Tara Na Sa Malaysia!

I am but optimistic about what 2014 might bring. Like any other year, this is about starting anew. A time when we’re moving onto another unduly expensive, Starbucks planner like we’re even gonna use it. Although starting strongly is highly evident, it’s as though the focus just won’t last longer than a fiscal year would. – Y’all get that. And while this might not be alarming to a particular, “younger” segment, it actually is to a bazillion more whose predetermined goals are still far from materializing.

Admit it, there ain’t nothing like year-ends to cup-off the former’s laziness and reclaim our control over goals and thus, our lives like a driven and mentally strong person with healthy habits would. And THAT is exactly what’s wrong. A tradition of endless anticlimactic mantra. Year after year, goals left undone. TIRING! Disappointing even. - Don’t get stressed out on me yet. LOL So as I pull out one of my planners, I decide to act on it.

Focusing on personal departments that I’m sort of heading south to is something I’ve been preparing to work on. Writing the goals down in succession, I realized that I’ve never really put much thought on how exciting it would be to travel. You know, like travel travel. Letting you in on a little secret, I’ve never flown. Ever! Say a product of futile, unestablished urge?? – Mortified. Anyway, it was early February when fate lead me to grace the 2014 PTAA Travel Tour Expo on the 14^th and thought, “A sign!” to pursue my plan to travel.

It was a pool of blur after “Tara Na Sa Malaysia.” - Sure a tagline as warm for a campaign can never fail to be this inviting. That aside, I’ve always wanted to see Malaysia for myself being one of the most accessible destinations from the Philippines. Also, I could recall from history class back in high school something about an unending historian debate regarding what-came-from-where thingy. It would be interesting to see how regardless of the claims, have this entirely different population grew as a nation with only figurative lines distinguishing the two countries.

Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Kicks Off in the Philippines with the launch of this tagline’s holiday package brochures featuring special Malaysia tour packages that have been put together with the help of valued local travel agents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It marks its grandest tourism celebration dubbed “Visit Malaysia Year [VMY] 2014” with stepped up efforts to attract more visitors to the bubbling, energetic culture, melting pot-filled with endless wondrous events, amazing festivals and exciting activities all year round. With its theme of “Celebrating One Malaysia Truly Asia,” these efforts would position the country as one of the premiere destinations in Southeast Asia co-existing with the Pearl of the Orient, Philippines and many others.

Just when I needed more reasons to go for Malaysia, Datò Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim, Ambassador of Malaysia, Manila, reiterated the invitation with this message: “There are numerous reasons tourists will find Malaysia an irresistible must-visit holiday destination. Whether it's rich and colorful multi-cultural heritage, exciting shopping malls, theme parks, fabulous food, great mountains and rivers, lush green parks and gardens, idyllic tropical islands, palm-fringed beaches or million-year-old rainforests - you can find all these attractions here in Malaysia.”

Senior Assistant Director of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Akbal Setia enjoined the media and the thousands of attendees to come rediscover Malaysia and, for those who still haven’t visited the country, to finally experience its wonders for the first time. – Raises hand.

For those planning their next travel with Malaysia in mind, the “Tara Na Sa Malaysia” Holiday Packages Brochure is the perfect guide to help you see, feel and experience Malaysia at its best! It also puts into focus the wide range of activities available to visitors in Malaysia from theme park visits, shopping, nightlife, gastronomic adventures, honeymoon and romantic getaways, golfing, beach, cultural immersions and many others.

The brochures will be inserted on major newspapers, as well as selected magazines nationwide so make sure to keep one as it will sure come handy!

Dream KPop Fantasy Concert 2

As a happily, I’ve-done-a-bit-of-KPop, time-to-move-on kind of guy, I’m seemingly still left under the compelling spell of their porcelain like, almost dull-in-a-good-way, white skin. To gawkily drool over how illegally good looking they can be. - At least most of them. I’d probably be one to shoot a chance down though when asked to go to a concert and not be heavy-hearted ‘cause even at its peak, I guess I was never the No. 1 fan. That was until I read about a concert coming up. Then there, my domineering subconscious whispers. - “Why not?”

True to being a treat, Smart Araneta Coliseum’s system went all go for the much anticipated Dream KPop Fantasy Concert 2 last Sunday, February 2, 2014 as the grandest stage in Metro Manila housed yet another smashing, slam dunk event. And with no less than the deviously charming KPop groups – Super Junior M, A-Jax, A-Prince, Block-B, BPAP and BTOB, the night was a promise of nothing but cloud 9-ish, good stuff.

The crowd went wild with endless blow of screaming and god knows what as the dome came to life with eerie, heart-pounding beats and glaring lights.

Kick-started by an exalting vacuum of local talents, Dream KPop Filipino Champions owned it - BIG TIME! I just knew the rest of the night was gonna be epic.

Six KPop groups in a night of the impossible’s thrill drove the fans NUTS. - Trust me there's a reason I chose the word. Eunkwang, Hyunsik, Minhyuk, Changsub, Ilhoon, Peniel and Sungjae of BTOB, came up first to officially open the concert. Dome - Pitch-black. Light starts to crawl in towards the platform paralleled by a familiar logo projecting on the 3D screen – BTOB! And the crowd goes wild. The former performed “Insane,” “Wow,” “2nd Confession,” “I Only Know Love” and “Thriller.”

Seconded by A-Jax, I was out of my league. The only A-Jax I know my entire life was a dishwashing paste and there, everyone was cheering at the top of their lungs whilst I sat quietly on my princely, diamond VIP seat, clueless until they sang “Angels Brought Me Here” by Guy Sebastian. – Okay, THAT I know! Amongst the line up were SS501′s “Love Like This,” “2MYX,” “One 4 U” and “Insane.”

Zico, B-Bomb, U-Kwon, Kyung, P.O, Taeil and Jaehyo of Block B was up next with a handful of songs entitled “Very Good,” “Nalina,” “Nice Day” and “Be the Light.”

A highlight I considered was when A-Prince came out to raise the stakes. Sungwon, Minhyuk, Siyoon, Seungjun and Woobin awed the crowd killing “Nasa’yo Na Ang Lahat” by Daniel Padilla followed by a whopping “Otso-Otso” by Bayani Agbayani. The extra mile they went through studying the songs sure paid off as the fans went berserk mode. – LOL For the sake of, A-Prince also performed “Mambo,” “Hello,” and “My Lady.”

Up next were “Excuse Me,” “No Mercy,” “One Shot,” “Warrior” and “Bad Man” by B.A.P. composed of Himchan, Yongguk, Daehyun, Youngjae, Jong Up and Zelo. The group worked it up on stage, it could make a fan from even the most unbelieving of KPop. – Coughs.

Does “Save the Best for Last” ring a bell? Last act and what closed the concert was Super Junior M’s. – Just when I thought I heard the loudest, I was wrong. I literally had ringing in my ear. The songs were alien-ly good. Most of which I’m not familiar with. – Comes as no surprise of course. Nevertheless, it was a total experience I’m glad I didn’t miss for more hours of sleep.

Philippine Fashion Week [PFW] Spring Summer 2014

It’s that time of the year again to quell the inevitable rush of ingenious fashion collection only by the most heralded local brand and designers as they present a retrospective experience of the living fashion. - Philippine Fashion Week [PFW] Spring Summer 2014 

Fully in grip of invites from Penshoppe, Freego and Giordano, this pre-event post just gotta happen! [Out of excitement] Here's looking at three of the participating brands and the concepts of what their respective collections shall be about.

Take a sneak peek into what’s going to be in stores season as Penshoppe presents its latest collection on October 26, 2013, 7:30, at Hall 3, SMX Convention Center and get a chance to probably see Josh Bowman too! Sorry if I can’t confirm the buzz but hey, at least there’s a huge chance yeah? Besides, Penshoppe has been importing Hollywood celebrities for Philippine Fashion Week [PFW] for  years now so I say, it’s presumably gonna happen. 

Freego Jeans, the best-fitting jeans in the market, is celebrating 30 years in the business.  Since 1983, Freego has been providing us with jeans that epitomize style, fit, and comfort.  They believe that jeans should be superbly comfortable it feels like a natural extension of the body; thus setting us free to do whatever we want while still looking great.

This Philippine Fashion Week, Freego presents its Spring Summer 2014 collection on October 24, 2013, 6 pm, at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

Giordano will take you on a cruise this summer as they unveil what’s new next season. Watch out for doses of nautical elements, updated chambrays, summer linens, and oxfords in crisp pastel palette. Capture summer breeze on the runway with their fresh take on the basics at the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2014.

If this isn't your first time to grace the Philippine Fashion Week, you'd know how crazy things can get so here's the schedule to help you organize your itineraries.

Don't forget to use the official Twitter hashtag for Philippine Fashion Week: #PhFW. See y'all there!

Brushstroke Creatives' 8th Year Anniversary

Brushstroke Creatives [BC] is a full scale print service provider under Union Inks & Graphics Phils. I honestly haven't heard of Brushstroke Creatives until I got invited to their 8th year anniversary [should anyone ask, yes, I'm mortified. LOL] and the unveiling of their showroom's new look last October 8, 2013, Tuesday at Level 2, South Parking Building of SM Mall of Asia. 

Keep scrollin' and go check lots of cool stuff in the event!

Brushstroke Creatives invested in the latest technology in eco-friendly wide-format printers and a wide-range of innovative printable materials. Supported by skilled workforce, Brushstroke Creatives is generating creative ideas and new possibilities in customized prints and automated cutting solutions.

These delish cup cakes by The LJC Group Catering Service reminded me of the American TV sitcom, 2 Broke Girls. I've always wanted to try munching on cup cakes as pretty as these!

All the things you've seen [except the amazing noms] and more for Brushstroke Creatives cater to virtually all types of industry, especially in advertising, consumer goods, retail, real estate, interior design and apt architectural applications.

Design: Aztec-Printed Tank Top

Embracing summer's scorching heat can't be without an edgy stuff and tank top for men, is exactly that.

Tank tops are among the most versatile garments in anyone's wardrobe. They can be worn as athletic tops, undergarments, or even plainly put them on and hit the road. Meanwhile, as "in" as tank tops today are prints. We all know they've always been around and frankly have never really failed to jilt neither any fashion show nor the streets. - And THAT is what basically influenced the output.

There's really not much story to tell and as much as I want to make up an interesting story behind "the making" of this sando which for hours I tried trust me, I can't seem to think of anything to tell. Was just that bored and decided to design a tank top. Viola! Plain as simple as that. [LOL]

This faded to almost-white denim pants by People are People neutralized my fully-printed, aztec tank top design as it has less texture but still didn't cut on style.

Shot this photo using SONY Cybershot DSC-W320 with a CCD of 14.1MP. Very effective, you'd love almost every shot!

  Let me know what you guys think!

PENSHOPPE & MAGNUM For Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013

A time of the season when vacuum of socialites and everyone who's got anything to do with fashion's 'ish' gather for a week-long celebration of quenching the passion's thirst! - Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013

Never expect anything less from the brand that brought international icons to the Philippines. For Holiday 2013, though, Penshoppe was simply all about the clothes. The brand drew all the attention from its audience, starting with its unconventional runway set-up. Strong colours were a feature with black being a customary touch to their clothing.

Cardigans and leather jackets made an impression to faded denim polos and collared shirts as much as vests flattered cropped tops and shorts. As Penshoppe is popularly known for, this collection began with fashionably laid-back looks, which transitioned into dressier attires. For such an exceptional show, the crowd applauded Jeff Bascon, Penshoppe’s new brand director, who ended their show with a fierce message: “no titles, no labels, just a strong point of view.” - Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013

To close the Saturday shows, MAGNUM presented the Luxewear and Katutubo collections for Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013 – and true to their titles, no holds were barred in the luxury department.

The feisty Georgina Wilson started the MAGNUM fashion show with a gang of gentlemen and THAT just set the mood.

Anthony Ramirez kick-started the night with a series in opulent jewel toned gowns, followed by Harley Ruedas whose floral prints on black (with some overlaid red mesh) were a series of feminine garments for every occasion.

Julius Tarog showed off his menswear inspirations with a collection that took mens’ pieces into the next (womenswear) level, with a neutral palette and sexy leather details. Meanwhile, Melvin Lachica gave his pieces fluidity with some masterful draping, countered by leather cutout appliqués.

Richly layered, Peter Lim’s pieces were grand and playful in terms of shapes, while Roel Rosal alternated lace and sheer with glitter and spark. Roland Lirio’s leather pailettes, studs and jacquard were rock and roll luxe, while Ronaldo Arnaldo’s pieces – tiled navy prints and hints of metallic emerald and blue, and soft prints with blush undersides – created lovely effects on the runway with their folds and layers.

Tina Daniac kept with her trademark party-girl looks with lots of lace, textures and shine; on the other hand, Vania Romoff, still as sophisticated as ever, presented a chic series of various womenswear staples (with uber-cool looks, such as a tan half-cape over off-white and navy trousers). Veejay Floresca ended the Luxewear Collections with a balance of high-octane multicoloured sequins  and textured, conservative cover-ups.

Sidney Perez-Sio’s soft grey pieces were cohesive and minimalist, but had depth and curiosity with its loops and wraps, as Simon Ariel Vasquez created updated formalwear with scintillating embellishments for women and lace appliqués for men.

For the Katutubo collections, Delby Bragais opened used Inabel Ilocos to fashion her grey pieces with hints of red, all tailored and contemporary. Jaki Penalosa used her trademark Pina fiber like sheer chiffon as feminine, powerful dresses. Gerry Katigbak updated the barong with his use of Pina silk and Jusi, dyed in different colors.

EsAc closed the show with a series by Ronald Mendoza – Pina fabric as very current pieces such as pencil skirts and capelets; AudieE finished the set with impeccable creations in Pina fiber and Burdang Taal. - Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013

Used SONY Cybershot DSC-W320 on this event. With a CCD of 14.1MP, this handy gadget can really do wonders!

TRUMP TOWER at Century City Makati Philippines

The Trump ® brand now encompasses projects across the United States, Panama, Canada and Turkey and is renowned for representing the highest level of excellence and luxury in residential, hotel, office, retail and golf properties.

Trump branded projects have always been associated with the world's premier real estate. Trump buildings are known for their spectacular views, prime locations, luxurious amenities and discerning owners. The existing clientele of Trump includes global CEOs and celebrities. The experience of owning a Trump branded property and living in the Trump lifestyle is unparalleled.

Superior Quality, Detail and Perfection are standards that Trump demands of all properties bearing its name. The exclusive touch of the Trump brand is present in every aspect of their properties, from the design driven, cutting edge façades created in collaboration with the world's best architects, to the flawless interiors designed specifically for each market to the world-class service. No detail is overlooked. With each of its developed and branded properties, the Trump brand continues to raise the bar of super luxurious living consistently.

"I've always loved the Philippines. I think it's just a special place and Manila is one of Asia's most spectacular cities. I know that this project will be second to none." - Donald Trump, Chairman & President of the Trump Organization

Architecture & Design Philosophy

Trump Tower at Century City's concept of the 'peeled' façade is articulated with internal balconies. The top and bottom corners peel away which accentuates the dynamic form of the tower. Its curtain wall facade maximizes spectacular panoramic views of the city. The facade's function is environmentally responsive where light shelves and shading systems are designed to react to the building's orientation in relation to sun's path.

Globally Acclaimed Sophistication. White-Gloved Service. Exquisite Interiors.

From a grand lobby that celebrates your arrival, en route to a marvelous hallway that draws your inner effervescence. Amidst a wide array of lavishly designed amenities, leading to your exclusive living space with sweeping city views, you have arrived in a truly elegant and privileged new lifestyle.

Trump Tower at Century City's emphasis on elegance, quality and craftsmanship will be evident in its amenity spaces. The building will use a selection of Hermès home collections for its amenities and common areas.

Globally Acclaimed Sophistication. White-Gloved Service. Exquisite Interiors.

From a grand lobby that celebrates your arrival, en route to a marvelous hallway that draws your inner effervescence. Amidst a wide array of lavishly designed amenities, leading to your exclusive living space with sweeping city views, you have arrived in a truly elegant and privileged new lifestyle.

Trump Tower at Century City's emphasis on elegance, quality and craftsmanship will be evident in its amenity spaces. The building will use a selection of Hermès home collections for its amenities and common areas.

A visual delight to welcome your arrival. Sophistication starts from the moment you glance. The Trump Plaza serves as a dramatic attestation that indeed, you have arrived.

An understated elegance. The grand lobby greets you with a lofty triple height ceiling adorned with an iconic chandelier, pendant lamps and elegant furniture.

A plunge to a life well-lived. Take pleasure in a daily 5-lap routine workout or simply soak up the sun on a weekend in your very own pool overlooking the Makati skyline. Intricately designed with glass mosaic tiles, honed finish marble and bright lounge beds.

A prelude to your indulgence. Relax while you wait for your well-deserved pampering at the spa lounge adorned with sheer black organza and timber flooring in walnut satin stained finish.

Sanus per Aquam (SPA) means health by water. Treat yourself to a relaxing dip in the jacuzzi, a few minutes in the steam bath and an aromatherapy massage in your exclusive spa.

A time to dream. Transport yourself to a new world while you indulge in cinema or get excited in sports entertainment with your friends in the video room.

A plunge into a life well-lived. Take pleasure in a daily 5-lap routine workout or simply soak up the sun on a weekend in your very own pool overlooking the Makati skyline. Intricately designed with glass mosaic tiles, honed finish marble and bright lounge beds.

A chic alcove of erudition. Go through the archives of our special collection on finance, business, art and travel in your library's elegant interiors accentuated with intricately-designed wallpaper and furniture.  

A pleasure to do business. Organize your work and mentally prepare for a busy day ahead in the business center embellished with art deco wallpaper and furniture, dark stained walnut book shelf and chevron slate carpet.

Conduct your business conference in style in its tastefully chic interiors that blends ultramodern and classic sophistication.

The City of Makati or "Modern Makati" is the undisputed financial, commercial, and social center of the Philippines. Makati is the hub of urban energy and vigor, where a multitude of exhilarating dining establishments, five-star hotels, the hottest nightspots and the country's most popular shopping malls are located. The city also allows full access to the top schools, churches, the head offices of all the banks and financial institutions, and embassies. Makati is constantly evolving and reinvigorating itself, transforming into a true megalopolis.

Capturing the spirit of New York and capitalizing on the dynamic growth of Makati, Trump Tower at Century City merges the great vision of two internationally-acclaimed cities in one quality product that will elevate the standards of Philippine real estate.

Visit TRUMP TOWER Manila at Century City at Makati Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines.