Keep in Mine

Javier is a Minecraft freak. Last week, I bought him a Minecraft stuffed toy, and the moment I showed it to him, his eyes lit up and shrieked:

"Stevie!!!!!!"

And when I showed him the other toy I bought, his eyes lit up again and he shrieked:

"Ocelot!!!!!!"

That's why when I saw this toy during my lunch break, I knew I had to buy it!

 It's an action figure set, and it has some of Javier's favorite Minecraft characters. That includes Stevie, Armor Stevie, Zombie Stevie, Enderman and Creeper.

As expected, Javi was thrilled when he saw this toy. He immediately asked me to open it so he could start playing.

Now I know what to get Javi as pasalubong.

FMM: Maneuvering

It's another wave of New Wave this Friday!

And one of the most popular New Wave bands from the 80s is OMD, or Orchestral Manoeuvres

 in the Dark. (As a kid, I thought their name was so wickedly cool!)
Now if you're a kid from the 80s, then you probably danced to "So In Love."

You probably fell in love after hearing "If You Leave," too.



After hearing these songs, I began to wonder whether OMD ever performed in Manila. Heck, if they find themselves in Philippine soil anytime soon, I'm maneuvering to the front of the line!

Throwback!

After many years, the DY&R triumvirate of Clyli, Creno and Clest were finally reunited. Funnily, our lunch was along Emerald Avenue, the very street where we used to work and became fast friends.

We've got the power!

During the People Power revolution, we were still living in Morato. Channels 4 and 7 were within close proximity to our house, so while there was a revolution happening in Crame, there was one happening near Timog.

Because of that proximity, I still remember the People Power revolution like it was yesterday.

I remember how people camped out and filled the streets of Morato.

I remember how strangers became friends and a disparate group of people became one big family.

I remember how Mom made sandwiches and we gave them to the people who camped out near our street.

I remember the sound of the helicopters flying above us and the scary sound of the tank as it passed near our house.

I remember  how everyone started to jump in jubilation when it was announced that Marcos left the country.

I remember riding the back of the Toyota Liftback and we paraded around the area.

I remember flashing the "L" sign with thousands of people as we traversed Morato, Timog and Quezon Avenue.

It's been almost 30 years, yet I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Today is one of those days when I feel fortunate to have experienced a monumental event such as People Power.

Pretty Happy Woman

Among the many Oscar speeches that I've seen and heard throughout the years, one of the most earnest, most honest, funniest and most inspiring has to be Julia Roberts' speech when she won for "Erin Brockovich" in 2001.



Listening to her speech was like riding a rollercoaster. It was one emotion after the other, but ending up with a feeling of gratification and exhilaration.

She was so good in this, she should win another one again.

The other Oscars

Before I watch tonight's Oscars, I'd like to talk about another Oscar.

Oscar Maxwell, that is.

Last Saturday, Chrissie and David's baby boy was welcomed to the Christian world. They asked me to design both the invitation and the cake, and I was inspired by Oscar the Grouch when I did.

And voila!

I like the coolness of the colors and how the entire invite felt so relaxed. Chrissie's sister, Cynthia, told me how much she liked it, too.

Will talk about the cake later.

Taking the cake

Knowing that my students are learning and progressing is enough reward for teaching.

So a treat such as this gift from my Copywriting class just makes it a bit sweeter. Literally.

As we were wrapping up yesterday's lesson, they came up to me and gave me this cake in a bottle. It was Oreo Cheesecake, which is one of my favorites! And it came with this uber sweet note.

I really have the best - and sweetest - students.

Corn Fed

 It was with a heavy heart that I ate the last Caramel Corn that I brought from Tokyo.

Will someone please import this product? Stat!

FMM: What the Flock?

It's Friday, and I woke up with a craving for New Wave.

And when you crave for new wave, you go to Flock of Seagulls!



Don't you just love the 80s? (I do.)

Feeling Sheepish

It's official! (For the Chinese, at least.) It's the New Year!

This year is the year of the Sheep. So I hope everyone has a baaaaanging good year!

Tagalog time

Lyli and I had lunch at Mang Inasal, and after placing our orders, we were given this contraption that's supposed to vibrate and light up once our food is ready.

After reading the Tagalog translation, I realized how funny and awkward it was. "Nanginig at kumutitap"? Really? Harhar.

Major birthday

Growing up, my brother Biboy and I had different taste in music.

He liked Spandau Ballet, I liked Duran Duran. He liked Madonna, I liked Cyndi Lauper. He liked Band Aid, I liked U.S.A. for Africa.

Despite all those contradictions, there was actually one song that we both liked. And it was this classic 80s ditty from Peter Schilling.



And since today is Biboy's birthday, I think it's time to play "Major Tom" once more.

Happy Birthday Biboy!

Hei You!

One thing I enjoy doing here at work is designing our monthly birthday cocktail posters. The admin folks give me free rein when it comes to the concept and design, so I usually just have fun with it.

For today's celebration, I created a Chinese New Year themed poster. This is because CNY is just a few days away.

While I was making this poster, I couldn't help but reminisce on all the CNYs that I spent in HKG. Those were fun, especially since we got Lai Sees from our bosses.

We might not get Lai Sees, but we definitely get a lot of tikoy this season. And that's something to look forward to.

Man about (China)town

For my Feature and Technical Writing Class yesterday, we talked about Food Review writing. Wanting to put the theory into action, I brought the class to Binondo where we tried some authentic Chinese food.

Going to Binondo reminds me of my childhood. As kids, we'd go there with Lolo and Lola, and Lola would often to go her alajera named Po-Heng. I also recall that Dad's friend, Tito Tino, lived there. Heck, I even remember going to their house blessing.

The nice thing about Binondo is that it doesn't really change. That's why my memories are very much intact every time I visit.

All you need!

What people need on Valentine's day is the same thing they need everything.



Love is all you need.

Happy Valentine's Day!

FMM: That kind of day

Today is Friday the 13th. And normally, that would freak people out.

Then again, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. So, people actually don't mind. To most people, today isn't a scary one. Rather, it's a lovely day.

(Cue Mike Francis)

Ascent to space

My colleague and I are both sci-fi nuts. As a kid, I'd always dream of space travel, being an astronaut and meeting aliens.

We often talk about Star Wars, Star Trek, and other iconic sci-fi films and series. In one conversation, I told him that I miss the old school sci-fi films, and he gave me a tip:

"Watch Jupiter Ascending."

Apparently, this Wachowski film has all the trappings of old sci-fi films. From intergalactic travel, aliens and villains, and a universal power play. Actually, he had me at "intergalactic travel."

I should try to catch this film. Or at least get the DVD when it comes out. (And knowing St. Francis Square, it might already be there.)

Sons of Lourdes we'll ever be

That's one of my favorite lines from our school hymn.

"Though the years our paths may sever, sons of Lourdes we'll ever be. And with joy, our praises sing so loudly, cheering Alma Mater, hail to thee."

Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, and it's one of those days when I miss being a Lourdesian.

Reunited

The story of Hachiko is one that most people are familiar with. He's the dog who patiently waited for his master at the Shibuya train station, not knowing that his master passed away already. His dedication was so exemplary, a statue was built, and an exit was named after him at Shibuya station.

And while a lot of people know how Hachiko looks like, very people know his master, Professor Ueno. That includes me.

That's why I was glad to come across this news article about a statue that reunites Professor Ueno and Hachiko.

The statue captures the heartwarming reunion of the two. I hope I get to see this the next time I'm in Japan.

How's this for cheesy?

Meanwhile, back at the Mega Food Hall, I found these uber good cheesy nachos from a place called Chubby's Rib Shack.

It automatically falls in the "so good, it's bad" category. The thin and crispy corn chips are smothered in barbecue sauce, salsa, pulled chicken and cheese. Lots and lots of cheese.

As a fan of nachos, this automatically goes to my top 5 list of best nachos in Manila.

Just one?

I guess the Wicked Witch and the other characters of this movie didn't find it hard to get out of the forest.

Wrong choice of media

My class and I were talking about how important proofreading is, especially on websites. Then, we went on-line to look for examples, and we found this.

Is this a new form of media?

Once again, hire a proofreader. Please.

FMM: Cole me maybe

With the Grammy's coming up, there have been a lot of articles on previous awardees. One article was "Where are the best new artist awardees now?" From the list, one name struck me, and it was Paula Cole!

Yes, she was such a big name in the 90s, mainly because of this song:



"I don't want to wait" was on everyone's playlist back in the 90s. And if the song wasn't famous enough, they used it on "Dawson's Creek," and it just went through the roof!

Now that it's Friday, I'll relive the magic of this song.

Berry good!

As a self-professed fan of berries, I must say that the juice line of "the berry company" is the best one for me. Aside from having a wide range of flavors, the taste is very authentic. Not like the usual berry juices which have sugar and a drop of berry flavoring.

I'll be drinking this brand berry often.

Jessie's guy

Jessie was the only character who almost made me cry in a Disney animated film. Needless to say, I had to take a photo with her when we were at Tokyo DisneySea.

Train of thought

It's quite rare to see an empty train in Tokyo. More often than not, they're packed with different types of people - from salarymen to tourists to students to Moms pushing strollers. And when you ride the train during rush hour, it's pretty much like the MRT here in Manila. You get pushed around, squished and packed like sardines.

That's why when we got on the train at Osaki Station en route to Odaiba, it was a big surprise to see the train almost empty. It was so rare, I had to take a photo with the empty seats.

I just love it when I find little surprises like this during my travels.

Come and Sea

Because the trip was so short, we had to hit the ground running.

One of the first things we did in Tokyo last Friday was to visit Tokyo DisneySea.

Mark got us the Starlight Pass, which meant we only had 4 hours to spend at the park. In those 4 hours, we were able to catch 1 ride, watch the musical show, have dinner, and take photos.

And just like that, our night was done. The Disney visit was so short, but a lot of fun.

A new black hole

As it is now, there are already a lot of black holes in Tokyo. On top of the list, there's H&M, then Tokyu Hands, and Loft. 

Today, Mark and I discovered a new black hole in Aqua City, Odaiba.

Flying Tiger is a store that sells different types of knick knacks. From cookies to picture frames to ballpens to pillows to napkins - whatever frivolous (and useless) thing you can think of, they have it. And they have it in super cool prints and vibrant colors - so cool and vibrant, you end up buying it even if you don't need it.

One peculiar thing about Flying Tiger is the store's layout. Like Ikea, you have to follow a pathway, and there's only one entrance and one exit. So, you have to pass through each and every cutie curio on your way out. And the more you see, the more chances that you'll end up buying something.

We spent about 30 minutes there, and we ended up buying door hooks, stroopwaffle, and printed napkins. Yup, we bought all that in so short a time.

Imagine if we spent more than an hour there.