The best-sellers at ñ

If there’s anything about the Spanish influence in the country that most Filipinos would be grateful for, it would be Spain’s influence on food. While this is evident in the mushrooming of Spanish restaurants in the country, it is best captured in the quaint and cozy ambience of a restaurant with a name that differentiates it from all the rest, and sets the Spanish culture apart from it all – ñ.

Producing the letter ñ from one’s computer keyboard is not known to all (most specially to someone like me who’d rather use a typewriter than a computer for I can never figure out how it works!). I’m told that it’s a secret that you have to discover on your own. The same way that ñ is situated in a cozy – almost secret area – in Rockwell. But once you have tasted ñ, the secret becomes a discovery, a conquest! The menu of ñ is filled with delicious discoveries even for the most discriminating taste buds. Take the rodizio for instance. It’s a first of its kind in the Philippines. Imagine 10 different kinds of meat and seafood brought to your table oozing with their juices fresh from the grill! It’s an experience in taste that is definitely to live for.

Other must-tastes are ñ bestsellers like its generously-filled Paella, juicy Roasted Rosemary Chicken, Cochinillo, Saisicha, Albondigas, Boquerons, Adobo Flakes and tasteful Empanaditas! ñ also offers a wide selection of "tapas" (small dishes), which awaken your taste buds with their filling and unforgettable flavors.

ñ Restaurant is a creation of seasoned graduate of the reputable Culinary Institute of America and New York Restaurant School, namely Chef Marivic Diaz-Lim and Chef Leah Sison-Magallanes, respectively. Both women have earned recognition for their service at the posh Mark Hotel and the American Renaissance in New York.

These two young chefs have created a restaurant with an ambience that is personal. Cozy, warm and modern, ñ Restaurant transforms into a lounge bar as the night deepens. And, unlike Spanish-inspired restaurants, prices at ñ are easy on the pocket and are more reasonable than the rest.

ñ Restaurant is located at the corner of Estrella and Hidalgo Drive (fronting Manansala), Rockwell, Makati City. For reservations and inquiries, you may call 898-2472.

Janna’s New Beauty Products

Three years ago, Janna Victoria was touted as 2000’s most important discovery. And why not? She scored with audiences and critics via her launching movie Lagarista – a film that paired her with then fledgling actor Piolo Pascual.

No follow-up movie came. So Janna concentrated on TV. She guested in various programs and did numerous provincial and mall shows.

Now, Janna is jumping back and is raring to be more active in show business.

Being in show business helped Janna enhance her personality. It helped her overcome her shyness. "I’ve always been shy," Janna says. "When I started doing commercials, I realized that the world of advertising is very different from showbiz."

But Janna recognizes that one thing common between the advertising world and mainstream show business is the importance of always looking your best. If before, she didn’t devote much time on beauty rituals, Janna is now more aware that people tend to look at her more intently because of her line of work. She now has to take good care of her skin.

However, finding the right product for her proved to be easier said than done. So with the assistance of a chemist friend, Janna developed a soap that can address all her skin needs. Upon prodding of friends, she decided to invest her savings and launch her own line of beauty and personal care products, VBV (her initials).

Among her first products are the Jana Victoria Whitening Papaya Soap with Vitamin E and Jana Victoria Organic Bleaching Soap, both made without preservatives and hardeners that might cause skin irritation. They contain natural extracts and fragrances that are safe to the skin and even to the environment. Most importantly, they are very affordable.

"I’ve always been interested in having my own business and friends always tell me that I have the knack for it," Janna says. "I used to take up Marketing in college and now that I have my own business, I make sure that the products we develop are of the highest quality and at par with the best."