More to Com-pleat

It must be the season of the pleated skirt.

Everywhere you go, there’s an incarnation of the garment - from plain to printed, from silk to chiffon, from Casual to dressy.

Found this skirt at For Me, and knew that I had to get it.

It’s a metallic pleated skirt that has that disco-gladiator vibe to it. When I saw it (and it was on sale), I just knew that I had to get it.

For the top, I chose a black, ribbed sleeveless top. It has to be neutral enough because the skirt is already teeming with character.

And that completes another pleated look for June.

I wonder what sartorial surprises July will bring,

Cool!

It's rare that I watch TV.

But I discovered a show that looks like it's going to make me watch TV more often.

"The Cool Kids" is a comedy series about 4 friends who live in a retirement home. And all the hilarity that comes with it.

Aside from the great script, I'm drawn to it because of David Alan Grier (of "In Living Color") and Leslie Jordan.

Growing old has never been this cool.

FMM: Another Dimension

There are certain songs that just take you to another world whenever you hear it.

This song from the 60s does exactly that. The happy beat, the harmony of voices, and the uplifting instrumentation takes me to a very optimistic and awesome dimension.

And it's providential that it's a song from the 5th Dimension.



Yes. Listening to this song makes my spirits go up, up and away.

Sneaky!

I went to Cebu last week, and this is what I ended up buying:

Sneakers!

I know it's Random, but the designs were so cute and they were so affordable.

Plus, I don’t see this in Manila, so it’s all good.

All heart!

Our team put our hearts into this project. And it shows!

I'm so excited for the final output!

Blessed!

Yup, it was hectic. And yes, it rained a lot. But I'm so glad I was able to take the parents, aunts and uncles around Cebu.

Especially to the Sto. Nino Basilica which is such a special place.

Family time is awesome!

Heart to Heart

Whenever I visit Cebu, I usually hear mass at the Cebu Capitol Church, or Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.

That was my plan last Saturday, so I hopped on a cab and told the driver "Sacred Heart."

As the trip went along, I noticed he was taking some unfamiliar roads, and was actually going farther than he should. So, I began to wonder what was happening.

After a few minutes, I found myself in the Shrine of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, also in Cebu!

It's such a beautiful, modern church with some Art Deco elements. It was both massive and cozy, and the presider had such an awesome homily.

So now, I have another church to frequent when I'm in Cebu.

Love is in the air. And on the bed.

This surprise greeted Mom and Dad when they went back to the hotel room today.

It was such a nice gesture. And the housekeeping boy even had a handwritten note to accompany the swans and heart made of towels.

Well played, Seda. Well played.

Boom!

And suddenly, my parents, aunts and uncle are all in Cebu for the weekend!

This is going to be fun.

FMM: Lasting impression

As it often happens, I'd be doing something really random, and suddenly, a song refrain pops in my head. It usually comes in a phrase or a sentence, and it's so distinct that I can hear it clearly.

Then, I'll spend the next hour trying to figure out what the song was. This sends me to google for the lyrics, or youtube for the melody.

Yesterday, that happened again. I knew it was a song from the 80s, and the lyrics were: "Open up your eyes, then you'll realize, be a lasting part of everlasting love."

It didn't take long to find out that it's a 1987 hit from an artist called Sandra. And, true to form, the title is: "Everlasting Love."



And that's how I came up with this week's Friday Magic Madness song.

One shoe, two ways

Here's an interesting twist to something I've been doing for a while.

Instead of a dress, skirt or blouse, I'm showing 2 ways how to wear a pair of sneakers. In particular, this pair of gray sneakers with pearls that I got from Zara.

Since it's sporty, I chose equally sporty pieces to pair it with.

First, this gray knit dress from SM Department Store.

The color echoes the hue of the sneakers, which makes it a monochromatic gem.

Second, this white dress with slits from Plains and Prints.

In this case, the color of the dress matches that of the pearls, which ties in the look together.

Now that's two sporty!

Beyond Be-leaf

You know you’re shooting in the province if the leaves are bigger than you.

Ah yes, the provincial life.

Scramble!

It took me 4 decades before I got my first taste of Ice Scramble. Or what they called back in grade school, “Iskrambol!”

We weren’t allowed to eat it as kids. That’s why we never had the urge to try it.

But during yesterday’s shoot, there was a vendor selling it outside our venue, so the production folks got us some.

And all I can say is: “I waited 4 decades for this? Meh!” Hahaha

Looking for CD-R King

Time was when CD-R King was everyone’s go-to place when they were looking for computer and electronic stuff.

They started more than a decade ago, selling - as the name clearly states - recordable CDs. They had it in all colors, designs and sizes, and it made buying CD a joy. CDs suddenly became collectibles, and I would find myself buying CDs even if I didn’t need them.

Soon after, they expanded to other gadgets. And they expanded some more.

Whenever I needed earphones - CD-R King. When Mark needed an external keypad - CD-R King. When I forgot my charger at home - CD-R King.  Whenever I needed a phone case - CD - R King.

This weekend, I needed to buy new headphones, so I went to CD - R King.

Lo and behold, all the branches I frequent were all closed! Gateway. Robinson’s Galleria. Glorietta. SM Megamall - all gone!

What happened to CD - R King? And where did they go?

This issue needs answers!

Two peas in a pod

To the man where I got my looks , temperament and a bit of humor...

Happy Father’s Day, Dad!

Athleisurely

The past few months, i’ve been seeing a lot of sporty outfits being worn for everyday, non-sport occasions.

Before, “Athleisure” was more for leisure items worn for athletic purposes. Now, it’s turned on it’s head and is more about sporty outfits worn for parties, work or just a casual day out.

Most noticeable would be the proliferation of sporty pants. Aside from the usual joggers, you also see  pants with an athletic stripe as part of its design. Almost all foreign and local fast fashion brands have it, and one of them caught my eye.

The pair is from the local brand “For Me,” and it’s a classic black pant with gray stripes on the side.

You can pair this with a classic black tee, and you’ve got the athleisure look down pat.

And that’s how you play with style.

FMM: Zoom

So, last Monday, we met on this commercial that we were supposed to shoot on the 3rd week of June.

On that same meeting, we found out that everything has to be fast tracked!

We had our feasibility on Thursday, our pre-prod today, and we're all set to shoot on Monday!

This calls for a Friday Magic Madness song that's apt for the situation. Like this awesome song from 1982 by Fat Larry's Band.



Since this production is going to go zoom, might as well enjoy it.

Two Cool

Admittedly, I'm one of the hundreds of millions of people who watched "Frozen."

Yes, I sat in a theater with a plethora of kids, screaming and shrieking and clapping. We were all in awe when Elsa transformed to the Ice Queen as she sang "Let it go." We all laughed with Olaf as he sang "In Summer." And yes, we were all teary eyed when we found out that it's the love of her sister that saved her.

And admittedly, I've watched Frozen more than once. Aside from the theater, I've also watched it on video, in planes, on TV, everywhere.

So, admittedly, I'm a fan of Frozen.

That's also the reason why I was so excited when they came out with the trailer for "Frozen 2."



I'm intrigued by this trailer. There seems to be more of an adventure on the horizon on this second offing.

Okay Elsa and Anna, do your magic!

Celebrating freedom!

Without fail, Google reminds us of today's Philippine Independence Day and how we should cherish the freedoms we are given.

Hope other people remember that, too.

Bath time!

It's that time of the year!

So now, I'm in front of the computer at 11pm, browsing pages upon pages of scents.

These are the times that I wish I was in the U.S.

Veggie Victorious

After many long and sleepless nights - and mornings - our commercial is finally out!

While i’ve probably heard this song thousands of times already, I must say, it’s still catchy and a joy to hear.

LFLTAT: Compleat look

Being a frequent Plains and Prints customer, i’ve managed to get insider information from the store managers and clerks at one time or another.

Among those insider information is this tidbit about the on-going Purple Sale. They’ve classified their stores, and the sale stock depends on the store classification.

For example, the “A” stores carry the 2018 collections at 30-50% off. Then, the “B” stores carry 2017 items at 60% off. Some “B” stores also have older stock which they sell for P350, P400 and P600.

After finding out that Plains and Prints in Ali Mall is a “B” store, I had to drop by and check if they had fab finds. And they did.

First, this color blocked pleated skirt. The color is so chic!

Second, this white top with an asymmetric fringe. I got it In white to echo the center of the skirt.

Together, This chic and complete look only cost P750!

Completely awesome!

I trash in you...

Whenever you need to throw away your trash issues, here’s where you do it:

Proofreader, please.

FMM: Clark can

Because we’re shooting in Clark, Pampanga.

Because Clark reminds me of Clark Kent.

Because Clark Kent reminds me of Superman.

Because Superman reminds me of this iconic song from the 80s.

Today’s Friday Magic Madness song is the 80s classic from Maureen McGovern.

You don’t need to read my mind to know this is one of my all-time favorite movie songs.

From a far away time in a far away land...

My friends and colleagues always remark that they’re amazed whenever I remember my students, their names, and my experience with them in class.

Maybe it’s a built-in mechanism among teachers. I mean, my high school teachers still remember me. And I graduated from high school almost 3 decades ago.

When I was in Incheon Airport, I was sitting across this young lady wearing a face mask. While I could only see her eyes, I immediately thought that her eyes looked familiar. And that she was a former student of mine. From almost 2 decades back.

While I had a hunch, i wasn’t completely confident about it. So, I decided to just let it pass.

Then, when we got to immigration, she had to remove her mask. That’s when I saw her, and that’s when I confirmed that she was indeed my former student.

Since you can’t talk while in the immigration line, I had to wait until outside the gate to talk to her. At first, I thought she’s be gone, but luckily she was there. So, I quickly approached her and said:

“You’re Sheiyl, right? I used to be your professor.”

And that’s how I met my student from a far away time, in a far away place.

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy being a teacher.

Kitchen Confidential

Melissa McCarthy was first known as an excellent comedienne. Her role in “Bridesmaids” was iconic!

Then, she tried crossing over to more serious parts. I’ve seen some of them, and they’re okay. But nothing groundbreaking.

And now she’s back! With this new action-thriller, “The Kitchen.”



What makes this tres interesting is that there are actually 3 comediennes dabbling into serious roles. Aside from Melissa, there’s Elisabeth Moss and Tiffany Haddish.

Yes, Tiffany Haddish in a serious role.

This I gotta see.

My heart Skippy’s a beat

Another one of my favorite finds in Seoul. Skippy cookies!

And this is just KRW1,000 per box.

I should have gotten more.

Valli of the dolls

Looking through the Giambattista Valli x H&M collection, it looks like he was inspired by his most recent collections.

A lot of the dresses were made of voluminous tulle, similar to the iconic dress he made for Rihanna. The color palette is pastel, with pinks and peaches taking center stage.

Among the lot, I’m drawn to this dress.

What I’m not drawn to is the price. I’m computing their US dollar prices up pesos, and the gown will ring up to more than P30,000!

That Valli is steep!

The Color Purple

Among local fast fashion brands, there’s only one sale that I really anticipate.

Plains and Prints!

And they’ve started already!

Color me excited!

Color Story: Teal I met you

One movie quote that both Mark and I have a tendency to repeat is that classic line from J. lo’s “The Wedding Planner.” It’s about a color that has gained notoriety after the film:

“Teal. The color of gangrene.’

Not that teal is a bad color. It can actually be very classy and chic, when done right.

Just like this ensemble that has teal as its base color. It comes in the form of a silk skirt with an asymmetric hem, courtesy of G.U.

For a combination that’s complementary yet still contrasting, i’ve paired it with a green gray top from Surplus Shop.

Together, it’s a great way to wear Teal for a daytime shindig, without any signs of gangrene.

Teal the next!