Last Day at The Imelda Collection, Jul B. Dizon, and dinner at Tita Moning’s

Ugh I am still terribly ill with some kind of asthma that I now have to take steroids *gulp*. But that won’t stop me from going out *haha oh boy*. Had another long and super fun afternoon with girlfriends, heading over to The Imelda Collection shopping event carrying my Hermes kelly (I got envious when my friend CAC carried her beautiful “baby” yesterday sooooo… I am taking mine out for a spin today haha *thwaps myself for being a braggart again pfffft*). I ran into the other half of Religioso’s fantabulous duo, YvetteRI, who paraded around this metallic pink Imelda shoe bag *Mrs.T thwaps YRI, told you to get this bag, you look cute with it, girl!! Teehee!* And for the 3rd day in a row, Mrs.M was entertaining guests like my friend DinaV (aka “D!” of the DiVa bangles and accessories fame :D) who carried her beautiful Goyard emerald green Okinawa. I wish I had Mrs.M’s energy! I was already pooped by Day 1, and this is already Day 3 and she is still as energetic as ever!

After a lovely afternoon helping guests pick out the “good stuff” from The Imelda Collection, many left with pretty pieces that were really meant for them– gorgeous cabochon earrings went to a friend, and it was really a most perfect choice for her.

My other friends and I went over to Jul B. Dizon Jewellery Salon at the Manila Peninsula Hotel. This is just way too much! I am loving what I saw, and my friend who has always had exquisite taste, walked away with this amazingly intricate kunzite ring with diamonds and semi precious stones. I remember seeing this ring once but since I was always broke and just can’t seem to rely on anyone to pay for the ring for moi *Gawd I can be SUCH a LEECH!!! muwahaha*, I had to turn a blind eye. When I didn’t see the ring anymore, I thought, nah the ring was not meant for me. Oh and here’s the suckiest part, the ring is actually VERY reasonably priced (so now you know how broke I am… caviar taste, fish stick budget… champagne taste, beer budget… that is sadly, ME). I am just so happy that my friend got the ring. I now know I can always call her to see the ring haha. It’s so gorgeous!! *dies of envy*

So, after the long day had gone, I had to head home to DH and rest for a good 5 minutes before we headed off again to dinner with DH’s friend KT (who knows just about everyone in town and never ceases to amuse us with his stories) and his friends from out of town, as well as ETC/Solar Entertainment big boss WT (ETC is actually the only channel that I consistently watch because of its excellent programming. And of course I also watch Daph’s shows *Urban Zone and ANC Life* but that’s about it). Dinner was at La Cocina de Tita Moning.
If you’ve never been to this place before, now’s the time to go. It’s just a stone throw away from Malacanang Palace, and this place is really quite a treasure. The restaurant is actually one of the first art deco houses built in Manila, and Dr. Alejandro Roces Legarda and his wife Ramona brought up their four children under this very roof. The house is proud to showcase a Train Room which has locomotives that even date back to the 30s and 40s.

There is also a Library which houses the collection of medical books and encyclopedias of Dr. Legarda. I love the smell of old books… behind the chest in the library is a small door, which was once a dark room– photography was the hobby of Dr. Legarda.

In another room down the hall is a display of antique camera equipment. Dr. Legarda is a founding member of the Camera Club of the Philippines at the time of his death in ’93. Across this room was a clinic. Since the homeowner was an OB gynecologist (his four children are all doctors), one of his sons was born in this clinic. There is an antique xray machine as well as a skeleton that was once used by the son in Medical school (ok this room creeped me out a bit).

There was a room upstairs which housed all these antique/ newer radio equipment (another hobby of Dr. Legarda.. wow). Some of the older ones were already donated to the Don Bosco Museum. In another room, there was a very beautiful wedding gown on display. I’m assuming this was the gown of Dr. Legarda’s wife, Ramona (aka Tita Moning!). It’s beautiful. The intricate beadwork is something I don’t think can be replicated anymore.

Dinner was served in the main room of the house, which had all these beautiful Meissen plates– once used for dinners wherein William Howard Taft, the first commissioner of the US then assigned to Manila, was in attendance. It’s a historic room! And how lavish the parties must’ve been! And we are here! 🙂

Dinner consisted of Sopa de Mariscos, Paella, Relleno, some nice steamed veggies, and then the uber sinful bread pudding! We also had mint herbal tea straight from their garden. It was just wonderful. History married with good food fit for the discriminating gastronome equals an unparalleled dining experience. La Cocina de Tita Moning is a must-go. And you’ll understand why 🙂 Best for dinner! Call to reserve: La Cocina de Tita Moning, 315 San Rafael St., San Miguel Manila. (+632) 734-2146; (632) 734-2141.

Ok, I am pooped and practically gasping for air. Time for nebulization and steroids. Tomorrow is another long day that promises to be fun 😀

xx