Manila Now!

A fourth of our precious weekend last time was spent checking out what's up in the world of Philippine Furniture Design.  I love all things Filipino and I sincerely think our country is home to the best in furniture design and craftsmanship. 

 Love the total look of this space.

Interesting statement pieces from Locsin International.

She just had to tag along. Kids were not allowed to roam and run around so she got so bored all strapped up. Poor girl.

 

I like this chair made out of bamboo.

And I want this book stand cum lamp.

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The Collective

I finally had the chance to visit this out-of-your-way creative scene in Malugay Street, Makati. I was supposed to go with Le Misch but she slept on me on the way so I had to send her back home to get a more comfortable nap.

The Collective is described as "an honest space" by one of its purveyors Dustin Reyes, for designers and entrepreneurs alike. Here you will find a lot of start-ups with honest-to-goodness passion to share to whoever is interested. From fashion, to eco-living, to food, to art, to bikes, even!

THE RITUAL

The first shop I checked out was Ritual. I have read a lot about it and was curious. They sell all sorts of organic and natural products from all over the country. You see, I dream of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. But for some reason it is deemed more expensive therefore impractical to do so here in Manila.

Thanks to Ritual, the irony there is somehow beginning to fade away. As here, they make it affordable for you to live a life that's friendly to the environment. You can buy a little of everything and just go back when you run out. Quality of life is much valued here, that you don't have to worry if their produce is fresh or not. And when they tell you their coffee is extra strong, it is EXTRA STRONG.

 DUERR

I found a handful of interesting pieces here. If you are tired of run-of-the-mill fashion, then must-do Duerr.

 GOOD SPIRITS

I'll try the coffee here next time. Or maybe the wine.

NEW OLD BIKES

They refurbish old bikes like new so as to encourage people to ride bikes. Therefore reducing pollution caused by all the petrol consumed everyday in the metro. I will live for the day when {fashionable} people bike to work in Manila. Picture this.

Or this.

 (Images from The Sartorialist)

Then, we will have 'SARTORIAL' shots from Manila!

SUNDAE

A vintage shop I didn't have enough time to browse.

I went on a quiet afternoon and a lot of shops were closed. Don't be bummed when you encounter this as here, the shop owners don't get charged if they close early or don't open at all. Just make it a habit to come by once and a while and support these people who are actually doing something purposeful and amazing in our local retail scene.

To know more about The Collective, check out their blog here.

The Collective

7274 Malugay Street

San Antonio, Makati

Philippines

snaps from the weekend

Now that we're back in Manila, my commitment to surround Mischka with all things beautiful and creative is challenged-- but strengthened.

I was asked a couple of times if I would still blog from here, I thought why not? Life might even be more interesting now that we're back..(wink, wink)

Catching up with good ole' friends, a baptism followed by a hearty lunch, adorning cookies, and a charming art show. Our first weekend at the old town is nothing short of eventful.

 At precious Julian's baptism.

Adorning cookies at Marta's (supposedly) with Emma (too bad she fell asleep when we got there). 'Til next time, Emma!

 It was nice to bump into old friends at the Yellow Door Gallery exhibit of Martin Honasan and Carlo Ongchangco's works.

Happy Tuesday you all!

snaps from the rest of our vacay

Our over-extended vacation has officially come to an end.

Now back in Singapore, Le Misch and I look back to what a full month it was. Aside from beaches, we also went on a trip to my hometown of Bacolod. Oh how I missed the laid back, easy going life I used to live. Le Misch had a taste of it and she seemed to have liked it.

At great grandma's house

Day 1 at Whole Kids

 One with the balls

 One with the balls again

Thank goodness for nap time. Now the mummies can sneak in some shopping.

Day 2 at Whole Kids: Art Attack

Although we were both a bit under the weather some days, I managed to take a look at Manila Art 2010.

Migs Villanueva's Hide and Seek

 Hubby wanted this but it got sold even before the art show opened.

 Art on the spot

Apart from all the trips, festivities and some work here and there, we are glad to have caught up with family and good friends we all dearly miss.

And before we know it, it has already been a month. How time flies when you're having fun, indeed.