With a heart of pure gold

Like Blanche Dubois, I have many times in my life depended on the kindness and generosity of strangers. The great empress of words Maya Angelou says that giving liberates the giver. People who are so giving make the best friends. They give time, laughter, adobong manok, and ginataang puso ng saging, words of wisdom, inspiring text messages, with joy and love. With courage and love, they also tell us the hard truths.

One of the best people — friends, I have met is Susan Co, the amiable owner of Puregold. Susan is a beautiful human being. She is a very generous person. You don’t even have to call her, she is always there for you.

When she asked me to endorse Puregold I did not have second thoughts. I knew I was in good company. I knew that we were in for the long haul. I also know that I was endorsing something good. 

Puregold is one of the best discount supermarkets. Almost every month, Puregold comes up with “discount days” every budget customer can avail of. Nationwide, its Tindahan ni Aling Puring membership club has 150,000 active members. Members range from housewives, sari-sari store owners to small scale entrepreneurs.

Recently, Puregold had an early Christmas bazaar where grocery items were sold at big, big discounts. Its promos make life more bearable for the budget conscious housewives and small scale businessmen.

Thank you Susan!

Rockwell’s Moonlit Bazaar

December is the season to be jolly as people can now enjoy early Christmas discounts. Over at Power Plant Mall is the Rockwell’s Moonlit Bazaar, a unique shopping experience where you can shop until midnight for one-of-kind-Christmas gifts. The Rockwell Tent will be home to a variety of non-fashion items, knick-knacks, home accessories and other unique gift ideas. The bazaar will be open from 12 noon until 12 midnight at the Rockwell Tent. Enjoy free mojitos from Grams Diner from 10 p.m. to 12 midnight. Check out the Moonlit Bazaar on these dates: Nov. 27 to 29, Dec. 11 to 13 and Dec. 18 to 20.

Power Plant Mall also welcomes a new addition to its stores with Massimo Dutti, the chic, classic and elegant fashion from Spain starting Dec. 3. The flagship store in Philippines boasts of 329 square meters carrying apparel, accessories and fragrances for men, women and children. The clothing line offers an urban and sophisticated aesthetic that complements Rockwell’s own. Start your holiday shopping at Massimo Dutti in Power Plant this December.

Writer-critic on Art 2 Art

Art 2 Art, the radio program recently given by the Catholic Mass Media Award for Best Educational Radio Program, continues its discussion on “Usapang Sining at Kultura Para sa Lahat.” Hosted by prima ballerina Lisa Macuja, the program airs every Sunday 3:30 to 4 p.m. on dzRh.

On Nov. 29, writer and critic Alfred “Krip” Yuson drops by to help pay tribute to his mentor, National Artist for Literature Edith Tiempo, whom he calls “Mom Edith.” Yuson, a 1968 fellow of the famed National Writer’s Workshop started by Edith and her late husband Edilberto Tiempo at the Silliman University in Dumaguete, describes Edith as “a nurturer and a nourisher” who has played an active role in molding generations of Filipino writers in English. Yuson feels privileged to be asked to write the introduction for the 90-year-old national artist’s latest book on literary criticism which is expected to be published next year.

Nikki Gil in Legally Blonde

Nikki Gil plays Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon. Legally Blonde the musical premieres in Manila in June 2010.

 “I’m very excited to have been chosen to play Elle Woods! It’s a challenge in terms of stamina and vocal preparation so I really have to prepare for it,” says Nikki.

Simone Genatt, chairman of Broadway Asia Company who produced Legally Blonde in New York and licensed the production to Atlantis, says, “With the tremendous star power of Nikki Gil heading an incredibly talented cast of local performers, we feel very confident that Legally Blonde will be very successful in the hands of Atlantis Productions. The Broadway touring production of Legally Blonde garnered all the touring Broadway awards this season including Best New Touring Musical, Best Design and Best Music, and is confirmed to continue touring the US for another two years of bookings. We look forward to the success of the Manila performances with Atlantis Productions.”

Legally Blonde the Musical opens June 2010 at Meralco Theater and is directed by Chari Arespacochaga. Fundraising and show buying opportunities for Legally Blonde are now available by calling Atlantis Productions at 892-7078 or 840-1187.