Cutie Collab

If the Target x Vineyard Vines collaboration is as cute as its TVC, I'm on board!



Time to start hunting for the look book.

In trouble

When the Commission on Higher Education sends a memo and it misspells an important word, you can't help but think: "Uh-oh!"

Proofreader, please!

FMM: Old and Gold

For some strange reason, there's an old song (literally) from Barry Manilow that reminds me of Biboy.

The title? "The Old Songs." And I'm sure you've encountered this song at some point in your life.



Good thing today is a day of old songs.

Ma Belle!

When Michelle Lesniak won her season, I was thrilled! Her personality, craftsmanship and aesthetic really made her a stand-out in that first and only "Team Season" in Season 11.

Then, she returned for Project Runway All Stars 4, where she finished 4th.

And when she came back for Project Runway All Stars 7, she was one of my favorites. In fact, I had 3 women who I was rooting for: Michelle, Irina Shabayeva and Christina Exie.

Both Irina and Michelle made it to the top 4, but after the finale runway, it was Dmitry and Michelle who were standing as the last 2.

At first, I was a bit nervous because both Dmitry and Michelle were in Project Runway All Stars Season 4, and Dmitry won over Michelle. So, in my mind, the scenarios were playing: will it be a repeat, or will fate favor Michelle this time.

And the fates delivered!

Michelle Lesniak is the World Champion of Project Runway!

Congratulations, Michelle! Well deserved!

Yo!

Looks like Yobob is turning out to be a go-to eating place in Cebu.

In my last 4 visits to Cebu, we ate here three times!

It's going to be one of our consistent food places. Which is great because they're food is consistently good, too.

Baby love

Nothing brightens my day than seeing photos of my Grand nephew, Noah. Just like this one:

Good thing Ate Lissa posts lots of photos of this adorable little baby!

Can't wait to see you again, Noah!

Fashion Fours

All of a sudden, I'm hooked on the final season of Project Runway: All Stars.

I've been binge-watching the final season's episodes in the run-in to the finale. And on the last episode - the one when they were supposed to whittle down to the top 3 - the unthinkable happened.

They have a top 4!

Actually, I was worried when the bottom 2 was composed of Michelle and Dmitry, both very talented designers from the US version, so, it was good news when they both qualified.

So now, the Fashion World Championship is a toss-up among Bidell, Dmitry, Irina and Michelle.

I have my favorites!

Club wed part 2!

The last time Mark and I set foot on San Sebastian Cathedral in Lipa was during Rona's wedding.

Yesterday, we were back! This time for Jocie's big day!

Best wishes to the lovely couple!

Mint to be

Discovered this on my way home yesterday, and it was definitely THE discovery of the week.

Yes! Mint M&Ms! In a bar!

Enough said.

FMM: Under Atak

On the cab ride to St. Luke's, the driver and I had a very spirited conversation about cassette tapes and old music.

Apparently, he had a large stash of cassette tapes as a young man, and he said that he would listen to them on his walkman. The conversation quickly turned to one about our favorite artists on tape, and I told him that mine was Seawind.

He concurred and said that he liked Seawind, too. Then he mentioned another artist from the 80s. A familiar name that I haven't heard in a while.

Shakatak!

Yup, Dad had a Shakatak tape, too. It was a great Jazz band from the 80s, and they had a lot of great hits under their belt.

And I'm playing one of the most popular ones for today's Friday Magic Madness.



After hearing this, the afternoon is definitely not lonely anymore.

Dior-ama!

In between reading books for school, I try to squeeze in some leisurely, social reading. And this week's book is a retrospective on the work of Christian Dior.

He was truly ahead of his time, and truly inspiring. In face, I'm inspired to do some sketching now.

Big Brands

Attended a very interesting talk on Branding and Big Data last Monday. And it reaffirms something that I've always believed it. First, branding is the best thing to invest in by companies:

And second, no amount of data can replace the creativity of ideas.

But it's good to be reminded of it every so often.

(Pizza) Express Yourself!

Since I've seen the board up, then I'm already a believer!

Pizza Express is indeed opening in Megamall!

This is one of my favorite restaurants when I was living in HKG. And it's great to have a taste of my 2nd home here at home.

All about the Basse

While waiting for the next episode of Project Runway All-Stars Season 7 to appear on-line, I've been binge-watching previous seasons of both the main show and All-Stars.

One of my discoveries from the recent seasons was Laurence Bass from Season 15.

She has a very clear aesthetic and point of view, which is no surprise since she made it to Fashion Week. But aside from her fashion, I'm also drawn to her accent. Just like Anya and Olivier from previous seasons, she has this way of speaking that is so easy on the ears.



With her talent, I'm sure she's going far in the fashion world, post-Project Runway.

Rise, Phoenix, Rise!

Superhero films are in abundance this year!

Captain Marvel is showing. Shazam is debuting in April. So is Avengers: Endgame. Then, in June, we have this:



As a fan of Jean Grey and Phoenix, I'm psyched!

LFLTAT: Cool for the Summer

No, it's not the Demi Lovato song. But admittedly, that song is something I listen to almost everyday!

This is about the summer heat that's upon us. And how this type of weather calls for a cool, breezy and chic outfit. That you can get for less than a thousand, of course.

Just like this ensemble from Surplus Shop. And H&M.

First, a white, button down oxford polo. The fabric breathes and the color is light and airy. Perfect for a summer stroll.

Second, a pair of slim slacks from H&M. The print gives out this tropical, botanical vibe. And because the base of the print is white, it blends well with the oxford shirt. Did I say these pants are on sale?

Together, we have a nice, summer on the French Riviera outfit, chic, easy, beautiful.

And less than a thousand bucks total!

FMM: City slickers

Back,in the 80s, when I was still a kid, I had this favorite song from a group called Trio Rio. If you're a kid of the 80s - and if you love Friday Magic Madness - chances are, you know this song:



The reason why I loved this song, aside from the infectious and danceable beat, is that it was about some of the slickest, hippest and most traveled to cities in the world. And as a kid, it was always my dream to go to all 3: New York, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.

Listening to this song again, I realized that I've already been to 2 of these cities.

Rio de Janeiro, you're next.

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

Was looking through the photos on my iPad and found this shot from the SG trip that my niece and I took last February.

We were in Tiong Bahru, and we had our usual fill of Chwee Kueh and iced desserts. After that, we walked around the neighborhood, and Kai said that if she were to live in SG, she would choose Tiong Bahru as her neighborhood.

And I told her, I felt the same way, too, and I've felt that way since I first went there years and years and years ago.

Great minds do think alike.

Royal rumble, well, almost

So, I saw this Alexander McQueen book from afar. It was just one, last copy on the shelf.

From the corner of my eye, I saw a well-dressed lady also looking at the same book.

As I took a few steps forward towards the shelf, I noticed her doing the same thing, but faster. It was clear at that point, she was going for the book.

Thank goodness I have larger strides. Because I wanted that book, too.

In the end...

And guess what? The book was on sale! Less than P500!

A McQueen book for less than P500! That's a royal deal!

The fabulous Baker boy

When H&M put out their "Sale" sign, I immediately barged in looking for something very particular.

I've had my eye on some pieces from the G P & J Baker collaboration. He has this wonderful print - it was florals and avians, set against a black background.

The one I wanted was a pant and blouse combination. I've seen it a few months ago, and told myself back then: "if this goes on sale, I'm snapping it up."

And guess what, it was on sale.

And we know how this story ended.

I see the (Carme)lite!

Whenever I travel out of town, one of the things I ask the Front Desk if the hotel is: "Where's the nearest Catholic Church?"

On our recent Davao trip, I was lucky to have been booked in a hotel with a church just 5 minutes away. And not only is it a church, it's a Carmelite Shrine and Monastery.

Passing this place makes me smile.

Every. Single. Time.

Getting Bread-y

And that's a wrap for the Gardenia CDO plant opening event!

That was a lot of fun.

Chans encounter

So this happened. By chance.

Folks have been talking about Hawker Chan, and how this 1-Michelin Star restaurant Hawker stall from SG has finally arrived in Manila.

There seems to be an influx of roasts in the city. There's Taikoo Roast, Kam's Roast, then, this one.

I'll take MX and Cafe de Coral anytime!

FMM: Women first!

Today is International Women's Day, and it's also Friday Magic Madness day. So, it's time to bring out this classic 1975 ditty from Gloria Gaynor!



You tell 'em, Gloria!

Happy Women's Day!

A portrait of a General and a Gentleman

This is one of my favorite photos of Lolo Iking.

I still remember that we had a framed photo of this at home. I'm not sure what the context of the photo was, but Lolo looks so pensive and intense in this shot.

Today is your 109th birthday, Lolo. Happy Birthday in heaven!

Marvel at the day!

Marvel CU geeks rejoice!

Today is the first day of Captain Marvel!

I'm out of town for work, though. I'll have to marvel at this film later.

The Luke of Sadness

And a 90s icon goes to that big Hollywood studio in the sky.

Luke Perry was a fixture in the 90s. Starring in hit TV shows like 90210, and films like the original "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Most recently, people know him as Archie's dad in "Riverdale."

Now, Beverly Hills 90210 will never be the same.

Fine Vines

A few months ago, when we were in the US, I saw this store in Avalon called "Vineyard Vines."

It was a brand that was new to my ears and eyes. And judging from what they displayed on their windows, the brand aesthetic was very preppy.

Then, my sister-in-law Liz, gave me the 411 on the brand.

Apparently, it's a high end brand that's plugging in the void at Abercrombie and Fitch left. A&F, which used to be the bastion of preppy, upscale fast fashion, was losing its ground. Americans started to see A&F as pedestrian, and were leaving the brand en masse.

In came Vineyard Vines, which provided the same preppy, upscale aesthetic and image. Liz said it was pricey, but it was super popular among Americans. Browsed through the store, and it was okay. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was definitely preppy. Think Ralph Lauren during its early days.

So, why did I remember the brand all of a sudden? I've heard through the grapevine that they have an interesting collaboration coming up soon.

And due to the dearth of collaboration news, this is a fine development.

Color story: Red, white and blues

Dark blue denim is so easy to dress up. That's why it's such a popular fashion staple. Plus, it's so easy to combine with other colors since it's super versatile. Just like this color combination I've put together.

Blue is this dark blue denim from Stradivarius. A cool detail on this jean is the fact that the buttons are asymmetrical. This gives it some oomph.

White is this immaculately pretty lace blouse which was bought at Bugis Market in SG. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I knew it was a must have.

Red is the pair of red pumps from Bershka. I've written about this pair from the Luxe LFTAT.

Together, the outfit is colorful, but very classic.

Time for Ate to put this color into her wardrobe.

G, that was easy

This is one of the fastest, and easiest commercials to shoot.

It was a wonderful product with wonderful clients, a very nice and very talented celebrity, and the result is a easy, breezy, pretty commercial.



Here's to more commercials like this in 2019!

FMM: Houston, we have a problem...

And that problem is Houston. Whitney Houston.

It's been 7 years since she's passed. Yes, she lives through her music, which is still very much played, heard and performed. But as much as these performers give justice to her songs - Hello, Glennis Grace - still nothing compares to the original.

Now that we're getting all emotional about Whitney, I think it's time to get "So Emotional" this Friday Magic Madness day.



Yes, Whitney, we still get so emotional when we think of you.