Friday Feels on a Monday

Today is a holiday, but since we're all working from home, it definitely doesn't feel like it.

Whilst this should be a quiet and relaxing day, today is the opposite. Which is why we're playing a song that's FMM worthy on a Monday.

Yup, it's just another Manic Monday.

Testing... Testing...

It's always a thrill whenever you catch a website in the middle of testing or loading data, photos, and other posts. 

Just like when I visited the Zalora website and caught that moment when they're testing and trying to upload new products:

And yes, you know you visit Zalora too much when you catch moments like this.

The difference a letter makes

Just like "Letter Man" from one of my must-watch childhood shows "The Electric Company," sometimes just one letter makes all the difference in a word.

Behold:

I know this is supposed to be "Tempered Glass," but because of a simple switch of "e" to "a", it became "Tampered Glass."

Proofreader, please.

FMM: By George, Clooney

Nope, we’re not going to be that obvious. This Friday Magic Madness post isn’t about George Clooney.

It’s about another Clooney - one who’s lesser known, but just as cool. Literally.

Rosemary Clooney sang one of my favorite songs from way, way, way back. A chill and laid-back song entitled “In the Cool of the Evening.”

Actually, this song already had a lot of iterations, from its original Dean Martin version from the 50s. And as much as I like his version, Rosemary’s version is equally great.

It’s a cool Friday indeed.

Making his Mark

Even if today was a busy day at the shoot, I made it a point to tune in to Mark's webinar.

My heart was welling with pride while watching him making that very thorough and well-thought of presentation on APEC. I know how much he's been working on this the past few weeks, and it's so gratifying to see that all his work has paid off.

As I always tell Mark, he's definitely Ichi-Ban!

And this seminar is just another proof that he is.

Mega Man of Mystery

When we passed by SM Megamall yesterday afternoon, this immediately caught my eye.

It's a gigantic statue of a mystery man. He's all wrapped up in secrecy, which made me more curious who this person is.

My guess is that it's Henry Sy, Sr.

We'll have to wait for the unveiling before the mystery is revealed.

Spread the Joy!

Call me biased, but really, I'm not.

My sister one of the best cheese pimiento spreads and chicken spreads on the planet. (The other one is my Mom from whom she learned.)

They're homemade, super filling and really flavourful. And my favourite accompaniment - Meiji Soda Crackers!

Thankfully, she'll be making a lot of these this Christmas. Not only do I get to enjoy them, I get to share them as well.

So, start spreading the news.

Finding Balance

Did they discontinue the New Balance 574 Sport Series?

I've been trying to look for new models but they're no longer on their website.\

Then again, who needs new sneakers at this time?

K, Fine!

Look what I found in my message box:

The Korean invasion is really spreading far and wide. This is ample proof of that.

It's a cinch!

But really, "cinch" seems to be a simple word to spell, right?

Apparently not.

Proofreader, please! One who knows about fashion, ideally.

FMM: Commercial Break

There was one thing I learned when we shot that commercial with Jose Mari Chan 2 weeks ago.

As it turns out, the wrote one of my favourite childhood jingles!

Yup, Jose Mari Chan is the composer of the Knorr Real Chinese Soup jingle. Which is why this oldie but goody jingle is my Friday Magic Madness song for today.

Goodah!

On a high!

High school, that is.

One of my classmates sent this 2nd year HS class photo of ours. And I reckon it'll be easy to spot where I am.

This is a great Throwback Thursday photo!

Patty’s Pair

When the Beyond 25 collection of Plains & Prints launched early last year, there were so many beautiful and stylish garments in that collection. 

From dresses to pantsuits, skirts to blouses to pants, there were so many chic choices that it was difficult to decide which to buy.

Eventually, my first purchases included dresses from Charina Sarte, Anthony Ramirez, Wig Tysmans, and Rosanna Ocampo, and the pants and blouse ensemble from Maureen Disini.

Pre-CQ, I'd still see some of the items from this collection on the shelves, and swore to get some more pieces. But then, malls closed, and my mall runs became few and far between.

Then one day, after checking out the Plains & Prints website for the nth time, I found out that some of the items are still available online. One of the items there was the Patty Ang pants and blouse pair - something that I've been eyeing since the start.

And here it is!

Definitely, this is a great choice. The fabric is nice, the cut is flowy, and the dark navy blue colour is so versatile.

Plus, it has this feather pin that elevates the entire look.

It took time to get it, but it's definitely worth the wait.

Striking Gold

My first encounter with Hershey's Gold was in the US. Found it on sale at Target after Christmas, so it became part of my pasalubong to friends and the creative team.

It was such a different Hershey's experience. For starters, it was caramel and not chocolate, then, it had pretzels in lieu of the usual nuts and fruits. Needless to say, it was love at first bite.

Was trying to look for it in Manila, but it was quite rare. Although it was available at The SM Store for a time, it would go out of stock easily.

Surprise, surprise, they had it at Isetann Supermarket in Cubao. And it was on sale!

Woot! I struck gold!

Mama-Mondays

Just like that, we begin another week.

And to kick it off with a peppy, optimistic vibe, let me bring in the Mamas and the Papas!

Yup, it's another Monday, Monday.

Let's make the week count.

Haw's that?

While the Fat & Thin Jumbo Haw Flakes are still out-of-stock in SM Department Store, the Haw Flakes fan in me had to keep on looking and keep on trying.

That "trying" led me to an online store that sold the Tai Hing variety of Haw Flakes!

Cravings satisfied! (For now. I'm still on the look out for the Fat & Thin variety)

Charms, I'm sure...

After that toy throwback, I'm now having a "candy throwback" moment.

Suddenly, I find myself missing one of my go-to candies as a kid - Charms Blow Pop in Cherry!

During my last trip to the US last 2019, this was on my "must-hoard" list. About 1/8th of my huge suitcase was allotted for this pop. That stash probably last me a month. Harhar.

One thing's for sure, I got to find this pop and hoard it again soon!

FMM: Finally got a Chans

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is inspired by last week's Friday Magic Madness experience!

Last week - on my birthday, no less - I got to work with Father Christmas himself, Mr. Jose Mari Chan!

We had a shoot which was so fun because of Jose Mari's effervescent personality and wonderful stories. It was like listening to your favourite Tito with his repertoire of jokes and Tito-stories, in a good way, of course.

And of course, the shoot wouldn't be complete without him regaling us with a song! Which he did. A few of them, in fact.

Which leads me to today's song, by Jose Mari Chan, of course!

While he has a lot of songs that are on my constant and repeat playlist, "Constant Change" is one of the ones on the top of the list.

Meeting the man who sang this song is one of the reasons why this is the best job ever.

Toy Throwback

One of the more memorable moments of my childhood was that time when I was able to buy a toy using my own money.

As a kid, I had wonderful parents and grandparents who would happily buy me toys. So, if there was a toy that caught my eye, they would gladly make sure that I'd go home with it.

But as a grade schooler, part of me wanted to buy toys using my own money. For me, it was an accomplishment to be able to provide for myself, even in the mundane realm of toys. Because of that, I'd stash away a few pesos a day from my daily allowance, in pursuit of that dream of buying a toy using my own money.

And that dream eventually became a reality. After saving P20 (don't laugh, that was a big amount back in the 80s), I went to Gift Gate in Quezon Avenue and bought this Lego toy.

It was Ricky Raccoon, a character from the Fabuland series of Lego. Fabuland was their line of toys where all the characters were animals, and I've always wanted to buy Ricky Raccoon because of 2 reasons: 1.) my fascination with raccoons, and 2.) he had a scooter - another thing on my wish list.

Needless to say, it was a proud moment for me. The moment I held that small box in my hand, it felt like reaching "adulthood" and buying things on my own. Of course, I kept that toy as long as I could.

After finding that photo online, it made me want to scour the internet to check if someone's selling the same Fabuland Ricky Raccoon toy.

Maybe there is someone. Excuse me while I check.

It's a Sale-a-bration!

 

Yup, it's that time of the year again.

Must...

Not...

Add...

To...

Cart...

(Whoops! Too late!)

Raffle your feathers

"Ruffle" is a word that's pretty easy to spell, right?

Wrong. At least for this e-commerce site.

So, are they giving away the dress in a raffle?

Proofreader, please!

Triple Treat!

November is a big, birthday month for Melrose since there are 3 of us celebrating our birthdays - 2 days apart.

First, there’s Lisa, then me, then Rommel.

And this weekend, we had a triple celebration!

Anything with Melrose is fun, so this event was 3 times the fun!

It’s so Pine!

Apart from clean, purified air, Christmas is also in the air!

That’s courtesy of this live Pine tree that Ia sent!

Fresh Pine scent is very reminiscent of Christmas. So there’s more Christmas vibes at home starting today.

Thanks, Ia! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The Air in there

Mark's birthday gift this year is a breath of fresh air - literally!

It's this cool-looking, very useful and very current air purifier!

This is such a thoughtful gift that excited the whole family.

Mark has always been a breath of fresh air for us, and this gift is a perfect addition to that.

FMM: Holmes, Sweet Holmes

Why did Rupert Holmes suddenly pop in my head?

Most likely because it's Friday Magic Madness day.

In the 80s, Rupert Holmes was churning out hit after hit after hit. And people devoured his songs, especially when they want to fell relaxed and chill.

Heck, even his "crazy" songs have that same chillaxed feel. A case in point:

"Let's Get Crazy Tonight" is one of my favourite Rupert Holmes songs. And this song is inspired by my "crazy" and "homebound" birthday celebration today.

And after you listen to it, I think you'll know why I'm crazy about it.

Oh Kaftan, my Kaftan

Since most people are just staying at home today, "dressing-up" isn't really a priority.

Most of the time, people - including myself - are just wearing house clothes. For men, it usually consists of shorts and a t-shirt, and for women, something lounge-y like lounge pants and a loose shirt. Then, whenever there are Zoom meetings, that's the only time we change to something a teeny bit dressier, like a more presentable top. (Yet keeping the shorts and lounge pants, still.)

But just staying at home doesn't mean looking dowdy, especially for women. There's a way to be comfy and carefree, but still being a bit on the fashionable side.

Enter the Kaftan.

It's loose, it's fluid, it's easy-to-wear. Plus, with the right fabric and style, it can be dressy enough for a Zoom meeting, too.

Just like these 2 Kaftans that I snagged from Zalora.

The first, a Tula Cruz number in a nice, pastel colour with a notch neckline and a rope belt.

Second, this Zalora kaftan in a vibrant floral print.

With such captivating Kaftans, being comfy can be fashionable as well.

Gotta Catch ‘em!

This is one of the more interesting collaborations i’ve seen in a while:

Longchamp x Pokémon!

I’m sure ladies who are into Longchamp,and Pokémon Go! will be in a rush to catch these!

King's Gambit

This is a perfect example of businesses banding together and setting aside competition for the greater good of all. 

They've done it in the Philippines with the recent "Ingat Angat Tayong Lahat" commercial, and it's nice to see it happening all over the world, too.

Well-played, Burger King UK. Well-played.

Lego-ne

 

Why am I not surprised.

Today was the launch of the Sesame Street Lego sets in the official Lego stores in the Philippines. They accepted pre-orders via phone calls, and part of me knew that this toy will be a hot seller.

Their stores open at 10am, which means they would start to accept calls for the orders that time.

I called around 10:50am, and I was told by the branch that they were all sold out. When asked whether their other stores might still have it, the nice person on the other line said that the situation was the same.

Lego was Le-gone in less than 60 minutes!

Can you tell me how to get?

As a fan of both Lego and Sesame Street, this new Lego set is just geeking me out.

GEEKING.

ME.

OUT!!!

Bonus part, it's designed by a Filipino!

So now, can you tell me how to get, how to get this Sesame Street Lego Set?