Oh my how they've grown! Part deux!

Today, it was Miggy boy's turn to graduate! He's all grown up and going to college!

Sigh. The kids are no longer kids.

Oh my how they've grown!

It seems like yesterday when Kevin and Kurt were just babies that I could carry around. Now, Kevin's a college graduate and planning to become a pilot! And Kurt is an incoming high school senior.

Yes, it's a clear indication that I'm getting old. But I don't mind getting old because it means seeing my nephews grow up to be wonderful young men.

If I can make it there...

Why do I always forget that there's an S&R Pizza place in Cubao? Their pizzas are so awesome, I should go here more often!

FMM: Que Linda!

As the week winds down, I think it's time for my Friday Magic Madness to go a bit relaxed as well.

And when it comes to voices that have that serene and relaxing quality, one singer that comes to mind is Linda Ronstadt.



I discovered Linda Ronstadt the way I discovered the other "oldies" that I enjoy listening to - through my Dad's cassette tape collection.

Days like these make me appreciate the fact that Dad had all those tapes for me to listen to.

Romp and Circumstance

As Ate Bullet once said: Rompers are nice, until you have to go to the bathroom.

I guess that's why she doesn't have a lot of rompers in her closet. She has about 2 or 3 rompers, and she usually uses them during the summer season. And since it's already summer, I thought it best to add another one to her roster.

It's hard to resist a classic, and this romper is definitely one. The color and cut are universally flattering, and the length and style is perfect for summer.

But as the wearer walks away, a nifty detail introduces itself. A see-through lace back, which breaks the solid black color with a hint of skin.

The lace is strategically placed so that it shows enough without showing to much.

Ate Bullet liked it so much that she immediately placed it in her must-wear-summer-outifts-to-Bicol bag. I'm sure she'll have a romp wearing this one.

Sail away

Way back in high school, Regatta was THE brand if you wanted to look "preppy."

Their clothes clearly had a strong nautical influence, and they looked classy and were well-made. Not a surprise since the original owners of Regatta were members of the Zobel family.

On hindsight, Regatta was the Philippine version of Nautica, with a little bit of Polo Ralph Lauren thrown into the mix.

I used to buy clothes at Regatta all the way up to college. It was one of my go-to stores, along with another preppy brand - Blued.

But as time passed by and more brands were introduced in Manila, I found myself drifting away from Regatta.

That was until today.

When I passed by Shangri-la Mall's new East Wing, I found myself inside a Regatta store once again. There were some pieces that caught my attention, particularly their striped shirts. Then, I focused my attention on their jean rack, and ended up buying these two pairs.

I must say, I was impressed by the quality of these 2 pairs. First, the colors were very nice - one was blue black, and the other one had this slightly faded, vintage quality. The denim was so soft, and it was easy to move while wearing it. And the fit - at least for my body - was immaculate. It falls right on the hip, the leg area was fitted but not tight, and the hem was just the right length.

And yes, they were also unbelievably priced since they're on sail. I mean sale.

They should come up with more jeans like these. I'll surely drift back to Regatta when they do.

Mag-nificent

Truth is, I've always wanted to work in a magazine.

It's a want that's rooted on two things.

First, I grew up around magazines. Lolo Iking was a voracious reader, and I remember the library strewn with Newsweek, Time, Reader's Digest and National Geographic magazines. Whenever I had the time, I'd read each one, and would enjoy the personality profiles in Time and the jokes in Reader's Digest. (All in a Day's Work, anyone?)

Second, I'm a journalism graduate. I always thought I'd work in the journalism field, but I'm glad that I took this detour to advertising.

Now, because I've always wanted to work in a magazine, I look forward to my journalism subjects in SSC. Through my Feature and Technical Writing Class, (along with my Investigative Journalism class) I do get to be a part of conceptualizing, writing and publishing a magazine.

A magazine such as this:

"Kulahsa" is our laboratory paper, and it's a travel magazine that's the product of our Singapore trip last February. The clever title was given by our graphic designer, Tins, and the articles inside were all conceptualized and written by the students.

Keeping with the St. Scholastica's theme, the cover girls were two of my formers students, AD and Mai. It was gratifying to meet them again, and to see how far they've gone.

Reading the magazine again, it felt so gratifying to see how nicely the magazine came out. Actually, my heart was swelling with pride as I turned each page.

I can't wait to do this again next year.

Appetizing!

Since I started working on food accounts, I've become more mindful of the food commercials that I'm seeing.

Like the shampoo and telco categories - and I know this for a fact since I worked on both - food commercials can sometimes fall into the cliche trap. Usually, the cooking and consumption scenes are too ordinary and predictable.

So, when I saw this masterpiece from Lurpack Lightest butter, I couldn't help but be floored and go WHOA!



From the copy to the visuals to the editing - it all adds up to an appetizing commercial. And to think this is a commercial about vegetables!

This goes up there on my "I wish I did that" list.

Som-thing to talk about

Kohl's is really good at keeping their designer collaborations under the radar. Whether that's good or bad, though, is a question that has yet to be answered.

Last year, I wrote about almost missing the Catherine Malandrino for Kohl's collection. And as I was browsing the net this weekend, I found out that they're launching another designer collection by the first week of April.

This time, it's Peter Som!

His collection was inspired by St. Barth's, so there's a lot of resort influence in his creations. The lookbook was visually stunning, and among the lot, two pieces really stood out.

First is this maxi-dress with a map-meets-postage stamp print. The color is very easy on the eye, and the sheer detail is an on-trend touch.

Since you can never go wrong with a shirt dress, this piece is also a must-add to any wardrobe.

The silhouette is classic, but the tie-dyed-meets-batik print makes it look fresh.

Historically, the lines at Kohl's isn't as insane as that of Target's and H&M's, So I hope my friend won't find it hard when I ask her to get these 2 items for me.

Color story: Emerald City

Seven months back, I wrote about this pair of emerald green fabrics that I found while looking for swatches for my bride-to-be friend.

A few months after, the dress has turned into this Valentino-esque lace dress. And the shade of green was so nice that I went looking for accessories to match it. The emerald green belt I found the same time as the fabrics, and a recent run to SM Department Store yielded these funky emerald green wedge heels.

The result: a sartorial set that will make anyone green with envy. And Ate is set to debut this green theme during Kevin's graduation next Saturday.

Welcome to the Emerald City.

FMM: Classic!

Since I'm on the subject of J. Lo, I was amazed to realize that her breakthrough song, "Waiting for tonight," is 15 years old already.

Yes, it's been a decade and a half. And yes, we're old. Harhar.

Ergo, it now qualifies as a Friday Magic Madness song.

So, as Karen Walker would say: "No! Classic J. Lo!"

And Will shouts: "Waiting for Tonight."



(I couldn't help but make that Will and Grace reference. It's one of the things Mark and I enjoy watching when in Japan.)

She's a Sister, and this is no Act

Yes, sometimes truth is much cooler than fiction.

It's been more than 20 years since "Sister Act" premiered on the big screen, and now, a real life singing nun is in our midst!



She's adorable! And she reminds me of Sister Mary Robert from the same film.

I hope she wins this competition. If she doesn't reach the finals, it would be a sin.

Proofreading should be in fashion

Everyone knows I'm a huge fan of Instyle, as well as their on-line version, instyle.com. And as much as  I love them, they need to work on their proofreading, especially on their website. 

While I was reading their feature on the 20 best dresses worn by Oscar best actress winners, I spotted these:

1. What the sheeth?

I believe the dress is called a "sheath."

2. It's dead.

I know what "dedicated" is, so is "deadicated" a past tense of that. I mean, the dedication did die.

There might be errors, but hey, that doesn't diminish how much I enjoy reading InStyle.

No J. Lo

When I realized that this year is the 20th anniversary of InStyle, there was one question in my mind:

"Who will their September cover girl be?"

Being the September 2014 cover girl is an honor twice over. Aside from being the biggest issue of the year, it's the 20th anniversary of the biggest issue of the year. So, it's a coveted cover assignment.

Initially, I was thinking that J. Lo might be their September 2014 cover girl. She's a favorite of InStyle, and I remember her on the cover of the 15th anniversary issue, and also on the September 2012 issue. So she's a likely candidate. But after seeing the cover of this month's InStyle, she's suddenly out of the running.

Second on my list is Drew Barrymore. She has the distinction of having the most cover appearances on InStyle. Also, she was the September 2013 cover girl, and that can be both an advantage and disadvantage.

Other possible contenders for the cover - at least in my mind - are Gwyneth Paltrow, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston, Beyonce or Cameron Diaz.

But if you ask me who I'd want to be on the September cover of InStyle? That's simple.

Julia Roberts!!!

After all, it's been 11 years since her last InStyle cover appearance. So I think it's about time for her to make a comeback.

Other women I'd like to see on the cover include: Cate Blanchett, Hilary Swank, and their first ever cover girl - Barbra Streisand!

Gosh! I have to wait 6 months more before I finally find out the answer.

Great Scott

It was with great shock and sadness that I found out about the passing of L' Wren Scott. I was reading the news on the yahoo page and saw a photo of her and Mick Jagger. Originally, I thought they were tying the know. But when I clicked on the article, it turned out to be very sad news.

Initial reports say that she allegedly committed suicide. The reasons why she did it weren't clear as of press time. But if this is true, she's another prominent fashion figure that went down this path. First, there was Isabella Blow, then Alexander McQueen.

What makes it even more of a shock is the fact that she appears to be a very happy person. I remember how she was the finale judge on Project Runway season 9, and she was very gracious with her comments and constructive in her criticism. She always delivered her comments with a smile.

I'm certain that a figure like L' Wren Scott will truly be missed by the fashion world.

In Stitches

While talking to a dressmaker regarding my friend's wedding gown, we had this interesting conversation:

ME: Gumagawa po ba kayo ng shift dress?
HER: Naku, hindi. Hindi kasi kami gumagawa ng uniform.
ME: Ano pong uniform?
HER: Yung pang-kusinero.
ME: Bakit pang-kusinero?
HER: Yung chef-dress.

Classic!

Speedy semester!

While in the faculty room this morning, I made this realization:

Today is the last day of the semester!

Gosh! That went by fast.

FMM: Elevator Music

Songs from the 70s have this innate happy vibe. Especially those songs that you can dance the swing to.

One such song is this ditty about a couple, an elevator, and a happy accident.



If this isn't feel good, I don't know what is.

Stylish flashback

While reading the March issue of InStyle, I found out that the magazine is celebrating its 20th year this 2014!

Which means it's been 5 years since this short blurb about me came out in the September 2009 issue of the magazine.

Whoa! Five years whizzed by so fast.

Now the question in my mind is: given the 20th anniversary issue is super special, I wonder who the September cover girl will be?

Ring my Belle

I wonder what Camilla Belle has been up to lately. When she broke into the Hollywood scene a few years ago, she did with blazing guns and much fanfare. With a killer combination of beauty and talent, she was a media darling. She had a number of high profile projects and was lined-up among Hollywood's next big things.

Unfortunately, after "10,000 BC," I haven't seen her in a major production of late. And browsing through movie sites, it looks like she doesn't have one in the offing just yet.

Somebody ring up her agent. This Belle needs to be in movies more.

Bon Appetit

Even before they opened their first shop in Manila, I was already a fan of Bon Chon. They might be a heavily hyped restaurant, but there's a good reason for the hype. Their chicken is really top notch!

One good thing about Bon Chon is that they constantly update their menu to keep "chicken fatigue syndrome" from kicking in. Recently, they added this new combo to their menu, and it's a combo that I'm addicted to:

Soup and sandwich! Yup, I'm a big soup and sandwich fan. It's the perfect snack combination because it's both light and filling. And the same can be said for Bon Chon's version of it. They have a chicken snackwich - best when ordered as double garlic, and a small bowl of bulgogi soup.

This combination is delectably divine!

It's another reason for me to visit Bon Chon more and more.

We Heart Julia!

While browsing through the yahoo site, I found this trailer for the upcoming HBO film entitled "The Normal Heart."



It looks like Julia Roberts is going to give a riveting performance in this film. She portrays a doctor with polio who finds herself in the middle of the AIDS epidemic in the 80s. Because of the period and the role, she looks deglamorized in this film. But even then, she looks great.

Now I have to put "The Normal Heart" into my must-watch list.

Ain't he Grand?

Last Friday, Ate Lissa posted this photo in honor of our Grandfather's birthday. It's a photo of Lolo Iking when we was named Chief of the MPD, ushering the force to the era when they were called "Manila's finest."

It was a grand day for an equally grand man.

You go(ogle) girl!

Today is International Women's Day, and it's awesome of Google to celebrate this day of girl power!

Happy Women's Day!

FMM: Lolo's song

When I was in grade 6, I won a gold medal for an essay writing contest in LSQC. The topic was "the person who inspired my life," and I wrote about Lolo Iking.

I still remember that my essay started with the lyrics from this song. And everything flowed after that. (And if I don't stop now, so will my tears.)



Today would've been Lolo Iking's 104th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Lolo. You were and still are my inspiration.

Carry

The past few days, I've been craving for maruya.

I've always been a big fan of banana and banana based desserts. And while most people usually go for turon, I've always gravitated towards maruya. Something about it reminds me of my childhood vacations in bicol. And we would buy maruya from the peddler outside Lolo's house in Malinao. She would sell it while it's still warm, sprinkled with sugar. She would serve it on a banana leaf, and we'd happily eat it at the palitada.

Now I'm really craving for it. Good thing they have maruya at SM Supermarket.

Ms. Jackson

It's always nice to see ANTM alumni - particularly the non-winners - do well from themselves outside of Tyra's fiercefest. 

There are models who move on to be actresses such as Yaya Dacosta and Analeigh Tipton. Some others continue on to become models, sometimes eclipsing the actual winner. Just like Lisa Jackson.

She went far, but not far enough during her cycle. And when I was watching Project Runway season 11, I found out that Lisa was modeling for Michelle Lesniak Franklin.

Of course, Michelle won. Which meant Lisa won that competition, too.

In the March 2014 issue of InStyle, I saw that Lisa is also modeling for INC International Concepts.

Proof that you don't have to win ANTM to be on top.

More class clowns

Further proof that college professors aren't all that staid and serious.

With co-professors like these, it's no wonder teaching is fun.

Cate the Great!

Finally, Cate Blanchett wins a Best Actress Oscar! I still feel that she won her first one in 1999 for "Elizabeth."

Looking forward to more greatness from her.

Bring out the popcorn!

Once again, the most awaited time for movie buffs has arrived.

It's the Oscars!

I'm looking forward to this year's awards, particularly because I think this is the year that Cate the great will finally get her Best Actress Oscar. (She really should've gotten it in 1999 for "Elizabeth.')

Plus, Ellen is hosting again!

Expect people to go on leave tomorrow morning. And expect microwavable popcorn sales to shoot up.

It's Oscars time!

Role reversal

Every year, the Mass Communication faculty throws a fete for our graduating students. 

Dubbed as the "Senior send-off," it's an opportunity for faculty members to give our students some final words of advice and messages of appreciation. Also, it's an opportunity for the faculty to shed off our "professor" hats and just have fun with the students. It's our way of telling them that we're one of them.

This year, we took the "we're one of you" idea up a notch. We were literally "like them," And we did this by wearing their school uniform for our presentation.

Almost everyone complied with the uniform requirement. Except for Ellen who came in jeans, Liz who had to wear a long skirt, and myself, looking like an elementary school kid with my khaki pants.

Needless to say, our little skit brought the house down. I guess it was fun for the classes to see their professors act like students for a change.