Can I tell you…about Boracay. On my way to Hong Kong for a business trip, I made a slight detour to Boracay island for some R&R. 
I haven’t been here in 3 years and I definitely miss it. It’s only 35 minutes by plane from Manila to Caticlan and then another 20 minute ‘banca’ boat ride to the island. 
The Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches but this place is still very special to me. I used to come here when it was just backpackers and there was no electricity. Very Robinson Crusoe!
My really good friend Bacchus Zulueta has permanently lived here for several years now, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manila. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He put me up in the fabulous “pool villa” at the Mandala Resort Spa. The villa is tucked away up on the hills and offers a great panoramic view of the beach, the Sulu sea and neighboring islands. It’s so tranquil and quiet. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping.
The villa also has an indoor/outdoor pool with sliding doors that open up so that you can go from the bedroom to the pool to the deck all in one fell swoop. Very sexy! How could I say no? The Mandala is famous for their treatments and being the spa junkie that I am I had to try their award winning signature “hilot” treatment involving heated cups on your back. It ends with a healing drink of warm “salabat” (ginger tea). I felt like a new person! 
I met up with friends from Manila, Tito Herbosa, Manolet Dario (DJ extraordinaire) and Teresa Herrera(host of Project Runway Philippines) at Discovery Shores Hotel beach front located in Phase 1, probably the best beach on the island.
White sand as far as your eyes can see and in the afternoons when the tide is low, you can walk into the sea for about a mile and the water only goes up to your waist. The water is so clear, warm and inviting, you never want to leave. 
Evenings were spent having cocktails at Hey Jude, the coolest bar with the best music on the island or watching Carla, a teenage trannie perform and dance with fire balls. Fierce! 
Fortunately it was low season in Bora so the crowds were gone and so were the nightly theme parties with blaring music. Sunsets in Bora are magical at this time of the year; serene and mesmerizing. 
Whenever I’m back I make it a point to indulge in some local delicacies like “chicken inasal” , “boneless bangus” and Philippine mangos (they’re the best, really!)
This is comfort food for me and I can’t seem to have enough…mangos!
Time flies when you’re having fun and before I knew it, my time was up. I was sad to leave but I was anxious to see my samples in Hong Kong. Back to the real world. I love little mini getaways. Don’t you?
Archive for June, 2008
Bora, Bora, Bora
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Can I tell you…about Boracay. On my way to Hong Kong for a business trip, I made a slight detour to Boracay island for some R&R. I haven’t been here in 3 years and I definitely miss it. It’s only 35 minutes by plane from Manila to Caticlan and then another 20 minute ‘banca’ boat ride to the island. The Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches but this place is still very special to me. I used to come here when it was just backpackers and there was no electricity. Very Robinson Crusoe!My really good friend Bacchus Zulueta has permanently lived here for several years now, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manila. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He put me up in the fabulous “pool villa” at the Mandala Resort Spa. The villa is tucked away up on the hills and offers a great panoramic view of the beach, the Sulu sea and neighboring islands. It’s so tranquil and quiet. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping. The villa also has an indoor/outdoor pool with sliding doors that open up so that you can go from the bedroom to the pool to the deck all in one fell swoop. Very sexy! How could I say no? The Mandala is famous for their treatments and being the spa junkie that I am I had to try their award winning signature “hilot” treatment involving heated cups on your back. It ends with a healing drink of warm “salabat” (ginger tea). I felt like a new person! I met up with friends from Manila, Tito Herbosa, Manolet Dario (DJ extraordinaire) and Teresa Herrera(host of Project Runway Philippines) at Discovery Shores Hotel beach front located in Phase 1, probably the best beach on the island.White sand as far as your eyes can see and in the afternoons when the tide is low, you can walk into the sea for about a mile and the water only goes up to your waist. The water is so clear, warm and inviting, you never want to leave. Evenings were spent having cocktails at Hey Jude, the coolest bar with the best music on the island or watching Carla, a teenage trannie perform and dance with fire balls. Fierce! Fortunately it was low season in Bora so the crowds were gone and so were the nightly theme parties with blaring music. Sunsets in Bora are magical at this time of the year; serene and mesmerizing. Whenever I’m back I make it a point to indulge in some local delicacies like “chicken inasal” , “boneless bangus” and Philippine mangos (they’re the best, really!)This is comfort food for me and I can’t seem to have enough…mangos!
Time flies when you’re having fun and before I knew it, my time was up. I was sad to leave but I was anxious to see my samples in Hong Kong. Back to the real world. I love little mini getaways. Don’t you?
Bora, Bora, Bora
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Can I tell you…about Boracay. On my way to Hong Kong for a business trip, I made a slight detour to Boracay island for some R&R. I haven’t been here in 3 years and I definitely miss it. It’s only 35 minutes by plane from Manila to Caticlan and then another 20 minute ‘banca’ boat ride to the island. The Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches but this place is still very special to me. I used to come here when it was just backpackers and there was no electricity. Very Robinson Crusoe!My really good friend Bacchus Zulueta has permanently lived here for several years now, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manila. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He put me up in the fabulous “pool villa” at the Mandala Resort Spa. The villa is tucked away up on the hills and offers a great panoramic view of the beach, the Sulu sea and neighboring islands. It’s so tranquil and quiet. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping. The villa also has an indoor/outdoor pool with sliding doors that open up so that you can go from the bedroom to the pool to the deck all in one fell swoop. Very sexy! How could I say no? The Mandala is famous for their treatments and being the spa junkie that I am I had to try their award winning signature “hilot” treatment involving heated cups on your back. It ends with a healing drink of warm “salabat” (ginger tea). I felt like a new person! I met up with friends from Manila, Tito Herbosa, Manolet Dario (DJ extraordinaire) and Teresa Herrera(host of Project Runway Philippines) at Discovery Shores Hotel beach front located in Phase 1, probably the best beach on the island.White sand as far as your eyes can see and in the afternoons when the tide is low, you can walk into the sea for about a mile and the water only goes up to your waist. The water is so clear, warm and inviting, you never want to leave. Evenings were spent having cocktails at Hey Jude, the coolest bar with the best music on the island or watching Carla, a teenage trannie perform and dance with fire balls. Fierce! Fortunately it was low season in Bora so the crowds were gone and so were the nightly theme parties with blaring music. Sunsets in Bora are magical at this time of the year; serene and mesmerizing. Whenever I’m back I make it a point to indulge in some local delicacies like “chicken inasal” , “boneless bangus” and Philippine mangos (they’re the best, really!)This is comfort food for me and I can’t seem to have enough…mangos!
Time flies when you’re having fun and before I knew it, my time was up. I was sad to leave but I was anxious to see my samples in Hong Kong. Back to the real world. I love little mini getaways. Don’t you?
Bora, Bora, Bora
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Can I tell you…about Boracay. On my way to Hong Kong for a business trip, I made a slight detour to Boracay island for some R&R. I haven’t been here in 3 years and I definitely miss it. It’s only 35 minutes by plane from Manila to Caticlan and then another 20 minute ‘banca’ boat ride to the island. The Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches but this place is still very special to me. I used to come here when it was just backpackers and there was no electricity. Very Robinson Crusoe!My really good friend Bacchus Zulueta has permanently lived here for several years now, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manila. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He put me up in the fabulous “pool villa” at the Mandala Resort Spa. The villa is tucked away up on the hills and offers a great panoramic view of the beach, the Sulu sea and neighboring islands. It’s so tranquil and quiet. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping. The villa also has an indoor/outdoor pool with sliding doors that open up so that you can go from the bedroom to the pool to the deck all in one fell swoop. Very sexy! How could I say no? The Mandala is famous for their treatments and being the spa junkie that I am I had to try their award winning signature “hilot” treatment involving heated cups on your back. It ends with a healing drink of warm “salabat” (ginger tea). I felt like a new person! I met up with friends from Manila, Tito Herbosa, Manolet Dario (DJ extraordinaire) and Teresa Herrera(host of Project Runway Philippines) at Discovery Shores Hotel beach front located in Phase 1, probably the best beach on the island.White sand as far as your eyes can see and in the afternoons when the tide is low, you can walk into the sea for about a mile and the water only goes up to your waist. The water is so clear, warm and inviting, you never want to leave. Evenings were spent having cocktails at Hey Jude, the coolest bar with the best music on the island or watching Carla, a teenage trannie perform and dance with fire balls. Fierce! Fortunately it was low season in Bora so the crowds were gone and so were the nightly theme parties with blaring music. Sunsets in Bora are magical at this time of the year; serene and mesmerizing. Whenever I’m back I make it a point to indulge in some local delicacies like “chicken inasal” , “boneless bangus” and Philippine mangos (they’re the best, really!)This is comfort food for me and I can’t seem to have enough…mangos!
Time flies when you’re having fun and before I knew it, my time was up. I was sad to leave but I was anxious to see my samples in Hong Kong. Back to the real world. I love little mini getaways. Don’t you?
Bora, Bora, Bora
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
Can I tell you…about Boracay. On my way to Hong Kong for a business trip, I made a slight detour to Boracay island for some R&R. I haven’t been here in 3 years and I definitely miss it. It’s only 35 minutes by plane from Manila to Caticlan and then another 20 minute ‘banca’ boat ride to the island. The Philippines has a lot of beautiful beaches but this place is still very special to me. I used to come here when it was just backpackers and there was no electricity. Very Robinson Crusoe!My really good friend Bacchus Zulueta has permanently lived here for several years now, leaving the hustle and bustle of Manila. He made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. He put me up in the fabulous “pool villa” at the Mandala Resort Spa. The villa is tucked away up on the hills and offers a great panoramic view of the beach, the Sulu sea and neighboring islands. It’s so tranquil and quiet. The only sounds you hear are birds chirping. The villa also has an indoor/outdoor pool with sliding doors that open up so that you can go from the bedroom to the pool to the deck all in one fell swoop. Very sexy! How could I say no? The Mandala is famous for their treatments and being the spa junkie that I am I had to try their award winning signature “hilot” treatment involving heated cups on your back. It ends with a healing drink of warm “salabat” (ginger tea). I felt like a new person! I met up with friends from Manila, Tito Herbosa, Manolet Dario (DJ extraordinaire) and Teresa Herrera(host of Project Runway Philippines) at Discovery Shores Hotel beach front located in Phase 1, probably the best beach on the island.White sand as far as your eyes can see and in the afternoons when the tide is low, you can walk into the sea for about a mile and the water only goes up to your waist. The water is so clear, warm and inviting, you never want to leave. Evenings were spent having cocktails at Hey Jude, the coolest bar with the best music on the island or watching Carla, a teenage trannie perform and dance with fire balls. Fierce! Fortunately it was low season in Bora so the crowds were gone and so were the nightly theme parties with blaring music. Sunsets in Bora are magical at this time of the year; serene and mesmerizing. Whenever I’m back I make it a point to indulge in some local delicacies like “chicken inasal” , “boneless bangus” and Philippine mangos (they’re the best, really!)This is comfort food for me and I can’t seem to have enough…mangos!
Time flies when you’re having fun and before I knew it, my time was up. I was sad to leave but I was anxious to see my samples in Hong Kong. Back to the real world. I love little mini getaways. Don’t you?
Fashion Oscars
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Can I tell you about…the CFDA Awards Night. Every year, as you may already know, the fashion industry holds it’s very own awards night, it’s our Fashion Oscars. This year, as in previous years it was held in the New York Public Library.
My date for the evening was my friend Zani Gugelmann, who had just flown in days before from a friend’s wedding in Florence. Since this is our version of the Oscars, who and what you wear is crucial and almost political. Zani had gone to several designers (she knows most of them) for options, Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel and Peter Som for Bill Blass Couture. She also had a selection of my clutches to choose from. It would all depend on the day itself and how these dresses looked after hair and make up was done. Despite the fact that you can throw a dishrag on Zani and she will look great, we weren’t taking our chances. It’s all about the choices you make at the last minute. In the end, Bill Blass won hands down. The dress went perfectly with my ombre’ sequined Sasha minaudiere.
It was chic as hell and fit Zani like a glove. Made of silver grey hammered silk, it had a plunging neckline and a slim bodice that ended with a train in the back. A black grossgrain sash nipped at the waist and tied with a bow in the back. Simple, elegant and sexy. Peter was thrilled of course.
We barely made it to the event. The car ran late and the traffic uptown was horrendous. We got in at the nick of time and Patrick (McMullen) snapped away right before we were ushered into the Library.
We sat beside Karolina Korukova(supermodel, hello!)and Edmundo Castillo(Sergio Rossi designer) right beside the stage so I was able to get these side views of the speakers, including Posh’s (Victoria Beckham) legs!
The awards itself was as brief as it could have been. Awardees kept their speeches short and to the point. Mayor Bloomberg got an award, Candy got the Eugenia Shepperd award, Carolina Herrera a lifetime achievement award, Dries Van Noten the International Award, Tom Ford for menswear, Francisco Costa for womenswear and Tory Burch for accessories. The dinner was held after the awards at the adjoining Bryant Park Grill. We were seated with Peter, PR diva Vanessa von Bismark, Tracy Reese and Candace Bushnell (author of Sex & the City, hello!). We had a nice chat about the upcoming series of Lipstick Jungle.
The food was blah(unfortunately)! Edward Wilkinson (Lafayette 148 designer) was livid because he was allergic to everything on the table and left in a huff after the main course arrived. But these events are never about the food anyway. It’s all about networking, gossip, mini reunions, people watching and having a blast.
The crowd thinned towards the end as people slipped away. Outside the restaurant, crowds had gathered smoking(so 80′s) and plans were being hatched for the next party venue.
I had to leave early ( again!) because of my morning flight the next day for Asia and I hadn’t finished packing so I left Zani in the hands of Nate Berkus, Brian Atwood and stylist Rachel Zoe. They were definitely not calling it an early night. No doubt it would have been fun to stay out but it wasn’t meant to be. There’s always next year, right?!
Fashion Oscars
Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Can I tell you about…the CFDA Awards Night. Every year, as you may already know, the fashion industry holds it’s very own awards night, it’s our Fashion Oscars. This year, as in previous years it was held in the New York Public Library.My date for the evening was my friend Zani Gugelmann, who had just flown in days before from a friend’s wedding in Florence. Since this is our version of the Oscars, who and what you wear is crucial and almost political. Zani had gone to several designers (she knows most of them) for options, Gilles Mendel of J. Mendel and Peter Som for Bill Blass Couture. She also had a selection of my clutches to choose from. It would all depend on the day itself and how these dresses looked after hair and make up was done. Despite the fact that you can throw a dishrag on Zani and she will look great, we weren’t taking our chances. It’s all about the choices you make at the last minute. In the end, Bill Blass won hands down. The dress went perfectly with my ombre’ sequined Sasha minaudiere.It was chic as hell and fit Zani like a glove. Made of silver grey hammered silk, it had a plunging neckline and a slim bodice that ended with a train in the back. A black grossgrain sash nipped at the waist and tied with a bow in the back. Simple, elegant and sexy. Peter was thrilled of course.
We barely made it to the event. The car ran late and the traffic uptown was horrendous. We got in at the nick of time and Patrick (McMullen) snapped away right before we were ushered into the Library.We sat beside Karolina Korukova(supermodel, hello!)and Edmundo Castillo(Sergio Rossi designer) right beside the stage so I was able to get these side views of the speakers, including Posh’s (Victoria Beckham) legs!The awards itself was as brief as it could have been. Awardees kept their speeches short and to the point. Mayor Bloomberg got an award, Candy got the Eugenia Shepperd award, Carolina Herrera a lifetime achievement award, Dries Van Noten the International Award, Tom Ford for menswear, Francisco Costa for womenswear and Tory Burch for accessories. The dinner was held after the awards at the adjoining Bryant Park Grill. We were seated with Peter, PR diva Vanessa von Bismark, Tracy Reese and Candace Bushnell (author of Sex & the City, hello!). We had a nice chat about the upcoming series of Lipstick Jungle.
The food was blah(unfortunately)! Edward Wilkinson (Lafayette 148 designer) was livid because he was allergic to everything on the table and left in a huff after the main course arrived. But these events are never about the food anyway. It’s all about networking, gossip, mini reunions, people watching and having a blast.
The crowd thinned towards the end as people slipped away. Outside the restaurant, crowds had gathered smoking(so 80′s) and plans were being hatched for the next party venue.I had to leave early ( again!) because of my morning flight the next day for Asia and I hadn’t finished packing so I left Zani in the hands of Nate Berkus, Brian Atwood and stylist Rachel Zoe. They were definitely not calling it an early night. No doubt it would have been fun to stay out but it wasn’t meant to be. There’s always next year, right?!
The Night Before
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Can I tell you…about the Swarvoski / CFDA cocktail party. Every year, Nadja Swarovski hosts a cocktail party in honor of all the nominees and awardees before the Awards night. This year, they held it at Norwood, a private club ( yeah, another one) on 14th street in Chelsea.
I went with my friend, the statuesque and effervescent Zani Gugelmann. Anybody who knows Zani knows she knows how to ‘represent’. Tonight she was representing me. She wore my “Martina” gold laser cut clutch with a white linen Dolce bustier dress and gold platform slingbacks. FYI, this clutch is sold out everywhere but you can still borrow it. Just log on to Bag Borrow or Steal.
She turned heads everywhere and the photographers couldn’t get enough of her. CFDA members, press and fashionistas quickly filled the 4 story brownstone/clubhouse. The drinks flowed and the food was abundant. Not only did they have servers walking around with trays of nibbles but they also had an impressive smorgasboard on the second floor. A live band kept everybody in a great mood.
Everybody showed up. Dries Van Noten ( receiving the International Award)flew in from Antwerp, Diane (DVF), Michael (Kors),Stan (Herman), the boys from Proenza, Doo Ri, Thakoon, Richard and John (Lambertson Truex),Amy Larocca of NY magazine,Laird Borrelli and Meenal Mistry from Style.com, Brian Coats from GQ, Jim Shi from the Daily and the girls from Vogue.
Ashley Olsen was seen chatting with Candy Pratts Price(Style.com), who is receiving an award. I suspect an accessories collection by the wonder twins in the making.
Roopal Patel was catching up with Eugenia Gonzalez and Michael Bastian(menswear nominee).
Linda Fargo showed up wearing a stunning Tony Duquette necklace, turning everybody green with envy!
Fresh in from LA, Monique L’huillier and her husband Tom huddled in a corner with TV host Mary Alice Stephenson. Could Monique be the next guest judge in “America’s Smartest Model”?
Gilles(Mendel),Zani and I were tempted to extend the party elsewhere but we knew better.
We still had to look fresh for the next evening’s festivities. After all, this was just the party the night before.
The Night Before
Monday, June 2nd, 2008
Can I tell you…about the Swarvoski / CFDA cocktail party. Every year, Nadja Swarovski hosts a cocktail party in honor of all the nominees and awardees before the Awards night. This year, they held it at Norwood, a private club ( yeah, another one) on 14th street in Chelsea.I went with my friend, the statuesque and effervescent Zani Gugelmann. Anybody who knows Zani knows she knows how to ‘represent’. Tonight she was representing me. She wore my “Martina” gold laser cut clutch with a white linen Dolce bustier dress and gold platform slingbacks. FYI, this clutch is sold out everywhere but you can still borrow it. Just log on to Bag Borrow or Steal.She turned heads everywhere and the photographers couldn’t get enough of her. CFDA members, press and fashionistas quickly filled the 4 story brownstone/clubhouse. The drinks flowed and the food was abundant. Not only did they have servers walking around with trays of nibbles but they also had an impressive smorgasboard on the second floor. A live band kept everybody in a great mood.Everybody showed up. Dries Van Noten ( receiving the International Award)flew in from Antwerp, Diane (DVF), Michael (Kors),Stan (Herman), the boys from Proenza, Doo Ri, Thakoon, Richard and John (Lambertson Truex),Amy Larocca of NY magazine,Laird Borrelli and Meenal Mistry from Style.com, Brian Coats from GQ, Jim Shi from the Daily and the girls from Vogue.
Ashley Olsen was seen chatting with Candy Pratts Price(Style.com), who is receiving an award. I suspect an accessories collection by the wonder twins in the making.Roopal Patel was catching up with Eugenia Gonzalez and Michael Bastian(menswear nominee).Linda Fargo showed up wearing a stunning Tony Duquette necklace, turning everybody green with envy!Fresh in from LA, Monique L’huillier and her husband Tom huddled in a corner with TV host Mary Alice Stephenson. Could Monique be the next guest judge in “America’s Smartest Model”?Gilles(Mendel),Zani and I were tempted to extend the party elsewhere but we knew better.We still had to look fresh for the next evening’s festivities. After all, this was just the party the night before.
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