Timeless

Time is of the essence and with it comes an important element of style--watches. The latest from renowned brand Cartier, Délices de Cartier is a priceless timepiece with its curving transparency,smooth tapered case,twisted oval encircled by diamond links,dial bordered by brilliant-cut gems and its carefree curves that embody refinement and sophistication and all that's elegant.  Beautifully made from the finest materials, the wonderful work of art is a timeless masterpiece that captivates any hearts desire.  How can one resist the stunning appeal of such royal and majestic wonder.

Délices de Cartier watch, small model, 18 carat pink gold set with diamonds. Case: 18 carat
 pink gold. Dimensions: width: 30.78 mm (with crown) length: 36.07 mm thickness: 7.20 mm.
 Bezel: set with round diamonds. Dial: silvered, lacquered. Crystal: sapphire. Water-resistance:
30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar. Strap: pink-beige brushed canvas. Folding clasp: 18 carat pink gold.
Movement: quartz. Total: 0.46 carats.

Délices de Cartier watch, XL model, rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold set with
diamonds, set dial. Case: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. Dimensions:
width: 49.18 mm (with crown) length: 50.47 mm thickness: 7.60 mm. Bezel:
set with round diamonds. Dial: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold set with
round diamonds. Crystal: sapphire. Water-resistance: 30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar
 Strap: light grey brushed canvas.Ardillon buckle: rhodium-plated 18 carat white
gold set with round diamonds. Movement: quartz.Total: 5.23 carats.

Délices de Cartier watch, small model, 18 carat pink gold. Case: 18 carat pink gold
 Dimensions: width: 31.53 mm (with crown) length: 36.07 mm thickness: 7.20 mm.
Bezel: 18 carat pink gold. Dial: silvered, lacquered. Crystal: sapphire. Water-resistance:
30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar. Bracelet: 18 caratpink gold. Clasp: 18 carat pink gold.Movement: quartz.

Délices de Cartier watch, large model, rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold set with
diamonds, semi-set dial Case: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. Dimensions:
width: 38.39 mm (with crown) length: 43.81 mm thickness: 7.60 mm. Bezel: set
with round diamonds. Dial: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold, set with round diamonds
Crystal: sapphire.Water-resistance: 30 metres / 100 ft / 3 bar. Bracelet: rhodium-plated
18 carat white gold. Clasp: rhodium-plated 18 carat white gold. Movement: quartz.
Total: 2.14 carats.

Délices de Cartier

And like designer masterpieces, there are certain moments in life that are priceless.  Recently, this author had a two hour post birthday lunch full of catching up and laughter with his Allure( a section of the Philippine Star) family at the popular Chinese restaurant in Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila called Lili. Working with Allure for a decade has been an important part of this author's life.  Taking a trip every Friday from Makati to Port area can be an hour and thirty minute pain due to traffic, but every moment in the office in most cases is always something to look forward to. It maybe once a week, but one meaningful day is better than having days you wished didn't happen. Loving this family gathering, and it was the best way to culminate the series of bday celebrations.  Thanks to Hyatt's sweet PR Assistant Laurie Reyes for dropping by and the staff for delightful surprise.

Alluring family(from left):  Graphic artist Phoebe Marquez, Editor Ms. Joanne Rae Ramirez, the author, Associate editor Bum Tenorio and editorial assistant Jernie May Camposano.

Hearts on Fire

This is another post birthday entry.  Was invited to have dinner at the renowned Fireplace restaurant at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila.  Haven't been there in ages, so decided to bring my siblings for a wonderful dining experience. We were welcomed by the manager Joy who was very warm, accomodating and pleasantly brought us to our corner table.  We were in for a treat to one of Manila's best kept secrets, Fireplace is famous for its prime steaks, wide selection of wines and unique setting. Marked with distinction, the chic atmosphere gives you a feeling of being inside a chalet or an exclusive cellar.  Tucked in the heart of Manila, one can be assured this reclusive haven is no scene to be seen and one can enjoy the perfect private dining experience.  Revisiting Fireplace gives the author the feeling of coming back home.  Despite the passage of time, nothing much has changed because everything has amazingly been well maintained and the cuisine is as fabulous as ever. One must try the assortment of gastronomic indulgences that will definitely satisfy your heart's craving. Loving great ambiance matched with exemplary service, every moment is truly a memorable one.  Thanks so much to Loni Balagtas, the staff and management of Hyatt Hotel and Casino for the extraordinary treat.  Cheers!
 

Light and Shade.

Wood wonders.

Lush.

The wonders of Joy the restaurant manager.

Spare me a piece of bread.

Ceasar salad.

Yummy mushroom soup with truffle oil.

Surf and Turf.  Tenderloin steak with huge prawns.

Grilled Sea Bass.

Compliments from the chef. Creamy Potato Gratin.

Sweet intoxication. Chocolate soup with vanilla ice cream.

Let them eat cake courtesy of the Hyatt family.

Loving the extraordinary pampering.  Thank you.

Sibling revelry with Erica and Catrina.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino is located in Pedro Gil Street, Malate, Manila. For enquiries and reservations, call The Fireplace on 247 8666 or email fireplace.mn@hyatt.com

Summer Luxe

After weeks of waiting, Luxe magazine's March-May 2011 issue featuring Marian Rivera on the  cover is finally out.  All in her luxurious glory for their second year anniversary issue, the alluring notable actress displays stellar sexy in sophistication. Grab a copy and see Marian all glammed up wearing trend-inspired resort wear from the most promising young designers in the country. A refreshing look for the sought after actress, Marian showcases another side of her chameleon beauty. The arresting glossy photo was shot by Doc Marlon Pecjo, makeup by Bambi Fuentes, dress by Mikka Velsaquez and accessories by Joanique & Co.  Shot on location at the  Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, special thanks to Loni Balagtas and Laurie Reyes.  Cheers to EIC Christine Daguno, Creative Director Mikaela Lagdameo and the Luxe team.

Fit for a King

The last time I was at the presidential Suite of The Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Malate, Manila was around more than three years ago. I was feeling nostalgic looking back at all the good memories since I  frequented the hotel to hang out with friends for dinner and drinks.  You can dine your heart away in any of their restos namely Lili(Chinese), Fireplace(steakhouse) or Market Cafe(buffet style) and be assured of good food all worth your while.  Anyway, we were there for a series of shoots and when we got to the the room it looked like the place was frozen in time.  Everything seemed the same and was happy to see nothing has changed( in a good way) considering its almost always fully booked( according to secret sources). I guess this equates to high maintenance which should be the standard among five-star hotels.  The 220 sq. metre suite has all the amenities you can dream of. Modern design presented in a variety of wood tones fill the place with a play and display of lights highlighting decorative art.  Warm, welcoming and unpretentious, ostentatious fixtures and furnishings are nowhere in sight.  My team and I were fortunate enough to have it for a day and everyone seemed to enjoy this work get together.  The management and staff took care of us pretty well and was kind enough to assist us with our needs. No doubt we were grateful to be treated like royalty for a day even if it was just a day.

Grand allure.

Tea for two?



The bedroom.



Lounge act.

I have this weakness for big spacious bathrooms with white tiles.  The illusion of space is in the art of living well.  Nothing to flashy, just simple, stark and minimal interiors. Wish I had a bathroom like this, and if I did, I can imagine spending hours just hanging out there...sitting in luxury. Despite the shoots we had to accomplish with loads of clothes, shoes and accessories, we went through the entire day just going with the flow of fun. After all, how can one complain when you're in the best suite in the house with a perfect view of the breathtaking ocean during the day and an endless parade of passing headlights along Roxas boulevard at night.

The mirror has two faces.



Have you seen my rubber duckie?

Paint my wall.

Twin spheres.

A face without a name.

Made in the Philippines.



Fitting form.



Hyatt Manila is located at 1588 Pedro Gil cor M.H. Del Pilar, Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004.  Tel: +63 2 245 1234    Fax: +63 2 247 1234  or Email: manila.casino@hyatt.com

Emerging Talent: Noelle Llave

Young fashion designer Noelle Llave is the new talent to watch out for.  We were shooting a couple of days ago at Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila and I was mesmerized by the amazing pieces the designer came up with.  A graduate of the prestigious School of Fashion and the Arts(SOFA), Paula ( as I fondly call her) delivered beyond my expectations.  I commisioned her to create a capsule collection (5 pieces) and accessories inspired by the Spring-Summer 2011 global trends to be featured in my fashion column Multiple Choice of the Allure section of Philippine Star( it comes out on Sundays). The idea was to infuse denim (classic fabric) with leather to form minimalist pieces that define the latest in fashion today. The result was a fantastical display of structured and linear masterpieces channeling the new directions of contemporary design.  What really blew me away was the ingenious and practical creation of accessories. 


Mad about leather.

The season's chic neutral finds.

The shape of things to come.

Roughly finished leather cutouts and scraps in updated tones were outstandingly formed into modern cuffs and neckpieces.  Chic, young and now, the uncoventional accessories present a fresh perspective with refreshing global appeal. Raw and unpolished, the look is an artistic insight on shapes, texture and proportion.  The designer's visionary point of view is an insight of brilliant design creativity in progress.  I will be posting the capsule collection as soon as the shoot has been published.  In the meantime, feast your eyes on these style worthy one-of-a-kind accessories that's definitely of-the-moment. 

The setting.

Sneak peek.

Photography by Mau Aguasin, fashion styling by Rudolph Leanor, makeup by Ria Aquino and modeled by Dindi de Leon(PMAP).  For more info you can reach Noelle Llave +639175023617

Sweet Intentions

If you're thinking these boxes are Christmas decorations or gifts then what you have in mind is totally all wrong.  These are designer cakes called "Kaleidoscope" by Louis Claparols in collaboration with Hyatt Hotel and Casino's Pastry Chef Johann Dreisger.   This guilty sweet surrender is a luscious strawberry chessecake wrapped up in a white chocolate shell while the candy colored drawings are printed in yummy sugar paper.  This distinct edible art has a unique back story.  Inspiration is drawn from the beautiful spectrum of colors in a variety of patterns and graphic prints.  Furthermore, it is a tribute to the designer's late uncle, the legendary master rapper of Philippine Music--Francis Magalona and his famous song Kaleidescope World.  The well attended event filled Hyatt's Music Room with overflowing cocktails and delicious canapes.  Beyond anyone's sweet tooth contention, the wonderful artistic creation not only complete one's good apetite but serves a meaningful intention.

Photographer Joan Bitagcol waering a floral printed long sleeve polo by Liberty. Jeans
by APC, white belt by Jil Sander and metallic flats by Janylin.

Designer Joey Samson wearing a a camel cashmere v-neck by Zara, gray tee by GAP,
riding pants by Prada and navy lace up shoes by Carbon.

 

Homme Et Femme Tadi de Leon wearing a generic tee, jacket by Margiela, jeans by
Levis SG, metallic tote from Saizen Maquee mall and shoes by Margiela.



Myth's Ruby Gan wearing a top and leggings both by Louis Claparols, shoes by Prada
and bag by Gucci.



Makeup artist Bobby Carlos wearing a black tee by Muji, Jakcet and pants both by Louis
Claparols, black patent lace ups by Opening Ceremony and bag by Prada.

Look Magazine's EIC Mel Cuevas wearing a cahrcoal long sleeve knit and black booties
by Zara, black skirt by TSE, belt by Express,  rings by Alexis Bittar and Kenneth Jay Lane
and nude mini luggage tote by Celine.

StyleBible's Isha Andaya wearing a black top by House of Laurel, charcoal gray pants
from Bangkok and black sling pumps by Charles and Keith.



Creative Director Patrick Ty wearing a blue collared tee by Giordano, jacket bought in
Korea, trousers by Raf Simons and shoes by Prada.

  

Expat EIC and Phil Star columnist Katrina Holigores wearing a printed dress by
Rosanna Ocampo, ring by Micheline Syjuco, leather clutch from Bangkok and black
pumps by Jil Sander.



Fashion stylist Corine Alegre  wearing a denim dress with zipper details from a bazaar,
magazine printed  clutch byPaparazzi and maryjanes by Marc Jacobs.

Designer Louis Claparols wearing printed top b Erotokritos, jacket byhimself created for
Rhett Eala's Collezione collection, laminated denim by 101 New York and boots by Carbon.

The author wearing powder blue punstriped long sleeve top by GAP, pinstriped navy
trousers by Joey Samson, patent and denim lace ups by Boss Orange, watch by
Kenneth Cole and black croc leather bag by Junko Shimoda.

The Kaleidoscope Cake is available at the Hyatt Pastry shop, Hyat Hotel and Casino Manila from Feb to April 2011 and for every cake sold a percentage of sales will go to PAWS (the Phil Animal Welfare Association).