Jose Paolo Dela Cruz, Author at PeopleAsia

It’s time get ‘Naked’ for Christmas

It's a feast for the senses as The Naked Patisserie, one of the most sought-after cake suppliers for celebrity weddings, unveils its exciting holiday lineup. And they don't just taste good, they're pretty good-looking, too! “I’ve always loved the way food brings people together like nothing else can—breaking down barriers and creating new…

After 40 years, U2 plants The Joshua Tree in Manila

by JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ Excitement (bordering on panic) started to set in as the queues remained long and winding outside the Philippine Arena at 7:45 p.m of Dec. 11 – and understandably so. It was just a few minutes before U2’s one-night only show for The Joshua Tree…

Bonifacio is ‘King’ of Leon Gallery’s Nov 30 Auction

León Gallery recently announced its year-end The Kingly Treasures Auction 2019, which will feature luxurious Philippine fine art, antiques, and furniture from the Luis Ma Araneta y Zaragoza Collection. The artworks will be auctioned off on Nov. 30, 2019, starting at 2PM at Eurovilla 1, Legaspi Street corner Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati…

The ‘Beatles’ are coming for The Estate Makati

SMDC and Federal Land, Inc. are celebrating what is quintessentially British by hosting an exclusive one night-only performance like no other. The two biggest real estate developers in the country have flown in stars from the revamped production of "Let It Be: A Celebration of the Music of the Beatles" from London’s…

BPI goes digital: What it means to you

By JOSE PAOLO DELA CRUZ Did you know that the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has a cyber security division that catches around 300 fraudulent attempts on a daily basis? That was one of the many revelations that added flavor to an informative lunch with the bank’s president…

SONA 2019: Is President Duterte’s speech worth the wait?

By Bryle Suralta and Jose Paolo dela Cruz New agencies, the West Philippine Sea, the war on drugs, administrative reforms, a few ad-libs here and there – all these were covered during President Rodrigo Duterte’s 2019 State of the Nation Address. It’s four SONAs down for the man from Mindanao.…

Perfect the ‘wet look’ for the rainy days

Admit it, there are few things more disorienting than trying to look good on a rainy day. And as monsoon season kicks into high gear on Philippine shores, you might already be thinking of putting on that clunky rainboot-and-raincoat ensemble. But before you go out looking like Paddington Bear, let…

Inside Bianca Valerio’s 360-degree transformation

By JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ For most of her life, professional host and model Bianca Valerio has enjoyed having a skinny figure. Still, a bout with depression and the grief brought about by her brother’s demise led her to gain weight a couple of years ago. Within a year,…

There’s always room for art at Taal Vista

By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz Long before Tagaytay became a stone’s throw away from Metro Manila (thanks to modern roads and highways), Taal Vista Hotel had already staked its claim to arguably the best view of Taal Volcano and its surrounding lake. And now, on its 80th year, the…

Lizanne Uychaco coins “Of Art & Wine: Heaven and Earth” at Conrad Manila

By Jose Paolo S. dela Cruz Standing in front of her 24-piece exhibit – her ninth and largest show to date – Lizanne Uychaco is a picture of understated grace and positivity. Hers is a pleasant smile, a well-placed and natural accessory to her unembellished persona. “I have been painting…