Well, not really on a jetplane. But I'm leaving for a while. Gonna take a trip to Manila. And to Iloilo. My Manila trip will be full with official functions and work meetings. But I am going to squeeze in some fun. Will try very hard to everything on my Manila checklist. Really looking forward to Binondo, Mercato Centrale, the museums, and the MRT! And I might be able to cook for my friends again. ;) It will be a long trip full of stuff to do, work to accomplish, and people to get in touch with. Might be a bit stressful, but it will definitely be fun. The Iloilo trip will be much shorter but I'm looking forward to doing as many things as I can while I'm there. Iloilo is one of my favorite places. Mostly because it's like Davao, but also because it has a lot of heritage spots and great, great, greaaat food. Won't be able to do a lot in 2 and a half days but I hope to enjoy the trip a lot. :) I know I'll be leaving a lot of work while I'm gone and a lot of things will be put…
Get a Makeover for 2012
If you've seen in in public events, you're likely to ask yourself how I can manage to look nice despite my busy schedule. There's an army of fab stylists who make me look that way. And I'd like to share my army with you. If you think you need a style change for 2012, get a chance to have a makeover by joining my simple promo. Promo Mechanics: Like the Ria Jose FB Page. Post your photo on the page wall and explain in 30 words or less why you need a makeover. You may nominate your friend, girlfriend, cousin, sister, daughter, mother, aunt, or any lady in your life by posting her photo on the wall and explaining why she needs a makeover. Yup, there are only two steps to this promo. This promo is limited to Davao-based ladies only. Deadline is December 2, 2011. I, together with representatives from Envy Me Salon and other promo sponsors will be picking the lady (or ladies) who will be getting a makeover. Submit those entries now. :) Image courtesy of Bernie of HabagatCentral.com.
CNA Invades the Philippines
My girl friend Kring has a baby! Kring and her Korean bf Jimmy are bringing the Korean “Fancy Shop” concept to the Philippines. Needless to say, I'm jumping with joy and excitement. And I'm not the only one. KPop has been growing in popularity in the Philippines. And along with it, the clamor for everything Korean. Enter C.N.A. CNA stands for Culture Nature Art. It's a Korean concept store that sells fancy jewelry, hair ornaments, trinkets, and other stuff Korean! All of the products sold at CNA are manufactured and imported from Korea. Kring Elenzano and Jimmy Kim aka The Krimmy Couple is bringing this cornucopia of everything Korean to the Philippines. CNA Philippines will officially launch in Metro Manila in 2012 but they're giving us a sneak peek this December at various bazaars and events this December. Check out CNA at these venues: Dear Santa Bazaar from December 2 - 4 at The Megatent, Meralco Ave., Ortigas Noel Bazaar from December 9 - 18 at the PICC Forum, CCP Complex Noel Bazaar from December 21 - 23 at the World Trade Center, Pasay The 3rd Philippine Kpop Convention at The Megatent, Meralco Ave., Ortigas I hope to get the…
Looking Forward to Iloilo Again
I was able to go to Iloilo City for the first time last year and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The people, the food, the sights, and the over-all ambiance of the city made me feel at home. My Iloilo trip opened with quite a bang. A relative treated Winston and I to a lunch at Breakthrough. Winston declared that talaba was just as delicious as oysters. LOL! Aside from generous amounts of oysters, we also had shrimps kinilaw, crab meat omelette, and grilled fish. All of them memorable. My uncle almost convinced me to take a road trip to Roxas just to eat even more seafood. I was able to go on a walking tour of Iloilo City with bloggers Fitz, Don, Winston, Rina, and our knowledgeable guide, Sam. I enjoyed it even if I absolutely loathe walking. Iloilo has very interesting architecture and old structures from the Spanish era are still in place. Plus, they have many beautiful churches with interesting stories. The tour ended with a sunset view of Guimaras and a hearty dinner at Carlito's, punctuated with Baye-Baye ala Mode. I was able to go out a couple of nights. I ate yummy ribs and beef stew…
Checklist for My November 2011 Manila Trip
I'm going to Manila this November to attend some functions, have a few meetings, and for a little bit of vacation. I want this trip to be a bit different. Instead of coffee shops, malls, and the usual places I go to, I want to go to unique places. Binondo The first time I went to Binondo was sometime 2005 or 2006 with my cousin. We had joined a walking tour. I was fascinated by the temples, old houses, and old buildings. I also enjoyed the food and the other sights that I saw. Kuya Andrew, several friends and I went to Binondo for another walking tour in 2008. Aside from the yummy food we ate, I found walking through Binondo to be an interesting experience. I'm not really Chinese but I found the culture, the sights, and sounds to be very homey. And I do want to go back for another walking tour. Philippine National Museum People suggested that I visit museums. Silly me. I have never been to the Philippine National Museum. Not even when our History professor asked us to go there. But I do want to go. It's embarrassing to be almost 30 and never having…
Mr and Ms Gen San 2011 Crowned
Two beautiful generals Marc Jerick Chan and Caroline Lim were crowned as the Mr and Ms Gen Santos City 2011 during a star-studded pageant during the Tuna Festival. The pageant was hosted by Kapuso star Victor Aliwalas and Binibining Pilipinas World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit. Kapuso actress Claudine Barretto was a pageant judge along with local politicians, lifestyle writers, and young movers and shakers. Bloggers Fitz Villafuerte, Donna Congson, and yours truly were also judges. The pageant opened with the candidates parade in awe-inspiring silver and white Festival Attires. The candidates and their dedicated handlers crafted show-stopping sea-inspired attires which set the mood for an exciting beauty and talent competition. Lakan ng Kalilangan 2012 Gevic Romero and Frances Gonzalez were awarded with the Best in Festival Attire titles. The candidates sizzled in the swimsuit competition with their animal-inspired suits. Hunky Gian Cortes and sexy Ayana Grico bested the candidates as they were voted as Best in Swimsuit. Dressed up in elegant creations by Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines President Johnny Abad, the candidates wowed the judges and the audience members even more. Looking every inch a debonair, Marc Jerick Chan was awarded with the Best in Evening Formal Wear…