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Not literal mammoths but two rugby players, Justin Coveney and Kenny Stern. Justin wanted to go to Zara last Wednesday because it had just opened that very day in Sydney and there were long queues to get into the store. I wasn’t sure Zara at Rockwell would have anything in size Humongous, but off we went.

When it comes to shopping Justin is such a girl. “I am not a girl about shopping,” Justin says. “Ooh I like that pink shirt.”

It’s a bit tight across the neck and chest but the staff said they could move the button (Free alterations in 20 minutes!).

Kenny’s shopping habits are more like mine: zero in on the stuff you like, try it on, buy. Or maybe I’m just a boy about shopping. Kenny got a shirt that looks like. . .all his other shirts. You’ll see him on a Bench calendar, by the way, and in a magazine article with other Filipino athletes.

Kenny told us about his mom, Marlene Stern, who died in February. “She was a strong Filipino woman who was always involved in giving back to the community. She was one of the leaders of NaFFAA (National Federation Filipino American Associations). She was also actively involved in Overseas Filipinos For Good Governance and was honored by meeting P-Noy at his inauguration.” Mrs. Stern was part of a medical mission to the Philippines that helped over 1,500 patients. She did all this while building a successful business in the States and raising Kenny, a member of the Philippine rugby team, and Elizabeth, who was the on the Philippine figure-skating team.

Kenny and his family have formed a foundation in his mom’s memory. Through it they will continue to support the organizations she was involved in. For more information visit www.grandlifefoundation.com.

Justin had to update his modeling portfolio so he did a shoot the other day with photographer Raymond Saldana. We tried to find him a wardrobe but my designer friends didn’t have outfits in size humongous. “What did you end up wearing?” I asked.

“A rugby ball.”

“A rugby ball.”

“Yes, a rugby ball.”

Justin is going to wear these shirts to his court appearances. I fear for opposing counsel.

Afterwards we hung out at my friend Jackie’s balcony on the 42nd floor of a building in Makati. They declined alcohol, which is just appalling. I found out that Kenny is Catholic and Jewish, as in he was baptized and had a bar mitzvah. That’s Woody Allen territory. Then Noel joined us. “Hindi mo sinabi na may mga braguldo dito,” he declared. We’re not sure exactly what “braguldo” means, but it seemed apt.

Hong Kong meets Kazakhstan today in the A5N Top 5 opening match in Almaty. Go Hong Kong!