Perey + Bumgarner + Fashion on Mothers Day at Spiral; Sofitel Manila!

Told you guys a couple of weeks ago that we'll be at Spiral - Sofitel Manila for Mothers Day but alas I had to have a quick out of the country trip with some blogger friends. I got my friend and neighbor concert photographer extraordinaire Mikz Marcelo to cover for me because I wouldn't want to miss this for the world! This is a little epic because we'll be seeing some of the works of Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and Daniel Mark Bumgarner. Lunch time was also made special because Spiral's Chefs are also showing off their heirloom dishes to the public. It's pretty special because most of them prepared what their Moms used to make. I had first dibs on that the last time but here's something we both missed during that occasion. Are you ready? =)

They were introduced one by one. Here's a parade of the fabulous chefs who are preparing their Mom's special dishes. Chef Eric Costille, Chef De Cuisine Western Anne Cecile Degenne, Chef Mok Chee Wah, Chef Hiroaki Yamaguchi and Chef Halim Ali Khan. I loved the Paella that Chef Anne prepared the last time and I'm sure that's probably a hit! After the introduction, a fashion show ensued right in the heart of Spiral and boy oh boy I wasn't wrong about their gorgeous creations! Don't they look like an army of colorful angels?!

These gorgeous drapery done in different ways and different colors is the handy work of Ms. Pia Gladys Perey. From Australia, Southeast Asia and LA, Ms. Perey has been known to make clothes that exudes confidence, boldness, ones that are ready for any event or red carpet. I particularly love this one and I'm also crushing on this Model... Alisa Sazonova :) Her cheek bones, overall physique, it's perfect. I think I've shot her before because she's part of Elite Manila.

This is her no? =) Small world indeed!

OMG! Nokia 105 is Now Available in the Philippines!

If you've been living under a rock these past few days, you might have not heard of the news yet because Nokia just released the Nokia 105! It's the ultra reliable back-up or emergency phone (which you can also use as your primary phone that can SHOCKINGLY last for a total of 35 days (on standby time) without charging! I haven't seen anything like that in the market and this will surely crush the affordable phone competition.

It's even got a real deal FM radio, 5 pre loaded games, alarm clock, a speaking clock and flash light capabilities. This is really the big news I'm waiting for and I'm buying one for my Mom and Dad who just can't keep on charging their phones over and over again. I can't believe Nokia gave us the chance to have this for only Php 999.00!

It's available in two different colors. You can choose CYAN or BLACK. Whatever it is, you've got the basic phone that you can use on emergencies whenever, wherever. That's only possible with the first phone brand I ever trusted! That's Nokia, truly still here designed for life! Remember, that's 35 hours and 12.5 talktime hourse you won't see anywhere else! :)

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Nokia Philippines

Amazing Kota Kinabalu! (Fourth and Final Part) : The Museum, The Marina, The Islands, The Pontoon and The Mari Mari Cultural Village!

There's no complete trip to a country without going to their museum. It's a more concise way of understanding who they are, and what they are as a people. Photos were not allowed inside which I understand because you probably would skip this trip if you've seen everything in my site (and YOU shouldn't!), but I'll tell you about Muzium Sabah. 

Muzium Sabah

It was raining that afternoon but we still wanted to see this gorgeous structure and what they have inside. You will be greeted by several tables, chairs in whimsical designs. The roof over the tables were reminiscent of what the tribes men and women wear on their heads. There were also huge wicker bags that are native to farmers. When we got inside, we saw a huge skeleton (approximately 18.6-meter long) of what they call a "Bryde's Whale". The remains was discovered in the same area as The Pontoon (which we'll see in a bit) and has been regarded as one of the most well preserved specimens in Asia. I was really at awe on how huge it was and reading off the information inside the Muzium Sabah educated me how much we need to preserve nature. There were also other animals shown in glass cases in other parts of the museum all clad in Taxonomy form. I didn't even know there was a rhinoceros or huge cats in this part of the globe. There's a cute elephant, and some wild birds endemic to the region too. You should never miss visiting this because you would easily understand the other places in Sabah by just spending a few minutes here.

As for the tribes of Sabah, they have almost all of them represented in the front part of the structure. It's lined with several real deal clothing. Some of the displays are also for weddings, so intricate dresses were on display. From warriors, to headhunters, to prince, princesses and even horses, they were shown proudly by they museum and it was really a learning experience! You can also shop on a nearby souvenir shop if you prefer to do that early. You'll be tempted because they almost have everything there; some small items may be good. I suggest you shop in malls instead because it's way cheaper.

On Our 2nd Day...

 

Our second day started with something awesome and it was so near that I already took a glimpse of it the day before. Our hotel The Pacific Sutra had kept one of the nicest things in Kota Kinabalu. At the back of the hotel, you just walk a few meters and you'll see a place called the Sutera Harbour Marina and Country Club.

Enzo, Mike, Steven, Ken and Aljur for GMA Artist Center's Mothers Day Celebration!

There are a lot of Mom's out there who didn't turn out to have the perfect family. Due to their economic and social status, the Philippines has one of the most  numbers of single mothers and it is increasing at an alarming rate. Not that its a huge problem but the conventional family which is the basic unit of society in the Philippines isn't achieved without "Fathers" being in the picture. But what if these women are abused? What if they get pregnant without having that pretty picture? It's hard to raise a family, but there are foundations like Kaisang Buhay Foundation who cater to these single Moms and they need your help. GMA Kapuso hunks Enzo Pineda, Aljur Abrenica, Mike Tan, Steven Silva and Ken Chan know how hard it is to be in this situation, so one afternoon they spent their precious time giving these Moms an event they rightfully deserve. GMA Artist Center celebrated Mothers Day in Project 4, Quezon City.

They went out of their way and scheduled this gathering to give importance to soon to be Moms because for those who didn't have the chance to have life painted like a perfect picture, they still deserve the same care, the same attention. It's not their fault, nor is it the fault of their kids and these artists know it. Even for just a while, they would be able to get them feel how important they are. 

It was also hosted by Papa Dudut of 97.1 Barangay LS and comedienne Tess Bomb. They also made the crowd lively in spite of what they have experienced. This house actually serves as a venue for these single mothers who want to share their stories and in turn, learn from it too. They have sad stories, but it should not be a catalyst to ostracize them from society. The GMA Artist Center finds value in this, so they made sure these Moms even for a small time can still experience Mothers Day and feel special.

Their faces light up, they were all smiles upon seeing Enzo, Aljur, Mike, Steven and Ken. The artists also felt how important it is to spend time with them. It was touching.

Even if it was hot in that place, you wouldn't see them complaining. You would really feel how much they wanted to show these single Moms that everybody deserves to renew their lives, and that there are good people out there to take care of them.

These good guys also sang a few songs to the delight of these women.

They also gave their gifts from their sponsors who also chipped in to help in this charity event.

Thank you to GMA Artist Center and these gorgeous looking guys who took time and spent it in charity work. I laud them for having awesome looking faces, great bodies and even BIGGER hearts. You deserve all the blessings you are getting and this is a good thing that you guys did. You will surely be blessed; more because you are honestly some of the most genuine persons I know. Congratulations to you and GMA Artist Center on this event, and I hope it doesn't end here.

As an added treat, I got to talk to some of them. :) Enjoy these videos!