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.
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Family time
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.
Asya Premier Suites
Main bedroom
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.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
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.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
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.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
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
Saturday, March 19, 2011
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.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I just cried my eyes out...
…watching The Last Station.
In the end, there is only Love.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
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.
Friday, March 11, 2011
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
Thursday, March 10, 2011
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
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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