Half Sisters: Thea Tolentino, Derrick Monasterio and Andre Paras

It was a pleasant day to see the stars of upcoming series "Half Sisters". Thea Tolentino who won the second installment of reality show Protege and lead star of Pyra: Ang Babaeng Apoy, plus the hunky lead of many GMA series Derrick Monasterio and promising new comer cum basketball star Andre Paras talked with us during a luncheon in Kimono Ken, Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

First impressions, Andre is so tall, articulate and very accommodating. He wasn't as shy as I expected him to be as he was friendly and didn't bat an eyelash answering questions. He really thought about each one first before blurting out something. His charm might have fallen in his ability to communicate with a very gentlemanly demeanor which I think comes from his right upbringing. He's starting right and this project will be something that'll test how much he's learned during the small workshops here and there.

Derrick even thought he was going to be a little hard to be with but was surprised how funny this guy is. It even came to a point that the Director Mark Reyes had to put them in different places just to stop them from playing antics against each other. That part failed though because the guys still went to the ladies tents later on. Somehow, they already gelled early in the making of this series. Andre plays Benjie Castillo who plays a college jock who's also part of the basketball team. Rich kid but not an anti hero - you'll probably see their characters have a love triangle and or become a foursome during the story. Find out how complicated that is for him and the sisters. That'll be an interesting take on his character.

Nescafe: What's your fresh start?

We often go to coffee shops and pay a lot to get a dose of these wonderful grounded beans, but we usually go home and get contented with a cup of Nescafe, always, all the time. It's the single thing that makes us realize that there is goodness in something small. Something that is full flavored as they painstakingly spend time with these beans through slow roast. It becomes fuller bodied, richer, a tad sweeter. You can't rush that. You have it in the morning, because you always want a fresh start.

   

What's even greater news is that you can now get that same experience in every pack of Nescafe Classic. Sit down with your folks and talk about how the day went. Talk to your friends and see what memories can come down on a cup of coffee. It's these things that count. 

The greatness lies in each coffee bean and this is what Nescafe Classic wants us to understand. The care they put into the process and how they want us to never ever see coffee "the same way again" is a very high standard to achieve. They didn't force us to have this everyday in our breakfast table but we do, because the tough is in the putting. It is this good that we choose this than other brands in the market. You can't discount the fact that Nescafe has been with us for 75 years. Their celebration isn't about big parties or massive concerts, they just make do with introducing to you the reason why they have lasted that long with the Filipino people. It's the coffee bean and we appreciate them more because of that. Now, you will get to see your coffee in a different light. You can enjoy it more in every pack that you buy off the grocery/store. You are not shortchanged because you know how special brew you make in each cup. Now ask yourself, what's your fresh start? :)

For more information about their products:

Nescafe PH

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Visit their official website

http://www.nescafe.com.ph

SM WOMAN for Philippine Fashion Week

Shining, glistening, she proudly surfaces... the SM WOMAN in the halls of SMX Convention Center for Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014. This is another brand carried on The SM Store to cater to women who want luxurious clothing at the fraction of a cost. Style wise, I have seen the collection exude femininity without sacrificing quality - a feat which every Filipina dreams of. This is their answer to your clamor. Your happiness starts with a little loveliness.

And that of course is what we saw at the preview a few hours before the show. This wouldn't be possible without these ladies.

The SM Woman collection was interpreted in sections; the new age Filipina can now wear something for Fashion, Career, Casual, Evening and Resort. Impressed and attracted on these pieces that follow Fall/Winter shades - but it's all a mix and a bit more structural, floral, pastel, basic, graphic and soft yet flowy dresses. They've got it all! Which reminds me, didn't they say "We've got it all for you!"?

Now, I wouldn't want to flood you guys with photos so I'll spare you the drama and just put it in one video slide show. It's got pretty good music too. Enjoy!

The difference is, it's lighter in construction, brighter and bolder in colors, prints are more modern, designs are elegant and classy... but... it's very affordable. You wouldn't think they'd be pricing them 799 to a little less over a thousand bucks. Unbelievable!

I'd like to commend SM Woman for opening the show with gorgeous Jasmine Maierhofer. Her gorgeous face was something talked of angels, people were at awe when the SM WOMAN sign was raised to start the show. Aside from that, your resort wear was a fresh addition. Something that I used to see in latin shows looks so perfect in our tropics. Like a glove. The bright prints and more modern construction of coats and cute capes was adored by the ladies I sat with that evening. That says a lot

For more information about their stores:

SM Woman

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Visit their official website

http://www.smsupermalls.com

TOPMAN Opens in SM Megamall Fashion Hall

One of the most reputable brands carrying clothing fit for the most stylish men in the Philippines is TOPMAN. They just opened shop at the 3rd Floor of SM Megamall's Fashion Hall last May 28th and it was a glorious day for fans of the brand. I adored their jackets, shoes, shirts and pants which I'll show you in a bit. In the meantime, let me take you around their store which had a more signature Californian vibe to it. 

You have that beachy summery feel. Not to mention the faded layered jeans, graphic shirts, colored pants and colorful shorts reminiscent of that area. The store still has the spring summer collection so if you want your wardrobe to still weather the elements, you're lucky! They also just came out with these colder blue, black and gray palette shirts on the bottom right which probably is part of their Fall/Winter collection. I like the long sleeved shirts up top especially the gray one with prints. That's considered sold of course! :) I already have it in my closet.

Aside from that, the coats, denim and skinny jeans are absolutely nice and rancid. For those who have nice bodies but want to show them off, the wifebeaters and sleeveless shirts would be perfect for you. They even got some of it on 800 for 2 deals and 10 percent off on opening day. There might be some more still on sale but I strongly suggest you check it out in Megamall while its early. Oh before I forget, they've got 15% off for students for the whole month of June. You just have to

Sharon Ugot, the Group Brand Manager of Topman Philippines also says “As a fashion leader, continuous growth is very essential and we are thrilled with the opening of our newest store in SM Mega Fashion Hall. Being the fashion authority, Topman always delivers cutting edge and fashion forward pieces, which our customers are looking for.”

So I did the next best thing after hearing that and checked out the shelves for some of my favorites. You might want to purchase these too.