Fifty and Fabulosa!

Speaking of birthdays, here's another one of my favourite style icons who's celebrating a banner year.

If Iris Apfel celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday, this style (and acting) icon turned 50 last August 26.

Yes, Thalia! The definitive Mexican Actress and Musical Star who made waves in the 90s and 2000s with her shows like Marimar and Maria La Del Barrio, and her songs of the same title, plus some of my favourite Mexican songs like "A Quien Le Importa."

I must say, she looks like she hasn't aged a bit. She's still as beautiful and as charming as the day the Filipinos - and the world - fell in love with her.

Feliz Fifty, Fabulosa Thalia!

It’s All That!

When they announced the gender-swapping reboot of "She's All That," one thing was certain. It was a must-watch film for me.

I'm a fan of the original film. It's an iconic rom-com which was well-acted and had a lot of memorable moments. 

Who can forget the "Kiss Me" song playing as the newly made-over Laney appeared from the stairs after Anna Paquin did her magic.

With all these fuzzy-wuzzy memories about the film, the weekend was well-spent watching "He's All That." And re-watching the ending a few times the same day.

The reboot is as wonderfully made as the original. But of course, this was now updated to the trappings of the present time. Now, there are angles on being influencers, live streaming, on-line presence and approval, LGBTQIA+ representation, and the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones - something that wasn't there in the original film.

But there were also very familiar story facets that they retained. Like the "Prom King and Queen" angle, and the "Dance off" that's part and parcel of teen films of that era.

And what made this film even cooler was the appearance of 2 of the original cast members of "She's All That," In different and updated roles, or course.

The original film's headliner, Rachael Leigh Cook who played Laney Boggs, was back as the Mom of the lead character, Padgett. This is the answer to my question 3 years ago.

Then, there's Matthew Lillard who played Brock Hudson in the original film, now back playing Principal Bosch.

Needless to say, this film is going to be on my "Netflix Repeat" list. Heck, I've already re-watched the ending 3 times already.

Yup, this film is all that.

Apfel of your eye

She's the poster-woman of ageless style!

Iris Apfel has always been fashion-forward. From her early days working in the iconic Women's Wear Daily (WWD), to their textile business, to her work as an interior designer, she always had creativity in her blood.

It's blood that flows until today as she continues to be an icon and beacon for fashion and style.

And today, she turns 100 years old. Yes, 100 YEARS OLD!

Talk about celebrating a century of style!

A Class Act

And boom! The 1st semester of school has begun!

It's great to be reunited with my students last semester, especially after it felt like our semester ended abruptly.

Glad to see you again, class. Just like last semester, let's make this semester fun again!

FMM: Pop and Lock

The first time I heard today's Friday Magic Madness song was in the 90s. 

It was in Adformatix and one of my colleagues played it while we were working overtime for one of our many pitches. 

Back then, the sound and vibe of this pop song was so current, I thought it was a new song that just came out. But after asking my colleague about it, his reply shocked me.

The song turned out to be a song from the 70s - 1979 to be exact. It was a catchy song with a bit of electronica, and it was sung by a group with a name composed of just one letter - M!

That song is "Pop Muzik."

Listening to it again today, 42 days since it first went on air, it would be easy to mistake it for a new and current song. That's how timeless it is.

Now, I"m locked to listening to this song again.

Mama Mexicana!

Watching this series on youtube that features Mexican Moms trying different types of food is my latest binge watch.

The 2 Moms are so adorable and are so genuine and honest. Their comments are very candid and on-point, and watching them is such a joy.

Watching them also makes me miss my foster Moms when I lived in Mexico - Nora y Betty.

It's been almost 20 years since we had our exchange program and lived there. Hopefully, the Mafia Mexicana will be able to go back there and visit our anfitriones soon.

Looking for the Subway

Suddenly, I have a craving for Subway sandwiches!

Before, Subway was an integral part of my lunch repertoire. Twice or thrice a month would be Subway day. I’d often have it at the old Podium at the 5th floor. It’s the kiosk at the middle of the Cinema and Madeca, and my usual order would be the chicken sandwich, 2 cookies and bottled water.

I’d also get Subway Sandwiches abroad. Mark and I would eat at Subway in Japan. Whenever i’d go to the US, it’s a usual stopover. During my trips to SG and Seoul, i’m Often there to try their “local” sandwiches.

There used to be a Subway branch in Shopwise Cubao and that’s where i’d get my sandwich fix on weekends. Heard they closed that down, though.

Gosh, reminiscing about Subway is making me crave for it some more. Gotta check if they have it on Food Panda or Grab Food.

Gotta take the Subway again soon!

That’s a stretch

This is another example of how fast time flies.

It’s been a year since Melrose had a virtual meet-up to talk about passion projects and stretching our imagination. (And our arms.)

I guess it’s true that time flies when you’re having fun.

Fonts Folley

Here's a perfect example of how the font choice, as well as the font spacing, is crucial in a layout.

Have a look...

And another look...

The first few times I saw this, and even now that I'm looking at it again, the "L" and "I" look like they're a "U," and you know what that spells out.

Yes folks, be careful with your typography.

Wash granted

As discussed with Mona and the other Frendz, you know you're getting old and knee-deep in the "adulting" phase when online loot like these make you giddy!

Yes, I get excited shopping for laundry detergents and fabric conditioners from Lazada and Shopee.

It makes washing clothes a lot more fun. And fragrant, too!

The right time

 When I first saw this clip on youtube, the most noticeable thing was the running time of the feature:

How's that for right timing?

FMM: The Moves

Shalamar was one of Ate Lissa's favourite musical groups back in the 80s.

This trio churned out hit after hit, and their repertoire was composed of easy-listening and dance-able tunes. Both my Ates would dance to their hit song "A Night to Remember" in many reunions and parties.

Thus, today's Friday Magic Madness song is NOT "A Night to Remember." Harhar!

It's another hit song which was my personal choice and the one that I'd listen to more often. Listening to this as a kid (like, a little kid) made me bust a move.

The song: "Make that Move."

Just listening to it now makes me want to move!

Nationalistic Name

This guy’s parents are definitely big patriots and show their love for our country through their son’s name.

This goes up there with other nationalistic names such as my college classmates “Rebo” and “Kala,” (FYI: those are short for “Rebolusyon” and “Kalayaan.”)

Two cute!

This is just so adorbz!

Saw this photo of my 2 apos enjoying the outdoors and the sunny weather in TX.

Can’t wait to visit these 2 cuties and play with them, too.

Onsen, gone-sen

Just read that the place that Mark and I went to for our first joint onsen experience is closing down.

As the article stated, there might be a possibility that they’ll eventually relocate. And if they do, we’ll definitely go visit that, too.

In the meantime, Domo Atigato Oedo Onsen Monogatari!

Top notch commercial!

This new commercial from Emirates is on my list of top commercials.

After all, it was shot at the very top of Burj Khalifa!

It's so cool, it's one of those commercials I wish I did myself!

A great Assumption

The story of the Assumption of Mama Mary is one of my favourite subjects to talk about during high school. 

Whenever August would come around, we would discuss it in our Christian Living classes, as well as our weekly prayer meetings. 

Since our school was a Marian school, this would also be the subject of many stage plays and performances in August.

That's why it had such a strong impact on me then. 

And it still has a strong impact on me now.

Happy Feast Day of the Assumption!

Butter Days ahead

Woohoo! I found Nutter Butter Double Nutty in one of my online snack haunts!

This is going to make my day. Days. Week!

FMM: Stairway to Memories

There's really something "feel good" about 70s songs.

Each time I recall and hear songs from this decade, especially the upbeat and pop ones, it feels like rainbows and bluebirds will suddenly pop-up from behind me. Then, i'll be snapping my fingers and bobbing my head, then do a shuffle or two.

Certain 70s songs also remind me of my first job at Adformatix. A lot of my colleagues were very much into 70s music and it would be something that they'd play whenever we'd work late. It made the work atmosphere very light and pleasant, and we would break out into impromptu dance numbers.

One of those songs popped into my head again this week, so I'm putting it as today's Friday Magic Madness song. It's a popular song by Paul Jabara about a date that was delayed by a faulty door. Strange, but true.

Only the 70s can make a situation like this sound fun and danceable.

On your Marc-us, get set, go!

Looking back at my blog, this post caught my eye.

Written 15 years ago, it was about a well-spent weekend in Manila (since I was living in HKG that time) and the things that happened in those 2 days.

Among the happy moments that weekend was visiting Elsie at TMC to meet her newborn baby, Marcus Jose.

And today, this little bundle of joy is turning 15!

That's 15 years! And it seems like it was yesterday.

Where did all those years go?

Oreo excited?

Our high-flying chef is at it again!

Today, Kevin dropped by the house to share his latest creation - a dessert!

This is fried Oreos ala mode!

My taste buds are soaring!

Printed Matter: This Provincial Life

Provincial scenes in paintings and prints have always caught my eye.

In our old house in Morato, there were a couple of paintings of this theme, that's why seeing these types of prints remind me of my childhood.

That's why this print instantly caught my eye.

The print shows a group of young women in the province, going about their day in a very relaxed, breezy and rural way.

It's a print that is captured in an equally relaxed and breezy dress from Plains & Prints.

There must be more fashion to this Provincial Life.

Mexico on my mind

One of the snacks that I discovered when I stayed in Mexico is this classic and iconic wheat chip that's part of every Mexican's snack time.

Sabritones was introduced to me by my first "foster siblings" in Monterrey. It was one of the first things they offered me when we arrived at their house. We arrived late in the evening, and this was like my "midnight welcome snack" from Jorge and his family. Sabritones and Coca normal - those were the first 2 food items that greeted me in Mexico, and that's why it was so memorable.

Whenever our travels take us to the US, I'd always tell myself that I'd buy Sabritones. I'm sure they have them at Walmart because they carry a lot of Mexican food and snacks. But somehow, it's something that I never got to do.

Today, the thought of this Mexican snack entered my mind again. Hoping that they'd be available at Lander's or S&R, I went online to check it out. Alas, these spicy and sour munchies aren't here in the Philippines just yet.

Where's Walmart when you need it?

Double 8, Double celebration

It's a rarity in our family that 2 cousins share the same birthday. 

But it happened for the Morales clan.

I've mentioned this before but it's worth mentioning again. Today is the birthday of 2 of the Morales cousins.

First is Cristy who's all the way in BCN.

Then, there's Harold who's currently in the US.

Have a doubly happy birthday Prima y Primo!

Fashionable Spread

Back when magazine shops were abundant and it was easy to grab the latest issues of magazines, most of my afternoons or after-work walks would lead me to Bufini, National Bookstore, Mag:Net and Filbars. They would be my sources for issues - both the latest ones and back issues - particularly of fashion magazines.

One of my favourite magazine cover formats would be the "fold-out spread." It would usually be a special issue and the cover would fold out to 3 or more panels to reveal an impressive array of models, actors and actresses, or influential people.

The magazines that do this often are Vogue and Vanity Fair. Sometimes, InStyle would do it, but they'd usually feature one model in different looks per panel.

While browsing through the September issue covers of magazines online, it was awesome to see how American Vogue is continuing this tradition.

Their cover is a spread of models-du-jour, and they showcase diversity in their choice of cover girls. Another innovative move from Vogue, and this is something to be expected from a fashion pioneer like Anna Wintour.

Diversity has never been this fashionable!

FMM: Friday Flirtation

Today feels like an 80s type of day, so the selected Friday Magic Madness song will be from that era.

The great thing is that there are so, so, SOOOOOO many awesome songs from that decade. That's true the world over - from OPM in the Philippines, to New Wave in the UK, to pop in the U.S. 

For today's song, it's from this peculiar group from the U.S. called "The Flirts." What made this group special is that they don't have regular members. The group would change every so often, and they were usually models who could sing.

While people aren't that instantly familiar with "The Flirts," I'm sure they know one of their biggest hits. It's a combination of pop and synth, plus a tinge of new wave, with a very catchy beat and interestingly cute lyrics. The song? - "Jukebox."

Catchy, eh?

And unlike the lyrics of this song, "I wanna hear this song more and more."

A is for Apple. B is for Britney.

While randomly flicking the remote last night to find something interesting to watch, I found this cable channel called "HallyuPop" which turned out to be a channel that features concerts. Majority of the concerts they feature are Korean acts (thus, the "Hallyu") but they occasionally show other foreign acts as well.

And what was showing last night?

Britney Spears' Apple Music Festival performance.

Needless to say, my channel surfing stopped there and I had the pleasure of watching Britney perform once again.

As always, Britney is a joy to watch.

Printed Matter: Harness fashion

Hermes is one of the first brands that really made straps and harnesses look stylish and chic.

Thanks to them, you can see a lot of this print style in scarves and other accessories.

When done right, there’s something very symmetrical and strapping about this print. Observe:

And this print is on a dress by one of the leaders in Prints in the Philippines. Plains & Prints, of course.

Aside from the print, there are so many stylish details to this dress. From the colour blocking, to the asymmetrical neckline and hem, to the maroon detail running around the dress. It's very detailed, which makes the dress very different and chic.

Trust Plains & Prints to harness the power of prints and colours and come up with something this fashionable.

Seoul Mates

It's always been the plan of Melrose to travel as a big group.

The past few years, some of us have traveled together. But those groups were smaller ones and the trips ranged from domestic ones like Cebu, to regional destinations like HKG and JKT..

But the past few months, talks of traveling as a complete group has been actively discussed, and it's the group's goal once this pandemic is over and we are all free to travel again.

And the group's target? Seoul!

We're hoping that we can do it next year when Melrose celebrates our 25th year of friendship.

And for that trip, our theme song would most likely be:

Hey, Silver, Seoul, Silver, Seoul, Silver, Seoul, Silver!

(Now, I can't stop singing this song in my head.)

24 Carrot Magic

While I've always known Oreo as chocolate cookies with cream filling, I'm always up to try new flavours and variants.

One of my favourites is the Red Velvet Oreo that I discovered in the US a few years ago. That's why I bought a lot of them and brought them home to Manila.

When Biboy sent me Carrot Cake Oreos, I was genuinely curious how it tasted. 

Now that I've tried it, my verdict is:

OREO. CARROT. CAKE. IS. DA. BOMB!

The decision that I need to make now is if I'll finish this in one go or try to save as much of it as possible.

Decisions, decisions.

Weekend Resort Getaway

Nope, this is not an out-of-town trip post.

It's about this film on Netfilx that was heavily advertised the past week, ergo, it became my top-of-mind and decided to watch it this Sunday.

"Resort To Love" is a very easy-watching Rom-Com with the usual elements that are no-fails when it comes to this genre. Plus, the stunning vistas like beaches, mountains, waterfalls, etc. are a good way to vicariously escape while we're all still not traveling.

Overall, this film is very relaxed and simple and it doesn't require heavy thinking or analyzing. Which, on a Sunday, is a getaway we all need.