Building Blacks

You can never go wrong with an all-black outfit.

Whether it's a combination of classic or trendy pieces, if it's all black, it's automatically becomes elevated.

This outfit was built around this pair of sporty ballerinas from Bershka. 

To complete the outfit, we paired it with a mock-turtleneck top from RAF and a skirt from ForMe.

Together, it created this sporty-feminine ensemble that Ate will surely rock.

More Monday Moods

Mondays are the first day at the office.

But you'd rather be doing this.

Yes, sometimes you wish you could just be a carefree cat.

WATN: Pied Piper

One of my most favourite film lines is from a 2002 B-movie comedy starring Piper Perabo. 

The line was:

GIRL 1: (Shouting) CAN. YOU. SPEAK. AMERICAN.

GIRL 2: She's French. Not deaf.

The film was "Slap her, she's French."

Piper Perabo was on-track to becoming Hollywood's next It Girl. With her looks, charm and acting skills, she headlined big films like "Coyote Ugly," "Imagine me & you," and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2." Whether it was a comedy, a heavy drama, or an action film, she just shone.

That said, I'm missing seeing her on the big screen. While she's been doing some good TV work like "Yellowstone," it's about time that we see her in a Hollywood film.

Fly guy

One of my dreams as a kid was to become a flight attendant.

Being a huge fan of flying, the idea of traveling from one country to another by air was such an exciting proposition. It also helps that I'm a fan of traveling as well.

Of course, that didn't happen. But whenever I'd see male flight attendants in my flight, the thought of "what could have been" always crosses my mind. Also, I'd live through them vicariously.

So, when this feature popped up on my youtube feed, an instant connection happened.

His story is so inspiring. Imagine, being a flight attendant for 46 years! And he looks like he loves his job, and loved it until his last flight. Based on his interview, if he didn't get sick, he'd probably still be flying.

That's dedication. That's love. That's an awesome flight attendant.

FMM: Hold it!

There's a sudden urge to listen to Toto today. Thank goodness it's a Friday.

So, let's play a 1978 Toto hit for today's Friday Magic Madness song.

"Hold the line" is a song with a very nice balance of rock and pop. While the instrumentation is bordering on slow rock, the singer delivers it in a way that it has that pop element to it.

This is a nice song to hold on to on weekends.

This idol has talent

Everyone predicted that Jessica Sanchez would win the 11th Season of American Idol in 2012. She had the strong vocal chops, the personality, and the marketability to make her a singing superstar. 

She eventually finished runner up to Phillip Phillips.

Now, 13 years after, she gets her well-deserved victory on another stage - America's Got Talent.

This is one of those "never denied, only redirected" stories.

Gap's Groove

Historically, music and dance are integral and inextricable parts of Gap's commercials.

There are a number of Gap ads through the decades that have caught my eye and I'd often play on repeat. That list includes the Claire Danes and Patrick Wilson from 2007, Madonna and Missy Elliot in 2003 and in 2001 with Daft Punk.

And that trend continues this year, thank to Katseye.

While I"m familiar with Katseye because of the Netflix documentary, the thing that got me hooked on this commercial is Kelis' "Milkshake." This was such a huge hit in 2003 and was one of Toni's fave songs.

Now, let's see if this ad will bring the shoppers to Gap's yard. 

St. Pio's power

To the Saint who has been my guide, strength and saving grace, a blessed Feast Day to you.

Happy Feast Day, St. Pio de Pietrelcina!

So long, Cinta

If you're a Pinoy in HKG, chances are, you know Cinta-J.

This is an institution, and a must-visit whether you're a local or a tourist.

Cinta-J is a restobar. They serve good Pinoy food. They have a live band. They have a karaoke bar. They have comedy nights.

in short, it's everything we Pinoys are known for - all packed in a single place. 

The last time we went here was in 2017, during our family visit with Ate Bullet, Biboy and their respective fams. Glenda brought us here after dinner, just to get the Pinoy experience in HKG.

And it's with shock and sadness that this place is going to close after 42 years.

As the owner said in the interview, this isn't "goodbye," just "see you later." And it's with anticipation and hope that I'm waiting for the next location and incarnation of Cinta-J.

Delightful Decades

During yesterday's GA for the CommSoc, they asked the students to come in outfits from different decades.

Most of the students came in 80s garbs, followed by the 90s and 00s. Some came in as far as the 20s, and 60s, but the most popular decade was probably the 80s. 

One student came as Cyndi Lauper and she got the look down pat.

The funny thing was the fact that the students called them "fashion flashbacks," while in my case, these are outfits I've seen and lived through. 

Yup, I'm old.

One-derful

Last Tuesday, our baby Saabers turned one. And last Thursday, we celebrated it in the most popular - and Pinoy - way.

Through a Jollibee party!

Without fail, it was a hit among kids and adults alike. That's how universal Jollibee is.

Happy Birthday, Saabers!

FMM: Fewer Forever

Now, even the small Forever 21 store in SM Makati is closed.

More and more, it's getting difficult to look for Forever 21 stores here in the Philippines. 

Since they're owned by the SM group, some of them are creeping in to SM Department Stores, just like in Cubao.

It's a far cry from when they launched. Huge stores, some even 2-storey stores.

Guess it's true that nothing lasts forever.

And on that note, here's today's Friday Magic Madness song.

Get it? "Forever"?

Thanks, Kenny Loggins.

Okay, Pine (apple)

I've seen many KitKat flavours, but strangely, this is the one I'm most intrigued about.

KitKat Pineapple!

It might be because of the fact that I'm a big fan of pineapples on everything. Yes, even pizza.

I'm only going to be fine after trying this.

Forever (Tong) Yang

Today is Mark's birthday, and it's our 19th year of celebrating it together.

We were walking around One Ayala, looking for a place to celebrate his birthday lunch. We passed through our usuals (Friday's, Chili's, Italiani's, etc.) and considered new places (The Fat Seed, Ikinari Steak.)

But then, we passed by Tong Yang, looked at each other, and we instantly knew that it was where his birthday lunch will be.

Of course, he got his lunch for free. So, there IS such a thing as a free lunch.

Cheers on your special day, Mark!

Happy Birthday!

Nuggets of Wisdom

My newest Milo obsession is thanks to Mark.

Milo Nuggets!

This was his pasalubong from his last SG top, and it's a product that apparently has been in SG for the longest time. 

So, why is this the first time I'm tasting this flavour bomb of Milo coated in Milo flavoured chocolate!

Better late then never, as they always say.

KAWS and effect

Uniqlo is really upping its game.

Look who their new artist-in-residence is.

I'm a fan of the KAWS collaborations for UT. And with his new role, he can further stretch the artistic bounds of the brand.

Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Wait a Seconds

Apparently - and quietly - another one of my favourite Korean fast fashion brands has a store in MNL!

8 Seconds is part of the triumvirate of fast fashion shops that's always in my itinerary whenever I'm in Seoul. The other 2 are Top Ten and SPAO.

After Top Ten opened this year in Gateway 2, 8 Seconds opened its first store in MOA. This is probably why the opening was unknown to me. It's just too far!

But knowing that they're open, I can't wait to visit their store soon.

Living on the edge

Or "Sleeping on the edge" would be a better description.

This is our compound cat. According to the guard, this is how he really sleeps. While there's space above him, he chooses to sleep at the edge of the cabinet.

Apparently, he already fell a few times. But each time he falls, he goes back up and assumes the same sleeping position.

It must take the edge off.

FMM: It's Gurvitz

Here's another song that reminds me of my childhood. Particularly weekends in our lanai, lazing around and just listening to old songs. They're such good memories that this song deserves air time once more.

This song by Adrian Gurvitz has a perfect title. "Classic."  Hard to believe this song is more than 40 years old, it first went on-air in 1982. But listening to it now, it still sounds fresh and can measure up to all the pop songs and ballads that are on-air.

Because that's what this song is. It's a classic.

To the Mak's

Mak's Noodle is my go-to place in HKG for Wonton noodles.

In fact, a visit to HKG isn't complete without dropping by for a bowl there. Whether it's a 5-day trip or a layover, Mak's has to be part of the itinerary.

Now, that experience is possible even without leaving MNL!

Yes! Mak's Noodle is opening in Megamall!

Exciting times ahead.

Can do

It's been a while - a long while - since I last collected something for a promo.

And these can-shaped Coca-Cola tote bags are a good reason to go back.

I've been collecting caps of Coke, Royal and Sprite in order to redeem these. Got 2 designs so far, and will get the Sprite one soon. Hope 7-11 stocks up on all 3 designs again soon.

The things we do for cute things.

Bruce Almighty

Nope, this isn't a post about that Jim Carrey film.

It's about my first foray into buying blind boxes.

Saw this series called "Monday Bruce" at the KKV store in Gateway 2. Basically, it's a figure series that captures the sentiments of people every Monday. And it's dramatised through a bunny and his friends.

And this is what I got.

So much cuteness. And so much realness.

(Though I'd never spill a drink on anything on my desk.)

Birthday Blessings

Today is Mama Mary's birthday.

Thank you for being in our lives and always being a source of strength and guidance. Our lives are better, richer and blessed because of you.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

Take it back

There are a lot of words that sound the same when spoken, but very different when spelled. This often causes confusion, especially when it's time to write down the word,

Here's a good example:

It's obvious that they meant "racerback."

Proofreader, please.

Strip Tease

There's something about 80s and 90s cartoon theme songs that make them super memorable.

Among the many songs that continuously plays in my mind is the theme song from the late 80s cartoon series - "Comic Strip."

The concept of this show is just like its namesake. In the 30 minute episode, there are 4 mini-episodes of 4 different cartoon shows. My favourite? TigerSharks, of course.

Netflix, please bring this show back. Please.

FMM: Just to Share

According to my folks, this song was one of the songs that I'd sing as a wee-little boy. And when they say "wee-little," it was toddler-levels.

The song is entitled  "My Fair Share," and is a 1977 classic from Seals and Croft.

Honestly, I don't remember singing this as a kid. Maybe I was too young back then. But listening to it now, I'd say that it's a song that/s definitely up my alley.

Printed Matter: A walk in the park

Luneta Park, to be exact.

This print is the one that really caught my eye when they introduced the Plains & Prints x Marc Nicdao "Manila" collection.

It's a print of the Luneta Park, particularly the Rizal Monument. It's done in a monochromatic way, and the red and blue mix gives it a 3D glasses vibe.

The print was in a couple of items, but the skirt was the one where the print was best utilized. The white background made the print pop-out a lot, which is what made it more impactful. And since the skirt had impact, a simple, white top is enough to complete the look.

This combo knocked it out of the park!

Exotic Taste

Almost forgot about another interesting find from our SG trip.

Apparently, Hershey's has a line called "Exotic/" It was my first time seeing that variant, and this particular one was the one that most caught my eye.

Raspberry and Goji berries. In dark chocolate.

Divine.

And yes, it's as good as it looks. The berry flavoured centre was chewy and bursting with flavour. And the dark chocolate was rich and a bit bitter, which offsets the berry flavour.

Wish they would also carry this in MNL.

Not Yakee at all

Miokins - the coffee shop in our office building - came out with this nostalgic line of drinks that they called "Balik Tanaw." It took inspiration from childhood candies, and turned them into drinks.

Ordered a fruit drink inspired by my fave gum ball - Yakee!

It's an interesting drink with a very tart taste profile. The addition of the gum balls give it added sourness, as well as something to chew on after.

Ah yes. The kid in me is happy.

On cue

It never fails.

When September 1 hits, all these come out.

The Christmas season has officially begun. Especially at SM.