Weddings at the Peninsula, 2014.

Every year The Peninsula Manila holds a bridal fair spearheaded by my BFF, Stephanie Chong. This year was special. Not only is my daughter, Caitlin. in the Events Department of the hotel,  I am officially part of TPM's family under the E-commerce Department. 

I was able to book a bride and last but definitely not the least, THE Francis Libiran showcased 40 beautiful gowns and suits as the finale, directed of course by my dear Robby Carmona. 

I knew I had taken a whole lot of photos during the whole day event, posting some on Instagram but I didn't realize that I had taken 1,100 photos until the day after. 

Even if the whole hotel was filled with amazing table set ups, flower arrangements, food and dessert spread that's to die for and live music from a 10 man orchestra, there are a few photos that stands out and I want to share them with you.

The wonderful team of Chef Richard Green for preparing the food tasting corner!

The dessert spread of Chef Aaron Maree was sinfully good. I am drooling as I type this. 

H is for Happiness.

The Tower of Moet and Chandon!

The table set up of Anna Fae for The Peninsula Manila.

Robert Blancaflor does drama with a capital D. 

Cindy Beltran of Moss Manila killed it with this beautiful white French courtyard. 

Lucky guests were able to take home these amazing gifts from Happy Skin, L'Occitane and Hermes. 

I was able to capture the GM, Sonja Vodusek being interviewed by ABS-CBN.

Team Sigh.....

Team Wow......

These models taking a selfie!

This photo tells me that I should catch up on local showbiz as I only know two of the guys 

(Sam and Christian). Here they are during rehearsals. 

Help?

The lovely Kim Jones.

Christian Bautista and Francis Libiran. 

This shot of the brides waiting......

...and the Grooms on stand by. 

When beauty queens, Mary Ann Umali, Shamcey Supsup and Venus Raj were on the stage together. 

I absolutely adored the way Karylle strutted down the ramp and posed oh so sweetly at the end. 

Hottest male celebrities.

The look on Ben's face when Iza came out....

The General Manager, Ms. Sonja Vodusek giving flowers to the designer, Francis Libiran. 

Arsi Baltazar blowing his birthday candle after the crowd sang him the birthday song. 

It was a surprise!! 

This group shot by Gwen Ruais on Instagram. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Can't wait for an even bigger show next year!

Avec Amour, Weddings at the Peninsula.

Calling all brides and grooms, debutantes and those who just love to throw parties! This event is not to be missed. See the country's top organizers, florists, bakers, souvenir suppliers, musicians all under one roof!

Weddings at the Peninsula features Avec Amour, a wedding fair celebrating all things French! 

The event starts at 10 am and ends with a major fashion show featuring the work of one of the most celebrated fashion designers in the country, Mr. Francis Libiran. 

June 21, 2014 at The Peninsula Manila. See you there. 

K-Palette!

I love make up and I am always looking out for the best kind out there. The best may not always be the most expensive though and what's best for me may not be the best for you.

I have a LOT of eyeliners. Pencils, liquid, gel, name it, I have it but somehow, I always find myself using my 1 Day Tattoo eyeliner from K-Palette. What I like about it is that it is easy to apply and yes, easy to wash off. For as long as I don't scratch my eyes, which is becoming a bad habit lately, the liner stays right where I want it to for the whole day and there's no need to retouch it. 

I am a happy camper with my K-Palette eyeliner. The Real Lasting Eyebrow? Well, I still have to get used to using it. Right now, I am so used to using my pencil. Will get back to you on this one. 

Thank you so much Cheryl Chua for making this make-up addict a happy one. 

Mandarin Oriental in 2020.

For those who know and follow my blog, you must know how much I love the people and restaurant outlets of Mandarin Orientel. I must have  blogged about each and every time I dined in my two favorite outlets, Paseo Uno and Tivoli. I especially love my MO family namely, Charisse Chuidian, Rene Ottlik, Peter Psyk, Isabel Cang and all of the waiters in Tivoli. 

So when I heard news about Mandarin Oriental's closing.....I would rather take it as good news about the re-opening on 2020!

Here's what MO has to say about their new property. 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed a long-term management contract to brand and manage a new luxury 275 room hotel in the heart of Metro Manila. The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will be part of a mixed-use development centrally located within Makati City. At the same time the Group has announced the closure of the existing Mandarin Oriental, Manila on Makati Avenue later this year.

Mandarin Oriental has been in this important business and tourism market for almost 40 years, opening in 1976 as Manila’s pre-eminent hotel. While it has been a much-loved icon in the city, the property’s infrastructure and existing facilities are no longer in keeping with the Group’s well-recognized, luxury hospitality offering.

The new Mandarin Oriental, Manila will feature spacious rooms and a range of elegant and contemporary facilities, including a variety of restaurants and a signature spa. The hotel, which will be owned and developed by Ayalaland Hotels and Resorts, will be positioned as one of the leading luxury hotels in the city upon opening. Further information on the new hotel project will be released once details are confirmed.

“Mandarin Oriental, Manila has been recognized as one of the city’s most iconic hotels since its opening in 1976, and the Group wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all colleagues for their legendary service and support over the years. All hotel colleagues have been informed of the forthcoming closure and will receive full and fair severance payment and appropriate professional guidance,” said Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager of the hotel.

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I will miss you terribly but please know that I will be the first one to walk thru the doors of the new Mandarin Oriental in 2020.

Robert Blancaflor for Jody's 21!

It was a last minute decision on my part. Well, I had two weeks to prepare but for a surprise party, that's pretty much cramming. 

I was running out of options for a venue so I made decided to hold Jody's 21st Birthday and early graduation party at home. Since the weather was still good end of February, outdoors was not such a bad idea. 

So I had the cars removed to make space for the party. When it was empty, I was didn't know what to do with the space so I did the best thing I can ever do. Call Robert Blancaflor. 

That morning, his staff came over and transformed this.......

.....to this. 

Small corners for lounge chairs were added. 

Thank you to my gays for coming and showing lots of love to my baby girl. 

And to all her friends who kept it a secret and helped me with the surprise (though I failed at it) 

....thank you. 

And now that she has graduated, I am so proud that she's officially a working girl....but to me, she will always be my baby. 

To Robert Blancaflor, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity, generosity and loyalty. You will always be my good friend. 

To view his other works, click HERE.

Sunday Sail!

Two Sundays ago, Jacqui and I went to Anilao, Batangas for Alyanna Martinez' Fitness Party. I had forgotten how far Anilao was because the last time I was there was two decades ago. It was where I became a certified diver. 

Although I am happy about being able to dive again, I didn't think that I would go back to Anilao anytime soon. 

BUT when Macky asked me if I wanted to go sailing on her sister's Catamaran, how can I possibly say no?? And guess where the boat is docked....yup...Anilao. So the very next Sunday, the girls and I are back in the same road to an experience we won't likely to forget. 

We have Myla, Macky and Bernard to thank for that. 

Our meeting point was at Aiyanar and I must say that this is a very beautiful resort and I would not mind going back...just not this Sunday ok?

When the sailboat arrived (as you can see in the background), the gang got ready to board. 

As soon as we arrived, we were served freshly grilled food! 

After lunch, Maco, Dennis, Jody, Jacqui and I started our photoshoot. With the sea and mountains as background, a beautiful sailboat, wind on our hair and the warm rays of the sun, we couldn't help it. 

Maco was mainly our stylist and I was the photographer (except when I was the subject). 

Cara and Jacqui were perfect models. 

The super sexy Macky. 

And then it was goofing around with Jacqui. 

Maco makes sure my hair is blowing in the right direction. 

Photographed by Dennis. 

While we were busy modeling, Jody focused on catching on her sleep and getting a tan. 

Love this capture of Dennis taking a dive! 

Didn't realize how scared Maco is of the water! Took us 15 minutes to convince him to take the plunge! 

While Cara did about 8 jumps!! 

Jody woke up from her deep slumber and joined me for a swim.

I am happiest when the girls and I get to do something fun and new together!

Cheers to a wonderful Sunday with even more wonderful friends!! 

Sadly, we had to leave after the sun had set but we all leave with happy memories!