The Last Hurrah

Just one more day to go before I get back to work; and what better way to spend it than by going to Tagaytay for the New Year for the last hurrah this holiday season.

Tagaytay is just about an hour away by car from my place. Situated at the top of a mountain, Tagaytay City is among the best tourist destinations in the metro. Unlike other travel destinations, Tagaytay City is pretty much urbanized with dozens of shopping stores, restaurants and clubs any yuppie would enjoy hanging out in. It is paradise for those of us who wanted to get away from the city yet still feel the urban life. Since Tagaytay City is located on top of a mountain, the wind breeze is pretty cold this time of the season. Temperature can drop up to 15 degrees Celsius- just like in New York except for the snow!

Since it's only an hour away from the City, my family and I left at around 5:30PM. Tagaytay is well known for it's very cold weather and tonight was no exception. Jackets and scarf in hand, we traveled for over an hour and a half (thanks to the heavy traffic- seems like everybody is either on their way up to Tagaytay or going down from it); our destination- the Summit Ridge Hotel; a hip place for yuppies, families and businessmen who wants to cool down and relax while taking in a marvelous view of the city.

The Robinson's Summit Ridge Hotel & Promenade

Summit Ridge Hotel boasts a large promenade filled with various stores, restaurants and recreational activity spots for the whole family to enjoy. This evening, there was a bazaar set up near the fountain and hundreds of guests loiter around the area, checking out the different items for sale or dining at the finest restaurants in the area. Since I'm a shopaholic, I couldn't resist from taking a peek at the bazaar and see for myself if there are any items I might actually be interested in getting for myself. Necklaces, bead bracelets, scarves and animal hats adorned several stores. Though I found nothing really interesting and unique, I was fascinated with the animal head caps they have on display. I thought only kids wear those stuff- but I was wrong. Adults and grannies loiter the area wearing different animal heads on their heads! It was hilarious. I wouldn't try one because I'm afraid it will mess up my hair. 

The Top View Of The Promenade

There were two spacious floors to the summit promenade. Restaurants and shops are littered all over the place. The second floor balcony is a popular picture perfect spot for people who brought their cameras. A sucker for good pictures myself, I had several shots of me taken on the balcony and the bridge way.

Kids won't get bored with the place. An arcade area is set up on the second floor with several games for the little brats to enjoy. I'm not big on kids so I just let my uncle and my mom bring my nephew there to play while I stroll around the area enjoying the gust of cold wind and the snaps of the paparazzi wanting to take my picture with other tourists and guests.

A Paparazzi Who Took My Picture

My & My Famous Mom By The Arcade

Another Paparazzi Took My Picture While I Was On The Phone

Since the place was jam packed with people and an acoustic band was set up by the fountain on the ground floor, it's quite difficult for us to find a good place to eat. There are about more than 10 restaurants on the promenade: Giligan's Island, Sanctuaryo, Inasal Bacolod Chicken, Pepper Steak Lunch and even Starbucks to name a few. We found an empty table at Cows On Fire- a grilling and steakhouse and I'm glad we did. It's not very often we go to Tagaytay so I'd rather try something different here rather than the old usual restaurants I can find and dine in the metro. Besides, I'm in the mood for burgers and steaks anyway and Cows On Fire is just the perfect place to enjoy it.

Starbucks & Giligans At The Summit Ridge

Cows On Fire- I Love It!

The meal was sumptuous and not very expensive. I ordered the Cheese and Chicken Strips for appetizers which costs P255 and for the main course, Salisbury Steak which costs only P279 and a glass of bottomless Iced Tea. They also serve beers and wines that goes best with your steak. My uncle ordered a bucket of San Miguel Lights and I had 2 bottles for the evening just to experience the perfect steak-beer dinner the way the Australians do. I wasn't disappointed at all. The whole meal was excellent!

We headed back home at around 02:00 AM since the traffic almost wounded down. The whole trip was fun and relaxing. It was the perfect adventure to close the holiday season. Next year, we might go somewhere different to celebrate the last hurrah- but as far as I'm concerned, this was one of the best I had experienced.

Happy New Year Everyone!

This Is My Year- And No One's Going To Stop Me!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The year 2011 has finally come; I can remember like 11 years ago when a friend of mine from college was so scared of the upcoming year 2000. She said that it was the end of the world! 11 years later, I'm still alive- and if you're reading this from the screen of your desktop, laptop, iPAD, or mobile phone, then I assure you you're still among the living.

Every year, people around the world celebrates New Year by following different time traditions. In Manhattan NY, I always used to watch that big ball of light slowly being lowered on Time's Square. My family basically celebrates New Year by holding our own family soiree at our estate with my closest relatives in attendance, watching fireworks and drinking the finest wines. Some people celebrate New Year by contemplating on the year that was and making a whole list of unrealistic resolutions that they vow to keep. I'm not into making New Years resolutions- not that I already have a perfect life, but because I see it as pretentious and totally unrealistic. The Christian in me always says that we need God to change and so instead of making resolutions and trying very hard to change whatever it is that is wrong with you, look on to JESUS instead and He shall direct your steps to becoming a better person. That is true, and I totally agree with that.

While I'm not the type to make a list of boring new year resolutions, I am quite fascinated by the people who do. No offense if you happen to have a list of resolutions in front of you now but let me ask you this: over the past years that you have made the same habit of listing down your resolutions, were you actually able to keep them and make them come to pass all year round? How many of you honestly followed your new year's resolution successfully without missing a step? Let's face it; nobody seems to keep their resolutions whether you're a non-conformist or not. Not to be a procrastinator, but I just want to keep it real, so why bother?

The best way to approach the new year- and this goes to everybody; is to simply reflect deep inside and ask yourself how you want this New Year to be different from the year before. How do you see yourself ending this 2011 and what do you wish to achieve? I for one have focused so much over the past few years on my love life that this year I've decided to focus on my career and make it big. By doing this, I can effectively change whatever it is that I've done wrong before which made me unsuccessful in my previous jobs over the past years. No resolutions, no promises of change, just focus on what I want to achieve and everything else will fall in to place.

For those of you who may know me quite well, you may want to say "Why don't you try to change your character?" I know, I'm not perfect- and so are you. So before you tell me that I should change my attitude, you might want to start off first by changing yours. I love myself and I love being who am. I may not be everybody's favorite pal- but who cares? I'm quite happy with the way I am thank you very much. I am strong and I know what I want. I'll do whatever it takes to get it so why would I want to change that? Sure, I'm an @$$ but I don't care. I'm happy being just that way and if there's anything that needs to be said- I need to be this way because being a good guy got me nowhere. I'd rather be the villain than the hero who everybody pushes around and takes advantage of. Besides, if there's anything despicable about me, you'll have to deal with that until I decided to change. It's not bothering me at all, so why should it bother you?

But seriously, I intend to make this 2011 really big for me. This is my year and this year, all my dreams will come true- by hook or by crook, no matter how many people I have to swat out of the way, no matter how many people I have to step on. I'm making it this year and nobody's going to stop me!

Do you think this is also your year? Then dig deeper. Know what must be done, because things won't change unless you make the first step to do it.

Cheers! Happy New Year everyone!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Marc Jacobs Samples Are Size Four And NOT Size Zero

Okay ladies, now that the New Year is about to set in, I'm sure that most of you are already considering on going on a diet after pigging out during the holidays. Some, might even want to retrieve the model size weight they used to have. But before you start wearing those gym outfits that are rotting inside your closets, take a look first at the size figures of the models on the runway.

I was looking at a few runway shots in the recent Marc Jacobs fashion show this year and I was shocked with what I discovered: most designer samples that are used on the runway shows range from size 2 to size 6 and not "size zero" as what the media likes to portray. I took part in several fashion shows here in Manila and most of the time, even the designers here are saying that they use size zero for all their models on the runway.So, just to prove a point, I went inside a Marc Jacobs fashion show and took a photo of one of their clothes to be worn on the runway.

Click! Click! Click! That's Not A Size Zero- It's A Size Four

This top was a Marc Jacobs original spring 2011 runway sample that was specially flown in from New York to be used in this year's catalog. I checked the other clothes that were shipped and guess what- they're all size four!

I know that models have a reputation and an image they go by. However, I sometimes find it funny that whenever the media take photo shots at this whole size zero a debate. It's true, models are skinny, but that's no excuse not to get their facts right. They need to take into account the proportions of these models. Most models are super tall, giving the illusion that their limbs are longer than what they are. i highly doubt the average model is a textbook size zero, given the sizes of their waists and hips.

So if you think that you need to lose a lot of weight just to fit in to a size zero this New Year- think again.

Never Say Sorry (Unless You Mean It)

Nobody is perfect- and neither am I. Though I try to be, but let's admit it, were not. 

New Year is fast approaching and as 2011 comes, I've been reminded of the many mistakes I did this year... the people that I hurted... and the schemes that I've done. Its quite easy to reminisce about all these specially since most of them are pretty much fresh in my mind. But if you're thinking if I have any regrets about them... well... to be honest I had none. 

Being Chuck Bass is who I am. This means doing things that I should never regret later on, no matter how bad they are. I don't look back and I just keep looking forward. I am never sorry for anything that I did in the past; why should I be? I did it because I have a reason to.

I was chatting with one of my oldest friends a couple of days ago. He asked me if I still have any communication with this other friend we have back when we were still consistently hanging out together. This other friend of mine had a little "falling-out" with me when he back stabbed me from my friends a couple of years ago. I never forgave him for what he did- mainly because he never did say sorry; but I did get even by destroying his reputation and making all of his friends turn their backs against him. To make a long story short, he was left with nobody and a few months after that, he tried to make amends with me only to be shut out and humiliated in front of his own friends. I don't give second chances; and I don't deal fairly with traitors. So anyway, my friend said this guy is back in town and he was asking  my friend if we could hang out again and talk. I told my friend flatly "no". If he knows what's best for him, he'd better stay away from me- not unless he wants to have another dose of my classic Chuck Bass humiliation scheme.

You might be thinking that I'm such a heartless @$$, after all, this incident happened years ago. Shouldn't I be moving forward and just simply forget about it? No. Not that I owe anybody an explanation, but for me- saying sorry is just as the same level as saying I love you... I don't say it unless I mean it. When I'm ready to forgive then I'll give him the opportunity to apologize. Until then, he'll have to do with my cold shoulder and reckless wrath. He can't blame me for that- he did started it and I was just finishing what he started.

Forgiving and forgetting is not that easy- specially with people who you know wants to take you down. Being who I am, I know a lot of people who'd want to see me destroyed. But that's just too bad. I'm smarter than they are and I'm better than what they can do. They can't take me down that easily and normally, if they ever try to, they always end up as collateral damage. That's what happens when you cross me. Now you know why nobody almost dared to do so. It's just one of the facts that makes me Chuck Bass.

Before this year ends, I know I have a lot of opportunities to apologize with all the really bad things I've done. The only question is, am I actually sorry for doing those? I'm afraid that my answer to that is a big no. I have my reasons for doing what I did and unless somebody can tell me why I should be sorry and convince me to do so then I stand by my decision to just let things be.

So before you write your new year's resolution this year and start forgiving people who has hurt you or doing it the other way around, think about this first: is the world gonna be a better place after all has been forgiven? If not, then I advise you to just let things be. Why bother on things that can't be helped? Life is never fair so why whine about it when you can actually do something with it? 

My Funny Caption

Fashion Trends Of 2010

Before the year ends, I'm making it my tradition to post the hottest trends that grazed the face of the  Philippines.As we bid goodbye to the fashion that was "in", we can now say hello to what will be "hot" as the new year comes in. The year 2010 has seen a lot of changes in the trends that came and went, and the most distinct mark this year has made in the history of Philippine fashion is it's influence inspired by vintage looks and clothes from the past.

So let's take a trip down memory on what was hot and what was not this 2010:

The Metrosexual Shirt

V Neck / Macho Shirts (The Metrosexual Look)

Men's fashion has not seen such drastic changes since year 2010. This year brought a big change in Men's fashion that totally catapulted men into the fashion limelight. The metrosexual look was born and thus V-Neck shirts and tight fitting shirts that emphasized a man's toned (and  sometimes not so toned) body became a hit. Gone are the bulky (and totally unfashionable) hip-hop jerseys and shirts that are 2x their size and in replace are designer and branded shirts that are two times smaller than their actual size.  This gave birth to men's health consciousness and gym memberships increased, all for the sake of keeping their bodies fit and right for the metrosexual look. For this look, the smaller your shirt, the better!

The Teeny Booper Look

Even the teenagers jumped into the fashion bandwagon. If there's one word that can be used to best describe the media's influence over fashion, that one word would be: powerful. With the birth of several  teeny-bopper series both local and international, even the kids who are about to step into the prime of their teen years have garnered a look that's simply unique and fashionable. Followers of these teen shows began wearing trendy and colorful dresses, mini shorts and girly-doll shoes. It's like Barbie during her teenage years! 

The Teeny Bopper Look

The Classy Look

The Classy Gay Guy Look

Gay people (no offense intended) have always been the front row in the fashion industry. There's no look a gay guy cannot carry off as long as he's "out" and proud of his identity.  Fedora Hat, check. Nerd Glasses, check. Polo Shirt, check. Short Pants, check. Doctor Bag, check. This is the look of any vain guy out there on the street and word has it that even straight men adapted this look and was able to carry it off with finesse and style. Looks like a common ground  between gay and straight guys who wants to be "in".

Two-toned Jeans

The Two-Toned Color
From sunglasses to shirts, sweaters to pants. Two toned hues became in- thanks to the two-toned Prada bag that was also a recent hit!

Blair Waldorf In Tulip Skirt

Tulip Skirts

From Balenciaga’s futuristic design on the runways and inspired by the hit TV series Gossip Girl, Tulip skirts has become simpler, dainty and wearable by every woman. Move over A-Line skirts, Tulip skirts are here!

Madonna Wearing Nerd Glasses

Nerd Glasses

The most astonishing (and I still don't understand the fascination with this) fashion fad this year is the  use of nerdy glasses to go with every outfit. This nerd fashion has become "in" after another TV series (which will remain unnamed) has sang it's  way to popularity by making it's loser characters a bunch of winners (are you sure they're not whiners???) These days, even celebrities are seen wearing nerd glasses wherever they go. Looks like the losers found their way towards the "in" crowd.

Vintage Necklace

Vintage Accessories

Accessories are always in. But what sets each accessory apart from each other is the time or era they were made popular. This year, vintage is in! There are timeless pieces that won’t simply go out of date just like cameo pendants and owl necklaces. These accessories go with almost any kind of outfit so I bet this trend will last until next year.

Gossip Girls

The New York Fashion Look

Whether you are a guy or a girl, this year's fashion would never be complete without the trendsetting influence of New York- the fashion capital of the world. 

Gossip Boys

Gossip Girl fans have copied and wore the style in and outside Manhattan, and even Manila has adapted this look. Gossip Girls and Boys are easily spotted amongst the events of the elites and the fashionistas this year.

Wearing A Scarf Is "In"

The Scarf

Last but not the least, fashion 2010 would not be complete without a holiday fashion statement. As the year closes, another fashion trend has surfaced and this trend is definitely setting the Christmas season on fire- scarves! Even for a tropical country, Manila will never go out of style; not if we follow exactly how the New Yorkers does it! And since this cold season, scarves are "in" in Manhattan, many pinoys- including myself have also jumped in the fashion bandwagon. Can't say that I didn't follow the fashion rulebook by the letter.

If you find 2010 a bit fashionable, I will have to agree with you. There are no better fashion statements (with the exception of the nerd glasses inspired by Glee) than what we have just witnessed this 2010. And as this year draws to a close, we can definitely hope for more hotter fashion statements the coming 2011 will bring. Be inspired and dress up people- it's your turn to walk down the runway!

A Peek Inside My Cynical Demented Mind

I've always been sarcastic. Guess I was born this way. Turning 30 has not changed me that much at all. I may have matured but deep inside, I'm still the same Chuck Bass everybody loves to hate and hates to love. In many ways, I'm proud of who I am and I don't let anybody forget that. One person once asked me, "How do you sail through life acting the way you did? I mean, doesn't anybody ever tell you that you're sarcastic all the time?" Of course I know I that- but that's what makes me great- it's who I am and it's what sets me apart from everybody else. I'm full of myself and I can't help it. I'm scheming and manipulative but that's what make me Chuck Bass. It's either you love me for that or not- either which way, I don't really care.

What Can I Say? I'm Demented

If you ever wondered how I manage to live the way I do; it's because I follow 27 cardinal rules that identifies me. If you happen to be a close friend of mine, you'll definitely agree to this list and say "Well, that's him alright". So if you have a desire to get to know me better, or you simply just want to be like me; I'm laying down my 27 cardinal rules in print.

1. I keep my friends close but I keep my enemies closer. There's just no better way to manipulate your enemies and frenemies than by keeping them close to where you are.

2. I listen to people when they talk. I get lots of useful information from them that way- information that I can use in my future schemes

3. On a seriously equivocal note, no one is born lucky. There are just people who count their blessings. And yes, they do count each twice. The more often, the luckier. I prefer to make things go my way- if they don't, I make sure that they do one way or another.

4. Never blame others- it's rude. however, you can point out their mistakes in public so you can be assured that they don't do it again. Public humiliation is just one of the many accessories I carry in my arsenal.

5. Always be right- even if you are wrong. I'm the master of manipulation. I like invented it. I make sure that I am never in a compromising position. I'm always right and there's nothing anybody can do about it. It's just a matter of working your way around the situation to make you look right

6. I claim victory without humility. This should inspire people.

7. Never cry in public. Don't let anybody see your weakness! People tend to use your weakness to blackmail you. If you're anything like me, people always want to take me down. Unfortunately, they can't because they don't know any of my weaknesses.

8. In the same fashion, by all means laugh. never lose your sense of humor- but do it with style.

9. Never look silly in front of your admirers. Always aim to look fresh and in your element.

10. Go on a diet. Losing weight and keeping fit is part of looking good.

11. Be smart. Be intelligent. Be shrewd. Be in the know. There's no point in not using your brain- that's actually the reason why you have a brain in the first place.

12. Physical beauty is one thing- always look your best when in public. You'll never know when a paparazzi would show up to take your picture.

13. Trust your instinct. If you feel something different about anything, maybe it's worth "googling".

14. Pray as often as you like. Talking to God is a free gift. Everyone gets it.

15. Regardless of the intention and no matter how sugarcoated, a lie is still a lie. When I give anyone a chance to lie to me, that means I'm giving that person a chance to lie to me again. I hate lies- and I don't give second chances. Once the foundation of trust is severed, I dump him/her. There's no sense getting sucked into a lie more than once .

16. If someone does me wrong, I don't get revenge- I get even! I don't deal kindly with traitors.

17. A person who baby talks way beyond his/her age is more irritating than a person who plays know-it-all. Both better stay away from me. I honestly do not have that amount of patience and understanding yet to be close to them. Besides, I hate kids.

18. Learn how to cook. That's one skill you need to add to your survival kit and a step you have to take  is to learn how to cook well.

19. Have your moods and be honest about it. Being vocal about it is optional when you're in a good mood but is required when you're in a bad mood. Other people have to know if you need them to back off. It may not be appreciated at all times but it surely saves a lot of possible awkward moments. Besides, you wouldn't want to get on my bad side. When I say back off- it's best that you obey- unless you want to be a casualty in the end.

20. Travel light. Uhmm, I'm a work in progress with this rule. But, considering that during the past I have already experienced a lot of mishaps (usually really funny!) when I do otherwise, I do, at least, make the effort to cut down on my luggage and backpacks and handbags and carry case and...oh for Pete's sake just shoot me!

21. Love English and be good at it. For those moments when you feel like reminiscing how great you were during your student years, it will make you smile to think that other people accorded you some respect just because they suck at what you're good at.

22. When you lose or fail at anything, do not let anybody know about it! There's a level of perfection that you need to uphold. I'm good at everything I do and if I'm not good enough for it then I change the rules to my liking. Live by this: What Chuck wants, Chuck gets- one way or another.

23. Love your family. Simple as that.

24. Help people when you can. It's a chance to share your blessings and it is a choice that your heart has to make. The more people you help, the better you'll look in public. Public image is a necessity if you want to rule.

25. Never be afraid of change. Change is constant. Change should be afraid of you and not the other way around.

26. Respect is supposed to be a one-way street when it involves you. Don't let anybody get the better of you. Always be on top in whatever you do. If things don't go your way, scheme.  That's what I meant when i say I always get what I want.

27. Never fool yourself. It's a battle that you can never win.

I hope this helps anybody. It's not hard being me. What is hard however is going against me. I'm a leader and I'm born to rule. Like I said, its either you deal with it or not. Sadly, people like me are always on top[ of the game, so that doesn't really give you much of an option to work on does it? Better to stay on my good side. You wouldn't want to be collateral damage when you get on my bad side. 

Demented Anyone?

Marriage Is Social Suicide

This may seem like a very bad idea to talk about on the month of December, but I've been personally pondering on this for quite some time now. I may have certain issues with regards to this topic but as usual, I respect other people's opinions aside from my own. I think it's time I get it out in the open; and thus, this blog entry was born.

A couple of days ago, just before Christmas, I ran into an old friend while I was doing my last minute Christmas shopping for myself. We stopped for a while and had the usual "catching up". She was quite surprised to find out that I'm still single and not even attached to one person in particular. She knew about my wild days before and how I normally end up with more than one date at a time. My friend has been married for almost 3 years now and when I asked her how she was doing (having been married and all) she said- it was the best experience she's ever had. Really now is all I can say with a sneer on my face. I thought to myself- how can she be happy when I hardly see her at any social gala since she tied the knot? Does that mean she's actually having fun staying at home and waiting for her husband to come home? Talk about living a dull life! Then again, I saw that annoying twinkle in her eyes; the one that says she's really having the time of her life and at that point, with the music from twilight zone playing inside my head, I knew she was telling the truth.

I'm Not Getting Married

People who are genuinely happy with their marriages are bound to say things like this. "I found the best man in the world... she makes me feel so complete... I so love being married to a wonderful guy... I love being with her... and the proverbial 'Marriage is the best thing that has ever happened to me'.. anecdote" While I can  truly say that I'm very happy for couples who ended up being happy with their marriage, I simply can't relate to the whole concept of getting married and tying yourself down to just one person for the rest of your life. For me, marriage is just one social event that I attend to whenever one of my friends have decided to tie the knot. It's like attending a social event and then coming up to your friend saying "congratulations" when what I really meant was "rest in peace". Don't get me wrong, I'm not heartbroken nor do I have any ill feelings of being single at this point of my life. I love being a bachelor and not being married is basically my choice to begin with. Like what I always say, I love it when people get their dream weddings; but that doesn't necessarily mean that I imagined myself right there on the altar getting married. 

With the career I currently have, marriage is nothing but a nuisance. I decided that if I want to make it big and find myself in every society gala or with every newspaper's society page in the metro, then I couldn't risk getting into marriage and killing my social life. In more ways than one, I regard marriage as suicide. Why? Because when I get married, I can no longer come and go as I please. Traveling will almost be difficult for me, especially if I need to go somewhere far for an event because I'll be leaving my wife behind- or worse, she just might want to tag along with me for the trip! The very worst part of getting married is that I can never be the social bachelor that I currently am. That means my partying days are over and in replace is coming home at a decent hour and taking care of the kids- I hate kids!!!

Marriage=Game Over

Marriage means giving up my social life in exchange of spending the rest of my life with one person and having kids. I can't do that. I don't mind going on dates and I certainly don't mind getting into a serious relationship with someone that I really love- but that's as far as I'm willing to go! I want to spend the rest of my life with someone, but not have kids. I want to be with someone who would understand my social obligations and wouldn't mind if I party at all. In short, I need a companion, not a wife who'd nag me if I didn't come home before 2am or if I'd rather party and pose in front of the paparazzi on a Saturday night rather than staying home and tucking the kids to bed. The life of a married man is dull, boring, and very unsociable. I can't live with that kind of lifestyle and I certainly don't find myself being in one either.

It's true- I'm a hopeless romantic. I love going on dates, and showing my date a good time. I love having romantic dinners and going on scenic views and all that cheesy stuff. But that's all I want. No wife, no annoying brats you call your kids and definitely no marriage vows that says you'll be the best husband and you'll be a responsible father. I can be the best boyfriend and I am a responsible father to my 5 adorable dogs who I treat as my own kids but going beyond that is social suicide for me. 

I've got nothing against people who are married and people who want to get married. That's your thing. I totally respect that. But my thing is society galas, paparazzis taking my pictures at an event, fashion shows, parties and the life of a bachelor. Looking at my old friend now who is happy with her marriage makes me happy for her- but I also pity her. Gone are her days of partying with us and gone is her social life. But I guess, that's the price you pay for marrying at an age when you should be enjoying your life. That's a big price for me to pay. Marriage is simply just not for me. 

The True Meaning Of Christmas

I have been eagerly awaiting the Christmas season- every year. Christmas is like my favorite holiday; even  back when I was a kid. For me it is better than my own birthday because Christmas is a time when the whole world celebrates- and not just me. Parties are everywhere, the streets are brightly decorated- everybody is in a cheerful mood. But all this time, as we celebrate Christmas year after year, we tend to forget the true meaning of this holiday. For most of us (yes, including me) Christmas is a time to receive gifts and party non-stop all the way; but as I was reflecting today, I realized that amidst all the excitement and glamor this season brings, there is more to it than meets the eye.

Christmas is a very joyous season. Fascinating, that here in the Philippines, people starts decorating their houses with Christmas trees and Christmas lights as soon as the month of September sets in. Children await this season more than anything else because Santa Claus is coming to town with lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh. Children are reminded to be good because if they're not, they won't get any gifts from Santa. But the thing is, Christmas is not about Santa. It's not about the gifts or the parties we go to.  It's not even about whether you are naughty or nice or if you've been good or bad. Christmas is all about Jesus- His birth and the reason why He came. This season is supposed to remind us all of that one night when our Savior came; to save us from our sins.

Jesus- The True Meaning Of Christmas

Christmas is a very important time for us because during this day, we celebrate the greatest gift that God our Father gave us, His Son, Jesus Christ. This Gift from God is written in the Bible. John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not die but will have eternal life.” God gave us Jesus to save us from sin.

Every Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus just like we celebrate our birthdays every year. We give gifts to our friends, our parents and our brothers and sisters to remember the greatest gift that all of us received when Jesus was born.

I don't know about you, but having realized this, I looked upon Christmas in a very different light. Sure, there are tons of parties left and right that I need to attend to; and yes, I've got gifts that I just can't wait to open. But as I continue to celebrate this year with my old traditions, I am now making it even more meaningful by adding in a new perspective on why I celebrate Christmas season. This year, I intend to make Christmas more meaningful by dedicate some time to reflect, pray and ponder on its true meaning – the birth of Jesus our Savior. 

I know you get really excited about the gifts you will receive and the parties you will be attending. But you can make Christmas even more meaningful if you take some time to thank God for giving us Jesus. You can do this by praying as well and sharing your blessings to others. Did you know that not all kids get gifts during Christmas? You can share the gift of Christmas to other children so they, too, will know the real meaning of the celebration.

Have a Holy Christmas, everyone!

Anticipating Christmas

December 24! Finally- Christmas Day is here (well, almost here). 

While Christmas trees glitter in every corner of New York, and almost every shop on 5th avenue is packed, we can always find cheer in this momentous holiday season. Fashion is ephemeral when you find yourself shopping at Saks, and Barney's and Bendels may not have reserved those pair of Manolos you've been eying on since September, nevertheless, Christmas season is always the time for cheer and joy.

While most people are busy finishing their Christmas shopping, or trying to prepare for their evening festivities, I, Chuck Bass am busy commemorating some childhood memories I had when I was a kid. I remember how Christmas would always be my favorite holiday! School's out and tons of Christmas parties and events to attend to (yes- even as a kid, I was already a party-goer). I can remember back then, days before Christmas eve sets in, my brother and I would peek underneath the tree just to see how big our gifts would be. We'd play guessing game on what those gifts were and since I always get the gift that I wished for, it's not difficult for me to guess what's inside my package.Then on the night of Christmas eve, my brother and I would rush to the Christmas tree at the strike of 12 so we can open our presents. This tradition has always been in our family every year until we grew up as adults and no more gifts can be found underneath the Christmas tree...

Nevertheless, I'm still excited every December. This year is no different, even if there are certain traditions that has changed over the years.

Today, my mom and I would be making Christmas salad while my dad prepares for our noche buena. This has always remained constant year in and year out. I'm looking forward to actual preparation of our Christmas feast because this gives me the same rush I always have whenever a big event is coming. 

At 5:30 PM, my family and I will be heading off to church to attend the Christmas eve service. I'm also looking forward to this because a lot of my friends are in church and this is the perfect opportunity for me to greet everyone a Merry Christmas. This is always the most cheerful part of the service. Best of all, going to church means dressing up- and I've already prepared what I'll be wearing for church tonight- another opportunity for me to graze an event with my latest fashion statements. 

I'm not quite sure what will happen after we attend church, but that's the best part of the evening- surprises will always come and I love surprises!

One thing for sure, my family and I will be spending our Christmas evening together. Normally my uncle and my aunt comes over on Christmas eve to celebrate with us, but this year they went off to celebrate in Baguio, the Christmas capital of the Philippines. So it looks like it's just gonna be me, may mom and dad and my brother this evening.

There may not be any 'rushing" to the tree tonight, or big heavy Christmas gifts under the tree. But one thing is certain, no matter how many gifts you receive, how many Christian Lacroix coats you get, or how many Burberry tops you wear, nothing beats spending Christmas with the ones you truly love!

Hmmm.... I wonder what gifts I'll be receiving tonight.... I can't wait to find out!

Merry Christmas Upper East Side!

XoXo

Chuck Bass

Yogurt Me Crazy

Manila has began looking from coffee central to yogurt town. Yogurt shops are sprouting just about everywhere; and it's like wherever I go, there's bound to be one or two yogurt place located in the area. I don't really like to compare it with coffee shops, but there's no denying that yogurt has driven almost everybody crazy these days! I was beginning to wonder what all the fuss is about, and that's when I decided to try it out and see for myself.

Yogurt With Kit Kat At White Hat

My first stop is The White Hat (located at Alabang Town Center). I found out (by snooping around) that White Hat is actually an authentic Italian Yogurt. white Hat is by far amongst the most popular yogurt shop in the country with almost 1 branch in every mall you can find in Manila. Their Yogurt has this tangy flavor with the perfect amount of sweetness- not too sweet and not too sour. There are many toppings to choose from to go with your cup of yogurt. There's cheesecake, fruity pebbles, cereals, oreos, strawberries, choco drops, and even Kit Kat! Almost as soon as I looked down to choose from the selection of toppings, the Kit Kat called my name. To make the long story short, I chose Kit Kat as my topping to my first ever cup of yogurt from White Hat and  my first bite- heaven! 

* Froyo Medium Size P85 ($1.75) Large Size P115 ($2.50) +1 topping P15 ($0.3) +2 toppings ($0.75) +3 toppings P45 ($1)

California Berry With M&Ms and Fruits

My  next stop is California Berry- another famous and well known yogurt shop here in the Philippines. Just like The White Hat, you can find their store in just about any mall you go in the metro. California Berry boasts a wide variety of toppings to choose from too and their yogurt tastes just fine. Unlike White Hat, California Berry hails from the United States (duh- as if "California" is not a give-away yet). They use non-fat yogurt with a sweet and tangy flavor that just bursts in your mouth with every bite. I liked the multi-colored M&Ms and fruit so I chose that and I really thought that it was good- perfect combination.

* Medium Sized Froyo P80 ($1.75) P15($0.3) 1 topping P25($0.5) 2 toppings P45($1) 3 toppings

Yogi Berry Frozen Yogurt

My last but definitely not the least stop over is this small but really nice looking yogurt shop I found at Greenhills shopping center. It's called Yogi Berry (awww... how kewt).Unlike the previous two shops I went to, Yogi Berry sells his yogurt per ounce (P15/oz including toppings). They have 4 flavors and they mix them depending on the customer's preference (blueberry, chocolate, taro [???] and vanilla). The place is self-service so don't expect the staff to carry your tray anywhere. The yogurt they have here is quite sweet which is a refreshing change from the sweet and tangy flavor normal yogurts have. The toppings are quite the same as the ones you can find at White Hat & California Berry so that's fair enough. The only thing I didn't like with Yogi Berry is that their shop is not as pretty or as appealing as the others. Nevertheless, their yogurt is good enough.  

I was meaning to make Tutti Frutti as my last stop for the day, but all these yogurt eating is making me sick. Yogurts are great desert alright. They're good replacement for your normal everyday ice cream. I highly recommend that you try one today- just don't overdo it like I did. Too much yogurt makes me want belch out; just about now. I guess it will be a while before I start eating yogurt again...