Century Properties, the brains behind the soon-to-rise Gramercy and Knightsbridge in what will be called Century City along Kalayaan Avenue in Makati, has just launched another first in Philippine real estate, the Azure Urban Resort Residences, a resort type private community in the very heart of busy south, designed by no less than world-renowned urban masterplanner Jason Pomeroy of Broadway Malyan.

Century Properties has always been ahead in the innovation curve when conceptualizing and bringing to reality real estate communities that are so unusual. It’s not just about owning a home, its also about enjoying a kind of lifestyle one deserves.

Azure will feature mid-rise towers in a sprawling six-hectare lot where approximately 80% will be devoted to open space (water, greenery, roads and amenities). It is packed with a multitude of amenities, including the first large-scale-man-made beach inside a private, gated community complete with pristine white sand, undulating waves, multiple water slides and water cascades. It also has an open park, zen garden, grand fountains with dancing waterworks and lights, multiple playgrounds, an interactive water play area, lap pool, kiddie pool, outdoor picnic grove, centralbar and basketball court.

It also features a modern clubhouse with function rooms, a movie/THX room, two restaurants, barbeque station, electronic play area, game room, a well equipped gym, spa and massage rooms.

 Azure is located beside SM Bicutan, only 8 minutes away from Makati and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

After actor Piolo Pascual for Gramercy Makati and Canyon Ranch in Cavite, Century has tapped another celebrity endorser, Ruffa Gutierez, to launch this very innnovative project.

Prospective homeowners think about owning a home that is not too far from the city because of time spent travelling to and from their place of work. After acquiring such, they then think about owning another property, some place they can hie off to every weekend to unwind and relax.

You can have both with Azure and for the price of Php 11,000 a month (thru Pag-ibig Fund), according to property consultant Mitch Leones (you may contact her at tel. no. 0920-4425631 and +632-7935575, email at mitchleones@hotmail.com) or log on to www.centuryhomesphilippines.com.

Here are a couple of books and planners I would want to get for myself this holiday season:

Chicken Soup for the Soul The Story Behind the Song. There is a song for every occasion and season of life and how each song was written has a story behind it. Filled with one-hundred-and-one personal stories by the songwriters of some of the greatest and most beloved songs ever, Chicken Soup for the Soul The Story Behind the Song, shares the inspiration behind each song ever written. A perfect gift to give to your musicphile friend (Php 595)

 Twightlight Saga. I bet no rabid fan of Stephenie Meyer would even miss getting all four books the moment it comes out in bookstores, but then you’ll never know. I, for one, just borrowed the last two of the 4-part series, and would really appreciate someone gifting me for my own collection. Ditto for the DVD movie version, and the diary, and the planner…and anything about Twilight.Whew!

2010 Planners. Everybody is crazy over getting the Starbucks 2010 planner. I got requests to please, please, drink 17 frappucinos before the year ends so they can get that dang planner for free. I’ve just about had it with Toffee Latte or Dark Mocha Frap. Hayzzzz…the things I would do for my friends.

But then, they probably haven’t seen the new Belle de Jour 2010 Power Planner. I so love this daily planner since its a slambook, datebook in one with the added bonus of 60 discount coupons you can use throughout the year — from spas, clothing stores and restos. For the price of Php 598, that’s a lot of savings especially if you’re a beauty junkie (The Spa, Vanity Fair, The Strip) or a foodie (Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf,iRepublik Grill, Pizza Hut, White Hat). Use at least 55 coupons and you get the 2011 planner for free.

For the tweens, there’s the Total Girl Slambook, an autograph-book, memory maker, activity book and a friendship keepsake in one.It’s so much fun to fill out, share and read over and over again (Php150)

Sanrio Luxe Tartan bag

 It’s Hello Kitty mania since Sanrio Luxe Greenbelt 5 opened this year and all around the world die hard fans are looking to Japan, the home of the famous feline, for the latest finds. Luckily, a few of the latest items has so far trickled in to the G5 store, some of the other stuff though we can only find and salivate over at Hello Kitty’s official website www.kitty35.com.

 If there’s any other reason at all that I would want to go to Japan, other than its famous sites and the outlandish urban streetwear in Harajuku district, it would be the Hello Kitty Museum. Hello Japan! Okay, I need a visa and loads of moolah.

Hello Kitty 35th anniversary watch

Wonderful Japan is also home of Kyosho World Cup, Tamiya, Intial D (from which drifting became so known for) and anything and everything anime. It is probably the only place in the world where grown men and woman become boys and girls once again, as it holds so many attractions that bring us back to our childhood days– Voltes V, Mazinger Z, Bioman, etc. If you grew up in the 80’s as I am, you can relate to afternoons spent watching every Japanese anime cartoon series on Saturday Fun Machine. Remember Astroboy? He is on the anime radar once again and some of the kids I know are surprised when I tell them that Astroboy has been around for, like, 20 years already. Count from the time when it started as a manga series in Japan in 1952 and you will realize Astroboy is nearing 50 years old! Definitely, not a boy any more.

Going back to Hello Kitty, I remember a time when anyone in class who owns Sanrio items, Hello Kitty or My Melody, such as pencil cases, bags, etc.  were instant celebs as they are so so expensive and cute. Now that I’m a grown woman, I still could not shake off my enthusiasm for Hello Kitty so it was a brilliant idea to open Sanrio Luxe at Greenbelt 5.

Tokidoki Boston bag

However, not since the Tokidoki collection’s unveiling has there been such a resugence in interest, from the 30’s age bracket and above, in Hello Kitty. Tokidoki (”sometimes” in Japanese) is the Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand created in 2005 by Italian artist Simone Legno. It produces apparel, footwear, accessories and other products using art, iconic characters and the tokidoki logo designed by Legno himself, including purses, t-shirts, vinyl figures, jewelry and small toys. This high-end urban underground fashion has grown to be a leading trend and has already collaborated with some of the biggest brands in the world such as Levi’s, Mikasa, Fujitsu, Asics,  Smashbox, Lesportsac and recently, Hello Kitty in 2008. Since then, Hello Kitty has gone black, even hot pink, to cater to the grown up crowd.

Who knew that what began in Japan in 1974 as a coin purse would blossom into a global phenomenon? An interesting trivia: the worldwide theme for Hello Kitty’s 35th anniversary is the  Hello Kitty Colors: red for friendship, pink for cute, yellow for heartful, green for wish and lavender for sweet. The message of each color is reflected in Hello Kitty’s trademark bow, which has become super-sized for the occasion. These colors convey the very essence of Hello Kitty that has made her so special to fans and friends for so long.

When buying new perfume,it is best that you take your time. Spray the scent on different cards, smell them and evaluate which fragrances you like; start eliminating the ones you really don’t like. To refresh you senses while you decide on what you really like best, take a break and have a coffee, then come back and test how the cologne smells on you. Take one scent at a time and let it stand for five to ten minutes. If you are still undecided, come back the following day to make your final choice.

Some scents are stronger than others so dab it on your pulse points: behind the ears, on the nape, base of throat, and on the wrist. Try to have two kinds of perfume; one for daytime and one for evening. Warm humid conditions can intensify a fragrance so choose a soft, light and fresher fragrance for day, and apply more often.

Here are a few scents from the catalogue of perfumes for 2009 :

Ange Ou Demon by Givenchy. Officially launched in September, Ange Ou Demon, is a sensual and seductive scent with classy undertones that can take you from boardroom to bedroom in an instant, as illustrated in its campaign featuring Uma Thurman, one of Hollywood’s glam beauties. An Eau de Parfum, Ange Ou Demon is a blend of white thyme, mandarin, lily and orchid. Its finishing notes of oak wood, vanilla and tonka bean bring the scent to a solid base and lend an air of power and sexuality to the feminine fragrance. Classified as a floral oriental, Ange Ou Demon is a pleasant perfume that is not too strong nor overpowering and can be worn anytime of the day (Php 4,850 for 100 ml)

Love of Pink Perfume for Women by Lacoste.  Following the success of 2004’s Touch of Pink, Lacoste is keeping its rosy hues afloat with 2009’s introductory fragrance, Love of Pink, a new permanent addition to the line. A gentle fruity floral scent intended for young romantics, Love of Pink is both soft and zesty, ruby orange and passion fruit tempered by musk and vanilla. This eau de toilette, housed in a modern and casual frosted glass shape, perfect as an everyday fragrance.

CK Eternity for Summer. Flirty and light, this limited edition release of the classic CK Eternity scent is a light, sunny, musky scent based on notes of litchi, pear blossom and Chinese ginger, with vibrant undertones of pink freesia and magnolia.It doesn’t stray from the traditional floral freshness the brand has been known for and is perfect for everyday use (Php 4,695 for 100 ml)

CH by Carolina Herrera.  An oriental/floral for women, from the creative minds of fashion designer Carolina Herrera and perfumer Oliver Cresp. An intriguing fragrance mysterious and complex opening with a floral accord of bergamot, orange, grapefruit and a juicy melon. Bulgarian rose, jasmine and praline are at the heart and the base is an oriental delight of cinnamon, woody notes and leather. Perfect for evening wear

Idole d’Armani by Giorgio Armani.  This new floral-gourmand fragrance for women from Giorgio Armani is inspired by the designer’s ideal vision of femininity – an irresistible combination of grace, beauty and independent spirit. Bright top notes of juicy clementine, pear, ginger and davana sit over a heart of saffron absolute, Egyptian jasmine, Turkish rose, and a warm base of vetiver and patchouli.

Lilly Pulitzer Squeeze . This citrus floral for women, bright and playful. was composed by Perfumer Mathilde Bijaoul, for the preppy brand designer known for bright print clothing and accessories. Whimiscal notes include lychee, pink grapefruit, red currant, lotus blossom, wild rose, sun-drenched woods and water musk.

Clean.  Simple and refreshing, this soft floral fragrance lathers up with a harmonious blend of orange bergamot, frangipani, and lotus blossom, mixed with a fresh palette of rose oil, sweet violet and soft musk.

D & G 1  le Bateleur by Dolce & Gabbana.  Seductive and spicy, with top notes of cardamom and juniper berry resting against a fresh aquatic heart. Its base is provocative and feminine, mixing vetiver with olibanum and cedarwood. Associated with “The Lovers” Tarot card, for the passionate charmer.

Omnia Green Jade by Bvlgari. This is the fourth creation from the Omnia collection, which derives inspiration from different stones and gems. The stone green jade symbolizes beauty and harmony, and its namesake fragrance is designed to appeal to “modern young women with a bewitching innocence”; it opens on notes of green mandarin, orange and spring water, with peony, jasmine and pear blossom trailing lightly behind.

The New Moon soundtrack album is now available in Odyssey record bars

Anyway, I urge you to see New Moon as it is a very entertaining film. I simply love the Volturi and wished Aro and Jane (Dakota Fanning) and the rest have more screen time. Perhaps on the third installment.

We were so antsy over the long pre-screening program. Us Girls  hosts Angel Aquino and Cheska Garcia, along with Aaron Atayde, hosted the pre-screening raffle were prizes from sponsors Studio 23, Garnier and Carefree were given away to lucky winners.

Lea Salonga plays Grizabella in the Philippine run of Cats

Cats is a brilliant song and dance spectacle and it makes it triumphant debut in Manila. Featuring an international cast and our very own Lea Salonga (I missed her recent concert “Your Song”) as Grizabella. It will have a limited run at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines, beginning July 24, 2010.

The Citibank Citi Rustan’s gold card was offered to me as I am a FSP (Frequent Shopper) member.The lowest credit limit is Php125,000 a month for the Citi Rustan’s gold card. The platinum card, the other variant, has a credit limit in the millions. As added perks, I got a free spa treatment from Clarins Institut, free parking, a 2% rebate on purchases at Rustan’s department stores and supermarkets and affiliate shops, and a 0.50% rebate in other establishments. Other additional discounts include 15% to 20% during Rustan’s anniversary sale or when shopping during the week of my birthday.

Citibank has more than a dozen credit card variants but I’m looking to have my Citi Rustan’s card changed to Citi Mercury because I get 20% off my monthly fee at Fitness First. I’m a First Club member of Fitness First and my monthly fee is at Php2,550. I pay Php1,900 if I use Citibank Mercury card.

How to wear knits:

Knits, like I said, are casual yet sexy. Figure-flattering knits are wide V-neck pullovers or cardigans for curvy figures. For small-breasted women, wide collars and cowl necks work best. Body-hugging scoopnecks flatter tall, boyish frames.

How to care:
- Knits are made from a variety of fabrics so you need to read the label to know how best to care for them. If the label recommends hand washing, use a mild detergent in lukewarm water. Soak the garment for several minutes and rinse.

- Test the garment for colorfastness to avoid color pickup on other articles prior to cleaning. Wash in a low temperature to reduce the chance of bleeding colors.

- Do not wring or twist the garment. Instead, roll the garment in an absorbent towel and gently wring the towel. Then, remove the garment and lay it down flat to dry. To best keep a knitís original shape, they should never be put on a hanger. Instead, fold knit garments flat for storage.

When Freeway came up with the Nick Joaquin T-shirt, I was first to get one for myself and wore it all the time. Although I had to practically keep my eyes open during Filipino class in high school when we pored through Filipiniana literature, I had come to realize later in adulthood how lucky we all are for the gift of this literary genius. Imagine such gripping prose and poetry emblazoned on your chest for everyone to see; makes for a great conversation piece or an ice breaker when you find yourself in a crowded bus or waiting for an MRT train. Now comes Pinoy Lab with their Ninoy and Cory Aquino series. For those of us who have a nationalistic bent, this is a must-buy. Got mine from MOA branch. Other T-shirt brands have gone nationalistic as well. Flying slightly under the radar are:

Artwork

Quirky, designs inspired by pop culture plus a very affordable price tag make Artwork one of the few places you can get genuine Filipino-designed shirts. Their latest line is the Inday/Juan series, which comes with a free Juan Doodle book when you purchase two. Their Do Not Iron Art-eest Series, was launched at the 2nd Annual Artwork T-Shirt design from Oct. 31 to Nov. 9, an event put together designs by top t-shirt artists. Stocks are replenished every two weeks so there are fewer chances of meeting someone wearing the same shirt as you do. Artwork is available at G/F Glorietta, 2/L Trinoma and 3/f SM Manila.

Favola

Endorsed by Hero Angeles, Favola T-shirts (available online at www.favolashirts.com) is a project of the Pag-Asa Social Center Foundation, Inc. (PSCFI) and the Favola youth in Tagaytay. The idea for Favola, “fairytale” in Italian, first took root when a German friend of Frank Schmelzer, director of PSCFI, visited the center in 2004 when it was operating purely as a drop-in center for local children. The friend asked if the center could make T-shirts for a project he was doing back home. Schmelzer found a local person who knew how to print silkscreen and began training kids at the center. The first order was successfully shipped to Germany. At first they designed T-shirts that promoted tourism in Tagaytay but later took on a funky and quirky edge. They feature other scenic sights in the Philippine archipelago and use traditional Filipino icons such as the tarsier, turning them into stylized symbols. The students are given a lot of leeway when they conceptualize so designs tend to reflect individual personalities and their unique take on life as they see it. Check out the Pinas Tribal shirt which retails for Php 265-275.

KC Turon a la mode

While he was making client calls in the area I took the opportunity to drop by the Nike warehouse in Liip. Paseo has Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Havaianas, Gola, etc among its roster of sports apparel brands but they say you get as much as 70% off if you to go the Nike Warehouse in Liip. I was able to buy 2 Nike tank tops at 500 to 600 each from its regular price of 1,500 and a Wilson tennis bag for 1,250 from its orig price of 2,600. Quite a steal. Nike caps go for 300 to 400 from its regular price of 700. I love dri fit Nike tops that allow me movement when I go to retro dance class at Fitness First or go running in MOA or Serendra. Tennis and badminton rackets are also at 50% off.

How to get there:
From Manila take the Sta. Rosa exit and stay on the right side of the road heading  towards Tagaytay. You won’t miss the Nike Store  because it is near the Laguna Technopark where Honda cars is located.  The Liip-Mamplasan Nike warehouse is actually near and can be reached by tricycle if you don’t have a car. Ask for the location of Print Town since Nike is adjacent to it.