Lady Gaga: Reinvention becomes her
SHE’S known for her hit songs and her eccentric fashion statement. She is the Lady that we all go gaga for. She has made a name for herself and she…
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Catriona Gray and Darren Criss: Filipino hybrids conquer the ‘Universe’ and the ‘Globe’
Kudos Filipinos! We have officially started the year with a BANG! With the recent “global” victories of Filipino-American Hollywood actor, Darren Criss for his Golden Globe Awards and Fil-Australian Catriona…
Fashion forward: The trends of 2019
THE time has come when stripes and sheer fabrics were “a thing of the past” — or the past year (2018), so to speak. As we welcome the year 2019,…
Pete and Baby Cruz: Together in ‘business and pleasure’
IF I could name a few people who I look up to in terms of how they live their lives, I’d probably include this couple I have known for 10…
A note of gratitude
I would like to thank everyone who came, and those who supported the recently concluded Beautiful Life Celebration 2018 last October 6th at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California. The show’s amazing performances and…
A note of gratitude
I would like to thank everyone who came, and those who supported the recently concluded Beautiful Life Celebration 2018 last October 6th at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California. The show’s amazing performances and…
Rico J. Puno: Remembering the ‘legend’
HE was known throughout the Philippines as the larger-than-life “total entertainer.” His charm, which seeps through his hit songs earned him the moniker, “Macho Gwapito.” He was loved by many,…
Meet Loloy, Max and Andy: A ‘few good men’ living the American dream
IT is almost cliché whenever we hear about “real men” doing unusual things. Some say “they (can) wear pink,” or that they cry (when necessary and are not ashamed of…
Filipino-American Actor, Darren Criss wins his first Emmy
CONGRATULATIONS are in order for this fine actor for winning best actor – the first Filipino-American to do so. Darren Criss won his first Emmy for his role as Andrew…
The memories of Dion Santos from Bong-Prada Lim
THIS week I would like to pay tribute to our dear friend Dion. He was a well-known entertainer, a fashionista, and a friend, not just to me but to a…
The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ of the Beautiful Life celebration
There’s a lot of hype around this book-turned-movie, “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan and I can understand why. First of all, it’s a rom-com flick, plus the characters are…
Lorna Tolentino: What being ‘single and happy’ looks like
EVERY time the “Ber” months are about to start, I get a sense of nostalgia and astonishment on how fast the year goes by. This year has been bittersweet for…
Best fall haircuts for men and women
THE start of a new season means different things to different people. But as a hair expert, it primarily means one thing for me: new season equals new haircut. As…
Alana de la Cruz spreads her ‘golden voice’
ALANA Nicole de la Cruz grew up in a small southern Illinois town across the river from St. Louis, MO. At the tender age of 2, Alana showed her love…
Scarlet Snow Belo: A day in the life of a celebrity toddler
Children are so much fun to be around. They make you feel young at heart. I love watching videos of funny babies and smart kids, and speaking of which, I…
Six ways to get your body summer ready
Summer is here! Everybody’s heading to the beach and we all know the ‘scenery’ during beach season, don’t we? Now, don’t you go bailing on some summer fun just because…
Reflecting on the Beautiful Life Celebration’s past awardees
Through the years, the Beautiful Life Celebration has been recognizing individuals, youth, organizations, and couples who have shaped and influenced their communities in extraordinary ways. Now that the organization is…
Spotted: Two Filipino food innovators who are making waves in the San Fernando Valley
“A lot of traditional Filipino food has sour and bitter notes, which are very unfamiliar to American palates of a few years ago. American palates have changed drastically. I think…
Amazing South California road trip destinations to try this summer
I am pretty sure everybody’s got their summer trip planned (some even saved up the whole year for an awesome vacation), and some prefer to hit the road to enjoy the…
Actor-model Juan Felipe Restrepo scores big, winning best in acting awards in Hollywood
Hollywood, CA – In living his American Dream, Hollywood actor-model Juan Felipe Restrepo is continuously setting goals for his international career. Back in his country of Colombia, he was involved…
Luis and Rosemarie Mendez: My ultimate hashtag #couplegoals
I used to ask myself, “Is there really somebody out there for everyone?” Then I got to know one of the most inspiring couples, Luis and Rosemarie Mendez. I met Luis…
Melania Trump’s ‘grace under pressure’ through the President’s controversies
I guess it is fair to say that 2018 has been a tough year for Melania Trump. Well, who am I kidding; it must be really hard to be President…
Goodbye Boracay — see you in six months
When an island becomes an income-generating tourist spot and has drawn millions of people to its powder-white sand beaches and coral reefs, it is hard to imagine that it will…
Celebrating spring the Filipino way
Having four seasons in a year is an idea that is quite foreign to Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines. Back there, we only have dry (summer) and wet…
Spend Valentine’s Day on a budget
A trip to the grocery store can be a day filled with life-changing discoveries and hard-hitting realities. And if you are like me, who trails down the grocery aisles pre-occupied…
Traditions for a perfect wedding
One of the biggest milestones in a woman’s life is her wedding day. Even at a young age, many girls dream of their “perfect wedding.” They dream of that pivotal…
Fall in love with these makeup trends
THIS week we tackle another one of my fortes—and a sought-after subject for women—the latest makeup trends. I can describe this season’s makeup peg in two words: fresh and minimal….
Why newbie actor Joshua Garcia is considered John Lloyd Cruz 2.0
I HAVE written about John Lloyd Cruz in my column, and while the title (above) seems deprecating to him, allow me to say that it has nothing to do with…
Ins and outs of 2018
The start of a new season means different things to different people. But as a hair expert, it primarily means one thing for me: new season equals new haircut.Winter is…
What’s IN and OUT in 2018
First of all, Happy New Year to everyone. When the year ends, another one begins. As we bid adieu to 2017, it is good to look forward to what 2018…