Fouquet's... How can I Forget?!!!

My visit in Paris is never complete without dining at Fouquet's.

This posh gastronomic paradise has made it to the headlines in 2007 when France announced the winning lead of Nicolas Sarkozy as the new President, and immediately Sarkozy went straight to Fouquet's to celebrate with his family and closest friends!

But long before that, this brasserie which was founded in 1901, has been the favorite spot of the high profile personalities like Winston Churchil, Franklin Roosevelt and celebrities like Marlene Dietrich and socialite Jackie Onassis.

On my first day in Paris, I went straight to Fouquet's for lunch. For a traveller on a budget like moi, I skipped breakfast to splurge on my lunch here which costs 80 Euros. It is quite steep for the pocket but the experience beyond the food here in Fouquet's is all worth it!

Located in the corner of Champs-Elysees and George V with Louie Vuitton at the other corner, this place is perfect for people-watching and enjoying the Paris air! That's the reason why I prefer to sit outside. Dining inside is best for intimate dates and family gatherings or business meetings.

Right beside my espresso is my Paris guide. It contains the list of places to see and the map for the directions. I got this guide from Fouquet's itself. Just ask the waiter if they still have a spare.

The French want their coffee strong and black. They love the impact of a strong espresso. Don't be fooled by it's small size, for like Napoleon Bonaparte, it kicks ass!

I emptied two cups of espresso that afternoon! I enjoyed the view too much and it cost me 16 euros for my coffee.

On my way back to my apartment, I decided to take a walk. One thing to note about Paris is that this city was built for walking.

In my previous visits I didn't have the time to walk for I was always rushing. Now, I have all the time in the world to enjoy Paris.

As I was crossing the intersection of Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore and Rue Percier, I literally crossed paths with a Filipina socialite in her big Jackie O shades. I recognized her and I called out her name.."Sandie!", and she took off her shades and looked back swaying her hair elegantly. And we were both in an 'OMG!-you-are-here' reaction. Then we exchanged contact numbers to keep in touch.

A few days later, we spent an afternoon of Champagne at Fouquet's... and it was so much fun!!!

Sandie and I were oblivious of the people around us. We exchanged hearty laughters as our conversation was getting more an more revealing. And now we both can't forget the line - "At pumosisyon agad ang lolo mo!"...hahaha...

Cheers to a beautiful in Paris and lasting friendships! I love the way Sandie speaks French...so elegant and sexy!

This champagne afternoon at Fouquet's will forever be remembered by Sandie and I. We learned so much about each other and the leassons that life has taught us.

As soon as I am back in Manila, Sandie will host a dinner for me at her home. We have truly bonded a beautiful friendship here in Paris.

All I can say is that.."At Fouquet's, how can i forget?"... Bisous!

At Home in Paris

There is something about the air in Paris that makes me feel... "I am home!".

This is not my first time in Paris but i have kept 'that enthusiasm, excitement and the curiosity of a child going to the Disneyland for the first time' everytime I visit the City of Lights; and more so now in this particular visit as this would be my longest to date - five weeks!

Yes, after spending four weeks in London, I'll be exploring Marie Antoinette's playground and Napoleon's greatest treasure, Paris! Welcome to my humble home in Paris! I am standing outside the veranda at the 4th flr of this 200 hundred year old building located at the heart of the city. I am very lucky!

My apartment is located in the 8th arrondissement (district). Ask anyone who is familiar with Paris and they will tell you that this district is simply fabulous! Out of the 20 arrondissement in Paris, the 8th is one of the 3 major business districts and with the most important structures and establishments.

My neighbors are Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Place de la Concorde, and Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni! Yes, at the end of my street just three blocks from my corner is Elysees Palace, the official residence of the President of France.

And how on earth did I end up here? The answer is written in the stars. Hahaha...

Two years ago, on my last visit to Paris, my soul-sister Karen introduced me to John, a Filipino who has been living in Paris for more than twenty years. And it was in this exact same apartment where we stayed.

And since then, John and I have become close friends.

When I told John that I will be visiting Paris this year, he offered for me to stay in this apartment. John and his family lives in another beautiful home outside Paris so he gave me the keys to this beautiful apartment.

Welcome to my Paris home...

Friendships bonded in London!

One of the best things about travel is that you get to meet old friends you haven't seen in ages and by some cosmic alignment, you encounter new acquaintances that you know will blossom into real friendships. The reverse of this equation could also be true; but I thank the heavens that it isn't the case for me. I am very lucky to have bonded beautiful friendships while I was in London.

I want you to meet my friends...

Meet Philip...
PHILIP DE VERA - Businessman, Hair & Make-up Artist

Philip is one of the pioneering Filipinos working in London (30 years now) and his success story is one for the books. Now, he runs a Beauty Salon and Spa right in the heart of Earls Court in London. I first met him when I interviewed him in London for Pinoy Abroad three years ago. And since then we became very good friends. And he was very kind to provide my accommodations for this particular trip. Thank you my dear friend.

Meet Patrick...
PATRICK REYNO - Art Connoisseur and Patron, Businessman

Patrick and I arrived in London practically at the same time, only a day apart. He is London now for his further studies on Contemporary Arts. For the first time, it was only here in London that Patrick and I had spent long dinners that's just the two of us. Back in Manila, we only share short talks in parties or events. After a couple of dinners in an Italian and an Indian fine Restaurants, we both have shared common interests that will be of significance in the weeks to come. We are eyeing to work on some ambitious projects in time. All the best for us!!!

Now, meet Tats...
TATS LOCSIN - newbie mom and CEO of her household

Ginggay Joven re-introduced Tats and I when she learned that I was visiting London. But Tats and I first met more than five years ago while I was an Executive Producer of Wish Ko Lang! and she was Head of Corp. Comm. of La Farge. We were working on a particular project together for Wish. Now, Tats is a full-time mother to her super cute baby boy and housewife. She is also the best tour guide in Canary Wharf as she reigns supreme in knowing every corner of the district. We had lunch at a Lebanese restaurant in the her neighborhood. And boy, she knows everyone in that resto.

Meet Bart...

BART MAMARIL - Receptionist in a Dental Clinic

KAROL HOFILENA - Artist

ANGELA KIM - Korean student in London

GARY VALENCIANO - Multi-awarded Singer/Performer, Artist

ANGELI PANGILINAN - wife & manager of Gary, President of Genesis Entertainment

CHARO SANTOS-CONCIO - President of ABS-CBN, Actress, TV Host

London is NO cheap place to visit!

Whoever said that 'living in London is cheap' is definitely lying! I dare say that when you are broke, London is a no-no! When you are on a budget like moi, make sure that you are smart...well, very smart! After all, it is both a science and art to plan a trip going to London and it takes beyond wisdom to know how to do it your way! The easiest way to go around London is to maximize the efficiency of their Underground transport system. I get a 7-day card (cost: L 24.00 = P2,000.00) that allows me to go anywhere in Central London at anytime. Very cost-efficient for an on-the-go traveler like moi. You can also use the card for all buses within the city especially when you intend to be home after midnight. All trains in the underground tube stop at midnight. Taxis on the other hand, can tear your pocket! I tried it once to look for a club and it cost me 17 pounds (P1,400.00) for a less than 10 minute ride. Never again.

Welcome to the wet market section of Harrod's. It is in this part of London that I saw for myself the big difference between a Manila life from London's high standard of living!

Star fruit or Balimbing = L 15.50 /kg (P 1,300.00 bawat kilo!)

No wonder that very few "balimbings" are here in London!

Fresh Coconut = L 10.50 each (P 870.00 bawat isa!) Wala akong masabi!!!

Pineapple = L 9.95.00/kg (P 830.00 bawat kilo!)

Now, lets check if we can afford the meat and fishes in this section...

I whole chicken = L 13.85 (P 1,150.00)

And yet we are already complaining that Andoks have increased their prices!

Pork Loin = L 12.50/kg (P 1,040.00 bawat kilo ng baboy!)

Tenderloin = L 13.50/kg (P 1,120.00 bawat kilo!)

Pork Chop = L 8.50/kg (P 705.00 bawat kilo ng pork chop!)

Spareribs = L 8.00/kg (P 670.00 bawat kilo ng baboy!)

Beef Sirloin = L 26.95/kg (P 2,232.00 bawat kilo ng baka!)

Big Fish in Orange = L 18.20/kg (P 1,507.00 ang bawat kilo!)

Mackerel (Galonggong) = L 7.75/kg (P 650.00 ang bawat kilo!)

Lemon Sole (Tilapia) = L 17.95/kg (P 1,500.00 bawat kilo!)

King Crab = L 44.95/kg (P 3,730.00 bawat kilo!)

Prawns = L 44.50/kg (P 3,690.00 bawat kilo!)

Lobster= L 44.95/kg (P 3,730.00 bawat kilo!)

Now, we can all be thankful for the food we eat!!!

100 years of Francis Bacon at Tate Britain

Francis Bacon is the greatest British painter of the 20th century! His works provoke your innermost emotions and move you to contemplate about Life in the most gripping way.

I was first introduced to the art of Francis Bacon only 5 years ago when I visited my friend Carlos Cecilio in Amsterdam. Hanging on his wall is a Francis Bacon print that he got in New York from his travel years ago. I was stunned, awed, aghast, titillated all at the same time by the painting on the wall. From that day onward, I became a Francis Bacon fan! Head IV, 1961

I am priveleged to have been in London when the entire United Kingdom celebrates the Centennial Year of Britain's greatest 20th century painter with the most extensive exhibition of his work from 1930's until his death in 1992. Bacon lived a life "from the gutter to The Ritz".

The Exhibition opened on the day I arrived in London (Sept. 11 '08) and will run till February of next year. This is a "must-see" for anyone who loves contemporary art. This is a fitting tribute to the celebrated artist. Astonishing! Extraordinary! Inspiring!

Francis Bacon is not only my favorite contemporary artist/painter, he is also one of my Gay Icons!

Bravo to Bacon!!!

Figures in a Garden, 1936

Study for a Portrait, 1952

Three Studies for Figures for At The Base of a Crucifixion, circa 1944

Triptych, August 1972

Triptych Second Version, 1988

A Day at Tate Britain

Tate Britain is home to British Art since 1500 and admission is free!!! Just come in your fabulous self to savor the classics, modern and contemporary art! I love Tate!

A Day at The National Gallery

Behind me is the Big Ben and right off my back is the Trafalgar Square and am facing the National Gallery...
The historic building behind me is the National Gallery - home of hundreds of paintings from the masters like Rembrant, Picasso, Van Gogh, Klimt among others.
As you enter the building, you are welcomed by this magnificent dome and their friendly staff. But for security reasons, it is only upto here that a visitor is allowed to take pictures inside the museum.
Admission is free and donations are optional. Clearly, even if you have nothing in your pocket, you can still enjoy an elegant and sophisticated day by yourself or with friends and be overloaded with the most valuable artworks in the world!

I had the most amazing day inside the National Gallery. I suggest you go on a Wednesday night not only because they extend visiting hours upto 9pm (on other days, it closes at 5pm)... but more significantly there is a first-come-first-serve seating at a Classical Piano and Violin Consierto from two of the up and coming classical artists in England.