Just a few hours ago, I bought a copy of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel “Stardust” at Fully-Booked. This is actually my first time to buy a graphic novel since the bookstore does not have a novel version available.
Stardust is now a motion picture starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Peter O’ Toole and Sienna Miller. Showing in theatres this August.
Story to follow after I finish reading 
Watching Hugh Grant’s character in Music & Lyrics as Alex Fletcher, a former popstar, brought back memories of the 80’s. Big hairs, spray nets that contributed to the Ozone hole, rubber shoes, polka dots, People Power and the many songs that defined the lives of every deranged teenager of that era. I guess every 14-year-old girl that time wanted to look like Alyssa Milano and be paired to Jordan Knight.
While Madonna and Michael Jackson largely catered to an older crowd then, I remember younger stars pitted against each other and tabloids were all after them to grace their covers. One of the most famous celebrity matches was Debbie Gibson versus Tiffany Darwisch.
I am not even sure if these two girls really gave a rat’s ass to this so-called competition. They were young and all they could have cared more about was singing than the millions they made from sold-out albums.
Debbie Gibson started recording her first album at age 16. Her single “Foolish Beat” was #1 in the charts making her the youngest person to write, produce and perform a #1 single. That earned her a place in Guinness Book of World Records. A year after Debbie made her mark, Tiffany’s debut album “Tiffany” was released and her single “I Think We’re Alone Now” soared the charts. It was a big hit in 1987. Tiffany was the first to do mall concert tours to promote her albums, something Britney Spears did later on.
While these two pop teen icons sold concerts and recorded hit singles, the entry of rock and rap in the scene changed the musical landscape of the 90s. The two young celebrities, along with other pop bands like New Kids On The Block, found their dwindling careers unable to take off despite attempts to reinvent their songs and their images. Tiffany’s career was badly hurt by squabbles between her parents and manager over her income.
In mid-90s, Debbie turned to theatre and was active in plays in Broadway and London’s West End. Tiffany married make up artist (now ex-husband) Bulmaro Garcia and had a child. She also released albums in Asia.
In attempt to revive back lackluster career, former teen princess Tiffany posed nude in the pages of Playboy Magazine in 2001. Deborah, now Debbie no more, followed suit in 2005. It came in as a shocker to people who adored them.
At present, Deborah Gibson still record songs, performs in concerts and appears in movies. Tiffany is currently busy promoting her new album this summer.
A billion of people around the world watched and waited for the coronation of the new Miss Universe amid protests rocking downtown Mexico City. The new titleholder came from Asia.
Twenty-year-old dance instructor, Riyo Mori of Japan, was crowned Miss Universe, giving Japan its second title in 48 years, since Akiko Kojima won the title in 1959. Mori is a native of Shizuoka, a small town at the base of Mount Fuji.
A bewildered Mori, clad in a Japanese-inspired gown, received a $250,000 worth of pearl-and diamond-crown from 2006 Miss Universe Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico.
“I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive, and this is what I want to teach to the next generation,” Mori told the judges and the cheering crowd during the interview. The new Miss Universe will spend her reign traveling the world to perform her duties. Aside from the Mikimoto-designed crown, her prizes also include:
A year-long salary as MISS UNIVERSE.
Personal appearance wardrobe.
A New York City apartment for the year of her reign including living expenses.
Official MISS UNIVERSE pearl tiara, valued at $20,000 from Mikimoto.
A swimsuit wardrobe from BSC Swimwear Thailand.
A year’s worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems.
A custom designed wardroe by Tadashi.
A two-year scholarship from The NY Film Academy in New York City valued at up to $100,000.
Ritmo Mundo Jumbo Jet Mystery Dial time piece valued at $30,000.
A shoe wardrobe from Nina.
A national and international multi-media advertising campaign and a complete denim wardrobe from YMI Jeanswear.
A trophy from Rogaska Crystal.
Personal services including a year-long membership to Gravity Fitness and year-long pampering at New York City’s John Barrett Salon.
Modeling portfolio by leading New York City fashion photographer Fadil Berisha.
Casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization.
Extensive travel opportunities with a personal travel manager representing sponsors and charitable partners.
Access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties.
Consultation with stylist Billie Causieestko and access to an event wardrobe from leading fashion designers.
Professional public relations media training.
Professional media/public relations representation by Rubenstein Public Relations and Planet PR in New York City.
Year-long dermatology and skin services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher.
The contest runners-up are Natalia Guimaraes of Brazil, Ly Jonaitis of Venezuela, Honey Lee of Korea and Rachel Smith of USA. Miss USA, who earlier fell during the evening gown competition, was jeered by the Mexican crowd during her interview. Miss Photogenic award was given to Ana Theresa Licaros of the Philippines.
Miss Universe 2007 pageant was hosted by former Miss Teen USA and Fil-American correspondent of E!, Vanessa Minnillo, and celebrity-host Mark Lopez. Celebrity judges were James Kyson Lee, Lindsay Clubine, Tony Romo of Dallas Cowboys, Dave Navarro, Olympic figure-skating champion Michelle Kwan, hairstylist Ken Paves, designer Marc Bouwer, Elle Magazine fashion director Nina Garcia and 1993 Miss Universe Dayanara Torres.
Italians call their food “cibo”. For an ordinary Filipino, food is often referred to as “chibog” (or tsibog). A snack food commercial once gave our colloquial “chibog” a hip form ”bogchi” with a deeper meaning. It has become a Pinoy’s style of eating marked by sharing of good food and relishing good times together whatever the occasion is.
I don’t know if the Italian “cibo” and Filipino “chibog” have etymological connections at all. If there is one thing that connects us to our Italian counterparts, it is our shared passion for delicious food.
So when Cibo Restaurant was brought into our shores ten years ago, most Filipinos did not have trouble adopting to the new dining experience. It has become another avenue to explore…and we’re not disappointed.
It is said that Cibo’s owner, Margarita Fores (of the Araneta clan), would take occasional trips to Italy to research and sample their regional dishes. Obviously, she took home with her a variety of Italian recipes that brought about the extensive menu line — from simple appetizers, salads & soups, pasta & pizza varieties, heavy rice meals to tempting desserts.
My personal favorites in their seafood pasta line is Penne Alfonso and in the rice meal category Porchetta (roasted pork with 3 dips — apple & peach, tomato and a brown sauce that is typical of lechon sauce). For soup, you can never go wrong with their foamy squash soup. If it’s pizza, I go for Patate (an 8-slice thin crust pizza with potato topping).
Average dining budget per person could range from P400 – P500. WithIn this reasonable budget, you get to experience Italy — hefty servings of delicious Italian cuisine, excellent service and a cozy and stylish dining ambience that is remarkably Italian.
Visit Cibo branches in Glorietta, Mother Ignacia, QC, Shangri-La Mall, and Gateway Mall. Soon to open in TriNoma.
Another Ayala Mall opened its doors to mall shoppers in Quezon City this month. TriNoma, which means Triangle North of Manila, is the latest shopping destination owned by Ayala Land Corporation. The P3.5 billion project sits on a 20-hectare property along EDSA and North Avenue and is easily accessed via MRT3. North of TriNoma is SM Supermalls flagship mall, SM City North EDSA, which is currently undergoing major renovation estimated to last for two years.
TriNoma seems to be a fusion of Ayala’s other malls, Glorietta, Greenbelt and Alabang Town Center. It follows a certain design tradition that combines the simplicity of nature and complexity of modern-day architecture – mind you, TriNoma gardens are placed on the rooftop. Expect to be trapped in endless maze in search for your choice shop destination. Should you find yourself inside a labrynth, customer service desk is at the ground floor facing the Activity Center, near McDonalds.
More than 500 retail establishments are expected to fill in the humongous space. Majority of these shops have long identified themselves with Ayala Malls. These include renowed international brands like Mango, Lacoste and Marks & Spencer. Local boutiques, dining restaurants, computer & electronic shops, fitness salons, bookstores, entertainment centers and toys & gifts shops comprise the majority of the mall’s tenant mix. All cater to both high-end and mass markets.
Most of the restaurants and fastfood are already open. However, finding a good place to eat in might take time as they are all over the mall perimeter. But if you’re on a budget, quick service restaurants are on the ground floor and the mall’s food court is on the second floor. (My friend and I had lunch in Crustasia and cake dessert at Red Ribbon.)
There are 7 state-of-the-art cinemas at the top floor with ticket prices ranging from P150 to P170. Lazyboy recliners are available in Cinema 7 at P260 per ticket. All ticket prices does not include free food. Currently showing are Spider-Man 3, Shrek 3 and Pirates of the Carribean. To avoid long lines, you may reserve cinema tickets online.
TriNoma is still underconstruction so expect dust and paint smell filtering through your nostrils. The MRT3 North Avenue Station gate to TriNoma is still closed. You have to take the stairs down MRT3, cross the service road and climb another stairs that will lead you to the promise land. Escalators at the MRT3 entrance are not yet functioning, neither their elevators inside (except for the service elevator). Be sure to bring enough cash as the mall has one functioning BPI ATM at the ground floor near the customer service desk.