Delicious!

Sunday brunch with good friends is always a treat.  It's the best time to catch up and have a good time talking about anything and everything. We were supposed to eat at a new Mexican restaurant but ended up in Chuck's Deli at Serendra, The Fort. Been hearing about this new deli from a lot of people and remembered we were supposed to try this out last Good Friday, but unfortunately it was closed.  Today seemed to be the perfect time to finally try this place that's highly recommended.  True enough, the food exceeded beyond my heart's( or stomach perhaps) content.  The Reuben sandwich (one of their bestsellers) was fantastic and was overstuffed with roast beef which the author perfectly matched with a side dish of German potato salad.  No mayo, no spice or whatever condiment you choose to put on or not, just tell them, they'll gladly do it.  The onion rings was excellent and didn't taste too starchy compared to other establishments where you could barely taste the onion. And to top it all off, for dessert was the super yummy Arce vanilla pinipig crunch and the delightfully sinful avocado milkshake. The food was so good this author could literally stay there forever? Can't wait to come back and try the other bestsellers--a must-try for all the foodies out there. CIAO!

Deli-cious.

What do you mean no mayo?

Counter strike.

Good review.

Guilt free indulgence.

German potato salad.

Jessica's Meltdown is all about superb tuna.

Go oriental with the Flaking Duck.

The famed Reuben.

The Philly Cheese Steak is a major hearty delight.

Not so focused rings.

Grabbed this photo from Kat, Queso Real milkshake.

Yes, less than 5 minutes is possible.

Sweet death.

So loving this lighting fixture.

Inside out.

The Sunday bunch (from left to right)  The author, Max Factor Chief Makeup artist Bobby Carlos, Philippine
Star columnist/ EXPAT EIC Katrina Holigores and fashion designer Louis Claparols.

Chuck's Deli is located at Serendra, The Fort beside Echostore.

Western Flair

Welcome to the wild wild west where a new mood of dressing begins.  The latest in Marlboro Classics are riding high in contemporary denims, khakis, checks and a whole range of contemporary neutrals.  Chic denim comes in a variety of shades, washes and treatments giving jeans fashion a totally new spin. Mix and matching bright plaids with neutrals is reinventing the cowboy/countryside feel with color.   Wonder how the look of layers can spare you from the heat and give you that up to date chic flair? Modern styling through layering is cool in this weather as seen in softer and more season appropriate fabrics such as cotton and linen.  More reason to dress up in laid back style if you're having a quick trip to the farm or simply having a picnic.  Understated is the key in this era of effortless dressing and in these times, this is how the west is won.

                            

In the Philippines, Marlboro Classics is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc.

New Tradition

The Italian household name Salvatore Ferragamo might sound like a legend but you'll be in for a surprise with these latest men's accessories the brand came up with for this season.  Known for their fine leather, the reputable fashion house recently came out with stylish pieces for men who love all the little details about fashion.  From classic to trendy, these elements of style are noteworthy of the modern man's attention.  

The new Salvatore Ferragamo accessories is updating the classics through the use of distressed leather, play of color and unique combinations and contemporary finishings.  The old becomes new in a variety of cool and irresistible up-to-date detailing . Channeling a contemporary lived-in feel, the fresh take is seemingly a more relaxed approach to elegance.  The wide range of modern accessories are signature timeless pieces reinvented and are necessities every man of the moment should have in their closet. Through the decades, the designer brand has been given a mark of distinction for trademarking globally Italian fashion. Today, the unfailing legacy of style continues in the art of luxury exemplified by Salvatore Ferragamo. 

Must-have unstructured canvas tote bag with signature logo print.

Sleek and chic cuff links with colored base enamel.

A new tone for the classic key chain holder.

Forever classic leather wallet.

leather card case  

Raffia duffel bag with leather handles is the fresh take on textures.

The refreshing colors of elegance in their trademark silk ties.

Unexpected color combination for slip-ons in suede and leather.

In the Philippines, Salvatore Ferragamo is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) and is located at Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Makati, Alabang Town Centre and Rustan’s Ayala Cebu.

Parisian PFW 2011 catalogue

In the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week (PFW) 2011, the presentation of the latest collections wasn't just all about mens and womenswear.  Since more than a year ago, the only notable shoe and bag brand creating a strong presence in this bi-annual fashion extravaganza is Parisian.  The fashion forward brand showcased a platform of trendsetting shoes and bags apt for the season and the months to come.  From brights to muted neutrals, metallics to prints, the on the radar appeal is moving towards a direction currently in line with what's happening global fashion.  This movement towards the style frontline was evidently seen in their impressive collection at the SM PFW show. Like any other important international showcasing,  thier must-have pieces can be seen closely in their informative and well put-together catalogue. Platforms, wedges, pumps, slings with a whole lot more, the legendary shoe brand that has expanded to bags as well recently is true to the mantra of the institutional department store "We've got it all". 
SM's Parisian is frontlining a display of uncompromising style that's taking local shoe brands competent with international standards in terms of style and design.  Aside from their contemporary fashion, these items are fairly priced so anyone need not worry on having a trendy new pair season after season. Shoes "Made in the Philippines" have truly come a long way and Parisian is definitely something Filipinos can be proud of. 

Parisian is exclusively available in all SM Department stores nationwide.  Photography by Xander Angheles, Styling by Gio Palmiano, Mikey de Guzman and Luis Espiritu.  Associate stylists Reg Rodriguez, Donna Gonzales Lim, Rudolph Leonor, Mikka Velasquez and Noelle Llave.  Makeup by Bobby Carlos, makeup assistant Ria Aquino and hairstyling by Emar Cabilte.

Ethnic Chic

After three recent entries on wonderful Davao(Style Origin, SOUL and Yummy Trail), this last entry is something every woman would love-shopping.  If you're looking for something more interesting than the countless retail brands available in the mall, check out the most interesting cluster of malls where shopping is paradise-Aldevinco Shopping Center.  Located in the heart of Davao city, this unique cluster of stalls is filled with batik made products, artifacts, antiques, sarong, malong, jewelry(pearls are abundant in all colors), bags, shoes--name it they have it.  The establishment  that has been around for more than 40 years is filled with a variety of handicrafts all proudly made in Davao and nearby provinces.  Boasting in rich culture and heritage, you can't help but marvel and spot on the one-of-a kind pieces around you that somehow tells a story. Who would have thought that this empty lot founded by Conrado Alcantara and his wife would become Aldevinco(it's old name)--now one of the famous landmarks of the city. A shoppers paradise where one can find an assortment of souvenirs for the perfect "pasalubong" to bring back home.  If you're planning a trip there to shop, don't forget that it's best to learn how to haggle well before going so you can get the best of your money's worth. Definitely a must-go with lots of must-haves, Aldevinco Shopping Center is more than just your ordinary tourist attraction.

Stalls of interesting finds.

Warrior breastplate.

Bags of all shapes, sizes and prints are plenty.

Choice pickings.  These bags are so cheap they can go from 250-500 pesos max.

My favorite fashion find are these uber comfortable drawstring patchwork pants 
channeling Etro and Missoni  which you can get for only 550 pesos.

Aldevinco Shopping Center is located at corner Claro M. Recto and Roxas Avenue, Davao city beside Marco Polo hotel. Telephone No. (082) 227-9609Fax No. (082) 226-4715.

Style Origin 9: Bonifacio High Street (BHS)

While half of the style team was in Davao preparing for Style Origin Abreeza show, the Manila contingent led by Rudolph Leonor and Mikka Velasquez had their hands full with the event in Bonifacio High Street (BHS).  The stage was set literally at the center street in BHS compared to the rest of the series which was all held in the malls.  With fourteen big brands participating, the second to the last of the Style Origin series adds up to the monumental success of this fusion of music and fashion showcase by the Ayala Malls.  Week after week, this mall to mall  tour is an ingenious concept of bringing style and entertainment closer to the general public.  It's a reportage of the latest collections available in the retail stores promoting awareness in global fashion.   Yes we've come this far, and after 12 shows, it just keeps on getting better.

Empty backstage.

Style Origin on the street.

A dash of FASH from Bianca Valerio.

Mico Raval at rehearsals.

The stage set up was on the road between Dimensione and Krispy Kreme in Bonifacio High Street.

Take your pic on these hot men.

Built for Speedo.

Furball.

Say cheese.

Girls and their stuff.

Mother may I?

Cute poochie.

Hair and makeup room.

Sofa Fashcom students Nicole Santos, Jeanne Khe, Teri Marcelo and Pamela Bassig strike a pose.

The Style Team (from left to right):  Teri Marcelo, Jeanne Khe, Rudolph Leonor, Mikka Valasquez, Pamela Bassig and Nicole Santos.