FMM: Blessed Spell

I'm still on a grade school and high school choir mood, so today's Friday Magic Madness song is another throwback to when I was still a kid, performing in the school choir of my 2 schools - Claret and Lourdes School.

It was in the choir that I first heard of the song "Bless the Lord" from the musical "Godspell." Since the song was unfamiliar to me, it was a challenge to learn - considering we only had days in between the learning of the song and the performing of it.

But after listening to our choir master sing it several times, and after reading the lyrics thoroughly and taking to heart the beautiful message it was conveying, I immediately got the hang of the song and enjoyed singing it to Him.

In the play, this song came with the line: "Tomorrow will take care of itself." It's a very hopeful message that's steeped in faith, and it's a message that we really need to take to heart these days.

No more noodles

After reading that article about the closing of Swindon Book Co. Ltd., another store closing popped in my head. Actually, I read that article - and saw the accompanying video feature - last April, but I just remembered it a few months after.

The noodle shop in the story was Hop Hing Noodle Ka - a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Kwun Tong that serves top notch noodles.

I discovered that store while I was looking for the infamous outlet buildings in Kwun Tong. After a day of searching and walking, I found myself in this nondescript noodle house with a few people queueing outside. Curious about what they were in line for, I joined the line and was later treated to a hearty and yummy bowl of noodles.

But unlike my other noodle haunts in HKG like the Prawn Noodle Shop in Landale, I wasn't able to go to this store as often as I wanted to, or should. It was mainly because of the distance, and the fact that there was really nothing to do in Kwun Tong that made it worth hieing off to that far part of the island. (Yup, not even MegaBox could make me go there.)

Unfortunately, that last visit to Hop Hing Noodle Ka more than a decade ago turns out to be the last time I get to enjoy their noodles. Like Swindon, when I return to HKG, the noodle shop will be no more.

The only encouraging part about this featurette was when the owner said that they hope to find another place soon and reopen their famous noodle shop. 

I'm hoping it happens soon, and I'll make sure to go there wherever it will show up next.

Closing a Chapter

When I used to live in TST, one of my usual haunts in Swindon Book Company in Lock Road.

This is one of the oldest book stores in HKG, and -personally - it has one of the best selections of books and magazines. Even better than Page One.

Aside from the selection, they're also priced better compared to the other bookstore chains. I'd often buy my InStyle Magazines there when I can't find it in HMV.

Unlike the big bookstore chains, this bookstore feels more bespoke and cozy. It's one of the places where you can get a book, find a quiet nook, then browse as much as you can. Being there feels like being in a familiar neighbourhood, and hanging out with neighbours.

Like a lot of small businesses in HKG, this pandemic has affected Swindon Book Co. Ltd. And that was confirmed when I saw this piece of news.

It's sad, but the next time I find myself in HKG, Swindon Book Co. Ltd. won't be there to welcome me anymore.

And another chapter in my book of HKG haunts come to a close.

She's got game

The Mahjong scene in "Crazy Rich Asians" is one of the parts that's worth watching over and over again.



First reason, I'm a huge fan of the game mahjong. From the first time I learned it from my Mom and Grandmother, until the Morales cousins started playing it in Bicol, until the Mahjong games we'd play with Mark and the IUJ gang in Japan. Each game is a study in skill and patience.

Then, the acting of Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh in this scene was also top-notch. There's so much restraint, strength and heart - both in what they said and how they acted. And when Rachel let Eleanor win - both with Nick and in the game - that was the cherry on top.

Gosh! It's been years since I've last played mahjong! It's something Mark and I should do once this quarantine biz is finally finished.

Memorare Mondays

It's always good to start the week with a prayer, and as a Lourdesian and a firm believer of Mama Mary, this prayer is a great way to start it:

Mama Mary, pray for us.

In(Style)terrupted

An epiphany came to me after looking at the August 2020 cover of InStyle US featuring Drew Barrymore.

I have not seen nor bought an issue of InStyle since October 2019!

It's a combination of non-availability, the lockdown, and the fact that my brother wasn't able to come home to MNL this June. (He was supposed to bring my stash for the first 6 months!)

This is the longest time that my reading of InStyle was interrupted.

And I can't wait to resume reading this magazine soon!

Comedy is King!

This is so nice of Google.

They paid tribute to the birthday of the country's King of Comedy by putting him on today's masthead!

Yup, Dolphy deserves no less.

FMM: For He is worthy to be praised

This is one of my favourite church songs to sing. We used to perform this a lot when I was in the school choir both in Grade School and High School, and its message and meaning is something that has always and continues to fill my heart.



So, for this Friday, I want to say the lines most repeated in this hymn:

"I want to Praise You Lord, much more than I do."

Designing Trio

While the current global situation has almost silenced the fashion front, it's good to know that Target is keeping a sense of normalcy by continuing its designer collaboration line this summer.

And they don't have one, not two, but they have 3 designers who they're collaborating with for a collection of summer dresses.

There's Cushnie for something that's bright and bold, Love Shack Fancy for a more woodstock-y and bohemian feel, and Lisa Marie Fernandez for something that's more along the lines of summer romance.

Although this isn't the priority of people in the current situation, it helps to see these beautiful things as a reminder to see the beauty and joy in everything.

Shady Ladies

When "Golden Girls" was on air back in the 80s, I was supposed to be quite young to understand the "old lady" humour. But strangely, I did get it, and would often guffaw-out-loud at the jokes of Blanche, Dorothy, Rose and Sofia.

It's been almost 30 years since the series ended, but every time Golden Girls snippets appear on youtube, I'd still watch it and would still laugh at. Just like this wonderful collection of shade from the Fierce Four.



Hmmm... makes me wonder if the series is on Netflix. This is a show that's worth binge-watching!

Timely text

When Bonique sent me this screenshot of Tita Norma's post on Facebook, I told her that this was exactly what I needed and arrived at the right time.

This is what they mean when they say that true Frendz know what you need even before you tell them.

From one Capuchin to another

As a Lourdesian, I was educated by Capuchin Fathers. That's why I've always been drawn to Capuchin saints like St. Francis of Assisi - our School's patron Saint along with Our Lady of Lourdes.

Last year, Ate Bullet brought me closer to another Capuchin Saint, St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina. And his immortal words are words that I've learned to live by since getting closer to him last year.

With all the trials and uncertainties, his words ring loud and true.

Pray, Hope and Don't Worry!

Today's important discovery

Today, I met and learned about St. Expeditus.

Thank you for hearing my prayer. I am forever grateful to you and all the saints who heard our collective prayers today.

I'll keep my promise to you.

What's Zap?

Another day, another chocolate-y discovery:

Goya Zap!

What's Zap with the chocolate bar? Well, it's so good, after trying it, it's all going Zap from there!

Okay, I can Ztap now.

FMM: More Moore!

It was a hit show back in the 70s, and it had an equally hit theme song. Back then, it was everyone's favourite show, and even Oprah swore to this show and its lead actress.

That show was "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

Aside from the effervescence of its lead star, the show's theme song was also very happy and uppity. It was filled with hope and positivity, and filled the air with good vibes.



I think this is what we need these days.

Positivity.

Hope.

And the feeling that "we're gonna make it after all."

Office-ials!

After 4 months, we've finally seen the office again!

It was very, very short, but it was great to see our work space after so many months of being apart.

Here's hoping things will normalize and we'll be back soon.

Great additions!

The additions to the photo wall of my parents' Grandkids are finally here!

Now, the 2 Great Grandkids are accounted for.

So much love and cuteness in one wall!

Act of Chivalry

One of the snacks that has stood the test of time is one of my all-time faves.

Chivalry Pusit!

This brand has been around for ages! I think it's been around since I was in Grade School. It's something we would often buy in Greenhills, along with Cow Label and Twin Cow.

The taste combination of Chivalry is top notch. There's the first burst of sweetness, followed by savory then spice, then the unmistakable taste of the sea. Then, it goes back to sweet, which makes the taste go full circle.

And of course, the texture is another thing. It has the right combination of crunch and chewiness. It's the same taste and texture that made me crave for this as a kid, and until today!

I'm glad some things never change. Like Chivalry!

No(ah) argument there!

It's customary for Pinoys to teach foreigners Tagalog. And, more often than not, the first things they teach them are funny phrases.

Just like in the case of my grandnephew, Noah.

This is one of the Tagalog phrases that he can say:

Of course, he pronounces it as: "Puugeee ahkow."

Well, just one look at him and you have to agree. He's a "pogi" boy indeed!

Can't argue with that.

And incidentally, today is the birthday of his Dad, my eldest nephew - Jul!

Happy Birthday, Jul!

Hot Turkey

Presenting a discovery from today's TVC shoot.

Pringles has this limited edition flavour of Roasted Turkey!

I haven't tried it yet, but if it's really good, I'm going to be thanksgiving and buy a few more cans.

BBBB: Bonique's Belated Birthday Bash

It was a belated birthday get together for Bonique, but it didn't make it any less fun.

Especially since it was with D' Frendz!

Happy Birthday Bonique! We should have more get-togethers like this!

FMM: That's the way, Aretha!

Yup, I'm still having an Aretha Franklin moment.

This time, the song playing in my head is a hit song that she sang in 1985. An upbeat, dance ditty that's sure to make you stand up and rev up your dancing shoes. Until you go driving down the "Freeway of Love."



I'm digging everything about this - from the melody, lyrics, all the way to the MTV. It's a big Motown bonanza!

Definitely, there's no stopping Aretha from taking the wheel and driving away with our hearts with this song!

Turning Japan-eats

When Mark and I spoke last week, we were both waxing nostalgic about our hunt for eating places in Tokyo.

Usually, after church or after his classes, we would roam around Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza and Ueno, looking for new places to eat. And in the few times I went with him to his office in Omiya, he introduced me to this nice, hole-in-the-wall sushi and nigiri place that was simply top notch.

When all this is over, and when Japan starts to accept visitors from the Philippines again, Mark and I will definitely go back. And when we do, I've spotted two places which will definitely be on our agenda.

A sushi place:

And a "monster ramen" place.

Just watching these videos make me hope that we can fly to Japan next week!

Packed to a Tea

A post about this bottled milk tea in Paranaque keeps on popping up my feed.

I must say, this tea is beautifully packed! The bottle looks very high-end, and the flavours look very promising. Especially the Toffee Milk Tea and the Hojicha Milk Tea.

If this tea pops-up in my feed again, I just might end up ordering it soon!

Of Royco and Uncle Rolly

One of the fond memories I have of our house in Morato - a story often shared with friends - is the story of when my Uncle Rolly took care of us while our parents were away.

Uncle Rolly is Mom's older/youngest brother. Older because he was 2-years older than Mom, and youngest because he was the youngest among the 5 Regalado brothers. In the Regalado clan, he was the original creative genius. He was a poet, a writer, a songwriter, and a composer. A true renaissance man.

Here's the story. He called us for dinner, and one of the things he cooked was our favourite Royco Alphabet soup. For those who don't remember it anymore, Royco was one of the most popular brands of soup in the 70s and 80s, and they were famous for their "Chicken noodle soup" and "Alphabet soup."

To our surprise, when we reached the dinner table, Uncle Rolly spelled all our names on our plates, using the letters found in the alphabet soup. I could imagine the labour he had to go through to do that for all 5 of us. Searching for each letter, fishing it out, then arranging it on our dinner plate. Yes, it was a lot of work, but it was thoughtful. And that was the type of Uncle he was - he would take great lengths to delight us nephews and nieces.

And delighted we were. You can imagine the thrill when we saw our names neatly spelled out on our plates. That made dinner much more special that evening.

That Royco story was one of the happy stories we shared with Uncle Rolly. Aside from that, there was the story of the entire clan going home to Bicol to attend his wedding to Auntie Baby (and the Manila kids - us - were part of the entourage.) And the last time I visited him in California in 2003, which is also the last time I saw him in person.

Yesterday, Uncle Rolly was given his angel wings and joined my Lolo and Lola, and his 4 older brothers in heaven. We might not be able to see him physically, but we know that his thoughtfulness, his creativity, his gentle nature and his music will always be with us.

We'll miss you, Uncle Rolly. Please continue to watch over us with your usual kindess, joy and music while you're in heaven.

Take a Sit!

Maybe Zalora was in such a hurry to post something that it forgot to spellcheck.

I mean, “Sitewide” isn’t a difficult word to spell, right?

Proofreader, please!

Give this girl some R-E-S-P-E-C-T

While looking for "Respect" on youtube, this oldie but goodie video popped up.

It's a video that has been on-line for quite a number of years now. It's a little girl from North Carolina named Johanna, who was performing her dance recital, a tap dance number to the tune of Aretha's classic tune.



I've seen this before, and I'm glad I saw it again today.

This girl's dance number, her energy and her sass really deserves respect!

Call of Carl’s

Really. I don't know why I do this to myself.

Even though the prospect of traveling - much more outside the country - is still far-fetched, I still go on-line and check out my favourite haunts in SG! That includes websites for The Editor's Market, Iora, MDS, Toast Box, and of course, Carl's Jr!

It's been more than a year since I last had Carl's Jr! That's like an eternity!

No kidding. When the travel restrictions are over and we can roam around the world once again, SG will be one of my first stops. 

And Carl's Jr. along with it!

FMM: Franklin my dear...

This week, they finally dropped the official trailer of the new Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson.

The biopic was aptly titled after her biggest hit, which is today's Friday Magic Madness song.



With a voice and presence like Aretha's, from the start of her career in the 1960s until the end of her last song in 2018, she definitely earned, deserved and was accorded the very same thing her song preached.

Respect!

Some-Mosas!

Another craving satisfied!

Was finally able to buy Samosas from Assad Mini Mart. Aside from the usual Indian restaurants we frequent like New Bombay, Swagat and Naan, Assad is a great place to get Samosas.

Their crust has the right crisp and flakiness, the filling is packed and spicy, and their tamarind sauce is da bomb! I can actually drink that sauce on its own! (Don't worry, I haven't gone there yet.)

Samosas - check! Naan and Curry with Mark, you're next!

Whoa Taho!

After more than 4 months of not having this truly Pinoy concoction, I'm so glad that I was finally able to have it!

Yes, the Manong Taho in our compound is back! And he's now riding a bike with a roof, which is a lot more convenient for him.

Welcome back, Manong Taho! And welcome back, Taho!

Looking forward to having you more regularly this time.