To siblings!

Cheers to brotherhood and sisterhood!

While my siblings and I see each other often, it's usually with the rest of the family. When that happens, our attention would usually be focused on so many things. 

That's why it was refreshing to spend the day with just the 4 of us. And just like little kids, we spent the day just eating, roaming around the malls, shopping, and eating some more.

We should do this more often, and with Biboy in tow, too.

Starting them young

One of the most important lessons that our parents taught - and continue to teach - us is being charitable. My parents are two of the most generous and giving people ever!

And it's something my siblings are inculcating in our nephews and nieces at an early age. Just like how Ate Lissa donated to the TV5 foundation's Mamasapano project through Javier.

Keep up the good work, Javi!

FMM: Dog-gone it!

When I was in the school choir back in High School, one of our assignments was to think of a song that we'd like to learn to sing. Our teacher - Mr. Ortega - said that we should have a "musical goal," that being to be able to master one song by the end of the school year.

The other choir members chose very typical songs. There was the usual Basil Valdez songs like "Let the Pain Remain" and "Say that you love me." Another popular choice was Leo Valdez's "Magsimula ka." Then, there was a smattering of Barry Manilow songs like "Weekend in New England."

Now, when Mr. Ortega asked me what was the song I wanted to master, the room fell silent.

There I was, a short, pudgy 11-year old boy, and my song choice was Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog."



Needless to say, I didn't learn the song. But hey, at least I tried.

Strange. Very Strange.

Sometimes, I don't know if it's because we were trained to proofread as journalism students, or if there are just too many typographical errors in on-line articles these days.

While reading the cinema blend website article about Doctor Strange, I chanced upon this article that was equally strange.

I'm an avid follower of the comic book series, and I've never come across this character.

The "Ancinet One?" That's someone new. I wonder if he's related to The "Ancient One." Harhar.

Double Nautical

As the rainy season rolls in and summer exits, (according to PAGASA, the rainy season will be upon us in 2 weeks,) now would be a good time to really bring out all your summer outfits and wear them as often as possible.

During the Megamall sale a few weeks ago, I was able to pick-up a few summer items for Ate Bullet. Nothing says summer like a nautical outfit, and that's what I whipped up for her.

The first item are tailored shorts with a yacht print. You can't get any more nautical than a yacht.

Second, a black and white striped top. It harks back to sunny summers in the French Riviera.

And because it's always cool to mix prints, why not combine these 2 nautical pieces together!

Because they're the same color, both prints complement each other, making the whole outfit look cohesive.

Nautical just got even nicer!

Nice to Noah you!

And baby makes five!

Finally, we were able to see the 5th member of D' Kids! Presenting Baby Noah - Alfie and Bon's baby boy.

Welcome, Noah. Your Titos and Titas are looking forward to dote on you.

(Bagoong) Rice to the top!

It's no secret that I'm a massive fan of Thai food. Whether I'm in MNL, BKK, HKG, SG, GUM, AMS or TYO, I always make it a point to try a Thai restaurant. My default orders would usually consist of Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong and Som Tam.

Here at home, there are a couple of Thai restaurants that I like. This includes Som's, Chariya and the now defunct Mommy Thai in U.P.

Last week, I found this food court stall in SM called "Thaicoon." Needless to say, I had to try it out.

I ordered the chicken bagoong rice, which was this massive dish served on a hot plate. It's almost like Pepper Lunch, but Thai.

For a food court stall, Thaicoon was pretty good. For this particular dish, the rice was perfectly seasoned with a strong but not overpowering bagoong flavor. The mangoes had the right sourness, and the chicken was sweet. When mixed together, the flavors come together seamlessly.

And did I mention the servings were massive? At least for the bagoong rice.

I was planning to order the Som Tam and Tom Yung Goong, too. But I was stuffed with this dish alone.

That gives me a reason to check out Thaicoon again sometime soon.

Here comes Trouble

On youtube, they have a function where they suggest videos based on the one you last viewed. And after I viewed "Pretty Girls," the video suggested was another Iggy Azalea song.

It's a song that's a few months old, but today was the first time I heard about it. It's another collaboration, this time with Jennifer Hudson.



While I find Jennifer Hudson's voice too overpowering at times, her vocals on this song are awesome. It still has that belting and power that JHud is known for, but the pop melody makes it sound more casual and non-chalant.

I won't have any trouble listening to this song again and again and again and again.

Color Story: Peaches and Cream

White is a color that's not that popular in local circles. In fact, when people wear white, you can almost hear the snide side comments such as: "Hi, Doc," "Nurse... Nurse..." or "Where's the wedding?"

It's actually quite a shame because white is such an elegant color. And it's a color that's not just for doctors, nurses or weddings. When worn properly and thoughtfully, white is a great color to incorporate in your daily wardrobe. 

For example, you can start with a base piece like this creamy white pencil skirt with gold zipper details.

This chic skirt is from J. Crew, which - thanks to Jenna Lyons - makes ultra chic pieces.

To keep the entire color palette light and easy, this light peach crepe blouse from Kamiseta is the perfect pair.

Together, you have a clean, easy, palette cleanser of an outfit.

I doubt if any doctor, nurse or bride would be this fashionably peachy.

FMM: Starr Quality

Back in the 80s, there was proliferation of African-American pop groups. Most of those groups found success, that's why we can sing songs like "Rhythm of the Night," "All over you," and "I miss you," from the top of our heads.

(In case you didn't know, that's Debarge, The Jets and Klymaxx.)

One of my favorite groups was of the same category, but they had a more relaxed and mature sound. They were called Atlantic Starr, and they're better known for their 80s hit, "Always."



No matter how old this song is, I'll always enjoy listening to it.

LFLTAT: Pretty in punk

There was a 3-day sale in SM Megamall last week and I saw it as the perfect opportunity to whip up a "Look For Less Than A Thousand" for my sisters. 

This wasn't a mean feat since there are a lot of good and cheap clothing options at SM Megamall. The trick is to sift through all the options, and find an outfit that meets that may be less than a thousand bucks but looks much more expensive than that.

Luckily, I found 3 awesome items in 3 of my favorite haunts.

Haunt # 1: Surplus Shop black cropped top. P249.75

This is a classic that can go with anything that you already have in your wardrobe.

Haunt # 2: Oxygen perforated pleather skirt. P399.00

It's the classic full skirt silhouette, but rendered in a very chic and very light pleather material. Check out the details and be amazed that it's that cheap. (It was on a clearance rack, so it's around 70% off.)

Haunt # 3: SM Department store pointed flats with grommets. P300.00

Again, this item was on 50% off. It's original price was P599.75, which already makes it a good buy. But at 50% off, it makes it an even better one.

And for P948.75, you have an all-black, punk-inspired Look for Less Than A Thousand!

I'm sure Ate Bullet can rock this look.

They come in trickles!

Presenting the latest snacker that I'm totally digging right now. Dunkin' Donuts' Cheese Trickles!

They are just SO good. It's a munchkin that's rolled in rich, velvety cheese - and the combination is phenomenal. I have to control myself whenever I buy these because I can probably finish a Little Bunch in one sitting. No kidding!

Aside from the Cheese Trickles variant, they also have it in Jamocha Trickles (also a winner with it's Bavarian filling) and the Choco Trickles (Meh!).

The only problem is that it's not available in all stores! That's why whenever I pass by an outlet that sells it, I immediately snag a pack.

Make Cheese Trickles available in the branch near our house. Please!

Pretty. Bad.

Two of my favorite singers just dropped their new singles. And now I find myself shuttling between two songs on youtube.

First is "Pretty Girls." The newest collaboration between Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea.



I'm loving the 80s references in this music video.

Second is Taylor Swift's much ballyhooed "Bad Blood."



The song is very catchy, and the woman empowerment theme of the video is good. My only beef with this is that it looks like a mash-up between "Toxic" and "Womanizer" - both videos of Britney that's directed by Joseph Kahn. (Who directed this video.)

Now I don't just have an LSS, I have two LSSes!

The (Bal)main Event!

Finally, the next H&M collaboration has been announced! And it's Balmain!!!

Now, the wait for the first looks and look book begins!

Fun in her Florties

For today's bridal fair at EDSA Shangrila, Ate Bullet decided to debut her florties look. When I dropped by and talked to her, she said that the dress was a hit. Everyone was complimenting her on the silhouette and print.

She decided to wear the green version, and she paired it with beige heels. It looked very classic and chic!

The floral print and color went very well with one of the cakes they displayed. Florals are really a big trend - not just in clothes, but in everything!

Ate loved the look so much that she can't wait to wear the blue Florties dress sometime soon.

I heart Brushing

Everyone has heard of couple shirts, but have you heard of a couple's toothbrush? Yes, there's such a thing in 7-11!

Cheese is everywhere! Harhar.

FMM: Love-filled song

I enjoy singing Church hymns. In fact, that's the reason why I joined the choir when I was in High School. It was a chance to sing all these beautiful songs in Church during school functions.

One song that we used to sing was "Fill the world with Love." It's a song that I haven't heard in decades, and I just thought of it today. And that's how it ended up in my Friday Magic Madness list.



The song is enough to do what its lyrics state: Fill the world with love!

I really, really, really, really, really like it!

Carly Rae Jepsen's newest single might not have gained the same on-line traction as "Call Me Maybe," but I must say, after hearing this song a few times, I really, really, really, really, really, really like it!



Hello LSS!

Even more Florties

Looks like the Florties trend will be staying for quite a while. As the days progress, more and more fast fashion brands are introducing the floral print in forties silhouettes.

Today's Florties find is courtesy of Stella - one of the house brands of Robinson's Department Store. It's the brand I was raving about before.

Actually, it's not just a find. They're finds! Two dresses, in fact.

The first one is a red dress with a gray floral print. The silhouette screams "Mad Men," and that means it's chic and classy!

The dress has a nice back detail. It plunges, which is a good counterpoint to the conservative front.

The other one is a green dress with the same silhouette.

I like the interplay of colors in this one.

More Florties fashions, more opportunities for the Ates to rock the trend!

It's all in the cards

One of my favorite design tasks is laying out materials for Dexter's. Last week, Ate Bullet asked me design their calling cards, and just like the last time, we used some of their best cake creations as focal point for the cards.

I did 10 different designs and I wouldn't be surprised if clients collect all 10. Each cake is really a visual masterpiece. But if I were to choose my favorite among the 10, it has to be this Vera Wang inspired wedding cake.

It truly is a masterpiece in sugar!

Boat for Becca!

My god daughter Becca is celebrating her 7th birthday, and Mona asked our help to organize her party. Since she'll celebrate it with a pool party, I thought, why not make it a nautical-themed party!

We've started preparations since last week, and everything's in ship shape! This party is definitely going to float a lot of boats!

(Now enough of the references anchored on the nautical theme. Hahaha.)

Mom's definitely the word

To the woman who's as stylish as she is smart, compassionate as she is courageous, generous as she is gorgeous, and interesting as she is inspiring, we're all so lucky to call you our Mom.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

My, my Meryl

Looks like you have another winning film here, Ms. Streep.



You really can do no wrong.

FMM: Houston, we don't have a problem

On the cab ride to the office, the driver gave me the comic relief I needed after 4 days of working hard.

The driver was this big, burly man. He looked like one of those lumberjack workers, similar to Costello Tagliapietra. 

He was driving with the radio on, and he was intently singing along with the song playing on the station.

That song was this Whitney Houston ditty.



Mind you, he sang it with this same intensity as Whitney.

This experience just added the "mad" in my Friday Magic Madness. Harhar.

A casual a-pair

The thing about casual Fridays is that you don't want it to be too casual. So, it's important to look for that balance whenever you put together a wash day ensemble.

A fool proof look is the blazer-blouse-jeans ensemble. But it's been done so many times that it's almost boring. Unless you find interesting pieces that will give it a more updated look and feel.

Just like this ensemble I pulled together for Ate Bullet.

The blazer and blouse are both from The Landmark. The blouse is a white silk blouse with lace details. The jacket is made of white jacquard, and has an interesting collar, shape and details.

This look is best paired with a pair of boyfriend jeans, and this one I snagged from Gap.

This pair make casual Fridays a dressy affair.

Color Story: Crazy over Crimson

One essential that every woman should have in her closet is a nice crimson dress.

Crimson is a power color. It gives the wearer a feeling of strength, largely due to the fact that this color has always been equated with leadership. Plus, on a more practical note, crimson flatters every skin color.

Ate Lissa has this crimson dress in her closet, and it's one of those simple yet detailed frocks.

The silhouette looks deceptively simple. Much like a sheath dress. But if you look at the details, you'll see how interesting the dress is.

First, it has tucks on both hips, giving it this tulip shape that gives the wearer an hourglass figure.

The neckline is equally interesting, thanks to some perforations and scallop details.

With a dress that has a rich color and even richer details, it's no wonder that this dress is something worth feeling crazy about.

Felicidades!

After Star Wars day comes another celebration!

It's Cinco de Mayo!

This is the Mexican version of Independence Day. And this is a celebration I was fortunate enough to experience when I participated in an exchange program in Mexico.

It was a day filled with food, tequila, and of course, mariachi music!



To all my Mexican friends, Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

The fourth is strong in this one...

It's May 4! And it's officially Star Wars day. (May the 4th be with you. Get it? Get it?)

What better way to celebrate it than with this classic song from "Return of the Jedi." It's a song that I actually memorized from start to finish. Yes, I was THAT much of a geek!



May the 4th be with you all!

Standstill

As it is customary, the country goes on a standstill whenever there's a Pacquiao fight.

This morning, there were very few people - unusually few, in fact - in church. Which reminds me of that time when the same thing happened in the Chapel of the Eucharistic Lord in Megamall to which the priest mused: "Mahirap talagang kalaban si Pacquiao."

There were no cars on the highway. Very few people in the mall. And the streets were almost deserted.

That's the power of Pacquiao. (Apparently, though, he wasn't powerful enough to beat his opponent.)

Feeling catty

It's a Saturday, and we have work!

And while we have our work faces on, all I really want to do is stretch and laze around just like this cat from our visit to the Cat Cafe last month.

FMM: If we took a...

Today's a holiday! And what better song to listen to than this 80s classic from Madonna!