Monthly Archives: May 2010

Mona Lisa by Jaime

By | Heart Songs | 2 Comments

  Listen to the song by clicking on the arrow

Previous Entries:  Time of Your Life January 29, 2008

Man for Others April 8, 2009 

Songs in the Half Light January 3, 2010

 

Jaime is a favorite at Heart2Heart!  And for sure there are many out there who admire his talent…even the young ones!!!  I recently found out that my niece, Bellie, is also an admirer of her Tito Jaime!! HOW CUTE!!

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 Watch it in video…so endearing! 

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The Modish Urbanite

By | Fashion, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

This Spring/Summer, the Jessica woman embarks on a lifestyle-enhancing journey around the world. The collection’s fun-filled yet sophisticated attitude is captured in the worldliness of New York City: from the cultured and high-end Uptown dining and shopping to the action-packed and forever-crowded Times Square to the eccentric and artistic Village. Adhering to the Jessica label, the collection is consistently romantic and feminine. The use of natural fibres in the collection bears an important message towards eco-friendly production. The lightness and airiness of these natural fabrics are interpreted through soft layering, draping and other different treatments to show off the feminine form. The collection is all about easy dressing in elegant and pretty styles. 

The Spring/Summer colour palette is one that is refreshing and soft. Black and white set the backdrop of cosmopolitan chic, while the vibrant hues of green and blue set the mood of a day out at the carnival on Coney Island. The highlight colours of cherry blossom and fuchsia enliven the spring pale pastels while dusty evening shades of lilac and rosemary add a sense of femininity for occasions after sunset. Neutrals such as vanilla, sesame, and taupe form the season’s most versatile palette for head-to-toe dressing. As the season moves on, the Jessica woman explores and party in the tribal colours of brown, burnt orange and mustard. 

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To celebrate the newness of the season, the feminine form is updated through a new interpretation of soft and open weave fabrics. The ruffle-layered collar and sleeves details add nonchalance to the eyelet embroidery shell colour A-line dress. The mustard-coloured double-layered novelty lace cap-sleeve trapeze dress, decorated with special ethnic wooden and bronze beadings, has a strong tribal influence. Paired with a pair of walking shorts, the cropped jacket cut from the same lace fabric is a chic choice for the Madison shoppers. The sheerness of the striped lawn cotton cap-sleeve blouse with a bubble hem is perfect for the Hamptons as is the sky blue rayon and linen v-neck front ruffle blouse.

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The heavy ornamentations in gold and silver add instant glamour to different pieces—from tribal warfare tops and jacket with discs and chunks to simply dazzling dresses with lots of sequins and embellishments. For the more subtle and classic New Yorkers, feminine details such as cascading ruffles and bows further consummate the looks.

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Dresses continue to take center stage in the collection. The one-shoulder or off-shoulder detail is a directional statement that shows off the sensual female décolleté. The asymmetric beaded one-shoulder dress in creased linen with a cascading ruffle edge is a sure head turner. Tie-dye and ombre effects are key fashion elements as demonstrated in the fluorescent yellow sequined A-line dress with a printed gradation effect. The tie-dye pleated front fit-and-flare summer dress is a perfect day to evening pick for chilling out in SoHo.

 

Prints are carefully selected for the season as they come in various shapes and forms to reflect the mood of wherever the journey takes.  The new graphic print is interpreted on a black-and-white monotone rose patterned short sleeve cocoon dress. The volume is neatly controlled by the wrap-tie at the centre of the waist and the sharply-cut angles at the shoulders further emphasize the clean-cut shape.  Another new take of the floral print is shown in the mosaic floral print ruffle tiered A-line mini. The architectural details of a geometric print sleeveless top with a peplum hem are further juxtaposed with a pair of laid-back culottes.

 

An element not to be overlooked is the importance of knit dressing, which adds a hint of sportiveness to the feminine styles this summer. The versatility and comfort of the knitted jersey material coupled with the newly interpreted feminine silhouettes make these absolute travel essentials. Designers have created a most wearable selection from various kinds of cotton and modal jerseys, exemplified by the asymmetric tunic with cascading ruffle shoulder detail and pleated hemlines. Paired with a simple capri pant or summer leggings, the tunic is perfect for going out and about in the city.

 

In the Philippines, Jessica is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati, The Podium, and Eastwood Mall.

Dwell Studio

By | For kids, Homes and Interiors, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

Hip, young couples worldwide are now so selective that their personal styles take center stage in their home.  Practicality no longer takes precedence over things that they choose to live with day in and day out.  Linens, utility bags, utility boxes and even things for the baby that are normally purchased for their usefulness now show marked influences of their discriminating taste and demand for quality as well as a preferred distinct aesthetic.

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For the expectant mother, to the excited grandparent and even for the doting godparent,  DwellStudio is your resource for all the elements of the perfectly coordinated home. Its range of  products for the youngest members of the family includes the sensible as well as the sweet – all  designed to charm kids while blending beautifully into your home. 

 

DwellStudio’s cohesive collections are made to mix and match effortlessly, creating a dynamic space to keep inspiring as your kids grow. The emphasis on great design is matched by DwellStudio’s commitment to the quality, safety and the environment. 

 

All DwellStudio baby products are created using low-impact dyes, which contain no heavy metals or other known toxic substances. They’re free of formaldehyde and AZO dyes, and meet all the criteria for eco-friendly pigments. 

 

As an extra step, DwellStudio redesigned its packaging by eliminating PVC and using only eco-friendly materials. The chic new bags and boxes are specially designed for reuse – whether for  storage, laundry or travel. 

 

For 2010, three new designs were created to transform a room into a proper nursery – in charming prints and bold colors that are every bit as sophisticated as their designs for grown-ups. The same prints are also used in your baby’s accessories (blankets, towels, bags, travel cases). New to this year’s collection is the introduction of new accessories to further complete  your baby’s needs – lunch boxes, photo albums, brag book, scribble kit, ID tags and bath wrap, all made in the same sophisticated DwellStudio print and high quality standard. 

 

The three new DwellStudio baby collection prints are: Owls, Paper Dolls and Sparrow. The owl may have been a popular decorative motif in the 50’s and 60’s, but DwellStudio’s Owls print is updated with a sweetly playful sensibility. Paper Dolls was inspired by an old childhood favorite  made with colorful silhouettes that are sure to inspire young imagination. While Sparrow is the  kid friendly take on DwellStudio’s classic Chinoiserie pattern that features blooming boughs and sweet songbirds that will lull your little one to sleep.   

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DwellStudio understands and somehow lives by the principle of style thus has continued to produce these useful yet pretty home items for the hip, young, worldwide market.  And now DwellStudio celebrates as it arrives in fashionable Manila.

Weeks ago, Adam Gobble of DwellStudio New York visited to introduce these new items that Rustan’s Department Store will carry exclusively from the trendy brand. 

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 Together with Gretchen Uy and Oliver Dexter Sy of DwellStudio Manila, they welcomed an exclusive group of guests at The Peninsula’s Presidential Suite. 

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Tea time proved to be fun with everyone buzzing about the exciting new products.  Bloggers and journalists, stylists and the simply stylish were spotted at the event.  The likes of Kathy Huang, Jenni Epperson, Philip Cu-unjieng, Juana Manahan-Yupangco, Candy Dizon, Michael Salientes, Liza Ilarde-Cuenca, Nini Falcon, Andrea de Guzman, Janina Hoschka and Salome Uy were just some of those who spent the afternoon dwelling on and drooling at all the products the transformed Suite had inside.

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DwellStudio 2010 stocks are carried at the Home and Baby sections of Rustan’s Department Store, Makati.

 

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Chili’s Greenbelt 5

By | Celebrations, Foodie | No Comments

The family celebrated in the twins’ favorite restaurant 🙂  It’s a good thing we were able to get a table since they do not allow reservations.  The place gets very very full! More power to Robert, Richie and Gorio! 

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Calibre de Cartier

By | Toys for the Big Boys, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

 A Manufacture spirit for a new masculine emblem

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Daring, excellence, and inventiveness: the history of Cartier watch making is a reflection of a unique state of mind. A boundless tradition of research and pioneering that has doubly presided over the creation of a new Cartier watch for men, characterized by a bold Manufacture spirit: the Calibre de Cartier. 

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This creation is equipped with the first self-winding mechanical movement crafted entirely by Cartier: the Calibre 1904 MC. A new move forward that testifies to the priority Cartier gives to developing its own movements, based on in-depth, ambitious research.

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Calibre de Cartier is a watch of character that challenges the round form in watch making through its mechanical construction, its noble balance between resilience and finesse, and the contrasting interplay of its polished, satin-brushed finishes.

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A clear and simple style that is at the origin of a new Manufacture men’s watch, powered by the new masterpiece of Cartier watch making: the 1904 MC.

 

A men’s watch with intrinsic value

At first glance, the Calibre de Cartier watch is an arresting sight! Its powerful lines, robust case, and novel structure all indicate a Manufacture watch with a strongly defined character.

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Its mechanical construction resolutely confirms this initial impression: its round case, measuring 42 mm in diameter, is heightened by a bezel and extended by four curved horns set precisely into the cylindrical case middle. It has a forthright personality that invites you to surpass your own limits.

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Striking a subtle balance between power and finesse, the Calibre de Cartier watch is exceptionally comfortable to wear. It feels like a second skin and owes its ergonomics to the four horns that curve inwards to embrace the shape of the wrist. Its refined silhouette is punctuated by a polished, satin-brushed double shoulder, which protects the sides of the crown from any impacts that could affect its operation.

The bezel that embellishes the case also plays on contrasts: smooth and polished on the exterior, it becomes increasingly dynamic as it approaches the case. A 28 degree freefall towards the dial culminates in a fluted ring marked with 120 notches; a subtle detail that refers both to watch making trains and to the Manufacture spirit that pervades this new masculine timepiece.

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The dial offers a virile reinterpretation of both the Cartier watch making codes and Roman numerals. It is dominated by an extra-large XII figure in subtle relief. This modern signature, enhanced by a succession of grained and snailed finishes arranged in arcs, places the Calibre de Cartier watch firmly in the dynamics of the 21st century.

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A transparent sapphire crystal case back reveals the Calibre 1904 MC, the first self-winding movement to be produced entirely by Cartier. It demonstrates the astonishing expertise of a brand set to attract all lovers of beautiful watch making with this new emblem of masculinity.

 

The Calibre 1904 MC: the new triumph of Cartier watch making

 

The Calibre 1904 MC reflects the intense, ambitious research that Cartier has carried out over the years in the field of watch making mechanisms. This overt determination to develop its own movements, both simple and with complications, confirms Cartier’s strong intent to uphold the great tradition of fine Swiss watch making Manufactures.

The 1904 MC: a tribute to a seminal date in the history of Cartier watch making

Christened the 1904 MC in homage to the birth of Cartier watch making, the first self-winding movement to be entirely produced by Cartier perpetuates the vitality of an approach that is driven by a constant desire to go further. The conquest of time took on a whole new meaning in 1904 when Louis Cartier created a watch for his friend, the aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. It was one of the very first watches to be worn on the wrist and enabled the pilot to read the time while keeping his hands on the controls during flight. This exciting development was born from passion, a taste for adventure, and a pioneering spirit that propelled watch making firmly into the modern era. More than a century later, the 1904 MC movement is launching a new chapter dedicated to Cartier watch making.

 

Utmost timekeeping precision

Precision, resilience, and reliability have determined the development of the first mechanical self-winding movement to be entirely created by Cartier. A successful blend of technology and aesthetics, the Calibre 1904 MC meets the extremely demanding standards set by Cartier for all of its creations.

This new 11 ½ line Calibre has been designed to ensure excellent chronometric stability at all levels of winding, whether the watch is worn for an hour or an entire day. To achieve this, the movement is equipped with a double barrel that guarantees the excellent, long-term consistency of the mainspring, thus making it possible to control and stabilize timekeeping precision.

 

The Calibre 1904 MC is fitted with a fine regulation system for perfect adjustment of the movement’s chronometry. Carried out by Cartier watchmakers, who meticulously adjust the arrow of the C-shaped index, this operation is essential to the accurate running of the watch.

 

To enable each owner to set the watch accurately to the nearest second, the Calibre 1904 MC is equipped with a stop-seconds system. When the crown is pulled out fully, the small-seconds hand stops instantly and immediately restarts once the crown is pushed back in against the case. 

 

An innovative system for winding the time

The winding system of self-winding movements is often subjected to severe constraints that may affect its performance. To counteract this weakness, the calibre 1904 MC features a system of ceramic ball bearings fitted at the centre of the rotor, which ensures excellent shock resistance and tremendous durability. 

Cartier has also abandoned the traditional reversers used in self-winding mechanisms, replacing them with an even more innovative pawl system that results in a faster winding rate, thus allowing the watch to be wound more easily.

Lastly, when the watch is worn on the wrist, a bi-directional winding system enables the oscillating weight to wind the movement as it rotates both clockwise and anti-clockwise.

Fine watch making finishes that go beyond the purely visible

 

The passion of artisan decorators drives an endless quest for beauty that highlights and enhances fine watch making movements. Visible through the transparent sapphire crystal case back of the Calibre de Cartier watch, the upper bridges and oscillating weight are decorated with the traditional Côtes de Genève. Even the main plate is circular-grained, despite the fact that it is hidden by the movement’s components.

 

The care devoted to the finishes adorning the Calibre 1904 MC demonstrates Cartier’s resolve to offer an exquisitely crafted movement that exceeds the immediately visible.

 

Crafting the components of time differently: an endless quest for quality.

 

Located at the heart of Swiss watch making, the Cartier Manufacture brings together all the artisanal professions of the industry, placing the most advanced technology alongside traditional crafts. This wealth of exceptional expertise, accumulated over many years, has given rise to the first self-winding mechanical movement to be made entirely by Cartier.

Development of this completely new Cartier movement has been led by a specialized unit made up of approximately twenty people representing all stages of its creation: design, development, industrialization, prototyping, and homologation. It is a long and rigorous process that is essential to guaranteeing the quality of a new movement before it goes into production. The reliability, resilience, and precision of the new Calibre 1904 MC have been verified by a highly stringent testing programme carried out in the Cartier laboratory, located in La Chaux-de-Fonds.

 

For the development of its new movement, Cartier implemented an innovative organizational watch making strategy that preserves the craftsman’s expertise and emphasizes the importance of human skills. This method creates a team of representatives from all of the crafts involved in the production of the movement, thus facilitating communication throughout the team and allowing better quality control at each stage of production and assembly.

 

This unfailing devotion to quality has resulted in the birth of the latest Cartier watch making masterpiece: the Calibre 1904 MC.

In the Philippines, Cartier is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Rustan’s Cebu.  

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Sampling Steaks

By | Foodie, Jaric Marketing Inc, Steaks | 6 Comments

Late last year, my husband, James, brought in some samples of steaks from the US for us to try.  

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Thanks to Elbert and Adrian for hosting and cooking them for us.   

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Liza and I were the only girls in the table 

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Here are the steaks that had just arrived chilled flown in by air! 

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Chef Adrian checking out the steaks 

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While waiting, we had our soup and salad 

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and good wine of course

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Then the steaks!! Miam Miam! 

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The verdict:  James is importing the steaks so more people can enjoy them!!

MORE OF THIS TO COME!! 

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Smiling Whales, Mustached Houses, and LeSportsac

By | Fashion, Summer, What's New at Rustan's | No Comments

LeSportsac introduces Spring 2010 Artist in Residence, Katharina Leuzinger

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Zurich raised and London schooled designer and illustrator, Katharina Leuzinger, captures boldly colorful and intricately detailed magical worlds and LeSportsac happily jumped into them. Leuzinger and LeSportsac have produced a wildly playful and completely redesigned Spring 2010 Artist in Residence Collection.

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Leuzinger’s blend of playful fancy and organized structure evokes an instantaneous emotional response of pure happiness that organically allows her work to tell its own stories and the prints she created for LeSportsac are no exception. House Boat features a colorful world where octopuses rule, multiple rainbows abound, and whales beckon with smiles. At the same time, Snackville tells the story of mustached houses, bunny abodes, and a place where snack time and home are given their due.

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The prints are available in nine new styles created exclusively for the Artist in Residence Collection. The new and first ever accessories for the collection, the Play Case Cosmetic give all consumers a chance to have pieces of highly adorable and completely packable art.

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Shaped like one of houses featured in the Snackville print and graphically reproduced, the House Pouch is a wholly unique part of the collection. Additionally, the introduction of the Mini Scout About Messenger, and the Girl Talk Hobo offer options for fashionable and fun every day bags, while the Double Trouble Tote are available for carry all and easy travel. The collection is completed by a seriously functional backpack, the Rascal Rucksack.

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CHEERS TO SUMMER WITH LESPORTSAC

 

Known for its vibrant shades and quirky patterns and illustrations, LeSportsac continues to charm every fun fashionista with their latest designs fit for a colorful summer!

 

As a leading manufacturer of iconic and chic handbags from America to all over the world, LeSportsac has continued to produce prime designs of casual nylon arm candies. Their creations range from the classics down to creative collaborations with top artists and trendsetters like Stella McCartney, Jonathan Adler, Diane Von Furstenberg, tokidoki and Gwen Stefani.

 With its trademark of sporty American styling, wide color and print assortment and lightweight functionality with high performance fabrics and hardware this summer now welcomes more exciting designs that is sure to fill in any chic palette!

 In its minimalist design the small Jitterbug embroidery Every Girl tote can finish a clean and laidback outfit. With its bright green nylon canvass decked with adorable bug designs, it places that final touch of simplicity and style to your chosen look.

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The colors of the season are then brought alive with Le Sportsac’s Reverie Print Deluxe Every Girl tote. With the pattern’s mix of vivid tints, this head turning handbag can enliven any summer get-up! A parade under the sun is made more stylish with this tote’s print that complements whatever your color of the days is.

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The Vaudeville Print Deluxe Every Girl tote on the other hand dons the most charming illustrations. Flexible in its built and design, this tote keeps anyone on-trend while keeping those everyday essentials safe and in-place.

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Since its founding in 1974, LeSportsac now carries a complete range of handbags, travel bags, totes, messenger bags, backpacks, and accessories and is sold in over 20 countries worldwide including Italy, Singapore, Autralia, U.K., France, Sweden and Mexico among others.

 

Let the wonderful colors of summer come alive with the designs and creativity uniquely LeSportsac!

 

About LeSportsac

 

LeSportsac is a quintessential American lifestyle brand of casual, trendsetting nylon bags. Founded in 1974, the company maintains a strong presence around the globe, offering a fashion-forward line of handbags, travel totes, messenger bags, backpacks, and accessories. The lightweight fabric combined with high-performance hardware characterizes its iconic, functional styles available in a wide variety of colors and prints. A leader in the accessories market, LeSportsac continues to offer fresh, innovative new styles that remain consistent in terms of quality and character while partnering with trendsetters around the world.

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The AIR collection is exclusively available at Rustans Makati and Rustans Shangrila.

 

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