Bakers Depot

While in Walter Mart- Makati to buy groceries yesterday, I spotted a bakers supply center called Bakers Depot. The said shop is selling baking tools and ingredients in making sweets, cakes, cupcakes and pastries. They have items from flour, nuts, chocolates, and other flavorings to spatulas, baking dishes and molder, cookie press, and cake holders. After checking the shelves, I got very excited that I started to reminisce my high school life, when I was learning to bake and cook simple dished for 3 hours a day, 5 times a week.

Going back to the event yesterday, I went directly to the Bakers Depot after the grocery. I pulled out a 6 x 10 x 3 baking pan from one of the shelves. I also got a pack of rice krispies and another pack of marshmallows for the 12 bars of chocolate that bebeğim got. For all 4 items, the cashier charged us only a total of P350. What a very cheap buy! I fell in love with the store right there and then.

For all of you bakers and baking enthusiasts out there, I strongly recommend Bakers Depot. Contact their head office through telephone number 706-26-04 to 05 or visit their branches on the following locations:

- Pergola Mall BF Homes, Parañaque
- Victory Mall Caloocan City
- N. Domingo St. San Juan City Tel# 723-88-10
- Walter Mart North EDSA Tel# 332-12-81
- Walter Mart P. Tamo, Makati City

Jeans Trend 2009

Ripped jeans versus boyfriend jeans. If you are to choose, which one do you think is looking better when worn?

Ripped jeans are getting popular nowadays with Hollywood actresses like Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Katie Holmes. On the other hand, boyfriend jeans are worn by the rest like Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Lindsay Lohan, and many others.

With the Jeans Trend 2009, it doesn't need to take a certified fashion critic to tell which one truly works for women, anyway. We all know that it is kind of hard to rock a pair of jeans originally designed for the opposite sex! Creating a look with a combination of a masculine touch would be a challenge to every girl out there and just a few can get it right.

I know I can never wear boyfriend jeans. They are not comfortably-looking, so they are completely out of my list. Last Saturday, I just got a new pair of ripped jeans from Next in Landmark-Trinoma. I actually tried three different designs from a single store only because the rest of the jeans section like JAG, Lee, and many others don't have the latest trend of jeans yet. Anyway, I ended buying these for less than $20. They're so lovely, right?

Healthy Eating

It is very easy to finish a handful of chips containing 160 calories, but do you know how long does it take for you to burn it? If you really want to slim down by eating healthy, then you should avoid munching junk food now. If not loaded with too much sugar, they are usually loaded with fat! To be healthy, always choose to have fiber-rich, low-fat, and less sugar diets. One can truly possess or enjoy good health by avoiding the following:

- sugars in any form
- cakes of all kinds
- pies and pastries
- chocolates, chewing gums, and candies
- softdrinks and other juice drinks
- honey and molasses or syrups of all kinds
- ice creams
- jams, jellies, and marmalades
- sweetened condensed milk
- catsups, banana or tomato
- chips (potatoes, corn, etc)
- alcoholic beverages (esp. mixed drinks)
- beers, regular or light
- wines, red and white


We have a history of diabetes. I think I already mentioned that before in my previous posts. My father passed away with a diabetic complications, my uncle also suffers from the same sickness, which is, according to his doctor, a lifetime illness. For him to control his blood sugar, I bought some ampalaya capsules and my aunt cooks tortang ampalaya almost always.

In my case, of course, I don't want to be diabetic. Nobody wants to get that condition, so I am asking same old question to myself: How can I be healthier?

I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or GDM last year and my doctor told me that there is a possibility for me to get the same disease in the future if I can't control my diet and exercise to maintain a normal blood sugar level. I used to be very slim, though. Not anorexic, but just very slim, until my late years in college. I only gained weight when I started working. After giving birth to my adorable Aşkım, I just want to be in a healthy shape through proper diet and exercise. I learned eating according to my blood type, balancing my diet, and watching my calorie intake though.

Buying a Baby Walker

This is the disturbing truth behind the use of baby walkers! Though suppliers introduce them in the market to be of big help to parents, designed for infants to be able to walk and be entertained, studies showed that they are nothing but a useless invention. These days, some parents think twice before buying a walker for safety reason yet still most of them buy without any hesitation due to lack of knowledge about the danger it can bring to their infants.

Yes, still many parents in the world today believe that baby walkers contribute to the development of their babies. And still many countries allow the selling, importation, and advertisement of walkers esp. in Asia. On April 7, 2004, Canada became the first country in the world to ever ban them. They conducted a study that proved walkers unhelpful to infants esp. on their ability to walk early and child safety in general. Just a few believed the same result though.

Ugh! I should have known those facts above from the very start 'cause last weekend, after too much encouragement from bebeğim, even though his mom is completely against it, we bought a pink baby walker for our 6 month-old daughter. The walker we bought features a height-adjustable frame, four wheels, four stoppers, and battery-operated toy, with light and music. While it acts as a walker, it is also acts a rocker and a feeding chair.

Actually, I wondered what to do with it since in my observation, our little darling is always excited and happy in using her walker. Why didn't I research about the use of baby walkers before giving my approval to purchase it? I think I won't be able to forgive myself if something happens to our baby while using that walking thing.

Anyway, we always watch after our baby. We make it sure that she is attended and that the floor is clear and nothing unsafe is on her way as to avoid accidents. We do not let her use the walker more than 30 minutes, we clean it well, and examine the pieces before and after use. I am just hoping that she walks soon, so we can get rid of the baby walker soon.

Indoor Gardening

Living in a condominium unit shouldn't stop one from growing some greens and flowers since planting some vegetables, herbs, and other fruit-bearing plants is not a problem even in a limited space. Gardening ranges from a plantation, orchard, greenhouse, backyard patio, to an apartment window.

These days, people try to be more health-conscious by buying organically grown vegetables. While visiting another Turkish-Filipino family friend in Annapolis like a month ago, I noticed that they have a pot of plant outside the glass window, on the window grill. As I help preparing some Turkish green salad, Gül, a Filipina wife, pulled the glass window to pick some leaves out of the plant. Later on that night, I learned that it was actually mint leaves she was picking. I thought: What a bright idea to grow mint organically in an apartment window just like that!

Back home, I finally gave attention to the 3 potted plants we got from Romblon during our recent vacation. My sis-in-law who has green fingers or a seemingly natural gardening ability, took with her 3 kinds of cactuses back to Manila. Unfortunately, one of them didn't make it. Only two types of the cacti survived, so I thought of replacing the dead cactus with an herb. I will be looking for some basil seedlings to plant on the empty pot. Basil is one favorite herb of bebeğim. I usually add basil leaves to his pasta and pizza. Moreover, I will also try to know more about urban gardening esp. growing herbs like rosemary and mint in a tropical atmosphere!

Shopping at Trinoma

The Triangle North of Manila known as Trinoma opened to the public during the summer of 2007. It was developed by Ayala Land Inc. under the management of Ayala Malls, and of course, owned by Ayala Corporation. It is very accessible through North Avenue MRT Station which also very near SM City North EDSA.

Just like any Ayala Mall, Trinoma boasts the lovely blend of the outdoor atmosphere to the indoor atmosphere. It also offers a very convenient malling experience with its over 500 retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment establishments all under one roof.

The Landmark Department Store is home of both high-end local and international brands. On the other hand, The Landmark Supermarket offers fresh meat and vegetables and grocery items of high quality comparable to other leading supermarkets in the metro; plus the Landmark Food Court with its variety of cuisines to choose from.

My favorite among Ayala Malls is actually The Landmark Department Store. In fact, I am a suki or habitue of The Landmark in Makati and Trinoma. I like it better than any other store because they have so many items of Divisoria prices. I mean, they are affordable and choices are no limit! Once I visit the store, I usually go home with great finds without worrying of an empty wallet. In Trinoma, the tiangge or bazaar near the MRT exit is also a major attraction to me. I usually get there to buy freshwater pearls and other accessories.

Adobong Sitaw

In Filipino cuisine, to cook adobo means to stew with vinegar. Typically, chicken or pork (sometimes combined) is used to make Adobo. However, as time passes by, people come up with different versions of it. Now, there is what we call Adobo sa Gata (adobo in coconut milk), Adobong Isda (fish adobo), and Adobong Gulay (vegetable adobo).




Sitaw (string beans) is the main ingredient of this recipe. I remember my mom everytime I cook this. That's the same reason why Adobong Sitaw is one of my favorite simple ulam (viand).

Ingredients:
- 250 grams string beans, cut bite-size pieces
- 2 small tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small onion, sliced thinly
- 2 cloves of garlic, sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- some water
- salt to taste

Here's how:
Saute garlic and onions in cooking oil, followed by tomatoes and string beans. Add some water, vinegar, and soy sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Wait until the sauce gets creamy before removing from heat.

*This recipe is good for 4 people.




Updated: April 4, 2010

Makati: The Business District of the Philippines

They say, Makati is the best place to be in terms of shopping, leisure, and business. It is a global city and an undisputed business capitol. A place of extravagance and class because of its world-class hotels and top-notch shopping malls.

Makati is a bustling city at daytime, but much more energetic at night with its sophisticated restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and cafés in and around the cosmopolitan. Plenty of foreigners are usually scattered over the place, looking for fun and enjoyment. Joining them are businessmen who are just trying to relax and unwind with their partners and friends. Others are mainly young professionals like call center agents who want to release stress after a day of work.

TOP 8 HOTELS IN MAKATI
- Renaissance Makati City Hotel
- Dusit Hotel Nikko
- InterContinental Hotel
- Ascott Makati
- Makati Shangri-la Manila
- The Peninsula Manila
- Mandarin Oriental Manila
- Somerset Olympia Makati

TOP 6 SHOPPING MALLS IN MAKATI
- The Power Plant
- Greenbelt
- Glorietta
- SM Makati
- The Landmark
- Rustan's Makati

Running a Business during Economic Recession

Business owners esp. those who are running restaurants try to be creative to catch attention these days. In time of economic recession, they have to come up with ways to lessen up their expenses, but still encouraging more clients with excellent service.

Last December, I saw this very unique washing area in a certain restaurant slash bar nearby. I forgot to post this here right away, though. The kaldero or big pot here is used as the sink. It matches a big seashell where the water travels down by lifting the yellow lever faucet handle. The narrow slab made from cement and beach pebbles completes the overall tropical theme.

Dolma - Take 2

I tried cooking dolma again today. This time, I used different kind of rice then used tomato sauce instead of tomato paste in boiling. I also prepared it with yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1/8 kilo ground beef
• 1 small red onion, chopped finely
• 1 cup red glutinous rice, steamed
• 4 pcs. small-sized tomatoes, chopped finely
• 6 large-sized green bell peppers
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 3 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. tomato sauce
• 2 pcs. small-sized tomatoes, quarter cut to act as lids
• 1 cup of water for boiling

Here's how:
Cut the tops of green bell peppers. Carefully clean seeds and membranes out, then drain upside-down.

Combine ground beef, cooked red rice, tomatoes, and onion. Season with 2 tsp. of salt then pepper. Stuff green bell peppers with meat and rice mixture. Cover with quartered tomatoes with skinside facing up.

Arrange the green peppers in an empty cooking pan. Mix tomato sauce with water and 1 tsp. salt then pour into the pan. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until peppers are tender. Serve in a platter with yogurt.

Dolma - Stuffed Green Bell Peppers

Let me share a favorite of bebeğim. This is the only Turkish- Mediterranian recipe that I know aside from yogurt. I learned how to cook this through his help. He likes it so much that he sometimes shares it with a Korean friend.

Just so you know, two pieces of stuffed green bell pepper served with half a cup of yogurt in a nearby Persian restaurant is already Php 250 or almost $5! Learning how to cook this recipe at home really helps saving money.


Ingredients:

• 1/8 kilo ground beef
• 1 small red onion, chopped finely
• 1 cup cooked red rice
• 4 pcs. medium-sized tomatoes, chopped finely
• 8 medium-sized green bell peppers
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 2 pcs. small-sized tomatoes, quarter cut to act as lids
• 1 cup of water for boiling

Here's how:
Combine ground beef, cooked red rice, tomatoes, and onion. Season with salt and pepper then set aside.

Cut the tops of green bell peppers. Carefully clean seeds and membranes out, then drain upside-down. After that, stuff with meat and rice mixture. Cover with quartered tomatoes with skinside facing up. Arrange in an empty cooking pan. Mix tomato paste with water then pour into the pan of stuffed bell peppers. Cover and cook for 30 minutes or until peppers are tender. Serve in a platter with yogurt.

Helping A Mom

In this international month for women, I want to do something for a fellow named Vivien 'BENG' Villanueva. I don't know her personally, but I was really touched by her story. I am reposting this letter for two main reasons. One, because I am a mother like her. Two, because I have nothing much to give. This is to help her getting enough money for her beloved son Iggy Villanueva with his battle against leukemia.

A letter from Vivien…
20 January 2009

OUR DEAREST FRIENDS…
I am so embarrassed to do this yet, I am humbling myself to ask,please read on..
January 6, 2009 was the worst day of my family’s life,our eldest son, IAN GABRIEL PICART VILLANUEVA, was initially diagnosed to have ACUTE MYELOGENEOUS LEUKEMIA. It is already the 20th of January, and after a 2nd and even a 3rd opinion from different doctors, the diagnosis, sadly is still the same: ACUTE MYELOGENEOUS LEUKEMIA. To aggravate things even, he even has pneumonia. Thus, chemotherapy cannot start just yet. Untreated, he just has 4 months to live…

Treatment plan for Iggy includes at least 3 rounds of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant! To date, we have already moved from 3 hospitals. Currently we are at National Kidney & Transplant Institute to save on cost.

Though we may belong to a middle income family, the medical expenses that have and are to be incurred is so staggering! The amount needed is about 5 Million. Thinking of how many zeroes the figure has makes me want to give up…But I know I wont and I cant! I will do anything or everything to save my son to the best that I could. Sad but true, I have nothing. Whatever is left of our meager savings has all been used up. Time is essential. The bone marrow transplant will be performed 2-3 weeks from now, and I need funds to deposit before any treatment can be done.

I am literally alone. It’s just Iggy & myself in the hospital. Friends & relatives come to visit but I cannot compel them to do more. I am a one woman army. Thank God that I have the laptop and my mind as a weapon.

Iggy, is a well rounded individual who I can say is an achiever. From grade school to college he is very athletic: red belter in taekwondo, track & field and basketball. An honor student from pre-school to college, a leader in his own ways.

As a mother, it breaks my heart that such potential should go into waste. He is so young. IT IS MY MOST FERVENT PRAYER THAT YOU BECOME PART OF THE CYCLE OF HEALING. IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE. I HOPE I AM NOT ASKING TOO MUCH. HUMBLY I AM ASKING ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN EXTEND MY FAMILY. WHATEVER MEANS WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. I may not be able to repay your kindness and generosity in this lifetime, but I am confident that God knows.

I am realistic enough to understand how difficult life is today. I am not asking for total dole-out. If at all, any of you are willing to loan me. I would forever be grateful. I promise to pay, although little by little, with interest even. Please,This is already a desperate cry for help, I just cant imagine what is to be.

May I also request continued PRAYERS THAT IGGY NOT GIVE UP, HOLD ON AND BE STEADFAST IN HIS WILL TO LIVE. Likewise, prayers THANKING FATHER GOD FOR THE HEALING.

Thank you very much for taking time out to read this letter. I know in my heart that you will be able to help me and my family one way or the other. May the Good Lord always bless you and your loved ones.

Respectfully,


VIVIEN ‘BENG’ VILLANUEVA

Mother
09176201969

Account:
Vivien Villanueva
BDO s/a: 3010063053 (Bacolod Capitol Shopping Branch)
SECURITYBANK c/a: 0242517530001 (Bacolod Rizal Branch)


You can email the amount and day/time deposited so we can issue a receipt of donation through vivien_villanueva@yahoo.com or zyon.aquino@gmail.com.

We also pick up donations: just text 09155364544 your name, address,venue and time.

Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Winners

Here are the Bb. Pilipinas 2009 Winners from left to right, Bb. Pilipinas-International, Candidate #20, Melody Gersbach, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, Candidate #15 - Pamela Bianca Manalo, and Bb. Pilipinas-World, Candidate #17, Marie-Ann Umali.


melody gersbach


melody gersbach


pamela bianca manalo


pamela bianca manalo


marie ann umali


marie ann umali


richell angalot


1st Runner-Up - Candidate #3 - Richell Angalot
2nd Runner-Up - Candidate #11 - Regina Hahn
(not in the picture)

Best in Long Gown Candidate #17 - Marie-Ann Umali
Best in Swimwear Candidate #15 - Pamela Bianca Manalo
Miss Photogenic Candidate #17 - Marie Anne Umali
Miss Friendship Candidate #4 - Gizelle Jasmin Rivamonte
Best in Talent Candidate #3 - Richell Angalot

Candidates included in the Top Ten are:
Candidate #11 - Regina Hahn
Candidate #23 - Barbara Salvador
Candidate #9 - April Love Jordan
Candidate #22 - Priscilla Mae Honorio
Candidate #5 - Diana Arevalo
Candidate #20 - Melody Gersbach
Candidate #3 - Richell Angalot
Candidate #17 - Marie-Ann Umali
Candidate #1 - Vanessa Johnson
Candidate #15 - Pamela Bianca Manalo

Francis Magalona Died At 44

While watching Wowowee around quarter to 1 this afternoon, Willie Revillame asked for a moment of silence to say a little prayer for no other than, the master rapper and host himself, Francis M. He died at the age of 44 after a long battle against leukemia at exactly 12:20 in TMC (The Medical City). He was diagnosed with leukemia at the same hospital in August, 2008.

I was shocked. I never thought it would be early and I think the rest of the Filipinos were shocked as well. May his soul rest in peace and may his family be comforted. He has eight children with his marriage to Pia Arroyo. They are Unna, Nicolo, Francis Jr., Elmo, Arkin, Clara, and actresses Maxene and Saab.

Anyway, just visited his multiply account where I got these pictures of him. The one in pink is a picture taken before his 4th Chemotherapy cycle. Next to that is his picture with his son Frank's artwork. Lastly, is a picture with Ely Buendia taken during the making of The Sickos Project.

My First Project for Amelita Fashion

I was so inspired to make a dress early last year. While buying the fabric for this dress in Taguig's Market Market two years ago, I never thought that I would be using it into a maternity dress.

Take note, this dress got a nice finish without using a sewing machine. Really. A lot of my friends thought I was joking when I told them that I made it myself, hand-sewn in a matter of two days!

Thanks mom for the inspiration. I love you so much.

Treating Xerosis

I first visited CaraDERMe, Dr. Rosario "Rose" Gatmaytan's clinic, last December to ask for an advice regarding xerosis. She asked me to use hypoallergenic body bleaching cream for my arms and legs. She informed me that after applying the said cream for about 4 to 5 days, my skin will start to tighten and peel. Since it was about time for me and my family to have a Christmas vacay that time, I told her that I will just be back sometime.

After the vacation and after one month in the gym, I remember going back to her office last weekend to get the cream. I started using it together with another type of cream for my hands and feet. The result is not the quickest, but she guaranteed me a very good outcome. And with all the positive comments I've read online, I give her my trust, so my hope is great.

One thing that I really like about Dr. Rose Gatmaytan is how she treats her patients. Aside from the affordable service that she offers, though I just meet her once, she is like an angel to me. I will be very grateful if I can see the nice results soon.

For those who need her help in Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, and Laser Surgery, just visit the address below.


CaraDERMe CLINIC
3rd floor EUROCREST Building
#126 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air Village II,
Makati City, Philippines

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call:
(632)899-9677
(632)897-7685
(632)895-1877

Just Created a New Website

I know this means another job for me. If other people can maintain two or more blogs, I think I can do it, too! My second weblog doesn't need to be always active as of these days, though. That's because I am yet to study for it. It requires more planning and investment as well. I just started to dream something big and here it is.

Google Extracts

Like I mentioned in some of my previous posts, I do blogging mainly for fun and a few more reasons aside from it. Getting some praise or a positive comment is flattering, really fills my hearts and receiving cash is just bonus. Look, I just celebrated my first blog anniversary last January. That means I am not still a baby in this field. The previous month, I received money from Google again (my fourth payment) which I collected through Western Union's Quick Cash. I thought I should treat myself by buying a pair of pumps and a perfume.

Figlia Shoes


Paris Hilton Tote


Etienne Aigner's X Limited 125ml


Aigner's Too Feminine 100ml


I am so happy because the perfume comes with a free Etienne Aigner's X Limited 125ml for Men and a black and white Paris Hilton tote. Of course, I gave the free fragrance to my loved one. Did you like it bebeğim? Anyway, I made this post to give thanks to all of my readers. Not all of you joined my follower's list, but I know you follow my blog religiously. Thank you so much guys. Big thanks also goes to bebeğim who supports my blogging. Lastlly, thanks to Google for the pay! :D

Melon-Headed Whales Stranded in Romblon

The Odiongan Port is one of the major ports of the province of Romblon. That is where big boats from Batangas and other nearby islands dock. I used to see whales and dolphins everytime I travel back and forth Manila via Batangas to Odiongan. Yes, I am a native of Romblon, but I have never seen those sea creatures as many as hundreds or more. So what went wrong?

Bebe Gandanghari Won Half a Million!

Kris Aquino's Deal or No Deal aired today with Bebe Gandanghari winning P500,000! She joined the said game show before as Rustom Padilla. Krissy said, Rustom was not lucky enough to go home with a million, but it is BB's luck pala talaga.

Bebe Gandanghari was shown dancing and giggling everytime a suitcase of low number opens. She was looking real tall in red shoes matching skinny jeans and a black top. At the end of the show, one of her earrings broke. She was wearing a pair of metallic flower earrings that time.

Gretchen Barreto's Hermes Birkin Bag

This is the third time in SNN or Showbiz News Ngayon that they're featuring a famous celebrity's very expensive bag. First was Ruffa Mae Quinto and then followed by Sharon Cuneta. Now it's Ms. Gretchen Barreto!

She was shown trying to empty her royal blue Hermes Birkin Bag, letting other people see what's inside her purse and even in her cellphone. She did not give a price for her bag. She said, she's too shy to do that. Instead, she revealed buying prepaid load, carrying some extra undies, etc.

Marian Rivera in the Cover of Cosmopolitan March Issue

Marian Rivera was once in the cover of the world's no. 1 magazine for young women; Cosmopolitan. She graced its cover last October 2008 wearing an orange chiffon halter dress with a plunging neckline. In the said issue, she talked about how being fearless can make one a star like her.

This time, in Cosmopolitan's March 2009 issue, she is wearing a beaded blue halter two-piece bikini by Arleen Sipat of Salsa Trends. In the cover also writes about her clearing the air once and for all. She is addressing some issues esp. the one involving her loveteam Dingdong Dantes and ex-girlfriend Karylle.

Top 6 Cougars in the Philippines

What are cougars? Cougars are older good looking women on the prowl for younger guys. In the Philippines, there is a growing number of these women esp. with celebrities. It is not a trend following after the famous Hollywood couple Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher. It is a phenomenon.
Anyway, here is my list:
Pops Fernandez and Jomari Yllana
She just turned 40. He is only 28. But recently, he confirmed his break-up with her in an interview by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Kris Aquino and James Yap
She is 38. He is 27. They had a civil marriage on July 10, 2005.

Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho
She is in her 50's while he's in his 20's. Her break-up with him was confirmed through the media last December of 2008. There were reports that she finally decided to end the relationship after his alleged sex video with Katrina Halili.

Jean Garcia and Polo Ravales
She is 39. He is 26. They were reported by GMANews having a strained relationship because of Krissa Mae.

Aiko Melendez and Martin Jickain
She was 30 while he was 22 when they decided to get married in 2005. But in 2007, they separated ways after being together for almost 1 year and 7 months.

Eula Valdez and Richard Litonjua
She is 39. He is 30. The nine-year age different did not matter for this couple who got married in 2003.

The Young Actress With A Very Expensive Headband

Another revelation from SNN last night is the owner of a very expensive headband embellished with swarovski crystals. The said hair ornament costs a stagerring P35,000!

Who in the Philippine showbiz would pay that amount of money for a headband following the latest celebrity trend in Hollywood? Well, none other than.. (I guessed it right before SNN revealed her face) the beautiful MMFF best actress winner, Ms. Anne Curtis.

She was seen wearing a designer headband full of swarovski crystals by Jennifer Behr on her 24th birthday last February. When asked about it, she was just smiling and giggling while telling the interviewer not to talk about it but talk about her birthday instead.

SNN Reaveled Sharon Cuneta's Most Expensive Bag

Last week, Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, from Showbiz News Ngayon, featured Ruffa Mae Quinto's 1 million worth of Hermes Ostrich birkin bag. Tonight, they revealed the owner of another Hermes bag. This time, it costs a little more expensive. Just a whopping 3 million pesos.

It is black and classic. It's made out of alligator skin. Mostly, Hollywood actress sport bags of the same kind. Designed by the one of the biggest name in fashion industry abroad. It is very, very expensive. It is owned by Ms. Sharon Cuneta, the megastar herself!

On her interview, she mentioned buying the said bag unintentionally. She admitted that she is not a collector of bags, but a collector of books and magazines since she was little and clothes when she was payat pa. However, with her acting, singing, and hosting career and after 30 years in the business, she thought she deserves something special which she can actually give to one of her three daughters in the future as pamana.

KC Concepcion, her beloved daughter, commented that her mom deserves it after so much hardwork in the industry. She added that her mom is not buying a very expensive bag for no reason, but a gift to herself.


*payat means thin
**pamana means heritage or inheritance

Belly Dancing Class

Belly dancing as an art in a form of dance is one way of expression for most Middle Eastern women. There are different versions of belly dancing and people call it in different names as well. In the video, embedded from Youtube, is a Turkish belly dancer named Didem. She is like an icon in her country and well known with such a nice talent.

I want to learn belly dancing, too. I just finished a month burning calories in the gym through treadmill and arch trainer. Now I am looking for a belly dancing class anywhere near my place. I already contacted a certain dancer. Hopefully, I'll get the chance to see her and enroll under her class.

I really want to learn this art. Bebegim and I are planning to have another ceremony in Turkey after a wedding here in the Philippines. Learning some basic dance moves would be very helpful 'cause it's one of the elements in a Turkish party. I don't want to look like a stiff bamboo pole in front of those people, so I am very much motivated. Good luck to me!

Beach Must-Haves from Victoria Secret 2009

Of course, girls can't go out in a beach without being fashionable. After months of hardwork from January to June, now it's about time to go out for a swim with family and friends this summer.

It's March already so you can now start maintaining a good diet to look really good in your new swimwear. Try to slowly shave that extra hair. Choose your ideal summer getaway then file your vacation leave. But before you pack up with lots of sunblock creams and lotions, for some fashion tips this summer, I have here 7 must-haves all from Victoria Secret's collection. I know they are hard to find in the Philippines, but at least you know how they look like. There is always a way to copy the look you want.

1. One-Shoulder Swimwear


2. Cutaway Swimsuits


3. Sheers


4. Sundress in Pop Color


5. Maxi Dress


6. Wedges


7. Modern Aviators


Source of pictures:
http://www.victoriassecret.com/