My name is Bund

Any trip to Shanghai would be incomplete without a visit to the Bund. It's just like going to Hong Kong without visiting the Harbour, going to Barcelona without visiting Las Ramblas, going to Amsterdam without visiting the Red Light district, and going to the Philippines without visiting a mall.


The centerpiece of the Bund is the Tower of the Orient Pearl. this campy building that easily reminds one of the spaceship from that puppet show called "Thunderbirds." Other than that, the Bund looks like a clone of the Harbour here, so it doesn't really elicit a lot of wows from me.


A lot of people seem to like it though, as tourists often pack this area.



The architecture of this area is very European in flavor. This is how Shanghai got the monicker "The Paris of Asia." At night, the buildings are beautifully lighted, giving it a very vibrant look. From my travels, I wouldn't say this area looks like Paris, it's more of Berlin as it reminds me of the area surrounding Brandenburgen Tor.

But before your mind goes astray and before it makes you believe that you're in Europe, there's one huge reminder that you're in China:

Yup, Chairman Mao is watching over you!

Shanghai Surprise

Welcome indeed! It's been more than a decade since I was last in Shanghai, and a lot of people have told me to expect MAJOR CHANGES since it's been on the fast track to development the past few years.

They couldn't have been more accurate! For one thing, the airport has transferred from the old Hongqiao to the new Pudong. From afar, the Shanghai Pudong airport looks so fragile since it's has an all-glass look similar to HK's Chek Lap Kok. It's nice and spankingly new, although I find the walkways too narrow and tiring.




While all my colleagues told me to just take a cab from the airport to my hotel, I decided to travel like a local and ride the train. From the airport, one has to take the MagLev or Magnetic Levitation train. It travels more than 300km/h, so it only took us 5 minutes from the airport to the Metro station. Here's the "official photo" of the Shanghai MagLev:


And this is my amateur attempt at a photo using my uber outdated and very first digicam. Riding it was so cool because there were parts when it was a bit tilted to the side, so it was like a mini-roller coaster.


Unlike the airport express, the MagLev looks like a not very popular way to travel. The train was virtually empty.


Alighting at Long Yang Road, I took the Metro line 2 going to Zhongshan Park where my hotel was.


The Metro was clean, and it had English signs that really helped. What's peculiar was there were vendors and beggars inside the train doing their business. This reminds me of the Metro in Spain and France that not only had beggars, they also had singers and performers who'd do a song and dance routine in exchange for a couple of Euros.


Around 30 minutes after, I arrived in my hotel. The exteriors looked cheesy, and the neighborhood seems a bit too Escolta-ish for my taste. Like many big hotels around the world, the band was Pinoy! Ah yes, no one does covers as well as we do, eh? But admittedly, my room was nice and cozy.


It had this lounging area with big, comfy seats:


And a nice, gold mirror that reminds me of Astoria Plaza in Ortigas.



After settling in, I immediately looked for a 7-11 store around the area. There was none. Although there was a Family Mart, and it had that 7-11 look and feel. So I quickly darted in to see what goodies I can find.

I was NOT disappointed! I found my favorite potato chips - Lays - in exotic flavors!


They had the "Chinese Delicacy" line which had flavors like Beijing Duck and Crispy Pork.




Then they gave "International Flavors" like Swiss Cheese.

The things you can find in China, eh? As much as i'd like to try them tonight, I'm more tired than hungry so that has to wait until tomorrow.

Just 3 hours in Shanghai and i'm already overwhelmed with surprises. Now i'm really looking forward to my next two days here.

P.S.

DragonAir serves Haagen-Dazs in their flights! Now that's cool!

I’m no longer a virgin…

It all started after reading the May issue of the British magazine “Company.” I read a very interesting article entitled: “Help! I’m an on-line shopping virgin.” It talked about how 4 people were afraid of browsing and buying from the internet, and how the magazine helped them overcome their fears. By the end of the article, they were all happy-camper-on-line-shoppers.

Admittedly, I’ve long been an on-line window shopper. Whenever there’s idle time, you can find me logging on to my favorite clothing websites. My must-visits include bluefly.com, abercombie.com, ae.com, topman.com, gap.com, zara.com, oldnavy.com, luckybrandjeans.com and dsquared.com. My participation was limited to just checking things out because these companies rarely deliver to Manila. Thus, as much as I would have wanted to get that Bobby-style, Dark Indigo wash pair of jeans from True Religion, it just wasn’t possible.

The articles on on-line shopping – which comprised half of the magazine – inspired me to check out whether my favorite sites delivered to HK. Then, it hit me. American Eagle Outfitters accepts orders and delivers from here.

Yes!

Immediately, there was an itch to lose my internet shopping virginity. So like a madman, I clicked on every section of the Men’s department of ae.com and imagined I was back in North Point Mall in Georgia picking away from racks and racks of shirts, jeans and everything else in between.

In a span of 30 minutes, my shopping cart was burgeoning with more than 20 items ranging from jeans, graphic Ts, shoes, flip-flops and accessories. Then, the pragmatist in me asked to scale down my purchase since it was my first time. Being so, I’m not 100% sure of how reliable the delivery system is and whether the stuff I chose will actually fit me. (These were the top 2 problems of on-line shopping virgins, so I know I was on the right track.)

After a grueling process of elimination, the contents of my shopping cart was whittled down to a bare minimum. One last check, and it was time to pay. A few minutes after submitting my credit card details, my order was placed, and an email message was sent to me saying that it would arrive by post between 5 to 14 working days.

Today, I got this in the mail:


Wow! Only 5 working days after placing my order, the package from American Eagle was on my desk! Not wanting to come across as a shopping lunatic, I contained my excitement and decided to open the package upon arriving home. My worry was the sight of the clothes I ordered would leave me jumping around like a kid during Christmas.

Got home at around 8pm, held my breath and hurriedly opened the box. Even though the corrugated box was small, the sigh I let out after opening the box was as big as Texas.


There it was! My order. My babies. The newest addition to my clothes collection. It’s here. It’s with me. Just touching the receipt made me all giddy. Yes, I’m such a shallow person.

From my original 20 items, the list was whittled down to 7 key pieces. Things that would easily be integrated into my current sartorial roster. These included 5 graphic Ts:


These were all in XS since the ae shirts that my siblings sent fit perfectly. Then of course, a pair of low-rise, dark clay wash jeans. This is probably pair number 55 in HK.



Then the belt: the brown, deconstructed, studded belt. It was made of soft leather and the studs were gold and silver. This belt is sure to put the funk in punk.



After relishing each and every item, I realized one little hitch. The St. Pat’s graphic T was the same shirt that my brother sent me last week. Thus, I’ve got two of the same shirt now.


Oh well, then one shirt will be for Manila and the other for HK. It’s the same principle that went into buying two of the same Abercrombie button down shirts, I.S.O. asymmetrical polos and Esprit jeans.

Getting this package today has gotten me all giddy about on-line shopping. This can be both good and bad. The bad part is that I’m now aware that I can shop 24/7 without even leaving the house.


The good part is that at least now I can say that – at least in terms of shopping on-line – I’m no longer a virgin.

Summer out there

A number of companies in Manila have decided to hold their summer outing out of the country rather than in it. Almost a month ago, the law firm where Mona works had their outing in Macau. This weekend, GASSO is in town for their 2nd outing in HK in 3 years. (Last year, they went to Vietnam.) This is good because a lot of my former colleagues and good friends from Adformatix are now with this agency, ergo, I get to hang out with them here.

Last Friday, I was able to meet up with Lisa and Fiesta and we all went to Temple Street market to do surveillance shopping work. Since they went to Shenzhen on Saturday, they held off shopping until they were sure that things are cheaper here than there. We had a sushi/maki midnight snack in their hotel room which was the best fun I had in a while.

Saturday was a funny day. I woke up at around 3pm and remembered that my brother wanted me to buy something for him in Mongkok. Since it was just a 15 minute walk away, I didn't see the need to dress up, so off I went wearing my most pambahay outfit. That meant walking along Nathan Road wearing denim shorts, an old white t-shirt, brown crocs and a track jacket. While walking, I was surprised to see Shash, Melvin and the kids walking along Nathan, too. Needless to say, there were wide eyes and open mouths, and loud "Look who's here" soundbytes all around.

Of course, the first thing that Shash mentioned was: Lester, you look so bagong gising! You're still in your pambahay. Darn! That'll do major damage to my fashionmeister image. Harhar! But I explained to her that it was the look of the moment, some sort of "unkempt cool." Besides, the weather was rainy and gloomy anyway. And the best thing to wear during rainy days are shorts and crocs.

Then today, Fiesta, Lisa, Arnie and I went shopping again. They had to go to Ikea, Sasa and Toys R Us, and I was more than happy to accompany them. The heavy rains didn't dampen our spirit, although it dampened our shoes and pants a lot. (Specially Arnie and me because this car splashed water all over our legs. HARRUMPH!) At that time, we were also worried about Shash and her family since they were at Ocean Park, and it's hard to enjoy Ocean Park in this weather.

Mid-afternoon, we had to bring Lisa and company to the ferry terminal for their trip to Macau. Fiesta and I stayed behind and raided more of the shops. Again, it was stellar how we were able to hang out and catch up after months of not doing so. We used to do this so often in Makati and Cubao, and i've forgotten how fun it was to just walk, talk and shop. Coffee was the day's wrap-up, then I had to bring Fiesta back to the hotel.

The past two weekends were excellent because of family and friends flying to HK. I wish more companies in Manila will have their summer outing here so i'll have more great weekends to look forward to.

Paul In Love

"Chi-chi brands" were never my cup of tea. My friends and I describe "chi-chi brands" as brands that are expensive mainly because of the brand name - not the style, workmanship, materials or crafting - just the brand name.

Brands like Omega, Breitling and Rolex, for example, are not "chi-chi brands" because their cost is offset by the workmanship, design and the technology that goes behind these watches. Versace, Louis Vuitton and Armani likewise don't fall in this category since their pieces are well worth the cost that anyone-in-her-right-frame-frame-of-mind-and-has-a-lot-of-money-to-burn would spend for a bag, sandal or a dress.

For the longest time, my impression of Paul Smith is that it's a "chi-chi brand." I've seen their shop in Glorietta, and admittedly, their button down shirts are nice. I like how he plays with bright colors and combines them with muted ones. But whilst their nice eye candy, I can't imagine myself spending P20,000 for a shirt like that. Simply because anyone can make a similar shirt - Bench, F&H, Oxygen - with the right colored fabric. Since then, Paul Smith was like an Ice Queen: nice to look at, but not something i'd approach.

Even here in HK, i've long ignored the Paul Smith section of Seibu and went directly to their jean bar to get my fix of Nudie, True Religion and G-Star Jeans. But while passing through this weekend, there was this particular black t-shirt that caught my eye from afar and called my name. It was a black t-shirt with colored stitching using a pattern like a kaleidoscope.


I decided to take a closer look, and then it happened. I immediately fell in love with the shirt! It turns out that the colored stitching held together some distressed diamond patterns, and this made up the shirt's design. The neck and sleeves of the shirt were all unhemmed, which gave it that very raw look. After fitting it, I knew it was for me.

By the way, it had the cute Paul Smith signature stripe added on the side of the shirt.


I fell so head over heels in love with the shirt, that it didn't take me long to decide on getting it in other colors. There was one in green, light blue and cream. They didn't have the cream one in my size, so I ended up buying 3, which is true to the "shopping three-peat" philosophy.


After this shirt love story, my feet brought me to the women's section of Paul Smith. There was a big SALE sign, and that's always a reason to look at stuff. My sister is very fond of tailored stuff, and I was hoping to get something for her. Actually, my way of easing the feeling of shop guilt is buying something for someone else whenever I spend on myself. If there's a shirt, skirt or dress that I could get my sister, that would rationalize me buying 3 shirts.

My sister will be very, very, ridiculously happy when see each other.

Was able to buy her two button down shirts. One is a sleeveless shirt in the usual bright Paul Smith colored stripes. What makes it interesting is that the edges are all unfinished, so there's loose thread dangling around. (Must be a recurring these in his collection since my t-shirt has the same effect.)


The other shirt was a brown striped shirt with this very interesting detail stitched onto the bodice. It was like a fabric trail that zig-zagged all around.


Then there was this candy-colored shift dress that begged to be taken off the rack and bought. Aside from the fabric feeling soft and sturdy, the neckline and back were also on the money. The cowl-necked front gave it a very soft texture, while the plunging back will give something people to look at after you passed by.


Another interesting bit is the ribbon on the shoulder. It reminded me of Charlize Theron's monster bow during this year's Oscars. Though this one is just small, so my sister can wear it without fear of blocking anyone's view.


Finally, I got her a skirt that looks better in person than in pictures.

It's made of the softest material and has that cute periwinkle color. The cut is very current, which is the pencil cut, with a long slit at the back. Wasn't able to take a photo of the back detail, but it had a very Levi's Jeans flap pocket that added oomph to the entire thing. The reason why I got this is because it'll go very well with my sister's favorite crisp, white, wrap around button down shirt.


In a matter of hours, my view of Paul Smith changed considerably. I've discovered that the premium he offers is sublte, eye-catching detail. Whether it's an unfinished hem, an extra piece of fabric, or the length of a slit, these little extras really help in making a piece of clothing not just comfortable, but well worth a conversation. He might not be the "chi-chi brand" I imagined it to be in the beginning.

I've got FIT!

Friends In Town, that is.

A couple of friends have just flown in from Manila this morning and we're meeting up this evening, and on Sunday!

I can't wait to bring them to my favorite shopping haunts.

Fat pants

My sister told me once that no matter how small your jean size is, you'll have "fat pants." These are pants that make you feel fat and amplifies the feeling of your legs and waist. When she told me this, I laughed, because she has a size 26 waistline despite 4 kids (the eldest being 15). "How can someone skinny have fat pants?" I thought.

Well, now I believe her.

Feliz cumpleano, mi blog!

Unlike his two predecessors, “Yo Soy Destraido” actually survived for a year. Try as much as I can, the memories of my first two attempts at blog-dom have all vanished. Although there’s this very, very faint recollection of my first blog that was called “Padre Pio.” How that name came about, I have no idea.

How did this blog survive?

One reason is that it was opened at a time when there were major changes in my life. That time, I moved from one ad agency to another, so there were a lot of new things happening. New things I’d like to document and be able to look back at whenever the urge arose.

Second reason was that I began reading a couple of peoples’ blogs and seeing how they’ve maintained it for 3 or 4 years was inspirational. Looking back at their archives and current writing, it’s almost magical how I was able to track the changes in their lives and personalities by reading their thoughts. It struck me in a “hey,-it-would-be-nice-if-I-can-do-that,-too” kinda way.

Third reason is my sudden change of country of residency. I’ve been to Hong Kong so many times before, but this was my first time as a transplanted resident. Seeing the country as a local is very different from looking at it from a “heck-I’ll-be-outta-here-in-5-days-tops” kind of way. There’s more magic and awe, and the best way to keep that feeling is to write it down. Since moving here, I made it a point to write about all those little discoveries – whether it’s a new place, a new person, or a new pair of jeans.

Between then and now, between the first entry and the one I’m currently typing, there have been so many changes and it makes me smile just thinking about them.

The time I began this blog, I was:

1. Working in Makati at GT Tower
2. Was seated with a row of 4 creatives namely Maki, Ge, and the-other-guy-who’s-name-escapes-me-and-all-I-remember-about-him-is-that-he-looked-like-Edgar-Mande-when-he-was-younger-and-thinner
3. Uncomfortable in my new work place
4. Living in Cubao
5. Spending my weekends hanging out with my siblings, parents, nephews and nieces.
6. Doing practically nothing at home thanks to our very efficient ladies: Flor and Joanne
7. Changing clothes often since there was someone there to handwash them.
8. Relishing the experience of taking the jeep-MRT-FX way to work
9. Passing by and passing through Greenbelt, Glorietta and SM everyday.
10. A professor during weekends, teaching advertising
11. A Surplus Shop junkie
12. A People are People junkie
13. A Jollibee junkie
14. Working on a TelCo account, coupled with some creative projects on the side
15. Moustache-less and goatee-less
16. Regularly seeing my friends in Manila
17. The proud owner of about 80 pairs of jeans

On this blog’s 1st anniversary, I am:

1. Working in Hong Kong
2. Given my own office with a nice view of the island
3. Very comfortable with the people I work with
4. Enjoying a working environment with people from more than 10 countries
5. Often having lunch with my two lunch buddies: A Singaporean and a Malaysian.
6. Living in Kowloon, also known as “The Dark Side” of Hong Kong
7. Terribly missing my family. Especially talking to my siblings, seeing my parents, nephews and nieces. Thank goodness I’m just 2 hours away from Manila and can come home every month.
8. Doing my own house chores, like fixing my bed in the morning, fixing my closet, getting my own groceries, and even cleaning my own bathroom. (Mom would be so proud of me!)
9. More conscientious of the times I change clothes because I don’t want to wash them myself. While there’s a laundry shop downstairs, they’ve ruined a couple of my clothes, thus, I make sure that the clothes I wear are machine washable and can be tumble dried.
10. Relishing the MTR ride going to the office. Good thing I live near an MTR station, and my office is near one as well.
11. Missing Greenbelt, Glorietta and SM.
12. Missing being a professor
13. Glad when students write me, or visit me here in HK
14. A factory outlet junkie
15. A Triple-O’s junkie
16. A McDonald’s junkie
17. A Haiphong-street-food-stall junkie
18. A Fa Yuen Street Junkie
19. A Cathay Pacific Junkie
20. An Airport Express Junkie
21. An Ichiban Junkie
22. A Granville Junkie
23. An IFC Cinema junkie
24. A Haw Flakes junkie
25. A Zara junkie
26. Deliriously happy whenever I see my friends in Manila
27. The proud owner of around 130 pairs of jeans (including the ones in Manila and excluding the ones my Mom forced me to give away last December)

From the time I started writing this blog, I have:

1. Met a fellow blogger who worked in the same building – the blogger named Promdi
2. Almost met a fellow blogger here in Hong Kong – Mark of In Transit
3. Found out that 3 of my friends also blog – “Joanne”, Luann and Arnie
4. Been a regular reader and commenter on a number of very interesting blogs – most notably Neil’s Box of Recollections – we share a fascination for all things Spanish, and Michael’s life in Brugges, Belgium – though I can’t seem to find his blog now.
5. Found out that a fellow blogger makes his own ice cream, and I’ve ordered and tried his creations! His Reese’s flavor rocks! Still haven’t met him, though.
6. Looked forward to meeting more bloggers in person
7. Spent my first Chinese New Year in a Chinese country
8. Spent Holy Week out of the Philippines for the 6th straight year
9. Decided to forego my trip to Europe in lieu of a longer trip to Manila and be with my family

Looking at this list that I’m typing in an impromptu manner just now, I’m utterly amazed at how so many things can happen in a year. Thanks to this blog, I can actually remember all these little events, idiosyncrasies, places, people and JEANS that have been part of my life for the past 365 days.

It’s during times like these that I realize that it’s definitely creating and maintaining this blog is a very, very good thing to do.

Wet Weekend!

I call it Typhoon Chanchu's belated revenge.

When the Typhoon was supposed to hit last week, all we got was a bit of strong winds and a lot of broken umbrellas. No torrential rains, no heavy downpours, no water gushing all over -- just wind.

Then today happened. While my sister-in-law and I were busy scouring the shops for Hong Kong stuff, the rains came. Initially, it was just a drizzle, then it poured! It poured hard that the MTR had a lot of little puddles inside, and the street were hard to maneuver because it was very slippery. But being the shopping hounds, we were undeterred and continued on with our meandering and foraging for cool stuff. And yes, we were able to shop for a lot!

My sister-in-law was wise enough to dress up for the rain, wearing denim capris and flip flops. Me, I was dressed in my everyday uniform of jeans and Chuck Taylors. And by the end of our 7 hour shopping odyssey, my pants and shoes were soaked to the bone. They were so soaked, there was a *slush* sound whenever I walked, and my jeans were heavier than usual. After dropping her off at the hotel, I went home all soggy and happy.

This is how soggy I am right now.

Interestingly, the tram I rode is quite unique compared to the other trams I've been riding in Hong Kong for the past few years. For starters, the stairwell going to the top floor was on the left instead of the right. Then, the interiors are prettier than the usual trams I take. For starters, the seats are made of dark wood and rattan, which reminds me of the old buttacas in my Lolo's beach house. Also, the interiors are a mix of dark green and dark wood, with some interesting lights. This gave the tram a home-y feel which is growing on me, big time!


Whist the tram feels home-y, it isn't home. So right now, all I can think of is getting back to my flat, taking off these wet clothes, changing to my boxers, hop in bed, hide under my comforter and sleep.

After all, this is the best thing to do during wet weekends like today.

Loot!

After a 7 hour flight delay in Chicago, my sister-in-law arrived in Hong Kong tonight. It's going to be a really short stay -- 3 days, then she's off to Distrito Federal in Mexico City for another meeting. I was asking her about how she handles the jetlag since she's in two different timezones in a matter of 3 days. And to think she just came from London!

She's definitely a "Ready-Jet Set-Go" kinda girl.

The last time we saw each other was December 2004, so we spent the first hour or so just catching up. She was also telling me about my sister's fashionista moments and shopping sprees in Atlanta and L.A. since they're still there on vacation. The best part of moments like these is the act of reconnecting with family - especially after over a year of not seeing each other.

Then the next best part is getting the Loot! Yup, my brother and sister were nice enough to send me some loot from the U.S. which made me all giddy tonight. I felt like a little boy getting his presents from Santa on Christmas day. It's very shallow, considering that my loot is made up of simple, everyday stuff. But hey, i'm admittedly very, very shallow!


I got leather slippers from Old Navy. Which is ideal since summer is fast approaching in Hong Kong. My sister sent me one in brown.

My brother, on the other hand, sent me something in black.

And a pair of Gap rubber slippers. I like how it isn't flat and there's an arch for the feet. It makes them really comfy.

Then there are my favorite American Eagle shirts. This is one of my favorite brands because the type of cotton they use for their shirt is very soft and light. Ideal for tropical weather like ours in Manila and in Hong Kong (3 months of the year, at least. The rest of the year I have to wear this with a jacket.)

When my brother gave me an AE shirt last January, it was a small size and he felt like it was a tad bit too big. So this time, he got me an XS, and the fit is perfect. American sizes are such a strange thing. Someone as bulky as me is actually an Extra Small in their books. Stran-jaaayyyy.

Of course, the Coke Loot from my sister-in-law who works at the Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. They've got a lot of funky shirts and apparel, and their boxer shorts are uber-comfortable. I think it's made of a blend of cotton and light fleece which makes it super soft and comfy all over.

The Coke bear, he appears on most of my boxer shorts. And he's beginning to grow on me.

Then, there's the Bath and Body works lotion. This brand has been my solace during the cold, nippy winter months in Hong Kong (along with Body Shop's Body Butter.) I like the way it just disappears into the skin, it's not sticky or sludgy at all. That's the true test of a good lotion, in my opinion.

Mango and Mandarin Orange! Two of my favorite fruits in one lotion. Yummy!

Aside from the loot itself, I also love the smell of the loot. There's something magical about the smell of things that are packed in a suitcase that came from the U.S. I wonder what it is exactly, but it's a very unique scent that has been a favorite of mine since childhood. It's got that comforting smell, much like freshly laundered sheets. Having been sent stuff from around Asia, Europe, South America, even Vanuatu, I can say with much conviction that nothing smells as good as stuff that came from the U.S.

Ah yes! The joys of getting loot. I'm probably going to be up until 2am just feeling giddy about it.