Orient Express



From left to right:  The author wearing a banana republic tee, pinstriped white short by Joey Samson, black Kung Fu slips by Everybody Needs a Pair, leather bands by Marc Jacobs, sunglasses by Balenciaga and Mulberry Edie Bag.  On Kat: pique top by Lacoste, khaki capris by PCF, graphic printed sneakers by Onitsuka Tigers, classic speedy LV monogram, sunglassed by Oscar de la Renta and Oyster perpetual watch by Rolex.  On Ivar:  shirt by Kris Van Assche, shorts by Zara, shoes by Margiela, Tiger Woods cap, watch by Cartier and Bag by Comme de Garcon.



Started my day with a smile on my face since am going to be with good friends YStyle columnist and former EIC of Metro magazine Kat Holigores and designer Ivar Aseron (who I mentioned in my previous blog) for an exciting adventure.  Arriving in Binondo around noon on a Sunday is such a treat.  Void of large crowds and a multitude of vehicles, we had ourselves dropped off after the first bridge (there are two) and started to walk to our lunch destination-Happy Delicious Kitchen.  My friend, Shu Uemura makeup artist Mickey See who then said the food was good and the resto had a specialty serving introduced me to the place. Nothing fancy or flashy, they offer a wide variety of authentic Chinese cuisine from vegetables to meat, fish, pork and desserts. Since then I kept coming back. I couldn't forget how delicious the food was (mind you no msg) and their famous 3 or 4 in 1 meals.  



Ladies who lunch



This beats any fastfood value meal treat

Walking along Ongpin felt like we were in a different place and time.  Not because the place and people looked different, but it just had a distinct vibe. Sometimes I can't help but think how it was then during its heyday. Aside from the food, we were there for another reason.  Since Chinese New Year is coming up soon (February 3), we couldn't help but look for the "stuff" we needed for the year to come.



Enter the dragon

 


Not so busy Ongpin

 



Everywhere red.

 

These shoes are made for walking.



Seeing red

And the search went on as we entered a couple of shops to look for figurines, lucky charms, pendants, incense and more foodies.  Mind you in the middle of all the shopping and eating we chanced upon a shrine and couldn't help but take a shot of faith in our midst.




Faith is all around us

 


Fire burning with passion and hope.

  After finally getting everything we needed, we had to end our trip with a quick stop at the popular New Eastern Garden Restaurant for their famous fresh lumpia.  Vegetarians would love this food from the Gods with loads of seaweeds, garlic, shoots, carrots and peanuts.  Heaven is a place on earth.



Tradition of excellence.



Busy open kitchen.

The young lady preparing our takeout orders is a third generation lumpia maker who
grew up watching her grandmother create these gastronomic delights.

Printastic!

I loved this day.  Light, free-flowing and a whole lotta fun.  Walking through life is an endless journey of finding and searching for the joys that make us happy. Happiness that creates wonderful imprints to our soul.