Family time

I wasn’t supposed to join the Boracay trip with family because it was a work week and I had already booked a trip to Bohol, which would require me to skip a few more days at work. But my sister in law had to attend an event that required her to take a later flight. My two pamangkins were scheduled to fly with her so I had to go with them instead, while my brother, my parents and my two other pamangkins took the next flight.

It turned out to be a lucky twist of fate because I really enjoyed spending time with my pamangkins. I would have really regretted not being with them especially at the onset of their summer vacation. They’ve all been to Boracay before but, seeing the amount of awe and delight in their faces every time they step on the white sand, swim or wade or get knocked over by a strong wave, you’d think it was their first time.

I also enjoyed spending time with my parents. We get to talk about more things now and I enjoyed listening to the tales of their youth, the latest going-on in the province where they are based as well as their plans for the future. I appreciate that they now allow me to make decisions for myself. It was great to see them have a good time. 

Asya Premier Suites

 

I returned yesterday from a trip to Boracay with family. We stayed at this beautiful cove at the opposite side of Shangri-la Boracay called Asya Premier Suites. The centerpiece was a round pool that was ideal for kids because it was mostly two-feet deep. Adlaw Bar beside it was a perfect spot for sunset viewing. A staircase led to the beach, and to Palay restaurant where we had our breakfast.

 

Adlaw Bar

 

Sunset view

Main bedroom

The Asian-inspired suites were tastefully done and every single one had a view of the beach. My parents stayed at the main bedroom while I parked myself at the ante room and had the daybed made for the night. My brother and his family were booked at the suite below us so we occupied a single villa structure.

I love a nice bathroom and ours was everything I can hope for—a wide egg-shaped tub, rain shower head, large mirrors, L’Occitane bath products and a small open garden with a view of the sky.

Room rates start at P25,000 per night but they’re now running a promo for local residents offering 50% off published rates.

The Verandah

When I see something beautiful, I can’t stop looking. And every time I look, I always see more.

Tonight, that “something beautiful” is Cressida Campbell’s work.

For the children

I was battling insomnia at 5:44 a.m. so I decided to test my origami-making skills and made this crane. This was inspired by my friend Edna’s worthwhile project called The Summer of a Thousand Cranes. She and her son Gabby love making origami so she started a blog where friends and family can get acquainted with the art form. In the blog, she gives instructions on how to make a paper crane and encourages readers to share pictures or videos of themselves with their handiwork. She hopes to gather 1,000 paper cranes by the end of summer for the children of Japan. 

Jozu Kin

After reading about the restaurant in Chuvaness’s blog, I decided to give Jozu Kin a try. The problem is, when we got there, I completely forgot all the good stuff I wanted to order. So I improvised.

I love anything with Japanese mayo so I ordered the kani salad.

The Angus steak cubes were very tender and flavorful.

The gindara teriyaki was served last. I don’t know why it took a while to cook. I was so hungry by the time it was served that I immediately took a bite, which explains the partially nipped edge. It was so moist and tender that the flesh falls apart. Loved it.

I want to try the Symphony and spicy tuna next time.

Ronac Art Center seems like a nice place to hang out in.

Especially if you like contemporary art.

Basement parking

Jozu Kin

Ronac Art Center

Ortigas Avenue (near Gilmore)

Phone: (632) 403.1875; (632) 403.3646

Beginnings

I love drawings, especially those that look like sketches, because they embody the spirit of possibility. They are the beginning of something good. 

Jacqueline Ryan’s jewelry sketches are almost as delicious as the real thing.

Sandra Suy’s fashion sketches are art.

Nobody captures the ever-changing moment better than Frederick Franck. I see so much more vividly because of his work.

Ines de la Fressange

She’s my style icon. She does high-low dressing like only a Parissienne could. I can’t wait to get a copy of her book, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide. Out on April 5.

I just cried my eyes out...

…watching The Last Station.

In the end, there is only Love.

We need a witness to our lives. There’s a billion people on the planet, what does any one life really mean? But in a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things, all of it, all of the time, every day. You’re saying ‘Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go unwitnessed because I will be your witness’.

- Susan Sarandon’s character in Shall We Dance

For my friends Bambi and Mon. Happy 20th.

In a blessed state of mind

Miracles happen.

Photo from Lucky Jane

A white loft in Paris

French by Design recently featured this delicious Paris loft. I’m a sucker for all things white, but she makes it even more interesting with the textured walls, flooring and doors. Click here for more pictures.

Chelsea lately

It has been an emotionally tumultuous week and I was only too glad when Friday arrived. It didn’t help to hear about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

In times like this, it is important to thank the universe for blessings big and small - a basket of kakanin from people who appreciate your kindness, a granola bar from a colleague, an iPod gift for a friend and a nice dinner from someone who knows what kind of work week you’ve just been through.

Libation for the gods at Chelsea Place

View of the loft

Equanimity like Buddha’s

It’s Friday and I’m in…

Fettuccine drizzled with truffle oil and topped with double smoked lardo

Pork belly with unbelievably crisp skin

I want my life to flare with color

The latest issue of my favorite e-magazine is out! Lonny mag, you never disappoint.

Read it now.

Blissful Mind Meditation

To download for free, go to The Guided Meditation Site

The company I keep

Relationships are nurtured by making time – a visit, a phone call, an email, a poke, or, when you’re lucky, a restful conversation surrounded by good food.  

Casa Armas Podium

Clams piled high with garlic

Potato chips the way we like it

Steak

Callos

Garlic crabs

Paella valenciana

Wonderful red to cap the night off

Missing Sonya

I’m hoping to see you soon…

…In your lovely garden…

…Amidst the lush blooms.

Two kilometers of narrow, flower-paved road from the entrance of Buck Estate, there lies a garden so lush and colorful, it is therapy to everyone who goes there. A sweep of crimson, a wash of canary, a brush of tangerine, a ripple of lavender. Colors spring from their cages, tumbling along vines of green and spilling into pathways lit with stained-glass bulb covers. Magic happens at Sonya’s Garden. Everyone who comes, leaves with a more vibrant plume. - From Sonya’s Garden coffee table book written by me and photographed by Keith Sundiang

You may inquire about the book at her website

A year from now you may wish you had started today.

Karen Lamb

Happiness

“I have to do it. It’s my life.” I wrote those words two days ago in a moment of desperation, not expecting to hear them from someone else the following day. I suppose it really is a common thing, the need to make a stand for happiness. I did do it. And I am happy that I was heard.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”—Mary Oliver

*image courtesy of lohanritchieaguilera