ShopCrazy

Feast your eyes on fine jewelry at the Cone Room of the Yuchengco Museum (RCBC Plaza, Corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues, Makati City) until May 10, 2008. An exquisite collection created by Ann Tiukinhoy Pamintuan is on display during the exhibit, AnnTiu.Alchemy, which features 260 pieces of handcrafted jewelry.

Ann Tiukinhoy Pamintuan is an acclaimed Davao-based furniture, home accessories, and jewelry designer, and is the first Asian woman designer to be included in the prestigious International Design Yearbook (in 2002 and 2004).

In addition to the jewelry pieces on display, the furniture, sculptural figures, and home accessories that provide a dramatic backdrop for these gilded artistic expressions are on sale. Prices range from P1,000 to P40,000, depending on the material (copper, nickel, silver, or gold) and design (single or multiple-strand). The proceeds from the sale of the collection will benefit the traveling exhibits and education programs of the Yuchengco Museum.

More activities after the jump.

(more…)

Although it was a working trip, it felt like otherwise. I prefer lodging in the huge private beach house we stayed at over being housed in a hotel. It felt like we were really in an island, with its nipa roofs and bamboo open hallways. Dozens of fully-grown coconut trees in the front yard that is a few steps from the water paint a beautiful picture of Boracay.

About a hundred meters away is one of the breakfast retreats I frequent. Real Coffee serves homemade American comfort food. Run by Nadine Rosaia, who was originally from California, and her mother Lee, Real Coffee opened on December 27, 1996. Lee had been living in Boracay for a while when she convinced Nadine to come to the Island and put up a coffee shop.

As I settle onto the high seat next to the counter, I start my day with a hot drink. The pot of Ginger Tea always gives me the wake up I need. Its subtle sour taste will make you want to have more than one cup.
(more…)

Just after New Years, I was fortunate enough to be taken to The Moon Garden in Tagaytay for a photo shoot.

When I first heard “Moon Garden”, though, I thought it was a Chinese restaurant! Haha. The Moon Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden and restaurant, owned by a Belgian man named Peter Geerts. It is being run by his two friends, Tita Bibette and Tita Nieves. My photos don’t do the garden justice, but the minute you enter the garden, you know you’re headed for something special.

(more…)

Webmaster’s Note: We’ve updated the coupon! Please check the conditions below before booking. Thank you.

There’s a new hotel that opened in Tagaytay. Compared to the usual cottages or inns in Tagaytay, Hotel Kimberly is a huge building. But because it is located away from the main road, and it is built within a spacious lot, it is far from being an eye sore. It is a full-service hotel complete with a pool, a fish pond, a dining area, function rooms, and open grounds for outdoor parties—all for surprisingly very reasonable rates. (And because ShopCrazy loves giving treats, check out the special Discount Coupon at the end of the article!) Single standard rooms start at P3,100. See below for the complete list of room rates.

The hotel is perfect for couples or families looking for a weekend or Holiday getaway. “Honey” and I stayed overnight just before New Year’s, and we would definitely go back.
(more…)