Singer Whitney Houston is dead at 48 Relatively young for such an impressive talent. A tragic loss, I must say and we condole with her family (specifically her only daughter, Bobbi Kristina Houston Brown) in this moment of grief. As of press time, the cause of her death in Ottawa, Canada is still unknown.

This is a short Whitney Houston biography via cnn.com :

Houston has sold more than 170 million albums, singles and videos over her career.

That includes seven straight Billboard No. 1 hits in the 1980s, including “Saving All My Love for You,” “Greatest Love of All” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.” Billboard claimed that her soundtrack to the movie “The Bodyguard” is one of the top 10 biggest-selling albums of all time. (This film also had a hit song “I Will Always Love You.”)

The daughter of US Army serviceman John Houston and singer Cissy Houston, Whitney was born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey. Famed music producer Clive Davis reportedly spotted Houston 20 years later in a New York nightclub, signing her on the spot, according to her website.

In May 2011, Houston got help for her much-publicized struggle with drugs and alcohol, her representative said at the time.

She was previously married to singer Bobby Brown, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship.

Some of the Whitney Houston songs we remember and she became famous for:

All at Once
You Give Good Love
Hold me (with Teddy Pendergrass)
Saving All My Love for You
How Will I Know
Greatest Love of All
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Didn’t We Almost Have it All
So Emotional
Where Do Broken Hearts Go
I’m Your Baby Tonight
All The Man That I Need
Miracle
I’m Every Woman

Suddenly, I felt the need to Google her and it looks like there’s a brewing issue with no less than the Philippines’ foremost celebrity doctor tweeting this. She sounded jealous.

It turns out there were reports of Castiglione and Belo’s controversial fiance Hayden Kho kissing in some establishment in the Fort.

*sigh. Hayden Kho again. Sometimes I think he wants to be in the news just so he can sell those perfumes.

Following the incident, Hayden had to make a public declaration of love to @vicky_belo. But I must say: your actions speak louder than words dude

It seems Cristalle Belo & the Azkals’ Jason Sabio are better off. They look so happy -

But I have to give my curiosity a try. Did I ever tell you this is what happens when you attempt to make a living out of internet surfing? LOL. I just noticed that my blogger-friends are the ones who are always up-to-date about the latest developments in social media. I figure that this has something to do with our fear of extinction. You go with the tide or risk being run over with what’s hot in digital innovations. Just saying

The first step in discovering Pinspire is to create an account (obviously, hehe). And I was immediately greeted with all those alluring photos on the dashboard: cupcakes, cocktail dresses, pink rooms, lipsticks and other interesting things. Highly recommended if you’re into photography or just like ogling at photos taken by other people.

The purpose of sites like Pinspire is to achieve interaction. As in Facebook, if you like something, just go ahead and pin it! Or make a comment if something really catches your fancy. Who knows you might just get the followers you need, or more blog readers.

What I did was create a collection revolving around certain themes. So I went ahead and titled it Fave Food Photos, Travel Memories etc. In Fave Food Photos, for example, I included here photos from other people’s albums in the Pinspire site that I like or the ones from my collection. My stock photos of food are simply ginormous. I just realized it now as I look through my files…I’ve taken more photos of food than I have of my children (tsk). The hard part is remembering which meal in what restaurant it happened

For someone who takes lots of photos with her trusty digicam (it’s only a point and shoot, mind you), I am beginning to like Pinspire and what it does. My Flickr is now a big jumble of (sometimes) irrelevant photos. I like the fact that I can better organize my fave photos now with specific themes and collections under Pinspire. I also hope to make some followers and friends. How cool is that? Try it too @ Pinspire Philippines

It holds bittersweet memories among its locals who have left its hills and lakes and the watchful presence of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal for the big cities here and abroad. Hence, the publication of the new coffeetable book called Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own is very timely.

The book was launched recently at the Filipinas Heritage Library, Nielson Tower in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.Published by the Tiaong Lubid-Lubid Foundation, Inc. under the helm of its president Cris Aquino, the book is written by journalist Abe Florendo, with archival research done by Dulce Festin-Baybay and Dr. Luis Camara Dery, images by Donald Tapan and Ramon Jeffrey Florendo, and book design by Teody Hidalgo.

The book revives Tiaong’s illustrious place in history since its establishment as a visita then as encomienda of Nayum in the early 1600s: its important role in the coconut economy and political expansion during the Spanish colonial times, its contributions to the independence efforts during the war, the inspiring heroism and nationalism of its sons and daughters, among them, Claro M. Recto and the “Anak ng Tiaong” who was sent by his father to study in China and went on to become the distinguished commander of Mao Tse Tung’s People’s Liberation Army, Gen. Ye Fei.

Tiaong’s changing skyline and landscapes beautifully captured in photographs are positive indications of its determined thrust toward progress and modernity.

Through the photographs, readers will be acquainted with the beauty and bounties of Tiaong’s placid coconut plantations and rice fields, the majesty of Lake Tikub, the allures of its hot water springs and resorts.

Tiaong: Coming Into Its Own is a book essentially of Tiaongins, who belong to the old families: the Rectos, Umalis, Castillos, Robleses, Punzalans, Escuetas. Here also are the prominent people that define what Tiaong is today: the entrepreneurs, businessmen, artists, forward-looking politicians, and many other other notable personalities

Cris Aquino founded the Lubid-Lubid Festival that set the pattern and direction for a more meaningful celebration of Tiaong’s fiesta and was the mind and muscle behind this book.

People who may not be from Tiaong will find the book interesting and compelling to read as well, with its insights into the nature, character and vision of this Little Town that Could.

The publisher said the book is not meant to be an “annual report” of sorts of the present administration, although some people may think it is so. The latter chapters provide a straightforward description of Tiaong’s ‘real-time’ infrastructures and urbanization, tourism attractions and business thrusts, while making out a case for increased developments in these and other areas.

The book has also gone to great lengths to dig up the authentic historical origins of Tiaong, from the gray dawn of colonial times to the turbulent eras of revolutions and democratizations.

It’s been more than 60 years and there is now a Casa Marcos ran by the second generation of owners at the bustling Burgos Circle in the Fort, Bonifacio Global City. The resto has been existing in this location for a year now, quite commendable for this area’s high turnover of tenants. The young owners Kevin Khoe & Jigger Galvez tell me that their customers are old regulars of Casa Marcos who are now bringing their children and grandchildren to the place.

It’s safe to say that the small two-storey resto will be packed with diners this Valentine’s Day. And that many will be ordering the perfectly-seared house specialty steak a la pobre. How many marriage proposals have been made with this piece of steak as celebratory food? probably countless. And at only P495, life’s great pleasure shouldn’t be too expensive.

The fried kalderetang usa (P475) was a welcome treat as it was tender and flavorful. Most of all, it gave me an insight on a different way of cooking this favorite dish of mine. The good thing with Casa Marcos, you are introduced to the realm of the exotic. There’s also adobong frog legs, tapang baboy damo (wild boar) and pugo or native quail cooked adobo-style.

Next picture: kaldereta baka (P320) as we know it. And of course it was good!

One of the house specialties – the almejas or baked clams (P230) with garlic and cheese was quite addicting. I agreed with my dinner mates that it was the ultimate bar chow. You will surely have a fun time nibbling on the clam bits.

Their gambas (P275) consisting of meaty shrimps tossed in its own sauce was spicy with a capital S and this is what I remember about this dish. It made me wish I was holding a good bottle of beer to go with this (and btw, they have a buy 1 take 1 promo during their happy hour) In the background is their signature Marcos sauce which magically goes well with every dish on the menu.

The complimentary pan de sal was the cutest I’ve seen, and they’re smaller in real life They’re given to diners (with butter!) before the start of the meal. It’s a nice touch, but then again, Casa Marcos has always been known for their soft yet crunchy pan de sal.

And while we’re at it, don’t forget to try the house’s pan de sal ice cream. It’s a bit heavy for a meal-ender all right, but this sweet thing just made my Casa Marcos dinner memorable. Pan de sal dipped in egg French toast style, topped with syrup and then sandwiched with indulgent vanilla ice cream… what more can I ask for? Coffee please!

Casa Marcos
Forbeswood Heights, Rizal Drive
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Call 5523781 for reservations

Operating hours:
11 am to 3 pm; 6 to 10 pm
Restobar: 6 pm to 1 am

Art Samaniego, the tech editor of Manila Bulletin snapped this stolen shot of Grace Lee and President Aquino attending Manila Bulletin’s anniversary party today. This confirms what we’ve been reading in the headlines lately and the President’s admission the other day that yes, he’s seeing the Korean TV personality.

This time around, it seems the President doesn’t care what the public will say. (and the public is too glued to the Corona impeachment trial anyway). Maybe it’s also because Ms. Lee knows too well the workings of the media, being with GMA News TV and Magic 89.9.

No less than Kris Aquino said that Grace Lee (who belongs to the rival network) has been introduced to the older sisters of the family. Are we seeing something serious? Ironically, the Korean DJ and TV host was linked before to Kris’ ex-husband James Yap.

We have no complaints though. If she and the President get together, it can only bring about stronger Philippine-Korean relations!

Note: we were busy in the office and am sad to miss the Bulletin anniversary party, mostly because of the sumptuous buffet catered by Manila Hotel. I attended it at around this time last year

As we all know, Ruffa is now a single mom and her two children with Yilmaz Bektas – Lorin & Venice, now stay with her. The actress says she’s definitely less strict with her girls than her mom Annabelle Rama was while she was growing up. She’s allowing her two daughters to be their own person so that they can explore their full potential. But she says she remains alert as a parent, especially when it comes to monitoring her kids’ internet use and usage of modern digital devices.

It’s true that parents who belonged to the old school focused more on the strict disciplining of their kids and their achieving high academic grades. But child care experts are now saying focusing on IQ and high grades is not enough.

At the Progress Pre-School Gold forum, Dr. Marissa de Ocampo said it is also important to give emphasis on the development of a child’s memory.

“Intelligence is not just IQ but also memory which is not only remembering information but also applying information properly. Your memory affects your ability to easily retrieve and apply stored information, such as in problem-solving – and the ability to solve problems is often a factor in defining intelligence,” Dr. De Ocampo noted.

Meanwhile,child development expert Dr. Sabrina Tan revealed the triad of success when it comes to development. These are the child’s cognitive, social and emotional skills.

“All three skills are interdependent, interact and factor into each other’s success. A child who develops each of these aspects well has more chances of succeeding in school, in social environments and different endeavors,” Dr. Tan explained.

Progress Pre-School Gold boasts of the GOLD Biofactors System which was formulated based on the latest scientific research, supporting four development areas of a child: mental and visual, growth, immunity and digestion.

The reformulated Progress Pre-School Gold provides at least 100% of the RENI for Vitamin A, iron, Iodine and zinc of children four years and older. It also contains taurine, choline, selenium, oligofructose, nucleotides, vitamin K, inositol and manganese.

This nation is fascinated with all things Korean too much, and this now includes our President. I have to give it to Korean girls: their skin is flawless and they really make an effort in dressing up.There is no way they will be losyang and only a few of them are fat (*sigh)

So yes, all telltale signs point to the fact that Pnoy and Grace Lee are seeing each other –

Pnoy (to reporters): “Yes, we are seeing each other.” (your confirmation means we will talk about you more)

Grace Lee: “Wala pa akong nire-release na statement & I’ve never spoken of him publicly YET.” (aha!)

Talking about Pnoy’s never-ending love life is getting old, but it’s a much-welcome relief from the Corona impeachment trial.Besides, Grace Lee is a much better choice than Thailand PM Yingluck Shinawatra who is happily “married” …..

It goes without saying: taking the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) takes the hassle out of travelling to Subic. From the NLEX, you can easily get to Subic in two hours’ time. Just be prepared to pay much higher road fees.

Upon entering the free port zone, we made sure to drop by Meat Plus Cafe along Sampson Road. There really aren’t too many outstanding restaurants in Subic and Meat Plus is a must-try because of its affordable, quality food. Here’s what’s good about this place:

The apple fritters a la mode that my daughter had looked really appetizing.

We checked in at the Lighthouse Marina Resort which had a good location along Waterfront Road. The resort’s Aqua Terrace room (rate: P7,000 ++ a night) had a king-size bed, 42-inch LCD TV, iPod dock and other modern amenities. I thought the best thing about the room was the ample-sized bath tub. You can see it from the bedroom, but you can always pull down the shutters if you’re not on honeymoon and sharing the place with other family members

Lighthouse is also just a walking distance to other restos, hotels and of course the beach! Here’s the view from our room’s verandah….

The familiar Lighthouse structure. Now you know why this hotel is named so. While this resort has higher prices than other hotels in the area, they make up for it in terms of the quality of the rooms, the good breakfast buffet and the level of attentiveness of the staff.

Because we were just staying overnight, we weren’t able to do the usual things like visit Ocean Adventure or go jungle trekking with the Aetas. I had a blast visiting Royal Duty Free though. I never saw so many chocolate brands in one room

Lighthouse Resort
Waterfront Road, Moonbay Marina
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Olongapo, Philippines
Trunk Line (Tel/Fax): (6347) 252-5000 or (6347) 252-7545
Toll Free Manila Number: (632)711-0019
website: lighthousesubic.com

But in journalistic parlance, this could also mean we were “nakuryente” or given a wrong report because I couldn’t find a single copy in major bookstores and newsstands. This was true last Wednesday when I first looked for the mag in the gigantic Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street and also in Market! Market!

The people of Rogue Magazine are certainly being roguish for coming out of the cover announcement ahead of its distribution. How could a January-February issue be NOT ready by January 26 and beyond? Perhaps the circulation manager deserves a good spanking (with the python KC is holding on the cover, no less). I would like to buy more of Rogue but I’ve already intimated how I can’t really find this magazine in my favorite Ministop or 7-11. Duh.

Meanwhile,the Rogue page on Facebook came out the other day with another sensual photo of KC, titillating the guys more. I still think the cover photo is better, but then again, am not a man

One fan on Rogue’s Facebook page called it: “Breaking up with your ex….it’s more fun in the Philippines!”

I really would like to read the interview now (not see more of KC’s attention-grabbing butt) But with the pace this is going, the article is still being written by Jose Javier Reyes. LOL

all photos of KC: courtesy of Rogue Magazine Facebook page