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

She’s sporting shorter hair now. (because you know what they say, women do crazy things when they’re mending a broken heart). And the snake she is holding on the cover is real. It is her pet python Coco

Prior to this, the 27-year old KC also covered for Rogue. In February 2008, to be exact, even before she and Piolo became an item.

which one do you like better?

Kudos to the Rogue team for the latest issue.KC was photographed by Mark Nicdao, with styling by Pam Quinones and make up by Juan Sarte III. The interview was done by award-winning director/writer Jose Javier Reyes and am really curious to read what she says here as I just chanced upon the KC cover on the Rogue Magazine Facebook page.Rogue is not a magazine I get to browse often but in those few times, I find the writing and the topics discussed to be top caliber. No doubt, there will be a mad rush on my part to the bookstore tomorrow. Am not really seeing the magazine in the neighborhood Mini-Stop and 7-11

By coincidence, I was sent items of Crumpler accessories to review: a bag tag called Limpet, a pencil case named Carrot and a camera strap called Noose. All attractive names, isn’t it? I welcomed this review since the Crumpler accessories line is something I haven’t fully explored yet.

Let’s begin with the Limpet. I immediately liked its choice of colors and the modern, jazzy design. This piece doesn’t really discriminate whether the user is a boy or a girl. It is elegant, period. Am sure anybody wouldn’t mind hanging this on their luggage when travelling.

The best thing about this item is that it doesn’t look like a luggage or bag tag, unless you pull out the card containing the owner’s info. Of course, you can hide your money or credit cards in here too (like some women who stuff the most unimaginable things in their bra), but we don’t really advise this It’s not meant to be a wallet.

The Carrot is another object of desire. Pink and violet is an unexpected color combination that sits well on the eye.

A nice shade of orange in the interior lining of this pouch, and that is why it’s probably called Carrot. I tell you what: this little thing is magic. Although this is meant to be a pencil case, I can’t believe the number of items I was able to stuff in here. These include a makeup brush, two lip glosses, mascara, ballpen, eye liner,flash drive & internet dongle. w00t!

The last item is the Crumpler Noose which is so called because of its shape. This is the picture of the Noose the first time I held it. You actually loop it around your camera so that you can hold it firmly with your wrist, as opposed to the cam hanging around your neck.

Using the noose is the less cumbersome way of carrying a camera for the shoot-happy. Open the red button and it even has a small pocket for a memory card. Amazing!

The Limpet, Carrot and the Noose are available at the following stores in Manila: Crumpler Bonifacio Highstreet, Crumpler SM Megamall & Crumpler Trinoma.

By mid afternoon of Saturday, The Katy Perry arrived just in time for the launch of her perfume Purr at the SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA Concert Grounds is also the venue of her concert). There was also a meet & greet with fans, and I saw this pic of her and Tim Yap on Twitter. She’s sporting blue hair.

I wrote before about how I watched her concert Down Under and I must say it’s highly recommended. Katy’s concerts show her talent to the fore and this is matched only by the spectacular production of her team. Katy even performs magic stunts on stage. Her stage props like giant cupcakes, lollipops and cotton candies are meant for the mostly young girls who comprise her fans.

So yes, am sure Katy’s concert just in time for Chinese New Year will rock Manila! When I watched her in concert, she was still happily married to Russell Brand. Now they are no more and I wonder if that will add another dimension to her singing. The California Girl is an ultra-talented artist, no doubt about it. Enjoy folks and welcome to Manila Miss Perry!

In a nutshell, here are a few good things about P.F. Chang’s at ATC: unlimited rice (and brown rice!), a menu for vegetarians and those who want it gluten-free. The food isn’t strictly Chinese but is Chinese-inspired and really good. I was glad to know that they don’t use MSG.

One of my favorites was Chang’s Spicy Chicken (P320 an order). I liked the fact that it was breaded so lightly and not drowning in sauce. An exquisite version of sweet and sour.

If you’re tired of the usual hot shrimp salad, then try PF Chang’s Shrimp with Candied Walnuts 9P460 for two). I revelled in this dish’s creamy light sauce, the crunchiness provided by the nuts and the surprise addition of honeydew. It’s a new way to enjoy shrimp which is good since I love seafood!

The meat dishes are perfectly tender and their bestselling Mongolian beef (P695) is no exception. One order consists of 12 oz. high-grade US Angus beef cooked in a hot wok then quickly tossed with scallions and garlic.

Another dish I highly recommend is the Chengdu Spiced Lamb (P900 a serving) which is listed in the Emperor’s Choice portion of the menu ( premium items, which means they’re a tad more expensive). I am so used to my lamb curry and grilled lamb chops and I would say this dish was one of a kind. The flavor hinted at being seasoned with cumin and mint. It also had a topping of onions and cherry tomatoes.

For appetizers, try also the Dynamite Shrimp (P295) and the Chicken Lettuce Wraps (P285).

I found the prices to be reasonable but of course, beef, lamb and fish items are priced higher. Expect to allot a budget fo P350 to P500 per person.

I just noticed that the menu doesn’t offer much in terms of desserts (there are only two cakes listed) which probably means you look for it elsewhere.

I am just glad to try this popular US chain and to be invited to their press preview before they opened to the public.No doubt this will be a destination for the family whenever we crave for Chinese food. It’s a good thing that they chose to locate their maiden branch in the South of Manila since it’s a short drive away from us.

Welcome to the Philippines, P.F. Chang’s!

The results are best viewed online through the UPCAT Results 2012 Online link in the University of the Philippines College of Admission website. Names on the list will qualify for enrollment in any of the nine campuses in the UP system namely: Baguio, Cebu, Diliman, Iloilo, Los Baños, Manila, Mindanao, Pampanga and Tacloban

Here’s the list of UPCAT passers in alphabetical order:

Aaron, Eunice Moncada – Abes, Hector Salazar

ABES, LOIZA ALLISON BANDIOLA – ACLAN, SHERLYN ANTOINETTE BOONGALING

ACLAN, STELLAH GRACE PALOMARES – AGREDA, ROCHELLE IVY DELACRUZ

AGRIMANO, RONALYN BENDO – ALAZAS, ANDRE MIKO BONTES

ALBA, MAXINE LALLY TYBACO – ALFARO, RACHELLE ANNE TOLENTINO

ALFARO, RUMEL ANGELO TORRE – ALVARAN, LOUISE MARIE ROSE TUMALIUAN

ALVAREZ, ANNE KRISTINE VILLANUEVA – ANCHETA, ALEJANDRO LORENZO SANTOS

ANCHETA, ELLICE DANE WEE – ANSUAS, ANGELO BAYE BRUCELO

ANTANG, EULA KRISTINA DELA CRUZ – ARAMBULO, LYRACHEL GENERAL

ARANA, JOHN PAUL NUNEZ – ARNEDO, JHON PAUL PASCUA

ARNIGO, JAY MAR BRIONES – AUSTRIA, FLORIE MAE SALAZAR

AUSTRIA, HANNAH FAYE MERCADO – BAGADIONG, RIZZAH MAE SIGUA

For letters B to Z of UPCAT passers, please refer again to the official website the UPCAT Results 2012.

The results are highly anticipated by incoming college freshmen of Class 2012 and their families. The University of the Philippines is still considered the top-ranked institution for tertiary learning in the country. Many people aspire to study here because of its lower tuition as a state university and the prestige of being enrolled in a school where most of the country’s leaders and top professionals have passed.