MANILA NEWS

The last quarter of the year, I believe, is the best time to be in Manila. Lucky for me, these are the days when I go to the capital to dabble on some official business. Last weekend was somewhat of a last-minute affair, by my standards. As I usually plan my trips on ticket-sale season, it was highly unusual for me to have booked tickets, merely a month before the travel date. But the Manila run of The Phantom of the Opera beckoned and this theater buff just could not say no. Booked tickets, I did! (After asking the mother, cousin and four other classmates to join, that is).

As the two-hourand-a-half production was the main event of my Manila trip, every other activity had to revolve around that consideration. If you will be warming the theater seat for some time, you would want to be in an attentive disposition. In other words, do not tire yourself out before heading to theater treat.

Cotton On Fix

Shopping took a backseat this time but was not at all forsaken. Conveniently, the Mall of Asia was near the Cultural Center of the Philippines and we just had to check the Cotton On branch. The girls in the family just adore the brand. No trip abroad would be complete without dashing to its many branches. They hold the bigger sales. We took home a silver weekend bag—three pieces of the same design— when we let out a gasp at the discounted price tag. Up to this day, we still have not gotten over the fact that we got nice roomy bags for P200 each only.

A quick tour led us to the best deal in the MOA branch of Cotton On. You can get two items (of a certain kind) for P1,200. After having lost my mother’s recent favorite long cardigan, I was keen on finding its substitute in the store. Originally priced at P900, we got two lace-and-cotton cardigans for P1,200!

FitFlop for Men Launched

Yesterday, FitFlop released its first collection for male wearers in Manila. The brand is already known to be a shoe staple for many women; this time, the same brand is reaching out to comfort-seeking males. FitFlop Men’s Range features an ergonomically crafted design, inclusive of the microwobbleboard technology which is said to be capable of slimming the leg muscles, among others. FitFlop not only showcases thong designs but sneaker renditions, as well.

Because I Am A Girl

Join BE Resorts Mactan and Plan International Philippines for the “Because I am a Girl” campaign by Planting Mangroves for Girls Rights. A registration fee of P1499 covers the island-hopping to Olango with packed lunch and sanctuary fees and a day visit pass at Be Resorts and “Be the Spark” Shirt. For inquiries and registration, please call 236-8888.