NOYPI LAPTOP SLEEVES

Dress up your laptops in fun and colorful sleeve designs thanks to NOYP (pronounced noy-pe). Aside from being locally made,NOYP’s laptop sleeves are perfect for12 to 17 inch Apple laptops and PC portables as well. These are not your typical sleeves. All are lined in 10 millimeter thick high density foam guaranteed to protect your laptop.

Choose from funky printed designs like the Pink Leopard, Retro Girl, Vintage Geometric, Camo, Green Python and Sir Paul Stripes. It’s enough to make you proud to be Pinoy.

Price: PHP800 Available at: http://getnoyp.multiply.com or through SMS +63917 835 8346.

celeb chat

Victor Aliwalas - Model / Actor

Q Where is the best place to experience the beauty of wildlife?

A “The Adirondak mountains during autumn in upstate New York because of its beautiful and colorful appearance.” - Nadine Madarang

the Tarsier’s tale

In the forests of central Bohol, Jeroen van Marle stares back at a Phillipine tarsier, the world’s cutest primate

WALKING ALONG THE narrow, muddy paths in the dense lowland forest of Bohol island’s rolling limestone hills, it’s only the quiet squeaking that gives away the position of the tiny tarsier. It takes a while for our small group of tourists to locate the furry animal, but soon enough we’re goggling at the equally wide-eyed creature. Eye to eye with the world’s cutest primate, it’s easy to see why the tarsier is Bohol’s main tourist attraction.

Once widely distributed across Southeast Asia, and with a fossil record going back an incredible 45 million years, these nocturnal tree dwellers now only survive on several Phillipine and Indonesian islands, including Bohol. At the visitors’ centre of the Philippine Tarsier Foundation (www.tarsierfoundation.org) in Corella, 10km from the islands’ capital Tagbilaran, about 1,000 Philippine tarsiers (Tarsius syrichta) survive in the forest. Visitors can also take a guided tour along the 15km Tarsier Trail from Corolla to Loboc.

The tarsier is just 11-14cm long. Equipped with a 20cm tail, it weighs only 110-150 grams. It looks somewhat like the Star Wars’ Yoda character with its huge eyes and its highly sensitive ears, but these features make it perfectly adapted for finding tasty crickets and other insects. Its hind legs have oversized ankle bones (tarsus bones – hence the name) and powerful muscles which allow it to leap up to three metres. Its long tail, with tufts of hair at the end, is used for balance as it hops around.

Special neck bones allow it to turn its head like an owl. Travelling between one to two kilometres per night on foraging trips, it leads a mainly solitary life, reluctantly mating only once a year. It usually has a favourite tree for sleeping in, making it easy to track.

The tarsier’s low-altitude lifestyle and refusal to run away makes it vulnerable for feral cats, but more than anything else, it is threatened by deforestation. Local farmers long thought that tarsiers were a pest and actively hunted and killed them, but the Tarsier Foundation is trying to educate the islanders that the animals do not threaten crops at all, but actually help protect the plants by eating pests such as crickets.

Although it’s illegal to keep tarsiers in captivity, and despite efforts by the PhilippineTarsier Foundation, several restaurants and shops along the Loboc river and the main road to the Chocolate Hills keep tarsiers in cages to attract tourists. These animals are frequently handled and exposed to traffic noise and flash photography. Unsurprisingly, they never live long, only to be replaced by other animals caught in the nearby forests. To avoid contributing to the threat to the Philipine tarsier, only choose tours that visit the Tarsier Foundation, never go elsewhere.

shop alerts

THEODORE’S

Visiting Theodore’s is like raiding the closet of your fashion savvy friend.

This designer boutique features labels like Alexandre Herchcovitch, Morphine Generation, Opening Ceremony and Orla Kiely, and a range of denims for the jeans snob. The store’s spacious interiors are light and airy with a design that makes you feel at home. Theodore’s is the first concept store in Manila where clothes are arranged from the ultra chic designer pieces in front to funkier labels towards the back.

Theodore’s is located at the G/F Quadrant 4, Bonifacio High Street, Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

Call +632 856 3571 for more info. Store hours: Mondays to Thursdays 1pm-10pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12noon-1am.

beauty

SERF TO SURF BEACHSEX MOLDED TANNING BUTTER

Beach bums will love this three-in-one product of tanning butter, skin healer and moisturizer. It’s an amazing hair wax that moisturizes the skin and cranks up the tanning process. It leaves your skin healthy and as soft as silk, plus you’ll smell tropically delicious. As a bonus, one per cent of the tin sale goes to the Center for Environmental Awareness and Education.

Price: PHP900 and PHP250 for mini tins Available at: www.organicfinds.blogspot. com, email prettypeddler@gmail.com

READY, WHEELING AND ABLE

At 165 metres high, the Singapore Flyer is currently the tallest observation wheel in the world, dwarfing the famous London Eye (135 metres) and the Star of Nanchang (160 metres). The giant ferris wheel offers tourists and visitors magnificent views over Singapore through a relaxing 37-minute ride. To book, log on to www.singaporeflyer.com

revamping Guangzhou

ANDREW DEMBINA TAKES A LOOK AT A CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT UNDERGOING A TASTY, UPMARKET CHANGE

EVIDENCE of the changing face of Guangzhou is readily apparent in the sprawling new CBD of Tianhe, whose English name is Pearl River New Town. Malls buzz around the well-planned green park that is its hub, complete with sporting facilities and the huge Tienhe Stadium. At the south end of the park lies TeeMall and Grandview Mall, on Tianhe Bei Road. The latter, at 420,000 square metres, was listed this year by Forbes magazine, as one of the 10 largest malls in the world.

At the east edge of the park is the recently completed Westin Guangzhou, a sleek 21st-century hotel, with quality restaurants and bars and a top-end luxury spa. Towers radiate out from the centre of Tianhe in every direction – two of these are the new Ritz-Carlton and Hyatt hotels. The Ritz opened in February of this year and the Hyatt in April. Others are destined to soon be gleaming office buildings.

For eating fine Italian food, head to Prego at the Westin (40th Floor, 6 Lin He Zhong Road, tel: +86 020 2826 6912). It has a great view of the neighbourhood and beyond from its restaurant and delicious food such as pumpkin cannelloni with exotic mushrooms, pecorino and truffle oil exemplifies the imported fresh ingredients.

Aussino Cellar (439 Tianhe Bei Road, tel: +86 020 3881 1612), just around the corner boasts some of the world’s most exclusive wine treasures – including Romanee Conti Bordeaux 2000, which goes for CNY100,000 (USD14,073/ PHP568,454) a bottle (pictured above). For the top-end vintages here, the CNY50 (USD7.04/PHP284.22) charge for drinking on the premises is hardly worth a mention. This is where South China’s nouveau riche enjoy their spoils.

PRACTICALITIES

Tianhe houses Guangzhou East Railroad Station, the terminus for through trains to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. The city metro has destinations written in Romanised form and is easy to navigate.

COSMETIC SURGERY ADVANCES

There’s no doubt that surgery in the Philippines is improving all the time. Surgeons in the capital are using the best equipment with great results. At the Fatima Eye Laser Center, they’re harnessing new technology CARL ZEISS MEL 80 EXCIMER LASER, to give patients the best possible outcome. An infrared tracking camera ensures exact placement of each laser pulse so it’s one of the safest lasers available.

It can correct short or long sight, astigmatism and presbyopia. Rm 219, College of Medicine Bldg, 120 McArthur Highway, Our Lady of Fatima University, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila, tel: (2) 293 2703 to 06 loc 804.

For other kinds of medical tourism, St Luke’s Medical Centre in Quezon City is accredited for medical tourists and it treats all kinds of ailments for international patients.

Asian Hospital in Manila, is backed by the successful Bangkok-based Bumrungrad hospital and there are independent places, such as Le Petit Paradis in Tagaytag which provides everything from teeth implants and nose jobs, all at prices considerably cheaper than the US.

PROCEDURE	US COST	PHILIPPINES
Kidney transplant	US$60,000	US$25,000
Lasik Eye surgery	US$3,000	US$1,000
Coronary bypass surgery	US$50,000	US$10,000-25,000
Table information from Tiger Tales inflight magazine.

ADDENDUM
In reference to “Cosmetic Surgery Advances” (Smile Chikka, June/July 2008 issue), the Department of Social Welfare and Development has advised that the sale of kidneys from living non-related donors is an illegal act in the Philippines. We at SMILE do not advocate the illegal sale of kidneys.

Olympic Fever

China and the world are getting excited about the impending Olympics, and the countdown to 8th August has now begun.

Although the main events are taking place in Beijing, the atmosphere will be felt all over the country, including Cebu Pacific’s routes: Hong Kong (a co-host), Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiamen, so book your tickets now to get a taste of the excitement!

To help out, Lonely Planet has issued two new titles, the Beijing and Shanghai Encounter series, with snippets and snapshots of one-day itineraries, top 10 highlights and calendar events. The number one thing to do in Shanghai is to go on to the Bund.

going up… what’s hot!

SUPER-NATURAL STYLE

From eco-friendly sandals like Dopie, to organic, cruelty-free cosmetics like Care by Stella McCartney, green is definitely the new black!

HAPPY SLIP

US-based Pinay Christine Gambito’s YouTube mini movies have become a cult favorite. Click on www.happyslip.com

INDIE HITS

Manila is raving about all things indie: from flicks like Ploning to bands like Itchyworms, who have just released their latest album, Self-Titled, under Sony BMG Music Entertainment in May.

CELEBRITY CHEFS

From Anthony Bourdain to Jamie Oliver, chefs are the new rock stars. If you’re in Singapore 9 - 14 June, catch celebrity guest chef Romain Fornell at the Hilton’s Harbour Grill Restaurant. He is the first French chef to receive a Michelin star both in France and Spain!

VINTAGE STARS

Former movie stars, such as Eighties’ matinee idol Gabby Concepcion, are making a comeback in Philippine showbiz.

BLOG CONFESSIONALS

From blasting enemies on Facebook to outing ex-lovers who owe big money in blogs, the internet has become the platform for free speech in the Philippines.

chikka chat

meet conchita campos!

BRET LOVE GETS GOSSIPING WITH THIS FILIPINO-AMERICAN WHO’S A RISING STAR ON THE NEW YORK FOLK SCENE

CONCHITA CAMPOS IS garnering buzz from the Big Apple to MTV Asia (whose Head of Artist Relations, Lizetta Claudio, describes her sound as “haunting” and filled with “truthfulness and sincerity”) with her debut EP, So It Goes. Influenced by artists ranging from Nina Simone and Sade to Astrud Gilberto, the Filipino-American singer-songwriter recently took time to speak with us about her burgeoning music career.

How did moving from the US to the Philippines when your parents divorced change you?

When I was living in Pennsylvania, my brother and I were the only Filipinos living in the school district, so I didn’t really have a sense of identity. I had no roots or ties to my culture. Moving to the Philippines, as hard as it was, gave me a sense of belonging to my own culture and shaped who I am.

What about the culture resonated with you?

I think the biggest difference is the way America stresses individualism, and in the Philippines it’s all about family and togetherness. It made me appreciate my family more, and taught me how to be a team player.

When you returned to the US after high school, what did you miss most about the Philippines?

I missed the ready-made support of extended family. From aunts and uncles to cousins, everyone’s involved in your life, which is annoying sometimes, but it’s also nice at other times.

Your bio has a quote, “I write about trying to find my way, which reflects the Asian-American cultural experience.” How so?

I’ve always felt I didn’t specifically fit in with any one group. Being the only Filipino in Pennsylvania, or being the American girl in the Philippines, I was always trying to find a space to fit in. But when I moved to San Francisco, I learned that a lot of Asian-Americans are trying to understand how to reconcile their traditional Asian side with their more independent American side. That’s been my journey, and I think it’s an issue a lot of Asian-Americans face.

celeb chat

Ingrid Zia Nieto Radio DJ

Q Where is the best place to experience the beauty of wildlife?

A“I haven’t been to a lot of wildlife parks, but from the few I’ve visited I’d have to say Subic tops the list. The parks are clean and the trips are organized. I’m not a fan of exploring wildlife on my own, so I prefer tours.” - Nadine Madarang

SAIGON ICON GETS AN OVERHAUL

The Caravelle Hotel, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is up for a total makeover this year. It’s all part of a grand plan that includes implementing environment-friendly green initiatives. An environmental engineer will also monitor and audit the hotel’s consumption in all sectors.

The landmark hotel is also worth documenting in a book. “Few hotels have stood at the center of so much,” said Pham Thanh Ha, deputy general manager of the Caravelle. Log on to www.caravellehotel.com for details.

falling in love with Panglao

PANGLAO IS A LITTLE PARADISE AWAY FROM THE CROWDS.ON HER HONEYMOON, APPLE GREGORIO FOUND THERE’S MORE THAN SECLUDED BEACHES AND PICTURESQUE MOUNTAINS

WHEN MY HUSBAND and I planned our trip to Bohol we were expecting a romantic, unforgettable experience, in one of the country’s most popular provinces. We found romance, but also discovered new sights, adventures and the amazing revelation that whether you’re smack in the middle of the island or enjoying a massage on the cliff, you still have a feeling of being alone…

WHAT TO DO Historical wranglings Take an afternoon tour. Our hotel organized one and we got a feel for the whole island. Stops such as the Sandugo marker in Bohol give a sense of history. Sandugo is a Visayan term meaning ‘one blood’. It signifies the pact between Spanish explorer, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and the Boholanos’ Datu Sikatuna, and is considered the first international treaty of friendship between two people of different races.

There is controversy over the site of the blood compact. The town of Loay, 17 kilometers east of Tagbilaran, claimed to be the real site of the historic event, but now a resolution approved by the National Historical Institute is in effect: the marker still stands proud in Bohol. Oldest church in the province Baclayon Church dates back to 1596, but the present structure as it stands was built in 1727. Right beside the church is a museum housing a collection of centuries-old vestments and images with both heads and hands made of ivory. Don’t tell the elephants!

Snake shake Albuquerque, a town 12 kilometres east of Tagbilaran, houses Prony – allegedly the longest and heaviest python in captivity, an incredible 12 feet and 300 kgs. Owned by Mr Sofronio Salibay, Prony was captured at a local cemetery in 1996 and now performs in the mini zoo. Marimar, the resident zoo guide, is such a lively performer she puts Tina Turner to shame. With her flashy moves and scary acrobatics, we were off our seats by the time the python tour ended. Hershey’s kisses Undoubtedly the main tourist spot in Bohol is the Chocolate Hills. Spanning three towns, it is most visible in Carmen, with a viewpoint complete with souvenir shops and a restaurant. It consists of approximately 1,268 cone-shaped hills ranging from 40 to 120 meters tall. During the summer, the hills dry up and turn brown, making them look like Hershey’s kisses.

Natural wonders

The Butterfly Farm, Bilar man-made Forest and the tarsier can all be found along Loboc River. The Butterfly Farm, owned by a New Zealander who fell in love with the Philippines and its butterfly species, provides a good intermission on the way to the Chocolate Hills. Driving along the Bilar Virgin Forest, you feel the cool breeze and smell the wood-scent of mahogany trees planted by local people as part of the reforestation project by the government. You can also see mawmag, (tarsier in Visayan), the smallest primate in the world. (See our story on the tarsier on page 10.)

Fire flies

A relatively new tour is offered on the Loay River: firefly watching. They’re best seen late in the evening and are a spectacular sight as they illumine the night sky. Ocean deep You can dolphin-watch in Bohol, so get an early start and head to the open seas. After you’ve spotted a few of their friendly faces, go to world-renowned Balicasag Island for snorkeling. The Philippines is rich in marine life and Balicasag is a protected sanctuary, where time stops as you lose yourself in the underwater world of corals, turtles and fishes.

WHAT TO EAT

Floating food Have lunch at one of the floating restaurants, cruising the Loboc River in a rustic Filipino setting. Children jump off decades old trees to dive in the emerald river, bamboo huts are scattered around and there is live local music on-board.

WHERE TO STAY

Amarela Resort is a friendly hotel, where they can arrange your tours and even customize them to suit. It’s not your typical high class resort – here you get top-notch personal service in a homey atmosphere. For details contact Amarela Resort, tel: +6338 502 9497 or +63906 588 4145 or email reservations@amarelaresort.com

books

Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas

Forget the idea of luxe brands, those family-owned businesses with an emphasis on superior quality. Dana Thomas, former fashion writer for Newsweek, tells the truth about what designer brands are worth, and how the Japanese satisfy their insatiable appetite for Louie Vuitton. Aside from insider fashion titbits, the most interesting topic she explores is celebrity land, where stars negotiate to wear popular brands of fashion.

 

Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, and Everything Glamour by Rachel Zoe Rachel Zoe

is the rake-thin vintage queen who is responsible for turning fashion road-kill Nicole Richie into a glamorous waif and fashion icon. As a celebrity stylist, she shares advice for aspiring It girls, from tips for the best hair extensions to must-have accessories and how to pack like a true jet-setter. Included are party shots of her A-list celebrity clients that will leave you swooning for the to-die-for looks.

 

I Want Those Shoes by Paola Jacobbi

If you have ever maxed out your credit card for It shoes, this book is perfect for you. Focusing on one of the world’s most fascinating female mysteries, Paola Jacobbi offers tips on how to choose the right heel, find shoes that last longer and avoid muscle aches. Plus, you can also learn how to judge a man simply by looking at his footwear of choice.

eating and drinking

foodie Finds

NADINE MADARANG TELLS US WHERE TO GET THE BEST FOOD AND DRINK, AND TALKS OF HER FAVORITE COLLEGE DINING SPOTS

the chocolate kiss café

What’s the best way to enjoy a good meal? Seal it with a kiss!

Owner Maline Flores had a fondness for baking cakes, cookies, and pastries from her home kitchen, so named her business “The Chocolate Kiss Homebaked Delights”.

It was in 1997 that the first Chocolate Kiss Café was opened at the Bahay ng Alumni in UP Diliman, this time with a wider selection of dishes to add to their range of desserts. And while there’s nothing like your first kiss, the second and third are also pretty good. Thus, three years later, another café was set up on the ground floor of the same building, and a third branch was built outside the campus in 2005.

The café’s warm and friendly ambiance makes you feel right at home: perfect for casual conversations with friends or moments with the family. Like a lovely hearth, it is decorated with modest chairs made more comfortable by bright red cushions, and well-lit. Students can also enjoy the paintings hung on the walls, or sing along with the café’s musicians on music nights (Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).

Keeping in mind the café’s target market – the students – the owners of The Chocolate Kiss Café have made sure the prices of their food are affordable. But reasonable prices are just the icing on the cake. It’s the good food that really merits the café an A-plus!

WE LOVE:

Lip-smacking Hickory Smoked Spareribs — grilled tender pork spareribs with hickory sauce and buttered corn kernels, served with rice (for PHP190) or garlic mashed potatoes (PHP210).

Don’t pass up on the pasta!

Try the Pesto Chicken and Penne (PHP175), penne pasta with slices of chicken breast fillet, pesto sauce, and ground walnuts, or the Hungarian Sausage and Penne (PHP180), which has Hungarian sausage slices, fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, and olive oil.

Three kisses are better than one… so load up with the Kiss Club (PHP155) — three sandwiches in one: chicken asparagus, tuna, and German franks.

Order the Devil’s Food Cake (Slice:PHP58 / Whole:PHP580). Rich chocolate cake with a fudge filling and marshmallow frosting.

ken afford

Who can resist a restaurant (above) with a name like this? Certainly not the students of the Ateneo de Manila University! Since May 1995, Ken Afford has been filling tummies with the most-loved Filipino cuisine, and has remained a perennial food fore-runner. Ken Afford isn’t just for the nearby students, however. People who live on the opposite side of the city drive all the way to the restaurant just to get a taste of their sisig, and balikbayans (Filipinos living outside of their country) drop by during their short visit in Manila. From a restaurant with a repertoire of just 15 dishes, Ken Afford now serves 56 dishes!

The name sprang from the phrase “can afford,” with the word “can” changed into the name of the owner – Kenneth “Ken” Nakpil. When the restaurant opened, the owner always had the students in mind. Thus, the prices were intended to be affordable. A number of the dishes are also big enough for sharing. And they will throw in a cup of rice and a bowl of soup… for free!

WE LOVE:

Crispy Kangkong (PHP85) – crispy water spinach with chicken and garlic, heavenly with whipped cream and a secret sauce.

Filipino food is not complete without sisig (minced pork snout, ears, and cheeks)! Sample spicy Sisig Ala Roque (PHP110) or the creamy Sisig Ala Domeng (PHP110).

This is no ordinary Kare Kare (PHP110)! Overflowing with fresh vegetables, mixed with tender ox tripe, and a peanut sauce, this dish is a real prize!

Sink your teeth in the into the Lechon Kawali (PHP95). It’s crispy deep-fried pork with crunchy fresh vegetables on the side. It’s meaty with just the right amount of fat!

Finish off with the Buko Pandan (PHP40), flavored gelatin with coconut strips in cream.

rap steaks & desserts

This restaurant is a little diamond in the rough and undiscovered treasure. But for the students of De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Rap Steaks is an extension of their homes and their dining oasis.

When asked why the restaurant was named as such, owner Joy San Gabriel replied, “So that when the students ask one another, ‘Where do we eat?’ They can say ‘Sa Rap!’ (‘At Rap’)”. Sa Rap is the Filipino translation for “delicious,” and the eats at Rap Steaks are – as a matter of fact – delicious!

Don’t fret if your order takes a little long to be served. Because the owners of Rap Foods want to serve nothing but the freshest ingredients, they veer away from pre-cooked food and only cook meals once they are ordered. When you finally take your first bite, you will agree that it was definitely worth the wait.

At Rap Steaks, every detail matters. They make sure that every cut and slice of their steaks are perfect and they remove unwanted ligaments from their beef so it is easier to chew. Even their special gravy took three months to perfect! As for their serving size and amount of ingredients, these are some of the reasons why the students run to Rap’s for lunch. For a very good price, they can get a hearty, satisfying home-style meal that can last them through the whole afternoon!

WE LOVE:

Chicken Lollipop (PHP99). Crispy but soft chicken wings served with rice.

The Porterhouse Steak (PHP125/ 135) is one mammoth meal.

Savor the soft beefy goodness of the Beef Salpicao (PHP105).

Go Oriental with the Oriental Chicken Pasta (PHP95/99) made with hoisin sauce and oyster sauce, seasoned with garlic, peanuts, and shiitake mushrooms.

thuk thai

In the San Miguel Avenue in Ortigas, many food stands and mini-restaurants have kicked off only to die down after just a few years. But Thuk Thai, after its opening in 2005, is still very much alive and in vogue.

Though the location of Thuk Thai is not the most glamorous or spacious in the area, the restaurant is still frequented by scores of diners who hunger for budget-friendly yet scrumptious dishes. Their customers are mainly from the neighboring corporate offices and residential condominiums in Ortigas, but their biggest fans are the college students from the University of Asia & the Pacific (UA&P). Thuk Thai has earned a special place in these students’ hearts not only because of the excellent food, but also because of the friendly owners Anton Alcazar and Triccie Peronilla-Soler, who make sure every course is prepared the way they like it.

The Thai word thuk means “real” and Thuk Thai has definitely lived up to its name. Each dish is an explosion of flavors that linger in your mouth.

WE LOVE:

Start with the Yam Som-O or Pomelo Salad (PHP150). The Tom Yam – hot and sour soup – will bowl you over! Prices range from PHP90 to PHP240.

Gai Bai Tuey or the Pandan Chicken (PHP225) is best partnered with the tasty Khao Klug Kappi or the Bagoong Rice (PHP115/215).

The students swear by the Phad See Eaw (PHP80 to PHP170) – Thai flat noodles with Chinese cabbage.

gadgets

PALM POWER

This handheld, universal charger/ adapter device harnesses renewable power from the wind, sun or a wall plug to recharge all your 5V digital gadgets such as cellphone, iPod or digital camera. So whether you are island hopping, or hiking up in the mountains, you’ll never be without power. This palm-sized green wonder comes in black, green, and white.

PRODUCT: Hymini
BUY IT: www.hymini.com
PRICE: USD49.99

CRANK IT UP

Don’t leave home without this – a hand-crank LED flashlight/ reading lamp/AM/FM radio, which allows users to charge their cell phones. It has an emergency siren and an alarm clock! So it’s perfect whether you want to listen to your favorite radio drama in the middle of nowhere, or use a flashlight when your car breaks down. And best of all, it never needs batteries!

PRODUCT: Life + Gear LGTF38
BUY IT: www.lifegearcompany.com
PRICE: USD59.95

GREEN PROTECTION

You love your iPod and don’t want anything to happen to your musical companion? Protect it with Agent 18 eco-shields. Made from recycled materials by a family making cases for centuries, customers are so happy with this eco-friendly protection. The testimonials on their website can attest how their iPods survived severe conditions, from being dropped from a train station to being chewed by a dog.

PRODUCT: AGENT 18 ECO CASES
BUY IT: At Apple Stores and from www.agent18.com
PRICE: USD19.99 to USD24.99

BATTERY PACK

Over 15 billion batteries are made and thrown away each year, equivalent to a column to the moon and back. What the world needs is the USBCELL Rechargeable batteries. They can be recharged anywhere and used 500 times before they lose their power capacity. They recently won one of 50 prestigious iF Gold Product Design Awards, sometimes referred to as a ‘Design Oscar’ at the awards ceremony at CeBIT (annual international technology trade show). PRODUCT: AA USBCELL Battery BUY IT: www.usbcell.com Price: £10.99 (two cell pack)

By Maida Pireda

cds

Duffy – Rockferry

Singer songwriter Duffy grew up in remote north Wales listening to her mother’s modest record collection. Her white soulful voice has been likened to Dusty Springfield and Lulu, Mary J. Blige and Aretha Franklin. Duffy’s big ballad tracks like Rockferry and Warwick Avenue show a sad and stirring musical journey that brings back a Phil Spector produced vibe. While the album sounds like a throwback to the sixties, at the same time it provides at a modern feel.

Madonna – Hard Candy

The Queen of Pop still rules the music world. Well, her 11th studio album Hard Candy shows her Madjesty wearing an M title belt with a lollipop background. Justin Timberlake makes a cameo on 4 Minutes and three other tracks. Expect sweet tunes in club mode with a more hip hop sound thanks to Timbaland, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes and Nate ‘Danja’ Hills. Because, like sugar, Madonna proves to be addictive.

OneRepublic – Dreaming Out Loud

OneRepublic is a US pop rock band formed in Colorado Springs. They have drawn mainstream attention since the release of their hit single, Apologize, dealing with emotional pain from relationships that turn sour.

 

TIME OUT LAUNCHES IN KL

Time Out, the famous entertainment, lifestyle, arts and culture guide to the world’s most exciting cities, is now in Kuala Lumpur. Check out their latest issue online at www.timeoutkl.com

chikka chat

meet Judy Ann Santos!

STARRING IN A NEW INDIE FILM, SHE TALKS TRAVEL, KIDS AND FINDING HERSELF

What attracted you to the Indie film Ploning?

The concept around Ploning was by my best friend, Dante Nico Garcia, screenwriter and director, some eight years ago. Panoramanila Pictures Co produced the film as a birthday present for my 30th birthday on 11 May, 2008.

How do you feel about the character you play?

She’s my exact opposite. I’m very outgoing, but she’s an introvert.

Your favorite part of the Philippines?
Cuyo, Palawan, where we filmed!

What are your travel tips?
I always make sure I have enough medical kit supplies.How has your involvement with Touch A Heart Foundation affected your life? Apart from being an actress, a daughter, a mum, and a girlfriend to actor Ryan Agoncillo, my involvement with Touch A Heart Foundation is my personal means of sharing my life’s blessings.

You grew up in the public eye, what advice do you have for child stars?
Enjoy your childhood.

What is your proudest achievement?
When I won the best actress plum in the Urian Awards, for the movie Sabel.

What’s special about your relationship with the people of the Philippines?
I owe to the Filipino people what I have in my life so far.

DISCOVERING CUYO, PALAWAN

Palawan, made up of 1,768 islands, is the second largest province of the Philippines. Its land area is spread between the main island where the capital city Puerto Princesa is, and among the islands of Busuanga, Culion, Linacapan, Dumaran, Cagayanes, Balabac and a group of about 40 islets and islands collectively known as Cuyo.

Cuyo is divided into two island groups. North is the Quiniluban group to which Pamalican island is part and where the 89-hectare, ultra-exclusive Amanpulo Resort belongs. To the south are the Cuyo islands and the village of Cuyo.

An hour and 30 minutes by air and 24 hours by sea from Manila, Cuyo has a population of 18,257 people. It is home to an ancient fort – which shelters a church and a convent in its high stone walls, built to keep out pirates. It became the second capital of Palawan from 1873 to 1903.

tried & tested

my favorite…

MAC’s eyeliner
Cheryl Tiu,
assistant editor Lifestyle Asia

I swear by MAC’s eye pencils. They glide on so smoothly and they don’t smear. For all-purpose lining, I use the waterproof PowerPoint Eye Pencil.

 

Clinique’s Up Lighting Liquid Illuminator
Maureen Disini,
Fashion editor, The Philippine Tatler

For the past year, I have been using Clinique’s Up Lighting Liquid Illuminator. Just dabbing on a small amount instantly highlights and contours my cheeks. It also creates a natural looking luminosity so I look like I barely have any make on.

Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara
Erica Paredes
Associate editor, Metro magazine and freelance makeup artist

I can’t live without Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara in Blackest Black. I love how it coats your lashes and gives them both major volume and length.

High Performance Cleansing Oil.
Dior Co Freelance makeup artist

One beauty product I cannot last a day without is Shu Uemura’s High Performance Cleansing Oil. It can literally work magic! It’s a calming skin purifier that gently dissolves all makeup and impurities, while respecting the skin.