Chuvaness.com

A different kind of Christmas

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:58:53 GMT

On Tuesday, the boys' basketball coach decided to throw a swimming party at the village park.
It was cold and drizzling, I was against it. But the boys were already wearing swimwear under their clothes. I told yaya not to let them swim if it was cold. But they did.
The following day Ben complained of a headache and 'phantom' pains. I did not believe him until that night when Yaya called my Duo and said Ben had a 39 fever.
On the way home I made a quick stop at Watson's to buy Dolan, the miracle worker, and the latest Yes! magazine with Team Jinkee on the cover.

The next few hours Jeroen and I spent cleaning up vomit, changing sheets, sponge bathing Ben, trying to give him medicine, etc. I did not sleep until 7 AM.
Ben was OK at that time reading downstairs. At 10:30 AM Jeroen carried him upstairs. He was chilled to the bone. Fever was back.
Back to spongebath, vomiting, the works, and praying to God.
Fever went down again. We decided to take a nap in case we could make it to my dad's for Christmas eve.
When I woke up, Ben's fever was burning at 40.2.

Jeroen and I carried him to the bathroom and undressed him. Spongebath, meds, the works.
It is now 11:36 PM. The boys are all sleeping. I'm always the last to sleep at home.
We've opened most of our presents, now I still have the task of wrapping 'Santa's presents' and putting them under the tree.

P.S. So happy I was able to have lechon tonight. Didn't know I would be home for Christmas.
I didn't eat the whole day, so this was such a blessing.
Thank you Genevieve for accommodating.

Even the chef approved. Jeroen detected garlic. His main focus of lechon is the flavor of the meat, mine's the skin. And both were perfected.

Hope you're having a great noche buena.
Me, I love the crackling parts.

Thank you everyone for all the presents you sent, including my iTunes!
Thank you Lord for our blessings.

The Gap, Tokyo-style

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:23:48 GMT

Special thanks to the Gap for sponsoring our 6 millionth promo.
Stuck at home, I unearthed these footages from my October trip to Japan, to cover Gap's SS10 collection.
It was held at Omotesando Hills, one of the few malls in that area.
The mall was designed by Tadao Ando—not too excited about the commercialization of Omotesando but at least they got a ~~good~~ great designer.
The Gap event was staged in the white space of one of the lower basements in the mall.

Inside, Patrick Robinson's designs for Spring/Summer 2010 featuring his version of the 'hip gardener.'
Watch the stylists putting finishing touches on the models. Don't you wish our models looked like that?
The stylists are awesome. Who knew Gap could look like this. And who knew Japanese press dress down for events?
My kind of town.

All footage were shot on a Flip video.
Mickey, I owe you one!

More here.
Gap stores are at SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza mall, TriNoMa, Robinsons Place Midtown, Glorietta 4, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, and SM Megamall.

Best e-cards

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:32:52 GMT

My favorite artist

Merry Christmas, Ryan & Garovs!

Thank you for my pressie!

Kim Peek, the original 'Rain Man' dies

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:22:57 GMT

Kim Peek, the autistic savant who inspired the Oscar-winning film Rain Man, has died, aged 58.
Mr Peek's father Fran said that his son had suffered a major heart attack on Saturday and was pronounced dead at a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, the town where he had spent his life.

Mr Peek was probably the world's most famous savant. Described as a confounding mixture of disability and genius, his astonishing ability to retain knowledge inspired the writer Barry Morrow to write Rain Man, the 1988 movie starring Dustin Hoffman that won four Academy Awards.
Born in 1951 in Salt Lake city, Mr Peek was diagnosed as severely mentally retarded and his parents were advised to place him in an institution and forget about him. Thirty years later, he was classified as a "mega-savant," a genius in about 15 different subjects, from history and literature and geography to numbers, sports, music and dates.

By the time of his death he had committed more than 9,000 books to memory and Nasa made him the subject of MRI-based research, hoping that technology used to study the effects of space travel on the brain would help explain his mental capabilities.
He would read eight books a day, taking just ten seconds to read a page. He could read two pages simultaneously, his left eye reading the left page and his right eye reading the right page.

But throughout his life he still needed 24-hour care. Despite his great mental agility, his motor skills remained limited; he could not perform simple tasks such as dressing himself or combing his hair.
His father Fran became his sole carer after Mr Peek's parent divorced in 1975. Fran Peek said that care of his son was a 30-hour-day, 10-day-a-week job but he did it devotedly, encouraging Kim to make the most of his abilities. But Mr Peek remained deeply introverted. It was not until he met Dustin Hoffman, when the Hollywood star was researching his role in Rain Man, that he could look into another person's face. He was 37 at the time.

Dustin Hoffman advised Fran Peek not to hide his son away. Mr Peek said of that meeting: "Dustin Hoffman said to me, you have to promise me one thing about this guy, share him with the world. And pretty soon it got so that nobody was a stranger to him, they were people, and so was he."
He took Hoffman's advice, putting his son on stage in front of thousands of people for whom he answered, almost always correctly, the most obscure questions they could test him with.
He thrived on his new found fame. Mr Morrow said of him: "I love the way he's flowered, it belies the myth that people don't change, especially people with developmental disabilities."
Four years before his death, Mr Peek said: "I wasn't supposed to make it past about 14, and yet here I am at 54, a celebrity!"

Source

Holiday Diet Tip #1

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:40:10 GMT

I know I'm supposed to share a diet trick with you, but I was not allowed to disclose the name of my diet doctor, due to the patients/clients not wanting to share. Even though some of you already know who it is.
Some of the doctor's clients don't want to wait any longer than they do. I know because I've waited for two excruciating hours there and don't want to go through it again.

I would like to share one of the things the "skinny doctor" did prescribe, which has worked wonders for me, Jeroen and Lia.
The bottle will last you for a long time. It's called Carnipure and it's available at the clinic for Php 2550/bottle, and at Skinwise, a stall at SM Hypermart for Php 2500.

This is a bottle of L-Carnitine which is an effective fat burner that raises your metabolism.
From my experience, if I eat plenty and take it, I don't gain.
If I diet and take it, I lose weight.
So it's a win-win situation. I have no palpitations or side effects.
It's not a win-win for your wallet though. I find the price expensive.

Start by taking 10 ml. twice a day.
Go up to 15 ml. twice a day. Then 20 ml. twice a day.
Do not take more than 40 ml./day.

I do find it bloody expensive (that's my money over there).
Jeroen and I share a bottle so it goes kind of fast.
The taste is very sour even though it's orange-flavored. Just wash it down with water.

The skinny doctor has a monthly L-carnitine shot/injection for the same price. I think I'll try that next time.
Keep you posted. Happy eating!

xoxo

Fred Perry pops up at Rockwell

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:36:07 GMT

For a limited time, shop Fred Perry at the Powerplant mall for your fashionable man, girlfriend, sibling, parent or self.
Look for it at the Archeology Wing right by the giant stuffed animals.
Up to January 31, 2010.

Slutita with bad hair shows no signs of remorse

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:10:53 GMT

Must get this issue of YES!

Two sleeps to go

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:41:01 GMT

Who's afraid of circular clusters?

I am! Only two sleeps before Christmas eve. I have no more gana to shop. I just have to deliver a few things tomorrow.

Did you know that Santa Claus now requires you to fill up a Visitation Form before he goes to your house?
Got this from deluxeduck and asked Ben to fill it up. (click to enlarge)

Ben is 8 and has been hearing from school mates that Santa is mom and dad. I still remember when we found out. I was seven years old. My sister is kind of a smart aleck/wise ass who realized Santa had the same hand writing as my mom. So we confronted in bed her and my mom didn't deny. My heart was broken.
So now when my son asks, I just keep saying the Lucy Torres Gomez formula: "If you don't believe he will not give you any presents."
That kind of stops the questioning for a bit. And then it continues.
I don't want to reveal because Markus is only six and still has baby teeth. I'll have to wait when Marky is eight and starts to ask.

If your child is currently in doubt, here's the PDF form for printing.

You know what I think I deserve the T-shirt that says "I survived Christmas."
While we love the holidays, can't help but feel the stress that comes with it.

From my Inbox

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:19:37 GMT

This letter, which comes from my friend Anna, gives you an idea what kind of person Yaya Luring was. Anna used to be close to Sharon Cuneta a long time ago, before she moved to Uruguay.

Hi Cecile,
Thank you for your posting on Yaya Luring, "La" as we called her.
I have been so sad!
The very close friendship years I shared with Sharon (15 years in total) made me very close to her, too, of course.
She was a living example of pure love, she loved Sharon more than she did her own kids.
She took care of me, too—she made the best pan-grilled pork chops and steaks, one minute massages, etc.—countless memories!!

I haven't been able to speak to Sharon as she is not picking up calls so I can only imagine how devastated she is.

Merry Christmas to you and your boys!
We decided to stay put in Montevideo this year and spend the holidays, for the first time with my mother-in-law.
It's summertime and the days are very long and the nights are warm so it's very weird not to have the cool crisp weather Christmas feel.

love,
Anna

About the yaya. This article was written ten years ago.

Winners Circle

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:59:11 GMT

Following are the top 6 who made it to the 6 millionth promo:

Finalists who are all winners
Prizes will be determined in a raffle draw at Pepper Lunch Shang

1) Ronald de Borja
2) Tina Rago
3) Eden Marquez

Runnersup

4) Carissa Castro
5) Jinette Baradi
6) Wednesdee-Perpetual O. Arroco

I kid you not!

Here's yesterday's crazy stats:

Will send you invitations for our date. See you soon!
and thanks for joining!

xoxo

Yaya Luring goes out in style

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:04:56 GMT

When we were younger, Yaya Luring was a legend among all yayas in her Chanel bags and product endorsements.

Sadly, Sharon Cuneta's beloved yaya died at 80 years old at the worst time—just before Christmas.
Sharon's last gift to her yaya is a wake at Forbes Park and a final resting place at Heritage Park.
Well done Yaya Luring. Sharon was blessed to have someone like you.

Planners

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:57:49 GMT

Manila is planner-crazy and it all began with the Starbucks planner. I never got into it simply because I don't drink coffee, but I think the Starbucks planner lost its luster a couple of years back, design-wise .
I do love planners. I used to buy one abroad all the time because of the lack of choices here, until I discovered the iCal on my Mac, which I can't do without.
I still love paper planners though. I actually bought a couple of cheap ones from National Bookstore last month—before I got the Luxe Prints planner.
One is the thin Feng Shui monthly planner, which doesn't offer much, design-wise, but has the feng shui days, holidays, and a to-do list and notes on the side. At Php 35, you can't go wrong.

The other planner I got from National offers zero design on the cover (they should've left it white instead) but I like the inside because it has that monthly calendar format like iCal does and has better paper than above.

Take note that these two thin planners will not weigh down your handbag.
I should really design a Pepper Lunch planner next year.
Now comes the Luxe Prints planner which was given to me for the 6 millionth promo.
It comes in four different girly covers—I have to admit, a bit girly for me, but I lean towards the disco dolly because of the disco ball.

Illustrated by Joanna Tripon, maybe they can collaborate with stylists next year (read: me) on the wardrobe, hehe (for darker colors, but that's just me).

The diary is made of good quality paper, especially inside. It is a a weekly planner with dividers per month and lots of pages to write notes in. The book is about 3/4" thick, but the size (5.5" x 7") is small enough to fit in your bag. I like this layout. (click to enlarge)

The Luxe Prints planners are available at Php 450 each at Fully Booked, Powerbooks, Sun Lab or at http://luxeprints.org/

The stats

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:04:15 GMT

186,000 page loads
24,000 page views
880 online at its peak

24 people who got it right
more than 200 people who got it wrong

I have three winners and three runners-up.
Please check your email before I post your names.

Thank you for joining!

Wala pang 6 million!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:52:16 GMT

People stop sending me your screenshots.
It's not 6,000,000 yet. You can't win.

Berry Christmas!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:45:52 GMT

From Googoo & Gaga:

"We are proud to announce the googoo&gaga 2009 Kooky Kid of the Year—BERRY DYCHIAO!
With a total of 577 votes, Berry won by a landslide! She wins 3 onesies/tees of her choice and a one-off custom designed onesie/tee just for her, WORTH A TOTAL OF P5,000!
Thank you, everyone, for making this contest crazy exciting for our team! What a blast! Cheers to you, googoo&gaga fans!"

Thanks for voting for Berry!!

http://googooandgaga.com/

The Black Swirl

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:50:11 GMT

As an ambidextrous computer user, meaning I can go from Mac to PC, I prefer Apple and HP only.
I love HP because there are great people behind it—for great design, function, style and marketing.
I can't tell you how excited I am to be giving away this HP Mini 110 Black Swirl.

It’s not just a Mini, it’s an HP!

The HP Mini 110 is an ultra-portable notebook that boasts impeccable style and productivity, powered by the latest Intel Atom Processor so you can surf, enjoy music, watch videos, and send emails at home or outside.
Plus, the HP Mini 110’s 92% full-sized keyboard lets you enjoy comfortable typing.
It comes with a huge 160GB drive that’s two times bigger than previous models.

Ultra lightweight and compact (only 1.03 inches thin), the HP Mini 110 is designed to go without weighing you down. The small wonder fits in backpacks, briefcases, and even purses. Its wide 10.1” screen with high-resolution clarity creates optimum viewing without straining the eyes.

It comes with wireless connectivity options and a webcam so you enjoy maximized communication anytime and anywhere, from web conferencing to VOIP on demand.
The HP Mini 110 also features Syncables, an all-new feature that lets you stay in sync while on the move. You can update files while on-the-go and sync effortlessly with your Home PC via wireless network.

Priced at only P22,950, the HP Mini 110 is now available at HP stores and resellers nationwide.

Now you can win this HP Mini 110 Black Swirl through our promo below!

http://chuvaness.livejournal.com/767906.html

Commercial muna

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:41:05 GMT

Now, back to the promo.
Read next entry!

Today's the day!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:24:48 GMT

I've been tense for today. A volcano could explode anytime. I haven't had a decent sleep in weeks. I'm expecting the 6,000,000th reader today!
I was supposed to post this last night but I wanted to make sure everyone got to sleep properly, so I woke up early to post this.

You know the drill, here are the rules:

1) Take a screencap of the number 6,000,000 found on the right side of this screen. Must include Pepper Lunch logo and weather pixie and the number online (in yellow).
2) Email quickly to chuvaness@livejournal.com.
3) Screencap must be entire page and not cropped or photoshopped.
4) Photoshopped or duplicate screencaps from different contestants will be disqualified.
5) I will only look at the first ten entries that come in with the 6,000,000 screencap, so the contest is about speed.
6) From there, the top three are eligible to win first second and third place in a raffle draw to be held at Pepper Lunch Shangri-La Plaza after Christmas.
7) Winners must be able to claim their prize in person with ID. They must also bring an email invitation from me to the raffle draw.
8) Three runnersup will win consolation prizes, same venue. All winners and runnersup may bring one friend to the meet-up.

I had a whole list of people who wanted to give prizes today. I wasn't able to contact everyone. Some of those I contacted weren't able to send their prizes on time, so I'll use those for 8 millionth. If you are interested to give a prize for 8 millionth, please email: chuvaness@livejournal.com.
Again, I apologize to those I wasn't able to contact at this time.

I want to thank all those who contributed prizes for this promo.

A laptop from HP (details in a bit)

T715 phone from Sony Ericsson

Flip Ultra*

Vabene watches*

Daphne Linens by Linens Direct*

Php 5,000 gift certificate from Piandré salon

Eco bags from Envirosax and Rootote

Totes and notes from Mommypads

Moleskines from National Book Store

2010 planners from Luxe Prints

Goodies from Team Manila

Goody bag from Bleach Catastophe

Tons of Carmex lip balm

Tons of Nestlé Fitnesse

Enjoy privilege card kits

Bottled Up umbrellas*

Lulu Castagnette watches
'

Php 5,000 gift certificate from Jollibee

Php 10,500 gift certificate from Pepper Lunch (now open at Greenbelt 5)

Php 3,000 gift certificate from Red Mango

Php 10,000 gift certificate from The Gap

Php 10,000 gift certificate from Republ1c*

Php 10,000 gift certificate from Kira Plastinina*

Php 10,000 gift certificate from Kate Torralba x Paperdolls

and Php 10,000 gift certificate from Crossings

Here's the guide of what you'll get if you win:

Plus, some charms from Tickles!

*details, branches, and how to order to follow.

Later!
C

Brace yourself

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:32:02 GMT

Volcano may erupt soon.
Some people still refuse to evacuate.
We should prepare for relief goods. John-D are you there?
I worry about my eco garden.

Mga shondercats, let's go!!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:56:46 GMT

Confeermed: Tears For Fears, live at the Araneta Coliseum on May 2nd, 2010.

Via: Curt Smith blog

Since all the good videos of Tears For Fears are verboten on YouTube, watch this literal version of "Head Over Heels."
It's mind-bogglingly hilarious.
"Do you like my mullet? Business in front, party in back!"

Still on voiceovers

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:17:55 GMT

Why can't ABS-CBN hire a voice like this?
That Sarimanok voice they use at ABS is so annoying.
Watch the late Don LaFontaine at work, with over 750,000 television spots, 5,000 movie trailers and one voice.
Don LaFontaine had the most recognizable voice when he was alive.
Now listen to the legend's story as told by The Voice himself.

Annoying voice!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:03:20 GMT

Sumakit ang tiyan ko. Someone please explain

Two days to go

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:34:29 GMT

Goodbye Max Brenner.
Hermes barricade is down!
Look at that gorgeous sign.

Via: @divasoria

Hero

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:30:12 GMT

I have no political or PR agenda, Jeroen and I just really want to treat Efren Peñaflorida and his volunteers at Pepper Lunch next month.
Harold took this photo for me. Can't wait to meet them.

P.S. I'll send some charms tomorrow to Greenbelt 5.
They are Php 120 with receipt and Php 150 straight sale.
See you at GB5!
xoxo

First photos: PL GB5

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:06:08 GMT

Practically unannounced except for Twitter, the fourth Pepper Lunch outlet opened at Greenbelt 5 to a packed crowd.
Opening day began with prayers, a practice we've been keeping since the first store on Day One

Wataru-san, our support manager flew in from Singapore. He is our first customer at 10:45 AM.

A line starts to form outside

Lance fixes the replica food which were flown in from Japan (that was my idea)

And we're packed!

We're still running on cash basis, pending credit card terminals.
No worries, ATM machine is just a few steps away.
See you all at Greenbelt 5!