The ELLE girl Store Launch

Girls, girls, girls! Attention, attention, attention! There's been a huge commotion in Shangrila Mall a few days ago, but I bid you good news.

Yes, you are seeing that right. Elle girl has arrived in the Philippines.

Elle Magazine has been in the business for a long time. From the latest fashion finds to the best outfits, brands and accessories they have been what women, girls and everybody else are reading. It's so apt, now that girls are being more adventurous in this part of the globe. We can definitely say Parisian fashion is but a cinch!

 

The store was gorgeous. It was all girly. I'm sure if my lady friends would give this an A+. It's filled with items of what I can say, quite a representation of what an Elle girl should be. She's that well put up, fun, adventurous and charming person you always love, but totally amped up!

Here are some items on the store you probably should check out!

I would love my girl to be dressed in these gorgeous items. The aesthetics could pass for people who are in their teens to lady yuppies; and they would be able to definitely carry this out. Classic, edgy, romantic or rock and roll, they all have that on their shelves. All you got to do as an Elle girl is combine the elements that personifies you as a person. Indulge in the company and new environment of Elle girl at the Shangrila Mall East Wing's 4th Floor. There are other botiques too at SM Fairview and SM Mall of Asia.

We got to see renowned Fashion blogger Camille Co, Model Jessica Yang (whom I have shot in previous fashion shows too), Julia Sniegowski who's a TV host and has got one of the prettiest faces I've seen in quite a while, Events Manager cum Eventologist and restaurateur Pam Solilapsi and Club goddess Jamie Laciste strutting the runway with their Elle girl outfits. Take a look!

 

 I also had the chance to chat with the designer and VP for Elle girl Joanne Yao. It was really a delight to hear her story and how their design process happens. They have a very promising team behind Elle girl and you are getting Parisian looks in the Philippine setting at a standard quite admirable.Congratulations Elle girl!

Visit their new branch at the 4th Floor of the Shangrila Mall's East Wing. You know you want it! ;)

Daniel Padilla's Birthday Concert on April 30, 2013!

Sometimes when you are successful, you can't just stop where you are. You strive to succeed, and still look for more ways than one to thank your fans. How about a concert? Yes, your hearthrob Daniel Padilla just thought about it and making your dreams come true via his birthday concert slated April 30, 2013!

 

I know how much the fans love him. I've been to his mall shows and I'm not the only one who'll say I got my eardrums broken by the throng of girls screaming to get his attention. He's good looking, no doubt about that. But the thing that sets him apart from other guys is his attitude. You get that sense of machismo you get from his Uncle Robin Padilla, and when he talks you know he doesn't care that much about his detractors. He'll tell you without batting an eyelash. He'll just get annoyed if you involve his family on things that are not true because overall, he's just a nice guy; and he just wants to do his job to make a living just like any pinoy.

I personally asked him about what he's going to do on his concert and he said he's going to sing songs from his album and a couple more standards or probably some numbers with Kathryn Bernardo. He however stated that he won't be doing any Justin Bieber songs because it's not his genre. He wants more of a rock pop kind of music and that might put some of his fans off if he did that. When asked about some dance numbers, he immediately said no because he doesn't want to do that. He said he's got two left feet and just feels he doesn't need to be pretentious so he will stick to singing. Anyway, I'm sure most of the girls would love that!

The day is already near and Daniel Padilla is so excited about this concert. He hopes his fans would continue to support him because it's not just a celebration of his birthday, but more of a way of saying thanks for the undying support they have given him these past few years. Here's a message from Daniel, listen to this!

So for those who want to get hold of tickets, it's available at all TicketNet outlets or you can buy directly at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Box Office. Get it before it gets sold out!

World Class Fashion + Mom's Best Dishes at Sofitel Manila's Spiral on Mother's Day!

We had the grandest time a few days ago during the press preview of Sofitel Manila's Mothers and Fathers Day celebration at the home of the best buffet in Manila - the posh Spiral. It was so touching to see a couple or more people from the hotel taking time out and presented to us a different way to celebrate an awesome day for Moms and Dads. All the executive Chefs of Spiral went out and whipped up the favorite dishes of their Moms. It's that same thing you always wanted to have when you come home. From their personal heirloom recipes to your table, Spiral presents another epic celebration this coming May 12 as they flaunt good food plus a special fashion show with the works of esteemed LA Fashion Week featured designer Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and International Formula race driver turned designer Michael Bumgarner. The names alone got me giddy, I was delighted to see them all in one spot!

Saw Sofitel Manila's GM Adam Laker's gorgeous wife and kid during the event, ain't that a pretty picture? Too cute I tell you, too cute!

 It was also time for the Chefs to come out and tell their stories about how their Mothers and Fathers were able to influence them in cooking. With the premise to display their personal home cooked favorites at Spiral, things were really about to get even better!

It was so nice seeing them in a different light. They talked about their Moms most of the time, and told us about the various things they wanted eat when right at the comforts of their own home. From Italian, to Spanish, to Japanese, to sweets and beverages they all had their mind in one thing in particular; and that's comfort food. Imagine that perfect bowl of soup or rice meal that only Mom can make, the memories comes crashing back to me. Even though if they are established Chefs, they still regard these specialties as the best in the world. Of course it matters because their Mom made it!

As if the food wasn't special enough, here they go and made it even better by doing a fashion show right in Spiral's Veranda.

Gorgeous pieces created by LA Fashion Week featured designer Ms. Pia Gladys Perey (on the left, dressed in fuchsia). They are such beautiful muses! The materials she used were light and hugs to the body. It hides your flaws but shows your assets, ladies would love that.

Then we were shown Michael Bumgarner's collection. This is the first time I'm shooting his clothes on the runway and I haven't seen any of his designs. So just like you I'm seeing this for the first time. Who would have guessed a formula race car driver would turn into one of the best designers this country has ever produced. Then it started.

He mentioned that his aesthetics are classy with simple lines but definitely takes a woman's body in context. We then saw a few pieces.

Simple, expensive looking silhouettes, flowy dresses on fall-winter colors, Michael Bumgarner just got my attention.  

The designers and their muses really was a breath of fresh air. I love the drapery done by Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and also Michael Bumgarners classic and sophisticated looking dresses. You impressed me much. I never doubt that Filipinos can be at par with the rest of the world!

Spotted in the function was Paulo Dela Cruz (first time meeting him) from People Asia and gorgeous Ms. Yasmine Hidalgo the Director of PR for Sofitel Manila who organized this event. I must say she was pretty hands on. Congratulations on this fab preview of things that will occur on May 12th where a Fashion show will ensue. 

That, plus Sofitel's awesome Chefs will feature their heirloom recipes. Wanna know what's on the menu? Take a look!

It's Chef Eric Costille's version of his Mom Claudine's recipe of "Rabbit Cocotte with Rosemary and Olives and Grated Parmesan Polenta". That was a mouthful to say already but it looked so good as he was explaining it. It was a mix of both French and Italian which he enjoyed during family reunions and Sundays at their home. He misses this a lot!

Towering with all the seafood goodness you ever want is this version of Paella which Chef De Cuisine Western Anne Cecile Degenne and her Mom used to make.It's the same recipe that she also cooks for Spiral so if you haven't tried it yet, you better line up because this is OH SO GOOD!

I wasn't able to take photos of him because I had a grand time listening to his anecdotes about his life in China. He also talked about his travels back home and how he always was served this "Slow Cooked Chicken with Chinese Herbs Wrapped in Lotus Leaf". It was nourishing and tasty at the same time and it's said to have some very effective cures to the most common diseases. Who knows, a miracle might happen with a cup or two. Thanks for sharing this Chef Mok Chee Wah! Thanks to your Mom too who shared her signature dish!

Meanwhile, here's Japanese Chef Hiroaki Yamaguchi who prepared his Mom's best "Nikujaga". A generous serving of Ramen, Beef, Snow Peas, Carrots and Potatoes... what else could be comforting as that?! It's hot broth with strips of beef would just make you want this dish even more!

For those who want an explosion of flavors, Indian Chef Halim Ali Khan presents us with his favorite childhood dish called "Egg Biryani". They usually serve this on special occasions and it's one of the most popular rice based dishes in India. I always pass by their atelier when I have the chance because I love the curries and papad bread which is like a spiced crunchy version of pita. Just mentioning that is making me drool LOL. Chef Halim wanted to have this every time he goes home. The memories of how his Mom prepares garam masala, basmati rice, egg and ghee as a young kid sparked his interest and later on becoming a full blown career. It's one of the most flavorful and nutritious dishes in Spiral (especially for vegetarians) so if you haven't tried it yet, make it a part of your "to do list" the next time you visit Sofitel Manila.

Now, what else could you ask for in celebrating Mothers and Fathers day? The best of world class Filipino fashion courtesy of LA and Australia mainstays Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and Michael Bumgarner; the mouth watering food that Spiral at Sofitel Manila offers; and the chance to win gifts from brands Lancome, Sue Uemura, Kiehl's, Swarovsky Perfume, CMG, Maidenform and Tefal; I just can't find the reasons why you shouldn't celebrate with them on May 12, 2013.

The Mother's Day brunch will happen from 12PM til 3PM pegged at Php 3,250++ for adults that includes free flowing champagne and mojitos from 12PM-2PM. Kids 5-11yo will only be charged Php1,600++ whilst kids under 4 will be free. Make your reservations by email through fbreservations@sofitelmanila.com or via their portal http://www.sofitelmanila.com/en/spiral.html. You know you want your Mom and Dad to be happy, and this is it! This time, make it your treat!

For more information of Sofitel Manila, Spiral and this awesome event

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