FMM: Cat got your tongue

Because of this fully animated commercial that we’re doing, this is the Friday Magic Madness song that’s currently playing in my head.



Yes, morning has broken. Listening to Cat Stevens while watching the morning come is actually very relaxing. Just as 70s songs often are.

And yes, we’re still watching the animation for this ad.

All in a day’s - morning’s, actually - work.

Gee, you like it.

Yup, Ate loved the G.U. LFTAT so much, she wore it off the gate.

Who would have thought that this look is less than a thousand bucks!

Best laid unplans 2

This is how this story usually went.

We’d work on a production. We’d talk about traveling as a group. We’d make plans where to go and when. We’d get super busy and the trip wouldn’t push through. Then, we’d work on a production again. We’d talk about traveling as a group. We’d make plans where to go and when. We'd get super busy and the trip wouldn’t push through. Then we’d work on a production again.

Yup, it was a vicious cycle.

But something happened this May.

We were working on a production, and in one of the meetings, Tess said that she was going to Seoul. Our 2 Production folks - both K-fans - said they’d book a flight and meet Tess there. Suddenly, Elyse and I were checking for flights and accommodations near their hotels. All within a matter of days.

Then, without any long, forward planning, we were in Seoul!

Because the best plan is to have no plan at all.

That's my Giam!

We interrupt this barrage of posts about Seoul for a very important announcement:

Giambattista Valli is the next designer to collaborate with H&M!

Judging by the initial looks that were released, he's leveraging on his tulle phase for this capsule collection. And I'm not surprised. It's been his most-talked-about phase, especially after Rihanna wore that poufy, pink gown.

They've released part of the look book, and I noticed there were a lot of tulle confections. I also noticed that some of the dresses, when converted into pesos, would be worth around P30,000! These H&M collaborations are getting expensive every year.

But knowing how he's one of the hottest names in couture today, people will jam the stores to get a piece.

Seoul Train

Now, that's another obvious headline.

A good train system is really a huge factor in attracting travelers. Whenever I travel abroad, I always try their train system to go around the city. And when they have airport trains, that's what I usually take to my hotel. Not only is it more cost efficient, you also get a feel of the people and culture of that place.

It's also a good sign when a lot of locals take the train as well. It means they're confident about their public transport, and use it as often as they can.

This was the case in Seoul when I first visited eons ago. And it's still the case now.

Seoul Food, redux

Now, that headline was pretty obvious.

In my previous visits to Seoul, I haven't been very adventurous when it comes to food. Often, I'd eat are Western chains, Western restaurants, and, of course, McDonald's. The most "Korean" I had would be the traditional Chicken restaurants, and their national fast food place, Lotteria.

On this trip, I was with several hard core Korean fans. So, they wouldn't have any of that Western shiz. They made sure that whenever we'd go out for lunch, it would be at a place that's legitimately and unmistakably Korean.

Fun fact: I've never eaten Korean Barbecue or "Samgyupsal" in Seoul. Yes, I've done that in Manila more times than I can remember, but no, I've never tried the "real thing."

Bea and Lyka brought us to this really legit Samgyupsal place in the outskirts of Seoul. It was really far, but the authenticity of the place well made up for the long travel we had to take. Their side dishes were new to my palette, and it went so well with their barbecue.

Another place we went to was this old restaurant which is popular among the locals. They serve spicy chicken and cheese, which they cook in front of you. When dipped in cheese, the spice and creaminess explode in your mouth perfectly.

If I didn't travel with this group, I'd most likely be eating at McDonald's and Lotteria.

And that's why you should travel with K-fans!

LFLTAT: Check please

A visit to Seoul wouldn’t be complete without a quick swing by to Dongdaemun. This area is their version of Greenhills and Pratunam, and they have a lot of great finds at awesome prices.

And my quick visit was well worth it. If only for the beautiful checkered dress that I found.

It had 2 types of checks, but they’ve been blended so well that it complements rather than clashes. It’s so unbelievably chic!

And you know what’s even more unbelievable? It’s actually just around P400 when converted from KRW!

Score!

FMM: Can’t be beat

There’s a lot of talk about Britney nowadays.

After she halted her Las Vegas residency (which I so wanted to watch), questions about her heath and safety popped up. Heck, there’s even a #freeBritney movement now.

Despite the drama that’s unfolding, i’m Confident that Britney will pull through like she always does.

And while waiting for that to happen, let me relive some classic Britney this Friday Magic Madness. Her rendition of “The Beat Goes on” is celebrating it’s 20th year this year. So, it’s a fitting song for today:



And just like the song says, Britney - and her beat - will go on.

LFLTAT: Gee, you are fashionable!

Of course, I can’t leave G.U. without snagging an outfit. And not just an outfit, but a Look For Less Than A Thousand!

This ensemble from G.U. is composed of a sheer, silk top with a window pane pattern, and a pointe circle skirt. The color combination is rust and khaki, a modern interpretation of earthen hues.

After converting the price from KRW to PhP, it only rang up to around P600!

G.U. can’t go wrong with that.

Me and Mr. Jones

One thing that caught my eye when I visited the G.U. Store in Seoul was this pair of sneakers.

Aside from it being on sale, the name “Kim Jones” was another point of interest. At first, I wondered if this was the Filipina blogger. Next thought was, if it was indeed her, this is a huge thing!

But upon further research, I found out that this was another “Kim Jones.” He used to be artistic director for Louis Vuitton, and later moved to Dior Homme.

And apparently, he had a collaboration with G.U. last year.

Needless to say, I bought the pair of sneakers that I saw. Plus another one!

Of course, it helped that it was on sale, too.

Brand new brands

On this trip to Seoul, I discovered 3 Korean Fast Fashion brands that are treasure troves when it comes to fashionable and affordable clothes.

First, there’s 8 Seconds,

It’s a store that’s like a love child of Gap and Uniqlo.

Second, SPAO.

This is more like Giordano meets Old Navy.

Third, Top 10.

This place is very G.U. (The original is still the best, though.)

And that’s it! Three more reasons to go to Seoul more often.

Good for the Seoul

Every time I visit Seoul, there’s one place I make sure to visit.

No matter how short the trip is or how busy the schedule, I’ll always find time to go to Myeondong and stay for a while here.

Hello Myeongdong Cathedral. Always great to be back.

Hello Haunts!

And look what I found in Seoul!

These 2 made this trip even more worth it.

First on the agenda

Onigiri and Welch’s grape, of course.

Just gotta love Seoul

FMM: Gimme some Seoul

Tonight, my quick weekend trip to Seoul begins,

What better way to celebrate this - and Friday Magic Madness - with one of my favorite Soul themed songs. Play it, Huey Lewis and the News!



Seoul, I’m back.

Shirt tales

There are some pieces of clothing that bring together so many classic qualities that it becomes a definite must have.

Just like this shirt dress from Pink Manila.

The classic shirt cut is updated by short kimono sleeves, an asymmetric slit, and a zipper opening,

It’s definitely all that.

I kid you not...

It’s always a joy to work with kids!

Even if we ended up with a long shoot day.

Hello Africa!

When JCPenney had a collaboration with Duro Olowu a few years back, I felt bad that I wasn’t able to snag pieces from the African designer’s collection.

African designers are known for their vibrant prints and clashing colors, and Olowu’s pieces captured that spirit. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to capture any of those items.

But this year, i’ll get another chance. An African designer is collaborating with H&M for a collection this fall.

It’s the first time I’ve heard of Palesa Mokubung. But after doing my research, i’m excited to see the prints she’ll make for H&M.

Lookbook, please.

You and me vote...

Yup, i’ve done my part in making the country better for Filipinos.

I just hope others did the same.

The Mother Lode

Today, we were blessed to spend time with the 3 Mothers in the family: Mom, Ate Bullet and Rose!

We missed Ate Lissa and Liz. But I'm sure we'll be spending Mother's Day together sometime soon.

Happy Mother's Day, Moms!

LFLTAT: Lady sings the blues

Summer is usually the time for denim. Which explains why a lot of the fast fashion brands bring out their best denim around this time.

Penshoppe recently launched their new denim campaign, and there were some promising items on their roster.

On my weekend mall run, I found these two pieces that looked great individually, but even more smashing together.

The first is this jumpsuit from SM Department Store. It harks back to denim without being too literal or in-your-face.

Then, over at Robinsons Galleria, I found this washed denim jacket with some gypsy themed hardware.

Together, not only is this ensemble P600, it’s also a fashionable way to wear the blue denim trend.

How’s that for a fashionable way to feel blue.

FMM: May, Maybe

I’m feeling relaxed, easy and 80s today. So for today’s Friday Magic Madness Wong, time to bring out a classic from 1983.



‘Tonight, I celebrate my love for you” was one of those songs that enjoyed a lot of airplay in the 80s. And with Peabo and Roberta's soothing vocals, i’m not surprised why.

It’s a date, Bernadette!

Something about the trailer of this latest Cate Blanchett film excites me!



Can it be August now. Please?

Harry's son is Harrison!

I think the name for Britain's new prince is genius!

WATN: Looking for Leelee

Back in the 90s, it was hard to miss Leelee Sobieski.

The talented child/teen star was in major Hollywood films. Not surprising because she was such a naturally gifted actress and easily melded into and disappeared into her roles.

And of course, she was also known as the girl who looked so much like Helen Hunt.

We saw her occasionally in the 2000s, but her appearances in the 2010s became few and far between.

When I checked, she's busy being a Mom, and her last film released was in 2012.

Someone give Leelee a new film. We need to see her talent back on the big screen.

Wintour de force!

It's the Met Gala! And with this year's theme - which is "Camp" - you can expect the guests to really go over the top. (Though I think it's hard to top last year's religious theme.)

As expected, Anna Wintour outshone them all.

She's the perfect balance of creativity, class and camp. Especially with this fully beaded, overly feathered number.

Being the host and purveyor of The Met Gala, you can't expect anything less.

LFLTAT; Summer Tan

Of late, it gets unbearably hot during the day.

Not surprisingly, comfy spaghetti-strapped dresses and open-toe slides are appearing in stores. I think it’s the chic way to face the summer heat.

During a weekend mall-run, I found 2 super summery items on the cheap.

First, this Forever 21 jumpsuit with spaghetti straps and a cute, striped pattern in white, gray and tan.

Then, I found these tan mules at The Landmark Department Store.

Together, it’s a go-to outfit for summer. For less than a thousand.

Color block-buster!

I’m a huge fan of colourblocking just as i’m a huge fan of color.

Seeing blocks of colors together reminds me of my Prang watercolor set as a kid. It’s something that stuck with me, and something I appreciate until now.

That’s why when I saw a lot of colourblock dresses at the Zalora website, I couldn’t help but buy them for Ate. 

The first one is this black dress with a red block accent.

Second, a blue shift dress with a flounce in neon.

Third, a blue asymmetrical dress with a marigold hem.

They’ll surely add color to Ate’s life.

FMM: May Day!

Because it’s already May, let’s bring in this classic 80s ditty from Lani Hall and Herb Alpert:



I’m not sure why, but this song reminds me of Biboy.

Gotta love the 8-s. And May, too.

Fine Vines

You know you’re getting old when the things that most excite you about a designer collaboration are lounge chairs and an umbrella!

Which is the case with the Vineyard Vines x Target collaboration.

I’d love to have these in our beach cottage in Bicol.

End of an Era

Japan will always have a special place in my heart.

Just as their former Emperor Akihito.

I’m sure it was a tough decision for him to abdicate, but it was all for the greater good of the Japanese people.

Godspeed on your new life, Emperor Emeritus!