"Confidently beautiful with a heart" -- a phrase popularized by ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach aptly describes what a beauty queen should be: a lady who represents "beauty with a purpose." 

Prior to the coronation of the 2016 Miss Universe, 19 candidates spent time and harnessed their creativity to customize Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers to be auctioned for the Positive Action Foundation, which is supported by the Miss Universe organization. This advocacy is devoted to helping individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families, particularly those who lost their jobs due to the stigma of their medical condition.

Beauty pageant aficionados and Chucks collectors now have the chance to own a personalized Chucks by the following candidates: Ms. Angola – Luisa Baptista, Ms. Belgium – Stephanie Goldof, Ms. Belize – Rebecca Rath, Ms. Brazil – Raissa Santana, Ms. Bulgaria – Violina Ancheva, Ms. Cayman Islands – Monyque Brooks, Ms. Costa Rica – Carolina Duran, Ms. Germany – Johanna Acs, Ms. Guatemala – Virginia Argueta, Ms. Iceland – Hildur Maria, Ms. Mexico – Kristal Silva, Ms. Netherlands – Zoey Ivory, Ms. Nicaragua – Marina Jacoby, Ms. Panama – Keity Drenan, Ms. Paraguay – Andrea Melgarejo, Ms. Philippines – Maxine Medina, Ms. Russia – Yuliana Korolkova, Ms. Thailand – Chalita Suansane, and Ms. Uruguay – Magdalena Cohendent.

Through a silent bid auction, interested individuals are encouraged to give their bids, names, and contact details to the information officer in any of the mall exhibits of the shoes or thru a private message at the Converse Philippines Facebook page. Starting bid for all pairs is US$50.

View the personalized pairs at the exhibits in the following dates and venues:

Keep updated by liking Converse Philippines on Facebook. You can also join the conversation online by using and searching for the hashtag #ConversePHx65MissUniverse.

For people living in the South of Metro Manila, you need not go far to look for places where you can celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year in style! Crimson Hotel Filinvest City, Manila located in Alabang, Muntinlupa is offering great deals with festive room packages and culinary offerings as it welcomes the Year of the Fire Rooster.

a unplanned reunion with former Business World colleagues at Crimson Hotel photo credit: Joy Wong-Sy

Be part of the fun as Crimson Hotel comes alive with festive activities including an exhibit of artworks by artist Jevie Pagaguitan. His pieces has transformed The Gallery into a beautiful garden featuring prosperity trees made with upcycled materials. 

a fire rooster display made using upcycled materials

Take a good look at the rooster sculpture and you'll be amazed to find some household stuff incorporated in the design. The small prosperity trees with pink flowers? They're made out of the bottoms of soda bottles! You have to visit Crimson Hotel to better appreciate what I am telling you about.  

prosperity tree using upcycled materials

Guests can also engage in some shopping sprees as merchants selling feng shui items, paintings, and Chinese delicacies will also be there to create a Little Chinatown feel.

Chinese New Year merchandise

Be treated to a revelry of good fortune, great food, and live entertainment on January 29, 2017 as the hotel presents its Chine New Year Brunch Buffet celebration at The Grand Ballroom. For Php 1,588++ per person, you'll get to be entertained by troupes of colorful dragon dancers, traditional Chinese theater performances, and acrobats as well as meet Feng Shui Expert Joseph Chau as he leads the Chinese New Year ceremony at the ground Lobby prior to the luncheon upstairs.

(from left) Crimson Hotel's Executive Assistant Manager Michael Gapin, Feng Shui expert Joseph Chan, and upcycle artist Jevie Pagaguitan

Diners who avail of the Chinese New Year Brunch are entitled to join the raffle where they can win an overnight stay in a Presidential Suite for four persons.

our lunch's menu was written in Chinese calligraphy!

From January 27 to February 4, 2017, guests can also look forward to a bounty of Chinese culinary favorites at Cafe Eight as guest Chef Adrian Lim creates sumptuous specialties such as Suckling Pig, Longevity Noodles, Jelly Fish, and assorted Dim Sum. This endless parade of Chinese dishes can be availed of for Php 1,238++ per person for lunch and Php 1,418++ per person for dinner. Buffet rates include free-flowing beverages such as wine, beer, juice, and sodas.

assorted dim sum

Thinking of a staycation during the Chinese New Year? Book direct and use the promo code CNY2017 to avail of the Lucky Rooster Room Package from January 28 to 29, 2017 for a special rate starting at Php 5,888++. This is inclusive of buffet breakfast for two, complimentary Feng Shui Guide for 2017 by Mr. Chau, complimentary tickets for two to the Chinese New Year Brunch celebration and late checkout at 6PM. This booking also entitles you for a chance to win an overnight stay for two in an Executive Club room.

an Executive Room at Crimson Hotel

For inquiries and bookings, visit their official website at http://www.crimsonhotel.com/manila/.

  

A very chosen few are gifted with the talent for art and it is heartwarming to know when someone with that gift uses it not only for personal expression but, more so, for making a difference.

Korina Carla “KC” Nevada became aware of her innate artistic abilities when she learned ballet as a very young girl. Her natural gravitation into theater arts helped KC understand herself better as well as how to interpret the world around her. Painting became the springboard from which her style of passion-based art evolved. 

Born and raised in Baguio City, KC took her first painting lessons at age eight under local renowned artist, Ted Caia. This began her understanding of the technique, balance, and harmony in painting.

One of the sad realities for parents like us who have kids with special needs is the big challenge of communication. Because many of these children are unable to talk, it can oftentimes be difficult to decipher what they want to say. I admit to feeling despair whenever my son, who has cerebral palsy, would cry nonstop and I begin to run out of ideas how to make him smile again.

Kang Rui and his mom, Jia Jing

The same is true for parents of children who have other forms of disabilities. Few people understand that acting up or throwing tantrums is one way for special children to vent out their frustrations about not being able to communicate their thoughts and feelings well.

art as a form of communication

Daiso Japan, the number one supplier of living ware goods and more popularly known for its 100 yen stores in Japan, teamed up for the second time with Cosplay.ph Organization, Inc. in this year's biggest and most popular cosplay event in the Philippines. 

Cherry Blossom tree!

The much-awaited Cosplay Mania 2016 was recently held in SMX Convention Center this past weekend. It was attended not only by cosplayers but also by hobbyists, artists, and performers who engaged in cosplay solo showdowns, costume building contests, and exciting team battles.

Spiderman overload with these creative young people

My husband and I dropped by to admire the creativity of young and young-at-heart Filipinos who love cosplaying. Expectedly, we saw a lot of familiar characters that range from anime and cartoons to movie superheroes and villains. My favorite would have to be an adorable kid named Princess Margaret in a Sailor Moon costume who gamely posed for a photo with me.

cutest Sailor Moon cosplayer, ever

When in Baguio City, where do you frequently go? For many tourists, the regular stomping grounds usually include Burnham Park, Mines View Park, ukay stores, and several popular dining places that you must have seen over and over on your Facebook feed or were recommended by family and friends.

#TeamFloresca at Camp John Hay

The next time you and your family go to Baguio, consider booking a room at Azalea Hotels & Residences (read my hotel review, here) and asking their travel concierge to help plan your Baguio holiday. Azalea can point you to new and not-so-well known destinations in the city as well as suggest activities that you and your loved ones would enjoy doing together.

pine trees and clouds on a beautiful day in Baguio

Recently, my family and I, together with several friends' families stayed in Azalea and had a great time seeing other parts of Baguio that we would most likely overlook if we were the ones who planned the trip. On our first day, after checking in at the hotel and having lunch, we went to Tam-awan Village, Baguio's Garden in the Sky, in Pinsao Proper.

entrance to Tam-awan Village

There, we feasted our eyes on indigenous works of art that feature beautiful Cordilleran craftsmanship. The village is a venue for art exhibits and workshops that aim to foster a deeper appreciation of the Cordillera people's cultural heritage. We were even fortunate to catch a group of dancers who were being filmed for a TV documentary.

a glimpse of Cordilleran culture

It was quite rainy that afternoon so we didn't get to catch the sunset that they say can be magnificent when viewed from Tam-awan (which aptly means vantage point). Our group had individual portraits done, though, by three artists. I honestly couldn't see my resemblance in the drawing made for me, but I am happy how my sons' portraits turned out.

nice portraits of my sons done by artist Ponso Dato

The next morning, we went to go horseback riding. Many of us thought we'd be going to Mines View Park where horses for photo-ops usually are. We didn't know that Camp John Hay has horses (without the ridiculous colors) for rent and trails to explore.

my friends' son, Ben, confidently handling his horse

I also mistakenly assumed (minus points for not asking questions!) that getting on a horse would be just a few minutes, enough for taking some pictures with it. So I had my hubby hold my phone to take a few shots before my horse's handler led me towards a trail followed by the horses of my other companions. It was minutes later when we were told we'll be riding for about an hour along the Yellow Trail!

mother and son on horseback

Despite feeling quite bummed that I left my phone with hubby, I felt really proud of my son, Gab, who rode his horse without the aid of any handler! I, on the other hand, was worried that my skittish horse might suddenly bolt so I insisted my guide to hold the ropes all throughout the ride. I knew my butt and thighs would hurt the next day but the experience of passing through underneath pine trees and feeling the cold gentle wind on my face was worth the impending pain.

Mommy Emma and Maki

Thankfully, we met the San Juan family at a clearing so I got to ask my friend Ryan to take some photos of us while his lovely wife Emma and pretty daughter Maki rode a horse nearby. Their son, Ben, looks very comfortable on top of his own horse and went ahead with us back to the starting point.

a lovely "prenup" shot by our son, Gab :)

Before leaving the area, we found a lot of pretty spots as backgrounds for more photo. Needless to say, we grabbed the opportunity to take as many as we could and I am very happy with the results. The mommies and daddies even got some great "prenup" shots! :p

a picnic under the pine trees

After the horseback riding sessions, we went to the picnic grounds where Azalea staff prepared a picnic for us. The small kids had fun running around the spacious area while the adults enjoyed the peaceful ambiance that you can only feel outdoors away from the bustling city.

hot and rich chocolate drink that's perfect for a rainy afternoon

Thankfully, we were already replete with good food by the time it started to drizzle as it happens during the afternoons during our trip. We went back to the vans and were brought to Choco-Late de Batirol, a charming place that serves hot chocolate and Filipino delicacies like bibingka and suman. There, I got to chat longer with fellow mom, Nike, who had a lot of good and funny stories to tell.

waiting for the hot choco and local delicacies

We got back to Azalea around 4PM, the ideal time when hubby and I normally go out for practice runs. So we did and roamed the roads of Camp John Hay to clock in 5.4 kilometers in less than an hour. 

one of the best places for a practice run!

After a lovely dinner at Tradisyon, Nike, hubby, our son Gab, and I made a quick trip to the Night Market at Harrison Road where I searched for a bigger jacket for James (scored two at very low prices!) while hubby happily bought a pair of Converse shoes.

parents' night out

We would have liked to stay longer but I was afraid we'd be tempted to shop until midnight and we had to get back to the videoke night bonding with our fellow moms and dads. I had fun chatting with new friends Jana and Amanda and learning that we have a lot of things in common.

bursts of colors as seen from the highway

Early the next morning, we headed out to La Trinidad to go strawberry picking. Before we reached it, we stopped by Sitio Botiwtiw along the highway to take photos of the recently painted houses that look like a huge mural on a hill. It was hard to find a good shot though because of numerous electric cables. We heard the view would be best from the top the hill across where the houses are but we didn't have enough time, nor the permission, to do so. Maybe in a future trip? :)

kids and strawberries make great combinations

Upon reaching the Strawberry Fields though, we found out that strawberries are no longer in season (they were, in fact, being sold at P100 per styrofoam pack!) so we just bought bundles of lettuce, strawberries, strawberry ice cream, and strawberry taho, which delighted the young ones and young-once.

my boys enjoying strawberry ice cream

I admired several beautiful paintings displayed on the side of the parking lot and the artist tried to sell me one but I ran out of enough cash and the ATMs were located in the city center. Too bad, I would really like to have one of those hanging in one wall of our house. Someday, I hope I could come back and help that talented artist earn extra funds for his family.

paintings for sale displayed on a sidewalk

Before going back to Azalea, we dropped by Arca's Yard along Ambuklao Road. It is a charming place filled with beautiful art pieces as well as lots of nooks and crannies for photo shoots. Aside from this nice family photo we got, check the other one included in my Azalea hotel review, here.

#WeAreTeamFloresca at Arca's Yard

We got to try the camote pie and cloud tea at Arca's yard and they are both good! I recommend having those as an afternoon or mid-morning snack (like we did) while enjoying the beautiful views the place has to offer. 

mid-morning snack at Arca's Yard

Pretty soon, we had to go back to Azalea to pack our stuff and get ready to check out after lunch. It was such a lovely three-day trip that my family and I would definitely remember forever. I pray that my sons would cherish the memories we made together and allow those to become inspirations to also take time and be with their loved ones when they already have families of their own :)

I've been a fan of Freeway's National Artist Collectors' Series ever since the F. Sionil Jose Collection was launched in 2011. The pieces they always came up with have very nice designs that beautifully incorporate each artist's specialty.

This year, Freeway pays tribute to the first and only Moro honored as National Artist of the Philippines to date. Named National Artist for Sculpture in 2006, Abdulmari Imao was not only a sculptor but also a painter, ceramist, photographer, film maker, and writer. 

Known as a patron of Philippine Muslim Art and Culture, Imao had his own unique adaptation of traditional Muslim motifs such that his artworks exude a strong sense of nationalism and passion for his culture and heritage. Clearly, he made pieces that are fine examples of unity through diversity. 

Many of us grew up drinking Coca-Cola, it being the one of the most iconic beverages of all time. A couple of days ago, the brand unveiled a new global communications campaign that reaffirms how celebrating moments can be made more special simply by having a bottle of the refreshing drink.

Dubbed "Taste the Feeling™," the campaign fully embodies the uplifting refreshment of drinking Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, or Coke Light through great universal storytelling and rich visual imagery. According to Marcos de Quinto, Chief Marketing Officer of The Coca-Cola Company, "The new global approach is a powerful investment behind all Coca-Cola products, showing how everyone can enjoy the specialness of an ice-cold Coca-Cola, with or without calories, with or without caffeine."

With the product at the heart of its communications, Taste the Feeling™ spotlights Coca-Cola as the hero of their advertising efforts, capturing both its functional and emotional traits. "[It's about] how having a Coke makes any moment more memorable and more special,"described Stephan Czypionka, Vice President for Marketing, Coca- Cola Philippines.

To fully illustrate both in visual and through music intimate glimpses into everyday stories, feelings and experiences that people share while enjoying an ice-cold Coca-Cola, the company gathered global creative minds from different agencies, commissioned distinguished fashion and commercial photographers, partnered with three independent artists, and collaborated with a renowned songwriter and producer to come up with beautiful visual and auditory materials.

The creative campaign is anchored in the fundamentals of the Coca-Cola brand - the Spencerian script, the red disc and the iconic glass bottle - to provide a sensorial experience for consumers featuring authentic and real moments, a continuation of the long legacy of Coca-Cola.

I've read in some articles that people go to coffee shops not really for the coffee but for the ambiance and a place to hangout with friends. But I believe how the coffee tastes is also a big factor why patrons frequent certain establishments.

Me? I prefer coffee shops that not only serve good coffee but also prepare good food. Right now, Cafe Laya tops my list of favorite coffee shops because, aside from the delicious food and flavorful coffee, the place likewise inspires creativity while also helping local artisans.  

Cafe Laya is a coffee shop in an art gallery (or vice versa). There, you'll find beverages and food made from local ingredients and homemade sauces. The coffee beans are 100% Arabica sourced from the Benguet Province and used as base for hot and cold, classic and exciting mixes such as Salted Caramel Latte and Mocha, Dark Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, and more.

For many of us, glass is simply something we use for drinking, for a clearer vision, and for seeing out of a window or car windshield. In 1975, architect Ramon Orlina innovatively painted on 25 pieces of glass panels and had a sold out exhibition at the Gallery at Hyatt on Roxas Boulevard.

Ramon Orlina in the Reflections Gallery

In 1976, he pioneered the use of glass as an artistic medium of expression in sculpture. A visionary, Orlina saw beyond the humble origin of industrial glass, and went on to hone a unique craft that made his name synonymous with glass sculpture in the Philippines. Since then, he has had extensive exhibitions in the country and in other parts of the world.

the award-winning Silvery Moon

In 1999, Orlina first used optical glass for his entry in the Toyamura Sculpture Biennale in Japan where “Silvery Moon” was declared winner of the Mr. F. Prize. In celebration of his 40th year as an artist, Orlina is unveiling 23 pieces of recent sculptures carved out entirely of clear optical glass as opposed to his signature green glass and the other hues in crystal glass he is known for such as amber, azure, lavender, and pink.

(from left) Radiant Streams, Startling Definitions, Sensuous Curves