Meals with Mark: Do UCC?

Last Friday, Mark and I met up and had merienda at the UCC Cafe at Gateway 2.

Looking back, I'm not sure if we've actually eaten at UCC in Manila. In Japan, yes.

We ordered the Spanish Sardines pan de sal and the Biscoff french toast. Both items were big winners!

It might be the first time, but it definitely won't be the last.

Pista-show me!

They had it in the Dunkin branch near the house, so what the heck...

Finally tried the Pistachio Donut.

The chocolate is rich, the pistachio cream is generous, and it has the right consistency - both the bread and the filling.

Is it good, yes. Would I buy it again for P120? 

That's the question.

Call a spade a Spade

After a year or so of no big collaborations, Target is back, big time.

They're collaborating with Kate Spade, and from their press release, they said that it's going to be their biggest collaboration ever!

Can't wait to see what they have in-store. (Literally and figuratively.)

The Fil-Jap connection

Facebook reminded me that it's been 7 years since Kris and Mike's wedding.

That was a fun wedding to organise. And what made it even more fun was the fact that Kris gave me a lot of free rein in a lot of things - including her wedding gown and the attire of the entire entourage! Plus the fact that she was in Tokyo when we were organising this. 

Speaking of Tokyo, this was also the time that we got together with our JPN based friends, including Shinji who wore a barong to celebrate the occasion.

It's these types of connections that never fail to put a smile on my face.

Papa don't Prichy

Referencing Madonna is so irresistible. Hahaha.

Was walking through the school corridor and chanced upon this:

Prichy is actually the reason why I'm teaching in SSC. 

Back when she was the Department Chair of the Mass Comm Department and my office was in P. Ocampo St., she visited me and told me if I'd be interested in taking a part-time teaching job. Since SSC was less than 5 minutes away from the office, and the fact that it was Prichy who asked, the answer was a big, resounding "YES!"

And I"m still here!

But more than that school interaction, Prichy and I have been BFFs since our college years. Our favourite analogy is that if our friendship was a person, he'd be 35 years old now! Gosh!

This makes me feel so lucky because we've known each other not just for many years, but in many roles and iterations - friend, kumpare, co-teacher, co-traveler - and so an and so fort. So, you can say that we practice what we Prichy.

FMM: Un-Kenny

There have been a few Kennys in my Friday Magic Madness playlist.

The most obvious is Kenny Rogers. Then, there's Kenny Loggins and Kenny Rankin not far behind.

But there's another Kenny who's part of my playlist. "Kenny" being his family name and not his first name.

Gerard Kennyis an American singer and songwriter who had a string of hits in the 80s. "Getting to know each other" is one of his biggest hits, and it dominated the airwaves in 1980. 

This song has been remade several times, and with good reason. It really is a wonderful tune to listen to - mellow, relaxing, and with a nice, meet-cute story for lyrics.

I'll play this song a few more times to get to know more of it.

Mook up your mind

Back in the early 2000s, the ice cream brand "Tilamook" was an insider's secret.

In the Philippines, this thick, super creamy and super delish ice cream was only available at the commissary at ADB. So, you had to know someone who works there in order to taste the holy grail of ice creams.

Luckily, we had a few friends in ADB, so we'd enjoy this treat every so often.

Now, you can find Tilamook in big supermarkets, along with a plethora of imported and premium ice cream brands. Which is awesome, especially since they also carry my fave flavour - Dark Oregon Cherry.

It's very rare that they have a cherry flavoured ice cream. The closest being Ben and Jerry's "Cherry Garcia." But the Tilamook version is purer - because it's just cherry all throughout.

That's my despite the high-ish price tag, my mind is set on Tilamook.

Major Tom

Tomas was always part of our growing-up memories.

As Lolo Iking's driver, he would always be there whenever we'd go to our weekend family day outs in Greenhills. He would be there when Lolo and Lola would go to the commissary at Camp Crame. He would be there when Lolo would go to Napolcom to get his checks, or to the hospital for his check-ups. He was really a constant presence in the family.

Even if you look at our childhood photos, Tomas was in a lot of them. This photo is one of my faves, showing the 5 of us with Tomas, taken at the house across ours in Morato.

(Yes, I'm the one with my back turned against the camera.)

Even as adults, he would always be there - for big occasions, for small occasions, for random events, for birthdays - he made it a point to be there and make his presence felt.

Tomas was really a huge presence in our life. He was an honorary Morales.

That's why we were both shocked and saddened to hear about his passing. It feels like just yesterday when he last visited the house, and now, he's no longer with us.

In person, at least. Because in our hearts and minds, his presence will always be major, and will always be felt.

Shower of Blessings

During the last visit of Pope Francis in MNL, we waited outside Manila Yacht Club to catch a glimpse of him. And we were rewarded by this sight of him.

Aside from this experience. I also went to Quirino Grandstand where Pope Francis held a mass. 

The day started a bit overcast, then it rained all of a sudden. The rains grew stronger, but the people in the area - myself included - were unfazed and stood there amidst the strong rain showers. No weather disturbance could keep us from hearing his words and homily.

After the mass, I was drenched. As in, dripping wet. 

Went to Robinsons Place Manila - Bench, in particular - and bought a new change of clothes. Initially, was planning to check in to take a shower and change, but it turns out that a lot of the hotels in the area were fully booked - mainly because of the Pope's visit.

This experience was literally a shower of blessings for me.

Pope of Hope

It was a huge shock when I saw Dean Charlie's message regarding the passing away of Pope Francis.

Although he's been sick for quite sometime, and he's been in and out of the hospital, we constantly and continuously prayed that he'd bounce back to his usual, healthy self. And the fact that he was able to make an appearance during Easter Sunday at the Vatican added to that feeling of hope that he could.

But on Easter Monday, he was called back by the Father. The Pope who broke norms, always had a big and welcoming smile, and stood as a beacon of hope, has gone back to heaven.

I've had the pleasure and honour of seeing him during his 2015 visit in MNL, and that was an experience that I'll cherish in my heart. 

Vaya con Dios, Papa Francesco.

Let the joy rise

Today is one of the most joyous days for the Catholic world.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Whenever we hear Easter Sunday mass, you can feel the happiness and excitement of the congregation. From the priest to the servers to the choir to the mass goers, everyone is excited to meet the resurrected Christ. 

Happy Easter, everyone!

Vigil-ance

As much as I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of Holy Week here in MNL, part of me still misses spending Holy Weeks in Tokyo. Particularly, attending the Easter Vigil Mass with Mark at the Franciscan Chapel Center.

From the time we gather at the garden, to the procession going tot he main chapel, to the baptismal rites at the basement - each part of the Mass is wonderfully meaningful and solemn. And when the newly baptized Catholics are paraded around the chapel amidst cheers and applause, it can't help but make me teary-eyed.

Hopefully, we'll be able to experience that again soon.

FMM: Amazed

It's Good Friday, and also, Friday Magic Madness day.

And today, we're going back, way, way back to the 1920s.

"Amazing Grace" is a song that's been around for a long, long time. The original hymn was written in 1772 and has been sung, and continues to be sung until today. 

While trying to look for the earliest recorded version of the song, this version from 1922 came up, and listening to it was a transformative experience:

You can tell by the sound quality, the singers, and even the instrumentation, that this song is from an older, bygone era. But the song itself, it remains beautiful and timeless.

Now, that's amazing.

Another star in heaven

And it's not just a star, but a superstar.

The news of Nora Aunor's passing came as a shock to everyone. Especially for those still reeling from the loss of Asia's Queen of Songs - Pilita Corrales a week ago. Not to mention Ms. Gloria Romero a few months back.

Despite some questions on her personal life, it's no question that as an actress, Nora Aunor was excellent and unmatched. No actress in the Philippines has produced as many iconic characters and lines as her, and that's what makes her super.

Looks like they're going to have a big production up there soon.

Silver Star

When Britney Spears' "Oops!.. I did it again" album was launched, we were on a work trip in Vietnam. 

There were no HMVs or Tower Records stores there, so we had to go to department stores and independent music stores to see if they had it.

Eventually, we found a store that sold it. Back then, it didn't cross my mind whether the CD they sold was legit or a bootleg. The important part was that the CD was in my hand.

It's difficult to believe that it's been 25 years since then. But it has:

Happy silver anniversary to one of my fave albums of all time!

Guarded

Here's today's random photo from our shoot:

It looks like their Safeguard is heavily guarded. 

Or it looks like they kidnapped Safeguard and is holding him against his will.

So many ideas with just one photo.

I guess this is what they mean when they say "a picture is worth a thousand words."

In tens

"Has it been ten years already?"

This was the question that popped in my head after this showed up on my feed.

That means it was in 2015 when Mark and I played tour guide to Isa and her family when they went to Tokyo. 

They arrived during the height of the Sakura season, so we went to Ueno Park to they could see them in full glory. Then, we went to a sushi bar with the revolving tracks, then to Omotesando and Harajuku.

Seeing this photo made me realise that it's been a while since Mark and I spent Holy Week in Japan. It's been less than 10 years, but still quite a long time ago.

This is good motivation for us to go and see the cherry blossoms again.

Old meets new

Yesterday in class, we were talking about music in commercials, and this very recent ad for Chanel was the example showed in class:

While the entire class knew Jennie, they had no idea what the music in the background was. Had to tell them about "Fine Young Cannibals" and their iconic hit "She drives me crazy."

It seems like fashion brands are into mixing the old and the new in their campaigns. I've seen a lot ads like these through the years, and another one of my faves was this Gucci Horsebit ad from 2 years ago.

This ad, with "Horse with no name" playing in the background is another genius move where old meets new. 

And that's how you make fashion - and music - that's timeless.

Music on my mind

Since we're in the subject of Nexxus and 90s band, there was one place in Greenhills where people would frequent whenever they had the urge to listen to good Pinoy bands.

If you're a 90s kid, you'll definitely know this place:

Music Hall was in Annapolis Street, near Greenhills Shopping Center. It was a huge, barn-shaped building which was known as the platform and launch pad of a lot of memorable bands in the 90s.

This is where big acts like Side A, Freestyle and South Border would play. One of the acts that we would also watch here was FOJ, which later became Vanna Vanna. If you were a big act, or was poised to be the next big one, you HAD to play at Music Hall.

That's why this place will always be in my mind.

FMM: Nexx in line

Just realised that the iconic song of Nexxus is already 30 years old this year!

"I'll never go" was such a hit back in 1995. Not only did it enjoy massive airplay, people were singing this in karaoke joints, contests, and so much more.

But this song has a special meaning for me. Mainly because it was our maid's fave song, and she had a hilarious way of showing her love for this ditty.

So, on today's Friday Magic Madness, I'm going to replay this song and relive the hilarity.

Plum position

Speaking of tamarind, I'm also so, so, SO into this Tamarind mixed with Plum that Mark gave us.

As both a tamarind and plum guy, this is a winning combiantion.

Ive been eating it non-stop. Which isn't a good idea since they don't have it here in MNL.

Next time I'm in BKK, I'm going to hoard this!

Bon this way

There's a candy that I've been binging on of late. 

Fruity Bon Tamarind is so good! Whether it's the extra spicy or the sweet and spicy variant, it has the right blend of sweetness, tartness and spice. 

Gosh, I'm so into this that one pack isn't enough for one sitting. It's enough for me to say: "C'est si Bon!"

One shoe, two ways: Mary me

Since Ate Bullet is always on the look out for cool Mary Janes, this pair caught my eye.

Spotted it during my weekend mall run. This pretty patent Mary Janes in a rich, oxblood hue is such a stunner. From the material to the style to the straps, it's definitely a statement shoe.

Styling a pair like this is easy. So easy, here are 2 examples of how to rock it.

WAY # 1: Short order

To highlight the shoe, you can wear shorts to maximise its exposure. But not just any pair of shorts, but these shorts with an interesting pleated overlay from Incerun. Then, a knit top from Plains & Prints that echoes the colour of the shoe.

WAY # 2: Khaki classics

The colour khaki is also a good way to make the shoe stand out. So, got this khaki pair of trousers from Incerun, and the front pleats give it an oomph. The top is from a collab at Robinsons Department Store (more on that later) which has a touch of red that matches the shoe.

This shoe is truly a shoo-in for best sheo.

Plush points

After a few months of wondering what it's all about, they finally opened this store named KKV in Gareway 2.

Apparently, it's like Mini-so on steroids. It's this huge store with knick-knacks and bric-a-bracs of different shapes, sizes and types.

They have home essentials, food, beauty products, toys and everything in between. But what caught my attention the most is their plushie selection.

(Apparently, kids these days call "stuffed toys" "plushies.")

Just made a quick scan around the place since we were about to have lunch already.

I'll just make it a point to drop by the next time I'm bored and in the area.

Gimme More(no)

There's a lack of fashion retrospectives and exhibits in the country.

This was one of my observations that was shared with Jo a few years ago during a visit to SG.

I've seen quite a number of fashion exhibits in SG. One of my personal faves was the Christian Lacroix exhibit from more than a decade ago. Then, there's the Issey Miyake exhibit in Japan. And of course, the Carolina Herrera exhibit in SCAD.

When I read that there was a Pitoy Moreno fashion exhibit at the MET, the first thought in my mind was "finally!"

Went there yesterday, and it was such a joy to be there. 

His work from different eras were all represented. From his time as costume designer for the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, to his love for the terno, to the gowns of first ladies, to the wedding suite, to his beautiful reinvention of the Japanese obi - they were all there to be enjoyed.

It's awesome to see his work up close, and some of these pieces I've only seen in books or in magazines. No question, Pitoy's work is truly wearable art.

Bonus points for the fact that they capped off the exhibit with this iconic line from "Bongga ka 'day."

And as the exhibit name says, it's truly Timeless.

We should have more exhibits like this.

Meals with Mark: Sharing secrets

Yesterday's Friday Magic Madness song was subconsciously driven by Friday's lunch with Mark.

We've been trying restaurants under The Bistro Group, and on today's agenda was Secret Recipe.

It's an Asian fusion cafe, and as Asian foodies, this place was definitely on our radar. Another plus point was the fact that they also had the "All for me" menu.

Our orders were a "best-of-Asia' scenario.

We had the Roti, Laksa, Chicken Chop and Salad. As expected, everything was good, and the value was even better. We got to share each other's meal, so we had better variety.

This Secret is definitely out.

FMM: Secrets

One of Madonna's more underrated songs is also one of my favourite ones.

It's a song from 1994, and it's a slow song but not exactly a ballad. It still has a catchy beat, but the melody itself is laid back and relaxing. 

Yup, that song is no other than "Secret." Can't believe this song is more than 30 years old already!

It's no secret why this ditty is today's Friday Magic Madness song.

Sukiya Shocker

As a country that's known for their safety and adherence to the highest sanitary and health standards, this piece of news really comes as a shock.

Sukiya is one of Japan's most famous beef bowl restaurants. Mark and I would eat the their branch just above Higashi-Koenji station, and this brand brings back a lot of good memories of our meals there. So, I'm hoping that this issue is resolved and they won't have to make any drastic measures.

Hopefully, the next time Mark and I are in Japan, Sukiya will be back on its feet and we'll be able to dine in there again.

Let this be our prayer

Nope, this isn't a post about that super popular song - "The Prayer."

But it's still about a prayer.

When we were kids, I'd often read the classified ads and look for the printed prayers. 

Seeing this reminded me of those times.

Nowadays, classified pages are a rarity, so venues for printing prayers like this are rare as well.

Hope they bring it back.

Take me to the Studio

Saw some articles that feature Zac Posen's collection from Gap Studio, and they're fire!

This denim collection is the epitome of elevated denim. The button details - very simple, if you think about it - is very successful in giving these denim pieces a fashion edge.

It's a long shot, but I'm hoping that they'll carry this studio collection here in MNL.