Pls. click to enlarge International gourmet candy maker Jelly Belly has launched a "don't drink when you drive" campaign in line with its launch in the Philippines (store of choice: the Candy Corner.) Methinks it's very timely considering the rash in road accidents lately. We're not only talking here of the unfortunate accident met by a former senator's family but also the most unlikely story of a car plowing through a funeral procession. Tsk, tsk. Nakikiramay na nga sa patay, napatay pa! ( They were mourning the dead and they died themselves!) Only in ... Continue Reading...

Lasema Speaking of favorites, my Spa of the Moment is the Lasema Jjim Jil Bang Spa and Sauna in Makati City. I absolutely indulged in my first time there and found it most unique of all the spas I went to. Jjim jil bang is the Korean word for "bath house." In the Land of the Morning Calm, it is commonly used to refer to a sauna facility with different types of room temperatures to give varied health benefits to the body. Thanks to the invasion of Korean culture here, kids and adults alike can now enjoy an authentic jjim jil bang experience in Manila . ... Continue Reading...

DSC00284. Christmas is just around the corner which means the great carnivals are here. The bright lights of the newly-opened Global Fun Carnival at One Esplanade near the SM Mall of Asia was something I've seen while driving along Macapagal Boulevard and I instantly made a mental note to go there with the family before the holidays were over. My prayers must have been heard because one day, the amiable publicist of the theme park contacted me to try out their rides. It was something that made my kids jump with glee and we wasted no time going ... Continue Reading...

Baywalk2. Baywalk1. So Manila's famed Baywalk is no more. The business establishments have been torn down, I mean; not those pretty lollipop lights which Manila's feisty mayor should do well to maintain - even if it reminds him of a political era gone by. I have never been a fan of the Baywalk in the first place, even if it held a character of its own. There was just something improper about drinking beer in a place and then when your bladder is starting to act up (like I do when I drink beer) there is no decent ... Continue Reading...