Birthday Feast

My associate Bang Martinez recently treated us to a gastronomic feast at the newly opened Donosti at the Fort.  One of the more stealth and chic restaurants in Manila as of the moment is the current  talk of the town.  After making several visits last year, this foodie habitué has been consistently at the top of my list in terms of food, service and ambiance.  Love the casual and relaxed feel of the place as it channels unpretentious and laid back atmosphere beyond all that flash.

 The fab menu boasts of a delightful list of tapas and entrees to fill even the most discerning of tastes.  From the appetizers to paellas to meaty dishes, one's palette is filled with authentic and well cooked offerings of Basque cuisine to fill your hearts desire. Croquettas, chorizos and jamon Iberico are must for starters matched with their best selling sangria. A gastronomic haven, one can't enough is the Angulas and shrimp in garlic to go with their homemade bread. While for the main attraction we had the unforgettable sea bass, chicken and tenderloin dishes that simply melts in your mouth.  Though the price range is fairly above average, one is rest assured of the freshness and  by the quality of imported ingredients they put into every offering with no preservatives.  

One can chill, relax and enjoy the moment at Donosti.  Never mind who's at the next table, besides you'll be busy enjoying the food, drinks and more importantly conversations with your company.  Enjoy!

Donosti Pintxos y Tapas is located at

NAC Bldg, Block 3, Lot 2 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City,Taguig
Metro Manila, Philippines.

Style Origin 3: Glorietta

PMAP model Ana Sideco is the face of Ayala Mall's Style Origin.

The third leg of the series was Glorietta and the guest band this time was Pupil with Ely Buendia as their lead vocal.  Backstage was quite big and there was enough room for people to move and space for all the models including the kids and personalities.  We started the show early compared to the first two of the series (Greenbelt and Trinoma) because it was a Sunday and there were a lot of kids involved.  During our first show (Greenbelt), we had to separate the kids from the adults to accommodate all the brands.  The stage was red instead of the usual black and held at the Activity Center in Glorietta 4.  We weren't surprised at the fact that 30 minutes before the show, the mall was jam packed.

Red red red.

Bare back stage.

Sequence guide.

Pass it on.

Erin wearing a sweatshirt by F21 pants by Zara and sneakers by Converse and Poli 
wearing black top by Bench, cardigan from Australia, pants by SM Surplus and shoes
 by Wade.

Rudolph wearing a shirt by Topman, jacket by SM department Store, pants by 
Pac-sun, shoes by Southern Comfort and bag by Prada.

Reg wearing a top by SM, blazer by Melani, shorts from Bangkok, shoes by Janylin
 and fringe bag is a gift from mom.

Donna wearing a cover up by Topshop, white tulle top by Zara, shoes by Cole Vintage.

Mikka wearing a top by F21, leggings by Zara and platforms by CMG.

Paula wearing wearing a top by Forever 21, pants and bag both by Zara and shoes
 by Schizo by Kaye Morales.

The author wearing a white v neck tee by Uniqlo, jeans by GAP, snakeskin shoes
from Adora and red Antigona bag by Givenchy.

In every show there is a cast of thousands from the models to production and participants.  It's always like a celebration of style and fashion backstage.  Not to mention the gossip you hear every so often here and there.  The team spends a couple of days in preparation for every show. We have a day for clothing selection, another one for fitting and one for the final day itself.  All is culminated in a 30-40 minute presentation of available fashion.  Adrenalin 30 minutes before the show is quite high and when the music starts, the fun actually begins.

Val wearing a top by Streetbeat boutique, shorts by H & M, shoes by Pedder Red HK,
watch by Casio and bag from Singapore.

Emerald wearing a dress by Old Navy, cardigan by F21, sandals by Cole Vintage
and bag by Longchamp.

Jasmine wearing a blouse by Dress in Manila, shorts by Mich Dulce, shoes and
bag both by The Ramp.

Glenny's wearing a blouse by SM, pants by F21, shoes from Guam and bag by
The Ramp.

Lou wearing a blouse by The Ramp, skirt by F & H, shoes from Australia and bag by
Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Marita wearing a dress by Melissa Ramsey, denim jacket by Muji and sandals by F21.

Daryl wearing a top by Blue Crown, shorts by Ralph Lauren and slippers by Havaianas.

Marx wearing a shirt by A/X, pants by F & H and shoes by Converse.

Mia wearing a striped dress by YRYS and sandals by Parisian.

Ria wearing a dress by Tomato, sneakers by Tretorn and bag from a thrift store.

Justine wearing a top by Topshop, shorts by Zara and flats by Cole Vintage.

Ornusa wearing a top by Maldita, shorts by Plastic Rose, sunglasses by F & H and
shoes by Doc Martens.

Peter wearing a polo by H & M, pants by Avel Bacudio, shoes by Onitsuka Tiger and
bracelet by Pepito Albert.

Dindi wearing a dress, cardigan and belt all by H & M and shoes by Shoebox.

Grace wearing a jumpsuit from Bangkok and shoes by Parisian.

Wendy wearing a top, leggings and shoes all by Topshop and bag by Charles and Keith.

Girlie wearing a top from Singapore, blazer by Marc Jacobs, shorts by Zara, bag from
Bangkok and flats by Charles and Keith.

Fatima wearing a top by F21, shorts by Zara, sandals VNC and baby Daniela
wearing a white dress by Zara.

Spice girls.

Little boy blue.

Boys will be boys.

Girl power.

Twin stars.

Kiddie-landia.

Having A Baby.

The Row.

Bayo.

Follow our team as we continue to chronicle our adventures with Style Origin.  Today was extra because of one my daughter's--Mikka Velasquez--celebrated her birthday at work.  We ended up pigging out after the show and stuffed ourselves with pasta, ribs and of course-a slice of cake.  Make a wish my dearest, we love you!