The Germany-Japan connection

While browsing the online supermarket for our weekly needs, this familiar product suddenly popped-up on my screen.

It's one of my favourite gummy brands - Haribo!

Previously, Haribo reminded me a lot of Europe. It was the brand that Tita Evelyn would bring home from Barcelona whenever they'd visit. Then, during my travels to Germany, I learned that this brand was originally from there, ergo you can find it in every street corner. It was my default sweet during my trips to Berlin, Koln, Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart. 

Then, from Japan, my memories of Haribo shifted to Tokyo. Whenever Mark and I would go to Donki, this was one thing I'd always put in our basket and bring home as a snack in TIEC and IH.

Now that I know where to buy it in MNL, I'm sure Haribo will be a constant part of my snacking routine. Let's see where the first bite will take me this time.

FMM: Best in Show

This comic panel is simply so true!

And because of this, I suddenly missed "The Muppet Show!" That's why I'm dedicating today's Friday Magic Madness to this awesome show.

As a kid, I'd never miss an episode of this laugh-a-minute extravaganza. If memory serves me right, this was shown on Channel 13, and when it was on, you could find me fixated in front of the TV. 

"The Muppet Show" was the best! It had so many funny segments like "Pigs in Space," "The Swedish Chef," "Sam the Eagle's Editorials," "Rowlf on the Piano," and "Muppet Labs." Plus, the unforgettable banters of the 2 grumpy men was always a hoot.

Looking back at the show is making me miss it even more.

Because of that, it's time to get things started on the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational, this is what we call The Muppet Show!!!

Now this is an awesome way to cap a Friday!

Pound for Pound

Here's another episode from the same series that I enjoy watching.

The "Pound Cake" episode.

I'm craving for Pound Cake all of a sudden.

Pudding on the Ritz

To take a micro-break from work, there's this series on youtube that I follow. 

It's a series where different cooks try each other's dishes and rates each one. Then, the cook with the highest score wins this "micro-competition."

The first time I saw this was in 2019, and I've been going back to it ever since. My favourite episodes include "Grandmas try each other's Pumpkin Pie" and "Dads try each other's barbecue."

Today, another episode is added to the list. And it's about a very random but interesting food item - Banana Pudding!

Gosh! I'm suddenly craving for some Banana Pudding now.

Golden Girl

Last night, the Philippines was awake and celebrating the victory of our first Gold Medal in the Olympics! That's courtesy of our very own Hidilyn Diaz who ruled the 55kg Weighlifting event in Tokyo.

She's the epitome of perseverance, patience and faith.

Perseverance because this is her 4th Olympic outing. She debuted in Beijing in 2008, followed by London 2012. In both instances, she didn't even reach the finals. She scored Silver in Brazil 2016 and it led her to her now-Gold-winning performance in Tokyo.

Patience because she waited 16 years for her dream to be fulfilled. And she's been training for this for 19 years, starting at a young age of 11.

Faith because she attributed her victory not just to herself and her team, but to The Lord and Mama Mary. She proudly showed off her Miraculous Medal along side her Gold Medal, showing to the world that these 2 medals are equally important to her.

With those 3, Hidilyn deserves all the accolades she's receiving. 

You gold, Girl!

The Tokyo-Osaka Connection

The lighting of the Olympic Cauldron is a sight that always brings goosies and tears to my eyes. My all-time fave is the lighting of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics cauldron which, until now, leaves me in awe whenever I watch it.

This year's 2020 Tokyo Olympics is no different. Especially since the one lighting the cauldron is Naomi Osaka.

The cauldron itself is so Japanese. Aside from it being a tribute to Mount Fuji, the sphere that opens and transforms is a testament to Japanese technology and how artistic they are. It felt like an origami sculpture unfolding before our eyes.

I have so, SO much admiration for Tokyo for foraging through this pandemic to ensure that the Olympics are held safely and continue the tradition of community and sportsmanship. As many new outfits reported it, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a beacon of hope that the world can and will go back to normal.

Now, let the games begin!

Debenhams Dreaming

Although the last of the Debenhams stores in the UK already closed last May, I'm wondering if the stores in the country have followed suit.

When Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy in the US, it didn't follow that their Philippine stores would close. In fact, the brand is still very much around both physically and online.

Which makes me wonder if the same situation will happen to Debenhams here. Will the stores remain open? Or will they also be closing?

It's been a year and a half since I last stepped into Shangrila Mall. And Debenhams. 

Gosh, I'm dreaming that I get to visit that store again soon.

Live and let Daiso

Today's discovery is the fact that Daiso Japan is online and they deliver!

That's all I needed to know in order to get these!

Caramel Corn! This is one of the favourite snacks that Mark and I would hoard when he was living in Tokyo and I'd visit him.

After the sweet, let's go savory. And these nuts and rice crackers are just what we need. Again, this is a staple at Mark's dorm when were were there.

And as Mark pointed out, I was able to order these on the day that the Tokyo Olympics opened! How cool is that?

Let's watch the Olympics in Tokyo and eat Tokyo snacks then!

FMM: Fresh Bread

It's been raining the past few days and the weather has been very lazy.

This type of weather calls for very chill, laid-back music. Something with an easy melody, soothing voices, and a vibe that makes you just want to curl up in bed with a blanket.

Plus, it's Friday today, so that song should be Friday Magic Madness worthy as well.

And I have the perfect song that makes the cut:

"Everything I own" is one of Bread's biggest hits in the 70s, along with my previous FMM song, "Make it with you." The lyrics "kept me warm, kept me warm" is what made me think of this song. Because the rainy weather is making the surroundings really cold.

Looks like I'm going to curl up in bed under a blanket and listen to this song until I fall asleep.

Now, it really feels like Friday.

Yoda Man!

What can I say? This comic panel really made my day.

Better yet: "Made my day, this comic panel did..."

Wear your Toga

Nope, this isn't a graduation post.

This is a post about one of my favourite Japanese brands.

Unlike the big fast fashion brands like Uniqlo and G.U., Toga Archives is more specialized and more bespoke. I remember walking into their store in Harajuku and being amazed at the physical store and their designs.

True to the Japanese heritage, their clothes are very minimalist and play with structure and lines. Even back then, their play on tailoring and pleating was already impressive. Something that's admirable until now.

It's been years since our last Tokyo trip and Toga Archives exposure. So, it was a thrill to read that the next H&M designer collaboration will be with the same brand!

Gosh! I do hope that I'll finally be able to see this collection IRL. It's going to be like a return to Tokyo without even going there.

Non-verbal Communication

Yup, this illustration is very accurate. It reminds me of my foreign colleagues’ reactions to Filipinos when they would visit Manila.

Because for Filipinos, actions speak louder than words.

Printed Matter: Jungle Fever

This is such a beautiful and intricate print of a jungle scene.

It's a tropical jungle with different types of trees, including a banana tree where monkeys get their grub.

This print would be perfect as wallpaper or a gift wrapper. But this beautiful print is...

A dress from the latest collection of Plains & Prints, particularly their "Exotic Escapes" collection.

I've said this many times, when it comes to printed dresses, Plains & Prints is really in a league of their own.

Oreo excited?

Thanks to Biboy, I am!

Behold:

My Oreo stash from the US arrived! And i’m So, SO psyched to try all these.

Exciting days ahead!

Tuc it in

Tuc Crackers is one of those products that constantly reminds me of my childhood.

This was a European brand, and whenever Tita Evelyn and her family would visit the Philippines, it was one of those things that they'd often bring. Along with Cola Cao Chocolate Drink and Haribo Gummy Bears.

I'd always look forward to this snack because it was very different from the crackers available in MNL back then. This one was very flaky, the flavour was unique, and it was great on its own.

Eventually, this brand became available in the country sometime in the 80s. I think it was imported by one of the local companies, but it didn't last that long. After a few months, Tuc was off the shelves which bummed me out.

Last week, while browsing the page of my snack haunt in Cubao, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they had this:

Tuc Crisp!

We know what happened next, of course.

Yes, it's still as good and it still reminds me of my childhood.

FMM: Mary's been there, too

Sometimes, I think Friday Magic Madness is ingrained in my mind too much that I'd randomly dream of really old songs.

These songs would either be part of the scene in my dream, or the song would just automatically play in my head while asleep.

This week, that song is actually a Friday Magic Madness song twice over. 

It's a very popular, very iconic and very cheesy song from the 70s, entitled "I've never been to me." Of course, most people know this as the song by Charlene, which was also an FMM song of mine 11 years ago.

But here's a little known trivia about this song. In 1982, a more upbeat and folksy version of the same song was sung by Mary Macgregor - another artist who's been on my FMM posts before. Yes, Mary sang "I've never been to me." And I have proof:

They may be 2 different artists, but the overall feel of this song is the same for both. Whether it's Mary or Charlene, this ditty is something you'd listen to on a long Sunday drive to a random place. It can also be the song playing in the background when you're just in the room, reading a magazine.

In any case, I'm okay to have been to me for both singers.

Where are 'U"?

When I read this intro for an article online, I was trying to figure out what was it about.

But when I saw the article below, things finally became clearer.

Amazing what a missing "u" can do in making things more comprehensible.

Proofreader, please!

The ole switcheroo

"Bundle" should be an easy word to spell, right?

Apparently not.

Amazing what a simple letter switch can do.

Proofreader, please.

Shine on!

Since RTD Tea drinks and Boba really came from and became popular due to Taiwan, I've always had high hopes and expectations for Taiwanese brands. For both products.

We all know that Boba Tea icons Chatime and Gong Cha are originally from Taiwan. And they're really good! In fact, there was a time that I'd drink a cup (or two) of these brands daily.

For RTD Tea drinks, I've never really seen a lot of brands here from Taiwan. So when I discovered this brand at my snack haunt last weekend, I decided to give it a go.

MineShine is from Uni-President, which is one of the biggest food and beverage manufacturers in Taiwan. I'm familiar with some of their products, particularly the noodles. I know they have bottled tea, but never really tried them. Even if I saw if often in HKG, JPN and SG.

So, I bought MineShine Green Tea with no expectations whatsoever. I bought it, chilled it, and tried it.

My reaction:

It's really, really, REALLY good!

It definitely outshines the usual RTD Tea drinks I buy here in Manila.

Color Story: Spice Up your life

No, this post isn’t about a Spice Girl’s song.

Although full disclosure, i’m a fan of that particular ditty.

This is about spice colours in clothing. I’m a huge fan of them. Especially if the colors are very rich and bold. They make any design look very elegant and elevated. 

Just like this Plains & Prints ensemble from the Beyond 25 collection last 2019.

The combination of Paprika and Cinnamon in this ensemble makes it super luxe. The spice hues alone make this very eye catching.

But aside from the color, the design is very fashionable as well. From the draped skirt to the asymmetric neckline, it just screams classy.

Classy and spicy, that is.

(Peanut) Butter makes it better

Growing up, Snickers was one of the chocolates that was the epitome of "all-American."

Whenever we'd receive a package from the US, Snickers would be part of that package. And the Morales kids would always be thrilled to get this chocolate that was oozing with caramel and peanuts. 

Sometimes, when our package from the US wasn't in MNL yet, we'd often go to "PX Shops" (Kids, look it up,) like Hyacinth and Orobelle to buy our stash. Because every bite of Snickers was really an experience.

Since Snickers was so iconic, whenever they would come up with new variants like Snickers Crisper, Snickers Strong, Snickers Almond, etc, I'd always go back to the original.

But this weekend, I discovered a variant from the haunt that brought together a classic (Snickers) and something I'm very fond of (Peanut Butter) - in one!

Tadaa! Snickers Peanut Butter!

Compared to the other variants, this is actually good! The peanut butter centre still keeps that nutty taste without it being to chunky. So, it's actually better than the other iterations I've tried before.

But still, I'll go for the original.

Printed Matter: Just Add Water-color

Watercolour was my favourite medium for painting as a kid. That's why it's no surprise that I have an affinity for watercolour prints.

Especially floral ones, like this one.

The hues are vibrant and the florals are very delicate and pretty.

No surprise that this print belongs to an equally delicate and pretty dress with a shift silhouette and puffed sleeves.

So much prettiness in a piece of clothing!

FMM: Simply Delightful

One of the cassette tapes that Dad had that I enjoyed taking from his library and playing on the cassette recorder was that of "Starland Vocal Band."

In the 70s, they were an iconic band because of their all-American sound and catchy - nay, super duper sticky - songs which have been part of pop culture. Their songs have appeared on films, on sitcoms, and in everyday conversation.

Among their iconic songs that I love to listen to is this classic:

"Afternoon Delight." This song needs no introduction nor explanation. You just sit back, listen to it, and you know that it's an utterly wonderful and timeless song. And it deserves to be this week's Friday Magic Madness song.

It delighted me back in the 70s. It still delights me until now.

Lala-Lost in Translation

So, this is how they translate the popular Filipino merienda duo in English:

Pairs and Mommy doesn’t sound that appetizing. “Pares” and “Mami” is way better. 

Lalamove, you’re good at delivering. But at translating?

Paper trails

One thing I really miss is going to National Bookstore and SM Department Store to check out their latest designs of wrapping paper. 

I’d pore through the racks for almost an hour, and i’d But a few pieces of designs I like to try them out. Then, when I find the ones that really make me smile and thrilled, I buy them in bulk.

Now, the only way I check our wrapping paper is online, with my contacts in National Bookstore and SM sending me photos of their latest designs.

While it’s not exactly the same an]s the usual way I do it, this works for now.

Skinny Dippy

It's always a thrill whenever I discover new gummy candies. After all, I've been a gummy fan even as a wee little boy.

My latest discovery, thanks to the snack haunt in Cubao, is this:

Yupi Dippy Gummy contains 2 parts in one pack. The first part is made up of skinny gummy fries covered in sugar. The second part is the sour dip which is nice and tart. Overall, the look their going for is fries and ketchup, but in gummy form.

A mash-up of gummy and fries. Count me in!

LFLTAT: Building (Colour) Blocks

While the past year hasn't been conducive for "dressing up," it doesn't stop us from putting together dreamy, colourful outfits that will eventually see the light of fashion day.

Because of trawling online shops and the almost-monthly sales, it's quite easy to come up with a fashionable Look For Less Than A Thousand.

To add more colour into our days, that's the theme of this look. Bright, happy pops and blocks of colour!

The dress is from the Zalora Occasion collection. It's a classic, architectural silhouette, made with a combination of fuchsia and burnt sienna.

Then, there's the pair of block heels from The SM Store. Also on sale, and it was a bargain! The great thing about this is that the style is very classic, and it goes well with anything. But because of the fuchsia hue, it goes well the the dress as it mirrors the top part of the dress.

This is an outfit that makes you feel dressed to the nines, and it's actually just P900 in total! It's a (colour)blockbuster indeed!

The new Squeeze

When it comes to Mango Juice, Gina has always been the gold standard for me.

This brand has been around since time immemorial. It was already there even when I was a kid. It was the favourite mango juice of my grandparents. It was also the favourite of my Tito, Tita and cousins from Spain. Whenever they'd visit the Philippines, we would always stock Gina Mango Juice in their home.

The great thing about Gina is that it's consistent. Even until now, the taste and quality is the same high quality we enjoyed decades ago. And while I've tried other Mango Juice brands (Del Monte, Locally, etc.), Gina is still the best of the lot.

When Gina isn't available, I'd usually buy Juice Avenue. Now this brand is legit! They really use real Mangoes which they puree and serve freshly made in bottles. These aren't available in supermarkets, though. I'd buy these at their kiosks in malls and outside supermarkets. (So, technically, it is available in supermarkets. Outside, that is.)

Recently, I discovered a new brand that is almost as good as Gina. (Almost.)

That brand is Oishi Squeeze.

It has that rich and real Mango taste. It's not watered down or not sweetened unnecessarily. It's very authentic and it feels like I'm drinking juice extracted from real Mangoes. Even my sister and nephews like it, too.

So, while Gina Mango Juice will always be on top of my list, this new brand will be the fallback in case the preferred one isn't available.

Take Kare ‘coz I Kare

When he cooked it for the fam, we loved it!

When he cooked it for Father’s Day and our neighbors tried it, the loved it, too!

So now, my nephew Kevin is following Ate Bullet’s footsteps and he made a small batch of his Kare-Kare for family and close friends.

Looks like we have another great cook in the family!

FMM: 1-derful Day

Turns out that yesterday, July 1, was a very memorable day for both Mark and me.

There was a flurry of reminders of wonderful things that happened on this date, some dating back as far as 2008!

Most of it happened in Japan, and it made me smile to remember our many times and trips there.

And there's even Manu's 2nd birthday!

To celebrate this wonderful day, today's Friday Magic Madness song is equally wonderful. An Eric Clapton classic from 1977 which I know a lot of people are familiar with. Plus, I'm sure a lot, lot more people sang this at a videoke joint at one point.

Wonderful, indeed!

Rave Review

One of the things that make online shopping different from the usual physical process is the fact that you can actually give reviews on purchases you do online.

That's why even if it takes a bit of time, I try to make it a point to do a review of stuff I buy both in Shopee and Lazada.

And if what I buy is really great, the review box is where I rave about it.

It's a strangely satisfying experience.