The Japan Earthquake

Hi Bina and Max,

Today I've decided to write you both letters, because we move homes too much and I'm not good on paper trails. Although I've made you both email accounts several years back, I don't get to do that as much as I'd like. I guess that's what happens when I don't get a reply (and how could you, you're only 7 and 4!), so I decided today will be different. I hope someday when you read these letters you will know more about our life together, and how mine has changed for only the better because of your existence. I don't even know at what age you'll both come to read or appreciate this.

Anyway, there was a huge earthquake that hit Japan. A big wave called a tsunami (about 23 ft. as I heard, which is about 4 times the height of your Dad) swept over some parts of Japan. I used to go there a lot, and my former co-workers in the Airline still do, so I'm worried about their safety. Many people in Japan have passed away, are sick, and are still missing. I see parents carrying their children in their arms. I cannot imagine ever going though this kind of helplessness, because I fear that I may not be as physically strong as I am resilient.

I hope this horrible fate does not befall the Philippines, because sadly, I don't think we have the finances to bounce back (in 3 days, Japan has already poured in almost $400B for the disaster relief)--we can't even clean up Smokey Mountain (I'll take you there sometime).

People are scared about radiation, I'm scared about all of this catastrophe's after-effects. It seems like God is mad. I hope he sees you both and remembers that there are angels in this world, still. In fact, you both wanted to change your nicknames to Angel Cake (Sabina) and Angel Kisses (Maxine) since last week, so I hope He finds that as adorable as I do, and maybe change his mind about his wrath.

I also hope that the Japanese will stop the dolphin killings, because people say that this is nature's way of getting even. I'm sad today because I don't want the world to end. My time with our family is still too short. We have more adventures together. You're both still asleep. Yesterday, you were at your Pops' house while we were at a big meeting, and you played with Sushi (their white teacup pomeranian), who is so lamog because of your hugs.

Anyway, I posted a video of the tsunami below, which should hopefully remind you that our problems are sometimes trivial in the grand scheme of things. Enjoy your time in this world because it is all fleeting. I love you, girls.

Sabina's Walks (Part 1)

My 7-year old has walked in runway shows, and has a ton of tear sheets in BC. She would've had more fashion shows, but I didn't have time to bring her to casting calls in the US. Actually, she has a meeting with the modeling agency of Dakota Fanning when we go back to LA.

Anyway, here's a lovely one that she did for the line, Saurette (which I adore):

That face is too cute for words!

Some guests were: Tisha Martin Campbell (loved her in Boomerang!) with her husband, Duane Martin and son, Xen

Hairspray's Marisa Jaret Winokur

And of course, Cedric the Entertainer! With my other love, Maxine (who is still a bit shy to join shows)

Crown Princess Mary with Sabina

Speaking of happy memories, here's another one: a children's event in SoHo, NY with HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark which BC was exclusively invited to cover. Sabina was only too happy to "shop" around the play area for plastic food (check out her basket). CPM was so gracious and kind--just how you would imagine royalty. We even ended up riding the elevator together, cramped up in such a tiny space with her bodyguards, and she initiated small talk. What an exquisite woman, and definitely someone whom you would be proud to represent your country.

Inglesina Stroller

I needed a boost of happy thoughts today--what with the Gone in 60 Seconds moment from yesterday--and I chanced upon this photo of a gorgeous Inglesina stroller outside our garage. It just looks so regal and beautiful that we would always get complimented about it whenever we took it out for a spin. I remember how wiggly Maxine was in this, and I loved peeking through the curtains to see her face.

L'Ulivo

If there is anything I did a lot of in NY with my family, it was trying out restaurants--many of which I regret not taking better note of in terms of their name. Just to give you an idea about this whole eating frenzy, when I was pregnant with Maxine, I was eating so much banana split sundaes that the specific diner in Jersey I would go to (Friendly's, which is similar to IHOP or Denny's) would sell it to me in WHOLESALE. That's how much I consumed, and I wonder why I can't shake off the "baby weight."

Anyway, going back, one of those restos I loved in NY is L'Ulivo. It was my secret spot, the go-to for their truffle pizza. The staff are friendly to families, and they usually accommodate our request for an outside table, which I prefer during Fall season. If I remember right, the menu even had a child's writing on it.

(212) 343-1445

184 Spring St
New York, NY 10012

BC Magazine Philippines "Eat, Pray, Love" Special

For the second issue of BC Philippines, we made a 4-cover special featuring two of my favorite celebrities in Manila. One is a 3-cover special with host, UNICEF ambassadress, writer, etc., extraordinaire, Daphne Osena-Paez with her beautiful family (sorry, I don't know how to type the n with the curly line on top of the Osena on a PC, and I'm too depressed right now to search how to because our car got broken into--and our portable TV got stolen for the SECOND time. The first incident happened in New Jersey a few years back, and I thought it would never occur again. Talk about a spirit dampener). Anyway, this is one of our best shoots to date, and as I mentioned in my editor's note in the issue, Daphne mentioned in her blog that she wanted to do the "Eat, Pray' Love" concept that Julia Roberts recently did in another magazine, and my husband and I personally loved that as well, so...lightbulb. I hope you can grab a copy (or three, if you love Daphne, and want to collect all covers :)

And of course, a special cover, featuring a great man whom I consider a mentor (even though I hardly see him), GMA Network's Chairman and CEO, Atty. Felipe Gozon, with his adorable grandchildren.

In this issue, you can also read about Punky Brewster's Soleil Moon Frye, Sarah Shahi, the Barrientos family, Keri Zamora, Pia Kasilag, Zarah Juan, Hazel Aguilar, and more exciting stories. What a great start to 2011. Now if someone can only apprehend those criminals who took our TV (and I just learned, our iPod, which I recently updated with new songs). I just thank God that nobody was harmed.