Designed for Just About Anything.

YORK BUCKLE TOTE

The quintessential multi-tasking work tote, our York is stylish and super-functional. Made of the highest-quality, scratch-resistant leather, it has classic gold hardware and is designed to keep essentials organized. The interior features a fully padded compartment for a 13" laptop, one large zip pocket, four open pockets for medium and small electronic devices, a ring to attach the matching York Smartphone Wristlet, a clip for keys, and enough room to add an extra pair of shoes. Finished with buckled straps, it’s clean-lined, classic and lightweight — ideal for the office, travel or days on the go.

YORK ZIP PASSPORT CONTINENTAL WALLET

A stylish and super-functional accessory designed to keep essentials organized. Our York Zip Passport Continental Wallet is the ultimate travel companion. Made of leather, it has classic gold hardware and opens flat for easy accessibility to belongings. The interior features 18 credit card slots, three bill pockets and one zip compartment for change and receipts. A zip-around closure and a wrist strap make it secure and convenient when you’re on the go.

In the Philippines, Tory Burch is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) - a member of The SSI Group - and is located at Greenbelt 5, Rustan’s Makati, and Rustan’s Tower Shangri-La Plaza Mall. 

SHOE MY GOLLY!!!

What do you do when you get to your room and you see 11 pairs of shoes waiting for you? 

At first, I fainted, fell on the floor, hit my head and woke up 6 hours later.....

Ok, I am exaggerating. I just got on my phone and thanked my Fairy Shoe Godmother! I was very excited to try them on.

So I got put the first pair on, raised my legs high up in the air to take the shot.....and then my daughter walks in and sees me.....

She stares at me with despair. Her eyes were saying "My Mother has gone away mentally." 

I smile in embarrassment and yell, "IT MAKES MY FEET LOOK PRETTIER OK?????" 

Badgley Mishka

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin

Jimmy Choo

Manolo Blahnik

By the time I was done with 5 pairs, I felt like I went to the gym for three hours. 

(Hey, I have asthmatic bronchitis OKAY???? So don't judge.)

The next day, I decided to take photos of my new babies the normal way. 

Fendi

Manolo Blahnik

Christian Louboutin

Jimmy Choo

There's more but I will leave those for a future post. 

Thank you again, you know who you are. Love you to pieces and I know you know that too. 

The Blackbird Experience.

Located at the old Neilson Tower along Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Blackbird is the newest baby of Chef Colin Mackay. 

Two weeks ago, I was invited by fellow food blogger, Joel Nunez to experience the dishes that I would see and drool over when someone posted photos on Instagram. 

Upon entering, the very chic and cozy cocktail area is what you will see first. To the left is a bar where you can have a drink or two while waiting for your table. 

To the right is a lounge that I will surely spend a lot of my evenings at. 

It is also where Joel and I had dessert. 

First up, drinks. I had a mango mojito. Very yummy but I still can't figure out what to do with the mint leaves in my mouth after I take a sip. 

Reminds me of my favorite Vietnamese dish. This pork belly skewers with lemongrass and lime noodles will get you excited for the main course. 

But of course, one kind of appetizer is not enough so we had crab cakes on a bed of coleslaw. If it had three more, I would have been happy to have this for my main course. 

I have two words for this. EMPTY PLATE.

If the restaurant serves burgers, then you must try it. That's the golden burger rule. I enjoyed the tomato compote on top of the cheese. I would usually do away with the fries but not this time. 

The branzino, a white fish fillet baked to a crisp yet juicy and tender inside. 

Make your reservations way ahead of time. It is after all the hottest place to dine and it will be for a very long time. 

Blackbird, 828-4888.

To my partner is many, many unspeakable crimes, thank you. 

Joel Nunez and your bloggerina.

Farewell to Tivoli.

For those who were not able to dine in The Tivoli, I kind of feel bad for you. No, I feel a lot bad for you because you may have to wait for so many years before you can dine again in such a fine restaurant in Mandarin Oriental. 

Luckily for my gang and I, we were able to dine last week in my favorite restaurant in Manila. 

Sad to say that Tivoli will be closing tomorrow, Friday after lunch. Two days ago, I tried my very best to book my friends a table. I tried to book myself a table and they just could not accept anymore reservations because they are filled to the brim with diners. 

So anyway, for those who missed out..... this one's for you. 

To Tivoli, THANK YOU for all the memories, laughter, friendship, great service and thousands of calories. See you again soon! 

Live the Sweet Life.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT THIS FAIR IS NOW ON 

JULY 26 to 27, 2014.

Was lucky enough to taste test some of the goodies that will be in this fair! Thank you for the sweets but no thanks for the added 5 lbs!! 

Lucy T. Gomez for Jul B. Dizon Jewellery.

I can't begin to tell you how wonderful it is to work with Lucy. It's been almost a decade since I met her and up until now, her kindness and gentle ways reminds me how a proper lady should behave. 

Having one of the most beautiful faces in the world, you would think that that is what draws you to her. Actually, it is more of who she is within. A simple smile will automatically make your heart beat, whether you are a man or a woman. 

For the first few minutes after seeing each other, we are all about work. When she's on the make up chair, she always asks about my Dad....and that's when we start cracking up. My Dad has a very colorful life....much more than mine actually. 

Thank you to Sara Black, Jigs Mayuga and his team for helping make this photo shoot a success. 

Anyway, I want to share with you one whole day of our work and how amazing this mom, wife, Congresswoman, celebrity and most importantly, friend rocked Jul B. Dizon Jewellery. 

A big thank you to Randy Ortiz, Dennis Lustico, Ivar Aseron and Cristina Limsin.

Of course, I have to thank Julianna and Richard for lending me Lucy for the day. Love you guys!!!

The Peninsula Paris.

I never thought that my life would be so closely intertwined with the hotel industry.

I spend most of my days in the hotel and go home only to sleep. I eat hotel food almost everyday and some weekends, you would still find me here. For the past 20 years of my life, my home has been between two hotels. EDSA Shangri-la for the first 10 and for the last decade, The Peninsula Manila. 

My bathroom drawer is FILLED with hotel toiletries (because I am the type that takes them home). I so love the beds of The Pen that I ordered bedsheets, pillowcases and my down comforter from their supplier.

I have gained so many good friends from here. Friends that I intend to keep forever. 

I have been very lucky to have stayed in The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai and The Peninsula Tokyo in the last 5 years of my life. Very soon, I will be able to stay in The Peninsula Bangkok. It's become an obsession for me. To be able to stay in all the properties is something close to wonderful and whenever my friends and I plan a trip, this is always something I keep in mind. 

This August 1, 2014, The Peninsula Paris will open their doors. I have been following the progress of their construction thru their Instagram account  and each post makes me so excited about a new hotel that I must experience. 

The Peninsula Hotels makes its grand entrance into Europe with The Peninsula Paris, setting new standards in design, luxury and comfort. The latest chapter of Peninsula excellence brings an unprecedented new level of distinction to the City of Light. 

 Perfectly situated at 19 Avenue Kléber, just steps from the Arc de Triomphe, The Peninsula sits in the heart of Paris within walking distance of some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts.

 The Peninsula Paris is located in a late 19th century classic Haussmanian building, which first opened as one of Paris's most luxurious “grands hotels” in 1908. Steeped in history, the property has been meticulously restored and discreetly modernised with the ultimate in 21st century convenience. The Peninsula houses 200 luxurious rooms, including 34 suites, which are among the most spectacular in the city. 

 Six years in the making, some of France’s finest artisans were hand-picked to undertake this stunning restoration. From the building façade to interior elements including fine marble, rich wood panelling and gold leaf finishing, the result is the ultimate in French craftsmanship.

On top of an array of French-themed food promotions celebrating the birthplace of haute cuisine, each hotel will offer brasserie-inspired menus in all lobbies, and French-themed Afternoon Tea and French delicacies will be available alongside classical French music. Guests will also be able to sample delectable French fare with a glass of Champagne or other popular French drinks such as the pre-dinner apéritif. 

To learn more about the newest Peninsula property, please click HERE.