I embrace creative projects, and, for this reason, I put my stamp on a living room design board, working around Modani key pieces, with the bouyant 60s in mind. My dad graduated from the UST with a degree in architecture. At an age of playing house inside a VW Combi, his old style magazines were my manual.

Modani has contemporary design aesthetics, yet people like me who have deviant taste can pick pegs from the store. From the modern sofa collection, my centerpiece has to be the Phantom sofa in a greyish brown color for a family who live outdoors most of the time. I’m not fond of rugs, but the Fuji coffee table that I love (on sale right now) extends to a second tier, so family bonding time can be had here. The hanging Draco circular lamp and silver ceramic apple, as well as the Sacha lounge chair in refreshing subtle lime (also on sale), echo crisp retroesque flair. I threw in the Lucide floor lamp for the husband. To kick in more sunshine to my otherwise neutral palette, I picked blue pillows from Modani and complemented them with additional throw pillows in vintage fabric and local artisan-made abel fabric. Can’t do without framed vacation photographs, indoor plants and stacks of books.

Modani has stores in key cities in the US and Canada. You may want to browse the modern sofas through the Modani online store.

This is not a sponsored post, btw.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Courtesy of FoodPrints, here’s the listing of the featured holiday eats in Chef Sandy Daza’s FoodPrints Christmas Special.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Valrhona Chocolate Cake
by Dolcelatte
0915 9129038

Torta Torrejon
by Manny and Elise Torrejon
0917 819 2228

Crème Brulee Cake
by Camille Ocampo
0916 745 7729

Pineapple Upside Down Cake
by Tani Bautista
0917 532 0816

Quezo de Bola Cheesecake
by Cru Kitchen
0917 811 5474

White Chocolate Cheesecake with Mixed Berrries Compote and Pecan Praline Crust
by Chef Justin Sison
Moderne Culinare Academy
0917 7002665

Baby Pat Ensaymadas
by Pearl de Guzman of Baby Pat Breads and Pastries
0923 975 9777

Roast Turkey
by Bob & Ninay Abes
0918 909 8850

Mr. Cochinillo
Tinee de Guzman
0917 525 1025

Braised Lamb Shoulder with Preserved Lemons
by Anita Celdran
0917 817 2487

Vietnamese Springroll
by Stevie
0906 508 4155

Macadamia Sans Rival
by Jill Sandique
0922 826 2673

Bibingka Malagkit
by La Tasca
896 5543 897 9749

Gateau Crepe
by Mara dela Rama
0917 811 6272

General’s Lechon
2nd floor Petron Square Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas Village EDSA cor. Arnaiz, Makati
(632) 622 1098 / 0917 704 8070

The Plaza Premium Baked Ham
Available at SM Megamall, Peron Square Dasmariñas, Rustan’s Makati, Rockwell Cinema Snackbar, SM MOA Arena (2nd Floor Hawkers Alley)
(632) 729 0003 / 890 8446

Artisanal Ice Cream
by Fog City Creamery
0917 883 3344
Fog City Creamery website

Apple Pie
by Catherine’s Cakes and Pies
(632) 659 2591

Christmas Fruitcake
by Chef Heny Sison
Victorino’s
Scout Rallos cor 11th Jamboree St.
(632) 922 8558

Artisanal Fruit Jams
by The Fruit Garden
Lyric Apartelle 295 Haig Street, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
Philippines
(632) 621 4603

Chicken Empanadas
by Kris Ongpauco Homebaked Goodies
(632) 9207282 / 0927 234 1990

Caviar Pie
by Amanda Tengco
0917 554 3862

Catch reruns on the Lifestyle Network.

Photos by Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Edzel Bargas and Cristal Gayle Rivera tied the knot. It was with a bit of surprise. I mean they were not talking about any immediate plans when we last met. Wedding preparations were almost spontaneous. The celebration happened at Giannis, where Edzel hangs out with bestie, Chef Jackie de la Cruz, and where he first “spotted” Gayle. For that special day, Jackie and wife Florence styled the garden and prepared a delectable buffet. Gayle was resplendent in boho-inspired Loejai Lopez. Guests came in white.

To love and forever, cheers!

Money dance.Dear friend Louie Santarin.Though he was feautured in the blog, it’s the firts time I see in person photographer and videographer Alvin Cariaso, who was covering the wedding.
Photographed by Alex and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

I hear this song constantly in the last few years. My neighbor, a huge grocery store, plays it the whole day everyday. I’ve really never fixed my ears on the lyrics. The melody is catchy, I thought it was just another pageant background music. For a festival, it needs some “boom”, imao. I am a visual person. My thoughts turn radical once I read the lyrics on this video. This is an outstanding song. I gathered it was composed by Nhick Ramiro Pacis.

Update: Nothing to do with the music, noticed some photos in the video are my photos, but were credited to blackhowling78 on multiply.

On 12-13-14, friends of our family, April Ong and JC Castro, wedded in style as these pics (I chanced upon on the bride’s Facebook timeline) will prove. The 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe, owned by JC’s late paternal grandfather, Dr. Jovencio Castro, was the perfect choice for their vintage chic inspired wedding at the St. William Cathedral aka Laoag Cathedral.

As a Tom Cruise fan of the 80s, how can I forget the red car? The Chevy Fleetline figured prominently in the Academy Awards Best Picture war film, Born on the Fourth of July, shot in part in Laoag City. (Check out 6/9 video clip with Tom Cruise and Willem Dafoe below.) That happened decades before JC and his brother JR restored the car into gush-worthy immaculate condition.

In love and war, in sickness and in health.

Best wishes and congrats, April and JC!

In a sense historical, the 1949 Chevrolet Fleetline Deluxe in an epic scene from Born on the Fourth of July.

Screen grab from Movieclips.com on YouTube

For the specific clip with the exact Chevrolet Fleetline car used in the movie, browse through the playlist to 6/9.

Castro-Ong Wedding photos (first two photos) by Paolo Feliciano Photograhy
Prenup photos by Marianne Gaces Pasion Photography
Photos courtesy of April Ong-Castro

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

K’s Bakeshop and Delicacies, originally from Tuguegarao City, arrives in Laoag, offering fresh ways to love bread. Karen Bayog’s twist to the buko pie, a bread roll filled with glazed young coconut meat, is attracting even rich kids I know who eat more sosyal pastries. I tried it myself and found it unique. It’s almost like fresh from the oven pan de coco, but with more bite and oomph. The healthier lechon (hahah, budget lechon), is sweet bread formed in the shape of a pig. A tad sweeter that panaderia monay, says Louie, the manager I suppose.

Their cookies are supersized. Custard cake comes also in mamon size. They accept orders for customized rolls and cakes. Though located west of the business district of Laoag, it is close to the bus terminals, particularly RCJ, Fariñas Trans and Maria de Leon and government offices. They are open 24 hours a day, so K’s Bakeshop is a welcome relief to many.

I saw my favorite moon cookies, you know those plain, crumbly old-fashioned cookies.

I ate the missing buko roll:)

K’s Bakeshop and Delicacies Don. S Hernando Ave., Laoag City. (Located near RCJ Terminal.)

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

The photos were shot on a Sunday morning at three different locations. Japanese-Brazilian model/actor/recent Pinoy Big Brother winner Daniel Matsunaga was the last I photographed. At the Laoag International Airport, fans took turns for photo ops, but he was cool. I like taking photos of people, so I’m good adding this photo to my huge collection of portraits, naks. He’s cute, and nice, and he seems to be sincerely enjoying the adulation. Happy for people who work hard to earn a career.

These photos inspire me to shoot earlier in the day. We had breakfast at Kusina Ilocandia in Cabugao while waiting for friends, who were leaving Vigan, and then we dropped by Sitio Remedios before ending the morning at the Laoag airport.

Reny’s longaniza siopao. I like the result, but the filling is quite thin. Below is opia a la mode which is my kind of stimulating breakfast.
Photos of me shot by Brandon
Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

A reader asks, “Where can I buy pretty linen fabric in Laoag?”

Happy to have found time to answer the question. There are more or less 5 fabric stores in Laoag, but the one that satisfies my creative tendencies is One.O.5ive on Rizal St. (east of the Laoag Supermarket). The fabric and accessories place is just a portion of the department store that used to be the Laoag Specialty Shop. If the name One.O.5ive makes you wonder, it is because it is the second generation advancement of the family that co-managed for decades the old 5 Sisters Superstore on the same street. Some of the wonderful staff at the old superstore moved with them. Manang Celia, for instance, is positioned at the tela area just like in the past. There’s no one as patient as her when it comes to customer service and relations. You know, women are born fickle. Stacks on stacks of beautiful fabric can be dizzying. But the store also carries hard to find embellishments, rhinestones, Spanish lace, imported appliques, ribbons, buttons, a wide range of zippers (and not just the basic colors), accessories such as long gloves, brooches, crowns, jeweled bibs, corsages, curtain fabric and really so much more for your crafts and sewing needs.

Stretch jersey in many colors.Tela for dusters.I saw these ready-made Filipiniana on my way down.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Vintar Dam, after all these years, is still beautifully arcane.

A blessed Christmas to all!

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Still about Vintar Dam, the launch of Kayam Kayak kayaking adventure is finally happening, like I wrote in the Mabuhay Magazine October 2014 issue. A kickoff kayathlon, the first of its kind in the country, according to organizers, is set on December 27, 6 AM. (For those who are interested to join, the race is tomorrow, folks.)

Vintar Dam, in the old past, was the most visited tourist spot in Ilocos Norte. The town has set its heart to bring back its glory. With the direction towards nature and adventure, development around the Umok ni Siwawer Nature Park has started. To date, identical picnic huts to enjoy the calming view of the Bislak River have been built. Even the adjacent Governor’s Resthouse (established during the time of  the late former governor Elizabeth Marcos Keon) was renovated not too long ago.

Thanking Councilor Cherry Agtang and Boyet Leano and the rest of the gracious Vintareños who made time for this particular shoot.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

A little north of Laoag is the balikbayan town of Bacarra. It is also the home of the Leaning Bell Tower, the Museo de Bacarra, the crispiest empanada, Petrina’s Pastries and Delicacies, popular for cassava cake topped with dulce de leche and cheese, and the endearing distinctively big Ilocano accent.

Visited the newly redesigned plaza. Plazas in Ilocos, both in Norte and Sur, are getting updated, one after the other. Elements such as fountains are cool additions, especially that the climate in this side of the country is dry most of the year. Lighting has become also very important, and residents are liking the idea of promenading nowadays. I myself have discovered a newfound respect for my own city’s Aurora Park. If I’m not mistaken, young Bacarreño architect, Jeff Acob, has contributed to the new design of the plaza.

The centuries-old Bacarra Bell Tower (on the right) would have looked like the mini bell tower inside the plaza if it were not badly damaged by natural disasters.

If you are an Ilocos empanada lover, Bacarra’s crispy empanada is one of the best empanadas I’ve ever had in Ilocos. There are only two makers in Bacarra. Both of them have makeshift stalls in their homes along Rizal Ave. Alicia’s Empanada, in particular, the first one if you’re going in from the east, is different because the shell is paper thin, yet so crispy and able to hold the filling. We tried the one with papaya and malasado (half-done) egg, because they ran out of longaniza and we liked it so much that I ordered one more without egg. Surprisingly, the papaya has that sauerkraut crunch sameness that makes it stand on its own, I came to note. I heard about this place from locals.

Petrina’s dulce de leche-filled ensaymadas are good when you crave for ensaymadas here in Ilocos.

I’m excited about the coming year, what about you?

Photographed by Reny and Blauearth
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

No matter how small your house is, you can turn it into a royal residence. I actually did that yesterday. I rang Ylocos Moblie Spa and gifted myself with a two-hour home massage. They asked me if I needed a massage bed, but there’s really no more space for another bed. Lyn, the masseuse, came with a spa kit, complete with a scented candle and zen music. The last time I had a massage at a spa in  Manila, I shared a room with two Chinese girls who were talking to each other the whole time. It would have been music to me if I understood their Mandarin. It happens most of the time at local massage places, you want to fall into oblivion only to be aroused by a screeching door, phone music, heavy footsteps, or the worst, a honking truck.

Ilocos Mobile Spa is making spa time more enjoyable. I’m definitely booking another one soon. I was surprised to see in the menu wonted health and beauty services like mani/pedi, foot spa, foot reflexology, ear candling, waxing, body scrub, ventosa, hot stone massage — all in the comfort of your home. Service is not limited to Laoag only. And prices are not very different from regular spas. Check them out at their Facebook page or inquire at Ylocos Mobile Spa-0915 3869254.

 © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

On the eve of 2014, I was rushing a story about the DENR-just-declared Adams Wldlife Critical Habitat that got published on Rappler here. Posted another story for BlauEarth here.

Same day last year, I was in Adams, hoping for a fresh start for the greenest town in Ilocos Norte, the so-called last frontier of the North.

Adams, in 2004, opened my eyes to a rarity in Ilocos Norte. On our (LEAD Movement’s) first outing to the summit of one of the mountains cradling Adams, the tough climb was threatened by muddy slopes and flying limatiks (bloodsuckers) everywhere, and ended without reaching the cherry on the cake. We had to go back again, climb 3 more mountains, explore the unbelievably numerous falls, immersed fully with its people and culture, and then work on a blueprint for ecotourism in the province with friend mountaineers, local Paul Acupan and then mayor Wilma Dupagen. We were able to get the support of the DOT and DENR regional offices to galvanize a community-based kind of tourism in Adams. Not for anything else, but for pure nature appreciation, develop that sense of pride for a rare gem, community empowerment and protection of a habitat that has remained uncorrupt in spite of time. Since then I never stopped blogging, not only about Adams, but other beautiful places in Ilocos as well.

Truck ride to Adams.

Through the leadership of the succeeding administration in Adams, the town was put in the wine map of the country. We can forget about the jail bed or the town council office floor as a place to rest and instead enjoy the comfort of as homestay.

We don’t go to Adams as often as we did eight years ago, but the town has never left me at all.  As I write this post, with fervency, I pray for total wardship of this hidden treasure.

Critical habitat?

With my childhood friend, Ilocano journalist Glenda Gloria, her family and friends on this Adams trip.

Top ride.Brandon and Reny with photojournalist Melvyn Calderon and Glenda Gloria, managing editor of Rappler.Back ride.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2014

Happy New Year! It’s been an intense start of the year for me. After writing a story for a publication, I was out traveling/working with FoodPrints in Baguio for Season 3, yes, FoodPrints is on its way to its 3rd year. So many new discoveries and beautiful photos for you. In the meantime, here’s an outfit post. Because the weather in Ilocos is gorgeous right now, layered a denim vest over the ikat maxi from Indigenous at Lofty Bamboo in Thailand. The dress is special because it was made by a tribal community, it’s pure cotton and all-around.

{Indigenous maxi dress from Lofty Bamboo, Mango denim vest, sandals from my mom.}

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

I call Jhan Phillip Janree like the mom did when he was younger ‘coz he was born in January. He’s my godson, hahah, I was a teen godparent to him. They call him Phillip now, I guess it suits the architect paddler more. For a very long time, I haven’t given him angpao, that red envelope with happiness and good luck symbols, where you fill it with moolah. Wife Duch and sister Sam arranged a surprise party at Rufino’s for him. Happy birthday Janree! Love — Tita Tiny.

Phillip’s beautiful family.Angpao, a Chinese tradition.Rufino’s version of the poqui-poqui pizza.With paddlers from the Philippine Titans Dragon Boat Team, affiliated with the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation, who were visiting Ilocos.Phillip’s mom and dad, the in-laws I’m closest to.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel won the Grammy Record of the Year in 1971. It was also the year the microprocessor was introduced, environmental organization Greenpeace was founded and the Stan Smith tennis shoe was launched by Adidas. With three rows of perforations, the Stan Smith, named after US tennis star Stanley Roger Smith, was the renamed Haillet shoe (named after then-retired French tennis player Robert Haillet).

In 2014, Adidas relaunched the Stan Smith. It is better worn outside the tennis court, like sneaks. Zeroed in on this guy, one of the owners of hip and happening Baguio Craft Brewery. I actually love his whole getup.

I hate it that I can’t get a pair in my size:(

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

While sorting more than a thousand photos from Baguio, a Jason Mraz playlist was on. What a coincidence that something popped into my mind when Life is Wonderful was playing.

2014 was phenomenal. I really don’t know what’s in store for me this year, but I’m so excited to try out new things. Making a to-do list for me to focus on, so here it is. If only I can make it a sticky post to remind me everyday.

1. Remove the clutter from my room.

2. Devise a workout plan.

3. Eat more healthily.

4. Learn to cook bagnet, longaniza and Batac empanada.

5. Save up.

6. Learn something like professional hairstyling.

7. Teach the art of blogging.

8. Make my portfolio.

9. Go to Batanes.

10. Have another baby, lol.

The song goes like this:

“It takes a crane to build a crane. It takes two floors to make a story. It takes an egg to make a hen. It takes a hen to make an egg… it takes a thought to make a word. And it takes some words to make an action. It takes some work to make it work. It takes some good to make it hurt. It takes some bad for satisfaction. It takes a night to make it dawn. And it takes a day to make you yawn, brother. And it takes some old to make you young. It takes some cold to know the sun. It takes the one to have the other. And it takes no time to fall in love. But it takes you years to know what love is. It takes some fears to make you trust. It takes those tears to make it rust. It takes the dust to have it polished. It takes some silence to make sound. It takes a loss before you found it. And it takes a road to go nowhere. It takes a toll to make you care. It takes a hole to make a mountain… life is wonderful. Life goes full circle.”

Add to that — LIFE IS SIMPLY WONDERFUL TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN LIFE’S COUNTLESS BLESSINGS.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

The great seaside getaway in Ilocos I’ve discovered last year got even more lucid, with the family getting to love my description of an unperturbed beachful bliss, blissful beach, both.

Eugene happens to aim high on a board. It’s only at Kingfisher where one can grow the flappers for more salty boarding. The Discovery Course, the first step to flysurfing, makes you get to feel the kite, become one with it. Euge says it was not as easy as he initially thought because the winds were great. He loves the sport and wants to progress to the next stride. Seeing him, as Jana, his wonderful kite instructor, said, “I’m surprised he’s learning fast,” we’re happy exploring with him.

Alexa, on the other hand, was beaming. There’s this side to her that wakes up — by that kind of potency from the sea, sky and sand that brings someone into self-healing. Like my magic bullet.

And goldie romances the camera. Hahah, he moves like a model.Current read: The Devil’s Dictionary.Jana is from the Czech Republic. She came back, with John, after visiting in 2009.  And Lisa (below) never left Capirispisan after I last saw her. The rubber piggy to call attention for the steak I’ve been craving for a long time.

Another beautiful find: kilawin na tuna with a kick of Asian zest.

Photographed by the Tans
© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

I’m also one of those who haven’t heard about Ambrose Bierce. I let Alexa read the first A words. I’m hooked. The idiosyncrasies of mankind, presented in an amusing, “gleefully misanthropic glossary Bierce started compiling in 1880″ — this is what The Devil’s Dictionary is all about.

It was given by my childhood friend Edna de la Cruz Kidd who is happily settled in England.

If you want to take life (un)seriously…

Inside The Devil’s Dictionary

Debt, n. An ingenious substitute for the chain and whip of a slave-driver.

Land, n. A part of the earth’s surface considered as property.

Once, adv. Enough.

Positive, adj. Mistaken at the top of one’s voice.

Pray, v. To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy.

Photographed by Blauearth © Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015

 1. Topshop dinosaur print shirt, 2. Jo De Mer Big Kiss bikini set, 3. Chloé Baylee, medium, 4. Vans slip ons (snake embossed print), 5. Sephora + Pantone Universe Facets of Marsala eye Palette , 6. Asics x The Good Will Out Gel Lyte 5 “Koyo”, 7. Kat Von D Love Me Love Me Not Studded Kiss Duo.

I’m not one who follows color trends. This year, however, Pantone’s Color of the Year, Marsala, much like fortified wine, is getting under some people’s skin. I’m likewise not a fan of muddied red. A darker shade of brownish red, maroon, is the color I least like. It kinda makes one look older when you’re all covered in it. Lately, though, I came to appreciate this earthy red —  in minimal amount, it can add some sophistication to an otherwise flat ensemble.  On the lips, it can pop some sultriness to the pout.

Pantone’s particular marsala is on the dusty side, so very vintagey, so very 70s. I would choose deeper shades, as an accent perhaps.

Ericke’s hair in her latest Facebook post.

© Blauearth™ All Rights Reserved 2009-2015