FMM: Twist it!

Today feels like a 90s hip-hop day. Don't ask me why, it just feels that way.

One of my guilty pleasures during that decade is this uppity, boppity, hip-hoppity song from a group who's name isn't the most politically correct - nor accurate - one.

It's a 1992 classic, "Tap the Bottle and Twist the Cap."



Yes, the group is called "Young, Black Teenagers." And yes, some of the members are actually white.

But enough overthinking these twisted factoids. Let's just enjoy the music.

A different point of view

It's fun to discover how things differ if you look at them from a different point of view.

Snowflake? Or Chandelier?

It's all in the way you view things.

She's Golden!

Growing up, if there was comment about me and Ate Bullet that people kept on repeating, it's that we look exactly alike.

Several people said that if Ate Bullet were a guy, he's look like me. Conversely, if I became a girl, I'd look exactly like her.

They say it's our bushy eyebrows. Some say it's our eyes. Others say the similarity comes from our tendency to smile a lot.

But aside from our physical similarities, another thing I noticed growing up is that we're also alike in certain traits.

She's very creative, and she expresses it through her cuisine and her cake decorating skills. She's into traveling, and she cherishes and chronicles every trip she makes with her family. She's into fashion, and has a keen eye for clothes and what suits her best. She also has a penchant for shopping and finding bargains.

On the flipside, Ate has certain qualities that I don't. (And wish I do.) She's very patient and kind. She's extroverted and can talk to anyone, anytime. She's an intrepid, go-getter, and works hard to get something once she puts her mind to it. No wonder she's very popular among her circle - whether it's in business, school or her friends.

These are the same qualities that make us gravitate towards each other. The same qualities that make me glad and proud to have her as my sister.

And on her golden day today, I wish her all the happiness and blessings in the world. Because she's a blessing to others and has made a lot of people happy.

Happy Birthday, Ate!

Chatime takes its time

It's been about 20 minutes since my order. And my order is just large strawberry milk tea. But still, it isn't here.

Worse, they're not even making it yet.

There's one guy inside who's checking equipment, listing things, cleaning up - he looks like he's doing everything. Except making any of the tea orders that are already there. So, you have a couple of cups of tea waiting to be made, and no one making it!

Sometime soon, please, Chatime. Sometime soon.

Heart to Art

While passing through SM Megamall on the way home, something caught the corner of my eye that made me stop and do a double take.

On the window display of Kamiseta, there were several dresses, blouses and skirts that has beautifully drawn artwork as prints. And you know I can't resist a good print, so I was immediately drawn into the store.

It turns out that the beautiful paintings were all done by Heart Evangelista, and translated to fashion pieces through a collaboration.

Almost all pieces were showstoppers, but there was one that was truly, beautifully irresistible. This pleated skirt (see, it's a trend) with a delicate print of 3 women.

There's a certain Gustav Klimt quality to the painting, and it's sure to be a conversation piece. Now, since the skirt is very artsy, it has to be the focus of the outfit. So, for the top, a plain, black Uniqlo blouse with puffed sleeves is just what the fashion doctor ordered.

Together, this ensemble screams Art Gallery opening chic!

You gotta heart this ensemble! You just gotta!

Color Story: More Earthen wear

Yellow, brown and taupe are tricky hues, mainly because they're too muted and have a tendency to look blah.

When done right, though, earth tones can be very refreshing and stylish.

Here's an ensemble that did it right.

The skirt is from Memo. It immediately struck me after seeing it on their display window.

Pleats and pleated skirts are enjoying a resurgence, and this is one of its latest incarnations. Aside from the color play, the shapes in this skirt are also eye-catching.

For the top, I was looking for one that had a complementing color and a non-traditional shape. Enter this top from Uniqlo.

The color echoes the middle tone of the skirt, which give the ensemble a unified look.

See, earth tones can be very refreshing and stylish. And considering this is the 2nd ensemble in 2 months with the same earthen hue, you know it's a trend that the earth is really buying.

Somewhere, Someday, Sambal

Whowouldathunk that shrimp-chili paste could be used as a bread filling!

Apparently it can. Exhibit A, a grocery find in SG.

It tastes strange, but strangely interesting.

It'll probably take some time before I get used to the taste, though.

FMM: Fortunati is Bananas!

By some twist of fate, the 3 creative directors at the office are all born in November. That means there are 3 scorpions in the group, and there's 3 times the celebration.

Needless to say, during tonight's birthday bash, 80s music was king! After all, you've got three 80s babies in the house.

One of the songs that was heavily requested was an 80s dance ditty by Michael Fortunati. It's a dance floor classic from that decade - "Give me up."



The reason why it was the popular choice was because it sounds so much like another hit 80s ditty, Bananarama's "I heard a rumour."



Have a listen and find out for yourself.

Uncanny, isn't it?

Mule love it!

As it was during my last SG trip with Mark, my shopping chores were actually done before my arrival.

Did a few shopping runs at the zalora.sg website the last month, and all I needed to do was to pick them up from Jo.

My favorite purchases from this run? Mules!

First, this mule with tri-color fringes. It gives it this carefree, bohemian vibe, but because of the color, it's very classic chic.

Second, this velvet, bejeweled pair. Can you say luxe?

Ate has had a mule phase of late, that's why I'm sure she'll love these!

Graphic Novel

It was a feeling of shock after seeing this book on sale near the Children's section of a book sale in SG.

A cartoon depicting a shooting! Complete with blood spurting from his chest!

Amazing what you can read - and see - these days.

I'm still a Fan-ta!

Last time I wrote about Fanta Grape, it was in Tokyo with Mark.

It was a pleasant surprise to find my favorite Fanta flavor at Changi Airport yesterday. Ergo, I just couldn't resist!

I'll always be a Fanboy. A Fanta boy.

Lit!

This pretty much describes SG these days.

The streets, the malls, the parks - they're all lit up in anticipation for Christmas.

I like it! A lot!

Eat's about Singapore

No visit to SG is complete without noshing on my favorite local eats!

My favorite bread.

My favorite prawn mee in Golden Mile.

And my favorite fast food.

Eat's perfection!

Ad Infinitum

Whenever I'm in SG, one thing consistently on my agenda is meeting up with my advertising friends from MNL and HKG.

So, I did.

Tonight, it was a great catch-up night with Arnie and Sheilah Marie. We used to all work together in DY&R and Adformatix, and now, these 2 are raising the Philippine flag in SG advertising agencies.

It was an uplifting, interesting and enriching conversation about the changing face of the industry, our beginnings back home, and funny moments when we were still working together. It was one of those moments when it feels like you were just with them yesterday, even if it's been more than a year since you last got together.

That's one of the hallmarks of a friendship of long standing.

We should do this more often.

FMM: Going to Sing

Just because I'm in SG this weekend, let me play this Friday Magic Madness song from the 70s. From the Carpenters, no less.



Just sing, Singapore!

One in a million

"A Million Little Things," is another series I've been following lately.

It has a simple but intriguing premise, but what I like about it is how much it's grounded in reality. No big plot twists, no mind boggling reveals, just simple, honest drama.

The same things I want in a show to watch.

Who's the Ross?

I'm always interested to see who the November cover girl of InStyle is.

Since it's my birth month, there's this certain affinity I feel for this month's headliner.

It's the same feeling when I found out who she is this month.

Tracee Ellis Ross!

I've always loved her comedic chops, especially in "Blackish." And of course, there's the fact that she's the daughter of the original Boss - Diana Ross.

Good choice, InStyle. Good choice.

Throwback Tuesday

Seeing this on the supermarket shelf gave me a major throwback feeling.

Cola Cao was a brand of chocolate drink that Tita Evelyn and Tito Agustin would bring in from Spain when we were still kids. And now, it's readily available here in Manila.

Let me buy one and see if I still get that taste of childhood.

The shout of silence

If you want people to observe silence, why are you shouting?

Just asking.

Missing and Memories

This heartfelt song from Diana Ross pretty much sums up what I felt this morning.



We usually visit Lolo, Lola and Tita after the All Soul's Day rush, and that's what I did. As expected, Loyola was quiet, not crowded and more serene. A welcome change from the chaos and fracas that often happens from October 31 to November 2.

I was in my teens when Lola, then Lolo, left us. And whenever I visit them, I can't help but feel that I didn't spend enough time with them. That it would've been awesome if they lived another decade so I could've enjoyed their company and wisdom more.

But I know that even if they're not here physically, they're watching all of us from above.

Incidentally, today marks the 29th year since Lolo joined Lola in heaven. It's been so long, but the longing feels the same.

Yo extranjo mucho, Abuelo y Abuela. Por siempre.

Goodbye, Joe.

It broke my heart when the news reached us last Wednesday.

And it breaks my heart even more seeing this posted in school today.

Chelsea was one of my students in AVP. As a student, she was very intelligent, creative and full of ideas. She was always a bubbly presence in my class, and her output reflected that.

Another facet of Chelsea that I remember was her voice. She had this beautiful and soothing vocal quality that we'd hear whenever she'd do the VO of her productions. In fact, I told her that she should audition as a professional voice talent because she's a shoo-in.

Last time I spoke to her was during her batch's Baccalaureate Mass. And as fate would have it, that would be the last time.

Vaya con Dios, Chelsea. May you find the happiness and peace that this world wasn't able to give you.

FMM: Taste the rainbow

During the long weekend, I was able to catch up on some TV shows on FoxLife.

One of the shows I'm following is a drama entitled "A million little things." In one episode, the daughter of the lead character sang "Rainbow Connection" to her Mom. It made me smile because the way she sang it was so innocent and pure.

It reminds me of the original rendition back in 1979, by no less than Kermit the Frog.  Yes, this song came from "The Muppet Movie, " and even if it's almost 40 years, I can't get enough of it.



Yes, at the end of the rainbow is a Friday Magic Madness song.

Land of the Lanvin

Since I'm not in any way interested in the Moschino x H&M collection that's dropping today, let me just do a throwback Thursday and recall one of my all time favorite H&M collaborations.



Can't believe it's been 8 years since this went into the stores. Until now, nothing comes close to the H&M x Lanvin collaboration.

My sisters' pieces can attest to that.

Shockingly good!

It took us just under 2 weeks to come up with this new TVC. And I'm super duper happy with the results.



Another commercial on the list! Woot!

Happy Cray-day!

Family and close friends know this, but I'm not really fond of my birthday. As much as possible, I'd rather not celebrate it.

But with crazy, happy people like the folks at the office, I'll make an exception.

With them, it's crazy good!

Mo-Skip-No

It's pretty clear that my excitement level for the H&M x Moschino collaboration is low. Way, way low.

Unlike the Lanvins, Erdems, Versaces and Comme Des Garcons before it, this collaboration is too niched that it's polarizing. And after seeing the whole collection, I'm one of those who are leaning more towards the "uhm, no" side.

Honestly, among the gamut of clothes, this is the only one that I found cute.

Ruff, isn't it?

I guess that says a lot.

Hello-ween!

Yes, Halloween was a few days ago, but I can't help but talk about this tres adorbz photo of three adorable kids.

What makes this photo special is that it's the first Halloween of Javi in the U.S., and it's also the first Halloween of Baby Noah in a costume. (And trick or treating, too.)

I don't know about tricks, but this photo is a pure treat for me.

Meals with Mark: Yay for Yayoi!

Last Tuesday, Mark and I had a craving for Japanese food for dinner. Initially, I was thinking of bringing him to Ooma, but when we passed by Yayoi, we had a change of heart.

We've seen this restaurant several times, and we were intrigued by their Teishokus and their novel ordering scheme. So, we decided to try it.

Just like a lot of restaurants in Japan, the order is taken by a machine. It's actually a good idea because it's less pressure when you don't have a food server mulling about you.

And when our Teishoku arrived, it looked super legit. Even Mark agreed!

Mark, being the Nihon expert, agrees that Yayoi is a good restaurant, both ambience and food-wise.

We'll be back!

FMM: Sensational!

I'm on a musical roll, so I decided on an old broadway musical song for Friday Magic Madness.



"One," from "A Chorus Line" is one of my favorite musical songs. The main reason being that it's the first broadway song that I sang when I was part of the LSQC high school choir.

Watching this brings back so many good sensations.

I do believe in Idina!

Still on a "Wicked" high, one of my favorite awards show moments is when Idina Menzel won the Tony's in 2004.



Her speech was so pure and heartfelt, and every word radiated with sincerity and joy.

As Idina herself said, "the green girl has a heart." And she gave that to her, beautifully.