A hidden oasis

MANILA, Philippines - The iconic SM Megamall is a structure that people associate with ultimate convenience. Apart from offering several floors of shopping, dining and entertainment, it’s also a one-stop shop for those errands that never seem to get crossed off your to-do list, like renewing your driver’s license, getting yearly health and dental check-ups, even sorting out your banking affairs, then hopping on the MRT once you’re done. Indeed if you build it, they will come, and so came the bustling crowds that are as identifiable as Megamall itself. In that rush to get everything done before that movie you bought tickets for starts, all while making your way through a packed escalator, you might feel that you just want to stop and take a break. But being able to relax right in the middle of a busy crowd? Indeed, when SM Megamall proclaimed that they’ve got it all for you, they left no stone unturned.

This is exactly what the Team Supreme found out when we invaded the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall, an area that appears suddenly like mirage for mall goers who need a bit of respite, yet disguises itself as a blur in the corners of the eyes of determined shoppers hopping from one store to another. Truly, once you finally take notice of it, you’ll realize that it’s been there all along, waiting for you to enter. Located right in the heart of SM Megamall, literally in between Mega A and Mega B, the Atrium has a bright, yet intimate feel about it, despite the fact that it houses nearly 100 stores and restaurants.

Some of us, like Chief Supremo Tim Yap, were dropped right off at the Mega Atrium Lobby, which is located in the center of the mall facing J. Vargas Avenue. Once in the lobby, all he had to do was take the elevator and be whisked away, crowd-free, to meet the team for lunch at Yabu. If it’s your chauffeur’s day off, valet service is also an option at a P100 flat rate. Like those who drove their own cars, you'll be pleased to know that the Mega Carpark C opened last month and offers direct access to the middle of Megamall at only a P45 flat parking rate. That’s right, no more lugging your purchases from one end of the mall to the other just to get to Mega Carpark A or B.

All five floors of the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall offers a balanced selection of shops and restaurants.

In fact, you don’t even need to lug your shopping bags at all because there is the luxury of sending your purchases to the Package Pick-Up Counter. The service is totally free. Simply shop at the participating stores, fill out a form to have your items sent to the Package Pick-Up Counter, then fetch them when you’re all shopped-out with your claim stub. If you urgently need to send out an important e-mail to your boss, worry not because there is free wireless Internet available in the entire SM Megamall.

And finally, when every aspect of yourself has been satisfied physically, head up to the fifth floor of the Atrium where you can find the beautifully spacious Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord. Capping off a full day of shopping and dining with a moment of silence before heading home is a great way to end a well-rounded Mega Atrium experience.

Turn to the next pages to see how Team Supreme spent the day at the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall!

Amici

Amici satisfies the most discriminating tastes with authentic Italian dishes, offering Italy’s finest and using the freshest ingredients. Sadly, authentic comes with the price of newcomers thinking that it is expensive, but Amici believes that quality food does not require a hefty price tag and its back story proves just that.

Amici di Don Bosco began in 1994 when a Salesian priest opened a turo-turo canteen to serve the Don Bosco Printing Press employees. The canteen served Italian coffee and gelato, later introducing wood-fire oven-baked pizzas and homemade pasta. Word got around and Don Bosco students began flocking to the canteen, followed by visitors from all walks of life: from celebrities and socialites to housewives and blue-collar workers. Realizing that business was not their specialty, the Salesian priests sold the business to Iboy Pinga and Danny Moran, the founders of Red Ribbon.

Amici is known for its pastas, pizzas, and the dessert obsession du jour, gelato. The pizza choices are diverse, from the classic Margherita and Napoletana to specialized pizzas, such as the seafood-based Frutti di Mare, the meat-only Tutta Carne, and the cheesy Al Quattro Formaggi. Pizzas cost roughly P300 to P400 and are good to share. First-timers must try the Chorizo e Spinaci, one of their specialties. The pastas are just as varied, from tomato-based, cream-based, to olive oil-based. The must-try is the Spaghetti ai Tesori del Mare, a spicy dish with chili oil and the Linguine al Proscuitto e Tartuffo, a dish with two kinds of mushrooms.

Equally renowned is Caramia, Amici’s gelateria. It offers cakes and gelato, a healthier alternative to ice cream. Compared to ice cream, gelato has less fat and is richer and creamier. It comes in many flavors such as pistachio, sans rival, and cioccolato and costs P75 a scoop. Slices of cake range from P65 to P125, with the Di Lusso as one of their newer offerings, a combination of pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry gelato wrapped in chocolate and has a crushed graham crust.

Dining at Amici may sound sinful, but true to its religious roots, its core value is sharing. Not only is eating more pleasurable with loved ones, an order of select dishes called Tuloy Speciali will give P10 to the Tuloy Foundation, a non-profit organization in Alabang to help street children. At Amici, it’s all about eating good and doing good! —Koji Arsua

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Amici is located on the 4/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call 636-1341.

Yabu: House of Katsu

You might have found yourself in these Japanese restaurant scenarios: the menu is entirely foreign that you need a comfort blanket to survive lunch, or the tacky Jap fusion is so phony down to the “Nihongo-speaking” staff that you want to kick Hello Kitty. Either way, you end up ordering katsu, which turns out to be plain breaded pork chop. When in Yabu, your server will talk to you in English, and practically everything you should order is katsu, except done properly.

Chef Kazuya Takeda, head chef at Tokyo’s Tonkatsu Takeshin, taught them how to do it right. For the house specialty, Kurobuta Katsu, he uses the pink, highly marbled meat of the Berkshire Black Pig. It is known as the Kobe of pork, so just imagine how succulent it becomes after getting fried (in cholesterol-free canola oil, of course) while coated with fresh panko (Japanese bread crumbs), crushed into perfectly long and crispy grains. First-time diners revel in cutting through the meat with their bare chopsticks.

Before you put that in your mouth, here’s a therapeutic Yabu ritual. A little bowl of sesame seed is served with a wooden mortar. Don’t start pounding! Instead, slowly grind the seeds with a swirling motion through the ceramics’ ridges, and inhale the slightly roasted aroma before pouring Bulldog sauce — Japanese Worcestershire sauce with apple puree — with a little wooden dipper. You are ready with the dip.

It is served with everything you’ll want. You can warm up your stomach with a bowl of miso soup. Your Pinoy soul will be content with sticky Japanese rice. Strangely addicting is the thinly sliced common cabbage when sprinkled with sesame dressing, and you’ll appreciate that you can have as much as you want. For some kick, enjoy the pickles on the side or dab your katsu with some spicy mustard. At the end — or at the beginning — cleanse your palate with a bowl of fruits, usually watermelon and pineapple.

You can have this set with all variations of meat and in all variations of appetite. Take, for example, the rosu (pork loin) which can be served in 90/120/180 grams (P280 to P365) or the hire (tenderloin, P295 to P365). Fried chicken lovers will not be disappointed with their white meat (P275 to P325) and no bones to pick. The excellent choices also include seafood like dory, prawns, and the crazy huge Hiroshima oysters. Now, who says katsu is a dull order? Sake cheers to that.— Nante Santamaria

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Yabu is located on the 2/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call 398-7962 and 576-3900.

Chefs’ Quarter

For serious shoppers, the drill is to figure out the shortest route from Megamall’s Mega A to Mega B. For wholesome diners, it’s just descending from The Mega Atrium at SM Megamall top floor to the second, in a second. And contrary to popular religious belief, descending from the sacred abode that is the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord down to the worldly Mediterranean spot that is Chefs’ Quarter can be just as heavenly. It is worth calling a family tradition, especially if it is a flash journey that involves a breaking of the bread called Sunday buffet (P595 per head).

Expect nothing less from miracle workers and restaurant group partners Larry Cortez and chef Mauro Arjona, both hailing from Manila’s most pilgrimaged French restaurant. Don’t be deceived by their haute cuisine front — Victorian flourishes in the wood-rich interior and all — because Chefs’ Quarter is just its name, that unassuming domicile where tongues of fiery taste enjoy good food to their hearts’ content.

That great flooding light as you savor creamy balsamic dressing on grilled shiitake from their Tessie Tomas Salad, that’s just from their glass wall opening to the prime estate’s back clearing. You’ll find yourself singing praise to their mushroom-stuffed baked cream dory served on a bed of angel hair pesto. Give in to the temptation that is the charred flavor of the Chefs’ Quarter Steak (P295 to P595), grilled US Top Blade that deserves no guilt. Then make up for your diet trespasses with the healthy vegetable pangritata and prawns of the Chefs’ Quarter Pasta.

When it’s a Sunday, you can actually go to Mass in your Sunday Best. All is cool and well, no hellish heat and your dad won’t be gnashing his teeth while stuck in traffic, from the church to the family lunch. No need to politely smile for your barely cooking tita’s “new specialty” when there’s Chefs’ Quarter’s stir-fried seafood paella. Your mom will actually be praying instead of texting the maid what to put into the oven next. From now on, you are saved — with unblemished lamb spareribs Provencale offered — in Chefs’ Quarter.                           — Nante Santamaria

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Chefs’ Quarter is located on the 3/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call 401-3658.

Gotti’s Ristorante

Tucked away in the fourth floor of the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall is one of its best-kept secrets: Gotti’s Ristorante. An Italian restaurant by trade, its interiors promise a taste of Italy: lots of wood and brick, subtle lighting, and posters of Italians and their dishes. Even though its name evokes Italy, it references one of the most infamous mobsters ever, John Gotti, who is also known for his epicurean tastes.

Lovers of Italian food appreciate what Gotti’s has to offer. That’s because the pizzas and pastas are authentic, something owners Eileen and Manuel Gonzales and John Erich and Malou Taca have mastered over the years. The idea began when Eileen was working in an Italian restaurant in New York. She felt that “it would be right” to offer thin-crust pizza in the Philippines, so in 2002, she opened Pizzeria Pronto with her husband and the Tacas in SM Bicutan. It wasn’t until 2008 when they changed names and decided to expand to SM Mall of Asia and the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall after studying their products.

The joint is known for its pizza and pasta, but what separates Gotti’s from the rest are the secret recipes, their affordable prices and heaping servings. Pastas come in single and to-share servings, with prices ranging from P200 for single servings to P300 for groups of two to three. The must-try, or “most wanted” is the Frutti di Mare, a seafood-based pasta in rich marinara sauce. Other pasta dishes not to be missed are the garlic shrimp in white wine and the creamy basil bacon. One interesting pasta dish is the Pasta ala Vodka, a pomodoro cream sauce dish with chili and the alcoholic drink.

An Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without its pizza offerings and Gotti’s doesn’t come short. For P260 to P360 per 12-inch pie, customers will have a taste of Italy with its oven-baked thin crust. The classics are there but the stars are the Four Seasons, Mi Mama’s Quattro Formaggi, and the Contadina, a pizza with prosciutto, grilled eggplant, and freshly grated Parmigiano Romano.

Highly recommended for dessert is the decadent Tartufo Nero, a pure dark chocolate gelato with a brandied cherry core, capping off a delicious Italian meal. Gotti and his mob crew have reached our shores and might soon be the Philippines’ most wanted. —Koji Arsua

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Gotti’s Ristorante is located on the 4/F Mega Atrium, SM Megamall and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call 634-0348.

Sperry Top-Sider x Keds Pop-Up Store

Earlier this month, a wondrous gift to SM Megamall-goers came in the form of a pop-up store carrying the famed heritage American footwear brands Keds and Sperry Top-Sider. Stripped bare and left with basics like shelves, crates and tables to display various types of footwear, this pop-up store is any straightforward shopper’s dream. The space is adequately divided into half with goods from Sperry on one side and a colorful selection of Keds on the other.

Popularly known as boat shoes, Sperry Top-Siders were the first in the market and created by an avid boater named Paul Sperry in 1935. Boat shoes gained popularity for its non-skid soles, invented solely for boatmen to be able to maintain balance on slippery surfaces.

Nearly 80 years later, Sperry Top-Siders are still all the rage for people of all ages, all over the world. Their boat shoes have expanded into a wide range of styles, utilizing different materials without forgetting the timeless quality that makes them uniquely Sperry. The Authentic Original 2-Eye model is the ultimate classic and is a definite must-have for any man or woman’s wardrobe. Not just in Navy or Brown anymore, Sperry Top-Siders come in many different colors and combinations with prices ranging from P3,195 to P4,995.

With its origins dating as far back as 1916, Keds are still known to be the most versatile canvas-top sneakers — the original ones, in fact. They first started marketing their shoes as “sneakers” because the rubber soles allowed wearers to “sneak around” silently. Worn by the likes of Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, The Ramones and Marilyn Monroe, Keds can’t get anymore iconic.

Revamped with more variations to choose from than ever, a new generation has discovered Keds. There are dressier versions that resemble formal leather brogues with rubber soles, as well as high cut, chukka style sneaker boots to match the current trends. Of course, the Keds original “Champion” sneaker finds itself comfortably situated as a must-have in every decent closet. In bold colors and varying seasonal patterns, there’s definitely something for everyone. Nothing gets more versatile than a classic pair of canvas sneakers. Keds sneakers go from P1,395 for the classic designs up to P2,995 for the more elaborate models. —Sarie Cruz

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The Sperry Top-Sides x Keds Pop-Up Store is located on the 3/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall. Like Sperry Top-Sider Philippines and Keds Philippines on Facebook to get the latest news and updates.

Zoo York

Start spreading the news: Zoo York skate shop is ready and primed for the daily grind. This New York establishment landed in Manila in 2008 and has since been providing local skaters not only with the proper skate gear, but also the most stylish threads to go with them. Zoo York resonates urban street culture with a variety of utilitarian inspired designs that tap into the heart of the edgy and intrepid New York City.

Zoo York carries a wide range of products for both men and women, making sure that their entire streetwear needs are met. The store carries the basic apparel, such as the perfect jeans that marry the practicality for both skate boarding and everyday use, breathable shirts that each don unique graphic designs, hoodies to pull an outfit together and their amazing line of shoes that go from classic chunky sneakers to the more relaxed shoe line. Zoo York also sells Tech Deck, a brand dedicated to selling fingerboards. Make no mistake, fingerboarding is a serious mini sport and skilled fingerboarders can translate the toughest of skate tricks all with a flick of a finger. A mini skate park is available inside Zoo York, encouraging all fingerboarders to step up and show people what they’re made of.

Tech Decks isn’t the only brand sharing a home inside Zoo York, Orange County shoe line newcomer Creative Recreation is also making its way to the local scene. Zoo York is all about the East Coast flavor, while Creative Recreation balances it all out with a bit of the casual West Coast vibe.

Zoo York apparel regularly ranges from P1,450 all the way to P3,595, but good news rolls out this holiday season. For a limited time, items such as selected jeans and shirts are on sale for up to 50 percent off. The best deal, though, comes in the form of the “Buy 1, Grab 1” promo where you can own not one, but two pairs of Zoo York shoes for P3,999, P2,999 or P1,999. That’s as good as an excuse as any to pump up your kicks with a visit Zoo York. —Roxy Valencerina

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Zoo York is located on the 4/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall.

Lacoste Footwear

No other brand sends the message of prim and preppy across than the subtle crocodile stitched on a crisp knit polo. There can be no mistake: it’s no other than Lacoste. This classic brand has been a prime clothing supplier since its conceptualization by Rene Lacoste and Andre Gillier in the 1930s. From revolutionizing the tennis shirt and creating sports wear for sailing and golf, the company has grown both internally and internationally by branching out from their iconic collared single color shirts and taking a chance on the shoe game and sharing their designs with the world.

Lacoste has since then created Lacoste Footwear, a standalone store that exclusively carries different shoe styles, watches, eyewear and Lacoste’s signature perfumes, all for the discerning tastes of both men and women. Today, Lacoste Footwear has 15 branches in Manila. Upon entering, you immediately get a taste of class that is Lacoste; everything is clean and aptly in their right place. It seems as if the shoes were arranged in a tasteful color wheel.

Although the store still follows a seasonal line-up, Lacoste Footwear prides itself in its steady supply at least acquiring a new style per week so each customer will see something new in every visit. Aside from new styles per week, the amazing thing about this brand is their sample sale, wherein they sell limited edition kicks for a bargain price — shoes that haven’t even reached widespread status in the market yet! The result is the probability of being one of the very few people in the Philippines who owns that unique sample pair.

True to its sporty nature, Lacoste Footwear has a collection of classic sneaks, but they hardly limit themselves to the athletic demographic. The men’s bestsellers include the causal slip-ons that range from P3,000 to P4,000 and the top-sider boat shoes that go as high as P6,000. The women’s side, on the other hand, carries colorful wedges and flats that range from P2,000 to P4,000.

Everyone can find a shoe of their own in Lacoste Footwear, and all can be rest assured with the tried and tested quality that goes with it. —Roxy Valencerina.

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Lacoste Footwear is located on the 3/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall.

Vibram FiveFingers

Introduced to the Philippine market in 2010, Vibram FiveFingers is still as fresh conceptually as it is revolutionary in the field of footwear. When confronted with a pair for the first time, it isn’t uncommon to wonder what these shoes are for and why on earth there are pockets for every toe.

Vibram FiveFingers was originally launched and developed in 2005 out of a desire to create a shoe people could wear to move around better, to go around as if barefoot, but with proper protection. All pairs of FiveFingers have distinctly thin and flexible soles, shaped to the contours of the human foot with individual sections for the toes.

Replicating that barefoot feeling definitely has its perks. FiveFingers users have the ability to move freely and commune better with nature and the common surroundings. With these shoes, the muscles and joints on one’s feet and legs are both strengthened and awakened by the newfound barefoot sensation. Long time users boast of improved posture, a more natural walking motion and better over-all balance.

Constructed for great outdoor performance, Vibram presents many different FiveFingers options created to suit even the most active lifestyles. The KSO model, which actually stands for “Keep Stuff Out,” takes the cake for being Vibram FiveFingers’ most versatile. This is the only model that can handle any activity you throw at it. From bouldering to trekking to running and even water sports, the KSO has proven to be unbeatable.

For general fitness training and running, the KomodoSport model takes a few pointers from the KSO with functional improvements fit for only the most active athletes. The KomodoSport is the FiveFingers solution to an expertly crafted cross trainer. It’s the first time for Vibram to add a two millimeter footbed to any of their models for added comfort and to reduce friction.

The running scene in the Philippines has grown immensely recently and the Bikila is a crowd favorite. Created solely to replicate the most biologically natural running experience, the Bikila engages a forefoot strike form. The Bikila sole is made up of anatomical pods and TC1 rubber for increased protection.

With years of meticulous research, innovative design and precision engineering behind every pair, it’s no surprise Vibram FiveFingers has nabbed big awards such as being one among Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2007, National Geographic’s Gear of the Year 2010, the Italian Award for Creativity 2008 among others. —Sarie Cruz

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Vibram FiveFingers is located on the 3/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall.

Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell

If you think getting your nails done is all that this place offers, think again. The Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell offers a surprising 13 pages worth of services for shoppers who need a bit of self- pampering. Once you enter this pink and girly haven for neglected hands and feet (boyfriends, you’ve been warned), it’s almost as peaceful as the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord nearby, albeit a little more self-indulgent.

Since they offer such a dizzying variety of pampering services, it’s im- portant to start with how much you’re willing to spoil yourself and conse- quently, how much you’re willing to spend. Women (or fabulous men) who are in the mood for a little more self- love than usual should turn to the list of Ellabell’s Special Treats: the Duchess Basic Manicure and Pedicure (P400), Prima Donna Hand and Foot Spa Treat- ment (P1,245) and Royalty Hand and Foot Spa Treatment (P1,630).

Foot spas begin with a soothing warm foot soak that instantly relieves tired feet, followed by an invigorating scrub. A Nail Spa Lounge attendant then starts scrubbing off calluses before covering your feet with mint lotion all the way up to your calves. Your legs are then wrapped up in towels so that the skin absorbs the lotion. After a couple of minutes, the lotion is wiped off and then your feet are covered in warm boo- ties to keep the skin soft. For manicures and pedicures, they have a wide array of Orly nail polish to choose from.

If you want something a little more special, try the 30-minute paraffin therapy. Hand paraffin treatment is P375, while foot paraffin treatment is P475. Paraffin therapy was created for tired hands and feet marked by pro- truding veins. Warm wax (never scald- ing!) is gently brushed onto hands and feet, then wrapped in cling wrap and covered in towels for a few minutes. The wax is so soft that an attended can remove it all in one piece. A soothing massage wraps up all hand and foot treatments, followed by hot stone rolls.

Customers on a budget can try their Economy Rates with Express Mani- cures at a reasonable P150 and Express Pedicures at P225 or even the 10-minute polish change at P100. Other services include body scrubs and massages, waxing, threading, eyelash extensions and perms, nail extensions and designer nail art.         — Cai Subijano

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Nail Spa Lounge by Ellabell is located on the 5/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For appoint- ments, call 470-3790.

Essensuals Toni & Guy

By the end of this weekend, Christmas will be over, along with some of the chaos that won’t completely disappear until the ball drops on Jan. 1, 2012. A partial end to the festivities may give you a golden moment to get your bearings and see what the onslaught of holiday shopping, partying and eating has done to you and (admit it) your physique. Since there’s really no point to going on Master Cleanse until “Santa” eats all the cookies lying around the house, the only thing you can do to guarantee a kiss on New Year’s Eve is to get some more sleep, put on something great and get a haircut.

Still kind of insanely busy to fit something like that in? Don’t worry. The days of allotting two to three hours just to get a haircut are over as far as the crew over at Essensuals Toni & Guy is concerned. The award-winning franchise from the United Kingdom is the go-to salon for consistent world- class hairdressing at a mere fraction of the time it usually takes.

Forty-five painless minutes (30 if you’re really pressed for time) is all it takes to revitalize your tresses and freshen up your look. It starts with a luxurious shampoo with in-house brand Label M, followed by a precision cut by a stylist trained by Cherry Reyes, the franchise-holder of Toni & Guy. Once the snipping is done, all that’s left to do is an expert blow dry and if you’re headed somewhere special, a little additional styling with a dollop of TIGI Bedhead product and a hot iron. Here’s the real clincher, though: For a makeover that lasts less than an hour, your hairstyle will hold for two to three days, provided you don’t wet it, obviously, and you don’t have a super oily scalp.

Senior stylists charge P750 for women and P650 for men, while equally fabulous regular stylists charge P650 for women and P550 for men. You have to admit it’s value for money. If you’re a multi-tasker,a few additional services that you can avail of while you’re there include highlights, hair treatments, nail services, threading, waxing and massages.    — Cai Subijano

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Essensuals Toni & Guy is located on the 3/F, Mega Atrium. Salon hours are from 10 a.m to 10 p.m., but opening hours extend to 12 midnight this December. For appointments, call 470-1806 and 470-1446.

Paris Hilton

There’s no name as universal as Paris Hilton: She’s come a long way from coming out on The Simple Life and being famous by sheer association (if you live under a rock, she happens to be heiress to the Hilton Hotel chain). From reality television, minor film roles here and there, to a full music album, Paris has certainly made her- self known on many fronts. To add to her increasing list of accomplishments is the expansion of her business em- pire, marked by the introduction of the Paris Hilton luxury boutique on Philippine shores.

In August, Paris graced the open- ing of her eponymous store, met with hordes of loyal fans, as well as the fashion forward. The country’s fourth branch, located at the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall boasts a large selection of her signature bags, fragrances and accessories. Working closely with the label to produce merchandise, every handbag and accessory is co-designed and approved by Paris herself.

Inspired by her favorite luxury brands, Paris gives that timeless look her own personal spin with the Hom- mage collection. Handbags from this collection are made from a coated can- vas material with leather trimmings and feature Paris’ Crown P monogram, the signature of a true princess. A true classic, the Hommage purses are a definite favorite.

With versatility as its strong suit, the Forever collection has purses made of a sturdy canvas material embellished with the Paris Hilton signature logo pattern. This season, the handbags came in a variation of neutral colors — black, brown and beige — making it a wardrobe staple fit for everyday use.

The Paris Hilton handbags come in many dif- ferent shapes and sizes as well as a variation of different collections to choose for whatever need arises. Fit for a socialite’s high society lifestyle, Paris Hilton’s line is surprisingly affordable with purses ranging from P4,395 to P7,595.

Even before Paris launched her store, she already had a handful of signature fragrances available on the market. With over 10 scents in production, many turn to the heiress to get this sensual fix. Paris Hilton is her first ever perfume and has notes of frozen apple, peach nectar, free- sia and mimosa. This mix is the perfect combi- nation for some good, flirtatious fun for women of all ages.           — Sarie Cruz

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Paris Hilton is located on 3/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall.

Aloha Boardsports

City skate terrain and sea level sports find common ground in local concept store, Aloha Boardsports. Started in 2006, this skate and surf shop has sprouted five branches across the Philippines.

Aloha Boardsports houses more than 20 different international brands, selling not only the usual apparel, but complete hard- ware needs as well. They stock skate brands such as Girl, Chocolate, Toy Machine, Crea- ture, Flip, Girl and Royal, just to name a few. The coveted Sector 9 long board is available as well. Skate is complemented by surf with high performance equipment from Walden, Surf Tech, Webber Surf Boards and Victoria Skim Boards. The store also carries Dakine, GSI, Indo Board, DVS shoes and Globe, all of which are exclusively carried by Aloha Boardsports in the Philippines.

Skaters can customize their boards from the decks to their own choice of wheels with help from Aloha. Decks start at P1,500, but buying the complete set will only amount to P6,000, a bargain in skate standards. Surf- ers also share assembly freedom with their surfboards, making sure they’re armed to the teeth before hitting the waves.

Aside from the technical side of surf and skate, Aloha Boardsports covers the lifestyle base as well with apparel like caps, wallets, swimsuits, shirts and shorts. Nixon watches are carried by Aloha Board- sports. Apparel ranges from P595, but the Aloha Board- sports branch in the Mega Atrium at SM Megamall also has an ongoing sale on Billa- bong clothing with prices slashed up to 20 percent off.

It’s tough to find decent gear that fits both the ex- treme and casual lifestyle that the local scene enjoys, but Aloha Boardsports has found a way to remedy the situation. Head on over to Aloha Boardsports and jumpstart your skate and surf ambitions.           — Roxy Valencerina

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Aloha Boardsports is located on the 4/F, Mega Atrium, SM Megamall.