By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

UNWITTINGLY, floral designer and stylist Tony Rodriguez does a non-literal interpretation of the Space Age for the Christmas decor at Diamond Hotel. Think metal and fiberglass.

When children walk into the lobby, they exclaim that they’d like to be photographed by the “red rocket ships,” which are actually funnels styled into Christmas trees. Read More »

By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TO most homes, traditional Christmas décor is a no-brainer since it’s just a matter of bringing out the old stuff and finding the appropriate place for them. On the other hand, floral designer and Southern gentleman Juan Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez has a basic rule in Christmas décor: Make sure the embellishments complement—not overpower—the interior spaces. Read More »

By Lia S. Bernardo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE people behind Glorietta 4 mall recently invited designer Robin da Roza, TV host Maricel Laxa Pangilinan and me to style Christmas tables. We were told to go around the mall and choose items from the different stores and put together a table fit for the holidays.

Robin chose a modern eclectic theme for his Christmas table. Maricel opted for a family-dinner look and was even assisted by her daughter Ella, while I chose to set up an elegant dinner for four. Read More »

By Alex Vergara
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—This may ruffle the feathers of certain “traditionalists,” but the Christmas tree need not be the focal point of holiday décor.

Depending on your house’s layout and other design features, play up other areas such as grand staircases, huge doors, French windows and even gardens. Read More »

By Jake Ramirez
Philippine Daily Inquirer

WITH two weeks to go before Christmas, shopping is becoming more and more a pressure, not a therapy. Here are suggested destinations for one-stop, worry-free shopping.  Read More »

By Apples Aberin Sadhwani
Philippine Daily Inquirer

ACCORDING to Elle.com, Muccia Prada described lace as the most important fabric in a woman’s life, accompanying her at birth, marriage, death and many milestones in between.

It’s no wonder the Prada designer centered her 2008 Fall collection around this fabric. Other influential designers and brands (Giorgio Armani, La Perla, Derek Lam and Erin Fetherston) also used it for their collections. r

By Kinny Salas
Philippine Daily Inquirer

IN US malls, I automatically looked for the cosmetic items and body care products not available in the Philippines.

My first stop was Bath & Body Works where I hoarded the limited-edition Christmas special Vanilla Bean Noel line, which was a very-foody vanilla even more potent than L’Occitane’s now-discontinued Vanilla Eau de Toilette. Read More »

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — No “Merry Christmas, just smile,” Immigration Chief Marcelino Libanan told his officers assigned to different airports nationwide.

Libanan’s order is contained in a memorandum prohibiting all immigration officers and supervisors assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other sub-ports from extending any Christmas greeting to all arriving and departing passengers.

The ban took effect December 1 and would last until the whole month of January 2009. Read More »

By Apples Aberin Sadhwani
Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE holidays are fast approaching, and with it a whole slew of merry-making. As fun and exciting as all these social activities are, they can also be quite taxing.

Aside from preparing gifts, décor and even festive fare, you also have to come up with a wardrobe that will last you throughout the season.

To make holiday dressing a pleasure more than a bane, we’ve come up with a few tips: Read More »