Being Josh Aviñante

On Baler The Movie. I must say that we are certainly getting closer to the true picture of the Philippine Revolution. There was a time when a Filipino soldier had to be barefoot, poorly clothed and very Indio looking. According to our history books, it's the other way around. Officers of the Philippine Republican Army were composed mostly of graduates of Ateneo, UST, Letran and other schools reserved for the affluent in Philippine society. A considerable number of Filipino officers were Creoles such as Col. Sityar, Col. Leyba or Major Manuel Quezon. As such, I find it unnecessary to tan our mestizo actors just to make them look "Filipino" or Indio. Andres Bonifacio himself was a Spanish Mestizo. This justifies the choice of Joel Torre and Leo Martinez as commanding officers of the Philippine Republican Army that attacked Baler. It is equally alright to choose another Mestizo in the person of Philip Salvador to play as one of the leaders of the revolution. When it comes t

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) There are a couple of reasons to lambast anti-socials who are either against style because their freedom to wear hideous bugoy boots or eat cholesterol-filled Toknenes is threatened by the fashionista. For one, style is a discipline. It takes a lot of self-restrain to assert one’s disposition and talk- write- party your way into the acceptance of your radical views. For example, it would take some nerve and extra rare confidence for a man to sport red leather moccasins with matching red belt. It takes will power for a woman to sport blood red velvet boots in a humid cosmopolitan district like Ayala Center or Serendra. And finally, it takes a lot of discipline to keep you away from those irresistibly tempting fatty parts of Lechon kawali, Crispy Pata or Prime Rib Steak. In reality, an obsession in style makes a healthy balanced diet easier to follow. Fine dining involves etiquettes that minimize your servings to small bites. For example, etiquette endear

Lately, the skinny bitch seems to have retaken the limelight from the geek. This with Sony positioning its cameras for Manila’s high society. In the posh Creole district of Rockwell, Sony Cybershot held a fabulous party attended by Manila’s hottest showbiz items. The party began an hour after its announced starting time, probably anticipating the socialite’s penchant for being late. Guests were greeted by elegantly dressed journalists gave interviews that made one feel like a star. I should have worn something more sophisticated! Kudos to that guy! Food was excellent with Friday’s serving my favourite – the Mozzarella Balls! Sony made no mistake in choosing KC Concepcion to provide a face for the brand. Possessing the marks of genuine nobility, she complimented her noble stature with noble deeds – helping fund the United Nations World Food Program in Mindanao. This she did by auctioning three of her used Sony Cybershots to the highest bidders beginning at PHP11,000 with the proceeds go

(published in Yehey! Lifestyle) Folded and Hung celebrates their 10th year anniversary by once again paying tribute to street style with Streetcast Act 2, a showcase of the clothing brand’s Holiday 2008 Street collection that, in a reversal of tradition, brings the streets to the runway. The anniversary was celebrated with an astounding fashion show at A-venue which gathered some of the country’s designers, fashion journalists and some of the country’s most idolized showbiz personalities including Claudine Barretto. The Folded and Hung Holiday 2008 Street Collection combines the practical and urban aspects of street style with the richness and flair of party-appropriate ensembles. Taking inspiration from the Renaissance era, the Holiday collection is romantically somber in blues, browns, and blacks, but it gets a festive punch from crystal embroideries and from shiny, metallic fabrics. Expect figure-flattering—and easy-to-wear—toga dresses and draped frocks made of lightweight jersey a

The definition (of real men) is a debatable issue between the male and female species. This is what I hear during those lost moments among skinny bitches during fashion events. Anyways, in our own world (us men), away from the destructive allure of their lingerie and bitchy craving for sweets, we have our own civil war – the BOYS versus the MEN! And in this quiet town of dungeons, dragons and kid’s fantasies, real men have invaded with their tanks of war travelling at the speed of lightning or challenging the forces of torque! This August, the Enchanted Kingdom held its annual SPEEDWEEK@EK featuring three national races – the 2008 National Slalom Series which was organized by the Race Motorsports Club (RMSC), the 2008 Shell Super Karting Series, and the 2008 San Mig Coffee Philippine Underbone King Championships. Spectators were lucky enough not to dance in the rain and the event fortunate to have beautiful Laguna sunshine all day. Enchanted Kingdom indeed! Rivera, Mendiola and Gerochi

You must be crazy to be driving home, sloshed from too much Black Russian, and coming from a chic-laden party. Home is not where you should be driving your girl to. You should be drivinger her somewhere else romantic. Tee! Hee! But seriously, driving home plastered is quite normal for the party animal. What is not normal is taking a long drive out of town without SLEEP! Well, that’s how crazy the racers were at the City Kart Race Track, which included celebrities, Issa Litton, Victor Basa and Philippine racing icon Pia Boren. In the first week of July, City Kart Racing announced the holding of the Manila 701 dubbed as “The Crazy Race Second Edition”. Race drivers were to compete in teams with the first to complete 701 laps of the City Kart’s indoor race track, which is close to the distance of driving out of town. So what’s crazy about it? Race drivers would complete the lap from evening until past noon of the following day without sleep! Well, race drivers get some relief time by bei

Simple trouble like flat tire or batteries running dry are not remote and they could be a nightmare if caught in a wrong situation such as in the middle of an important date. Our automobiles may come with a basic set of tools but roadside emergencies need not require the muscles that go with the dirty ugly image of a Neanderthal. Road trips should be safe, fun and in style. Here are some tips to keep your automobile (and yourself) hassle-free: Hydraulic wheel jacks are mechanically designed to make lifting a side of your car light and with a lot lesser effort than those stock wheel jacks that came with the vehicle upon purchase. They might just save your brand new Saint Michael’s shirt from unsightly sweat. They are very affordable and available in Ace Hardware or any similar specialty store. Extension rod for the wrench . The bolts that keep your set of wheels in place may have grown attached to its apparatus. Probably having been there for months or even a year, they may be

There is reason for the sophisticated to seek a dining experience away from the glamour of top business districts after all. An unusual encounter with a hidden sanctuary of flavors provides us some answer. We are surprised that a restaurant somewhere at the edge of the San Juan-New Manila area would be filled nightly come dinner time. On certain evenings, guests may overflow to the nearby function rooms which can accommodate up to 50 persons. An adjacent garden makes the place delightful for celebrations like prom or a debut. The entrance to Lemuria is beautifully landscaped. A pond of pebbles and fishes greets our team. The interior transports the diner to the Provencal of France with its simplistic designs of dark wood, stone slabs and draperies. This very European atmosphere is designed by no other than Architect Jose Mañosa. A splendid meal and conversation with executive chef Golda May Ranada gave us an experience of liberated flavor and passion. “What gives me delight in managing

Tights, leggings and opagues are must haves for the season. This November, renowned Filipina designer Kate Torralba and City Lady Stockings collaborates to showcase their leg apparel collection with an astounding fashion show that left the Manila Peninsula Hotel Conservatory dancing with pastel colors of irresistible chicdom. There was delight and excitement in the eyes of their audience while compliments for the Kate’s creation filled the room after the last model faded away signalling the end of the show. Some guests even forgot about their food and drinks as they watched the show in awe. No kidding. The last of this stockings craze was seen in Manila towards the end of the previous millennium with corporate Makati and Ortigas sprawling with female yuppies sporting opaque black leggings that for a time gave the business district a very European face like that of France. This season, they are back but in more elaborate and chic colors and City Lady has come out with hipper and ultr

Finally, I am able to transfer these pointers from my phone notebook. They were shared to me by no other than my motoring editor Eric Soriano of Manual Magazine. By the way, the test ride series conducted by the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) was a sensation. The slalom tracks temporarily set up in Clark, Pampanga plus the open roads for sprinting my favorite vehicles fed my fantasies of a tuner lifestyle like that of Fast and the Furious . You see, style cannot be complete without wheels. Just imagine a DIVA commuting her way to the Paris fashion week. Of course, the final look of the vehicle, both exterior and interior, is all that matters but performance counts. I'd laugh at that feelingera of a former officemate of mine bragging about her brand new bug that runs 40 km per hour and takes forever to accelerate! Hah! So what if its the only mustard yellow? In my previous entry, I featured my favorite from the test drive series which was the Red Kia Sportage. So preppy, so stylish. I

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) Let’s face it, the word “Kia” was introduced to the Philippines as the “People’s Car”. Their first model introduced to the market (Kia Pride) earned the nastiest of sarcasm from motor heads and laymen alike. They had no sense of aerodynamics and was simply a balikbayan box with tiny wheels. In the next coming years, the term “people’s car” would be forgotten but the trying-hard-to-be-cool-with-a-car image of the Kia will remain to haunt the brand. That was then, it is now 2008. For the whole month of October this year, the Car Awards Group, Inc. or more popularly known as CAGI, conducted a series of test drives of the latest vehicles in the Philippine market. During weekends, some 9 to 15 cars would be driven through obstacles and simulated road conditions to test their performance. These obstacles would include two off-road tracks that tested the monster trucks ability to surpass flood, mud, landslides and elevated terrain. Other road conditions incl

Featured on Yahoo Philippines, October 31, 2008, Manila; "An obese flight steward for national flag carrier Philippine Airlines has been grounded for good by the Supreme Court after a 20-year legal battle, court records released Friday said. In a 28-page ruling, the Supreme Court upheld an earlier decision by a lower court that found merit in the termination of Armanda Yrasuegi's contract. The 217-pound Yrasuegi was dismissed by Philippine Airlines (PAL) after he failed to lose weight as specified under his contract in 1989. Yrasuegi challenged the dismissal arguing that his weight had nothing to do with the airworthiness of PAL's airplanes in a legal battle that would stretch for 19 years. He argued that his being fat was a "sickness and a physical abnormality" that was beyond his control. But the Supreme Court noted that Yrasuegi repeatedly refused offers of medical assistance to lose weight and ignored weight checks. It said Yrasuegi ignored suggestions to &qu

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) To us Filipinos, Spanish cuisine shouldn’t be that alien. They are about us, around us and in us. In fact, some 99 percent of Filipino cuisine is probably of Spanish origin without us knowing it including the famous Bulalo! (It’s original name was pochero, which is how it is still called in heavily hispanized Dumaguete and Bacolod). Even the tuyo is probably of Spanish origin (referred to as Sardinas Secas during Rizal’s time). In fact, my first experience in an authentic Spanish restaurant didn’t thrill me as much with the dishes being heavily similar to Filipino –raw dilis in vinegar, lechon de leche, arroz valenciana but of course bearing its original Iberian names. In upland Cavite in the town of Silang, the fiestas are so filled with mechado, menudo and leche flan that in the innocence of my youth I thought anything Spanish was promdi. This shouldn’t be a surprise as majority of the European immigrants that settled in the islands during the colonial

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) There is social relevance to skateboarding after all. Not only do they provide adrenalin but may soon reduce the number of pollutant vehicles as well. So let the children come to me in skateboards and forbid them not eh? Last Saturday, a large gathering of skaters held a race from Raja Sulayman Park in Manila to the Plaza Parking of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati. The race was spearheaded by Sector 9 and dubbed “Push Don’t Pollute”, relating the pushing action of the feet needed to thrust the skateboards in place of engines that have been contributing to the green house effect. The number of participants is estimated at more or less 100, their ages ranging from 15 to 42 years old. At the Plaza Parking, a temporary skating ramp was assembled to provide play for those who couldn’t get enough of the race. “Mixing Extreme sports with green movement is actually a logical mix”, asserts Freddy Gonzalez, President of Aloha Boardsports Philippines. He says

(Published in Manual Magazine, August 2008 issue)   CATS Motors recently launched the all-new Chrysler Town and Country Touring Edition at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.   “Staying true to Chrysler’s American heritage of innovation and luxury, the all-new Chrysler Town and Country stays true to the brand’s famed legacy of premium quality and styling for a first-class family experience”, says Felix Ang, President of CATS Motors, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Chrysler in the Philippines.   The Chrysler Town and Country Touring Edition boasts of the Industry-first fold-lat-to-the-floor seating and storage system for added space, power windows in both sliding doors, power rear lift gate and sliding doors, side curtain and front airbags, solid handling, very quiet interiors, and luxury seating of up to seven. “Introducing the new Chrysler Town and Country here today strengthens our commitment to deliver world-class products that will delight our customers and exceed their expe

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) In the 1920s, the United States of America entered its version of Pax Romana, a period of peace and economic boom that enabled the prosperity of American culture and its art. World War I has just been won and the nation stayed away from global politics. It is during this period that the Philippines had been an American colony for some 20 years and thus shared the mother country’s period of greatness. The culture of this period is characterized by rebellious fashion. It was during this time that the U.S. Government enforced the Prohibition, an act that outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcohol. American high society indulged in illegal alcohol, women shortened their skirts to knee length (an abominable deed with the world just fresh from the Victorian age of innocence) and sported a hairstyle known as The Bob. The bob cut is a short hairstyle in which a weighted area is left to fall between the ears and chin notably the bangs. It is short enough at the

(Published in Yehey! Lifestyle) If France has her French Revolution and Mexico its Creole revolutionaries to romanticize, the Philippines has her Ilustrados. Insulares fashion became popular during the centennial celebration of Philippine independence owing to that group’s role in the fight against the Spanish. Credited for sowing the seeds of Philippine nationalism and ultimately the Philippine Revolution, this group of Filipinos is what was to become Manila’s High Society. La Todeña Distillers is among the oldest companies in the Philippines dating back to Spanish colonial times. The distillery was founded by Don Carlos Palanca. The name itself would add romance to its drinks (let’s forget the colloquial term “bilog” and “long neck” in the meantime). Some years ago, La Todeña Distillers introduced the GSM Blue, the sweeter and more elegant version of its flagship gin brand Ginebra San Miguel. The GSM Blue is especially distilled for the party scene. The smell is somewhat finer and it

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) On October 3, 2008, the automobile that put the world on wheels, the Model T, will celebrate its 100th year anniversary. This iconic vehicle was the product of Henry Ford’s dream to put a “horseless carriage” in every American home. Back then, automobiles were too expensive for an ordinary American to afford, which is like buying a personal jet by a successful business tycoon. Today, automobiles are as common cell phones. Of course, signature vehicles are another story. The story of the automobile is one of the most exciting chapters in history. In its early development, automobiles were so strange that they were shown in circuses. Today, everyone reaching puberty aspires for one. Motoring enthusiasts with no academic background in mechanical engineering are now able to discuss the various functions and parts of the automobile which features have been made simpler in today’s models. Strange indeed, the first automobiles didn’t start stylish as we would c

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) It’s literally a party – race drivers, party animals, bands, DJs and booze. Sort of like a rave party, street party and race in one like you’ve seen in the movie Fast and the Furious! Only this time, its real and using motor karts. Due to popular demand, the Manila 701 Crazy Race will be held for the second time at the City Kart Racing Track along South Luzon Express Way this July 19 and 20. The crazy race will endure overnight from 10PM all the way to sunrise that will surely challenge the competing teams and give spectators the party experience of a lifetime. Organizers are hoping a repeat of last year’s success. This is a race you can’t simply miss. The racing environment is unusual with interesting situations that one wouldn’t regularly find. According to Jean-Marc Freihuber, managing director of City Kart Racing Track, they have designed obstacles that will mimic several road conditions that is not experienced in the controlled environment of a race

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) Drift aces gathered Sunday afternoon to compete in the 3rd elimination round of the 2008 Glade Sport Lateral Championship. The showcase of drifting skills was held at the parking grounds fronting The Promenade in Green Hills. Prominent drifters included actor Ryan Agoncillo and racing icon Pia Boren but the real winner came out as Alex Perez who bagged first place of the elimination round. San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito also graced the event who is said to be a gear head himself during his youth. Heavy rains halted just in time to give way to the event. James Deakin of C! Magazine hosted the event who gave enlightening pointers all throughout the elimination round. At some peak of the contest, San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito took the front passenger seat of a drift ace in a screeching round that left the place filled with white smoke. Strategic footage was taken by Hotwire using a remote controlled helicopter. The event was organized by Burnt Rubber Production. D

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) C. Palanca is home to a couple of well known resto-bars including Gweilos, Bistro110, Toyz Bar and what used to be Six Underground. It is a gathering place of the Makati Commercial and Business District’s top and middle management executives. Tow trucks are quick to arrest illegally parked vehicles in a matter of seconds. Just a few steps away along De La Rosa Street, members of the Police eagerly waits for vehicles making an illegal left turn from Paseo de Roxas. On occasion, members of the police strut along the street hoping to catch some customers smoking inside the bar. C. Palanca was unusually busy for a Monday night as Kitchie Nadal was having a gig at Gweilos. At around 9:30 PM, the assailant used a stun gun to neutralize the driver of a brand new Land Cruiser and used a pistol to threaten the victim. His Japanese employer was unwinding over a few drinks in one of the resto-bars. The victim quickly reported the incident using the telephone of a n

(Published by Yehey! Lifestyle) Heavy rains didn’t do much damage. The A-venue was packed by 11PM and had begun refusing entry including VIPs by close to 12mn. Bouncers went amok and begun showing some attitude which was quite a scene. Women fresh from powder rooms sat on the sidewalks waiting for their turns to get in. The Ministry of Sound has hit Manila with London DJ Jon O’ Bir. Like most rave parties, the venue resembled a warehouse with three corners fenced for VIP guests. Dancers in fashionable wear towered in ledges found on all corners and surrounding the DJ booth. The rave party was organized by Big Fish Manila, an events organizing firm that imports music talents from around the world. The next event should be a blast. For their schedule, visit http://www.bigfishmanila.com/

Removing gallstones naturally was suggested by Dr. Lai Chiu-Nan and was circulated in the internet sometime in 2006. Gallstones may not be much of a concern but they should because we all have them. Moreover, gallstones may lead to cancer. “Cancer is never the first illness, “Dr. Chiu-Nan points out. “Usually, there are a lot of other problems leading to cancer. In my research in China, I came across some material which says that people with cancer usually have gallstones. We all have gallstones. It’s a matter of how big or how small, many or few.” One of the symptoms of gallstones is feeling bloated after a heavy meal. You feel like you can’t digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area. So if you think you have gallstones, Dr. Chiu-Nan offers the following method to remove them naturally. The treatment is also good for those with weak liver, because the liver and the gallbladder are closely linked. Regimen: 1. For the first five days, take four glasses of

I always thought that women who flirted with part-time message handlers were fugly. Well, this one wasn’t. There she was clad in her white uniform and standing between two ladies – a rose among thorns. Too good to be true. It was an ordinary day when I set the date. The campus was a romantic place with all the Romanesque architecture and its gardens. One attraction was the statue of the querubin which was said to be the patron saint of the homosexuals. The thought was disturbing but there was just the two of us surrounded by fallen leaves, a scintillating silence and the mystique of that lone statue. I could still remember the feeling. Act 1: Oh, did I mention that she had a boyfriend? Yes, she had. She said that she misses him. I could still remember the cheerless expression on her face. The thought of it was sad but not tragic. It was too early to fall head over heels. At this point, the excitement of courtship was all that mattered. One time, I forgot that the car I was driving with