Because Candy Says So....

CCContest! 31 Questions! May the force be with you.

2010-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

In Vienna, Steffie and I went to the zoo, I had a photo taken and in the background were 2 animals were mating. What animals were they?
I went to Arezzo, Italy with my Mom, met a Korean businessman who treated us to a fabulous dinner and roses. What is his name?
Lucille, Anne and I went to Cebu for a magazine launch. Because someone commented in my blog about me being _____, I named us three the _____ gang. Fill in the blank.
Where did AG and I spend our 7th Monthsary dinner?
In St. Tropez, we went to the beach and I bought a bottle of water. I complained at the price. How much was it?
Who was my teenage all-time crush? I have a photo with him, please attach to answer.
In one of my posts, I have a photo in between 2 bald men. Who are these men and where were we?
What is the title of my post when I wrote about Rajo Laurel’s car being carnapped?
I have a photo where I am with a good friend from Puerto Rico. What is his name and what was the title of the event.
Anne Curtis won a diamond in one of the events that I blogged about. How many carats is the diamond?
A designer of everything, I posted a YouTube Link and a photo of my idol’s work, what is his name?
In one of my trips to Chinatown, I saw this shirt that had an angry yet funny saying. What does the shirt say?
A certain Queen went to LA, met a dozen celebrities including Chace Crawford. Who was wearing a red gown in one of the photos I posted?
Who will I order my bigas (rice) from now on? Hint: 5 letter word
I love posting shoe blogs. But one photo made me puke my lunch out. Please attach a photo of what made me throw up.
We had a party at home for my sister’s birthday. I had drunk quite a number of shots! How many did I have and what is the name and complete link of the shots supplier.
The Bread of Everlasting Life may be found where and for how much?
When I was feeling sad and down, I blamed it on the pianist here in Peninsula. He was playing sad and sappy love songs that triggers my suicidal tendencies. Who’s songs was he playing?
I OD’d on something once but it wasn’t on drugs. Instead it was a birthday party of a very famous celebrity. What is the name of bday celebrant? What is the title of this blog?
I read a book and posted a blog about it. It made my talk with an English accent. It is also where I self-proclaimed a title. What is the book and what did I proclaim myself as?
Pajama party was a theme for one of my groups’ dinner. What is the name of this group of mine?
The last time I was in Bora, we stayed in Sea Wind. It is owned by one of my Dad’s best friend. What is his name?
Who won the Waffle Battle?
I posted a photo of a very soggy pizza in one of my trips out of the country. What restaurant were we in? Please attach a photo of the pizza.
I felt somehow connected to 2 doormen of a retail store. Please tell me why.
Last year, PQ had an event in Members Only where he had muses. Who was wearing yellow? Please attach a photo.
I wrote a poem for my sister. What is the 5th verse?
Why was I able to have a FREE 9 course dinner care of Sunshine and Rob Pengson? Please be specific.
In a post where I have photos of my friends and their celebrity look a likes, who is Ginny Dizon’s counterpart?
How long were the lines to the cashiers when it was the fire sale of Rustan’s?
There is a photo of a bag where in I said “This ____ is to be HANGED for!!!! Whoever gets me this bag first wins hands down. JUST KIDDING!!!! What is the brand of this bag and please send me photo.

Reminders:

Please check previous post for rules and other information.

Visit www.candifier.blogspot.com and www.candifier.com for the answers!

Moving On to Book 2.

2009-05-28T21:22:00.000-07:00

A N N O U N C E M E N T!!!

The continuation of this blog will now be in

www.becausecandysaysso.blogspot.com

Tingting, Doyee and Lucy!

2009-05-05T22:16:00.001-07:00

Even before blogging was even THE THING to do, Jul Dizon Jewellery had some super blog material that will surely bring the total of my readers to a whopping 12! (Bwa ha ha)

Seriously though, I would have forgotten about this shoot if I hadn't been assigned to Shang where I can dig up some photos. Boy oh boy, am I glad I was brave enough to go deep into the archives because if not, I wouldn't be able to share these photos I am about to post with you.

You are in for some serious treat because these celebrities/socialites are 3 of our most favorite ladies in the world. Check out how Xeng Zulueta worked on their beautiful faces. How photographer Marc Nicdao captured it on film. How stylist Michael Salientes, with my help (ahem ahem) made sure that every detail was taken cared of. And of course, all the ladies are adorned with Jul B. Dizon jewelry.

Anyway, enough talk....

Ms. DOYEE TACTACAN TUMPALAN

Ms. TINGTING COJUANGCO

Ms. LUCY TORRES GOMEZ

Cool huh?

Vera Wang and Jul Dizon

2009-05-05T01:56:00.000-07:00

It was an event about 3 to 4 years ago. As I was rummaging through piled discs of photos, I found this AMEX Platinum show where we dressed up the models wearing Vera Wang couture.

Thought it would be fun to post this for old memory's sake even if all of the pieces used in this show are already sold.

Hoops I did it Again.

2009-04-30T04:47:00.001-07:00

Gotta love them hoop earrings! Lately, I am going crazy over loop earrings. I am not sure exactly why but my guess is because since I don't go out much at night anymore, I sorta kinda mellowed down with how I dress. Simple shirt with a skirt, plain round neck with jeans, one piece dress with minimal details etc.... But with the loop earrings, I tend to make the simple outfit dressy enough for a lunch with friends or dinner out with the CandyMan.

There are so so so many ways to design the loop earrings. You can go crazy with the size, stones and price.

Beyonce is all about big ass loop earrings. Here are some of the photos of her wearing different kinds and sizes.

Here's Jul B. Dizon Jewellery's take on the loop earrings. Have your loop earrings done now.

Puey Quinones at Members Only.

2009-04-22T22:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I went out at night to a bar. It would always be just for dinner and then home by 9 pm. I am getting old. Sigh..

But last night was different. I had to be there for my SISTAH, Puey Quinones, who kicked of a series of mini fashion parties at Members Only at the Fort. StyleBible was there to take photos of Puey's 10 muses, one of which is your bloggerina. Puey created for me a one piece dress that everyone raved about. I wore it with Jul B. Dizon's Black-amoor brooch and dangling yellow gold earrings with rough cut diamonds.

The muses were Lulu Tan Gan, Divine Lee, Ange de la Cruz, Mai Kaufman, Carmina Sanchez, Ria Bolivar, Pia Campos among others. Although we were all wearing his creations, we all felt unique and was proud to be in an original design by PQ.

Here are the pics of the evening..and just to let you know...CandyMan and I left at 11 pm. Party all night, I can no longer do.

Thanks to Isha of StyleBible for this photo!

Rose Cut Diamonds.

2009-04-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

The rose cut is said to have been developed in Holland during the 17th century, but may have been used earlier in India in a cruder way. The rose cut lost popularity in the early 18th century, when the brilliant cut was invented. But the beginning of the 20th century saw a slight revival of the cut. In those days, when there would be too much weight loss if a stone was to be polished into a brilliant, people might opt for one or two rose cuts. When the stone is cut so that it is in the form of two rose-cut stones placed base to base, it is called a double rose cut.

Usually, when speaking about a rose cut, people refer to a cone-shaped diamond (or an other prescribed symmetrical form) featuring a variable number of facets (usually two horizontal rows rising to a point) and a flat bottom (which means no pavilion).

It is important to bear on mind that the rose cut is first of all a cut. It is like the emerald cut. You can have emerald cuts as diamonds, as emerald or as diamond. And it also applies for rose cuts. You can have garnet rose cuts, as well as diamond rose cuts. This is important since knowing that helps avoiding a frequent misuse of the vocable rose cut.

Further more, the word "rose" itself could also be misleading as it comes from the flower, the "rose" and means "pink". Therefore, when you find an object that is described as featuring rose cuts, without further information, do not take it for granted and make sure that the stones are cut in diamond or check their color. A rose-cut diamond is also known as a Rose Diamond.

Here are some of our take on ROSE CUT DIAMONDS.

Bangles in White.

2009-04-21T23:35:00.000-07:00

Looking through our archive, I noticed that most of what people love to order from Jul B. Dizon Jewellery are the white gold cuffs/bangles.

At times, the clients bring in their old items and I basically take them apart using whatever stones they have and redesign them into a new bangle that hopefully they will like. This is the best way to minimize the expense and save the stones that might have sentimental value.

For me, it's probably my most favorite jewelry to design. Here are some bangles that we have made through the years. Enjoy.

Scary Easter!

2009-04-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

The Peninsula Manila did it again. If you can recall, I posted a blog entitled Stupid Cupid because of the decoration they used for the Valentine's Dinner.

Here's a photo of that Stupid Cupid.

For Easter, there were some cute decorations such as:

But boy oh boy, as I walked through the food spread, I have to tell you that it reminded me a lot of Halloween. Seriously, how can anyone think that this is appetizing at all? I mean, check out the salmon. The fresh head is still attached to it. And when you get a piece from the body, it looks like a bear had just grabbed it from the river, then before the bear had a chance to eat it, it was snatched and displayed on the buffet table. EEEK!

This chicken is still whole underneath that sliced ham on top of it. To me, it looks like a human body skinned alive. The fat looks like the ribs! And poor chicken looks like it swallowed a whole pineapple and is in the process of doing #2.

JURASSIC Chicken Pate!!! Need I say more?

Thank goodness for the Salmon and Arugula Pizza and the Massimo Pizza at Mi Piace!

Speaking of Summer...

2009-04-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

..here are some pieces that Summer has inspired us to create. I took the liberty of finding bags from ARANAZ that will totally go well with the pieces. How fun it is to be a girl!!!

Bags are available at ARANAZ, Rockwell and Greenbelt or visit their site:
http://aminava82.multiply.com/

The Color of Summer.

2009-04-15T00:37:00.000-07:00

Whenever summer hits, the color that first comes to my mind is turquoise. Not sure why but I think it's got something to do with my mom always wearing white linen and her turquoise jewelry during the hot summer days. I love the look. The color stands out and I think it goes with every skin color which makes it an easy material to work with when it comes to jewellery. I have spotted a few celebrities wearing this color and I have to tell you, turquoise is officially my new favorite color (sorry RED....don't worry, it will always go back to you).

Love love love these Pucci shoes!!

Here's Jul B. Dizon Jewellery's take on the Color of the Month.

Kris Aquino in Jul B. Dizon Jewellery

2009-04-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

Working with EDSA Shangri-la Hotel has never been so easy and pleasant. The marketing staff headed by Ms. Tess Tirona has been so wonderfully accommodating and helpful in my recent projects that I am beginning to feel spoiled by this hotel. Last night's event wouldn't have turned out successful without the staff of banquet department who worked from the early hours of the morning till the last chair has been placed back to its original spot in the e's bar.

As you all know, my favorite stylist and friend Junjun Ablaza worked on creating the theme for the launch of Kris Aquino Collection. I had informed him that Kris wanted to use pink stones and from there on, he did his magic and transformed the all black bar into a pink and black wonderland! He also placed real life pink cockatiels inside the bird cages.

The food was truly delicious. Everyone came up to me and told me so. I am so happy that not only was there bejewelled eyecandy for my guests, there was also spread that truly made you come back for more..and more...and more. I just have to tell you that there was a Japanese station which served fresh sushi, sashimi and tonkatsu. In the Italian station, the chef will make you a plate of delicious pasta with 3 kinds of sauces to choose from. The Chinese corner, my ultimate favorite, they served huge Prawn siomai, hakao and siopao. The last but definitely not the least, the dessert station had oodles and gaboodles of fresh fruits for the strawberry fountain (had to be pink), cakes and assorted pastries.

And for my favorite part, my friends that came to show support. SALAMAT!!!

Jul B. Dizon with Ms. Rosa Rosal of the Philippine National Red Cross.

Your bloggerina and friends. More photos to follow!

The CandyMan and I.

The Kris Aquino Jewels.

2009-04-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

THE PROJECT

I designed a collection under special instructions of Ms. Kris Aquino. She wanted me to use pink stones and to give partial of the proceeds to

THE SPONSORS

THE EVENT STYLIST, Junjun Ablaza

THE VENUE

THE STAR adorned by JUL B. DIZON JEWELLERY

More on this special event tomorrow and to those who came and supported me, Kris Aquino and the Philippine National Red Cross, I thank you from the bottom of my beating heart.

Dedicated to Alexa Isobel.

2009-03-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

Event: Dedication of Alexa Isobel Kaufman
Date: March 28, 2009
Venue: One Roxas Triangle

It was a high couture baby dedication. The first I have ever been to. The mother was wearing a long gown by Debbie Co and baby Alexa wore a pink Jun Escario but had 3 gowns on stand by Debbie Co, Kate Torralba and Puey Quinones.

The ceremony was simple, short and meaningful. The seven pairs of godmothers and godfathers were all present to offer their lifelong guidance to baby Alexa.

The dessert table.

Kate, by the way, serenaded us with her angelic voice while playing the piano. This girl has so many talents you wouldn't believe it.

The radiant mother and daughter.

Mai, did all the center pieces and all the decoration herself. Shows what kind of a dedicated mumsy she is to Alexa.

To David and Mai, congratulations and to baby Alexa, welcome to world of Christ.

Another Reason to Eat.

2009-03-30T00:09:00.000-07:00

My JOY LUCK CLUB did it again.

Mary Ann is going to leave for 2 months and we decided to throw her a farewell dinner party. I think it is just a ploy to make Minena cook and for us to stuff ourselves once again. I mean, Mary Ann will be back in two months so it's not like she REALLY needed a dinner party to see her off.

FOOD, this is what binds this group together like a fly to a flypaper. The first dinner together has now grown to almost a hundred times and pounds.

Minena, I have never tasted a better paella before. I am not saying just because you are my friend...or because you gave me 2 cakes last week....or because you always host our dinners at your place....IT REALLY WAS THE BEST. If you are asking me what makes it the best? I can tell you exactly what makes it just that....

1. The sizes of those darn prawns! I suppose you used the freshest and big ass shrimps because you are cooking for your own consumption as well..and I believe that you owe yourself only the best things in life.

2. The chorizo....darn, I would have been happy with just that and the rice.

3. The moist texture of the dish. It was still a bit sticky in the inside but was so well cooked that the flavor of each ingredient just pops in your mouth and then WHAM BAM thank you MAM, pure ecstasy!

The barbeque ribs were made by Gary Jamora! This gang is just calorie deadly, I tell you! To those who know me, you all know how I love barbeque ribs. It is the main reason that I cannot turn vegetarian. But the ribs that Gary prepared, on my gosh...the tenderness, the tangy flavor, the sauce even! Wow....simply...wow.

To you my readers, if you are not salivating by now or hear the grumble in your tummy, then you are not human.

AND because Christine thought that these 2 dishes are not enough, she HAD to buy delicious beef noodle soup from Ling Nam! Just the perfect appetizer to warm up the stomach for the dishes above. Sigh.....

And now, for the most evil part of a dining experience. The cakes. You probably will think that I am exaggerating when I tell you that the Strawberry Shortcake is one of the best cakes I have ever had, no offense to Cheffie, but even HE liked it! I am so totally not sharing the leftovers of that to anyone.. meaning just Cheffie and myself.

The chocolate mouse was w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l. That's all I will say about that because you might think that I am sucking up to you already.

Those who came, conquered and gained weight.

Thank you guys for the unforgettable evening and Pat for the use of your house.

And to you, Mary Ann and Alex....please let us know one week before your arrival here in Manila so that we can prepare another Joy Luck welcoming party which is really just another excuse to eat.

ESTABLISHMENT!

2009-03-29T22:53:00.000-07:00

Anton San Diego ventures into the bar and restaurant world! Congratulations to him for opening a new venue for people to dine and wine with style! The clean, white lines of the structure on the outside is total opposite to the black wall paper and dimly lit dining area. A wall separates the huge main hall from what I think is too small of a bar but the decor and furniture makes up for the tight space.

It was just a stop over having come from Martinis so we didn't stay too long. Just another glass of Amaretto Sour for me and bottled water for the boys, few minutes of photo taking and off we were. So basically, I can't write about the service, food quality and presentation just yet. But don't worry, with the very cool ambiance, I am sure to come back for the real deal.

My party boys.

In the meantime, check out this Establishment's pretty face.

Your bloggerina and Anton San Diego.

When I asked the bartenders to kindly move so that I can take a photo of the bar, they asked why they can't be included. Anyway, how can I resist when they gave me a super yummy Amaretto Sour? Here you go boys!

Martinis Turns Two!

2009-03-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

This bar holds a very special place in my liver. If you can recall, Mandarin Oriental opened Martinis with a jewelry show that I produced AND directed. It was fun and exciting and something that I will never forget.

Last Saturday, Martinis celebrated its 2nd birthday with a party where the bars were open from 8 - 11 pm. The theme was Studio 54 so all the servers got rid of their wigs and wore full on Austin Powers costume. It was fun and a nice change. Seriously, I think they should ditch the wig and try another look.

The wigless waitresses would pass around martini infused cocktail foods in glasses. Some were good but some were total disasters (the salmon dipped in sake, margarita style almost made me puke!). We decided to order safe bar chows.

A live jazz band did their stuff but I would have preferred music to coincide with the theme. Would have been more fun I think.

My dates.

Thank you to Charisse Chuidian for the invitation and for taking time out to sit with us.

Since the crowd was totally new to me, I didn't see any of my friends, I decided to head on home before my 3rd glass of lychee martini hits me.

Jul B. Dizon Jewellery at CHI.

2009-03-26T02:13:00.000-07:00

It was indeed a delightful event that Jul B. Dizon Jewellery hosted for 15 very special friends.
CHI, The Spa of EDSA Shangri-la Hotel prepared a magnificent food set up at the Library and wowed us all with the colors, presentation and taste of the spread they laid out for the event.

Junjun Ablaza styled the room and left me breathless with the detail and intricacy of each decor he used. I don't think I can ever have another event without using him to style the place. He is just too good for words.

I know that I have posted about this event but it was just a teaser to what I am about to post right now. You will see how gorgeous my guests are and how well they wear their own Jul Dizon pieces.

CHI pampered them with hand massages and Puey Quinones displayed clothes that truly blended well with the whole afternoon theme party.

Once again, thank you to all those who made this happen. See you on our next event.

And now, my beautiful models....

Here's Rufina looking oh so hot in a Puey Quinones dress.
Cris wore her Chinoiserie Collection from Jul B. Dizon Jewellery and a super cute Pucci dress.
The girls having their hands massaged.
Your bloggerina with the Chinese Shopaholic Mafia.

Holy Week Dilemma....solved!

2009-03-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

For months now, I have been trying to figure out where I would spend the Holy Week with the family. I have tried checking out packages to Batanes, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. I told myself that I would support the local tourist industry by just staying in the country but I admit, I also did check Hong Kong packages. But in the end, with everything full, I decided to spend the first few days in Manila and the rest of the week in our rest house in Laguna.

Last week, I invited a few friends over and was amazed at how beautiful it is with all the flowers in bloom. The weather was perfect and the company even better. This is why I have decided that I need not spend so much money, effort and time on finding a getaway place when Paradizo (it's what my parents decided to name the place. I think it sounds cheesy) is just 2 hours away. The good thing about spending Holy Week here is that 2 chefs will be coming to spend it with us! One will make steak and pasta and the other, desserts, of course. That will be something to blog about entirely! WOO HOO! Can't wait!

Here are some photos of what my parents have worked so hard on the past years. ENJOY!

Preview features my WHIMSICAL COLLECTION!

2009-03-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

My favorite cover girl, Lucy Gomez, graces once again the March issue of Preview Magazine. She looks hot hot hot in short hair but knowing her, she will never snip snip snip her long lovely tresses.

But aside from the cover story, Alyanna Martinez did a four-page spread entitled, "Washed Ashore", where my Whimsical Collection adorned the super sexy, nude model, Zenya. The jewellery stood out from her perfect tan and fatless body. Alyanna actually wanted ME to be the model for this spread but I refused because my parents are strict. (BWA HA HA HA) Sigh, I can only wish.....

The make up on Zenya was really well done so I have to congratulate Gela Laurel-Stehmeier of Lancome for the wonderful work. I know, I know...it seems like I just won the Oscars and I am thanking everyone on stage but I am just so happy with the outcome of this shoot that I must acknowledge the people behind it. Doc Marlon, the photos are superb and it makes me even more excited about the shoot we had with Kris A.

Bravo to everyone and I wish that I could have a better photo but I just took photos of the magazine....that's the best I can do for now. Please grab your copy but also, keep in mind that only the Seaweed necklace is the only thing available at JUL B. DIZON JEWELLERY. Everything else in the spread is sold.

ENJOY!

#2 at Cicou!

2009-03-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

I hardly blog about the same restaurant twice but in this case, it is a must.

Last time I was here with my monthsary with Cheffie and I feel that I didn't get to show more of what Chef Cyrille Soenen has to offer since we only ordered enough for two.

Last week, my Joy Luck Club went to Cicou to celebrate the birthday of the very FORTUNATE FW. (hint hint) We were a total of 10 so more than being busy eating, I was taking photos left and right of the dishes that filled our table. Oh what JOY!

Won't say anymore....you know how I feel about Cicou, otherwise I wouldn't have returned. (le burp)

The French cuisine lovers..

Bon Appetit!!!

And now for the sugary delights!!

Happy Birthday!!!!

A Bejeweled Afternoon Bliss!

2009-03-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

Had a small intimate event at CHI Spa at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel last night. I invited great friends who love jewellery as much as I love designing them.

Have to thank EDSA Shangri-la Hotel and Lifestyle Asia and Puey Quinones for all the support for my projects. I look forward to working with them again real soon.

Photos are just a sneak peak of the set up. Junjun Ablaza will always be my event stylist forever and ever... Watch out for the full coverage in Lifestyle Asia soon.

Tricks on My Mind....

2009-02-26T01:21:00.000-08:00

Got this email this morning and as I browsed through it quickly, my mind just sent XXXX rated signals...but of course, I was wrong. It's actually entertaining and so I decided to share it with those who haven't seen it. You and your naughty thoughts! BWA HA HA HA! Enjoy!

Go Pinoy!

2009-02-20T00:18:00.000-08:00

I think this is going to be an interesting fair. Support local products, support your country. CANDIFIER for PRESIDENT!!!

BUS-STOP!

2009-02-18T02:42:00.000-08:00

In between paragraphs, I will be posting different kinds of bus companies that are on EDSA daily. They are almost all empty but take up half of the highway and create traffic and pollution like you can't imagine. By the time this blog ends, you would have seen 55 different kinds of liners. 55 of each kind but these bus companies have 5 to 7 buses each that go on the same route. That would be approximately 385 buses all trying to squeeze in a 3 to 5 lane highway.

They are rude, careless, reckless and uneducated when it comes to driving. The feel superior because the vehicle they are driving is higher, bigger and not theirs. They are the cause of many high blood pressure, lung disease, skin disease and other heart ailments. They even cause instant deaths. They NEED to be re-organized or better yet, closed down, chopped to pieces and melted.

THE BUS and THE BUS DRIVERS. The metropolitan's worst enemy. At least in my opinion. To add on to what I already said above, it and they cause much delay in important business meetings. Millions could be lost in deals because of them. Many fights between lovers and friends have occurred because of their ways, their number on the streets. Once, I saw a dead man under one of the huge monsters, in between the front and back tires, meaning, in the middle. Seemed to me that if the bus hit him from the front, the man would have been thrown back or at least ended up being near the headlights or front bumper. Instead, he was in the middle of the bus, which can only mean that the bus driver must have made sure that this man does not live.

I lived in the US for 5 years almost and I really like their public bus transportation system. They were in a bus stop at exactly the right time their schedule say it would. There's only 1 kind, 1 color, 1 lane, and 1 owner, it being the government.

We might as well admit it, we Filipino's are suckers for anything imported. We try to copy their ways, speak their language and purchase their products. So if we are going to do this anyway without shame, why can't we as well, adopt or follow their ways which are progressive, systematic and beneficial to all?

If I were President of the Philippines, or even the MMDA Chairman, I would make this my first order. Get rid of ALL the bus companies in Metro Manila and make one that is owned, run and managed by the government.

Sure sure, you say that they are corrupt and the money will go to their pockets....but to tell you honestly, I don't think I would mind it this time IF what we get in return is a clean EDSA. A highway that is so vital to us who live in Metro Manila to be a moving one, not crawling as I do everyday in my car. Imagine the gas that you can save; becoming prompt, thus more efficient, the health benefits of not having to inhale their carbon monoxide. The delivery of products, dairy, livestock and vegetables that we ourselves eat can get to the stores/groceries before they rot.

I am getting all hyper just thinking about why our government just allows this to happen. They themselves give permit for all these companies to run without thinking if we really need them. Sure, I have my own car, unlike most of the people in this city who have to commute but I am not saying get rid of all the buses. I am merely trying to voice out my opinion on how it can be more efficient if we only had 1 bus company that follow a bus stop schedule.

Try to account the fact that they stop almost anywhere they want despite the NO STOPPING ANYTIME signs on the road. They swerve left and right like they are the only ones on the road. Doesn't really matter to them how loud or long you honk your horn. Doesn't matter if they cut into your lane and that you almost hit the car beside you trying to avoid them.

Can you believe that there are still more photos to be posted? Take note, I did not post the same company twice.

And so finally, before my blood begins to boil once again seeing all these buses, I do hope that someday, when it's our children's time to be on the front line of our businesses and work force, they will not have to deal with these monsters. Now, I have 2 friends who own bus companies, of which are also posted above. I hope that you take no offense in my post but I am sure that when you are on EDSA, you yourselves have experienced terrible driving, sickening pollution and maddening traffic because of buses.

MEGAN FOX! ANO BA TALAGA?

2009-02-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

Stupid Cupid....

2009-02-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

This will probably be the shortest post I will ever post but I just have to tell you the ugliest cupid I have ever seen. What's worse is, I saw this in The Peninsula Hotel, Manila. A 5 star hotel that oozes with classiness....this time, with a cupid like this, KA-CHEAPAN!

Look-a-likes with the Famous and the Not So Famous YET!!

2009-02-12T00:35:00.000-08:00

This is what I do during my free time, meaning, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, which is actually my store hours. Once in a while, I would entertain a client, especially when the cook at home tells me that we only have galunggong (cheap fish) for dinner. After scribbling a few designs here and there, I would get back to my beloved google to check out which celebrity looks like my friends and I.

These are the the fruits of my labor. Enjoy!

Valentine's Day Dilemma.

2009-02-08T22:22:00.001-08:00

1. Dining out = terrible traffic, restaurants that are full, can do that anytime of the year.

2. Staying home = "So, is this how you show your love for me? Staying home? You didn't even make an effort!"

3. Tagaytay = Been there, done that...even if it is at Antonio's!

4. Movie = yeah, that's romantic....NOT!

5. Roses and Chocolates = yawn....boring...

So what's a girl to do when she tells her honey that she will be the one to take care of the Valentine's Day weekend???

Here's a few list that I can think of...hopefully, if you are in the same dilemma as I am, this will help you out.

1. Weekend trip to Isla Naburot. The island resort with no electricity. No phones, no tv, no lights....just pure nature at its best. Great fresh food and very clean rooms.

2. When was the last time you went to a motel? Victoria's Court offers super entertaining Themed Rooms. Each room has a home theatre system, jacuzzi, private garage, king sized bed and a love seat! Prices start at P4,795.00

3. Take your honey to see the 2009 Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark. Starts on the 12th of February and ends on the 15th. P8,000/person to attend all activities.

4. Drive up to Baguio, with the new highway, it should only take you 4 hours (maximum). Stay at the Manor for only P5,700 for a standard room.

They have a package called Satin Nights for those who want to get jiggy with it... 2 night accomodation, welcome feast with wine and flowers, satin robes and beddings, buffet breakfast and a romantic room setting only for P15,310 for a Superior Room. Not bad.

I still have 3 days to think of something...till then, I am open to suggestions!

9 Course Wonder.

2009-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

It was a night to remember....

A nine course dinner prepared especially for 30 guests at the Global Academy Culinary School by Sunshine Puey Pengson and her honey, Rob Pengson. It is done once in two months and seats are very limited. We were in luck to be able to get a slot. We came prepared. No lunch in our tummies, we were ready for the battle.

The menu

First course

Second course

Third course

Fourth course

Fifth course

Sixth course

Seventh course

Desserts

By now, I am pretty sure you are drooling or can hear your tummy growling with hunger. Well, you have every right to be. The food was fantastic! It was so carefully thought of...the mixture of ingredients, the amount to be used and the presentation was superb. The kitchen, of course, was all glass so you have full view of what's going on inside. You can see how much effort each staff put into making the plates look good enough for a magazine feature.

Although the location was not really that appealing, once you enter the doors of the school, it felt more homey. The service was excellent. No need to ask for anything because it seemed like the waiters can read your mind.

The price of a degustation dinner ranges from P2,500 to P3,000 depending on the menu prepared. I must tell you that it is so inexpensive for what you are getting. First class service, finest quality food and every single bite was extremely delicious.

The hard working, culinary couple that prepared this meal along with their kitchen partners.

The reason we had this wonderful dinner. Cheffie won the raffle at the 50 Must Buys in Manila book launch. YIPPPEEE!!!

The Call of Bohol.

2009-02-02T00:47:00.000-08:00

First the photos.....

THE LOBBY

THE POOL

THE ROOM

THE FOOD

THE SPA

THE CAVES

THE BEACH

THE PROS

The rooms are clean, the pool has an amazing view of the ocean, the water is calm and shallow that kids would love. There's a cave where guests can swim in (water is cold though, but refreshing). The ala carte menu has a wide variety to choose from and all that we ordered were pretty good. The SPA is wonderful! The staff are friendly and helpful. The package that we got was very reasonable. P15,000/pax inclusive of 3 days, 2 nights stay, airfare, airport transfers, welcome drink, buffet breakfast and dinner. Not bad eh? BUT.......

THE CONS

Cheffie and I would always complain to ourselves about the 5 to 8 waiters just standing around chatting to themselves for hours by the pool bar while thousands of dead leaves were being left under the bushes instead of being collected and disposed of properly, the super slow service for the food and drinks (especially if you order by the beach), the buffet is very limited, especially to foreigners). They say it is free WIFI but despite numerous attempts, even with the help of their technician, we didn't connection so we weren't able to check our precious FACEBOOK accounts.

THE JUDGEMENT

Would probably try Amorita or Bohol Beach Club next time just to see the difference but I would still recommend PANGLAO ISLAND NATURE RESORT and SPA to you guys. Hopefully after my letter to the management on how they can improve their services, you might not have anything bad to say about it. Anyway, that's what friends are for right?

So when you decide to go to Bohol.....TAKE ME ALONG WITH YOU! By the way, I don't fly Cebu Pacific. On our way back to Manila, poor passengers of CP were delayed for hours. I pity the young children who had to wait in the shoe box sized airport. It's just NOT right!

http://www.panglaoisland.com/

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-la.

2009-01-21T22:12:00.000-08:00

If you read the previous blog entry to this one, you will see that Jul B. Dizon Jewellery has tied up with CHI, The Spa at Shangri-la to celebrate Chinese New Year with you, our valued clients.

You might be wondering, if you have never been to CHI, why we decided to join with this particular spa. Well, not only is it conveniently located in the same hotel but I have to tell you, even insist that based on experience, it is truly a magnificent, breathtaking and oh so relaxing spa I have ever been to. The service, ambiance, the scent, music and all of the things involved in making one relax, CHI took it to a higher level.

Of course it is not cheap. It is indeed quite expensive but we are talking our bodies here. The "Temple of God", which is why I am so often called a Goddess. (BWA HA HA HA!)

Okay, seriously, let the photos speak for itself. ENTER.....

My favorite room, of course, would have to be the Couple's room. They have an outdoor jacuzzi filled to the brim with rose petals and a view of the stars above. Sigh...I am such a romantic.

So after seeing this, wouldn't you want to experience CHI yourself? To be able to have a massage that will make you forget your own name? Of course you do.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Jul B. Dizon Jewellery offers you to a complimentary CHI spa treatment for purchases of P50,000 and up. It's our way to share with you the start of the New Year with a more relaxed body and focused mind while draped in Jul B. Dizon Jewellery.

It's good to be a woman.

Jewellery and Spa, Every Woman's BFF!

2009-01-21T21:23:00.000-08:00

See you at Cicou!

2009-01-14T20:53:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Month-saries are often perceived to be corny, but to me, I feel that it is the best way to keep a relationship alive and romantic. Even if a couple have passed the one year mark, I would find it incredibly sweet if Cheffie would continue to treat each month as something worth celebrating. (hint hint) To all you ladies out there who think that it is a useless date to celebrate, prepare to be envious. And to the men who happen to be reading this, if you love your honey, no matter how corny she thinks it may be, a simple dinner to acknowledge your monthsary will be appreciated in the long run if not immediately.

Last night was our 7th. We decided to try out the newly opened Cicou (pronouced as SEE-SUE). It has been two months since they opened their doors and already the buzz about the good food is inching its way to the food lovers grape vine.

Cicou is a French restaurant. It is located where I grew up. No not Quezon City, but where Faces and Mars used to be. Yeah, those were the days when my friends and I would hit the disco every weekend, get on the ledge and dance to the music of Break Out by Swing Out Sister and Harvest for the World by The Isley Brothers. Cicou is inside a boutique hotel called Hotel Celeste along Jupiter in Makati Avenue. (More on the hotel later)

Anyway getting back to the dinner...

The place is cozy. I liked the lighting and the furniture. The staff were super friendly and was able to give us answers to our inquiries about their menu. The front manager asked if we were celebrating anything as he brought us to our table. I proudly informed him of this special date and he walked away with a smile.

I ordered the roasted lamb fillet coated with herbs and ravioli.

Cheffie had the chicken breast stuffed with walnut butter and bourdin sausages.

Appetizer was Wagyu terrine. It's not really a favorite of mine since I don't particularly like cold steak but Cheffie liked it so it must be good.

Our orders arrived and boy was I happy about the lamb! It was so flavorful, juicy and so tender that it seemed to melt in my mouth. Cheffie's chicken was also divine but I still preferred my lamb. The side dishes on its own was wonderful and our plates were clean enough that it need not to be washed.

Best part is of course, the dessert. While waiting for our Apple Tatin and Chocolate Ganache and Caramel Chocolate, the chef sent over complimentary bite size dessert samplers. No photo of that because it was gone in seconds.

When the sweet goodies arrived, we were surprised to have 3 plates on our table instead of 2. How kind of Chef Cyrille Soenen to have sent us a complimentary dessert to mark our monthsary.

All in all, it was a dinner worth blogging not because of our 7th month together but because we celebrated it in a lovely restaurant with great food and romantic ambiance.

Our compliments to Chef Cyrille Soenen for a magnificent dining experience.

Restaurant Cicou
Hotel Celeste, 2 San Lorenzo Drive
Makati, Metro Manila
Reservations - (632) 8896728
email- restaurant_cicou@yahoo.com

Golden Globe Stackers.

2009-01-14T00:33:00.000-08:00

As I was going through some photos of celebrities and their jewelry during the Golden Globe, I realized that a lot of them stacked their bracelets on top of one another. This usually creates an illusion of a wide cuff but in a playful way since the bracelets are moving more freely than a cuff. I usually like this idea but only when it is daywear. White t-shirt, jeans, nice shoes and stacked up bracelets. But personally, I would rather wear one bangle that is wide, solid and oh so studded with diamonds.

Here's what I mean about the stackables.

And here's what I mean about one magnificent bangle.

If YOU were invited to the Golden Globe Awards and will be seated next to the likes of Beyonce, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, what dress would you wear and what jewellery?

I shudder to think of the pressure that would have on me. Bwa ha ha ha!

Jewellery at Golden Globe Awards 2009

2009-01-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

This is the only reason I watch this show. Every year, the Hollywood Hotties try to outdo each other by the dresses, bags, shoes and jewellery that they wear. This year, I saw great looking pieces but I am disappointed when some stars dress down in the bling bling department.

My favorite is this turquoise necklace that Eva Mendez wore. OOOOHH, I love it to pieces!

The next one on my fave list is this super brilliant, 3 row diamond necklace on Elizabeth Banks. Sigh..... But, I am not really liking her hair. But she's sweet, I guess. I think her necklace is too VAVAVAVOOM for her total sweet 16 look.

I am really bothered by the wrinkles on the side of Christina Applegate's eyes but with a necklace like this.....also, check out the fancy colored yellow diamond earrings. Super!

I think these earrings are stunning but too heavy. Kate Beckinsale must have had a headache after an hour of wearing it. I also think that it would have been much better if they were rubies instead of garnet. But she carried it well. Love her dress.

Even if it brought your eyes automatically on Beyonce's neck, this Lorraine Schwartz piece was more "WOW. look at all those diamonds" rather than, "HOLY MOLY, check out the intricacy of that work!" But nevertheless, it still breathtaking.

Floral Coral Power!

2009-01-07T23:19:00.000-08:00

Precious coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of marine coral. The distinguishing characteristic of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink skeleton, which is used for making jewelry.

The hard skeleton of red coral branches is naturally matte, but can be polished to a glassy shine. It exhibits a range of warm reddish pink colors from pale pink to deep red; the word coral is also used to name such colors. Owing to its intense and permanent coloration and glossiness, precious coral skeletons have been harvested since antiquity for decorative use. Coral jewelry has been found in ancient Egyptian and prehistoric European burials, and continues to be made to the present day.

Red corals grow on rocky seabottom with low sedimentation, typically in dark environments--either in the depths or in dark caverns or crevices. The original species, rubrum, is found mainly in the Mediterranean Sea. It grows at depths from 10 to 300 m, although the shallower of these habitats have been largely depleted by harvesting. In the underwater caves of Alghero, Sardinia (the "Coral Riviera") it grows at the depth of 4 m. The same species is also found at Atlantic sites near the Strait of Gibraltar and at the Cape Verde Islands. Other Corallium species are native to the western Pacific, notably around Japan and Taiwan; these occur at depths of 350 to 1500 m in areas with strong currents.

Coral, if you are a Jul B. Dizon Jewellery fan, is a favorite material that we work with. Here are some of the pieces that my sisters and I have recently designed and brothers created. A lot of the items here are sold or are orders but please feel free to drop by our branches in Peninsula and EDSA Shangri-la to have your own oceanic wonder.

Thanks to Wikipedia for the information about Coral.

Made of Jade.

2009-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

What is jade?

'Jade', or yu, as it is called in China, is strictly speaking a generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. The name is derived from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada', loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as 'lapis nephriticus'. That, indeed, is where the term 'nephrite' came from.

Jadeite is rarer than nephrite and is therefore regarded as more precious. Nephrite deposits have been found in China, New Zealand, Russia, Guatemala and the Swiss Alps. Dark green jade, so-called Canada jade, is also found in Western Canada. Jadeite is found in China, Russia and Guatemala, but the best stones come from Burma, now known as Myanmar. There, at the annual 'Gems, Jade and Pearls Emporium', blocks of jade in all sizes are auctioned. When purchasing the raw materials, the dealers need to be fairly lucky, since the nodules, blocks and fragments are sold either whole or after having been cut into slices, and there is only a very small window, the result of some initial grinding. So the buyer cannot see exactly what is hidden on the inside: valuable green jade, or an almost worthless, speckled or streaky material. It is not until the cutting process begins that the real quality is revealed.

In the jade-cutting centres of Canton, Beijing and Hong Kong, the raw material is processed with carborundum and diamond powder. Since jade is, as a rule, not transparent, but has a fine lustre, the cabochon is the form best suited to it. Thin slivers, which can be worn as pendants, and jade bracelets are popular too. Round, cylindrical and flat shapes can be combined to make attractive necklaces. Traditionally, jade is processed into slender figures, filigree images or thin-walled vessels. This is sometimes erroneously referred to as jade carving. Unwanted material is in fact removed during the cutting process, and the stone is subsequently polished. Here once again we see the subtle difference between nephrite and jadeite: whilst polished nephrite has a surface with a resinous lustre, the glassy lustre of jadeite after polishing seems to shine almost like that of a mirror.

Here are some of Jul B. Dizon Jewellery's way of being creative with the precious gem.

For more information about Jade, please lick on
http://www.gemstone.org

The Stock Market Earns Points!

2009-01-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

I liked the food. It was yummy. Simple as that. Service could be better but the quality of the food (taste and presentation) made up for it. I like the decor of the place. It is clean, fresh and homey. The family was also quite happy which made me glad since I was the one who recommended the restaurant. I didn't hear much complain from my dad (which is such a relief, because it is difficult to please him when it comes to dining out). All in all, I will surely come back here to try out more of their dishes.

By the way, did you know that this restaurant is owned by

Enjoy!

50 Must Buys in Manila, the Launch.

2008-12-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

How fun it was! The book launch of 50 Must Buys in Manila at Fully Booked spelled S-U-C-C -E-S-S! A supersize Congratulations once again to my sistah, Janina and Michael S. for informing us how to be even more broke than we already are by compiling 50 all local, handmade and specially designed pieces here in Manila.

The raffle prizes were equally wonderful and I was given the job to call out the winners and I have to clear my name to those who shouted "Luto! Luto!" when Cheffie won the degustation dinner by Sunshine Puey. Is it my fault that God wanted Cheffie and I to have a 6 course dinner prepared by one of the top chefs in the Philippines? It is His way for me to blog about it because He knows I can't spend another dime this Christmas Season. So there.

I must mention that the cocktail food by CAV was really good. Mental note to myself, for future catering services, CAV is on my top 10 list.

Okay then....I know you have been praying hard for me to shut up and show you the pics so I will grant your prayers. Shutting up now. ENJOY!!!

Metro's Wish List!

2008-12-17T00:57:00.000-08:00

I think Lucy looks STUNNING on the cover!

Anyway, the bangle is already sold but you may order for your own with your personal input on the design.

I failed to post this when it came out but it is better to be late to blog than not to blog at all.

Jul B. Dizon Jewellery
The Peninsula Hotel
(632) 8864638

EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
(632) 6336553

Accessory Lab will be FAB!

2008-12-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

"Accessory Lab is an accessories and bling shop located at the 2nd floor of the Rockwell Power Plant Mall. Accessory Lab was created out of sheer appreciation for the unique collections designed by skilled and talented artists from the Philippines and select Asian countries."

On Dec. 18, it will finally be opened to the public and I am super duper excited to see the outcome of 12 months of sleepless nights and hard work of Ingrid and partners. Accessory Lab will be taking credit card payments as soon as they open their doors.

You will find a vignette of Jul B. Dizon Jewellery with pieces designed by yours truly on display. Hope you will find your Jul B. Dizon treasure there.

Located in between VMV and Figaro at the 2nd level of Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Center. Tel. (02) 890-9011.

See you on the 18th! Happy Shopping!

50 Must Buys in Manila, the Book.

2008-12-11T00:38:00.000-08:00

When Janina Dizon-Hoschka and Michael Salientes put their heads together about shopping, you would think that you need to sell your soul to be able to afford what they think is the hottest thing to have. But from bread to flutes, these guys know the best place to get it. A collaboration between two great shoppers/fashionistas/stylist/tastemakers resulted in a book entitled 50 Must Buys in Manila where they featured products which are ALL LOCALLY MADE. BRAVO FILIPINO!

I also have to mention the tremendous effort of T. Hoschka who was the one who glued the two heads together in the first place.

Some featured artists, designers, products in the book are my friends;

PUEY QUINONES

SUNSHINE PUEY

MICH DULCE

PAUL SYJUCO

BRIAN TENORIO

And of course JUL B. DIZON JEWELLERY

Book launching is on the 20th of December at 2-6 pm in Fully Booked, High Street, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. This event in itself offers much surprises for those who will purchase a book on the said date. Raffle prizes which are sponsored by the featured products in the book awaits, and yes, you may win a one of a kind, handcrafted, jewelry item from Jul B. Dizon Jewellery!

So, I say, one of the best buys in Manila right now is none other than the 50 BEST BUYS IN MANILA, the book.

Congratulations to Janina and Michael for providing us in depth information as to where to buy amazing products at the same time support Filipino craftsmanship and artists.

Raffle prizes are super duper great!! Check them out:

Jul Dizon Jewellery worth P 30,000.00
Jewelmer pearl pendant worth P 30,000.00
Paul Syjuco Jewellery worth P 20,000.00
Arnel Papa Jewellery
2 handpainted Jusi wraps by Puey Quinones worth P 7,000.00 each
Joey Samson shirt
Eairth top
Soumak place mats
Jewelmer book worth P 2800.00 each
Vintage Restore bag worth P 4,500.00
Shampoo and conditioner by Herbal Woman worth P 700.00
Children's toys worth P 500.00
Sacha and the little Man baby clothes worth P 800.00
The Spa burner set worth P 1,500.00
Prizmik and Brill luggage
Buddy Trinidad cake worth P 1,500.00
Sunshine Puey Pengson degustation dinner for 2 worth P6,000.00
Home scent by Gemma Suzara
Barong by F. Trinidad gift certificate
Gift certificate from Sei Salon worth P 1500.00
Gift certificate for a bikini by Ric Vicencio
Hat by Mich Dulce
Barako coffee from Figaro
Organic Skincare by Leyende
Gift certificate to the Devarana Spa at the Dusit
2 Gift certificates by QI Wellness worth P 450.00 each
Christmas decor by Casa Mikael
Cutlery by Elm's Accessoria de Casa
Candles by Alice Blue worth
Stationary by Rina Albert worth
4 Cigar sets by La Flor de la Isabela worth P 1,280.00 each

I am going to try to rig it. For these prizes? I am willing to go to jail! (Bwa hahahah)

Tassel Dazzle the Jul Dizon Way.

2008-12-11T00:13:00.000-08:00

My jewelry of the month has got me swingin' my head from left to right. I wore one today and got so many compliments that I had to pat myself on the shoulders.

When I saw the raw material, I knew exactly what I wanted out of them. It has been such a long time since we made them and I wanted to bring it back to my peeps who love jewelry.

As I show them to my clients, it always takes more than an hour to finally decide on which color they will purchase because ALL the colors are so darn pretty! Plus the fact that it is very easy on the wallet, it makes everyone who sees it want to buy more than one. But when that happens, it is usually decided after a phone call to the financier (husband or honey).

And guess what...they are detachable so you can mix match the colors of your tassel depending on your mood.

So you, yeah, I am talking to you. Come on over and dazzle your way through the holidays with the Jul B. Dizon tassel.

Mellie in Wonderland!

2008-12-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

"But I don't want to go among mad people," Alice remarked.

"Oh, you can't help that," said the Cat: "we're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad."

"How do you know I'm mad?" said Alice.

"You must be," said the Cat, "or you wouldn't have come here."

As you can see, nothing was spared to make this party a truly super duperly detailed ALICE in WONDERLAND theme birthday celebration. If you were there, you know exactly what I am talking about. The entrance alone instantly put a smile on my face because childhood memories of Alice's land of wonder came rushing back. Huge teapots, cups and saucers with large bird cages with real live birds inside. Guards dressed up as cards and all this was just the foyer. Once you enter the ballroom, it was shocking. I didn't know where to point my camera first.

The table was a large one, but the three were all crowded together at one corner of it: `No room! No room!' they cried out when they saw Alice coming. `There's PLENTY of room!' said Alice indignantly, and she sat down in a large arm-chair at one end of the table.

The grandsons of the celebrant recited poems and played the violin (superbly) and Ballet Philippines performed for the very colorfully dressed guests. It was awesome how the friends of Mrs. Ablaza came wearing tiaras and ball gowns which looked straight from the Disney book.

`Do you mean that you think you can find out the answer to it?' said the March Hare.

`Exactly so,' said Alice.

`Then you should say what you mean,' the March Hare went on.

`I do,' Alice hastily replied; `at least--at least I mean what I say--that's the same thing, you know.'

`Not the same thing a bit!' said the Hatter. `You might just as well say that "I see what I eat" is the same thing as "I eat what I see"!'

`You might just as well say,' added the March Hare, `that "I like what I get" is the same thing as "I get what I like"!'

`You might just as well say,' added the Dormouse, who seemed to be talking in his sleep, `that "I breathe when I sleep" is the same thing as "I sleep when I breathe"!'

The desserts were another story. I mean, nothing can ever beat this sugary buffet. Not even 5 star hotels. Displayed with such detail and thought, Jun Jun laid out the sweets perfectly and most attractively that even those on a diet (hint hint) could not resist grabbing a plateful. One minute, the table was overflowing, 20 minutes after, it was empty as if it were never there. The dinner was by Le Souffle. The desserts came from 3 different pastry chefs: Baba Ibaceta, Marta Matute, Carlo Estagle and last but not least, Audrey of Bizu. (Drool baby drool!)

The dancing began after the presentations and the cake blowing and about 30 Dance Instructors came out to boogie on down with the ladies and gents who wanted to show their dance floor moves. Even the DI's were thought of!

`Well, in out country,' said Alice, still panting a little, `you'd generally get to somewhere else -- if you ran very fast for a long time, as we've been doing.'

`A slow sort of country!' said the Queen. `Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!'

It was hard to leave the party because it was so much fun but of course, the party had to end and leaving the party was like leaving a true to life Wonderland. Happy Birthday Madame Mellie!

Your bloggerina and host, Johnny Litton.

To my favorite event stylist, A BIGGER THAN LIFE BRAVO to you White Rabbit! Keep on hopping!

Excerpts from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll

My Lola Mommy.

2008-11-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

How do you start a love story when it begins with death?

Life will be so different without her. Since the beginning of my time in this world, Lola Mom always had a very strong presence in my life. She always told me and everyone in my family that I am the only in the Dizon family that will take after her. Now, that is not a bad thing. Lola Mom was a great business woman. She handled mega-construction contracts that most men can't imagine handling. While my toys are diamonds and precious gems, hers were forklifts and bulldozers. But despite working with tough businessmen and a hundred construction workers, she was still a lady with a gentle heart. But when she said that I am the only to take after her, she actually meant her physical frame. We always had a laugh about that.

She loved to laugh. To talk about her sons and daughters and what she went through to raise them properly. She is Kapangpangan and that can only mean that she is a great cook and an even greater eater. And that passion to eat good food was, for sure, passed on to the next generation and fell entirely on my lap.

She is not the knitting on the rocking chair kind of lola. She never read us books to sleep either. She did, however, go to Boracay, Palawan and just last month, plan a Meditteranean cruise with her children and their wives. We were all shocked to hear of this plan of hers and were a little apprehensive about making her go through this kind of physical activity at her age. But if you know Lola Mom, nothing can stop her from what she wants.

10 day cruise and a few days in Barcelona was how she spent the last days of her life here on Earth. The last time I saw was half a year ago. And I can't believe that I won't ever see her again, alive.

Her jokes.
Her soft white hair
Her flabby cheeks
Her flower printed dresses
Her voice, her loud and strong voice that I can hear a mile away.
Her smile...

Not so Regal in La Regalade

2008-11-17T22:16:00.000-08:00

Heard and read so much about it. So excited to try it out and see what this 2 Star Michelin Chef of La Regalade in Vancouver is all about.

But firstly, what the heck is this star anyway?

Basically, it is a guide book where stars are given to restaurants based on the quality of food and service.

The guide awards one to three stars to a small number of restaurants of outstanding quality.

Stars are awarded sparingly; for instance: one star is given to a very good restaurant in its category, two stars are given to excellent cooking, worth a detour kind of restaurant, and three stars to exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey establishments.

Back to La Regalade, Makati. According to another blog this is what this restaurant is all about....

The Philippine version of the Vancouver based La Régalade, no relation to Yves Camdeborde’s former restaurant La Régalade in Paris, is owned by Alain Rayé who opened the original in Vancouver, Canada in 2001 after moving there with his family from France. He earned a Michelin star at two restaurants he previously owned in France, his first star in a restaurant in Albertville and a second at La Belle Epoque in Chateaufort, where his cuisine earned him another Michelin star. The Philippine site in Makati opened this month August 2008. Among those who frequented his bistro in the suburbs of Western Vancouver and braved the creaky old Lion’s Gate Bridge was Perfecto “Bubot” Quicho, a former hotelier who made history in 1984 when he was named General Manager of Hyatt Regency Manila, the first Filipino to attain such a position in a five-star worldwide chain.
Perfecto “Bubut” Quicho (pictured) is the manager and one of the partners along with Alain Rayé and Tonyboy Cojuangco. They have put together an “A List” group of customers that are filling the 70 odd seats nightly.

But what is it REALLY about?

The food aint all that....that's what I say. Nothing great and after 2 visits, I don't see myself going back. The 7 hour marinated lamb that they are so proud of tasted so sour that it sent chills up my spine. It was drenched in white wine. Had it wrapped and gave it to the driver. The other dishes were not bad but definitely not great. When you say MIchelin Stars, you think Wolfgang Puck. Food for The Oscars kinda dishes but our version of Martha Stewart, Minena Garcia, I believe cooks much better than the chefs in La Regalade.

Another thing I noticed is that this place doesn't really know what market it wants to target (hey, that rhymes!) My friends and I dressed and put on the bling blings because we thought it was a posh place that would turn clients away if they were wearing jeans. The kind of restaurant that would scoff if they see a child running around the dining area. As we sat down, we noticed that there were high school students (still in their uniform), employees of hotels (also in their uniform) and toddlers running and shouting as we eat out sour lamb!

I suddenly miss Sala.

Here are some photos.

The desserts did not make me happy. And because I can brag about my expanding knowledge about the sweets, I can honestly say that the bite I had of the Valrhona Tart was not worth the calories. Cheffie even told me that it wasn't really Valrhona but chocolate pudding. At least it tasted like it.

So what did we do to get our sugar fill? We went to Minena's house and had chocolate biscuits from Kirkland. YUMMY!

Thanks to Kit Marshal for the info about La Regalade.

Fashion in the Jailhouse.

2008-11-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

Event: Fashion Show sa Bilibid
Date: Nov. 5, 2008
Attire: Anything but orange (hahaha)

Ok folks. Here's something interesting. What do you get when you put Puey + prisoners + fashion show? To start with, a terrified bloggerina who promised to attend only to find out that there's nothing to be scared of. Secondly, you get 35 male prisoners, all interested in making clothes (no, they are not necessarily gay) and a tiny Puey Quinones, producing a fashion show to showcase the jailbird's work.

I have to be honest. The clothes, they were quite bad. I don't have to be Tim Gunn or Heidi Klum to know how bad it was BUT I have to admit, I can't help but admire them for the effort to create something from the little knowledge that they have for this art. I believe that putting a dress that one can wear and walk around with is difficult enough. I can only do the running stitch. They were so proud that their work is being recognized and even shown on national TV (TV PATROL). Not only that, Puey gave the winners cash prize, art supplies, cologne (sponsored by Afficionado) and eyewear (sponsored by Ideal Vision).

Now, the prize money might not have started out to be a lot (1st prize - P5,000, 2nd prize - P3,000, 3rd prize - P2,000) but because of the kind hearts of Joel Cruz and RC (who opts to remain anonymous), the cash prize turned out to be P40,000, P18,000 and P12,000!

With Puey's influence in the fashion industry, he was able to get Ms. Lulu Tan Gan, Robbie Carmona and Liza Ilarde to judge the "Bilibid Runway Project". The guests were mostly officials of the government and their wives. There were also the staff members of Bilibid and the family members of the contestants, all wanting to see the hard work of Puey and his students under the spotlight.

Top model, Ria Bolivar even came down to give support to PQ and walked the runway showcasing Puey's beautiful collection. Another good friend, Carmina Sanchez also offered her support by being the host for the evening. There are a lot of people that I am sure Puey is grateful to but I am sure that nothing can compare how grateful the prisoners feel towards Puey.

Let the show begin...

Not really sure which of the dresses here won but perhaps Puey can leave a comment to inform us of the winners. Congratulations to all the winners and to all those who participated in making this show a success.