Jeannie in a bottle

There are a lot of reasons why I watch Ellen.

One, the surprises. Two, the scares. Three, Andy being scared. And then, there's Jeannie!

She's always a joy to watch. And it's amazing to find out that it's her 10th year on Ellen.

And this video pretty much sums up why she's a joy to watch.

Give her more spin-offs, please!

FMM: Because football reminds me of Brazil

Everyone's talking about football, particularly the World Cup.

Whenever I hear the word "football," the first thing that comes to mind is Pele. After all, he's one of the most iconic football players in the world.

Whenever I hear the name "Pele," of course I remember Brazil.

Whenever I hear the country "Brazil," another thing I remember is my favorite musician, Sergio Mendes.

And that led me to today's choice of Friday Magic Madness song. It's a 60s classic from Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66.



That figures, right?

LFLTAT: Pretty in Pink

It's Springtime in the U.S. That means all the pastels and florals are out in full force.

Meanwhile, here in Manila, we alternate from super hot to torrential rains.

But that shouldn't stop people from embodying the spring feeling.

Just like this Look For Less Than A Thousand that I've put together. It's actually a compendium of items old and new.

First, this blush pink shirt with a pleated detail. Actually got this from HKG a few months ago. And you won't believe how cheap this was!

Then, I saw this pair of blush pink mules at The Landmark. It's almost the same shade as the top, which is why I bought it.

To break the pink color pattern, I'm pairing it with this denim culottes from SM Department Store. It's casual, but chic.

 

Together, it's a pretty in pink, spring worthy ensemble. For less than a thousand, of course.

Paul-ing for it!

James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke" is always a joy to watch.

Today, "joy" just turned into "ecstatic." That's because THE Sir Paul McCartney is in the car!



Aside from watching them sing the greatest hits of The Beatles, another thing that made this video wonderful was Paul visiting his old home and old haunts. It's so heartwarming to see him recall his younger years, and even more heartwarming to see the people's reaction to him.

I can watch this over and over and over again. (Actually, I am.)

The Grace of Whitney

For more than 6 months, I've been seeing this video recommendation on youtube. The title of the video is "Insane!!! This Girl is Whitney Reborn," and the visual is that of a woman in a fully beaded gown in a concert.

I've never had the motivation to click it, mainly because Whitney is Whitney.

Then, I came across this audition video from the on-going season of America's Got Talent.



Gosh! She sounds so much like Whitney Houston. And her rendition of "Run to you" is on-point.

Her name is Glennis Grace, and it turns out that she's the same woman who was in that "Girl is Whitney Reborn," video.



That voice! She could be Whitney Houston's voice double!

But I think Mel B. put it perfectly when she said: "You sound like Whitney, but I want to see you put a bit of you." I think that's what's going to make Glennis Grace a star!

Perfectly Packaged

There are many reasons why I shop at Zalora.

First, the selection. They have a good range of fashion forward products - from clothes to shoes to accessories to stuff in between.

Second, the convenience. Yup, it's true when they say you can shop 24/7. There are times when I'd be shopping at 1:30am. (Hey, I can't sleep. No judging.)

Third, the speed. Some of the stuff I ordered actually arrived a day after I ordered them. Nifty!

Fourth, the packaging! Their products are always impeccably packed. Their clothes are in see-through dust bags with tissue lining and silica gel. And then, there are the shoes!

Look at these 2 pairs that I got from them. They came in sturdy, high-quality boxes that don't easily fold or get crushed.

The boxes aren't shabby either. The one from Velvet has this nice, blush color and is well designed.

Then, the shoes from Zalora come in individual dust bags, aside from the nice box.

If that's not enough to delight you, maybe this will. These shoes actually cost less than the ones in SM Department Store! (And those are really affordable to begin with.)

Now isn't that just perfect?

It's a Spring Thing

Oreo's get me giddy. I'm a nerd that way.

So, imagine how giddy I was when Maricar gave me this!

Spring had definitely sprung.

Where are they now? (WATN) Sassy Sossamon

Apart from Julia Styles, one of my favorite 90s actresses was Shannyn Sossamon.

Much like the sound of her name, she had a lot of sass. This reflected on the roles she played. From "A Knight's Tale," to "The Rules of Attraction," to "The Holiday." Her face, and portrayals, were so refreshing to look at.

I haven't seen her on screen in a while, and it's about time we see her sass back on screen.

FMM: Conquered by Spain

Al Jarreau has one of the coolest voices ever. When I say "cool," it means soothing, calming, and it almost lulls you to contentment. "After All" is one of the songs I always play when I want to sleep, and it works like a charm each time.

Not to say that he can't sing a fast tune. Another one of my favorite Al songs is actually a very fast jazz song.

Presenting, "Spain."



After a long week at work, it's good to relax with this Friday Magic Madness classic.

SM means So Monique

Once again, SM Department Store is upping its style ante!

Look at this brand that they have at Fashion Forum:

Yes! They carry Monique Lhuillier at SM Department Store.

Whowudathunk?

We pause for this commercial...

My brother's commercial to be exact:

And with that, we have another Morales commercial model in our fold.

Motion of the Ocean

Loved Ocean's 11 and Ocean's 12. After all, Julia Robert's was in those movies.

Didn't catch - and even forgot about - Ocean's 13.  (Julia Robert's wasn't there. I think.)

And now, there's Ocean's 8.



An all-female heist film. With Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock!

Interesting. Very interesting.

Three's Company

Can't imagine that it's been 3 years since the CAO gang hied off to SG for the long weekend. This was such a fun and fulfilling trip!

This trip was so fun, it deserves a repeat. And soon!

CAO gang, activate!

D-Day!

To the man who I inherited my looks, and temper, and love for shopping, and wanderlust, and love for family, and many others, from, Happy Father's Day!

To the nines

Nine years can make a big difference.

But for a close knit group of friends, sometimes it makes no difference at all.

Just like my SMC-CAO gang. While we don't see each other as often as we should, whenever we do, we just pick up where we left off.

That's the magic of friendships of long-standing.

FMM: "In" it!

"Inseparable" is one of my favorite Natalie Cole songs. There's something very soothing and chanteuse-like about it, which makes it so relaxing to listen to.



Two of the words in that song is actually very apt this Friday - "Inseparable" and "Incredible." Because today, Mark and I caught Incredibles II. And as expected, it was an awesome watch.

How's that for a segue?

Julia's Jam

What's better than watching a Julia Robert's film? Watching a compendium of her films, mashed-up, and performed live!

That's what she did in this sketch with James Corden.



Brilliant, as always.

This Hustle never grows old

On the bus ride to work this morning, they were showing that awesome Stephen Chow film, "Kung Fu Hustle." Methinks he's one of the most talented actors/directors in HKG.

I must've seen this hundreds of times, but I still laugh at the same parts each time.

Especially whenever the landlady gets screentime.

Some things really never grow old.

Land of the free!

Today, we celebrate our 120th year of Independence!

Sometimes, we take our freedoms for granted. Days like today remind us how lucky we are and how much we should cherish and fight for the freedom we're enjoying.

Maligayang kaarawan, Pilipinas!

Kelly kills it!

You want versatility? Kelly Clarkson is giving it to you. In a major way!



I've been a fan of hers since she won the 1st season of American Idol. And this Billboard opening medley reminds everyone why she's a winner!

Go kill it, Kelly!

Leaving Lanvin - again

So, I was looking for Olivier Lapidus' latest collection for Lanvin.

What I found was news that, after 8 months, he's out of the fashion house!

Apparently, there was some buy-out and he was one of the casualties.

This is yet another proof that Alber Elbaz is a tough act to follow.

The old Switcheroo

At first glance, there's nothing wrong with this signage.

But look closer and you'll see.

It's a switcheroo of "I" and "E."

Proofreader, please.

FMM: Herbie-vore

There are days when you just want to listen to something musical and lyric-free. Old fogeys like me call that type of music "Instrumental." And it's what I'm in the mood for this Friday Magic Madness.

But instead of playing something mellow or slow, my idea of instrumental for today is something more upbeat, electronica, and super danceable.

Enter Herbie Hancock.



Now, don't you just want to "Rock It!"

A Hotel to check out

Looks like there's a "playing against the archetype" movement in Hollywood these days.

First, there's Jennifer Garner in "Peppermint," and now this:



Just saw the full trailer of "Hotel Artemis" and Jodie Foster just floored me!

It's nice to see her play someone eccentric and kooky, and it looks like she's going to see a lot of action in this film.

Gotta check this out!

For the record

I've been trying to snoop around for photos of the upcoming H&M x Moschino collaboration. Although it's 5 months away, they occasionally throw a bone and show off a piece or two.

And they did. Actually, they did it way back when they announced the collab. I just didn't see it. Until today.

It's a record-printed mini-dress. (Or romper.)

If this is the preview, it's true to his quirky aesthetic. And like Balmain and Kenzo before it, I'm not too on-board with the whole thing.

But let's keep that off the record.

Ace of Spades

It's shocking when a fashion icon known for color, joy, life and happiness suddenly passes away in such dark circumstances. But that's the sad news everyone had to face this Tuesday when it was reported that Kate Spade was gone.

Her joy will be missed. Rest in peace, Kate.

Refreshing Peppermint

We're all used to seeing Jennifer Garner in rom-coms. She's actually really good at it. Her earlier films like "13 going on 30," "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past," "Mother's Day," and "Valentine's Day" were all fun to watch - not to mention big hits.

So, it's refreshing to see her in a bada** action film, shooting and serving people justice. Just like her upcoming film, "Peppermint."



While she did try some action in "Elektra," this is something totally different.

That's why I'm SO on-board!

Selfie-less

Here's how the conversation usually goes:

PERSON: Sir, selfie! Kayo na ho ang kumuha.
ME: Uhm, I don't know how to take a selfie.

True story. I've never taken a selfie. I'm not really the selfie-type. Heck, I'm not comfortable having my photos taken, too. This conversation is usually followed by them asking me to try and take a selfie. And to that request, I quote the wonderful Anna Wintour.

ANNA: I've never taken a selfie and I don't plan to start now.

Well said, Anna. Well said.

Back to Bohol

If memory serves me right, my last Bohol trip was with Mark. This was before the 2013 earthquake, so a lot of things were different back then.

Now, I'm back in Bohol for our company outing, and it's nice to be back after 5 years.

While some things have changed after the earthquake, it's great to see that some things remain the same.

Glad to be back, Bohol. 

FMM: Male Gibsons

A few days ago, Mark and I were talking about travel destinations and where we'd like to go next.

While I've been fortunate to have traveled extensively to different countries, there's one destination that I still have to tick off my list.

 Cuba!

 And that inspired today's Friday Magic Madness song. It's an 80s hit from an all-male group from that decade.

This isn't an ordinary group, though. They're brothers! The Gibson Brothers, to be precise.

 

Gotta go to Cuba soon!