OH dear, pretty much little has changed around these parts since we were last here—well, sweetie, at least as far as the Australian Brian Gorrel’s efforts to reclaim the life savings he insists was filched by DJ Montano, the so-called restaurateur in front and behind a string of restaurants and bars that have apparently closed down for business. Oh, yes, sweetie, I almost forgot, there is some interesting development: the word going around is that one of Mr. Montano’s BFFs was rather busy these past few days renewing her British visa.

For what purpose, I have no idea, sweetie, although it can’t possibly be because dear old Manila is running short of hubs of luxury for the infamous miss to sample and indulge in and write about. Take, for example, Ascott Makati, the once-favorite playground of renegade soldiers back when it was known as Oakwood Suites, until the soldiers apparently found The Peninsula Manila far more alluring. After its successful rebranding in 2007, the premier property has become even more the home of choice for the discerning traveler, what with the Ascott’s selection of penthouse, studio and one- to three-bedroom serviced residences. Although already the poster boy of luxury living even back, sweetie, it is undergoing a grand refurbishment that is transforming its serviced residences to lavish and elegant units that are uniquely Ascott.

Arthur Gindap, the Ascott Makati’s dapper and sexy country general manager, recently hosted a lunch for little ol’ me that was made even more delicious by a ravishing conversation that went from Hillary Clinton’s presidential hopes to Madonna’s amazing career to challenges facing the industry that is his playground.

A charming man, really.

Postlunch, Arthur darling’s staff showed us the fabulous transformation that Ascott Makati is undertaking via two finished rooms, a studio and a one-bedroom affair, both of classic and contemporary inspiration. Custom furnishings and fixtures show stylized foliage and earth tones echoing the beauty of nature. There are the spacious living areas, a state-of-the-art entertainment system featuring massive flat-screen LCD, DVD player, iPod-ready audio system, plus Wi-Fi Internet access. Now, wouldn’t it be totally hilarious, sweetie, if Brian dear slipped back into the country, took up residence here, and worked his thoroughly addictive blog right at the very heart of the very stomping grounds of the so-called Gucci Gang he gleefully skewers! But I digress, sweetie. The luxurious upgrades that the Ascott Makati is implementing include comprehensive kitchen facilities that have been refurbished to enhance the guest’s culinary experience, enabling him or her to enjoy home-cooked meals with family and friends in precious style. And think Nigella Lawson instead of Martha Stewart.

Now, sweetie, since Arthur darling is no longer available, I can only hope to find some gorgeous long-staying German who would fall in love with me like mad and beg me to shack up with him at the Ascott. After all, don’t you just love them Bratwursts, sweetie!

Cheers and kisses, as well, to Dusit Thani Manila, which was officially launched in very late March at the Grand Ballroom of the newly renovated property. Octavio Gamarra, SVP of Dusit International; Gerhard Kropp, president of Philippine Hoteliers Inc., the owning company of Dusit Thani Manila and regional vice president of Dusit International; and Frank Grassmann, hotel manager of Dusit Thani Manila, welcomed the VIP guests—corporate clients, travel trade industry, media friends, frequent and loyal guests of the hotel—to a gastronomic cocktail reception highlighting the best of what a Dusit Thani Hotel is known for.

Formerly Dusit Hotel Nikko, Dusit Thani Manila belongs to the Dusit International group. It is the latest property in the Makati Central Business District to be fully renovated. With 538 newly renovated and spacious guestrooms and suites, the hotel offers a calm oasis of international-standard facilities with warm Asian hospitality. Besides the newly refurbished rooms, sweetie, the hotel unveils new and various food and beverage concepts, promotions and special offerings, namely: Benjarong (Royal Thai cuisine), Basix (all-day dining), Tosca (Italian), Umu (Japanese), Fiesta San Miguel (Filipino), Lobby Lounge and the Dusit Gourmet (Delicatessen).

’Til next week, sweetie...unless, of course, that other simmering scandal in the blogosphere—about supposed corporate malfeasance and identity fraud—boils over before then. n

URDUJA LiveS and Sings!

A TOTAL of 85,000 drawings in almost 2,000 scenes that represent 8,771 feet of film, and 400 Filipino artists in digital and traditional animation in studios that spanned from Makati to Palawan, were needed to resurrect from the mist of myth and the crags of history the story of Urduja, the warrior princess of Pangasinan of yore.

Never fade away

ON June 12, 2005, the founder of Pinoy Rock, the band Juan de la Cruz (JDC), staged the Pagkalas concert at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. It coincided with the nationwide celebration of Independence Day.

Gab Fab: Sorry, Regine, Bea is Betty

Finally, we know who Betty La Fea is...and it’s none other than Bea Alonzo.

Playing ugly-duckling roles isn’t new to Bea, as her breakthrough role was one such in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, where she was first paired with John Lloyd Cruz.

Shaken&Stirred: Luxurious upgrades

OH dear, pretty much little has changed around these parts since we were last here—well, sweetie, at least as far as the Australian Brian Gorrel’s efforts to reclaim the life savings he insists was filched by DJ Montano,

Fermantations: WHEN A LEGEND CAME TO TOWN

THE menu he planned in his head, during his flight back to Manila from Spain. Because Juan Carlos de Terry knew he was arriving on a Saturday, too close for comfort for the Thursday dinner he was hosting—and cooking—at his now famous restaurant, Segundo Piso.

Cooks: Neptune’s Catch is Gold

ONE of the best choice fish in a culinary competition is seabass, a thick, fat slice of it. This fish is so fat that it’s almost impossible to overcook it and it is naturally delicate in flavor, with a good dose of umami interlaced into its briney juices.

Dencio’s goes high-end

Anyone will tell you that the Dencio’s chain has certainly become an authority in the Filipino food scene, being popular with both families dining out and the young market on a night out with friends.

A Heart for Furry Friends

THESE days, animals have become more than just pets and constant companions. We see socialites and wannabe stars parading their dogs and cats, stuffed in designer handbags, complete with custom-made outfits and bejeweled collars.

Teaching moms to be ‘baby-ready’      

WHEN a young girl experiences her first menstruation, the only person whom she can count on to see her through that turning point in her life is her mom. Knowing that mom is always there to provide her with guidance on personal hygiene, the birds and the bees, as well as what to expect as she matures, gives her reassurance and confidence as she approaches adulthood.

Something Like Life: Looking for love on the World Wide Web

WHEN I interviewed them, I was almost half-annoyed as they absentmindedly gazed into each other’s eyes, held hands and gave each other affectionate pats. They playfully bantered and laughed at each other’s funny—and not-so-funny—remarks. “Inggit ka lang!” the voice in my head jeered. And I couldn’t help but chuckle myself.