ELF-amilia

My Spanish relatives will call me out for this.

So I'll start by saying: "Yes, I know it should be LA Familia" and not "EL".

But our photo showing our New Year's Eve garb should explain it.

From our ELFamily to all yours, here's to a kinder, better and brighter New Year!

Let's start celebrating!

Jouy-ful, Jouy-ful

Of course, the year 2020 can't wrap up without me showing my Christmas wrapping theme for the year. 

It was the first week of March - a week before ECQ was declared - when my eyes were drawn to this pair of wrappers at National Book Store superbranch.

What drew these to me is the "Toile du Juoy" feels that they give. Since my first encounter with this type of fabric in Paris when I was younger, I've been drawn to it. In fact, I paid good money to buy a few yards of Toile du Juoy fabric from a store near L' Tour Eiffel.

Luckily, they were well-stocked and this allowed me to get a lot of these wrappers. Enough to cover all my Christmas needs, and then some.

Aside from the pattern, the wrapper gained significance after the CQ period because it felt like life went back-to-basics. And it doesn't get more back-to-basics than black and white.

Once the wrapper was secured, it was time for the accoutrements. 

To add a hint of Christmas to the black and white wrapper, I chose the colour red for the ribbon. As an accent, both black and white ribbons were added, echoing the wrapper's hue. Of course, the personalized cards had to be there. Finally, since the wrapper had a pinecone print, it was an easy choice to make pinecones the accent to the whole thing.

Together, these elements created this Juoy-ful and timely Christmas gift-wrapping theme for 2020!

And as we wrap-up Christmas and get ready to welcome the New Year, let's all hope and pray for a Joyful 2021!

Biker boy

The past few months, I'd often walk from our unit to the main gate of our compound to pick-up deliveries or orders. There are times when that walk would happen 4 or 5 times a day, depending on what I've ordered and the frequency to which they'd arrive.

My Dad noticed this frequent back and forth. And he also noticed that each time I'd walk back, it would be with a box or a package.

So, this Christmas, he decided to get me this:

Yup, a Japanese bike with a basket! When I showed this to Mark, we suddenly had a Nakano-flashback and relived our long walks to the Eki while seeing a lot of bikes like this.

Now that I'm a biker boy, it's going to make package pick-ups at the gate a lot more fun!

Romoff if you still want to!

One test whether clothes are classic and timeless is if it's been years since they were released and they still look fresh as the time they were launched.

Both Plains & Prints and Vania Romoff are known for these kinds of clothes - timeless, classic, and fashionable.

It's been 3 years since the 2 had a collaboration, and I was fortunate to get pieces from that in 2017. And some when they had their Purple Sale at the start of the year.

Now, more than 3 years after the launch, I found some pieces from the same collection on the Plains & Prints online store. These were pieces that I missed buying out that year, and made sure that I won't miss out this time. Fashion FOMO, anyone?

These are the pieces:

It's the beautiful Lucia blouse and Sedonna pants!

Looking at them now, it seems like it was just designed and released a few months ago. It's still very much on-trend - both in the print and the design.

With this purchase, it looks like I'll be watching out for the other pieces from this collection again.

Chic to Shiec

My liking for the brand Kashieca is long-standing.

It started when they were still an independent brand, until they were eventually bought by the Bench group.

From the time they were rolling out feminine and chic dresses on their own, until they came up with collaborations with Randy Ortiz, then JC Buendia, then the most recent one with Lucy Torres-Gomez, I've been a fan. 

In fact, I remember regularly visiting their store in Greenbelt 5 when I worked in Makati. When I moved to Ortigas, I'd check out their SM Megamall branch on a weekly basis. When they were still open at Gateway Mall, I'd also be a weekly visitor. Then, when the malls would go on sale - even the far-off ones - I'd go there precisely to check out Kashieca.

But of course, the last time I went inside their store was in February, before all this happened. And you can just imagine how much I miss the brand.

Until last week, of course.

Yes, belated as it may be, I just very recently discovered that they were at LazMall.

Now, I'm back to visiting the store on a daily basis!

Albeit online.

In a (Holi)daze

Surprise boxes aren't a new thing.

This is actually quite common in Japan. Mark and I would buy those mystery boxes in a corner store along Takeshita-Dori in Harajuku. Usually, it would have some funky Japanese toy which would be worth the Yen we'd pay for the box.

Plains & Prints has its own version of this Mystery box which they call their "Holidaze Box."

For P1994 (according to the owner, it's priced after their foundation year), you get a mystery box with an outfit and accessories. Apparently, you get at least 4 items inside the box, which is a good deal for the price. Plus, it's only available online.

I think this is the daze that I'll get a box. Just to try it out.

FMM: A world of Love and Family

On Christmas Day - a Friday Magic Madness day, too - it’s time to bring back one of the 80s goddesses - Sheena Easton! 

Her beautiful, warm-fuzzy, and timely song is the perfect backdrop for the family when we got together virtually for Christmas Eve in GA and UT.

It’s like we celebrated Christmas Day at the strike of 12 midnight 3 times, which is a lot more fun than just celebrating it once.

Again, from our family all over the world to yours, Merry Christmas!

Getting Red-dy

This year’s Christmas celebration is much more scaled down than what we originally planned. But the love and the heart behind it is still as ginormous!

We decked ourselves in Christmas red, got together at home with great, home cooked and gifted food, and celebrated the coming of our Saviour the way we usually do. With love, gratitude, prayers and family.

From the Morales family in Cubao, plus the Moraleses in Makati, Atlanta, Layton and Barcelona - A Merry Christmas to all!

Dressed to Express

One thing nice about Plains & Prints is that they create garments and designs that are attuned with the times.

Last week, while watching their Shop Live, they launched their new Holiday dresses entitled "Euphoric Hope." The explanation behind the collection is that it was inspired by the feeling that we will prevail and rise above this situation that the world finds itself in.

In fact, they named their dresses after qualities that we need to express during these times.

Aside from the beautiful and inspiring names, the dresses themselves are beautiful and inspiring.

Which simply means I'll be waiting for these to come out in store.

Searching for an Outlet

Whilst I've found the "sort of" Bench Outlet online, it still doesn't compare to the experience of shopping at the Bench depot in Paseo de Sta. Rosa.

Gosh! I think it's been almost 2 years since I've been to this place. And I'miss browsing the racks there and finding great bargains.

Hopefully, I'll go back there again soon.

Hey, Go, Sister!

It's Ate Lissa's birthday today! And it feels like it was just yesterday when we celebrated her 40th birthday at Italianni's in Gataway.

Between that time and today, she's gone beyond being my Ate to being a Wawa to 2 adorable kids - Noah and Olivia!

Hope to celebrate with you again in Gateway soon, Ate. With the kids and grandkids in tow, of course.

Full house!

Quiapo Church is definitely one of the busiest churches in the country.

Before this whole CQ situation happened, there are thousands of people who hear mass at Quiapo Church everyday. And when the Traslacion comes, that grows to millions of devotees who go to church and attend the procession.

Tonight, I decided to hear online anticipated Simbang Gabi at Quiapo Church. And whoa! The crowd online is just as huge as the crowd that used to go there when it was still allowed.

Imagine, almost 10K people were attending the mass online! I've been attending online masses at different churches and this is the first time I've seen these many people tuned in to one mass.

It's a testament to the popularity of Quiapo Church. Both online and in reality.

Going bananas in Pajamas!

Finally, after months of not seeing each other, the folks at the office will finally get together - albeit virtually - for our annual office Christmas Party!

Since we're all going to be at home and will be wearing our house clothes, we thought it best to just make it a pajama party! That way, we don't need to dress up. Harhar.

Seeing everyone again on Zoom. This is going to be bananas!

FMM: Waking up

Christmas songs never fail to give me the warm fuzzies. There are a lot of wonderful memories around Christmas songs. These include family reunions when we were kids, the huge Morales Noche Buena in our old house in Tomas Morato, and performing Holiday songs as a choir member in High School.

One of the songs that we loved to perform in LSQC is this old, Filipino Carol about people waking up early to savour Simbang Gabi and the spirit of Christmas. A song that's aptly titled "Gumising."

While attending the anticipated Simbang Gabi tonight, this song suddenly popped in my head. That's why it is today's Friday Magic Madness song.

It's just a week away before Christmas day!

Pasko na, gumising!

Keeping Traditions

This time last year, you would most likely find me at Ortigas Park as early as 5:30pm to watch the Christmas Concert and followed by the anticipated Simbang Gabi.

I'd make it a point to get there early so I can take a seat in the front row. It's always the best seat, both for the concert and for the mass. Because the venue is small, it tends to be filled quickly. And because the mass is intimate, it feels good to be right there, front and center.

Usually, I see my "classmates" or my colleagues who also make it a point to hear the anticipated mass there. This includes the constants - Jovy and Rich.

This year, I doubt if they pushed through with the usual mass by the park. It's not a place conducive to physical distancing, so it's perfectly understandable.

But traditions are meant to be kept, and even if the format is different, the spirit and thought behind it is the same.

So this year, I'm hearing anticipated Simbang Gabi online, and at the Church I went to while growing up.

Times may change, but some things - like the Simbang Gabi tradition - should always remain.

Comer Hither

There's a sense of excitement whenever a new girl graces the cover of InStyle.

Make no mistake, though, that it's also enjoyable to see "reliables" on the cover. These include Julia Roberts (super fave!), Jennifer Aniston (the All-American girl), Julianne Moore (gimme Moore) and Britney Spears (Oops, I want to see her again.)

But since 2021 is a fresh, new year, a fresh, new face is much welcome. 

And that's what's happening for the January 2021 cover!

It's Jodie Comer! Yes, the breakout star of "Killing Eve" is also breaking out on the cover of Instyle.

Now, how to get my hands on this magazine. That's the question.

Un-dressed to the Nines

Hard to imagine this, but it's been 9 months since I've stepped into an H&M store.

Time was when this was unimaginable. Heck, even when H&M wasn't in Manila yet, I'd get to see it at least once every 2 months with my travels abroad.

Now, I'm relegated to just "visiting" H&M online.

Of course, there's still no comparison to actually being there and touching the merchandise, and browsing racks and racks and racks of clothes for hours. Especially when there's a sale.

Soon, H&M. Soon.

Finding Fiorella

Here's another fabulous find!

Fiorella Dark Wafer!

Saw it randomly while doing groceries online, and thought of trying it.

Amazing what you can discover online these days.

Flex your Moussel

Because of my relatives from Spain, I was introduced to Legrain Moussel at a young age.

Tita Evelyn would often bring this home when she'd visit the Philippines, and I remember liking the scent of this shower gel even as a kid.

But it's been more than 2 decades since I last saw or smelled this brand. Strangely, even in my past trips to BCN, it never occurred to me to look for this brand. Maybe it was because it was bulky and it would be difficult to bring it home anyway.

And yesterday, while buying groceries at Landers online, this familiar bottle came into view.

Needless to say, it was add to cart after this!

Moussel, you're mine!

Looking for Lucy

Here's what I think.

The parents of the Lalamove driver I booked is a fan of Lucille Ball and the series "I Love Lucy."

Why?

Behold!

You gotta Love this name, too!

FMM: Celebr-eighty!

Today isn't an ordinary Friday, it's the Friday that my Dad turns 80 years old!

And just like an awesome 80s ditty, my Dad is groovy, a classic, and fun to be around. While we would have wanted to celebrate this day in a bigger way, with family from the US and Spain flying in, we'll have to - in Biboy's words - "take a raincheck on that." We'll keep today's celebration simple and meaningful, with family and friends.

The way we might celebrate it is different, but the celebration will continue! And that's the core of today's Friday Magic Madness song from Kool and the Gang!

Happy 80th birthday, Dad! 

Let's Celebrate!

(Celebrate good times, come on! It's a celebration!)

Wash happening?

You know you're getting old - and becoming a Tito - when things like dishwashing liquids excite you.

That's happening in my case since I've been adding bottles and bottles of dishwashing liquid to my online grocery cart. And this is my latest discovery:

Ajax with Lime and Vinegar!

Vinegar is known to remove stains and lime removes odours, so this is going to be a great combination.

I can't believe I'm waxing poetic over a dishwashing liquid.

Tito-mode on!

Conserve-atory

My first encounter with Bonne Maman Strawberry Conserve was when I lived in The Netherlands for a few months. 

While doing groceries at Alberheijn, the packaging of this French brand immediately caught my eye. And since I'm a packaging nut, I eventually bought a jar.

Gosh! Once I tried it on toasted bread with butter, my immediate reaction was: "Whoa! This tastes as good as it looks!"

This brand is also available here in Manila, particularly Rustan's. Several times, when Mark and I would have dinner at the Rustan's Supermarket restaurant at the basement of Shang, I'd see the conserve. And at times, I'd buy it, too.

It's been months - more than 9, to be exact - since my last trip to Shangrila Mall and Rustan's. So I haven't gotten my Bonne Maman fix for that long, too.

But I'm certain this is online. All I need to do is look.

Let me begin looking now.

The 8th is Great

Especially December 8 because this is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

The Blessed Mother has always been a huge part of my life - from childhood until present times. That's why I'm glad to have studied in Lourdes School because it brought me closer to Our Lady of Lourdes and Mama Mary.

That's why this day is a great day for me. And for our Immaculate Mother:

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception!

Happy Feast Day, Immaculate Mother!

Miss on a Monday

There are films that you can watch over and over again and still laugh at the same parts.

Lots of them, actually.

An example is the all-time fave of both Mark and myself - "The Devil Wears Prada."

Another is my all-time fave - "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion."

Another is the beauty-queen parody film - "Miss Congeniality."

Suddenly, I had the urge to watch one of my favourite scenes from this film today. I say "one of" because there were so many.

But this is one of the more underrated clips from that film:

"First step: Pizza. Second step: Flaming Batons!"

Still gets me. Everytime. 

Do you know the way to...

 San Jose Fishballs is another one of my online discoveries.

I'm a fishball nut. And there are 3 go-to places where I'd get my fishball fix.

First is in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish along 13th avenue. After my 8:30am mass, I'd often be there, noshing away on fishballs and buko juice.

Second is the trusty Manong fishball in front of UnionBank in P. Tuazon. I'd go there on my way home from work. I'd usually alight the bus at Seaoil in P. Tuazon and would walk all the way to Ali Mall to catch the jeep. Since that fishball cart is along the way, I'd often find myself stopping there for a few minutes.

Third, our nice, neighborhood Manong fishball along 20th avenue. He'd usually be stationed in front of the Laundry Shop, and I'd walk going there at night for a pre-dinner fishball feast.

But since March, I haven't seen any of these 3 haunts. And frankly, I've been craving for fishballs for months.

Good thing San Jose Fishballs popped up while I was browsing online. 

I saw. I tried. I enjoyed. And the rest is history.

Fishball cravings, satisfied!

Dutch Treat

While online grocery shopping - again - I discovered Twinkies' distant cousin from The Netherlands!

Presenting Spongiez!

It looks like Twinkies! It tastes like Twinkies! (Albeit less filling.)

And it's readily available in Manila.

If only Twinkie's was this easy to buy here.

FMM: No stopping it!

It's the first week of December!

Pretty soon, it'll be Christmas. And frankly, it feels quite odd this year because we can't really feel the Christmas rush with everyone just staying put at home. Admittedly, I'm missing the frenetic pace of the holidays - people rushing to the malls to shop, parties here and there, and everyone cramming celebrations - sometimes more than 2 parties in a day.

Yes, this year might be different, but that doesn't mean that the Christmas season should stop.

As long as there's hope in our hearts, generosity to give and share, and love to spread around to family, friends, and even random strangers - Christmas will go on.

The APO Hiking Society said this nicely in a song 29 years ago, and it's a fitting Friday Magic Madness song for today.

Yes, times may change, but one thing won't.

Tuloy-tuloy pa din ang Pasko!

Et Viola!

Nope, I didn't misspell that.

It's a title dedicated to the cover girl of the last issue of InStyle for 2020!

I'm a huge fan of Viola Davis, from her earlier work, to her Oscar winning work for "Fences", to her TV work on HTGAWM.

Aside from being a great actress, she's also a fashion icon, which is why this InStyle December cover is a fitting finale to her year.

Mom's the word - one more time!

It's another year that our family is thankful.

It's another year that we're grateful for the blessing that was given to us by Him.

It's another year that we celebrate our matriarch, our strength, and our inspiration.

Happy Birthday Mom!

(Looking forward to our small family get together later!)

Start it with a prayer

It's the first day of December. 

Hard to imagine, but we're on the last month of a very precarious year. 

And what better way to start the first day of the last month with a very apt prayer. 

Let's do this, December!