When In Manila, we have long awaited the arrival of one who can properly craft a gems and stones into something truly worth admiring.   Just like a diamond is time’s definition of coal, Manila’s long wait has finally crafted us Victoria Panopio.       Victoria Panopio, hailed as one of Mega Magazine’s “Young Women to Look Out For,” is half of the designing mind behind Panopio Jewelry, the other half being [...]

  When in Manila and you think you’ve seen it all… well you better think again!   This coming February 14, Hoopla inc. together with official sponsors Manila Hotel and Fox International will introduce a revolutionary production from Argentina that’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Fuerza Bruta is an event filled with artistic thrills that will surely grab everyone’s attention and stun the senses. The show is not the typical theater play but a [...]

  Painting by Zaldy Garra     Asian Cultural Council sets Feb. 4 Fundraising Auction   Constantly championing the Filipino artist, the Asian Cultural Council Phils. holds its annual art auction on Feb. 4, 2012 to raise funds for its Philippine Fellowship Program.   Since its establishment in 2000, the ACC Philippines together with ACC New York Foundation, have been providing grants to over 60 Filipino artists in various disciplines. In the last two years, [...]

  When in Manila and looking to explore your senses, my favorite stop would be Nectar Restaurant.         A while back, I had the pleasure of coming to an exhibit in Nectar during their soft open stage (read more here). This was where I learned about Nectar’s concept: how the restaurant is centered around food and wine pairings, aiming to let everyone appreciate the wonders of vino.         Having enjoyed [...]

     From BJ Formento:   Hi Vince,   we love your blog, WhenInManila.com,  and commend you on such fabulous content!!   Here is a some of our work we shot in 3 weeks, that we want to share with Manila and the world.   It is work in progress.  Richeille is my partner and art director, I have been shooting for over 20 years and been based out of NYC since the 90′s.  We just fell [...]

    When in Manila and looking to do something unique for the upcoming Valentines day, you might want to book a photo shoot with the ladies of The Boudoir Dolls.   The holidays are over but the boudoir dolls are gearing up for another busy Valentines day. While a lot are probably thinking of gifts for their better halves, the dolls would like to think that it’s also a day when we can celebrate [...]

      There  is sooooo much to be thankful for when in Manila or may it be anywhere in the world! The only sad part is that oftentimes, we fail to recognize and appreciate them because we are too focused on what we do not have rather than the things which we do have!     So before we bid goodbye to 2011, may we take the time to remember and be thankful for [...]

  When in Manila, learn to be organized despite your hectic schedule and busy environment by using a planner. For the youth, a planner’s more than just a planner; it’s something personal where you can put your thoughts and what-nots. Personally the more I get to express myself with my planner, the better I think the planner is. With these standards in mind, I found the best choice for the coming year– the Filed 2012 [...]

  When in Manila, one can’t help noticing the vibrant life pulsating through the concrete punctuated by the smorgasbord of sounds, sights, and smells from the inhabitants of the city. The constant assault of stimuli on the senses inevitably mold the most creative minds; for truly, life breeds creativity.   Being a people full of life, ergo a people with right brains exploding with color, music, and taste, it seems contradicting that our passionate love [...]

  When In Manila, I always make it a point to see, hear, feel, and taste the different sights and sounds this city has to offer, especially when it comes to the collaborative form of art also known as the theatre. Here in Manila we seem to have very little of this, or probably I have not researched well enough which is why I think that Filipinos experience very little of it.   For me, [...]

  When In Manila…’WALK THIS WAY!‘ Yes, walk your way to Carlos Celdran‘s world-famous tour  of  ’Intramuros’ in Manila.  Celdran gives guided tours of the old walled city of Manila, the Intramuros, and people throng to him, following him like he is the ‘Pied Piper’ of the Philippines !! He sings the National anthem of the Philippines with his hand on his heart (and boy, he’s a pretty good singer!). The tour begins….       [...]

  When in Manila and would like to learn on how to capture lovely and meaningful photos, we suggest you enroll at Jim Paredes’ Basic Photography Workshop!         Sir Jim Paredes is truly an artist in many ways – A member of the legendary singing group Apo Hiking Society, prolific songwriter, performer, author, teacher, photographer, lecturer- name it, you got it! I actually grew up listening to the music of Apo Hiking [...]

Quand vous êtes à Manille, or in English When In Manila (actually, it’s better translated as “When you are in Manila”), as much as you’d like to be, you are not in “the Paris of The Orient.”  China’s glittering commercial city of Shanghai, long ago, claimed that title for itself, but with the lights, the glitz, the glamour, and the history, you have to admit, Manila could be a close second.         For one night, [...]

  When In Manila and in a celebratory mood? What is there to celebrate about? Not just the 100 years of existence of De La Salle University Manila but also the celebration of arts through dance in this wonderful event.   Sinag Productions, the AB Arts Management Program and the Performing Arts major in Dance program of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts will premiere a dance production entitled “Siglo”  [...]

  When in Manila and you are just itching to travel, why don’t you drop by SM The Block and take a short trip around the world?  You can actually view a very creative set of landmarks made of nothing but Lego blocks!  Many of what you will see in the Lego Around the World exhibit are built by Jig Manaloto, a Filipino construction toy builder, who has been a Lego enthusiast since he was [...]

  When In Manila, its very easy to get lost in the hustle bustle of the city and the monotonous everyday cycle of the metro. Having spent virtually all my life traipsing around the city, I believe that every now and then we really should let loose and indulge our senses.   Enter Pinwheel Productions, an art PR/events management team. In so many words, Pinwheel’s Patricia Malay explained to me that art need not be [...]

   When In Manila Do Not Miss the Live Comedy of Rex Navarrete at his show called Rex Reloaded at the NBC Tent, BGC November 16th !    REX NAVARRETE RETURNS!   Rex is back! After sold out shows in the Philippines, Rex Navarrete returns for two nights courtesy of Catalyst Revolution. If you missed him the first time you can catch him at “RexNavarrete: Rex Reloaded” at the NBC Tent on Wednesday, November 16 or “Rex Navarrete Live” at the Waterfront Hotel Cebu on Friday, [...]

When in Manila, did you know that the Golden South Sea Pearl found only in Palawan is the National Jewel of the Philippines? Hmmm. Better drop by Jewelmer Joaillerie at Newport Mall to take a peep at these very eye-catching jewels!      Jewelmer Joaillerie, a French Filipino luxury brand opens its 17th store, a concept boutique, at Newport Mall, with a showroom that features the full range of its luxury product line.     [...]

  When in Manila and craving for Mochi balls, there is only 1 place to remember…. Dezato Mochi Cafe!   2 yrs ago, it was our editor Vince who featured this place. He told me  it’s his favorite dessert place so I got even more curious!  I feel very fortunate for giving me this assignment because for the longest time, I’ve been really curious on what mochi balls are!   Whenever I go to Parvati [...]

When In Manila, there is a ninety-nine point nine percent chance that you are stressed.  Between work and the infamous Philippine traffic you have to fight to get to work (or do it), there is very little time to sleep, much less enjoy some leisure time.  Unless, of course, there is a long weekend–a blessing to busy city slickers who want to find time to enjoy the finer things in life.  November 5 fell on [...]