An Uncommon Bond

Among the many actors who played the iconic role of 007, there are 2 that easily stand out. First is the actor who introduced the role to me - Roger Moore, and second, the OG Bond - Sean Connery.

They say that the original is always the best, and I'd say that in the case of James Bond, that's true. While each actor had his own style, Sean Connery had the right mix of suave, humour, debonaire, and grit. And since he was the first actor to take on the role, the other actors can't help but be compared to him.

Today, the world lost its first Bond as Sean Connery passed away at 90 year old. He now joins Roger Moore in the great 007 Headquarters in the sky.

You will be missed, Connery. Sean Connery.

FMM: Chuck's Take

Another day, another random song that pops in my head, demanding to be played.

This song kept on popping in my head since last week. First, it was just the saxophone portion of the song, then the lyrics started playing in my head. Then, the whole song - from start to finish - played on repeat in my mind.

It was such a persistent song that it had to be today's Friday Magic Madness song. It's a feel good song, literally.

"Feels So Good" is one of Chuck Mangione's biggest hits in the late 70s, and I first heard this when Dad would play his cassette tape on weekends. Even as a kid, this song made such an impact that I still remember it until now.

I feel so good just listening to it.

(Last) Flight of Dragons

When I was still living in HKG, my 2 favourite and frequently used airlines were CX (Cathay Pacific) and KA (Dragon Air.)

CX was my default airline when I'd fly back to Manila or Tokyo, while KA was my usual choice for budget flights going into the Mainland.

Eventually, Dragon Air was folded into Cathay Pacific and became Cathay Dragon. It was a merger that excited me, and I was able to fly using this carrier for a few times.

About a week ago, it was announced that CX will shut Cathay Dragon down. The pandemic has hit the airline industry hard, and unfortunately, this was one of the airlines that suffered.

It's sad news. But I'm hopeful that when things go back to normal, Cathay Dragon will find a way to fly again.

Golden Hour!

It's Bong's Golden Year! 

Of course, Melrose had to get together in our yellow-gold finery and greet him a Happy Birthday!

It was a Golden hour fitting of a Golden boy!

How's the Wedel?

It was a random purchase from an online supermarket.

Since they didn't have my usual chocolate wafer brands - Take It and KitKat - I decided to try their only available brand, E. Wedel.

It was an unfamiliar brand, so I didn't keep my hopes nor expectations up. But after the first bite, I couldn't help but think, "Heck, this is really, really good!"

After doing some research, it turns out that this is one of the oldest and biggest chocolate brands in Poland. I guess you can say that E. Wedel in Poland is like Hershey's in the US or Lindt in Switzerland. Read: it's a legit brand with super high quality.

You can actually tell by the creaminess of the chocolate and the crunch of the wafer. This ain't now cheap chocolate.

Looks like I have another brand to add to my chocolate repertoire.

Smucker's Satisfied!

I've been looking for Smucker's Goober Grape and Goober Strawberry for the longest time!

Hands down, these 2 are my all-time favourite bread spreads. But they've been hard to come by, especially when the whole "stay-at-home" arrangement started.

Thankfully, Landers had them on stock when I checked last week! The Goober Strawberry variant, at least.

Now, I can enjoy my Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jelly fix every breakfast!

Smucker's Cravings satisfied!

The Belters

"Where are the belts?"

"Why is no one rea-dy?"

Well, as it turns out, Zalora is ready with the belts. In fact, they have a very wide variety of choices of dresses with belts. They have them in different lengths, styles and materials.

And here are 2 of the more notable ones.

First, a chambray, button down dress with pleated sleeves. I'm liking the length and ease of this dress - very weekend.

Second, a maxi-dress with puffed, ribbon-tied sleeves and a bright red-orange colour. It's a great dress to wear on a fun, sunny weekend.

Of course, it's easy to see the commonality among these 2 dresses - thick belts that add shape and definition to the wearer.

These are just 2 of many dresses that they have on the site. (And some of which I eventually bought.) 

Fact is, there are more belts in their website than a Pinoy singing contestant.

Malted Gold!

Back when I was a kid, there was a popular malt candy called Horlicks.

These yummy tablets were available in 2 variants: Blue for the plain Malt candies, and Red for the Chocolate Malt candies. Back then, it was considered a "healthy" candy because it was made of malt and wasn't too sweet.

Eventually, the brand disappeared in the Philippines, but it was still pretty much present in other countries in the SEA region. 

One of the countries where you can still find Horlicks Malt is SG. They sell iced Horlicks in hawker centres and I'd make it a point to buy a few glasses every trip there.

It's been more than a year since I've been to SG, and admittedly, I'm missing the malty-choco taste of the brand.

Good thing they have a ready-to-mix version which can easily be transported from SG to MNL.

So, while I can't go to SG yet, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be Horlicks who'll be coming to MNL soon.

 

FMM: Barber's Shop

This Friday, I'm feeling a bit laid-back and chill, so I started thinking of laid-back and chill Friday Magic Madness songs that I can play today.

There's a plethora of songs that fall under this category, especially in the 80s. And among these songs, a lot of these are OPM. I've said this many times before, the 80s was a great time for Filipino music - from the melody, the lyrics and the messages, they were all top notch.

One of these songs that I can listen over and over and over again, every hour and everyday, is an 80s classic from Baron Barbers and Boy Katindig. If you're a kid of the 80s, you'll know the ditty I'm talking about:

Listening to it again, I can safely say that "I'll Always Stay in Love" with this song.

Fashion faux pas

No, that's not the way you spell "ruching."

I guess the writer of this brand isn't really that familiar with fashion terms.

Fashionable proofreader, please!

The Force is in The Cards

Oh look!

Star Wars-themed playing cards!

No need to use Force. Take my money, please.

The Mallow Touch

So, it’s true that Jollibee is making their Buko Pie a permanent part of their menu.

Well and good. But the more important question remains:

When are the bringing back Choco-Mallow Pie? 

This is, hands down, one of the best things they offered.

So bring it back. Please!

Cleopatra's coming at 'ya!

Nope, not the song.

Although I might drop that in one of these Friday Magic Madness days. (If I haven't yet.)

I'm talking about Cleopatra, the film. And how they're casting Gal Gadot for it. And how social media has been chanting "Whitewashing" in unison.

Well, I - for one - am excited to see her play the Queen of the Nile. I think she has the perfect face, perfect queenly bearing, and perfect aura for it. Plus, after reading this article, the thought that she's a perfect fit was further solidified.

Start shooting this film, please! Cleopatra needs to make a comeback on the big screen. Stat!

Optimistic about this collection

When it comes to beautiful prints on dresses, Plains & Prints never disappoints.

Never!

Caught one of the dresses they’re launching for their Holiday 2020 collection called “Vivid Optimism,” and - as per usual - I was gobsmacked at how pretty it was.

The moment this comes out in stores, I’m there!

That’s how optimistic I am with this collection.

Wacky Weekend

When you start the weekend with this fun and creative bunch, you know it’s going to be a fun weekend.

Looking forward to,getting together and having our usual breakfasts, Pan de funds, Mi Goreng, Eat Together, Hainanese Delights, and drinking sessions with these wacky creative guys.

Kaniguan!!!

FMM: Solid, Bro, Solid!

Today is the birthday of my eldest brother, Kuya Marv.

One thing I can say about Kuya is he's definitely a solid foundation, especially with his family. It's easy to see that by the way my 2 nieces look up to him and rely on him for strength.

And since his birthday falls on a Friday Magic Madness day, this powerful 80s ditty from Ashford and Simpson is the apt song to play.

After all, he's Solid. Solid as a Rock!

Happy Birthday Kuya!

Sneaky!

With our "work from home" arrangement, it's uber rare that we get to "dress up." and even rarer to wear shoes. Heck, I think all my New Balance shoes are wondering why they never get to leave the house anymore.

So, this is no time to think of shoes. Much more buy a new pair.

But this pair sneaked up on me and pounced on me online!

I know for a fact that I don't need a new pair of sneakers.

But they're so cool! *sigh*

Ciao Bella!

Although her turn as Bella Swan was decades ago, and it's a chapter in her life that she long closed and would rather not go back to, I'll always remember Kristen Stewart for this role.

So much has changed in her personal life and career since then. But one thing hasn't changed, she's still a forefront when it comes to fashion and style.

That's why it comes as no surprise that she's the cover girl of my birth month's InStyle Magazine.

Now, how to get this issue, that's the question. After all, I'd like to have this molto bella issue.

Country Conundrum, the return

 “Country” should be an easy word to spell, right?

I guess not.

Proofreader. Please!

When bread meets biscuits

You get this yummy, new discovery I made!

It has that rich, garlic flavour with a strong crunch, which is usually missing in the conventional garlic bread.

The maker of this cracker - Kokola - is also the same one who made the Oleizz Strawberry that I discovered earlier. They're both made by an Indonesian biscuit company, and it looks like they have a vast portfolio of yummy biscuits. I'm just surprised that I didn't discover them in my trips to Jakarta.

Well, now that they're in the Philippines, I'll definitely make up for that.

Goin’ Bananas

When life gives you mushy bananas, this is what you make.

Banana-walnut-chocolate chip muffins!

Ah, the joys of baking!

Take me Back (Issues)

One thing I miss doing is going to branches of Book Sale and scouring the racks for back issues of InStyle US Edition.

Since Bufini closed and my other magazine haunts folded up, it's so hard to find current issues of InStyle. I'd often get them abroad, but even that is difficult now with all the travel bans in place.

So, my only recourse is to look for back issues at Book Sale. Which I usually get to do often at the Makati Central Square branch because they have a good selection there. But the last time I checked that store out was March. That's 7 months ago!

Thanks to the internet, though, I found them online and found out that they have these magazines on their racks.

Now that I've found them, the only thing to do now is take them!

Soon. Hopefully soon.

FMM: Best of the Vest(a)

Since it's Friday Magic Madness day, the word "Magic" suddenly popped in my head. After all, it's at the centre of the idea. Literally. Friday - Magic - Madness. At the center. Get it? Harhar.

When it comes to the word "Magic," there are so many wonderful songs with the word "Magic" in the title. 

For some strange reason, I've never featured a "Magic" song on Friday Magic Madness yet. So, I thought I'd start today.

The opening salvo, this heartwarming ballad from the 80s, by Vesta Williams.

And just like that, the day is Magical.

Puff the Magic sleeves!

Sleeves are making a big comeback these days.

What's even more interesting is that they now come in different shapes and sizes. So, it's no longer the traditional shirt sleeve or cap sleeve, or even the split sleeve. Now, they're getting bigger, and the shapes, more interesting.

Like this dress from Zalora which has an all-around pleated detail which creates an interesting puff shape on the sleeve. 

The tapered edge of the sleeves add a dramatic touch - making it look voluminous yet streamlined at the same time.

That's what elevates this dress from a seemingly simple silhouette to something more fashionable. Amazing what magic sleeves can do.

Ole Olezz!

The discoveries online is just like the gift that keeps on giving.

I've been buying Malkist crackers in supermarkets as early as last year. One of my go-to Malkist brands is Nissin. Their chocolate Malkist cracker is awesome.

Until I discovered Malkist Olezz Strawberry!

It.

Is.

So.

GOOD!

This is now going to be my go-to Malkist cracker.

Oh (no) Ootoya!

Ootoya will always have a special place in my heart.

It's one of the first places where Mark and I had dinner in Japan, and it's also a place where we'd bring friends who were visiting. It's also a go-to dinner place for the Filipino gang at GRIPS, especially the branch in Roppongi.

They have a wonderful selection of dishes, but my usual order is the grilled mackerel. Since it's in Japan, the fish is always so fresh and slightly sweet. The meat is tender and almost melt in your mouth. And the rice - well, it's Japanese rice. No explanation needed.

Because of this affinity with Ootoya, it was a bit disheartening to see this piece of news.

Forwarded this to Mark so he'll also be updated about one of our food haunts. And our reaction is the same. We both hope that Ootoya will still be there by the time the travel restrictions are lifted and we can go back to visit Tokyo.

And again, we're both hoping that'll happen soon.

Vita-lity!

Today, more than ever, I realised that you can find anything online.

My awesome find for today is this:

Vita. Lemon. Tea.

VITA LEMON TEA!!!

Yes! My all-time favourite drink in HKG is now being sold in MNL! And it's been 2 years since I last had a sip of this elixir!

Of course, I HAD to buy a box! Actually, I bought 2 boxes and sent the other to Mamu, my co-Vita Lemon Tea fan.

Yes, my week is made!

Peace and Harmony

Today is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. 

As a product of a Franciscan school, we studied his life closely and imbibed his values seriously.

One of my favourite times of the year in school was the "Transitus." This was a dramatization of the life and times of St. Francis of Assisi, which was done through prose and song. I would always make it a point to take part in the event, shuttling from spoken word to singing. (Strange, but true.)

Usually, at the end of the Transitus, the choir would sing the "Prayer of St. Francis." The song, based on his heartfelt and beautiful words, never failed to tug at my heartstrings. His message is so beautiful and shows much love, generosity and selflessness.

It's a song that's very relevant in today's times, not just because it's his feast day, but because we all need to be instruments of peace.

Give me Libertea!

I've always liked ordering Libertea Iced Tea from Army Navy for delivery. That's because they come in cool glass bottles that are reusable.

Now, it looks like I have 15 more reasons to order the same thing!

Yup, Army Navy is coming up with a Milk Tea series for their Libertea Line. Same cool glass bottle, in 15 different flavors.

I'm there, Army Navy. I'm there.

FMM: The Rhodes less traveled

There are days when a random artist or a random song pops in my head.

Sometimes, it's random that there's no rhyme or reason why it happens. It just does. Which is what makes it cool.

This week's random artist - Cynthia Rhodes.

This week's random song - "Finding out the hard way" by Cynthia Rhodes

This week's Friday Magic Madness song - you know where this is going:



This 70s ditty is one of the memorable songs from the iconic film "Staying Alive." Cynthia Rhodes actually came out in the movie as a singer (art imitating life?) and that's how she got to sing this within the film itself.

I'm finding out the hard way that this song is hard to resist.

High Necks in line

One of the interesting trends that I saw on Zalora of late are their high neck dresses. Browsing through the brand, they have a number of nice dresses in different lengths and styles. Two of the most eye-catching ones ended up in my cart.

And eventually, at home.

The first one is this mod, 60s style shift dress. What I like about this is how the high neck is exaggerated to an almost turtle-neck style. Plus, the colours and colour blocking are also very stylish.

The second is another colour blocked number, this one with a stark black-and-white combination. Plus, the shape of the white part creates a one-shoulder illusion.

While high neck styles are often seen as too modest and conservative, these Zalora dresses show that modesty can still be so fashionable and chic!