Sharing her global perspective on fashion, Nina will give guests a sneak preview of what’s to come for JAG Origins 2014.
During the forum, Filipino designers Jerome Salaya Ang, Normal Noriega and Jeffrey Rogador will present special collections that will highlight Filipino artistry.
The forum will culminate in JAG’s Holiday 2013 fashion presentation, featuring JAG’s Ankle Cut Jeans for women and JAG Stretch Denims for men.

Do you want to see Nina Garcia in Manila?
I’m giving away ten pairs of VIP tickets to the JAG Origins forum at SMX. That’s 10 winners of two VIP tickets each.
Plus, 20 pairs of JAG ankle-cut jeans for women or JAG stretch jeans for men will also be given away.

Here’s how:
1) Open to anyone with a Twitter or Facebook account.
2) Follow @Jagjeans76 on Twitter or like them on Facebook.
3) Click on the Tweet or Like button at the bottom of this entry.
4) Register HERE.
5) Contest runs from May 21-23, 2013.
6) Winners will be raffled electronically and posted here on Chuvaness.com.

It was well-organized.
A couple of days prior, everyone was asking if I would be attending, and some asked if I could bring them in, like Paulo and Jujiin who are known to dress crazy, even on a regular day.

I told Jujiin, “If you go, can you please not wear a costume?”
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw them all dressed up like this:

L-R: Jake Galvez, Matt Gozun, Jujiin Samonte, Paulo Castro

We all went in for the presscon, but it was crazy crowded. I have to thank these guys and Elmer Lapeña of SAGA for helping us get through security. Joey Mead was hosting.

Everyone was there

I’m so grateful I was able to secure a front row seat, but the presscon was crazy. Not a good idea to mix the press with the fans, because this was my view:

Behind me: Saab and Maxene Magalona with Mary Ann Tinio and Teddyboy Locsin, who patiently tried to listen through the noise

Seriously. The fans would not stop chattering, we could not hear a thing.
Anyway, Sarah Jessica Parker was a vision in a simple black dress, no vulgar jewelry, just simple hair and makeup.

She is much more beautiful in person, I just can’t put my finger on why as she is not a conventionally beautiful woman.
We are the same height, but she is probably 30 lbs lighter.

I wish I had better pictures, but butts were in my face.
These pictures I borrowed from Instagram. She is really beautiful.

Photo: Liza Ilarde

Photo: Deneb Villanueva

Photo: Deneb Villanueva

Photo: Kat Malicsi

I wasn’t able to look inside the SM Store with its new look, but I’ll be back when the crowd thins out.

Tried to eat at Pepper Lunch but it’s been packed since it opened at 11 AM on Thursday.

My friends and I ended up checking out what’s open. Digital Walker has a gorgeous store on the 4th level

Forever 21 had a crazy queue when it opened to the public yesterday

Passed by Cotton On

Spotted: Yvette Fernandez after a shopping spree

Passed by briefly at the cocktails, where I saw Robby Carmona, Cedric Cid, Dong Ronquillo, and Tim Yap

Ended up at Uniqlo to buy the lounge pants I’m wearing now

Overall an exciting experience. Haven’t seen so many people in suits in Manila, and SM Aura has the aircons to accommodate them, even in this heat.

I’m scared of crowds, so I’ll be back to check out the rest of the mall—maybe next month.
Watch this!

To join, just buy a silkscreening kit for Php 299 at any Artwork store or during the event.
The kit includes a plain T-shirt and color stubs.
At the event, choose from a variety of designs and colors. Or buy plain tote bags to print on.
And while you’re at it, enjoy a live performance by Up Dharma Down.

Hate lines? You can purchase a VIP kit:

This real people campaign was photographed by Everywhere We Shoot, featuring creative friends of Artwork.
To know more, go to http://www.artwork.ph/

https://www.facebook.com/artworktshirts

The app is now available for free on the Google Play store.
It works well on my Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and other Samsung phones, including S4.
Please let me know if it works other Android phones, in the comments section.

If you were one of the first ones to download the trial version, please delete that before downloading this updated version.
iPhone users, please wait a little more as we develop one for Apple.
Special thanks also to Jiki Lim, James Acuña, Yodel Pe, Jeroen van Straten, AJ Dimarucot, Samsung Philippines, Odette Velarde, and Bridges PR for making this possible!

But Charice has been giving signs that she really wants to come out.
First, the drastic change from this to this:

Second, lovelorn tweets such as this!

I love you, Ayie. Soon people will know why I love you so much.

— Charice(@OfficialCharice) October 24, 2012

Third, news that she has eloped with X-Factor contestant, Alyssa Quijano.

Four days ago, Charice’s mom Raquel actually gave her permission to come out.
So Charice, come out na! Because, hey, you are bagay!

But just because you’re in love doesn’t mean you have to look like this! #chizzy!

Still on the election, I can’t get over what Senator Chiz Escudero wore yesterday when he came out to vote for himself. Seriously, this picture makes me crave for Kentucky fried chicken.

It’s a good thing senators aren’t elected based on their fashion sense. Otherwise Chiz would never make it to Top 12.
He could use new glasses

This shirt reminds me of Tropical de Hilo (maybe it is)

I don’t understand

He is begging for a stylist

Love is truly blind

There seems to be a pattern….I just can’t put my finger on it

We’ve always known Chiz needed help, so in 2006 we actually styled him for a photoshoot.
Chiz in Dior Homme and Team Manila (Photo: Jo Ann Bitagcol)

Chiz in Dior Homme jacket, Fred Perry T-shirt, Springfield pants, Y-3 shoes. (Photo: Jo Ann Bitagcol)

Look, I’m not asking to style him. I’m just saying, what the hell was he thinking??

That same day, I hosted a Losers dinner party at home because most of my friends were either for Gibo or Villar.
This was the delicious lechon I served that day.

Many people came to the house to wait for the results. There were people in my living room, courtyard and roof deck.
One of my friends, Catherine Aquino, was there. She was the only one who voted for Noynoy.
All these people can attest that I voted last May 10, 2010.

On May 14, 2007, I also voted at Xavier School, Greenhills and took this picture.

Check out my ballot:

As a believer of plastic surgery, I voted BANAT. I also voted Victor Wood, for old time’s sake (Photo: Manila Mommy)

This year I was hoping to vote again in Greenhills, even though ABS-CBN’s Halalan app doubted that I could

I had to find out for myself.
So I left the house at 3 PM and made it to Xavier School with no traffic.
My name could not be found on the bulletin boards even as I double checked all the lists

The following Zamoras, I found.

But not me. So they wouldn’t let me vote.
On the way out I checked with these women who had another list—they found my name!

One of the women, Memia, escorted me to a help desk inside the gym where they also found my name.

But I still couldn’t vote. So one of the men at the help desk called up Comelec San Juan to ask why my name wasn’t showing in the my precint 0217A.
The Comelec people said my name wasn’t there because I didn’t vote in 2010! Which is ridiculous because I was there!! I swear to God, why would I take a picture and not vote?

All the guests in the Losers Party knew I voted for Villar!!
So yes, I am disappointed, though I know I’m not the only one. I feel sad for everyone who tried to vote but couldn’t.
Meanwhile, there are people who are registered and didn’t vote for whatever reason, and people who are dead and are still registered!
Missing one or two elections shouldn’t disqualify you from voting. What if you were sick or having chemo?
My husband hasn’t voted in the Netherlands for the last 10 years, yet he was still registered to vote this 2013!
So who the hell decides who can and who cannot vote in the Philippines and what will they do to fix it??

He’s been there to set up Pepper Lunch’s 16th store, opening at Food on Four on the 4th level (where else?).
Here’s a sneak peek inside. It’s going to be amazing

Yesterday @thesmstore started tweeting about a Hollywood celebrity who’s flying in for the opening

I heard they were considering Jennifer Lawrence, so I tried to guess.
But based on @thesmstore’s tweets today, signs point to Sarah Jessica Parker.

Confeermed! Sarah Jessica Parker wearing Oscar dela Renta, in Marie Claire

I’m excited to be there during the preview and blessing.
Can’t wait to be floored by SM!

To know more, follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

On the cover are Amanda Griffin Jacob, Chesca Garcia-Kramer, Christine Jacob-Sandejas, Rissa Mananquil Trillo, Rhea Santos-de Guzman, Ria Tanjuatco Trillo, Bianca Araneta-Elizalde, and Amina Aranaz Alunan—together with their kids, as they generously share their own parenting and motherhood tips.

Get the May issue of Smart Parenting at newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets for only Php 125.
To know more, go to http://www.smartparenting.com.ph or like them on Facebook.

Upon clicking My Status, here’s what I got:

I don’t remember missing an election, unless it happened when I was studying in New York???
I voted in the last presidential election and the one before that.
Here’s a picture I took last May 10, 2010 at Xavier School, Greenhills, San Juan, where I’ve been voting since I was 18.

I really hope this is just a glitch in the Halalan app. Otherwise, I’m going to be very disappointed on May 13th. (please let me know if you have the same problem)
The app is great to download now because it acts a handy cheat sheet on who to vote for.
Here’s mine (feel free to copy):

You don’t have to vote for 12 senators. If you vote for more than 12, your ballot may be considered spoiled. So don’t screw this up.
For party list, I decided to vote in favor of the teachers, who need to get paid properly, in my opinion because they care for our children and shape their minds. It’s a tough job.

I tried to click on the other buttons of the app, but couldn’t see any entries for congressman, mayor, and vice mayor of San Juan. (Please let me know if you have the same problem)

If you’re voting in San Juan, please consider Ronny Zamora. He happens to be my favorite uncle, very brilliant, funny (ask Teddyboy Locsin), and the best man for the job (I know, shameless plugging).

Please also consider my kinakapatid, Alan Peter Cayetano for Senator—someone I trust and believe in (tried and tested by me. I tested him and he passed, without his knowing it. Sorry I can’t elaborate, but I know he’s looking out for me.)

I was at lunch earlier with my friends talking about who we’re voting for and why. I told them to vote for Alan in exchange for one of the senators they’re voting so they told me to vote for Angara. A twitter follower also convinced me to vote for Hontiveros so I added her.
JC delos Reyes is my cousin and a good guy! I know it’s a long shot for him to win, but if you have space in your top 12, please consider him too.
So here’s a copy of my ballot so far. Please me know how the app works for you in the comments section.

To know more about the app, click HERE.

The very first pair of headphones I owned were from a gift from my dad. It was 1979. The Walkman had just come out and he gave me one for my birthday. I like to believe I was one of the first to have it in Manila, because I remember wearing these headphones and people staring at me. It didn’t bother me at all.

Here’s what I listened to

In the ’80s I turned to vinyls. In the ’90s, I switched to CDs. I was never really into iPods.
All this time I didn’t need earphones or headphones. But when iTunes and YouTube were invented, suddenly they were important again.
My husband, our kids, all need headphones.
The boys use them to Skype with their friends, while my husband uses them to shut out all the noise in the house.
I use them late at night when everyone is sleeping.
In the beginning, we all used the earphones that came with our iPods. But I find them painful after a while.

I was really hoping to find headphones similar to the Walkman headphones I used to have—headband-style and lightweight, with foam covers. I finally found them at Urbanears in Podium, Ortigas Center.

I bought the yellow Tanto initially. It became my favorite headphones.

They come in lots of colors.

Aside from Tanto, Urbanears offers other models to suit your different needs.

Urbanears releases two collections of headphones each year for spring/summer, fall/winter.
In each collection new colors are introduced in limited quantities. This Spring-Summer 2013, the new colors are Olive, Coral and Petrol. Once sold out, the new colors may not be produced again.

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Urbanears makes headphones that fit your everyday life.
In the Philippines, they are distributed by Digits Trading, and available at Urbanears Podium, Astrovision, Automatic Center, Avant, Beyond The Box, Bratpack, Buzz, Complex, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Egghead, Electroworld, Gadgets in Style, Gui, iCenter, iGig, iStudio, Mobile 1, Power Hub, Power Mac Center, ROX, Switch, Technoholics, Toby’s Arena and Urban Athletics.
To know more, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

My thoughts:
1) Ang corny.
2) Crocodile tears? Kailangan ba talaga umiyak?
3) You’re lying na naman. Of course you love publicity.
4) Who wrote your speech?
5) “Maaalala ni Dominique na, my mom never fought. And that’s what’s important to me, Boy. Yun ang important. That’s what I want to leave behind.” (Duwag?? Parang it’s wrong?)
6) She’s back on The Buzz?
7) You had me at Mary Katranzou. I prefer this dress to Toni’s. Or Boy’s.

That’s it. We’re done! Out of here!!

It was never my intention to prolong it into the World War III level.
I am back for the last time, now the target of vicious lies and allegations, a leading lady to a teleserye of made-up stories.
I was warned that it is hard to win a war against those evil unless one is evil, too.
I should be afraid having no money and power to get legal assistance. Many offered to talk on my behalf, people not related but have been part of and witness to our family life.
And so having no need for a Limping Cockroach* to come out from a hole for a glimpse of light, I stand up unafraid to correct these vicious lies.

To Tania:
You say you respect me. Please don’t—keep it—you need that for yourself. I don’t need respect from someone like you. I have plenty of it from where I come from.
I know who you are, what you are, but you shocked the world at how you could face the camera so professionally comfortable in lying to tell a story of more than 30 years ago as if you were there when it happened, as if you were part and parcel of our household when not even our cats and dogs know you—tsk, tsk, tsk!—lying to the hilt without batting an eyelash. Unless you were coached to read a prepared story.
1) No, Tania, it is never true that Gretchen’s tuition was not paid. School is top priority of our payables.
2) No money for recess and lunch? I don’t even want to dignify you on that since you are not a dignified one.
3) So you saw Gretchen with a bruise of black and blue? Do you want to insinuate that we did that to her? We have no history of violence. Don’t be dramatic. People might ask you to convince them some more and all these events of 30 years ago, huh?

To Mother Lily:
Yes, Mother Dearest, it is true that I was the one who used to pick up Gretchen’s checks because she was a minor, remember? But it is not true what you said that you know that not a cent went to her.
The cents went to pay for:
1) car
2) driver
3) yaya
4) gasoline
5) food
6) clothes
7) and others (kulang pa).
I hope you understand being a mother, too. And by the way, we still have the contract we signed with you.

To Robbie Tan:
Thank you, Robbie, for having given Gretchen more work because you thought she needed money for the family.
But for your information and correction, at age 18 she was no longer with us because she was already living in with Joey Loyzaga and our family was already in Iloilo. We did not use her money, period, same way you made good business from the projects you made for her. More power to you.
For the last time on Gretchen being the bread winner, this much I can say: How can she be when her father and I were alive and still are?

Accusations and lies that I want to address:
• Gretchen sent her siblings to school? Three of them were already out of school when she joined show business at age 14. The projects she had when she was still under my care were never enough to pay for our:
1) rent
2) electricity
3) food on the table
4) pay for the schooling—all of them on that meager income?

• The bill for Mr. Barretto’s first heart attack was paid for from a health insurance. The second heart attack that required a bypass, yes, was paid by Tonyboy Cojuangco, something which Gretchen never made us forget. I went to the billing section to settle the bill. I was told that it had already been paid from a PLDT account.
We are eternally grateful to Tony for that sincere generosity.

Gretchen, yes, I am letting you go to set you free from the burden of being a part of our family.
Whatever else you want to exact from us to buoy up your portrayal of a damsel in distress that got you the sympathy and brought you to where you are now? Be happy. At least from this squabble, the truth has finally come out from the talks that have been going on behind our backs about you being an abused child admitted by you when you made sumbat through what you made Jayjay sign.

Thank you that we are able to correct the lies before dad and I close our eyes and give back to your father the dignity he deserves for he really is an honest and principled person.
Again, for your sake, to remind you with no apologies for the lack of classy cars, bodyguards and bling-blings, our house, our home was what gave you these: A roof over your head, food in your stomach, clothes on your back and the love and care that you think is lacking when you were a nobody and had nothing. God be with you, as He is with us, now that the truth has set us free.
(Signed) Inday Barretto

*Special thanks to Ana Zamora for the limping cockroach drawing.

Hopefully, Gretchen Barretto’s contrived speech in yesterday’s The Buzz will be the last we’ll hear of the Barretto saga.
But before we post the video, many people have been asking, what exactly triggered the very public family feud?
It seems to have started in the jeje’s new social medium, Instagram.
Instagram used to be a cool and novel app, until it became available to Android, and was no longer exclusive to better educated Apple users (no offence, I am an Android user too).

As early as April 13, I became aware of the brewing Barretto feud when Fashion Pulis posted these screen caps which are no longer existing on Instagram.

Gretchen was apparently reacting to a troll’s Instagram hating on her niece Julia.
Gretchen seemed to assume the troll was none other than her youngest sister Claudine.
These comments triggered the official war when their mother Inday pledged allegiance to Claudine in an open letter published in Ricky Lo’s column in the Philippine Star.

(To be continued)

This summer my sons have been hanging out in my room the whole day, playing Minecraft. So I started playing Tears For Fears music videos, to hopefully brainwash them into liking my kind of music.

I told them I nearly married Roland Orzabal—the one my son Ben described as “buck-toothed.” LOL

I was kidding of course.
“But mommy, don’t you find him ugly?”
“No. I really don’t. Talent is better than beauty. Besides, beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” I said.
My husband just shook his head.
To add to that craziness, I do the Mad World dance, which never fails to make Markus, 9, crack up.

Then there’s the Change dance which is like a mini-workout

Ben and I then fell into a discussion when I told him Tears For Fears was the greatest band on earth. He quickly said they can’t be because Psy it.
Say hwatt??
I was horrified. I cannot stand Psy anything.
“His music is insignificant,” I told Ben. “It’s just a fad song. It won’t matter years from now.”

But how can you explain that to an 11-year-old who knows that Psy has the numbers. His YouTube channel alone has 2,572,486,091 views as of this minute, while Tears For Fears doesn’t even have an official YouTube channel.
How sad if you compare this:

to this:

I know. I can’t win.
But I’m not gonna stop until they start humming along. Then we move on to Depeche Mode, Lotus Eaters, etc…

Chicken pancit molo

Lukon na may Aligue kag Paho, or fresh Aklan prawns with crab fat in garlic and scallions

Chicken Inasal—Iloilo’s most popular chicken dish, made even more special with Chef Pauline’s basting sauce, and a Batchoy station where guests can add their favorite ingredients to suit their taste.
A spread of traditional Ilonggo desserts and beverages are included in the daily buffet price of PHP 1,990+ or PHP2,450+ for the Luxury buffet—available for dinner on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday lunch.

Chef Pauline trained at the Culinary Institute of America, New York, and the Institute of Culinary Education (formerly Peter Kump’s New York). In Iloilo, she operates four popular food establishments and a successful catering business.

For inquiries or reservations, call Paseo Uno at 750-8888 or email momnl-paseouno@mohg.com.

Wow. I’ve always wanted to do this, but find it too expensive, even with those online deals.
I once tried a similar service at home, but found it too messy and sticky with the plastic cover they put on my bed. Plus the technician kept scorching me. I just wanted each session to end.

Slim at Home was great! With aircon and darkened the room, I laid down on a massage bed with my tummy on top of a small metal plate, and slipped into pampering relaxation.
The initial noise doesn’t bother me. The whole session took about two hours. I didn’t sleep but checked my phone, read for a little bit, closed my eyes and thought how lucky I am.

The first procedure was Lipo-Cavitation—a non-invasive method that directs high-energy ultrasound waves to fat cells beneath the skin. The ultrasound waves cause microbubbles in and around the fat cell, eventually causing the cells to rupture, release, and be expelled through the body naturally.

This was followed by RF or Radio Frequency waves, which produce heat to rearrange and stimulate the formation of collagen fibers to tighten and renew the skin.

Check out before and after pictures (obviously this is not me or my underwear)

Got back fat? Say goodbye after many treatments, improved diet, and exercise.

After doing my thighs, we did my face—however I do not recommend this to anyone.
The treatment was brief (about four minutes) but the sound was too much to endure. I felt like I was going to be deaf or blind. I wanted it to end! But I also wanted to see if it would work.
After the treatment it felt like I had bionic ears! I could actually hear the crumpling of tissue paper—who the hell hears that? I was so freaked out.
Today my hearing is not yet 100% but getting there. Not sure if this is due to my cough, but I really don’t want to go through it again.

Overall, I love the whole idea of Slim At Home and highly recommend it. It will take time before I see results because you’re not supposed to do it everyday. Every four days is recommended.

Different treatments and packages can be customized according to your needs and budget, along with easy and convenient modes of payment.
Customers can also request an initial visit from Slim At Home doctor who will make sure you’re fit for treatments.
For questions, contact Slim At Home owner Happy Ongpauco-Tiu at (0917) 890-1225. Or book through Aileen at 0917-885-SLIM (7546).
To know more about the complete range of treatments, go to http://www.slimathome.com.ph or like them on Facebook.

Yesterday I had so many cakes!
The first one was given by my son Christian, who came up to my room with his electronic cake that sings. The candles actually “extinguish” when you blow them. He’s so sweet…

No birthday of mine is complete without a Jollibee cake. I would be really disappointed if this doesn’t come, hehe.

Some friends from a hotel sent me a cake I didn’t get to eat because it came hot and deconstructed.
At first I thought the hotel had sent me a special cake that looked like ruins, because I like that. Then I realized it really was ruined! So I asked the delivery guy about it. He said he may have encountered a hump along the way.
I felt sorry for him so I didn’t complain. Also because I don’t want them to make him pay for it.
So in this case, it’s really the thought that counts.

My friend Van sent me the sweetest cake from The Royal Picadilly. Everyone who saw it was simply amazed.

I loved that the cake had my loved ones on it, plus a cake on top of a cake!

My friend Grace also gave me a caramel cake from Costa Brava (R), not Estrel’s

The caramel cake is still in the chiller thought, because I am eating this cake given by my friend Anthony.
When I first saw the cake, I thought it looked like the ruins. So me!

My friends and I dug in and guessed correctly—that the coffee crunch cake is by Mrs. Yulo of Forbes Park.
Tons better than Red Ribbon (jeje). Cedric called it the Coachella cake because it reminds him of the dessert.
I was so happy I had four slices last night and three slices today. I’ll work it all out starting tomorrow.

Finally, Jude and Yodel art directed this cake platter. It is a sight to behold.

It got me scrambling in the kitchen for the heavy silver tray Jeroen and I received at our wedding more than 12 years ago. I found it in mint condition in our kitchen cupboard.

There were a couple of other cakes that arrived just before I left the house. I wasn’t able to take a picture, but I want to thank you for the cakes, flowers, presents and well wishes. For those of you wondering, yes I share them with the people at home. There are 13 of us here.

Funny how the older I get, the more I like cake.

her ride

her gifts

her drinks

her shoes

her bags

her food galore!

But what drives a woman who seems to have everything to show off what she has, when we all know she’s “married” to a very rich man?
The answer finally came when her good friend, former actress and schoolmate, Tania Montenegro, recently spoke to Pep.ph about Gretchen’s sordid childhood.
The idea was not to put down Gretchen, but to discredit Gretchen’s sister Gia, who wrote a letter to discredit brother Jay-Jay (Joaquin), who wrote a statement to discredit their mother Inday, who wrote a letter to discredit Gretchen.

I know, long story.
Tania’s story is quite a read in Tagalog. I thought it would be easier to understand by summarizing and asking my sister Ana Maria Zamora to illustrate them.
Here goes…

Tania Montenegro

While they were “put in exclusive schools”, Tania says many times during exams, Gretchen would be asked to leave the room because her tuition fee was not paid.

“Most of the time, she’d come to school, wala siyang baon. So many countless times, I make her libre for recess,” Tania recalled.

Food galore?
Tania says she used to see Gretchen’s siblings in the canteen, “nagre-recess, nagla-lunch”, while Gretchen only had one meal. “Bakit si Gretchen, it’s either lunch or recess, ganyan? Lagi, lagi ‘yan,” Tania asked.
Gretchen is the fifth of seven children of Miguel at Estrella “Inday” Barretto.
Her elder siblings are Mito, Michi, Jay-Jay, at Gia (non showbiz) while the younger ones—Marjorie and Claudine both joined Gretchen in showbiz.

“Sometimes, we’d go out as a group, hindi ‘yan oorder kasi she has no money to pay for the food, yung ganun ba.”

“Nakakaawa nga ‘yan, e. There was one time nga, e, dumadalaw ‘yan sa house, mga early 1990s.
We were living in Capitol Hills, and she was within the area lang, kasi she had shooting. She passed by.
So kami naman, unintentionally, we served Spam and California rice. She sat on the table and sabi niya, ‘Ang sarap naman nito! Di bale, I promise, some day I’d be able to buy myself this.’

Yayas and chauffeurs? According to Tania, Gia’s recollection of their lifestyle during the ’80s is “weird”.
The chauffeur was actually Jay-Jay, the brother who drove them to school in a yellow combi!

“And their house, lahat naman yun rented. Rented lang mga houses na yun.
There were times nga, may mga art project kami, may mga project kami for art or for GMRC [Good Manners and Right Conduct], na we’d have to go to the school and bring this. Wala siyang madadala, kasi nga wala…Hindi siya nabigyan ng pambili or ganyan. Kaya nga kami naging close niyan. Kasi ako, madalas, I’d share. I’d share with her.”

“Nagulat lang ako talaga kung bakit kinailangan magsalita pa ni Tita Inday. I don’t know why she had to come up with that statement na parang…parang disown Gretchen. Parang tinatanong ko lang, ‘What has she done to you guys? Kasi, all throughout…ano ‘yan, e, she has a very big heart. So I don’t know.”

Another thing she can’t understand is Tita Inday’s “hatred kay Gretch.”
“I don’t know why. Hindi ko rin maintindihan na bakit parang through all, ha…seven kasi sila [magkakapatid]. I don’t know why siya [Gretchen] lang, sa nakita ko, sa naririnig kong kuwento from Gretch, sa na-witness ko, I don’t know why merong ganyang hatred si Tita Inday kay Gretch. I don’t know why.

Kasi dati pa sasabihin niya: ‘Si Gretchen ang itim-itim! Ang pangit ni Gretchen!’ Kaya nga si Gretchen, nagkaroon ng kailangan na pumuti siya, kailangan gumanda siya. Kaya naging ganyan ang effect kay Gretch, e. Kasi she hears it from her mom na, ‘Maitim si Gretchen! Maitim si Gretchen. Hindi naman maganda si Gretchen! Maraming gano’n.’”

“And then there was one time, she had a big pasa dito sa may face niya…between her cheek and her neck.
Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘What happened to you? Why do you have a bruise?’
Sabi niya her mom slapped her daw. Sabi niya, ‘She hit me.’
Sabi ko, ‘Why?’ She started to cry.

“I didn’t bother asking her kasi naawa ako because of the bruise on her cheek. Yung malaking bruise.
We were like Grade 6 lang siguro—so, mga 12? There was one time, may pictorial may pictorial kami, na-late siya.
‘Parang you cried,’ sabi ko sa kanya.
‘Yeah,’ sabi niyang ganun.‘Inday pulled my hair.’”

Even though Gretchen now lives the good life, Tania says it’s not so difficult to please Gretchen—it could be as simple as mocha cake and hugs.
“Gretchen is so mababaw. A simple Goldilocks mocha slice or mocha cake will make her so happy.
When we were young, she would have to wait for her birthday para makatikim ng Goldilocks. Kaya if people out there want to make Gretch happy, give her Goldilocks mocha cake or mocha slice!”

“She was deprived kasi of love and affection growing up. That’s why, if you notice, Gretchen is a hugger, she loves to hug her friends, and she always says, ‘I love you.’ Because her mom never said that to her.” (Source)

P.S. Gretchen didn’t pay me to write this!! xo

It’s my first time to visit the new Glorietta. We were invited to dine there by Linfred Yap, Philippines franchise holder of Wee Nam Kee Singapore.
The place looks tons nicer than Wee Nam Kee Singapore, for sure!
This is Singapore

And this is Glorietta—voila!

Linfred showed me white chicken (left) vs. yellow chicken (right), steamed and roasted

He had me at yellow!!
Here’s what we had: a mixed platter of both (with chicken rice, of course!)

Sambal kangkong which I loved. Plus a roast pork dish

More roasted pork in hot pot with tausi

Yellow chicken owes its color and fat content to a high-protein diet composed primarity of corn, which makes its meat more succulent and its skin, well, fatty.
It’s boiled in Wee Nam Kee’s secret stock for an even more flavorful taste.
Available steamed or roasted, they’re best savored with chicken rice, complemented by pounded ginger, chili sauce, and dark soya sauce.
For a limited time only, enjoy it here in Manila only at Wee Nam Kee Serendra and Glorietta 2.
To know more, follow Wee Nam Kee on Facebook or Twitter.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who’s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

Dr. Phil did this test on Oprah and scored 55, while Oprah got 38 (similar to me).
Wanna try? Try not to cheat to get the most accurate score.

1. When do you feel your best?
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk…
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you…
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with…
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with…
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you…
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You’re working very hard, concentrating hard, and you’re interrupted….
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most….
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or gray

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are…
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are…
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:

1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e ) 1
10 (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points, check your total, and see how others see you.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should handle with care. You’re seen as vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don’t always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who’s quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who’s constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who’ll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful, and practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who’s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn’t want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don’t exist. Some people think you’re boring. Only those who know you well, know that you aren’t.

Headlining the music festival is Australian five-piece outfit The Temper Trap, best known for upbeat joyride tracks “Sweet Disposition,” “Fader” and “Need Your Love.”

Joining them are two American alt-rock bands: Neon Trees, who rose to popularity with certified charttoppers “Animal,” “Everybody Talks” and “1983”

and Nada Surf, responsible for the ‘90s coming-of-age track “Popular,” the melancholy “Inside of Love” and its unforgettable rendition of the new wave anthem “If You Leave” from the seminal soundtrack of “The O.C.”

The lineup offers more indie-pop goodness in the form of New Zealand-based folk group Avalanche City

Australian pop duo Colour Coding

and the female-fronted indie quintet from Melbourne, Tully on Tully.

Homegrown talents Up Dharma Down, Taken By Cars, Pulso, Yolanda Moon, and She’s Only Sixteen round up the cast.
Tickets are priced at PhP 4,800 (exclusive of ticket service charge) available at all TicketNet, TicketWorld and SM Tickets outlets. Gates open at 11 AM.
To know more, go to http://wanderland.ph/

Just to give you an idea and feel of the brand, last October 2012, Aéropostale opened a new concept store at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Long Island, New York.
The new and impressive store concept evokes a vintage feel with New York-inspired artwork and framed chalkboards that double as a Community board to keep customers in the loop with the many activities Aéropostale has lined up for the year.

Vibrant colored fixtures paired with dark wood, exposed bricks, and state-of-the-art lighting provide contrast and dimension, to give the store a warm and inviting feel.

While tucked in the back of the store is a fun and flirty Girls room or haven for underwear, yoga and dorm items

Each of the store’s five dressing rooms features a New York City neighborhood theme like Soho, Williamsburg, West Village, East Village, and Park Slope.

The store design is a collaboration between Aéropostale’s internal team and the award-winning, Montreal-based design and consulting firm, GH+A Design.
With its heritage and New York roots, Aéropostale is sure to be the next fashion hot spot in the Metro.
To know more about the brand, go to http://www.aeropostale.com/

Dear Multiply Merchant,

We regret to inform you that Multiply will be closing the marketplace on May 6, 2013 and discontinuing all business operations by May 31, 2013.
Multiply will maintain normal site operations through May 6th and will wind things down through to the end of the month. We will use the rest of May to make sure that all accounts are settled and that you receive all funds you earned on the platform. We hope this provides you time needed to identify and migrate to alternative ecommerce platforms, settle all payments on items bought and delivered, and try to minimize disruption to your business.
In order to ensure that all your earnings are disbursed to you in full prior to May 31, we will cut off buying activity on May 6, 2013. This will ensure that all orders have sufficient time to be completed and delivered to your customers before the end of the month.
If you have a Trust Badge, please contact our customer support team and we will ensure that you receive a pro-rated refund for the remaining time on your subscription.
If my team can be of any assistance to you during this transition, we will do our best to help.

Respectfully yours,

Jack Madrid
Multiply Country Manager – Philippines

http://multiply.com/

This letter was published by Ricky Lo in today’s Philippine Star.
It was written Gia Barretto-Reyes of Boston, Massachusetts to their mother Inday, addressed to sister Gretchen.
And I quote:

When enough is enough

I respect that you do not want to be part of our family. At this point, we welcome it.
Not at any point do I ever recall us forcing you to be part of us but we have never also alienated you during the times when you wanted to be with us. Even during the times when you battled with one of us.

I say us because you have time and time again made extreme efforts to push us — mom, dad and all of us — away.
You have hurt us in ways that put the word decency to shame, you have had no rules when you attacked us.
If the attack were physical then it would be bearable. Bruises heal.
But the attack has always been vicious, below the belt and so evil that the wound borne from it cannot heal.
It is done repeatedly and unsparingly with permanent damage in mind.

You have tried to put mom and dad to shame with empty allegations without thinking that you, whether you like it or not came from them.
You ridicule them in front of friend, strangers and us. And, you expect us to just take it.
Your claims of financial support for this family have no basis, because dad always managed to provide.
For the record, we may not have been so rich but we were never poor.

1. We live in big beautiful houses

2. Slept in carpeted, air-conditioned rooms

3. Food galore

4. Put in an exclusive school

5. Members of exclusive country clubs

6. We each have our own yayas, yours even a midwife

7. Driven by chauffeurs

Long before you were born and even after you were in show business.
At 12 years old, could you have duplicated or taken over this kind of a style, with your meager earnings?
We did not have an excess of things but we had what we needed. You were never forced to get into show business.
I remember very clearly how you ran to the middle of the road when dad said “no” to you entering show business.
He believed that school was important. How sad that you cannot distinguish the lies that you make up and reality.

No Gretchen, it was not you who helped us during rough spots. It was Claudine.
You could not in the life of you convince her that our parents were abusive ones. It was difficult for you to accept that there was somebody who actually had pure intentions of helping where help was needed.
You once told me and I quote, “I just disappear when things get tough.”
You have become great at these disappearing acts. Claudine made an effort to be there always.

Just a few corrections: Claudine paid for my meds at UBC just as she paid for a lot of our nieces and nephews education. She gave them (our nieces and nephews), iPads, iPhones, concert tickets, clothes and so much more. She spoiled all of us not because she needed to but she wanted to.
She unlike you, has never equated her value with money or material possessions.

JJ comments on TV are only credible in as far as he is caught between a rock and a hard place, because he is in your employ. It honestly pains me to see that you could put him in this situation. To pick between that and his parents.

I echo mom’s words, “Stop it.” We get it. We know you don’t want us so please hear us now…”We do not want you, too.”
Please stop hounding us like an attack dog. We will admit defeat if you just leave us in peace. Just totally disappear from our lives without leaving a trail of vile and misery. Please.
Enough is enough! Leave us alone. Leave my family alone.

From GIA BARRETTO-REYES
Boston, Mass., USA
Sent from my iPhone

Korean-American executive chef Roy Choi took Bourdain to a Jollibee drive through to try stuff we don’t normally see in a local Jollibee menu: a spam sandwich, halo-halo, and the Aloha Burger.
So amused he was, Bourdain tweeted this picture of the popular Filipino dessert:

Halo halo! twitter.com/Bourdain/statu…

— Anthony Bourdain (@Bourdain) April 20, 2013

Watch what happens during his brief visit to Jollibee

See the full episode on Parts Unknown, CNN this Friday night at 10 PM.
To know more about the show, click HERE.

I’ll spare you the migraine and type this out for you. And I quote:

The letter of our mother which was published earlier today was shocking and hurtful. But what bothers me most is that while she attacks my sister, Gretchen, and pictures her as evil personified, she seems to have forgotten the truth.
Mom, as you have gone out of your way to answer the issues that Claudine ought to answer for herself, maybe it is high time to reflect on things and address these concerns as well.

You have lifted Claudine on a pedestal as the teleserye queen and labelled Grethen nothing but an ST queen.
But who took over the role of her parents, worked at the age of 12 and gave up her education to put her siblings to school? Who put food on the table, paid for the rent and electricity and hospital bills when dad suffered from his heart condition at least 2 times?

Did you ever once stop her from doing all that because you loved her and wanted to protect her just like what you are now doing for Claudine?

We all know the truth about Claudine’s condition. Gretchen never threatened about having her “padampot.”
Whatever for? May I remind you that it was you and dad who had her put in a hospital because you wanted to save her from destroying herself.
Yes, Claudine is going through rough times. Again. And if you truly love her, then you should take concrete steps to save her rather than hitting Gretchen simply because she is standing up to Claudine.

You claimed that Gretchen has been calling Claudine’s children names to her face. But how is that ever possible when Gretchen had long stopped taking Claudine’s calls?
Hasn’t Claudine changed her mobile number many time while still owning many prepaid sim cards as well? (my note: how jeje!)
On the contrary, it was Claudine who repeatedly said she was going to make an exposé. On what?
We were clueless until bashing began on Instagram (read: the new jologs) which is why Gretchen came to rescue of Julia.

If there is anyone who cared more for her niece, we all know it is Gretchen as she has proven when she chose to protect me and her siblings for a long, long time. This explains why, as you said, we never complained about out childhood.
Please mom, let us put a stop to this before our family totally falls apart while there is still something to save.

(Signed) Joaquin Barretto

and matriarch Inday and daughter Claudine in another (Team Clauday)

I don’t really know when and how the fight started. Someone please enlighten me.

All I know is they’ve been fighting on Instagram. (Because Instagram is the new jologs, that’s why.)
So I woke up this morning to news about Inday Barretto siding with daughter Claudine and saying all sorts of things about Greta.
Following is an open letter was written by Inday Barretto to her daughter Gretchen, published in Ricky Lo’s column:

You are a liar, Gretchen.
Many of your preys will attest to that soon. That is the style that you use when you want to play with other people’s lives!
To correct your lies…
• You claim Claudine said, “She will block Julia’s entry to Star Magic.”
Who did Claudine say it to…you? Or did you just make this up to put Claudine in trouble with Star Magic and make Julia’s big following angry with Claudine?
You did that before. Besides, Julia is very much “in” at Star Magic now.

• That Claudine said she is the only Teleserye Princess of ABS-CBN and will remain one ‘till eternity.
Hah? Did she tell you that or did you make it up again to block her entry to an ABS-CBN project?
First of all, Claudine was not a Teleserye Princess. She was ABS-CBN Teleserye Queen during her time, just like you were ST Queen during yours.

And, hello, showbiz holds no franchise to eternity.
Owners and big bosses go to hell, too, or to heaven in time!
• That Claudine will ruin Julia’s career? Why would she?
Next to Marjorie, “No one can love those children more than Claudine!!!”
There is a track record to that. At hindi isang kagaya mo lang ang maka-manipulate niyan.

Huwag mo naman gawing tanga ‘yung mga tao, Gretchen. They and we all know that “Claudine holds no power over the industry!”
Who do you think Claudine is — the Evil Queen of Bhutan?

Who’s more chica? Gretchen as Queen of Bhutan (L) or Jetsun Pema, the real Queen of Bhutan

• Raymart left home? Yes, it is true.
For a cooling off period? — Sana.
But if God wills it to be permanent, huwag naman sana. But still, our life is not in our hands!
So, Gretchen, do you also want to include God in your “bashing” and drip your perfumed saliva for the misfortune of your sister?
• Claudine has violent ways? Ay, talaga? Correct!

Nagbabasag ng plato at tasa ‘yan; buti na lang plastic, hindi ‘yung regalo ni Pres. Erap sa wedding.
I saw Claudine nagbato ng sapatos, natamaan ang pusa! Nabasa ‘yung shoes.
I also witnessed you, Gretchen, ah! When you were throwing expensive plates and vases at that time I was called to go to your place because nagwawala ka and you were threatening to swallow pills.
Muntik pa nga akong matamaan kaya I ran out of the house to the car on a Typhoon Signal No. 3, soaking wet. Pinalayas ako!
Yes, Claudine’s career slowed down but her talent did not!
What she holds on “record” for achievement, is “not gone” for how can you lose what you already have in your hand and kept in people’s mind? She doesn’t have to prove anything.
Julia and others will fare on their own — never dependent on anyone, comparable to none. They each have a gift from God! Oh yes, Julia is terrific, another good one coming.
You are insecure if you believe anyone can block that! For the record, that (your insecurity) can be supported by a well-known doctor.

Claudine has no “mental illness”…“mental torture,” yes, courtesy of an evil manipulation!
Some of these incidents will support it.
You attack Claudine with verbal abuse by phone and text messages, like these:
• Sabina — negra daughter of yours
• Santino — abnoy
• Raymart — bakla for not siding with you.

You told Claudine that she has no more career to go back to. Bakit, si Malou Santos ka ba, si Vic del Rosario ka ba?

Ipadadampot — for what? (Planted or framed up.) There are bashers — 10, 15 or more, when one is popular — and still you would still like to accuse your sister as the culprit!
Do not call Claudine evil!
Do not start giving away that title that belongs to you and you alone, now that it’s burning your palm and scarring your beautiful face.
Some basher called Julia “maarte” and you blow your top!
You call Claudine evil, prepare to attack her and you want me to be “angelic?”
Ang dali-dali n’yo lang manakit ng tao. Power drunk! Pero pag kayo na, konting pitik gusto n’yo na magpakulong.
I am taking this fight — now in front of the battle.
I am going to take all the bullets you shoot.
Watch and beware it will ricochet kapagka ina na ang binaril.

Stop, please stop. Stop it na, ha! Stop it naaaaa!!!

For the longest time now and all these years you did nothing but make it your favorite pastime to play with the lives of my family, the family you are ashamed to own, in spite of the fact that I brought you all up well, humble and human!
You have attacked, accused, maligned and tried to destroy each and everyone of us in the eyes of society, starting from your father, I your mother, and each and everyone of your siblings including their partners!
People ask and some who do not know any better, might believe that maybe we’re cruel parents, neglectful and remiss in our duties to you! Only, you, alone? Because no one else is complaining about their childhood!
How easy for me to have explained my side, but how can a mother defend herself without destroying a child of hers no matter that she is EVIL?
Most importantly, I could not in all conscience correct the bad “impression” (image) you gave us.
The truth is: This impression is the “Deceptive Device” you used to hook your man and landed you on the moon shining bright like a diamond!

I kept mum not wanting to rock your world but you are wrecking ours!
Gretchen, I am not a wimp, never been one, but lahat may “hangganan.”
I have protected you all these years without exposing to the world the real you. But you have pushed many of us to the wall. There’s no other way but for us to defend our names! I have always loved you as one of my own, and always will, but love of my family belongs to the heart and not in the garbage can!
I am letting go of a child now who never wanted me in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love…Claudine! — INDAY BARRETTO

Claudine Barretto photo by Jover Alforque