Olympian fans from Visayas

IN LONDON, I met up with my Bisaya friends from Bohol. I was so glad that RG called me to have mass with him and Eric at the Westminster Cathedral in Victoria, which is different from the Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married.

Furnitalia 10th Anniversary

FURNITALIA, the Philippines’ premier Italian luxury furniture store, recently celebrated its milestone 10th anniversary with its biggest-ever gala party entitled “Decennio” (which means 10th in Italian) last June 22, 2012 at the Furnitalia building and showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Phantom of the Opera

THE Phantom of the Opera is coming to Manila and that is exciting news for a theater enthusiast like me. The Phantom of the Opera still remains as one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous works. It is Broadway’s longest running musical, and finally will be at the Cultural Center of the Philippines starting on August 25, 2012.

Mandarin Oriental White Party Year 4

IT WAS a night of people in a sea of white as glamorous and the metro’s partyphiles danced the night away in a fabulously enthralling evening as Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s MO Lounge (formerly known as Captain’s Bar) was transformed into a fabulous spectacle and sea of white for “Nocturne: The White Party Year IV” by Food and beverage director, Chio Angeles.

Makati Shang Sunday Champagne Brunch

AFTER coming back from London where brunch is the norm, I had to have my weekend brunch fix and what better place to have it than at the Makati Shangri-La Circles cafe where I was able to feast on my cravings.

In London, eggs benedict was the dish to have during brunches. A brunch at the legendary Ivy was an experience one should have. Thanks to my British gentleman friend Nigel, i found out about the Breakfast Club. It is a chain but have been garnering reviews for its consistency. They

LUSH desert collection

LUSH has always been a company I have admired because it has a presence in more than 600 stores in 43 countries. Originally from Dorset in the United Kingdom, Lush produces and sells a variety of handmade products, including soaps, shower gels, shampoos and hair conditioners, bath bombs, bubble bars, hand and body lotions and face masks.

Culinaria Campampangan

HAVE you noticed that the quality of Filipino food has been improving in the last years? More casual and even fine dining restaurants are beginning to serve Filipino dishes in more creative ways than the simple adobo. And for a foodie and restaurateur like me, these initiatives are making me really excited.

London Night Out at Mortons

London’s weather was cooperative days ago as I hurried to meet Duccio Zambrini, an established events man and party man in this side of the world. London is such a cosmopolitan and the city is moved by men of the world who drive the networking and party scene here.

J.Co donuts opening in Greenbelt

I TRY to avoid donuts if I can because it is deep fried but then when it’s J.Co donuts calling me, I just cannot resist! This brand that hails from Indonesia just opened its third branch at Greenbelt following its branches in Megamall and Mall of Asia. I did try some small bites, but decided to focus my appetite on the healthy yogurt instead.

Nicki Minaj concert

I WENT to the press conference of international superstar Nicki Minaj at the Manila Diamond hotel and was floored on how nice she was when she offered if the grandson of Manila Bulletin's entertainment editor Crispina Belen would like to take a photo with her upon knowing from Ms Belen that her grandson, who is from New York, loves her.

DMC and Team Manila Graphic Design Studio tie up in nationalistic campaign Through Cross-Stitch for the Youth

DMC, a French brand of embroidery threads, reaches out to its younger and wider market as the brand collaborates with Team Manila Graphic Design Studio, a Filipino design studio known for its nationalistic campaigns, through its newest project called the Team Manila Designs Collection.

Manila Hotel centennial ball

CELEBRATIONS are always wonderful especially if you are celebrating a 100th year anniversary!

The Manila Hotel, the Philippines' most historical hotel, celebrated its 100th year in business with a centennial ball that filled its ballroom with gentlemen in their finest barong and ladies in their most elegant Filipiniana wear.

Make up Forever Aqua Line

AS A Wander Woman, I am always on the go and always looking for ways to save time. Thus, I tweet and answer messages in the car, and do my minimal make up on transit as well. I have a driver so this is possible to do. Never text and drive-remember the bus driver of Mariano transit who figured in a scary accident on EDSA this week that sent his bus dangling over the over pass? Witnesses say he was texting while driving, thus the accident.

Lifestyle Asia black swan gala ball

IT WAS a truly an unforgettable night as Lifestyle Asia magazine, the purveyor of everything luxurious and the guide to an elegant standard of living, held its gala ball with a black swan theme at the ritzy Makati Shangri-La hotel. Editor in Chief Anna Sobrepeña, swathed in Jewelmer pearls, explained during the brief program that the black swan is a metaphor for a philosophical concept.

Ruffa Gutierrez’ birthday

Happy birthday Ruffa Gutierrez! Today marks the birthday of actress, tv host, and good friend Ruffa. I am sorry but I wont be writing about what transpired in her show Paparazzi yesterday but instead will fill you in on details of her birthday build for Habitat for Humanity. I am in the mood for good vibes and nothing less!

Salon Beauvoir

This summer i just discovered a new salon that is so chic i did not mind the hours i spent on the salon. Thank goodness for such a sweet discovery because i found a good salon who can cut and color like a pro.

Located at the Somerset Olympia building, right beside the Peninsula Manila hotel, Salon Beauvoir is the newest high end salon to open this side of town and the luxurious interiors are truly inviting.

Cream Silk Perfection

GORGEOUS women with silky straight hair walked the black carpet when the country’s number 1 conditioner, Cream Silk, threw a glam party to launch Perfection by Cream Silk, the new premium specialist range developed to prolong the full-bodied beauty of salon-straightened hair.

Chihuahua weekend brunch

CHIHUAHUA, one of our favorite late night after gimmick hang-out, now offers hearty brunches every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chihuahua in Makati Avenue is the go to place of our friends after a night of going out to have our fill of authentic tacos. I go for the hot sauce, actually.

Rabeanco is now in the Philippines

RABEANCO, the international bag brand that started in Italy in the 1990s is now in the Philippines! This label embraces the ultimate in elegance, sensuality and creative expression of women by offering smart and affordable luxury products. Presenting an extensive line of functional bags, RABEANCO combines stylish and stand-out designs coupled with top quality leather and meticulous craftsmanship producing a superb look and feel finish.

Diamond Hotel’s Cake Club

AS THE Wander Woman, I have been to many places and I have tasted quite a number of food, desserts, and beverages. I want to share my newest discovery at the Bonifacio central high street -- a place called the Cake Club where cakes are displayed like exquisite jewelry.

Nailandia

SUN.STAR’S Wander Woman was asked to ribbon cut a really chic nail salon and spa in Manila, so I skipped two lunches to be able to attend the grand launch of Nailandia Spa at Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

Crimson lunch

ONE of the things I look forward to this summer is to be back in beautiful Cebu, definitely one of my favorites in the country. So, an invitation by the newest resort and spa in Mactan island is well received by me.

Lifestyle Asia anniversary book launch

IT WAS a stellar gathering at the Makati Shangri-la's Red for the launch of Lifestyle Asia's 25: The Best of Philippine Society.

Easter Escapade

IT IS indeed more fun in the Philippines. And more fun it is as 28 strong group of Filipinos, Chinese, Brazilians, Chileans, Argentineans, Spanish, and American all represent the global image of cool and camaraderie.

Four days of island hoppin to Daplak, German, Exotic, White beach island, diving, lunch barbecues with the freshest seafoods, using banana husks as our plates was enough to make this group a solid bunch of fun loving Easter escapaders.

Johnnie Walker diamond jubilee

IN HONOR of the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Diageo Philippines celebrates and unveils the Diamond Jubilee by John Walker and Sons. It was a gathering, dubbed as Manila’s Royal Affair, where the Philippines’ most elite joined Diageo Philippines and Johnnie Walker Global Brand Ambassador Jonathan Driver, as they revealed the blueprint and craftsmanship of this exquisite blended Scotch whisky.

Josie Natori

DISCOVER the newest addition of Josie Natori Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer collection as it opens its first boutique in Manila! Feminine, expressive, seductive and with a true essence of glamour—these sum up the Ready-to-Wear collection of Josie Natori. Josie Natori is a world class Filipina designer who has conquered New York and the world. For me there are 4 designers who have made it in the world stage -Josie natori, Rafe Totengco, Oliver Tolentino, and Cebuana Monique Lhuillier. Soon, talented designer Francis Libiran will be more familiar to the global paparazzi as well.

Casa Vinivola Zonin

Casa Vinivola Zonin, one of the biggest wineries in Italy, sent over their wine ambassador Lorenzo Zonin to Manila as Best World Beverage Brands invited gourmands, society figures and wine connoisseurs to a night of fine dining at the Paparazzi at Edsa Shangri La hotel.

Music enthusiasts urged to join Nokia regional ringtones contest

WOULD you like your own composition to be featured in millions of Nokia phones around the world?

You now have the chance as Nokia, the global leader in mobile communications, launches Regional Ringtones, Designed by You, a regional crowd sourcing competition for people to create ringtones that are relevant to their specific regions.

Ng: TechnoMarine’s ‘Manny Pacquiao 8’

IT WAS a starry night at the Skye Lounge when Technomarine launched its collaboration with a global icon—the one, multi-titled, Manny Pacquiao- who some people call the greatest fighter at the moment.

Fuerza Bruta

WHAT do these hot celebrities Leonardo DiCaprio, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Sting, Britney Spears, Harrison Ford, Tyra Banks, Robert DeNiro, Catherine Zeta Jones, Sandra Bullock, Lucy Liu, Demi Moore, Lil Wayne, Jessica Alba, Fergie, Beyonce, Rachel McAdams, Jude Law, John Legend, Shakira, Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Serena Williams, Ashton Kutcher, Kanye West and I have in common? We have all watched the amazing Fuerza Bruta show.