorrow is the last day and interment of ashes. I’ve taken Melatonin but can’t sleep.
I’m OK but not OK. I can’t even cry.
So many thoughts, don’t know what to say, but this is a start.

A photo posted by Cecile van Straten (@chuvaness) on Jun 17, 2015 at 3:23am PDT

Nackymade—maker of Japanese hand crafted eyeglasses—comes back to Tala Manila this June 26-28, 2015.
This time, Tomoko and “Nacky” Nakagawa will bring special whole cherry wood frames in very limited quantities.

As always, Nacky will be happy to adjust your Nackymades.
And for those who expecting their pre-ordered custom-made/bespoke frames, your Nackymades shall be ready for pickup.
​For appointments, call Shiela Lobo at +63 (937) 372-5441 or email talamanilaonline@gmail.com.

http://www.nackymade.com/

Millinery meets makeup in MAC’s Philip Treacy collection.
For the collaboration, the London-based milliner created three hats that emphasize different parts of the face—an eye, the lips, and cheekbones.
A colorful feathered headdress inspired the lipsticks: No Faux Pas (hot pink), Cardinal (burgundy) and Hollywood Cerise (magenta berry).

A black-lace mask, which covers the entire head, reveals only one eye and inspired the Pro Longwear Paint Pots (Genuine Treasure and Chrome Angel) and Fluidline liners (Blacktrack, Blue Peep and Royal Wink) in shimmering metallics and tropical blues. There’s also the False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara.

The sparkling metallic hat from Treacy’s archives inspired the High-Light Powders (Blush Pink and Nude Pink) designed with Art Deco arches in pale pink and silver.

The collection is now available at MAC boutiques and counters.

To know more about the collaboration, click HERE.

I blame it on my cousin, Dr. Gerard Henson.
Last May, he kept sending Viber pics of his Tokyo trip that I was filled with envy.
I asked my brother Dennis (a frequent Tokyo traveler) if he had any trips planned. He said, 3rd week of June.
So I booked my ticket and his office booked Imperial Hotel.
We took Japan Airlines. It was bumpy all the way, but I am learning how to deal with fear. It is a miracle I tell you.
Their business class isn’t so great… That guy in the back is knocked out

But we got there in one piece and that is all that matters

I had not seen Imperial Hotel since 2009 and have forgotten how it looks (pretty much the same).
This is really a businessman’s hotel more than anything

Lobby looks retro and well-preserved

Once upon a time Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe checked in here

It’s a good thing I didn’t share a room with my brother, because I would’ve abandoned him.
This was my room: charming in a retro way (if you’re into that)

The bed

The desk

The easy chair

I could handle all of that until I saw the bathroom. Let’s start with the lavatory with stool

Very cute and lola-approved

I love the amenities

So dami…

However, the shower kind of shocked me to say the least

The most terrifying of all—there was a Monobloc stool in the shower!!!!!!!
*screams* Look at the floor!!

I Skyped with Jeroen who convinced me to just pack up and move to Andaz.
Luckily everyone at Imperial was so nice, even as I checked out their other bathrooms. They allowed me to check out and only charged me 80 yen for phonecalls to Andaz.
I am in now at Andaz Toranomon Hills. Sayoko says location isn’t good, but hey, I’ll take a nice bathroom before a great location with scary bathroom.
My bedroom has a long couch with two tables—just the way I like it: one for working, and one for eating

The dining table

The work table

Nespresso and consumable mini bar

The bed looks kind of plain, but it works for me. This is where I’m blogging now. I love that there are power outlets everywhere.

The bathroom and walk-in closet are luxuriously huge and chuva-approved
It’s summer so I didn’t bring much clothes…

Adorable slippers

Tissues, towels and the best makeup mirror, which I will look for at BIC Camera

Unique wooden sink

Beautiful

Shower and bath

This one really floored me

It contains the chicest amenity kit ever! I don’t even want to use it. Can I buy it?

It’s all about the details

To know more about Andaz Tokyo, click HERE.

The first-ever West Elm and PBteen stores in the Philippines opened last June 11 at Estancia Mall in Capitol Commons.
Following the success of Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids in Central Square last year, SSI Group Inc President Anthony Huang proudly announced, “We’re the only country in Southeast Asia that carries these two brands.”

President of the SSI Group, Inc. Anton Huang (right) with Senior VP of Real Estate for William Sonoma, Arthur Tropp, Division Merchandise Manager for West Elm, Kerri Ackermann

Global Visual Merchandising for PB Brands, Robert Hart

“We are pleased to partner with SSI Group in introducing the Philippines to our portfolio of brands at a time when there is consumer interest and demand in Southeast Asia,” said Arthur Tropp, Senior Vice-President for Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s Real Estate.
“We have longstanding relationships with many local Filipino artisans, so this was a natural extension for West Elm,” said Kerri Ackermann, Global Merchandise Director, West Elm. “We are proud to continue our support of their work and bring their unique handcrafted products to West Elm Philippines.”

West Elm invited local style influencers (me) Cecile Van Straten, Martine Cajucom, and DJ Tony Toni to celebrate the store’s debut and select their top picks from the new assortment.

Martine Cajucom

Tonichi and Anju Bautista

PBteen also invited four inspiring stylish teens, Nichole Baranda, Natalia Ortega, Arkin Magalona, and Kiana Valenciano, to choose three of their top picks from the brand.

Natalia Ortega

Kiana Valenciano

Arkin Magalona

Saab Magalona and Cheats performed at the event

PBteen is a premiere destination for teen home furnishings, offering a pieces that add value and style to every teen’s bedroom. The new PBteen store featured the Kelly Slater collection, which uses recycled materials like pure organic cotton in honor of the surf champ’s commitment to global preservation.

In the Philippines, West Elm, PBteen, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids are exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., a member of SSI Group, Inc., with stores at Estancia, Capitol Commons.
Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids are located at Central Square, Bonifacio High Street.
To know more about West Elm at Estancia Mall, click HERE.

When Philippe Starck designed a collection of travel bags for Samsonite about 15 years ago, I couldn’t afford them. Funny how I was just thinking about it, when last week I happened to walk in the Travel Club store in Rockwell. My eyes nearly popped out when I saw a full display of interesting black luggage.
It took me a few seconds to realize it was Philippe Starck, but this time in collaboration with French luggage brand, Delsey.

Luckily, I can now afford it, especially with Travel Club’s 0%-interest credit card payment.
But which model to buy? All my luggage is Rimowa, so I don’t need new luggage.
I settled on the chic Romack trolley, cause I love wheeled bags. Lucky, it was on sale at 10% off!

But wait. There’s more. The collection includes unisex laptop and iPad cases, travel and work bags.
What makes Philippe Starck x Delsey unique is the marriage of style and function, with Starck’s simple lines interpreted in durable, dirt- and rain-resistant fabric.

It’s all about clean lines

Function

Mobility

Style

Prices are good!

Best to see the collection in person at Travel Club, Power Plant Mall or Shangri-La Plaza.
To know more, go to http://www.delsey.com/en/collections/starcktrip

“Is the Cookie Shot really as good as it looks?” Dinna asked as I stepped into the office yesterday.
“Yes, Dinna, it is really perfect and heavenly.”

When I first found out Dominique Ansel was opening in Tokyo, I made a mental wish/plan to be there when it opens without knowing how.
After all, the Japanese are notoriously patient when it comes to lining up. Which I’m not. Even if I flew there, was there a chance I could get in?

And then I found out the opening date: June 20, 2015.
I still had no booking and no one to go with. Jeroen has too many trips this year, so I had to find another companion. Luckily my brother Dennis is always in Japan for business. He was booked for June 21-24, so I asked if I could come along.
And then I had to email Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York to get invited to the press day, but got no answer.
Now I know why. My friend passed away recently. There was no way I would have left Manila not certain when she would leave us. She was buried on June 19. God’s timing is perfect. I was able to rest one day before leaving for my happy place, Tokyo.

On June 20th, Dominique Ansel Bakery in Omotesando opened its doors at 8 AM, Saturday. But by 7:50 AM there were more than 250 in line.

Dominique Ansel takes a selfie at the queue

I arrived on June 21 and heard the line was up to the Burberry store in Omotesando (see map), and all the good stuff were sold out.
June 22nd I had lunch at Barbacoa with the Yupangco girls, Ariane and Martha, who are both studying in Tokyo.

At first I asked the Andaz concierge to book a table at Barbacoa Marunouchi. But since they were full, I asked them to book Barbacoa Aoyama (1) instead, which is near Dominique Ansel (3).

After lunch the girls and I went shopping at Flying Tiger before deciding to take a chance at the bakery.
Ariane and I went to Louis Vuitton (2) while Martha ran to line up ahead of us.
Next thing, Martha was frantically calling Ariane’s phone—at first I thought she was going to say they were sold out again. But she called to say, there was no line and they had cookie shots!!
So we ran! True enough there was no snaky line, just a few people.

This was around 3 PM on a Tuesday

Plus, there was an express line for cookie shots!! (Hint: cookie shots are typically available at 3 PM)

A look inside the store: there are very limited seats

Making S’mores

There is a nice Filipino staff named Maria Cristina (Nina) at the store

I asked her if it was allowed to bring home cookie shots to Manila. She asked permission and informed me, no, because they are only good for two hours. How I wish I could take all of these home.

We ordered anyway, three cookie shots. Martha (L) inquired if Dominique Ansel was in the store. Unfortunately he was out and leaving this Saturday.

In no time at all, Ariane, Martha, and I were sipping vanilla milk from our cookie shots while standing in the corner.

I quickly ran out of milk, so we walked all the way to the nearest Starbucks to buy cold milk.
I smelled the cookie shot all the way. It was perfect, heavenly, but very filling! The cost? Less than 500 yen.
Can’t wait to take my boys in December. Verdict: Worth flying for!
Thank you Martha and Ariane! You are my lucky charms!
To know more about Dominique Ansel Bakery in Japan, click HERE.

I change bags very often—sometimes once a week, sometimes everyday.
It depends on where I’m going, who I’m meeting, what I’m doing, or what I’m wearing.
Today I’m using an Isaac Mizrahi clear tote ordered from Amazon (but you can also find it at Estancia Mall). I lovett. One side is black and the other side is clear, so the guards don’t have to poke inside my bag when I enter the mall.

What’s inside my bag?

1) Filofax wallet (because old school is cool)
2) Clear pouch of little things (Isaac Mizrahi; it came with the bag)
3) Hartmann wallet (gift from Hartmann, thank you!)
4) Muji pen case
5) Chaka tissue case from Japan
6) Can’t leave with wet tissues
7-8) My two mobile phones

While I tend to change bags very often, there are a few essentials I can’t leave without—my wallet, the wet tissues, the power bank (extra charger), and my two phones.
This way, my boys can reach me anytime, anywhere. Through What’s App and Viber, I can keep in touch with friends and family, even while traveling. If I need directions, I go to Google Maps. When I need to relax, I can play Candy Crush and Candy Crush Soda.
As a blogger, I really need to sit down and use a computer to update my site. But when I’m on the go, I can update my social media accounts using my #SmartLife subscriptions.
I really enjoy sharing interesting finds on Instagram via @chuvafinds, which I post in real time. I can even shop on Amazon with a click on my phone.

There’s no end to what I can do with my Smart phone.
If you’re a Smart subscriber and shopper like me, you’ll be glad to know that Smart has recently launched Charge2Phone, the country’s first sticker-based NFC contactless payment solution, exclusive to Smart and Sun Cellular postpaid subscribers.

Simply place the C2P sticker on your mobile phone and tap it at any Visa payWave terminal to pay for your purchase. You can get C2P when you apply for a Citi Rewards Card at www.citibank.com.ph or any Smart and Sun Business Center.
For now, you can use your C2P sticker to pay at these merchants.

For security purposes, you can use your C2P sticker for purchases below ₱2,000. But you can still use the Citi Rewards Card for transactions that are ₱2,000 and above.
For online payments, select C2P at the checkout page and enter your 11-digit Smart or Sun Postpaid mobile number, m-PIN, 3-digit card verification value or CVV (found on your sticker), and a one-time password, which you will receive in your registered mobile number.
To know more about the service, go to https://charge2phone.com/.

http://www.smart.com.ph/smartlife

“Copenhagen is the new Milan.”
That’s what Joseph Tay kept hearing when he was shopping around for a new home and furniture brand to bring to Manila.
Joseph, his wife Stenie Coyuito and their business partner Dana Uy, co-own Casa Bella Home and Living, which sells high-end and mid-range furniture from Europe. Among the brands they handle are Moroso and Furninova.

As Joseph tells it, he and Stenie asked furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue about brands they could possibly bring to the Philippines. Cobonpue told them about a brand from Denmark being sold at Lyndon Neri’s lifestyle store Design Republic in Shanghai.
The brand was HAY, established in 2002 as a collaboration between Troels Holch Povlsen, founder of Bestseller, and the furniture designer Rolf Hay.

“HAY began as a chair company,” said Dana. “The most popular one is About a Chair, which was designed by Hee Welling.”
About a Chair can be ordered in different finishes, fabrics and colors. Custom orders take two to three months.

Little Nobody Chair, which is made from 100 percent recycled plastic, also caught my eye. Dana explains it was originally created for use in a prison so no screws or wood was used.

HAY is known for nurturing young design talents and encouraging original designs and collaborating with established and new designers. The Copenhague Collection of tables and chairs was created in cooperation with Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec and is used for the University Copenhagen.

Sebastian Wrong was given a complete sub-brand called Wrong for Hay, which was presented on the London Design Festival in 2013.

HAY also has couches, tables, shelves, carpets and other pieces for the home.
Aside from furniture retail, HAY is a mid-range brand that is into accessories and contract, meaning it supplies furniture for restaurants, hotels and offices. The designs are simple, functional and refined.

The look is very modern. If you are furnishing an office or restaurant and want it to look young and modern yet cozy, you should consider HAY. A bonus is that their sales manager, an Italian named Lorenzo Turchi, loves the Philippines and knows where the best Italian restaurants are.

Rolf’s wife Mette Hay introduced HAY accessories in 2006. The accessories include rugs, cushions, quilts, bedcovers, hangers, notebooks, pens, tote bags and many others.

The prices are affordable considering the design and workmanship involved. The chairs start at Php 14,000. The couches are priced at over Php 200,000.
The accessories are a more affordable way of trying out the brand. I love the scissors, feather pens and the black and white hangers.
HAY accessories will also be available later this year at Univers in Rockwell.

The HAY showroom is at Casa Bella Home and Living, Lobby, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Avenue corner Garnet Rose, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
For more information, call (02) 470-6250 or 470-1089.

I’m really a sucker for pouches, organizers, and anything Japanese. Combine all three, and I just can’t stop buying them.
The Smart Fit series by Lihit Lab is something I’ve been seeing a lot at wastelands and stationery stores in Hong Kong and Tokyo. Now you can find them at National Bookstore.
The collection includes a carrying pocket for travel, which has six pockets to put your passports, tickets, passes, credit cards, and maps.


The pen case can be used as pencil or tool case, pen stand and memo holder.

The mobile pouch is a 80mmx140mm case where smartphones, digital cameras, notepads and pens can be carried compactly.

The A4 and A5 clutch bags are designed to carry laptops and other school and office supplies, and can be used with the shoulder belts available in 32mm and 38mm width.

The Smart Fit bags and pouches are made with durable and water-resistant Condura fabric, a global brand known for its ultra-lightweight high tenacity nylon and polyester make.

Find them at National Book Store.
http://www.nationalbookstore.com.ph