What a Cat-ch

Our compound has a number of resident cats. Some of them are owned by the homeowners, and some are strays that jump in and out at their own convenient time. 

But whatever type of cats they are, one thing is sure. These cats are SO CUTE!

Just like these 2 that I caught while walking around the compound.

This is Chase. The cat who just love to sleep in the middle of the road, unmindful of passing vehicles.

And Enzo. The fat cat who loves to interact when you stop and engage him.

Ah yes. Cats are so cute!

Suave move

It's common knowledge that in the US, the gold standard for hand wash products is Bath and Body Works. That's why it's no surprise that whenever I'm in the US, this shop is part of my itinerary.

The scents of Bath and Body Works are top notch, that's why they're so irresistible.

And as the old adage goes, "Imitation is the best form of flattery." Which is probably why this brand is latching on to the popularity of the number 1 brand.

This hand wash brand is Suave. It's a brand long known for their shampoo and body wash, and it looks like they want to get a piece of the hand wash pie.

Well, let's just say that their strategy worked. Here's proof:

Yup, these were my impulse purchases at The Landmark. Driven mainly by their "Bath and Body Works" promise.

Very suave, Suave.

Transform-ative

My first Transformer toy was Sideswipe. He was a red Lamborghini Countach, and he was one of my favourite car characters along with Jazz and Wheeljack.

My Sideswipe was given to me as as a gift by my classmate, Cholo. And I still remember the ultimate thrill and joy I got when he handed that iconic, black Takara box which housed that toy.

That was more than 30 years ago, and a lot of things have changed since then. My Transformers collection was eventually given away to my cousins in the province. My interests shifted from robots to other things. My fandom for the franchise waned, especially after the movie series.

But last week, more than 30 years after I received my 1st Transformers toy, this was given to me:

It's the iconic, black Takara box - updated to the current times - and housing a Transformers car! Getting this brought me back to my HS days.

Transformers toys are really a transformative experience.

Shoe-biz

Interesting piece of trivia from mi prima, Esther. My nephew, Marcos, is an aspiring cobbler.

She showed me his shoe creations, and the boy has talent.

Because of that, I gave him a book on different iconic shoes and the shoe designs that changed the way they're made.

Then, my cousin asked me if I could find shoe tools that he can use. And because of the proximity of Marikina, I was able to.

Hopefully, these will inspire him to make more beautiful shoes soon.

Spain is Plain

Plains & Prints, that is.

It's no secret that my sisters are huge Plains & Prints fans. But now, they have a new set of international admirers.

My cousins from Spain!

I gave them Plains & Prints dresses as a going away present, and they loved, loved, LOVED them!

The Plain is now in Spain!

At ease, Patis!

It’s a few weeks late, but tonight, we finally got together for the virtual Birthday celebration of Patis!

Just like our Birthday girl, the get together had an ease and relaxed vibe to it. Peppered with excitement from Kahoot and the “Name that Tune” game.

Hopefully, our next Birthday get together will still have the same ease, but in person.

Happy Birthday Patis!

FMM: Yeah Yeah

Since we're on a Spain-streak, today's Friday Magic Madness is still inspired by memories of Spain.

It was in 1986 and Tita Evelyn and Tito Agustin visited Manila, this time with Yoly in tow. Back then, Yoly and I were just kids, and since we were the same age, we naturally hung out together a lot.

While we were at National Book Store in Quezon Avenue, we wandered to the music store where they sold cassette tapes. Yoly quickly turned to me and said she wanted to buy a tape of the "Yeah, Yeah" song.

Not knowing what the "Yeah, Yeah" song was, I had to probe and ask what the song title was. Because of the language barrier, it was a challenge. She just kept on singing "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah."

After a few minutes, I finally got it! This was the "Yeah, Yeah" song she was talking about:

"Edge of Heaven" by Wham! A song that I liked as much as she did. So much that we eventually bought 2 tapes - one for her, one for me.

Yeah, yeah! She was right about this.

Two weeks noticed

For some people, 2 weeks seem like a long time.

But what I've noticed - and something Mark would always say - "Time flies when you're having fun."

And for the past 2 weeks, we really had a lot of fun with my Tita and cousins from Spain.

We had so much fun that we didn't notice that 2 weeks had passed and it was time for them to fly back to Spain. Today.

Fue genial pasar tiempo contigo. Te veo de nuevo pronto!

Feliz Cumpleanos adelantado!

When I was booking Raffles for my Spanish relatives, the reservations person asked me: "Is there a special occasion that any of the guests are celebrating while they're here?"

That's when I remembered that my cousin - Yoly - celebrates her birthday in March. In particular, March 27!

That's a few days shy of their flight back to Spain. But that didn't stop us from celebrating early and greeting her in advance.

Feliz Cumpleanos adelantado, Prima! Glad that you were able to spend part of your birthday here with us!

Converse-ant

With this blog as a witness, the early 2000s were my "Converse years."

Back then, I'd have pairs upon pairs of Chuck Taylors and Jack Purcells, and would wear them on a daily basis. When HKG was my home, this was part of my uniform - Converse, ripped jeans, button down and pull-over.

It was in the 2010s when a doctor - yes, a doctor - suggested that I change my shoe brand from Converse to New Balance. He said that since I'm an avid walker, New Balance has more cushion and is better for very long walks. 

That's the reason for the shift, and I've been an NB guy since.

But that NB streak is broken this week. 

My niece, Alejandra, sent a pair of Converse to my nephew, Kevin, direct from Spain. But when Kevin tried it on, it was just too big! So, they asked me to give it a shot and try it on. Surprise, surprise, it fits like a glove!

So now, a pair of Converse x CDG has found its way into my shoe rack.

Welcome back, Converse!

Missed you, Mass

It's been almost 2 years since I started hearing Masses online. 

Due to the pandemic, most of the face-to-face Masses were limited. And with the changing guidelines, it was more convenient and consistent to hear online Masses.

But yesterday, almost 2 years since I started hearing Masses online, this happened:

Finally! I attended the Mass at Greenbelt Chapel!

Honestly, it was such a heartwarming homecoming that I was teary-eyed while the Mass was ongoing. Greenbelt Chapel is where Mark and I would usually hear Mass whenever we're in Makati on a weekday or weekend.

I missed this so, so much.

Back to the beginning

Yesterday, while waiting for the BCN crew to finish their nail spa appointment, I walked around the area to see what's changed and what hasn't.

All that walking lead me to this place:

Republic Glass Building is where I began my advertising career. I was a Copywriter Trainee at Adformatix at the age of 19, and that's where my eyes were opened to the wonderful world of advertising. And the person who opened my eyes was no other than my first and best mentor - Sir Conrad!

Looking back at where my career started and where it headed, it made me smile and made me happy to go back to my roots.

When life gives you Lululemons

While accompanying my Spanish cousins around the malls, I'd break away from the group and do a bit of shopping on my own.

We brought them to Surplus Shop, which is one of my favourite haunts, and they were happily surprised at the merchandise and prices of the items there. Which isn't a surprise, really.

They hoarded on active wear because they really liked the selection and prices of the available items. Especially these Lululemon active wear tops.

They couldn't believe that it was less than 5 Euros each! 

Needless to say, I had to buy some for Ate as well.

That's what you get when live gives you lemons. Lululemons, that is.

FMM: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Yup, I called it!

Today's Friday Magic Madness song was inspired by yesterday's post on Laura James!

Presenting Christopher Cross' 1983 hit, "Think of Laura."

As they say, once you think it, you do it!

Think of Laura

No, this isn't a song about Christopher Cross' iconic song. 

Let's be clear, though. I'm so into that song. In fact, it just might be my FMM song tomorrow.

But I digress.

While watching the Netflix film "A California Christmas: City Lights," one of the antagonists quickly caught my eye.

She looked very familiar - and I spent a bit of time thinking where I saw her first.

Then, it hit me!

It's Laura James! My favourite model - and eventual winner - of the College Edition of ANTM!

It's so good to see her on screen! And she was very engaging in this film.

Can't wait to see her in more movies - both on Netflix and on the big screen - soon!

Mystery, revealed!

After more than a year of wondering about the mystery statue in SM Megamall, I finally saw the actual and uncovered art piece!

And no, it wasn't Henry Sy Sr.! It's a sculpture by Filipino-American artist JEFRE, and is entitled "Time."

Can't wait to drop by SM Megamall and see this up close. While I've read about the sculpture online, it would be good to find out more about the concept and story behind this revelation.

Hermanos y hermana, Primos y Primas

Whilst the group might not be as big as the one in 2013, getting together with our family from Barcelona is always heartwarming and smile inducing.

Last night, the 4 original Morales siblings were able to have a reunion after a decade! 

Along with them, some of the 2nd generation Morales', including myself, also made sure to get into the action. While this is just a fraction of the Morales Primos y Primas, each one of us had humongous enthusiasm to fill up the room.

As the night was wrapping up, the conclusion was resounding. We should do this again - on a bigger scale - soon. Whether it's here in MNL or in BCN.

That's something to look forward to.

Grand dame

One of the great things about these reunions are the photos that are shared between cousins.

Esther told me that she found a lot of old family photos in Tita Evelyn's house. Since these were old-school printed photos, she scanned some, she took photos of the photos for some others, and she showed them to me while we were having our impromptu "house party."

Among the photos that really made me smile was this photo of my Grandmother, Lola Dita, when she was younger.

This photo is actually framed at their condo in Sitges. I saw this when I visited that place more than a decade ago. Looking at it back then, it was clear that Lola was a very classy, elegant woman. And that's how I always remember her, someone who's always well-dressed, well-mannered, and classy.

She was truly a dame.

The Spanish-Chinese connection

There's one constant each time my relatives from BCN come home to the Philippines.

Chinese food!

They're huge fans of "Comida China." In fact, they have a favourite "Restaurante Comida China" in their neighborhood in Deu y Mata.

That's why when they're here in the Philippines, one thing that we always do is have our reunion dinner at our go-to place - Peking Garden!

And that's what happened tonight:

Aside from enjoying their Hot & Sour Soup and Peking Duck, they thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the Tios, Tias, Primos, Primas y Sobrinos.

The last time we did this was almost 9 years ago. And just like what happened in 2013, our hearts and tummies were full when the night wrapped up.

Some things never change.

State of the Art

Trust Plains & Prints to keep local fast fashion followers excited to dress up for summer.

They just dropped their Summer 2022 collection which is a collaboration with 3 young and dynamic artists.

Since they started sharing teasers for this collection, I've been watching out for it on their website. And now that they've shown both the Lookbook and the actual clothes, they're so beautifully illustrated and well-designed.

I'm looking out for - and buying - the ones made by Soleil. Her art style and aesthetic are both feminine and powerful.

This truly is wearable art!

FMM: Le Chick

In celebration of my Tita and cousins from Spain finally visiting Manila after many years, let's have a Friday Magic Madness song that will fit the bill perfectly.

This classic song from 1973 is a popular song at Jazz bars. There's something so effervescent about the tune, instrumentation and overall feel of the song.

The song I'm talking about is Chick Corea's classic, "Spain"

We should find a place that plays this song and ask the family to go and listen to it. That will be a double dose of Spain in one go!

La familia es amor

The last time we got together with all my cousins from Barcelona was in 2013.

And tonight, fresh from their flight from BCN, we finally got together with Tita Evelyn, Eve, Cristy, Esther and Yoly again!

Es bueno verlos a todos! 

Fashionable Farewell

The past years have seen print publications migrate to the digital platform.

With more and more people spending time online and less people going out to by physical publications, the move is expected.

Locally, Summit Publication - once the biggest publisher of magazines - shuttered down all their physical magazines and came out with digital editions. This was sad news for me because I'm a huge fan of their mags, buying Cosmpolitan, Preview, Yummy, Esquire, among many others, on a monthly basis.

Now, another fashion fave is also about to bid adieu. They announced this last month, much to my disbelief. But it's now a done deal, and it's something that I'll have to accept.

Yup, my go-to InStyle is printing its last issue by April 2022.

It's another end of a fashionable era. And this time, I'm hoping that I'll really get to grab a copy of the magazine from the US.

Choosing Churros

Because it's been ages since my last mall visit, eating freshly cooked Churros is something that my palette and tummy are missing.

Whether it's La Lola or Dulcinea, there's nothing like piping hot Churros that's fresh from the fryer. Then, you dip this crunchy and soft creation in chocolate and other flavored dips. Yummers!

Good thing, now we don't have to go to the mall to get this experience. Thanks to this newest discovery:

Ready-to-cook Churros!

We're definitely going to have this for merienda soon!

Yes, he's Grand!

Today is Lolo Iking's birthday!

After almost 2 years, I was able to visit him in Loyola to greet him on his special day.

Today, and everyday, I thank you for watching over us and guiding us. You are and have always been a wonderful Grandfather to all your grandkids, and that's why we're grateful and blessed to have you.

Happy Birthday, Lolo!

Wanza-pon a time

One of the dresses that Plains & Prints came up with during its Holiday 2020 collection was this sculptural dress with color blocking detail that was both simple yet elegant.

The dress was called “Wanza.”

I’ve been meaning to buy that dress, but i’d always be derailed by another item and would end up buying the other piece of clothing.

Then last week, I went to Zalora’s site and found out that they still had the Wanza there. At 50% off!

So, that’s the reason why I didn’t buy it in store at regular price. The sale was waiting for me.

There’s really a perfect time for everything.

Panda-monium in Manila

Whenever the family goes to the US, Panda Express is one of our go-to places. In fact, I've written about them in this blog several times already.

We were excited when Panda Express finally opened in the Philippines, but never got around to eat there.

When they first opened, the lines were so long and it was such a chore to wait for the crowds to subside. Then, a few months after they opened, the pandemic happened, so getting there even became a bigger challenge.

But thanks to food delivery services, we finally got our Panda fix last week.

Of course, the experience of eating Panda Express in the actual restaurant is way, way better than having it for take-out. But in the meantime, this will suffice.

Let the Panda Express pandemonium begin!

FMM: Vacay okay!

The past 2 years, the thought of travel wasn't on top of the minds of people. With everyone asked to stay at home and indoors as much as possible, the thought of going out - especially out of town or out of the country - was farthest from people's minds.

Now that the borders are slowly opening and people are starting to travel again, we're seeing more and more relatives from abroad finally pushing through with their plans to vacation in Manila.

Yesterday, my cousin from the US dropped by the house. Next week, my relatives from Spain are finally visiting after 3 years.

And because of these vacations happening, my Friday Magic Madness song for today was inspired by this little factoid. And as people go on vacation, then it's time for The Go-go's "Vacation."

This 80s ditty has so many happy feels. From the beat to the instrumentation, to the joy of the singers. It really makes you want to pack your bags and fly off to a vacation somewhere.

Hopefully, it'll be our turn to vacation soon.

Caught!

There’s something about those online GIF games that ask you to catch an item in the middle of an outline. Whenever I see one, the tendency is to stop and play.

And often, I catch them in one go! Just like this fish!

This, then, is the catch of the day!

Ash you like it

It's been 2 years since I last heard physical mass in honour of Ash Wednesday.

As much as I hoped that this year would be the year I would, unfortunately that didn't push through. We were hoping that the Townhouse association would organize a mass and ash-laying within the compound, but they said that the church was busy, too.

Good thing ASC had a virtual Ash Wednesday mass today, so I was able to keep the tradition, albeit online.

Hoping that for Palm Sunday and the rest of the Holy Week, we'll all finally be able to attend masses IRL.

MMFF: My Meyers Film Fest

Continuing the habit of playing a film in the background while working, today's choice of films were some of my sort-of-oldies-but-goodies-faves.

The first one is "Something's Gotta Give," which features wonderful acting from the great Hollywood duo of Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton.

The second one is "The Intern," which features an unusual pairing of 2 Oscar winners - Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway.

While the credits were rolling for "The Intern," that's when it hit me.

Both films that I watched today were both from Nancy Meyers!

Gosh! She really knows how to make films that are intelligent, relevant and feel-good. 

What Nancy Meyers film should I watch next?