While two of the authors in the book review today hail from the West, it’s interesting to note the settings of these three novels - and why my Eastern Promises title. One is set in Egypt and is described as ‘very Patricia Highsmith’, while the second is set in Japan and comes from a...
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE (Part One) In my very first column of 2025, I drew up my wishlist for the year that was to unfold, and prioritized peaceful, violence-free elections come May. Even if this year would be a mid-term election, I could foresee how much was at stake in terms...
Labubu, Crybaby, Molly, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and Hirono. If those names mean nothing to you, then consider yourself out of the very hot Art-Toys loop of today, and crawl out from under your rock. These brands are among the IPs (intellectual properties) that have thrust Pop Mart into the...
ALL PRESENT Owners and directors of Marie France with Dr. Regie Layug (center), and Endospheres’ Roberta Falcetta (second from right) The Electric Garden at BGC was the setting for a first-quarter salvo from Marie France. While acting as a sustaining party for Marie France’s ongoing 40th...
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE The Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles that I wrote about a few columns ago was postponed; but thankfully, that was a temporary delay, and it will now push through a few days after the Oscars, during the March 7 weekend. It’s the second...
The Bayo Foundation, the Harvest Creative Community Hub, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have banded together and have collaborated on an inspiring initiative that they’ve called Weave for Peace. For the benefit of soldiers and their families, the project creates exclusive designs...
The Lion and Tiger Dance at the Lanson Place entrance driveway A colorful Lion and Dragon dance performed on the lobby entrance driveway of the Lanson Place Mall of Asia, was the hotel’s way of signaling the start of the Lunar New Year - and doing so in style, while promoting...
CHEERS BDO launches its new Visa Signature card The new BDO Visa Signature card is the only premium credit card you may need to carry with you when you travel. That’s if you want to travel wisely, pick up the best deals, and do so in style and comfort. Recently launched in collaboration...
Novels of historical context, of futuristic speculation, and of societal fantasy/magic, make up the trio of books reviewed today. The common thread is the reading pleasure promised, and delivered. The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap Early 19th century Edinburgh is the setting...
BLACK AND BLUE Self-taught Ponce Veridiano began his career putting his degree as an electrical engineer to good use. But it’s his work as a landscape artist where his genius and talent truly blossomed, and cemented his name among those who know the world of landscaping. And to add a...
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPE-VINE The New Chinese Lunar Year of the Wood Snake got off to a propitious start by virtue of a lunch that was hosted by SM Supermalls at China Blue, Conrad Hotel. It was primarily stakeholders and tenants of the malls, along with a smattering of media...
Mia Borromeo with Mariana Zobel de Ayala A visit to House O is like indulging into a scavenger hunt of taste and class. The Dasmariñas residence is a treasure trove of items you didn’t know you needed or wanted until you set your eyes on them. From fashion and accessories to objets...
