Whooppfft! There it is, it's the Kristen Stewart kissing Rupert Sanders photos!

I'd like to preface by saying, I, myself is not always proud of my actions. I could however say now that I'm somewhat far more mature and smarter than some of my old-timey past decisions and whoopsies! Everyone learns a lil thing from every something, lemme bet even Kristen. Although, great chemistry and passion must not cost you your self-respect, not to mention your career, being the most highest paid actress of today. Daym!
Here..some of their hot off the plate rendezvous, muscle wasting and nomnom moments!

(image source = kristen stewart daily)

LATEST AND MOST RECENT IELTS QUESTIONS PLUS TIPS

Before I go click my brain's "clear history button", I'd like to share with you some questions that I've encountered from the most recent series of IELTS examinations. After all, if it weren't for the exchange of unsolicited advice tips, da hell do you think is this blog even for? Hullo, TipsyTamale? Tipsy as in "Tips", lol, like obviously, duh-haha! da hell did ya think was that for, bleh! Me? Being tipsy? Nehh, not really, ok, fine, prolly maaybe, uh, wait, not entirely my fault why the wiring of the damn brain goes into overdrive whenever I*even* get a lil tipsy toed. I don't even get it myself, all I had were lil gulps sips here and there..what?! I was parched, can't blame a girl for being thirsty!


Anyways, let's go back to business, shall we? Ok, 
1. What's your name, tell me bout yourself. Easy, right?
2. Tell me about your home. What's your favorite part of your home and why? Do you like living in your house, if yes, why is it good to live there?
3. Do you like flowers? What do you think about flowers? Ever gave anyone flowers? Do you like plastic flowers, what can you say about flowers made of plastic?
4. What is your most unforgettable birthday? Describe how you celebrate your birthday. What do you think of birthdays on later years of your life?
5. What's your dream job? Where do you want to go? Why do you like this job so badly and describe it.
6. What do you think about career shifts?


(will edit in a bit, see, not always overdrive, sometimes, there's also this. dead batteries). That's right, this post is half-baked. Ok, later!

Watch Out Sandwich Snobs! Introducing! Delta's First Ever "NEEDLE SANDWICH", please just watchyo mouth!

They say it's hard to find a needle on a haystack, dude just between us two, it's actually very easy..just burn the haystack down, et voilà! Needle! Hm, on a gourmet sandwich though 'am not so sure, geez, how could it end up there anyway?* Red Flag* The hell with that, Delta? Fine, given that those tasty sandwiches were made in Amsterdam by Gate Gourmet, which prides itself as the world's largest independent provider of airline catering, exactly!--so what the hell this f*cken' needle doin' on muhhh freaking business class sonafuh-wich?

Heck, do you want some irate man running around with a gun saying, "I want these MF needles off my MF plane!!!" Again, the hell are they thinking, a passenger got injured, a sewing needle punctured the roof of his mouth after biting his sandwich, and now they're offering pizza just to make up?!! Shove that darn pizza uppp ya tush!! Hm, funny how one flight attendant said "that's funny some other passenger also had one"...Funny, really?! I wouldn't think nor say it's even remotely funny, 'sup with that?

All four flights were en route to the U.S., prompting the FBI to begin an investigation into the matter with the help of Dutch authorities. And even if authorities in the U.S. and Netherlands are now on to how these needles were inserted into the sandwiches served to passengers on four Delta Airlines flights, this should not to be taken lightly.

  

Music to bang to, that KZ Tandingan of X factor Philippines, G-men who? aand Franciscan Quintet!

Is she high? Kz Tandingan, this girl seems to be faintly confused when I first saw her. Believe me, I can be shooting blanks. See, I easily get bored just seeing all these talent shows, but am I glad for not flipping like the dolphin that I am and just went on watching X factor for a while. Why? Simply because. this. Kz girl. is. amaaziing, and I'm not the type you can impress easily..(You pretty much get the idea?!)

Photo credit: KZ Tandingan

If you still don't get it, please allow me to introduce Philippine's Amy Winehouse! Watch out Sitti, another bossa star is about to kick yo tush! *Kidding!*, Me <3 Sitti, actually. I love all things tri-hop and down tempo related, how d'ya think Portishead end up on my bang-able tracklist, hmm? Now, what have you? What are your requirements for all your music bang to? Is psychadelic moment a must have? These type of music marries all sorts of downbeat,  electronic-beat with elements of hip hop , dub reggae and house. These eclectic mix of musical genres are more experimental variant of breakbeat which influences of soul, funk and jazz which are simply very like-able. Now, that you have sure guessed it right why our talents these days  are leaning more into electro-pop style of music, care to join me as I watch the replay?

Oy, what have we got here? A couple of tall cool ones, hmm, their smug appeal is kind of alluring..you be the judge of that..

Now, Franciscan Quintet on the other hand, are simply excellent vocalists, and their combo is just mesmerizing!

Indeed, beauty comes in different packaging. Now, let this rare form surprise you!

On Manny V. Pangilinan, Of Mystery Man's Birthday and "Surprises" up his sleeve!

It's not everyday "THAT SOMEONE"  who makes a difference is born. Fortunately for the Philippines, "THAT SOMEONE" was born of this day, 14th of July. Two of my latest posts are of dying--amongst which are Philippine's most popular comedian (Bye-Bye, Dolphy!) and the son of America's most popular action star, Rambo (Adieu, Rocky Jr.), uugh, such waste! That being said, I'm inclined to write more of greatness being born than greatness being dead. Hm, that, I suppose you're inclined to agree with me because, uugghh guys, we're in violent agreement here that we could only tolerate bad news in teensy lil doses, is that right?!

Photo credit: www.hau.edu.ph

Have you heard of those mystery deals you purchase online? Uhuh, those same deals that surprises your ass and makes you say, Oooh yeahh what a greeaat helluva deal, I'm staying at the Luxe, game on! Whenever MVP code rings the bell, to me, it's soo intriguing of what modern magic's up for brew, bound to happen and get done, I call that term Manny-fied! It's the same thing to what Mary Poppins usually pulls while cleaning, I mean who wouldn't wish to just snap their fingers and make clutter instantly go away? If Mary Poppins only got fb, I'd staight like..hmm, wait, Mary Poppins and Manny Pangilinan share the same initials now, don't they? I'm not surprised at all as the other MP could not just turn a mediocre sub-prime rib to a house of the finest prime rib one can get. 

I've followed developments this guy has done with considerable fascination. We've all seen how the guy totally godshopped soo much of all the complex 3rd world problems, hee! *kidding, that's a bit exuuuge, I know!* But seriously, aren't you just thankful for the lil things such as (take for instance, for Burger King) the ambiance, the wifi, readily  accessible chargers at your whim, for your mobile phones, whether for emergency sitch or not, and don't go telling me you didn't enjoy the free massage, lol. Manny-fied. That is just a speck in the eye amongst the renovations and upgrading the guy is up to as we speak.

MVP is not only being called as business big boss, but "Hospital King" as well! I, being a part of the health care team myself, couldn't help but stand in awe with all the transformation being done to soo many hospitals these days, courtesy to this guy, of course. See Zsa zsa blurting out her huge thanks, for him ringing the bill, yes the hospital king paid for all the comedy king's hospital bill in Makati Medical Center, where MVP is a big share holder. 

Also for his 66th birthday, he awesomely gave a huge smile to 30 kiddos. Huwaat?? Smile lang??, as in like ganda lang?? how cheapetik, hmf! No, not really, these kids underwent free harelift and cleft palate surgery at the ASCCom-DLSU (Apalit Small Christian Community-De La Salle University) Friendship Hospital, which is Pangilinan’s hometown. Have I mentioned, these children need not worry about post-op scarring just because the volunteer doctors who performed the operations are certified and highly trained reconstructive surgeons?! Aand if that's still ain't enough to appeal with your lofty expectations (and good taste) or if you're just still simply averse to this good man's cause, please do not lodge a complain to me.

Atleast this man, presented with an opportunity to promote and improve the country took steps to become a bigger player in pushing Philippines in having the competitive edge, putting it at par globally. Now, please spare me if you happen to be a hater who is reading this but I think the guy is worthy to be called the name, maybe totally unnecessary for you but I also could not resist mentioning those who are making a difference, and yes, these guys need to be credited to the amount real time.

And just a quick disclaimer btw,

Just so we're clear, I'm not just writing stuff just for the sake of art, nor just for the sake of name ambushing. And excuse me, but I'm not being paid neither. (Dear lovely person, well atleast we know you're still capable of seeing the glass, Miss pessi-missy! Celebrate every lil good things such as having awesome visual acuity, ok that's one. Now, lighten up, sweets so more blessings will come your way..Aaw, aren't you just a wee cutie?

Is it “Suicide” or “Accidental Overdose”? Sylvester Stallone’s son, Sage, found dead due to prescription pill overdose. Goodbye Rocky Balboa Jr., hang in there, Rocky!

Found in his Los Angeles apartment on July 13, 2012, Friday afternoon by the housekeeper, Sage Moonblood Stallone, the son of Sylvester Stallone (America’s most favorite tough guy), was pronounced dead. Rambo is devastated over the sudden loss of his son. Sage, who premiered in “Rocky V” with his dad as well as ”Daylight”, moved into film producing and directing and made his own name.

As details emerge of his drug overdose, TMZ reported the cause was due to an overdose of prescription pills found in the star’s crib, the deets regarding his state of mind though is yet unclear. It is hard to say if it’s suicide or accidental overdose. The action star’s son was only 36 when it’s been said he overdosed on pills. This is quite sad and tragic. 

PUT THE EFFIN' PHONE DOWN, LADY!

Man, Have I been cranky these days..Oh well, can you blame me?! Oh no sorry I don't mean to be such a betch but please STOP using the bank's telephone for your personal pleasures, aaand not when you kept me waiting for almost an hour and so as the lady next to me, ESPECIALLY when you are not being paid to do your personal errands during work hours, put the phone down lady or I will! 
*Kidding! ;p* But reaally, go freakin' back to work!! So there's that. But, I also hate that Dragon Bank charged me $10 for what?? So, if I'm not soo poor and didn't notice, what then? Don't you just hate it when banks inconvenient you for their own effin' system error? So irresponsible! But that lady on the phone, the nerve!!! You are almost funny you know that?! Alllmost!


 I asked lady next to me to boo her too, but she won't (sigghh), Idk she seems flabbergasted, whatev. Lil Miss Chatty wasted my time, what?!

I was nuts with Dolphy, RIP!

When I was just starting school, I’d miss my classes just to watch Dolphy. It was nuts I know, but the guy was so funny back then and so I thought waaay back! He was known for his wicked sense of humor, wore and sported the most goofiest cross-dresser outfits ever, “John Puruntong” did it all with spunk and a smile. Manila’s favorite comedian has died today. He inspired a shockingly large number of us, that’s true. RIP Dolphy, thanks for all the funnies!

How to do-it-yourself C-Section, not!

Two days ago, a preggo woman cut herself open using a kitchen knife. It doesn't matter if she's a proud owner of some Zwilling JA Henckels Four Star, twin gourmet or an Iron Chef cutlery set  whatnot and surely I couldn't care less if she used a santoku to slice herself open just to get her baby out. 

Any woman with an inkling of a brain should know better than performing her own surgery using kitchen utensils and her very own sewing box and then telling people she's actually a midwife. Hullo?! Exactly! You, Midwife, fill in the blanks Caesarian Section, can you guess the match yet? That's right, Obstetrics Surgeon:to perform obstetric surgery, ain't that an easy one? Geez! 

A Caesarean section which is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby's or mother's life or health at risk, is hereby ironically done to actually put the baby and the mother, herself at risk!! Don't you go telling me you're a midwife, if you can't decipher the line between what you can't do and what the surgeon must do. I'm sorry but I'm on a hatred streak right now. 

Don't get too anger-management level mad!

Ok, inhaleeeeee. So, have you ever been sooo mad that you thought you might be needing anger management for a moment? I went off to request my mom's birth certificate, she's a canadian citizen so I had to do it for her. Also, the lady from the city hall had the audacity to do mental computation of how much money she'd make out of me by asking someone from there who knew me of how long my family's been in Canada. Duh, I could hear you, lady! When she gawked back at me I swear I could see dollar sign in her eyes.

Now, forget for the moment WHY you get sooo madly furious and just deal with the mad and solve your problems right on. This post is more about local civil registry crapolas and whatnots, well it's just an obligatory post as promised and my way of spreading the word so others need not go through as yours truly did. It's just soo frustrating how we live under the mercy of such twisted fellas, only because they work within the system. A case in point, my current dealings with few nasties! First, allow me to special mention Lourdes Lobo of Local Civil Registry who has tried to milk me of 1,800.

How it happened? So I went to National Statistics Office to request my mom's birth cert, it turned out negative. FYI, from the cashier alone they could tell if it's there or not, because the second time I requested, the cashier said, oh it's here, "di naman s'ya negative", she said out loud that's how I figured they knew. But, they let me go through the process of waiting the first time, only to find out later it's negative, just to make a buck out of me. The NSO guy just took his time so I'd be charged for the negative result. So, when you are to get your folk's jurassic files, just try to ask from the cashier if it's there or if it's negative before paying.
Next, the NSO guy told me to ask the local civil registry to endorse them their file. Off me go to the city hall and paid 150 for the said endorsement. Guess what happened? I was told I was getting it in 3-4 months, but they retracted and claimed they said 1-2months. Actually, I asked for few opinions and was told I could get it right away if it's there, but if not it might take 10 days, but 2 months? Tsk! Red Flag!

Their M.O. is to trick you of the gory process it's gonna go through, before it arrives in 2 months. So, you'll be obliged to shell off more than you should aside from the 150 you paid, they'll quote you 1,800 for faster processing, anyways, I figured I was being duped so when I claimed it and asked for receipt, (come on, I was curious of the break down!) ofcourse, she didn't give me one. And she started saying pera pera sa NSO, just like that and I flashed my minute car key alarm on her face and her boss and told them I didn't really like being milked like a cow especially if it's documented. Just like that and her boss screamed at her asking to return the monies she made "kulimbat" of me and to apologize ofcourse. That greedy ala mozilla Lobo had the guts to say  if she could just return the half, but I think you could've guessed how much pissed her boss was to even entertain her despicable thoughts. The point of my ramblings for today is to tell you not to be gullible when people make things sound too complicated, when it's actually just a piece of cake!

SIX THOUSAND JOB POSITIONS TO BE FILLED FOR A $1 BILLION-SIX STAR RESORT HOTEL

Today I had lunch at the Holiday Inn and was sharing a table with the wife of the vice president of Bloomberry Resorts and Hotels (Solaire Manila), the so called $1 billion new integrated destination resort at the entertainment city. She was raving about the six star hotel that is yet to open first quarter of 2013. Solaire guest room will be the biggest in Manila, about 43.5 sqm, and larger than any hotel room. It will be a luxury hotel operation, with the standards of Peninsula and Shangri-La. 


Having a face off with Resorts World, and with cut throat marathon with Belle Grande Manila Bay, can you guess who won the race? Oh yeh, it has been said and done that Belle is no longer vying for the bragging rights of having the first dibs for opening the first A-list gaming complex in the metropolis’ future entertainment hub. Although, keeping up in a week isn't that bad at all. 


As our country aims to beat Las Vegas annual gaming revenue-wise, we could only hope for the best! So, although a lil bird told me the so called six star hotel are more on the high end and are more likely to serve the upper class, hmf, but hey isn't everything all about "Branding" these days? Agh! seriously, aren't you just excited for P.I. moving up to the next level? And hey not to mention, more jobs for Pinoys! We're talking 6,000-8,000 job positions to be filled, now if that's not good news people... That alone is such an Ahoy for dear Juan! 
I guess I would just have to see you there then. And play poker and russian roulette! But please just don't ask me to play toilet roulette no more, I once re-spun the flush of fortune and lost! Pwoorgh! I know, TMI. Oh, well. 

Hippie International Kissing Day!

Hullo Sunshines! Oh yeh, today's "International Kissing Day"! So, tell me..what is your favorite kind of kiss and where? Deets!! Is it French? Is it wet and sloppy? Do you Eskimo? Butterfly? Spiderman? New moonie or shall I say Vampire kiss? Kisses are deelish! Just don't pull that darting lizard kiss on me ever and we're good. Kiss! Kiss! Ya'al! Smooch! chooooooooop! Mmooooooooooahh! 

Sarah Jane Evangelista and The 500-Million Birkin (Pinoy Hermes Scam)

IT BAG politics. Odd habits, Must haves are they really much harder to break? Do we stand taller sporting and toting around the most sought after "IT-Bag"? They say money can't buy you class, but surely it could buy you some Birkin, ganda points and whatnot! But is it worth all the trouble?

"BURN, BIRKIN! BURRRN!!!"

Below is the story of an "IT Girl" and her "IT Bag or should we say bags?", read on Cheche V. Moral of Philippine Daily Inquirer article herehttp://lifestyle.inquirer.net/55401/the-p500-million-birkin-scam-or-how-a-womans-obsession-led-to-crime, it's your shout if you decide majority of the people in the Philippine Republic nailed it..

The 5-star Hotel Rampage, me likey!

The names have been changed pending the filing of case in court.

Nate met Sheila (not their real names) in 2004 through his friend Jack, who owns an art gallery. Nate is the gallery director in a Manila university owned by his family. A former flight attendant who had taken a break from work when she married and had children, Sheila had just started working at Jack’s gallery.

Nate and Sheila quickly became friends. She was a very simple girl, he recalls in our interview, and even as she had no experience in the art scene, Sheila showed a knack for sales so that Jack began to trust her. Jack made her industrial partner, and later, managing director, widening her social network in the moneyed, art connoisseur set.

“When we first met, Nine West or Cole Haan were already expensive for her,” Nate says. “When she started hanging out with people from the art scene and several of her former flight-attendant friends who had married rich, that all began to change.”

He adds, “Louis Vuitton, she had a lot of those. Then this Birkin thing came about…”

"Annd what have we become, some snarly Birkin Biting Betch?!! Sad."

Nate and Sheila’s friendship developed into a business relationship. It all started smooth and harmless. Nate would travel to Europe with his partner Tom, and Sheila would ask him to buy a few designer bags to sell her “clients.”

“At times, she said the orders would be three Chanels, five Goyards, one Hermes… All of these I would finance,” Nate says. “I made money by keeping the tax refund, and for each bag, depending on the price, I would get P10,000 to P25,000 each as carrier’s fee. I did that for almost 2½ years.”

Sheila made good on her word. “I enjoyed doing it,” says Nate. “With that alone, each of my flights to Europe was already paid for. And I was also into bags. I even earned points on my credit card.”

Then he quickly adds, “Let me be clear that I was only doing it for fun. I only did it on the side, I didn’t travel to Europe just to buy bags for her.”

It was about the time Hermes opened its first boutique here that things became complicated.

Am I posh or what?!!

Plausible proposition

Hermes Birkin was the one bag everyone lusted after. But even if you had P500,000 lying around, which was the estimated cost of the cheapest Birkin in Greenbelt, the boutique couldn’t stock up by the dozens. If you wanted one quick, you had to look elsewhere.

“She asked if I wanted to invest in the Birkins,” Nate recalls.

The deal went this way: Sheila would ask an investor to pull in P450,000. In Europe, the cheapest Birkin costs shy of P400,000. She would sell the purse for P550,000. It was a plausible proposition: Some women would rather pay the extra P50,000 (over the Manila price tag) than travel to Europe to buy a purse.

Of the total sales, P50,000 would go to the carrier who buys the bag in Europe or elsewhere, P50,000 to Sheila as middle person, and P50,000 to the investor. In short, an investor’s P450,000 becomes P500,000 in just a month, or a profit of 11 percent—a deal  even the top banks couldn’t give.

This time, Nate was a mere investor, not a buyer/carrier.

“We did that for about six times,” Nate says. On the seventh time, Nate asked his nephew if he wanted to invest as well. The nephew said yes and, as usual, all parties involved laughed all the way to the bank.

“I never saw the Birkins; she just showed me photos on her phone,” Nate says. It didn’t matter. She paid him on schedule. Business was good.

Then came February this year. Nate was readying for another Europe trip when Sheila called to ask if he had

P2 million. It was for a crocodile Birkin, she said, which would cost that much. She was sure she could sell the bag the following week. Expected profit was a cool P200,000.

“In a pyramid scam, this tactic doesn’t make you instantly rich, it makes you buy time,” Tom, Nate’s partner, points out. “If I ask P2 million from you, I’ll use it to temporarily make good with everybody.”

Looking back, Nate believes the

P2 million was intended to pay off checks issued investors that were due for payment. At the time, he didn’t suspect yet that anything was amiss.

Again, Nate turned to his nephew for P500,000 with a promised profit of P50,000. “My nephew wanted to invest the entire P2 million but good thing I told him no.”

Nate met with Sheila a few days later, on Feb. 13, in a  friend’s house, where she handed him the check for the investment plus profit, dated Feb. 17.

“She looked different,” Nate says on hindsight. “She had no makeup on, no jewelry. She looked gaunt and sick. I didn’t know then that her financial woes were already piling up.”

On Feb. 15, a Wednesday, Sheila called Nate to say she wasn’t able to deposit the check payment of the Birkin buyer (to fund the check issued Nate). “Monday came and she called again early to say the buyer’s check bounced so she’d just deposit the amount to my account that afternoon. I kept calling the bank all day as I was leaving for Europe the next day, and nothing. I had already issued a check to my nephew dated Feb. 23. I didn’t want that to bounce, especially since I would be away. I decided to get back the check, and just paid my nephew in cash. I didn’t want any trouble with my family.”

Oh yeaah, Livin' da Liiiiife!!!

Crumbling pyramid

On their way to the airport, Tom finally told Nate: “Can’t you see, the pyramid is crumbling?”

Tom says he always had misgivings about Sheila’s dealings, but he wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. He thought it was too good to be true, but he had no reason to doubt her; she was a good friend to Nate. And up until that moment, she always delivered.

Turned out his gut feel was right. “If you can make that much money out of nothing, why would you let other people in?” Tom says rhetorically. “You’d just keep it for yourself! The fact that she can extract money from people for nothing, she must be good, all right.”

Sheila has not been seen or heard from since February. Nate and their friends suspect she’s hiding somewhere in the US. When things unraveled, it became known that the woman had duped many people, including her own closest friends and Nate’s. The others lost enormous amounts that made the P550,000 Nate had lost seem like loose change.

“Funny because we had regular dinners and no one ever spoke of their business dealings with Sheila,” Nate says wryly. “It just seemed like good business that each wanted to keep it a secret…

“One time Sheila went to the wife-manager of an artist to ask for P5 million,” Nate says. “Her favorite line was ‘magwalis-walis ka diyan, baka naman may mahanap kang P5 million.’ When that manager told her she had no money and to ask from our friend Jane instead, Sheila replied that how could she do that when Jane was just on an allowance from her rich husband. In truth she’d already gotten P13 million from Jane!

“When it was suggested that she come to me instead, she told the person that we were not close. I’m the godfather of her son!”

Popping Champagne..chasing caviar dreams..Lifestyle so rich & famous..Gotta keep up with the Kardashians Joneses!!

Social butterfly

Nate estimates Sheila has made off with about P500 million from different people, based on the claims of those who have come forward. “We can’t really tell how much. More victims are coming out every day.”

(Nate, Tom and Celina, another victim, spoke to Inquirer on condition of anonymity, pending the filing of a case against Sheila. Other supposed victims declined our requests for interview.)

Nate witnessed Sheila’s transformation from the simple girl he met eight years ago to a Birkin-toting social butterfly.

Sold the devil oh my soul!

On her birthday last April, Sheila had a Makati salon closed for her private party. She had the model’s posters on the walls replaced with her own portraits, and she hired a top caterer. After the salon party, she and her guests were chauffeured to a five-star hotel, where she hosted dinner and after-dinner cocktails.

Nate never wondered how Sheila was able to maintain her lifestyle; he just assumed her Birkin business was doing very good.

Sheila’s husband, Jake, works for a high-profile veteran politician and wears  designer suits.

“Hermes, Louis Vuitton,” Tom says. “He never wore Hugo Boss because he said it was beneath him, and that’s what he told people.” Jake’s shoe closet of over 200 pairs of designer brands—Prada, Dior, Gucci—was even featured in a shoe blog, says Nate.

In an art fair last year, Sheila’s young son pointed to a random painting and said he liked it. The mom didn’t think twice about plunking P75,000 for the painting, Nate says.

Of how the couple kept their lavish lifestyle, says Tom: “I told Nate that it could be one of two things: It was either Sheila’s business was doing so good, or her husband was really corrupt.”

One time, Nate went to a Greenbelt 4 boutique with Sheila and her husband. Jake paid for the purchases in cash. When Nate asked why he didn’t use a credit card since it was a large amount, Jake joked that it was better that way since it meant no paper trail.

I be on the magazines, Style Bible and bougie scenes!! I deserve nothing but finer things!

Not just Birkins

Sheila’s scheme turned out to be not just about Birkins. “To others, it would be paintings,” says Tom, who also owns an art gallery. “She would show a photo of a painting on her phone. She’ll say 10 Anita Magsaysay-Ho! Even a Monet! How can she get a Monet! All these people believed! Different approaches to different people. Minsan alahas, watches. Very creative.

“There are lots of sad stories. She got money from someone who was getting chemo. Someone’s house got foreclosed because they invested all their savings with Sheila. She also got money from the owner of her son’s school, even the PTA. Of course, how could they not trust her? She brought her son’s entire class to Ocean Park, complete with lunch!”

While no case has yet been filed against Sheila, the irony is that one of her former airline friends, Celina, is being sued by an investor who lost P7 million. Celina’s son had asked Jake to issue an affidavit attesting that Sheila and his mom were not “business partners,” ergo not in cahoots, as alleged in the suit, but Jake refused.

Celina was Sheila’s senior in the airline they worked for. The older woman was a sponsor at Sheila’s wedding.

“I had no reason to doubt her,” says Celina in a phone call to the Inquirer. “She had no history of being dishonest.”

Distressed about being sued for Sheila’s crime, Celina laments her predicament. “I really want to go after her, but I can’t even do that because I can’t pay for a lawyer; she made off with all my money!” She lost P11 million of her personal money to her old friend.

I'm sorry?? Me no haggle with 'em gowns, oh puhhhlease!!

No haggling

A fashion designer, who asked for anonymity, describes Sheila as a good client for about five years. She never haggled, he says. At one point, she paid him with a painting; she claimed  she owned a gallery.

“That was her packaging: young, rich and successful,” says the designer. “She always wore new things. Her bags were always the latest.”

Nate also found out that Sheila never sold those Chanels and Celines he had been buying for her in Europe; she used them herself. “She just never wore them when we were together. But she told our friends they were gifts from me! No wonder when someone had a birthday, they would tease me, pa-Chanel ka naman.”

The week before Sheila disappeared, Nate learned she held a garage sale, apparently to offset her other debts.

“She had 40 pairs of Tory Burch flats. If she liked something, she bought it in all colors. The Celine bags that are so popular now, she had 12 of those, all in exotic leather.”

Their friend Amy, who was closest to Sheila, wasn’t spared. She offered to sell Amy’s croc Birkin, and the trusting friend said yes. Sheila didn’t sell the bag, she only pawned it. “Good thing Amy knew the person she pawned it to. Amy redeemed her own bag,” Nate says.

Chaperons and Limousines, shopping for expensive things...

Lavish lifestyle

It wasn’t, however, the only time Sheila tried to pull a fast one on her best friend. She sold a 3-carat diamond ring to Amy, an object so cherished by the self-made IT entrepreneur that she had a safe built just for it.

Wear ‘em gold and diamond rings, oh yea, sure got my blings!

But at a party,  a jeweler-friend noticed that the rock was a fake. Sheila  shrugged this off, saying that the stone must have been replaced by the person she entrusted with it for cleaning. She offered to reimburse Amy, just like that. The trusting friend was appeased.

Half a million for the stones..(oh, but it's a fake!)

Sheila’s tastes had gotten quite expensive through the years that on a Bangkok vacation last year with Nate, Tom and their girl friends, she refused to join them in the city’s bargain haunts. Instead she stayed behind in the hotel to get spa treatments, and shopped only in high-end malls.

Sheila’s Twitter account, which is public but hasn’t been updated since she disappeared, also provides an insight into her lavish lifestyle. Frequent subjects of her tweet exchanges with friends were designer clothes, bags, shoes and jewelry. (Her Facebook account has been deleted.)

Investors and creditors had cleared Sheila’s home of furniture and art pieces, says Nate, the same home she claimed she owned and had renovated for P2 million. “We were there for the blessing. It turns out they were just renting.”

Her family has since vacated the apartment, according to Nate.

“She just had to keep up with  friends!” Tom says. “She must have thought they wouldn’t stay her friends if she didn’t have the same things they had.”

Even in his resentment, there’s a tinge of grief in Nate’s voice over the friendship and trust that’s now in ruins. “She was really nice,” he concedes. “We never knew she would be scamming everyone.”

In the fast lane, oh the flossy flossy..

Birkin Photos credit:TylerShields