’80s Icons Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton Deliver Timeless Classics at the Downey Theatre
Two '80s icons Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton at "Ladies Night" concert in the Downey Theatre on Jan 14, 2023 Who would have thought back in the '80s that these two talented ladies would be under one roof for a concert. Last Saturday, January 14, Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton rocked the Downey … [Read More...]
No Filter with Paulina Porizkova at Happy Women Dinners Event in Beverly Hills
Popbuff blogger Ruchel Freibrun with iconic supermodel Paulina Porizkova at het book signing event of No Filter The Good The Bad and The Beautiful I recently had the pleasure of attending the book signing event of Czech-born supermodel Paulina Porizkova on March 26th. Growing up in the '80s, I … [Read More...]
Meeting Fonzie, Potsie and Ralph of the Sitcom “Happy Days”
I started to watch Happy Days in my wonder years. I was so young between 10-11 years old and was going to La Merced School in Montebello, CA. I remember vividly during the early '80s watching the sitcom faithfully at night and wished I could go to the studio and be part of the live audience but I … [Read More...]
Tick Tick Boom with Andrew Garfield at American Cinematheque
Andrew Garfield promotes the film Tick Tick Boom - American Cinematheque in Aero Theatre I first heard of the movie "Tick Tick Boom" during the premier at the AFI Fest. I thought it was an odd title for a movie. I was intrigued. The lead actor was Andrew Garfield, and it was directed by … [Read More...]
No Filter with Paulina Porizkova at Happy Women Dinners Event in Beverly Hills
I recently had the pleasure of attending the book signing event of Czech-born supermodel Paulina Porizkova on March 26th. Growing up in the ’80s, I always admire her beauty. According to Wikipedia, in 1984, she became the first Central European woman to be on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The fashion magazine […]
Must See Spring Destination Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE at the South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa
I’m a big fan of flowers especially when art and flowers come together. For its third consecutive year, Fleurs de Villes comes to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Fleurs de Villes meaning “flowers of the cities” is an amalgamation of different cities world-class talent, bespoke, flower lovers, and utterly stunning displays of art. The […]
GLAUDI by Johana Hernandez, a Beverly Hills Fashion Show
“Dreams Do Come True” was the theme of the Glaudi fashion show last March 25th at the Beverly Cañon Gardens in Beverly Hills. Johana Hernandez, founder of Glaudi, a bridal designer who also designs women’s power suits wanted to recognize women in honor of Women’s History Month by having astounding panelists on the first segment […]
Oceanside International Film Festival Brings Pride to the Community
I’ve covered a number of film festivals in Southern California such as the Temecula Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival, and a lot more but I’ve never been to Oceanside International Film Festival which is just in my neck of the woods. OIFF now on its 12th year kicked off its […]
A Visit to Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills
If you like pop art, you will definitely like the works of Thierry Guetta, best known by his moniker Mr. Brainwash. Born in France and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 15. I recently visited his pop-up exhibit in Beverly Hills where the Paley Center for Media was previously housed. The exhibit was […]
Jasmin Gonzalez, The Woman Behind the New Modern Filipino Brunch resto “Breezy” in OC
As my family and friends know, I am always scouting for new spots, attractions, pop-ups, and restaurants whether they be casual or fine. I learned about Breezy on Instagram. The food on the video was so attractive and mouth-watering that I could not help but to go to their website and learn more about the […]
Frieze Los Angeles 2023 Celebrates Art Fair at the Santa Monica Airport
On February 16, I was fortunate to be attending the preview of Frieze Los Angeles, the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art. This is my fourth time to visit since the inauguration in 2019. I love the artsy vibes, the world of creativity, and the venues. And speaking of venue, this year Frieze […]
Get Inspiration with Inspiration Boutique and Gallery in San Juan Capistrano
You will be truly inspired with Inspiration Boutique and gallery. I found this uber cute boutique by accident in San Juan Capistrano. In front of the boutique is a charming bike adorned with silk flowers which caught my aesthetic sense. As I walked in, I thought the store looks familiar. And yes, I was right, […]
Meeting Fonzie, Potsie and Ralph of the Sitcom “Happy Days”
I started to watch Happy Days in my wonder years. I was so young between 10-11 years old and was going to La Merced School in Montebello, CA. I remember vividly during the early ’80s watching the sitcom faithfully at night and wished I could go to the studio and be part of the live […]
Meeting ZuZu, Karolyn Grimes of “It’s a Wonderful Life”
“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” This is one of the famous movie quotes rendered by Karolyn Grimes as Zuzu from one of the seminal movies of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life directed and produced by renowned director Frank Capra. Released in 1946, the movie is based on the short […]
Maneskin Greets a Huge Crowd at Barnes & Noble The Grove with the release of their new album RUSH
On January 31, I was among the huge crowd who waited in line to see alternative/glam rock band Maneskin. As I entered Barnes and Noble in The Grove, I thought I would be the only Gen X among Gen Z’s but to my surprise, there was a mixed crowd in line. There were Baby Boomers, […]
’80s Icons Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton Deliver Timeless Classics at the Downey Theatre
Who would have thought back in the ’80s that these two talented ladies would be under one roof for a concert. Last Saturday, January 14, Taylor Dayne and Sheena Easton rocked the Downey Theater with their timeless classic hits. Concertgoers consisted mostly of baby boomers and Gen Xers who brought their millennial and Gen Z […]
Bright Eyes Plays to a Sold Out show at The Observatory OC on Santa Ana
On Oct. 26, the American indie rock band from Omaha, Nebraska, Bright Eyes, brought their powerhouse rock show to The Observatory OC in Santa Ana. Founded by singer-songwriter and guitarist Conor Oberst, released the first official Bright Eyes album, “A Collection of Songs Written and Recorded 1995–1997”. Bright Eyes is known for their stage chemistry […]
A One-Night-Only Concert with Belinda Carlisle at the Segerstrom in Costa Mesa
Growing up in the ’80s I was gaga over the Go-Go’s. I was around the age of 13 when I started listening to “We Got The Beat”. A relative of mine had the picture disc vinyl 45s and we would always play it on her Winnie the Pooh record player. Forty years later they are […]
Hall and Oates Headlines BeachLife Ranch in Redondo Beach
If you grew up in the ’80s and you’re a Gen Xer but you don’t know Hall & Oates, you must be living under a rock. The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) recognized Daryl Hall and John Oates as the number-one selling duo in music history. During the mid-70s to the mid-80s, the duo […]
UPSAHL Kicks off Headline Tour at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA
On Sept. 29th, Thursday the indie-pop and rock-infused sensation UPSAHL kicked off her “Headline” tour at the Constellation Room in Observatory Santa Ana, CA. Dressed in all-white where the crowd raged as soon as she entered the stage. I’ve never seen UPSAHL but this marks that I will be a regular on her shows, meaning […]
A Panel Discussion with Erin and Sara Foster at StyleWeekOC in Fashion Island
On Saturday, the 17th of September Fashion Island and SIMPLY teamed up to bring back StyleWeekOC® which celebrated everything about fashion and beauty. The snazzy afternoon consist of beauty and fashion panelists including entrepreneurs, stylists, radio/TV personalities, ballroom dancers and influencers. I sat in the audience during the panel discussion with Erin and Sara Foster […]
Day 5/Finale of OC Fashion Week
September is the global fashion month. London, Milan, Paris and New York had its live catwalk shows where it showcased some of the flagbearers of fashion and a raft of emerging fashion designers. Back here in southern California there’s OC Fashion Week. The Orange County Fashion Week with its tagline “The Luxury Market of California” […]
2022 Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters Wonderful World Soirée with Priscilla Presley
Since 2012 I’ve been covering the Pageant of the Masters Celebrity Benefit Show. It’s always been entertaining and memorable to see and interviewing celebrities on the red carpet whether it’s their 30th year or their first time to support the festival. From Heather Locklear to Gloria Allred to late Paul Sorvino and daughter Mira Sorvino […]
A Chat with Giselle “G” Tongi-Walters & Marcie Taylor about the Upcoming FPAC 2022
After a 5-year hiatus, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) is back in La La Land on Sept 3. I am stoked to be chattin’ with two of the Board Members of FilAm ARTS: Giselle “G” Tongi-Walters, Executive Director and Marcie Taylor, Secretary, Giselle Töngi has long been active in the entertainment industry […]
2022 The Festival of Arts Runway Fashion Show in Laguna Beach
The Festival of Arts Runway Fashion Show at Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters roared back to life after two years of absence as a result of the pandemic. The unique format featured recycled, reused and reclaimed materials that were used by exhibitors who stepped out of their artistic medium. From fabric masks to underwater […]
25 Years of Third Eye Blind Delights Fans at Five Point Amphitheater in Irvine, CA with Summer Gods Tour 2022
I love the music of Third Eye Blind but I embarrassingly admit I’ve never seen Third Eye Blind on stage until now. I must say what a remarkable performance that kept audience engaged through out the show. For one night and a two-hour show of the “Summer Gods Tour 2022” with “Taking Back Sunday” and […]
Philippine Hitmakers Four Kings and a Queen
The music of Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga, Rey Valera are the soundtrack of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers who grew up in the Philippines. Filipinos are known to be gifted with music whether a lyricist, a music producer or a musician. Singing is considered to be a major hobby in the Philippines. As […]
Pia Amore Legaspi, Lady Boss and Executive Producer of Amore Entertainment
I first met Pia Amore Legaspi during the First Light concert with Arnel Pineda front man of the band Journey and Prince of Philippine Rock, Bamboo on Oct 2021 at City National Grove of Anaheim. When I talked to Pia that year, she looked calm but she told me that her blood pressure was very […]
Ladies and Gents Meet Lady DJ Shannon Phillips
Ladies and gents meet lady DJ Shannon Phillips also known as DJ ShanLynn. I first met Shannon when a bestie of mine was celebrating her birthday at Fanny’s restaurant near the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. While waiting for some friends at the bakery, some friends of mine and I were chatting with Shannon. I […]
Honoring women in all facets of the music industry at the 2022 She Rocks Awards at The Ranch in Anaheim
I started covering She Rocks Awards in 2015, 2019 and then this year. The event has never failed to inspire me. Honoring female entrepreneurs and artists in the music industry has brought significant impact on society especially to us women. With its 10-year-anniversary. Laura Whitmore, founder of The Women’s International Music Network said, “It’s really […]
An Array of Great Music at the BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach
On May 13-15th, the Redondo Beach Beachlife Festival celebrated its fourth year with jammed pack music extravaganza. The Redondo Beach’s backyard had a stellar lineup of artist from Vance Joy to UB40 to Weezer to Stone Temple Pilots to Smashing Pumpkins. This three-day music fest included four stages where 50 musicians graced the stages and […]
Fashioned Magazine + Michael Kors: Michael Kors Spring Fashion show at South Coast Plaza
“I’ve always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit.” – Michael Kors You know when you go to one of those special events you feel like a VIP. It was one of those events – small yet intimate and felt exclusive. Hors d’oeuvres and bubbles were served. The atmosphere was simple, […]
A Meet and Greet with Lea Thompson
You’ve seen her on TV where she played the title character in the sitcom “Caroline in the City”. She has appeared in countless ’80s movies such as “Red Dawn“, “Howard the Duck“. “Some Kind of Wonderful” and a lot more. Her movie debut was Jaws 3-D in 1983. But her most iconic role and immensely […]
2022 Art Alive – San Diego Museum of Art
On April 28th – May 1, 2022 the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park San Diego once again celebrated art, flowers and community with SDMA’s annual signature fundraiser and floral exhibition – Art Alive. An immersive fusion of flowers where floral designers interpreted/imitated works of art (painting and sculpture) from the museum’s art […]
Emily in Paris at the PaleyFest 2022
Since 2015, I have always made it a point to see the cast of my favorite TV shows at the PaleyFest in Los Angeles. PaleyFest brings fans together to see the talent behind those hit television shows. Attendees enjoy back-stories of the shows, the characters, and the actors’ personal experiences. But the highlights of PaleyFest […]
Licorice Pizza Record Store is Back in its Glory in Studio City, CA
Before you start reading this blog post, here’s a little trivia. What is exactly Licorice Pizza? It is a slang for vinyl records which have the size of small pizza and appearance of shiny and black licorice. You’ve probably heard about it. Licorice Pizza movie was nominated Oscars’ Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best […]
The First Oscars Night at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Last year I covered the first public opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and on Sunday, March 27th was the inaugural Oscars Night at the museum. It was an epic evening filled with glamorous people who are movie buffs. Driving from my hometown of San Clemente to Los Angeles was such a commute […]
OC Fashion Week celebrates Fashion and Beauty at Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Laguna Beach
As Paris, Milan, and New York wrapped up their fashion week, Orange County kicked off its fashion week on Sunday March 6th at the Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Garden in Laguna Beach. It was a beautiful al fresco sunny weather in the courtyard where photographers, bloggers and influencers flocked to see talented […]
Frieze LA 2022 in Beverly Hills
On Feb 17th (invitation-only preview) – 20th after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 , Frieze LA art fair returned to a new location in Beverly Hills from its previous site in Paramount Studios. The new venue is located on Wilshire Boulevard adjacent to the Beverly Hilton Hotel. It has been a tradition of mine […]
A Tour De Force Performance of Andy Grammer at House of Blues Anaheim
A rapturous reception filled the House of Blues Anaheim at the Andy Grammer’s Art of Joy concert on Wednesday night, March 2nd. I have to be honest, I have never seen an Andy Grammer concert so I didn’t know what to expect. While waiting at the pit and testing my SLR, I chatted with some […]
Balloonique Designs by Raquel Medina
The first time I noticed this fabulous balloon design/decoration was at the bridal fair Casa Romantica in San Clemente about three years ago. I was blown away with the design and creativity. Raquel Medina is the designer and owner of Balloonique design based in Claremont, CA. Raquel started her business in 2018. Since then her […]
Oustanding in the Field at the Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, CA
It was an absolute delight to witness alfresco dining in my neck of the woods. This has been on my bucket list for so long and now I can finally check it off. Outstanding in the Field is a roving restaurant without walls. In other words, they bring their kitchen to you to experience an […]
The Hottest New Botanical Themed Pop-Up Cocktail Lounge Opens at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
As a lifestyle blogger, I have a thing for nouveau venues and spots. When I heard about this new Pop-Up Cocktail Lounge opening at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, I wasted no time and called my friend to visit. It was almost an hour and a half commute. I thought it […]
Tick Tick Boom with Andrew Garfield at American Cinematheque
I first heard of the movie “Tick Tick Boom” during the premier at the AFI Fest. I thought it was an odd title for a movie. I was intrigued. The lead actor was Andrew Garfield, and it was directed by first-time movie director Lin Manuel Miranda. It was a no brainer for me to check […]
Gina Schock, The Go-Go’s Drummer Launches Book “Made in Hollywood” at the Harley Laguna
Blogger Ruchel Freibrun with Go-Go’s drummer Gina Schock during her book signing at Harley Laguna in Laguna Beach
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opens to the Public on Sept. 30
Ever since I was a little girl I’ve always been a movie aficionado. When I was a teen and was still living in the Philippines I would ask my mom if we can see a movie when we went to the mall, whether a Filipino or Western movie. I would watch on our Betamax player […]
MONIQUE LHUILLIER Dreaming of Fashion and Glamour Book Signing in South Coast Plaza
The much anticipated book of the season is finally out “Monique Lhuillier: Dreaming of Fashion and Glamour“. I’ve been waiting ever since Monique posted on her Instagram account the printing of her book in Italy and finally the public book signing which happened on Wednesday, November 10 at her flagship store in South Coast Plaza. […]
The 22nd Newport Beach Film Festival 2021 Opening Night at Big Newport
The 22nd Newport Beach Film Festival kicked off on Oct. 21 at the Big Newport theater in Fashion Island Newport Beach with the world premiere of “Never Catch Pigeons: And Eleven More Hard Lessons from Mr. Paul Van Doren. The movie depicts the life of Paul Van Doren who invented the ultimate Southern California lifestyle […]
Goat Yoga at Goods and Goats Market in San Juan Capistrano
I always wanted to try Goat Yoga. I’m one of those culture seekers who always want to experience the latest craze whether it be food, restaurants, new spots, exhibits, etc. And so, when an ad showed up on my social media, it didn’t take long for me to decide to take goat yoga classes. Goods […]
The 20th San Diego International Film Festival Kicks off in Balboa Park
The 20th San Diego International Film Festival kicked off on October 14 with an alfresco reception in the majestic Balboa Park in San Diego. Movie aficionados, filmmakers, producers gathered near the Botanical Building and the Lily Pond and posed on the red carpet. It was a magical night where food was catered by Topside Terrace […]
Amore Entertainment Presents First Light with Arnel Pineda and Bamboo
Amore Entertainment soared high in the box office with the sold-out show of First Light with Arnel Pineda and Bamboo at the City National Grove Anaheim. The event kicked off with the red carpet where sponsors walked and promoted their businesses. The first one to walk the red carpet was the executive producer of Amore […]
Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer, the First Female Executive Chef of the iconic restaurant Yamashiro in Hollywood
Yamashiro restaurant in Hollywood holds a special place in my heart. It is where my friends gave me my 25th birthday celebration. That was in the 90s’. After 27 years, I am back here not just to visit the iconic restaurant but to also meet star chef Vallerie Archer, more popularly known as Chef Vallerie, […]
Pageant of the Masters 2021 Celebrity Benefit Show
On August 28, the star-studded night commemorated with the traditional red carpet arrivals. Celebrities attending included Christopher Knight (Brady Bunch), Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds), Dean Butler (Little House on the Prairie, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Gregory Harrison (Trapper John, M.D.), French (3rd Rock from the Sun) & Vanessa Stewart (Rules of Engagement), David Faustino (Married […]
Jo Koy, A Sold-Out Show at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa
About 12 years ago, I was already hearing the buzz about Jo Koy, the Filipino American comedian. At that time he had shows in small venues like the Improv. Fast forward more than a decade, Jo Koy is now one of the biggest stand-up comedians in the world. His shows are selling out like hotcakes […]
A Summer of Sing for Hope Pianos in Beverly Hills
On February 5, through an integrated partnership with the City of Beverly Hills and the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Sing for Hope Pianos placed 16 pianos designed by local artists in front of The Wallis Center. Sing for Hope is one of the world’s largest annually recurring public art projects bringing joy […]
Fashion Filmmakers Showcase their Masterpieces at the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival
Yasss, I’m back on the red carpet. It feels so good to be out and about and covering a fashion event. It is my first time to feature the La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival on July 24th at The Cut location in San Diego. The La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival, now in its […]
The world of Princess Punzalan as an Actress and as a Nurse
Growing up in the Philippines in the 80s, I had an immense love for variety shows and drama series. In fact, every Sunday, I always looked forward to seeing the long-running GMA Supershow followed by the television drama anthology “Lovingly Yours, Helen”. And speaking of these shows, Bernadette Vela Punzalan aka Princess Punzalan was part […]
greenHOUSE, The latest Exhibit at the Sherman Library and Gardens in Corona Del Mar
I love gardens. Who doesn’t? Everytime I spend my time in the garden I get this feeling of joy. The bold colors of the flowers, the different palletes of greeneries, the butterflies and birds chirping, it’s an absolute catharsis from my busy life. Every year Sherman Library Gardens has exhibits in the garden, whether sculptures, […]
Newly Restored Historical Venice V Hotel Offers Guests a True Local Experience
As California reopened on June 15, a new 1915 landmark opened its doors in Venice Beach on June 18. The Venice V Hotel originally called the Waldorf was the past residence of the golden Hollywood age for A-listers with the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, Wallace Beery and Clara Bow. The boutique hotel […]
A Botanical Bliss at the San Diego Museum of Art
With the recent re-opening of the state of California, on June 17th-20th the San Diego Museum of Art held the highly anticipated Art Alive exhibition. This year celebrated the 40th anniversary of the celebration with a breathtaking floral extravaganza. Guests experienced the sights, sounds, and scents of nearly 100 floral arrangements inspired by the collection […]
Four Renowned Artists to showcase their work at Culina Caffè Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles (Beverly Hills)
With the relaunch of Culina Caffè and their new series “Live Like an Angeleno” at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, the hotel also kicked off with artist installations displayed throughout the rest of the year. Four artists will showcase their work at Culina Caffè: Colette Miller, founder of Angel Wings Project […]
The ’80s called, they want Flock of Seagulls back
What comes first, the hairstyle or the hit song? If you remember the iconic hair of Mike Score, the lead vocalist of A Flock of Seagulls, then you should know their hit song “I Ran” and his ultimately styled famous hair. According to UK Daily Record, it wasn’t Kajagoogoo star Limahl’s hedgehog mullet or The […]
Alfresco Opera Through the Seasons at Casa Romantica in San Clemente
It has been more than 15 years since I last saw an opera at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. On May 14, it was a spur of the moment when I decided to see an opera with my husband at Casa Romantica in San Clemente after all the venue took place […]
The Pepper Thai Cookbook by Pepper Teigen Book Signing
I love Thai dishes, who doesn’t? Being Filipino American, I found Thai dishes have a lot of similarities to Filipino food. For example, they use fish sauce to add flavor to most of the dishes. Like in Thailand, their Satay is the Filipino style barbecue only bigger in size. Thai fried fish is served mostly […]
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opens Sept. 30, 2021
With the rising numbers of inoculations, and currently less coronavirus case rates, there is no better time to launch the world’s premier institution devoted to the art and science of movies and moviemaking. And what am I referring to? It is the opening of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on September 30 in the […]
Frieze LA: A Major Hit in Tinseltown
The inaugural Frieze LA brought a lot of buzz to the city’s artistic community. In fact, it charmed Tinseltown. During Frieze week, it attracted celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Maria Sharapova, Billy Idol, Kanye West, and Leonardo DiCaprio among many others. Tickets sold out like hot cakes. I attended the first day, February 15th, at the […]
