Melissa marks its 35th year with the grand display from famous collaborations

Melissa, the stylish, colorful and cherry scented jelly shoes celebrates its 35th anniversary last October 9, 2014 at SM Aura Premier,  and marks its coral year with its grand display of collaborations from  the famous designers, Karl Lagerfeld, Viviene Westwood, Jason Wu, Gareth Pugh, J. Maskrey, and the Campana brothers.  The show was hosted by Nikki Gil,  a Melissa lover herself, and well attended by the movers and shakers of the fashion industry.

 On its three and a half decade of giving us shoe fashion like no others. Melissa has become my favorite jelly pair since my eyes laid on it, I acquired my first Melissa throuh my first salary. My first pair never runs out of style and fashion, I could easily pair it with any outfit that I desire without compromising my style. It has been in the country since 1979. Made of patented MELFLEX technology, a hypo-allergenic, recyclable, and extremely flexible material that revolutionized the shape, feel, and versatility of ladies footwear. The 35th anniversary presents the most colorful and drool worthy collection from Melissa, the all famous designers lent their genius to the  prettiest jelly pair.

For Melissa’s Holiday 2014 collection, Taiwanese-Canadian power couturier Jason Wu, choice designer of First Lady Michelle Obama, introduces several amazing shoe creations inspired by his handcrafted, classicist aesthetic. With goddess-like straps, golden weaves, and sleek ribbon-looking textures, Jason Wu redefines today’s femininity with chic effortlessness with the Melissa + Jason Wu collection, available starting this October.

Renowned furniture innovators Fernando and Humberto Campana have built a world-recognized empire through the use of mundane materials in ground-breaking devices. For Melissa’s Holiday 2014 collection, the Campana brothers updated their bestselling Campana collection with glittering accents to match the cheer of the season. By November, Melissa + Campana Fitas and Papel designs will also be offered in newer, bolder colors will hit the stores.

Melissa has once again teamed up with legendary fashion designer, punk provocateur, style icon, and royal-knighted Vivienne Westwood for a collection that dwells on the designer’s heritage of anglophilia, lighthearted quirkiness, and rebellious sensibilities. With lovely floral prints popping off muted colors, the latest Melissa + VW creation is set for release in December, the perfect start to a New Year.

Melissa revives its veritable iconic shoe, the Aranha, the pioneer Melissa shoe first produced by the brand in 1979. Inspired by a spider, the Aranha features a strappy, closed-toe sandal in newer colors and transparent varieties meant to please a new generation of Melissa followers.  Your favorite Aranha will be up for grabs on February 2015.

Paris-based designer and Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld, most known for his tongue-in-cheek aesthetics to match his chic material choices, delivers two masterpieces set to be a prelude to summer. A classic baby doll with a unique twist, and an architectural shoe of intertwined lines and nude tones, the new Melissa + Karl Lagerfeld duo, gets these extraordinary Paris designed shoes in stores on March 2015.

In giving back for all its 35 years of international fashion success, Melissa will be offering limited edition shoe bags perfect for the jet-setting and globetrotting shoe lover. These shoe bags will help take your favourite Melissa pair with you wherever you go, helping you conquer the world in style and comfort. The offer will be for a limited time only in 2015, so watch out for the brand’s announcement!

For more Melissa's you can place your order here http://www.melissaphilippines.com/search.php?mode=search&page=2

This Melissa style is on my wishlist.

Delicious food and endless fun come together at Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is the perfect destination for an easy escape, whether for a quick day tour or an overnight stay. Conveniently located 15 minutes from the Mall of Asia, Island Cove allows you to get away from the madness of the metro without having to go too far.

Island Cove has four food and beverage outlets, helmed by Executive Chef Jomar Medrano. The Fishing Village is a Filipino-themed restaurant that offers a unique experience that is much appreciated by balikbayans and tourists. Facing Manila Bay, the Fishing Village has 21 bamboo huts atop the water and has spectacular views of the Manila and Makati skylines. Guests can go fishing and may have their catch cooked or can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite.

Top recommendations are the Pinoy Boodle Feast and the Lechon sa Buho. Sangley Point features western-style cuisine and must-try items are the baked baby back ribs, burgers and their home made bacon barbecue. iCafe offers coffee, shakes, quick meals and sweet treats. Bayside KTV serves pica-pica such as baked oysters and mussels.

There is something for every member of the family at the Island.  You can even bring the family dog, because yes, Island Cove is pet-friendly, allowing guests with dogs to enjoy the facilities. Aside from dining at the restaurants, you can spend hours at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park.

They just added a 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park to the Oceania Water Park (which is now aptly renamed as the Oceania Swim and Splash Park). The splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia. Safety is of paramount importance so they installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) to minimize the possibility of accidents. The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park retain the 4 giant slides and giant inflatables. The whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and their splash park is the biggest in Mega Manila. It is also notable that all their lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross.

You can also visit the Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Aside from feeding crocodiles and monkeys, you can take photos of ostriches, Bengal tigers, Philippine deer, and a 15-foot python. If you want more thrill, their Adventure Zone has one of the largest paintball arenas in the country and an airsoft game site. You can try their Island Cove Maze Challenge too. Their other outdoor facilities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a 1.4-kilometer jogging path, several playgrounds for children and a giant chess set. Bikes are available for rent.

If you prefer to stay indoors, they have billiard and table tennis tables and a game room with Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles. If you like to work out, you can visit their full service gym.

For those who like to sing, the Bayside KTV would be perfect. It has nine private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30. Each of its unique rooms has up-to-date equipment that plays more than 3,000 songs in Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese and Filipino.

For those seeking relaxation and stress relief, the Island Spa is for you. It offers various western and oriental massage treatments.

Island Cove has accommodations that serve guests and clients of every need and budget. You can choose from 86 hotel rooms, 14 two-bedroom duplex cabanas which can accommodate 4 to 6  persons each, 3 single detached 2-bedroom cabanas and two dormitories for 16 to 20 persons. The hotel complex has a jacuzzi and pool exclusive to checked in guests.

Managing Director Gilbert Remulla says that they are doing a year-long renovation of all their hotel rooms, cabanas and dormitories. They just finished with the first phase and target completion by the middle of 2015. The new rooms will be more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms while maintaining its Mediterranean feel.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a great place for events, socials and conferences. They have 2 main ballrooms that can fit between 300 to 500 people, 10 air-conditioned function and meeting rooms (including an air-conditioned tent), various non-airconditioned pavilions and function areas.

Island Cove is capable of catering and organizing events for as many as 14,000 persons. They have a concert park where they hold concerts from time to time. They’ve had David Pomeranz, Sharon Cuneta, Side A Band, Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Randy Santiago, Louie Heredia, Chad Borja, Nonoy Zuniga, Sitti Navarro, Jed Madela,  The Company, Bamboo, Ely Buendia, Aiza Seguerra, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Spongecola, and Cueshe. They have also hosted wellness events, food festivals, dog shows and sporting activities. And have served as venue to TV shows such as ASAP, Umagang Kay Ganda and Unang Hirit. Movies and soap operas have frequently used Island Cove for their out-of-studio location shoots as well.


Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, only 15 minutes away from Mall of Asia. For more information, log on to www.islandcovephil.com, call (046) 434 0210 or email inquiry@islandcovephil.com.

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THRILLER “AS ABOVE, SO BELOW” EXCLUSIVE AT AYALA MALLS CINEMAS OCT 22

Miles of twisting catacombs lie beneath the streets of Paris, the eternal home to countless souls. When a team of explorers ventures into the uncharted maze of bones, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead.

A journey into madness and terror, Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures' new horror-thriller “As Above, So Below” reaches deep into the human psyche to reveal the personal demons that come back to haunt us all.

Written by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle (“Quarantine,” “Devil”) and directed by John Erick Dowdle, “As Above, So Below” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting Oct. 22, 2014.

In the film, Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks), a rebellious adventurer and brilliant archaeologist, has devoted her entire life to pursuing history's greatest hidden treasure: Flamel's Philosopher's Stone. According to legend, this elusive artifact can turn metal into pure gold and grant eternal life-a power beyond imagination.

Tormented by the unsettling suicide of her father and rumors of his insanity, Scarlett is driven to the point of obsession: She will never be complete until she finishes his work and restores his legacy.
A series of cryptic puzzles leads her to discover that the all-powerful stone lies beneath the streets of Paris, hidden within the world's largest crypt: the Catacombs.

To document her historic mission, Scarlett recruits her old flame and partner in crime, George (Ben Feldman) - a brilliant archaeologist in his own right who is dedicated to restoring historical monuments to their former glory-as well as amateur filmmaker Benji (Eedwin Hodge) - a claustrophobic cameraman unaware of how deep this journey will take him.

Knowing the dangers that lie beneath, the trio scours the City of Light and recruits a team of underground experts known as Cataphiles to guide the way.

With the rest of Scarlett's crew - Papillon (Francois Civil), the leader of the pack; Souxie (Marion Lambert), the punk-rock protector of the group; and Zed (Ali Marhyar), the strong and silent one - assembled, they begin their descent. Although each of them carries a secret, in the Catacombs, no one can outrun their past.

A brief history of the Catacombs:
Fascinatingly, there are more corpses buried underneath the streets of Paris than there are people living above it - forming a vast labyrinth of skeletal remains, claustrophobic tunnels and seemingly endless darkness.
The Catacombs of Paris confront our most primal and deep-seated phobias: fear of the dark, fear of being alone, fear of enclosed spaces and fear of being trapped. This largely unexplored tunnel system has fascinated historians, explorers and storytellers for centuries, with a timeless mystery-what treasures and terrors lie within?

Nearly five stories underground lies the remains of more than six million people-more than double the population of Paris-who have been forever entombed in the Catacombs of Paris. When visitors enter the Catacombs, they are greeted with the written verse "Arrete! C'est ici l'empire de la mort," which means "Stop! This is the empire of death."

Beginning in the 17th century, as the city of Paris was growing rapidly, cemeteries were running out of spaces to bury the dead. In fact, they were so overcrowded that corpses became uncovered, resulting to putrid smells of rotting bodies.

However, it wasn't until 1780 that something was actually done about the public health problem. After an extended period of rainfall, a wall around Les Innocents collapsed, sending decomposing corpses flowing into the neighborhood. That led to Louis XVI championing the crusade to begin moving bodies underground into Paris' old quarries. It took 12 years to move the six million corpses-with some more than 1,200 years old - into the Catacombs. Indeed, the French Revolution signaled the beginning of burying bodies directly into the Catacombs, though this practice ended in 1860.

Although the Catacombs' mazes and tunnels cover more than an astonishing 180 miles under the streets of Paris, only a small portion (approximately one mile) is open to the public; the vast majority is cordoned off for being too dangerous...but for some urban explorers, that is part of the appeal.
Literally a city of death, it is hard to imagine a location closer to hell. This iconic landmark is so forbidding it has remained largely unexplored. Until now...

Have a party with your favorite Adventure Time characters this holloween

This Halloween, go on a spooktacular, glow-in-the-dark adventure with your favorite characters from The Land of Ooo with Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere on Friday, October 31, 2014 at the Samsung Hall, Level 6, SM Aura Premier. Gates open at 11:00am.

To enter, spend a minimum of PhP1,000 (single receipt) on Halloween and Cartoon Network merchandise from now to 31 at participating Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express outlets. Redeem your ticket at participating Toy Kingdom Customer Centers. Each ticket admits one child and one adult.

Get ready to enter the Night-O-Sphere, a special place teeming with bone-tingling adventures starring Finn and Jake. Take part in some hair-raising sing-along with Marceline, the vampire queen. And don’t forget to come as your favorite Adventure Time character or wear white and bright-colored clothes for some added fun.

Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere’s venue partner is SM Aura Premier. Media partners are SKYCable and Destiny Cable. Presenting sponsor is Bankee. Co-sponsors are Propan TLC, Toy Kingdom, Selecta Moo, McDonald’s. Major sponsor is Skechers. Patron sponsors are URC Wiggles, Rebisco Lipps, Rebisco Chubby, and Rebisco Krimstix.

For more information, visit CartoonNetworkAsia.com or follow Cartoon Network’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia .

Phil Craft Distillers Inc., introduces world class Lakan the extra premium lambanog

EXTRA PREMIUM LAMBANOG LAUNCHED
IN THE PHILIPPINES

I have known lambanog when my parents introduced that drink to us kids when we were still teenagers, my father used to harvest from a coconut sap small plantation  the taste was in-between sweet and bitter, and with a spirit that later kicks in after 3 shot glass. We were told that it came with harvesting coconut nectar, thus the term coconut vodka,  made me proud that my country is distilling the best tasting and a world class fine spirit in the world. It should be in the vodka list of all the bars in Manila,  until I was invited to Lakan launch last October 8, 2014 at Manila Peninsula's Salon de Ning.

Philippine Craft Distillers, Inc., a licensed world-class distiller of liquor and spirits launched Lakan the extra premium lambanog. Lakan, a warrior ruler, symbolizes the character and strength of this liquor,  with media, guests and celebrities graced the event. The Company, provided entertainment singing the songs from the 70s, 80s and up to present while we were enjoying our drinks from Lakan line like tableia, and Lakan on the rocks. The tableia was chocolatey delicious with a hint of spirit, this is just the right drink for women who want to party. Lakan on the rocks was strong for me, I could immediately taste the alcohol thereafter.  We were later told that Lakan has no hangover. Lakan proved that right, when I woke up with no headache. This one is for keeps, the bottle costs php3500, and is the best gift for the holiday season.

CEO of Philippine Craft Distillers Inc., Anthony C. Manguiat states “We are excited to be launching a product that showcases that true Filipino spirits are world class.  We have craft distilled a lambanog that is meant to be enjoyed by the discriminating global citizen.”

The craft begins with a meticulous process of harvesting coconut nectar which requires tens of coconut trees to produce one exceptional bottle of peerless and exquisite quality.

At the exact hour when fermentation is perfect for distillation a Master Artisan begins the multi stage handcrafting of coconut nectar into the distinctively smooth and silky flavors of Lakan.

Practically all human senses are used to scrutinize the product at every possible level to create this pure, clean and natural liquor.

Lakan is distilled from pure coconut nectar that ferments on its own without the need for additives resulting in a 90 proof work of art that is best taken neat. Additionally,  Lakan is a product registered with the FDA with a CPR.

Sony Channel presents Tea Leoni as Madam Secretary

Its been a while since I last watched a Tea Leoni movie, I love her subtle acting, not to mention her timeless beauty. It excites me to learn that my now favorite Sony Channel brings Madam Secretary, the story revolves revolves around the life of Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni)   the shrewd, determined and brilliant former CIA analyst now working as a college professor. However, after a controversy that involves a plane crash, McCordre turns to public service at the request of her old friend, and the current President of the United States (Keith Carradine).


McCord’s team includes her Chief of Staff Nadine Tolliver (Bebe Neuwirth), speechwriter Matt Mahoney (Geoffrey Arend), press coordinator Daisy Grant (Patina Miller) and her charming assistant Blake Moran (Erich Bergen). McCord’s flair for diplomacy and high standards for ethics have enabled her to take on daunting political tasks such as debating third world problems, finessing foreign dignitaries at work,as well as battling it out with the President’s combative Chief of Staff Russell Jackson.As a dedicated wife and mother, she ends each day at work going home to her supportive husband, Henry, and their two bright children, where “politics” and “compromise” take on new meaning.

Sony Channel’s new political drama stars TéaLeoni  (Elizabeth McCord), Tim Daly  (Henry McCord), Bebe Neuwirth  (Nadine Tolliver), Zeljko Ivanek  (Russell Jackson), Patina Miller  (Daisy Grant), Erich Bergen  (Blake Moran), Geoffrey Arend  (Matt Mahoney), Katherine Herzer  (Alison McCord), and Evan Roe  (Jason McCord).

Madam Secretary premieres on Thursday, October 16 at 9:05 p.m. First & Exclusive at Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Have a merry Octoberfest at Island Cove and Leisure Park

I am always anticipating for Octoberfest, my type of party, it is my prelude to the holiday season, where I get to drink all the beers that I want with my favorite band in tow, food and friends. Have a hard time choosing where to spend your Octoberfest?

 Then head to Island Cove and Leisure Park with free San Miguel Beer and live music. Get in the know and don’t miss out on the following dates, tag along your friends and loved ones and spend it the Island Cove way.

October 1 - Experience the New Island Cove Hotel and get special perks!
Be the first to experience Island Cove's newly renovated rooms and get a 20% discount plus a free cocktail drink or glass of wine! Check in any day from October 1 to December 31, 2014 to avail of this promo.

October 4 - Health and Wellness Event
Island Cove promotes health and wellness this October! Enjoy activities such as zumba and fun runs for free, side by side with some product sampling and raffle promos from some of Island Cove's partners.

October 25 - Mad Hatter Halloween Party
Enjoy the annual halloween party. This year’s theme - Mad Hatter Halloween! Have fun in the Island's wonderland - Mad Hatter themed games, prizes, and activities! Ticket Price is at P220.00, inclusive of entrance to Island Cove good for 3 pax (participating child and parents), entrance to Oceania Swim and Splash Park (good for 2), light snacks and loot bag.

November 15 - Daniel Padilla Road Tour, Concert Grounds

December 24 - Noche Buena
Enjoy a night of music and traditional Filipino food at Island Cove this December 24. Celebrate the yuletide season with games and raffle.

December 31 - Media Noche (New Year Countdown)
Greet the new year with food and fireworks at Island Cove’s annual event.

Marites Allen teaches you how to live a charmed life this 2015

Feng Shui expert Ms. Marites Allen recently held her birthday presscon at Luxent Hotel last October 9, 2014.  She was radiant in her green gown Rajo Laurel creation, she told the media that the gown was 10 yrs old and it still fits her like new. She wore it for luck, green is the lucky color of the year, she stated.  She discussed about her upcoming Feng Shui Convention schedules and her First Frigga Charmed Life boutique that will open in November 8 at SM Moa.

She gamely gave advice and readings to the media who were present at the event. She is open for consultation this coming December 27, 2014.  Marites Allen was so generous, we ladies, went home with a charmed bracelet which coincides with my animal birth sign Year of the Horse. Luck was on my side that day for I took home a pair of my favorite flats from an event that I attended after her birthday presscon. One good thing that she reminds me of is to stay away with negative people and wear anything green to drive away bad luck.

Here is what in store for the Year of the Wood Sheep


February 19, 2015 until February 7, 2016 is marked in the Chinese lunar calendar as the Year of the Wood Sheep. For feng shui believers, the Sheep represents the eighth year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. In Chinese culture, number eight is a symbol of auspicious fortune. To some, this could be an indication that after a challenging 2014, the Year of the Wood Sheep will be a period of good fortune, peace, and abundance.

lnternational feng shui master Marites Allen has both good and bad news. “Yes, great prospects are indicated for next year,” she says because “the Sheep is one of the better signs of the Chinese zodiac. It is known for its mild and peaceful ways.” The destiny chart for 2015 has indications of all the five elements, and all the four pillars of the charts, so generally it is a better chart than 2014, which has too much Fire and missing Earth and Water Elements.” In addition, the two (2) sets of astrological “secret friends” of Tiger & Boar, Horse & Sheep are all present in the four pillars of the chart, which means a very rare opportunity and could very well indicate great luck, auspicious energies for the year and a peaceful resolution of any issues at hand.

Other positive indications in the destiny chart for next year that should serve as guidance to those individuals who have the presence of Wood, Water, and Earth elements on their destiny charts. This would mean that they are on for a great year! “What matters is that people should be well-informed, be ready to make full use of the positive energies, and stay protected from the negative ones that will emerge next year.”

To help feng shui followers keep abreast of these destiny indications, Marites conducts an Annual Feng Shui Convention a couple of months before the onset of the lunar new year. This time, which is different from the previous conventions, Ms. Allen will request all participants to attend the event with their destiny charts printed (or else, they have to come early to the venue and print it from there), so participants can follow Ms. Allen's presentation and check whether or not the individual destiny charts have the three major elements mentioned above. This year the convention will be held on December 27, 2014 at the Luxent Hotel in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

This is also a meaningful year for Marites as it marks the 10th year since she brought in the World of Feng Shui (WOFS) brand from Malaysia in 2004 that has, no doubt, educated and inspired many feng shui practitioners around. “A bigger and better event awaits the participants in celebration of this milestone in my feng shui practice in the country” Marites states. Marites has been advocating the application of the Chinese art of geomancy in various aspects of daily living for over a decade.

For the December event, Marites says that participants can look forward to learn valuable tips on how to unlock the good potentials of the year and how to create great opportunities out of them. Participants will also learn how to protect themselves from the negative energies that may hinder them from achieving their personal goals. Because travel is a key aspect for 2015, there will also be lots of suggestions on how to stay safe during travel. Other feng shui applications in daily living will be another highlight as Marites unveils the latest designs from Frigga Charmed Life, her unique brand of auspicious fashion, for the Chinese New Year.

For further details and to reserve your seats in this event, please call 09209509390 / 44201 13 / 5765331 / 4 786378 or email wofsQhiliQgines@gmai/.com.