Sizzling Fragrance for Women

What's red and hot?

Beyonce in a red dress, wearing a fragrance of sexy chic elegance.

Red hot ad campaign for Beyonce Heat

We've seen Beyonce in both television and the big screen, having conquered music, film and fashion. Today, she unleashes her other side -- a visionary, trendsetter and global icon -- through her first signature fragrance Beyonce Heat.

Product set-up at the exclusive press launch in Red, Makati Shangri-La

Beyonce Heat is a captivating fragrance that unleashes a spirited fire within. "My fragrance is a unique expression of woman's powerful sensuality," said Beyonce. "I created this fragrance for self-assured women everywhere, for women who are not afraid to desire and be desired."

Another product display

I am a big fan of fragrances and I specially liked the floral, fruity, woody notes of Beyonce Heat. When I tried it, I was first greeted by the scent of a bouquet of rare, sensual flowers: magnolia, neroli and red vanilla orchid; balanced with a kiss of luscious blush peach; almond macaroon, sweet honeysuckle nectar and creme de musk; and finally a warm and sexy notes of giant sequoia milkwood, tonka bean and amber. Fierce yet feminine, sexy yet chic.

Beyonce Heat's luxe and sexy packaging

The fragrance is presented in a stunning glass bottle that makes a powerful, sexy and stylish statement. The bottle's curvaceously rounded base narrows to a sleek, squared neck and the red color gradient effect gives the impression of a fire burning from within. For a touch of ultimate luxury, the top of the bottle is edged with a gold band and topped with an opulent cap.

For scent layering, Beyonce Heat Gift Set also available

Philippines has been chosen as the only Asian country to carry Beyonce's first perfume line. Launched this November, Beyonce Heat was unveiled at the SM Mall of Asia. Beyonce Heat is exclusively distributed by Prestige Brands Philippines, Inc., a subsidiary of Prestige Group of Companies which represents International Designer Fragrances in Southeast Asia.

Ad campaign materials and product photo from Prestige Brands.

A Glam and Fab Lunch

Being a girl who loves fashion and accessories, last Friday's Ladies Who Lunch event (the BusinessWorld Female Forum) excited me so much that I even bought a dress for the occasion about a month ago. You may be wondering what brought about the excitement? Three things actually -- one, the topic for discussion was "Investing in Luxury" (read: branded bags); two, I'll be meeting the guest speaker Ingrid Chua-Go of Tresorie, Accessory Lab, and thebaghagdiaries blog fame; three, the luncheon's guest list was composed mostly of the who's who in the fashion and luxury world.

ME and Ingrid Chua-Go of thebaghagdiaries

I expected the speaker to be a much older woman because of her extensive knowledge in luxury and her experience in business. Alas, when she arrived, I met a youthful looking girly-girl woman in preppy fashion who was all smiles and kikay talk. She looked so young that I thought she was still single but she is married and has kids. With her was her mother Pacita Chua, the graceful lady who taught her all about luxury, who was also a kikay beneath the regal facade; and her ninang Kristine Yang, who is down-to-earth and warm, without any trace of arrogrance befitting a successful entrepreneur (she's the owner of Kristine's Jewelry and her family owns McDonal's Philippines).

(l-r) Kristine Yang, ME, Joy Wong of BusinessWorld, guest speaker Ingrid Chua-Go and her mom Pacita Chua

Ladies Who Lunch (LWL) is an invitation only event for women who are successful in their chosen field so when the ladies started to arrive, I cannot help but be in awe. The exclusive list included Amina Aranaz-Alunan of Aranaz bags and the School of Fashion and the Arts (SOFA), Edith Dychiao of Lucerne (Omega Philippines), Ruby Gan of Schu, Rima Ostwani of Rustan's, Michelle Washington of MMQ Theatre, Tetta Arroyo-Tirona of Stram Events, Arlene Florentino of CQ WOW and Concertus, Venus Navalta of ZenithOptimedia, Toni Abad of Mediacom, Isabel Gatuslao of Isabel Gatuslao Graphic Design, among others. Issa Litton, tv host and in-demand events host, was moderator and this was her 5th LWL stint with us.

Ladies Who Lunch circa Oct. 15, 2010

The talk was accompanied by eye popping slides of some of the world's most coveted luxury bags, as if Ingrid's detailed presentation (she even did some research to back up her talk) and intriguing side stories weren't enough. She started with sharing her first love affair with the Chanel Classic bag, telling us how she passed up meals just to save for it back in high school. Finally getting her hands on the dream bag opened a pandora's box and made her want more. By the time she got married and had to transfer her belongings to their conjugal abode, she had a sizeable collection of bags that took up most of the closet space she shared with her hubby. In order to maintain the peace and harmony in her married life, she just chose the bags she really wanted and started disposing her pre-loved bags to friends before selling them online. But soon enough, meeting up with her buyers became a hassle and so she opened Tresorie in Jupiter, Makati.

Ingrid describing the marks of a real Hermes Birkin with moderator Issa Litton-Garrido

Suffice to say, we learned a lot that afternoon -- about brands, bags and how they can be considered investments, and even how to distinguish real from imitation Birkin. All that after a sumptuous lunch buffet prepared by M Cafe. Oh! Did I mention that she brought a Hermes Birkin for us to touch and check? Heaven! If only I can take it home with me and be mine forever. She also showed us a cute Birkin parody from Taiwan aptly name Banane (or banana) thus the moniker Banana Birkin.

ME with the pink Banana Birkin and the real blue togo Hermes Birkin

We also got an earful of stories about the Paris fashion week (where Ingrid was invited to blog about) and about how some luxury brand store personnel would call 'faux fur' as 'fantasy fur'. Wow, fantasy! So now, imitation or fake is so passe...bags from Greenhills can now be called 'fantasy bags'. LOL!
Tetta Arroyo-Tirona of Stramevents, Issa Litton-Garrido and ME

Rima Ostwani of Rustan's, Blanca Mercado of BusinessWorld, Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Loralee Baron-Soong of the School of Fashion and the Arts

Ruby Gan of Schu and Toni Abad of Mediacom

Until the next LWL in 2011. :)

A Life-Giving Project

Rags2Riches (RIIR) has launched yet another project that promises to give back to the community -- the TREE BAG project. It is an initiative of RIIR in collaboration with designer Rajo Laurel, Anthill Fabric Gallery, and three communities from different parts of the country. Together, they produced these wonderful and timely eco-friendly bags aptly named TREE BAGS.

Each bag is large and sturdy enough to allow you to carry everyday stuff and is great as shopping companion (reducing the use of plastic bags). The body is made from scrap threads weaved beautifully by the indigenous weavers of Bangued, Abra; the handle from scrap cloth stylized by the women rug-weavers of Payatas; while the button is from scrap wood lovingly carved by the wood craftsmen of Pardo Cebu.

So what makes these Tree Bags different from other ecobags? By owning one, "you breathe life into a new tree." Yes, you read it right -- for every limited edition RIIR Tree Bag sold, a new tree is planted (thanks to their tree-planting partner, the San Carlos Development Boards, Inc.). So what are you waiting for? Grab a Tree Bag now and "you not only become part of the green chain of eco-ethical style and sustainable movement for Earth, you also get to celebrate the tradition of Ilocano weaving, empower the women of Payatas and the woods craftsmen of Pardo, Cebu."

I've come to know of RIIR way back in 2008 and since then, I've come to love what they stand for and do for the environment and the communities they support. What started out as a project in college sometime in 2007 has blossomed into a full social business enterprise passionate about creating designer lifestyle masterpieces that embody the eco-ethical style. To date, RIIR has launched products in partnership with designers Rajo Laurel and Amina Aranaz-Alunan, who generously lent their time and creative skills to design RIIR products, and have been given hope and livelihood to a community of women rug-weavers from Payatas.

To know more about Rags2Riches, their advocacy and their products, visit their website

http://www.rags2riches.ph.

Tree Bag photo/artwork from Rags2Riches.

Arzuaga Wine Dinner

It was only a couple of years ago that my interest in wines came about. Am not really a drinker, just a social drinker who is unfazed with Tequila. But of course, I can't have Tequila during dinner parties and so wine came to fore.

With wine tasting events here and there, I found out that I'm more of a white wine and rose wine person, which is good because I don't eat meat anymore and fish goes well with white wine. Also, white wine is cool to the body unlike the red counterpart which heats us up.

Vinos de Arzuaga at Makati Shangri-La's Red, was a night of delectable food and wine pairings with Spanish winemaker Ignacio Arzuaga. Featuring wines from Bodegas Arzuaga: Fan D’Oro White Chardonnay- La Planta RED Tempranillo, Pago Florentino RED Cencibel, Arzuaga Crianza RED Tempranillo- Cabernet- Merlot, Arzuaga Reserva Especial RED Tempranillo; and special menu prepared by Red's Chef Thomas Linke. I've avoided eating meat of any kind for the past two years but for this event, I had to just eat a slice of the meat dishes served to get a feel of the food and wine pairings.

First on the menu was ceviche of tuna with micro herbs (right) paired with Fan D'Oro, 2007; cocoa dusted seared foie gras with pomegranate and vanilla syrup, pata negra crisps (left) paired with La Planta, 2008. I could really taste the herbs and tuna chunks of the ceviche, perfect for Fan D'Oro's surprising burst of flavors - slightly salty that turns to sweetness before ending with a spicy kick. On the other hand, it was my first time to try foie gras and this one was so well cooked that it simply melted in the mouth. The La Planta's good mix of sweet and spicy brought out the exotic flavor of the foie gras.

Next was the star anise braised pork belly, chorizo tamales with thyme and oregano paired with Pago Florentino. The pork belly was lean, soft and tasty while the red Cencibel (with strong coffee-like aroma) is salty and dries out in the throat almost immediately, giving a feeling of absorbing the oil of the paired pork belly.

My favorite was the olive oil poached wild salmon fillet with blackberry reduction, warm sambuca jelly, shellfish veloute (the best salmon I've ever tasted -- melts in your mouth!) paired with Crianza, 2006. The salmon had soft buttery texture and has none of the lingering "fishy" taste of other salmon dishes I've tried. The blackberry reduction gives a nice twist to the salmon while the shellfish veloute gives it a good seafood flavor, much like eating soft-shell crab. The red Tempranillo- Cabernet- Merlot's strong bitter taste and smoky flavor was just right for this special dish of Chef Linke (too bad the salmon won't be in the regular RED menu).

The fourth pairing is the bone marrow crusted organic beef tenderloin, minted apple puree, truffle mashed potatoes in balsamic jus and bitter-then-spicy Reserva Especial. The flavorful crunchy crust was a contrast to the tender beef -- simply sinful! The smooth mashed potato was a good compliment to the dish and cleanses the palate for the next bite of beef. Of all the meat dishes I tasted for the evening, it was this one that I felt remorseful for not finishing as I had to stick with my lifestyle change.

For dessert, we were served warm flourless dark chocolate cake (super good!), berry jelly (not good, sorry!) and red port wine sabayon. It was a heavenly chocolate cake with sweetness just right. The berry jelly was a disaster however -- the red jelly tasted okay but the berries (except for the strawberry) inside tasted bitter if not sour.

That's me in the middle, seated beside Ignacio Arzuaga

Overall, the night was splendid. Thanks to Lia Bernardo of Wine Depot for the invitation.

Martin & Pops Reunite ONE AMORE TIME

I watched their careers grow and their personal lives entwine in my younger days and since then, I became a fan of the Concert King and Queen. Even if they parted ways some few years after, I still am a fan of their partnership in music as I still feel their chemistry, their "magic" onstage.
When I got the invitation to join the press conference of Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, I was thrilled. This was my first time to see them up close again, the last time being some 20 years ago, back in high school when I watched their mini concert at Robinson Galleria's parking lot.

When I learned where it was going to be held, I was excited. I've heard about 7107 Island Cruises but I've never been on board one. So on February 5, my companion and I braved the North Harbor area to get to Pier 6 where the cruise ship is docked for the press conference. We made it just in time, in fact we were one of the early birds.

Martin was already there being interviewed one on one by various TV networks. To while away the time, I took photos of the make-believe wedding cake on top of a piano in front of the room. I was guessing the theme for the press con was a wedding. On top of the cocktail tables, there was a programme which indicated portions of a wedding reception -- song numbers, eating of the cake, toasts and well wishes from guests (press people) and parlor games. The press con proper started an hour after, when Pops arrived.

As they were being interviewed in front, the two seemed playful and sweet with one another, evidence that they have become really good friends over the years. Martin even shared Pops' birthday gift to him -- a printed photo album of their sons' picture as they were growing up.

When the press con ended an hour after, we were secretly led to another function room for Martin's surprise birthday (and they said that he hates surprise, ha!). As we entered a dark room, lit only by the lights from other vessels in Manila Bay, I saw that the room was decorated with balloons and the food buffet is ready. Then the door opens, in comes Martin and Pops, and everyone yells "Surprise! Happy birthday, Martin!" And he was indeed taken by surprise, happily laughing and shaking hands or hugging friends in the room as he was led to where his red and black birthday cake stood. Pops and Martin's son Ram was there to join the celebration.

Seeing them together made me wish they can be together again as a couple. But for now, I and the other fans who wish the same, will have to be content with watching them re-create the fantasy of "togetherness" and weave once again the magic that made them the undisputed Concert Royalties.

"One Amore Time" will be on February 14, 2010, Valentine's Day, at function rooms 2-5 of the SMX Convention Center, 8 pm. For more information, contact Ticketworld at (+63-2) 891-99-99, or visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/.

ROMEO & BERNADETTE for a Funny Valentine's

In a meeting with Rem Zamora, Repertory actor and marketing guy, last month for a partnership, I thought he made a mistake when he said that they have “Romeo and Bernadette” in their line-up. What? Romeo and Bernadette? Shouldn’t it be Juliet who’s Romeo’s perennial partner as literary history’s star-crossed lovers? Who doesn’t know Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet?

As Rem explained, Repertory Philippines' Valentine offering is Mark Saltzman's musical comedy ROMEO & BERNADETTE which is a creative spin-off of the famous pair’s story brought on by a guy who was trying to seduce his date, who unfortunately felt sad and depressed after watching a “Romeo and Juliet” play. And so the guy starts off by telling the girl that Romeo really didn’t die from the poison he drank and instead slept for 500 years (channeling Sleeping Beauty here). When Romeo wakes up, he found himself in modern day Verona and chanced upon a modern Italian-American girl (yes, Bernadette) who looks exactly like his long-lost love Juliet. The chase brought Romeo to Brooklyn where he was caught in-between warring mafia families on top of the bad fortune that Bernadette was set to marry someone else.

ROMEO & BERNADETTE stars PJ Valerio ("High School Musical On Stage," "Altar Boyz") and Cris Villonco ("Hamlet"). I should say that the young actors filled the roles quiet excellently from the looks department, the acting and the singing parts.

Rem ("Sweeney Todd," "Jesus Christ Superstar") does not only have a role in the play but eight roles to boot! He plays an accordionist in Verona, a famous opera singer, a corrupt immigration officer, a gay florist, a priest, a kick-ass female dance instructor, a female couturier, and an old man (father to Donna).

The musical also features Repertory veterans Red Concepcion (Brooklyn Guy/Dino), Liesl Batucan (Brooklyn Girl/Donna), Dido de la Paz (Sal Penza/Usher), Juno Henares (Camille Penza), Kenneth Keng (Tito Titone), Jim Paoleli (Don Del Canto/Airport Supervisor), and Jamie Wilson (Lips).

ROMEO & BERNADETTE can be seen at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Opened last February 5, the musical will run on February 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.

Photos from:
1)http://philippines.broadwayworld.com/article/ROMEO_BERNADETTE_Premieres_In_Manila_Show_Runs_2528_20100204

2) http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com/2010/02/reviews-romeo-bernadette-repertory.html

Psychic Festival 2010

I attended the Psychic Festival 2010 Celebrity Night at the Venice Piazza, McKinley Hills to see what the stars has to say about me. So what did the psychics say about me? Let me share a few.

1) that I am concerned about real estate - yes, I've been wanting to have my own house;

2) that what I have been planning/wanting will soon be realized, as a matter of fact, within 6 months, so I must be patient - good! this can be for business or love, but please know that I have been a very patient person;

3) that this is a year of blessings for me - I really hope so;

4) that new love will soon come and that - yay! so I won't end up a spinster after all :P

5) that I've already met/I already know my future husband - I wonder who can it be? mini, mini, miny, moe!

Had my readings from three different psychics yet the readings were somehow in the same context. I had my readings via Soul Mate Scanning, Tarot Cards, Angel Cards and Pendulum Divination. Astrology, Palm Reading, Feng Shui, Aura Reading and more are also available.

For those interested, the Psychic Festival 2010 is now in Eastwood Mall until February 28. Go and see what awaits you. :)

Thanks to Karen Sta. Maria of Eastwood Mall for the invitation.

RENT is here!

I've heard about RENT when the play was staged here in Manila some years ago. I never know though that there was a movie version. Am as raw as one could get when I went to the press conference last January 18 at the Rockwell Club -- no knowledge of what RENT was all about.

The play by Jonathan Larson, for the most part, is about people afflicted with AIDS and how they cope with the complications that come with it. It is also about loving and fulfilling dreams in trying times in the characters' lives.

Director Robbie Guevarra shared that they have a good mix of newbies and veterans in the cast. From the 300 that auditioned, the number was trimmed to 75 for the call back then was down to 16 for the final casting:

Roger - Gian Magdangal (Footloose, West Side Story)

Mark - Fred Lo (N.O.A.H.)

Mimi - Nicole Asensio / Cara Barredo (Mulan Jr., The Fantasticks)

Angel - Job Bautista

Collins - OJ Mariano

Maureen - Carla Guevara-Laforteza (Miss Saigon, Spelling Bee, Avenue Q)

Joanne - Jenny Villegas

Benny - Noel Rayos (Company, Hairspray)

Ensemble - Raul Montesa (Man of La Mancha, Sweeney Todd), Guji Lorenzana (West Side Story), Gary Junsay (Sweeney Todd), Johann de la Fuente (Footloose, Spelling Bee), Anna Santamaria, Ring Antonio (Once On This Island, Sweeney Todd), Peachy Atilano

Swings - Harold Cruz, Kyla Rivera (Footloose, Beauty and the Beast)

When they sang the trademark song "Season of Love" (which goes "five hundred twenty-five hours, six hundred minutes...") , I knew I heard it before but did't know the title. Another fave song of mine in the play is "No Day But Today" which tells us to live life to the fullest and be not afraid to dream and to love.

The media preview last February 3 was worth the traffic and long travel that I had to endure, coming from the Music Fest 2010 (Kris Allen, Jabbawockeez and Boyce Avenue) press conference at Eastwood Mall earlier. I enjoyed the play tremendously and would love to watch it again if given a chance. Fred, Gian and Nicole (as Mark, Roger and Mimi respectively) shone bright as the stars of the show but Job and OJ (as Angel and Collins) can give them a run for their money. Carla as Maureen was great in her "Over the Moon" performance.

RENT can be seen at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at RCBC Plaza, Makati City. Opens on February 5, RENT will run on February 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.

I hope that more people will begin to appreciate plays again and support the efforts of theater producers to impart culture and appreciation of the arts. Watching stage plays is a good departure from the totally pop culture of watching movies as there's more satisfaction in watching live performances and unedited talents.

Photos from:

1) http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com/2009/11/broadwayworldcom-rent-manila-announces.html

2) http://nodaybuttoday2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/time-is-what-you-make-it.html

My Few Seconds with American Idol 2009 Winner Kris Allen

I asked Kris Allen this at the Music Fest 2010 press con: "In last years' American Idol, you have been described as having quiet confidence. Have you always been that way or is it because you felt that you were going to win?"

Yeah, that's me in red. :) Click video to hear the answer.

Music Fest 2010

For work, we were supposed to meet with Jomari Yllana of Fearless Productions for a media partnership so while waiting, we attended the press conference for Fearless Productions' Music Fest 2010 which gathers YouTube sensations Boyce Avenue, America's Best Dance Crew champs Jabbawockeez and American Idol 2009 winner Kris Allen.

The bystanders at the Eastwood Mall Open Park, where the press con is, went wild as each of the performers went onstage for some Q&A's with the press.

As I don't view YouTube at all (yes, you may find that hard to believe but its true), I wasn't aware of Boyce Avenue's existence so to me, they are just another boy band out to make girls swoon over their love songs. During the press con, I learned that they are an acoustic-rock band from Florida, all three of them blood brothers, who succeeded in crossing mainstream from YouTube. Although they are responsible for the famous covers of hit songs such as Umbrella, Hate That I Love You and With You, they also write their own songs.

Up next came the winners of the first season of America's Best Dance Crew the Jabbawockeez, composed mostly of Filipino-Americans. The boys were quite playful as they would sometimes answer "Secret!" to questions that want to elude. Good news to Pinoy fans of Jabbawockeez! The California-based hip-hop group signed a contract with ABS-CBN's Sunday afternoon variety show ASAP so they would be seen more often as they shuttle between USA and the Philippines to perform.

The much awaited celebrity was saved for last, of course. 2009 American Idol winner Kris Allen was welcomed with applause and screams from the girls. He is best known for his Idol performances of songs by Bill Withers ("Ain't No Sunshine"), Kanye West ("Heartless") and Michael Jackson ("Man in the Mirror"). Kris came with his band, all of whom were equally good looking and charming.

Music Fest 2010 will be staged in Cebu and Manila -- February 5 at the SM City Cebu North Open Parking and February 6 at the Piazza, McKinley Hill Open Grounds.

Down the Yellow Lane

In celebration of former President Corazon C. Aquino's 77th natal day on January 25, a Photo Exhibit of the Cory Years is mounted at the SM Megamall Atrium from January 22 to 31, 2010.

This tribute features about 200 never before seen photos and letters of Tita Cory from the 1986 People Power Revolution until her days as President of the Republic of the Philippines. Also on exhibit is a set of commemorative Cory stamps.

It is good to know that a lot of people still remember her contributions to society as they themselves expressed on the freedom board. Couldn't help writing my own message of thanks.

I just hope that Filipinos, especially the youth, will never forget what Tita Cory stood and fought for. To Tita Cory, thank you and happy birthday, whichever part of heaven you are now.

MOMOlicious!

I've always wondered about what type of food is served at Momo Cafe until I tried them. Here are some of my favorites...

I remember the first time I went to MOMO Cafe in Eastwood Mall for a meeting -- my first impression of the place was that it was cozy and light and the whimsical wallpaper of tea pot prints was delightful.

While waiting for the group we are meeting, we ordered "Popcorn Shrimp" Popping Poppers as it seems cute a concept. I was not disappointed as the light appetizer made of packed a punch of flavor either alone or complemented with sweet pickle mayo and cocktail sauce, potato wedges and curly fries.

Being a fan of cheese and spicy food, I sampled the Crispy "Nacho Style" Jalapeño Cheddarella Cheese Rolls. This dish will give you your money's worth as it has thick blocks of cheese inside the roll wrapper and just the right amount of "kick", even without dipping it in sour cream or the salsa fresca that comes with the dish.

The Momo! Gourmet Salad was divine -- roasted garlic shiitake mushrooms, candied walnuts, fresh white cheese, raspberry-balsamic vinaigrette, arugula mixed greens, sliced oranges and hard boiled egg. Am I working up your appetite now?

For main course, we ordered the Old Fashioned Beer Battered "Fish & Chips" that was big enough for three people to share. The crunchy beer batter was made even more sumptuous when dipped in the tangy sweet pickle tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, malt vinegar and lemon.

We also got the Melted 4 Cheese & Roasted Mushrooms Pizza made with Mozzarella, Cheddar, White Cheese and Gorgonzola, four flavorful cheese that somehow did not overpower the thin crust.

To quench my thirst, I opted for the strawberry frozen iced tea which I think could satisfy two people with its large serving in a tall glass.

Rating is a thumbs up! I'll definitely bring my family at Momo Cafe for a nice weekend lunch or dinner, maybe at their branch in Robinson's Midtown in Manila.