Ring in the new

The last day of 2019 was spent celebrating old traditions, like lunch with Mark at North Park, and Media Noche with the family at home.

At the stroke of midnight, we watched fireworks light up the sky, jumped, and was greeted by our family on the other side of the world. Dad was particularly gregarious with his greeting.

It was a rollercoaster year for me in 2019, and i’m looking forward to the ride that is 2020!

Good enough for Mee

One of my favorite things to order in SG is Prawn Mee.

They usually serve it 2 ways: soupy and dry. The Hawker Center in Golden Mile serves one of the best Prawn Mees, and I hie off to that place each time i’m there.

During my last visit to SM Megamall, I saw this fairly new SG food place called “Nanyang,” and they served Prawn Mee! Needless to say, I had to try it.

It’s a pretty good bowl of Prawn Mee. Not as great as the original one, but until I go to visit SG, this bowl of Mee will definitely tie me over.

On the Gogh

Since there aren't good movies in the cinema, Mark and I decided to do channel our artistic talents somewhere else.

To Sip and Gogh, in particular.

We hied off to their Kapitolyo branch and decided to become painterly that afternoon. At Sip and Gogh, you can choose which painting you wish to copy, and we both decided to do "Starry, Starry Night," an iconic Vincent Van Gogh painting.

It was a fun, relaxing and therapeutic process. Mixing the colors, sipping drinks, letting the brush fly on the canvas, eating canapes - these disparate activities all came together seamlessly.

And by the end of the 2+ hour session, Mark and I had our masterpieces!

We're definitely doing this again!

OMG!

Onigiri! My Goodness!

Yes, we finally have the legit, 3-step Onigiri in Manila! It’s available at the biggest Family Mart branch in Makati, and they have it in 8 variants!

Take my money, please!

P.S. I ate 4 of these in 1 day!

FMM: How they've grown

One of the things we noticed this Christmas is that our nephews and nieces are all grown-up! Whereas a few years ago, they were little kids who would shriek at every toy they opened on Christmas eve, they're now young adults who are responsible and blazing their own trails in the world.

And since they're all grown-up, I'm sure their view of Christmas has changed, too. Maybe, like me, they now think less of gifts and more of memories, just like this classic Christmas song for grown-ups.



It may seem "motherhood statement-y", but at this juncture of my life, these are the things that I really do want for Christmas.

And in the immortal words of Gracie Lou Freebush in "Miss Congeniality":

"I really do want World Peace."

Twin Treats!

Look who’s back in the market?

It’s my favorite childhood ice cream treat - Twin Popsies!

We used to have this a lot as kids, mainly because Dad worked for San Miguel. We’d get these by the box, and enjoy it by pairs. We’d split the treat into two, and a sibling and I would get one each. Sometimes, if you split it the wrong way, one person would get a “P” shaped, one and a half part, while the other person would just get half of half.

Thankfully, that didn’t happen often.

Now that Twin Popsies is back, we can relive those moments again! And yes, it also comes in orange flavor - my personal favorite.

This is going to give “twinning” a totally new meaning.

Christmas Cuteness

Let me celebrate the joy of Christmas Day with the joy of seeing my adorable grandnephew Noah in full Christmas attire.

Seeing this is one of the best gifts this Christmas.

Fam-ished

This Christmas eve, both my heart and tummy are full.

Family is here. Food is here. Let the celebrations begin!

Are you feeling Lucky?

I'm glad that some things never change. Like the goodness of the empanaditas at Lucky 21 in Kamuning.

It's the taste of childhood. And I'm reliving it now.

Aristocracy

One of my favorite CX stories is the one about the foodie habits of its flight attendants.

Once the last flight from HKG to MNL lands, the flight attendants are brought to Sofitel where they rest until the first flight the next day. And en route to Sofitel from NAIA, they pass through Roxas Boulevard.

According to Tanya, before they go to Sofitel, the FAs - particularly the HK Chinese - insist that they drop by Aristocrat Restaurant to buy chicken barbecue.

For them, it's one of the best tasting dishes. So much so that they have to make a brief stop, everytime.

I don't blame them, though. It's really good stuff.

I should know. I had it again recently! Yum!

Hey, Sister, go, Sister!

From across the miles, Happy Birthday to my sister who's the epitome of mommy-hood.

Happy Birthday Ate Lissa! Let's celebrate together next year!

FMM: Give me a line

Abe, Reygo and I were talking about 80s music, which was appropriate since it was a Friday Magic Madness day.

We talked about whether we were Team Duran Duran or Team Spandau Ballet - a common question asked preppy teens back then. And I was both. Actually, I liked the melodies of Duran Duran, but preferred the lyrics of Spandau Ballet songs.

I've written about Spandau Ballet a few times before, and how lyrical the lyrics of "Round and Round" is. Until now, it's still one of my favorite Spandau Ballet songs.

But coming in at a close second is this upbeat ditty, "Lifeline."



Now this is a line I wouldn't mind hearing over and over again.

Fun with the office family

It’s true. I don’t “work” in an “office.”

I have fun in a “second home’ where I’m in the company of my “second family” almost every day.

I’m lucky to spend everyday with fun and wacky people like these!

Taco the town

So, this is how Taco Bell’s tacos look like in photos:

And here it is in real life.

I’m in advertising. I should expect this.

Cool canine

Everyday in Emerald Avenue, I run across an adorable dog who gets walked around twice a day. I assume he’s from one of the condos and needs to stretch his big, hefty legs around the neighborhood.

Because he’s big and fuzzy, his favorite hang-out is the air vent at Prestige Tower. Oftentimes, he stops and sits there for a few minutes.

I can imagine how comfy this must feel for him.

Isn’t that cool?

Mos in Manila

Yet again, another favorite Japanese chain is opening in Manila.

Mark and I often go to Mos Burger for their sandwiches. I’d often order the Shrimp Burger and he’d order their specialty.

The last time I had this was in HKG.

And now it’s here!

Finally, another restaurant to add to our repertoire.

Sharp shark

While buying seeds at Quezon Circle, I discovered a new type of dumpling!

I wonder what pins on a shark look like.

Proofreader, please.

Nothing Wong with Reeves

Speaking of Keanu Reeves...

Have you seen him in the Ali Wong Netflix flick "Always be my Maybe"?

He was hilarious!

And needless to say, Ali Wong was hilarious, too.

And Randall Park.

And Vivian Bang (the girl who played Jenny.)

Heck, I can watch this movie again and again and again. (Confession: I already did.)

FMM: Amidst the rush

Since everyone's rushing to complete their Christmas shopping today - it's a Payday/Weekend after all - let me play an appropriate Friday Magic Madness song for the season.

This is a classic 90s ditty from the queen of dance herself, Paula Abdul!



One of the things that made this video an even bigger classic is that it featured a relatively-new and very young Keanu Reeves. I'm sure you've spotted him already.

Enough typing. Time to rush, rush!

Shop talk

I'm sure that everyone and their Mothers are currently on-line and shopping to their heart's content. This is a red-letter day for shopping, of course.

Behold:

I still can't get over the fact that someone spent P1.2 million during the 11.11 sale.

Let's see if that record will be broken this month.

Daddy-Yo!

Yo Dad!

Hope our greeting sends warmth amidst the cold winter of Utah!

Wishing you more happiness, health and blessings, Dad!

Tease Ortiz

There's another H&M collaboration in town, hot off the heels of Giambattista Valli!

Now, it's Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz!

Known for her South American flair and love for prints, her dresses are vibrant, and full of joie-de-vivre!

There's a limited preview sale of some of her pieces this month, while the entire collection drops in March 2020.

While waiting for that, let me get my hands on the dress that caught my eye immediately.

Can't wait to see the other pieces in her collection!

Love Shack

The second branch of Shake Shack has opened in Megamall!

We were interested to try it last Friday, but the lines were just too crazy long.

Good thing I've already tried it in Tokyo.

We'll wait until the hype dies down.

All Hail!

It's one of my favorite religious holidays and Holy days of obligation. The Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Probably because I was formed in a Marian school, but I have this strong affinity and interest in Mama Mary. Her story, her triumph, and her guidance.

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception!

Succ-Seed

When we were kids, one of the landmarks in QC was Manila Seedling Bank Foundation.

You could find it at the corner of Quezon Avenue and EDSA, and it was the place to find plants, fruit-bearing trees, and other things you needed to help your green thumb flourish.

For the longest time, I thought it was still there. But to my surprise, they're not! Apparently, they had to move out due to the Ayala development next door.

Though the plants and trees are gone, it turns out their office is still around. They just transferred across the street, though they don't sell seeds and plants any longer. (Boo!)

Now I have to find my seeds somewhere else.

FMM: Super!

Since I'm still on a Disney high, this week's Friday Magic Madness song will be Disney-themed, too.

It's the song from the most loved "Mary Poppins," and most of the people from my generation know this song:



It's been a while since I last heard this song. And now, it's stuck in my head. Again.

Moshi Moshi Mitsukoshi!

The news has finally been confirmed.

Mitsukoshi - one of my favorite department stores in Japan - is landing on Philippine shores!

They're opening their first branch in BGC. And if they'll carry the same merchandise as they do in Japan, this is going to be SO good!

Sugoi ne!

Yes, I'm that guy...

The Bowler Hat Guy, to be exact.

As a person who's notorious for being a "goody two-shoes," it was fun playing the villain for a night.

Play bowl!

Who would've thought that a bowler hat would be difficult to find here in the metro.

Thankfully, I'm very persistent and patient in going through every obscure shop in the vicinity to find it.

And I did!

Just in time for tomorrow. Whew!

Mom’s the word, yet again!

This picture says it all.

Happy Birthday Mom! You truly are a blessing to us all.

Last one

Just like that, we’re down to our last month of the year.

It’s December!

There are so many things to look forward to this month.

I just can’t wait!

His own accord(uroy)

Although he specializes in clothing for cold weather, the J.W. Anderson x Uniqlo collaboration showed that he can take his strength and retool it to a more tropical climate. He took heavier materials like wool and corduroy, and made tropic-friendly clothes like short skirts.

My favorite of the lot are his corduroy wrap skirts. They’re super chic.

In his lookbook, he paired it with flannel shirts. But I thought that it would be better paired with something lighter. Like a crisp and chic cotton shirt.

This fabric and color combination works. It gives the entire ensemble a more casual and carefree vibe.

Ate Bullet is sure to rock this look.

FMM: Go!

The past week was just as I expected it to be.

Busy and eventful.

Busy with meetings. And events are happening left and right. It's almost December, after all.

And now that I'm well and fully-energized, my attitude towards the whole thing is best summed up by today's Friday Magic Madness song from Wang Chung.



Let's go, Life! Let's live it to the fullest!

Faster than a speeding...

Ate Bullet is celebrating her birthday today!

Let me make this greeting fast.

Happy Birthday to my cool, fashionable and uber caring sister! I'm so blessed to have you in my life, especially during this year after all I've been through. Not only have you been a great sister, you've been a source of strength, encouragement and blessings.

Happy Birthday, Ate! May you receive all the best that life has to offer.

Bed of flowers

When Mom and I saw this bedsheet in SM Cubao, we both fell in love with the vibrant, tropical flower print.

Unfortunately, they didn't have a 4-piece Queen Size set there, so we didn't buy the 4-piece Twin Size set. (It was all-or-nothing! Harhar!)

Hopefully, they'll have this in SM Megamall. In both sizes.

A-Ten-Tion!

Remember that favorite Donburi place that Mark and I have in Tokyo?

They're now in MNL!

Now,  there's an additional restaurant to our usual repertoire.

Express Yourself!

Here's actual proof that Panda Express is really opening in MNL!

It's going to be at the 1st floor of SM Megamall!

That photo of Orange Chicken just whet my appetite even more.

Hurry up and open in MNL! Please

What's in a name? Part Dua

Yes, JKT is like a gift that keeps on giving.

If you like funny product names as "gifts. "

Here's another sighting from a local supermarket.

And yes, they still can't import this in the Philippines.

What's in a name?

When we were in JKT, a particular brand of snacks - potato chips to be exact - caught my eye.

Nay, it grabbed me eye and made sure I paid attention.

I actually get the idea behind the name. It's something I teach in SSC, that you can sometimes create a "Compound Name" out of 2 or more important qualities of the product. This is a "Japanese" "Potato Chip," and I'm assuming that's how they got to the name.

Valid. But I don't think they can sell this in the Philippines.

FMM: Back to Workin'

My family and friends will attest to this - I'm a workaholic.

Ever since I got my first job as a junior copywriter at 19 years old, I've worked non-stop. And enjoyed every minute of it.

That's why it was such a weird feeling when I found myself in a situation where I was confined to a bed at home with no activity except for recuperation. (A very important activity, I must say.)

Thankfully, that chapter is over and I've been given the greenlight to go back to regular programming this week. So, in celebration of my first week of regular work, let's bring in Dolly Parton!



Yes, I'm Workin' 9 to 5. And lovin' it!

Star-filled dreams

I've dreamt of Carl's Jr. twice this month already!

Unfortunately, I can't travel out of the country yet. So, Carl's Jr. will have to wait.

Gosh! I miss the times when they had Carl's Jr. in Pasay Road. Someone bring back Carl's Jr. to the Philippines. Please!

In our nature

Having handled shampoo brands for majority of my work life, I'm well aware of the different products in the market. This knowledge made me very finicky about shampoos, and I've gone through different brands through the years.

When we were kids, one of the most popular brands was called "Gee, Your Hair Smells Terrific." Quite a mouthful, but if you took a whiff of their red variant, you know they speak the truth.

Then, there was this trendy brand called "Shake Double." It was an interesting premise: the Shampoo and Conditioner parts are split equally and separate in one bottle, and you'd have to shake it in order to get the full effect.

Because I handled Palmolive Shampoo for the longest time, I also used the brand and its many variants.

Then, after discovering the clear and light variant of Pantene, that became my go-to.

Until Human Nature's Peppermint Shampoo came along.

This product is a joy to use. It's light, natural, and leaves a cool feeling on your scalp after using it. That's why it's now my daily shampoo, and I couldn't be happier.

Sorry, Palmolive.

In the cycle of things...

One thing that yesterday made me realize is that working in advertising is like riding a bike.

Even if you haven't done it in a while, you'll always know how to do it. And you'll always love doing it.

Now I miss my BMX bike.

Back in the saddle again!

Today is my first day back at work!

I've never been as excited and psyched for a long time!

Let's do this!

(You know I'm excited when all sentences end with an exclamation point. Harhar.)

Was there a Giam?

Since I was relegated to the house the past few weeks, I missed the launch of the Giambattista Valli x H&M collaboration this November. So now, I don't know if it was met by the usual mad rush of shoppers, or if they flew off the shelves in record time.

I'll find out for myself when I finally go to an H&M store next week.

I'm not expecting much. But if I see this dress is still there, I just might get it.

Let's see.

Like a Hawk!

Saturday was a red-letter day for us when we were kids. It was the day when RPN-9 would play cartoons and kiddie shows non-stop, from 8:00am to noontime.

This was Saturday Fun Machine.

One of our favorite shows back then was "Superfriends." It was the 30-minute show that featured Superman, Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and some lesser known heroes like Apache Chief. They went up against the Legion of Doom which had villains that were pitted directly against a hero.

Superman vs. Bizarro. Green Lantern vs. Sinestro. Apache Chief vs. Giganta. That kind of shizz.

And while my brothers and cousins wanted to be Superman and Batman, I was the only one who wanted to be Hawkman.

I thought Hawkman was super cool. Aside from the fact that he had real wings, I found his stern demeanor and dry humor very interesting.

While he's still very much around in the DC Universe, I think they should build him up some more. This guy deserves to soar even higher.

FMM: In the Mex

Okay, fine.

Since we've been talking about Tacos, Nachos and Mexican food the past few days, let's stick with the theme this Friday Magic Madness.

Time for a little James Taylor.



It's really a Mex-xed up world.

Come to Kamico

And the Taco the town continues.

When we were kids, we'd go to Unimart every weekend. Lolo would give us P20 each, and we were allowed to spend it any way we wanted.

My brothers would immediately go to Funhouse, while my sisters would go to Gift Gate to buy Sanrio. Me? You'd either find me at Nova Fontana, or eating Nachos at Kamicos.

Kamico was this small stall on the 3rd floor of Shoppesville, and they served awesome Nachos and Tacos. For their price point, their Mexican food tasted pretty legit, that's why I loved it.

And that's also why after more than 2 decades, they're still pretty much around today.

Mexxed-up world

While dreaming of authentic Mexican Tacos last night, I just realized that there's one place in Manila that I frequent whenever I crave for Mexican food.

Technically, they're not really Mexican. The name itself is a compound of Mexico and California, so their cuisine is more of the Baja California type of Mexican food. But admittedly, their enchiladas are good. So are their burritos.

Gosh, writing this is making me crave for Mexican goodies even more.

I should really stop.