Half-Hearted

It's a fact. Most people are into Korean Drama Series in the country. Whether it's on free TV or Netflix, someone's always watching a K-Drama Program.

Heck, even D' Frendz has the occasional discussion on K-Dramas. Which ones they've watched, which ones are good, which ones are highly-recommended, plus post-game analyses on their favourite shows.

But in this K-Drama universe, I'm the outlier and the minority.

I've only watched one series from start to finish a few months ago. And I wrote about "Lie After Lie" as some sort of an accomplishment.

While I"m not a huge follower of K-Drama, I've been watching other Asian Drama shows, particularly from Japan and China. The reason why I got into these shows was because during my stint in HKG, they'd show a lot of J-Dramas and C-Dramas on free TV. (Which is what you watch when you don't have cable subscription at home.)

Recently, there was this C-Drama which found itself into my youtube show options. The promos suddenly appeared on my feed, I clicked, then my interest was piqued. 

That show is "The First Half of My Life."

To cut a long story short, I binge-watched this series from Episode 1 to 42! And every episode was awesome and worth watching.

This was actually an old series that aired in 2017. Despite the 4 year difference from the production to watching, the story is still very current and compelling. And because the series is about professionals in their midlife, it also struck a chord with me.

Now, I'm joining the millions of people who are saying the same thing: 

"The First Half of My Life, Season 2 please!"

An awesome story Arch

 Today is the Feast of the Archangels!

Thank you to all of you, and to all of the angels that have been watching us from above.

Grin and Bear Fruit

There are a lot of trees around our compound, and the ones near the gate - particularly the mango trees and the santol trees are very prolific around summer time.

Around April to June, it's normal to see our neighbours picking fruits and distributing it around the compound. That's why we usually have a steady supply of fruits around that time.

But it was only this week that I noticed that there are also a number of fruit-bearing trees in our part of the compound. Needless to say, I had to take a few snaps:

There's an atis tree which already had a few fruits. They weren't ripe yet, though, so we have to wait a month or two.

Then, there's a dayap tree that also has a lot of fruits on a regular basis. Our neighbours would get them for either juice or their cooking.

Maybe I should walk around the compound a bit more often to look for other fruit bearing trees. I'm sure there are still a couple that have yet to be discovered. Because seeing things like these make me grin.

Look, it's Lucas - now!

Back in 2010, we welcomed the first baby boy to D' Frendz. That baby boy is Lucas.

Now, 11 years after, our baby boy is a young man! A very talented young man, at that:

He's always been a musician, and this is influenced by his dad, Dip, who's also a very prolific musician. 

But more than just making good music, Lucas uses music to spread the Faith and magnify the Lord. 

Lucas is amazing, in more ways than one!

Forty-Four

Yes, it's true. I miss my routine visits to H&M.

This store is a huge part of my affair with fast fashion. From my first discovery of the brand in Europe, to the time they opened a few minutes away from my flat in HKG, to their eventual opening in Manila in 2017.

Gosh! My last visit to a physical H&M store was January this year. That's 9 months ago!

And today, there's this article that came out that they've opened their 40th store in the country!

Judging by these photos from SM Aura, H&M is occupying the space that used to be the 2-storey mega-store of Forever 21. Looks like they swapped one fast fashion brand for another.

But if you count 'em, 40 stores in 4 years is quite a feat for H&M! That's fast fashion growing fast!

Congratulations on your 40th store, H&M! I'll see you soon!

Bench. Fresh.

Yes, it's true. I miss my routine visits to Bench.

Before, I'd drop by Bench on a weekly basis - several times a week, at that. During lunch break visits to Galleria, I'd go to their store at the 2nd floor near TopShop and TopMan. On my way home, I'd come in through the back entrance of Megamall, near National Bookstore, and I'd go to Bench Megamall since it's along the way.

Whenever we'd have meetings in Makati, it would be the huge Bench Glorietta Branch. If Mark and I would have dinner at Shangrila, it would be the Bench/Edited store on the 5th floor. Then, on certain weekends, it would be at their branches in UP Town Center and Trinoma.

Then, there are the random visits to Bench in Ali Mall, Gateway and Farmer's Plaza where I'd usually find great items on sale.

In fairness, my last visit to a Bench store was 2 months ago in Trinoma. But it was just a short, 10-minute visit just to buy hand soap and cologne. No meandering around racks and browsing through clothing.

Thankfully, there's Bench online, and this is now my version of a "routine visit." It's nice to see their fresh drops, but admittedly, it's different when you're checking out the items physically versus looking at them virtually.

But there are certain items that look good online and I know they'll look good IRL. Case in point is this ensemble that arrived from their online store after ordering it a few weeks ago.

The top is from Bench Kamisa, which is a collaboration of sorts. The bright florals and the loose silhouette with the flowy sleeves caught my eye.

The top is paired with this pencil-cut denim skirt with an interesting detail at the front. It has a slit and a contrasting light denim detail.

Together, it's a fresh outfit that will look great on a lazy and relaxed weekend.

Thank goodness for online shopping. 

FMM: Have a Martini

Nope, not the alcoholic type. But it's equally intoxicating.

Back in the 90s, my officemate played this song while we were working overtime. (Yes, we worked overtime A LOT in an advertising agency.)

The song sounded French, and it intrigued me a lot. And after that, I'd borrow her CD every so often and played that song on repeat.

That song was by a group called "Pink Martini" and was entitled "Sympathique."

Listening to it is very soothing. From the instruments to the crooning voice of the lead singer. It's the type of song that lulls you to sleep with a smile on your face.

Pretty much like a Martini.

Hope’s Hero

His advice and mantra of “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry” has been a source of strength and comfort for so many years. And today, we happily celebrate his Feast Day.

Happy Feast Day, St. Padre Pio. Because if you, I have so much to be thankful for.

Perking Up Ginza

Here's something that Mark and I are looking forward to check out when the world has gone back to normal and we can travel freely without apprehensions.

The Uniqlo Store in Ginza is one of our favourite destinations. This 12-storey edifice is always a joy to visit. Imagine, you have 12 floors of awesome Uniqlo clothing! 

And now with a Uniqlo Coffee store in the same building, we'll have more reasons to visit and stay a few more hours!

But I have a feeling that it'll be Mark hanging out at the coffee shop while I go scour the racks from floor to floor.

That's one of the perks of having a coffee shop in a clothing store.

Do you remember?

It's not a Friday, so this is not a Friday Magic Madness post.

But it's the 21st night of September, so better call in Earth, Wind and Fire!

Each time I listen to this song, it makes me wonder why they chose this particular date for their iconic ditty. 

We're not sure of the answer, but what we're sure of is that this song is a classic!

Virtually Physical

Inspired by Rikki's Wellness conversations during our last few Melrose get-together, the group decided that her post-birthday get together should align with that theme.

So yesterday, we decided to get physical!

Yes, the headbands and caps were our attempt at "gym wear."

Even if the celebration was virtual, we were still able to pull-off a lot of "exercise" activities. 

It's so Melrose to find ways of making these virtual meet-ups in-theme and fun!

On Heinz-sight

Heinz Tomato Ketchup has been a long-time fave. It's my preferred ketchup on fried chicken, which makes me the oddity since most people like banana ketchup on this dish.

Another flavour oddity is the fact that Heinz is usually part of my McChicken sandwich and Popeye's chicken sandwich routine. 

And just when I thought I've exhausted all reasons to like Heinz, this comes along.

Yes! They have Heinz Garlic Sauce.

And. It's. So. Good! Especially on fries!

Now, I've got my sights on buying more of these soon.

All About Herr

There are 2 cheese curl brands that bring me back to my childhood.

The 1st and more obvious one is Planter's. This was a snack staple during my childhood and we'd get those iconic blue cans whenever our Lolo and Lola and other relatives come home from the US. Or, we'd also get them at the nearby PX places in case we get a sudden craving.

The 2nd one is Herr's Cheese Curls. This was the puffier and lighter version, and they'd come in more varied flavours.

Whenever we're in the US and go to Target or Walmart, I'd always get this 2 brands, plus Cheetos, of course. But here in Manila, Cheetos is easier to find, that's why it's the brand that's usually in our snack pantry.

But recently, I've been seeing Herr's a bit more often in online grocery stores like Lander's!

Now, we've got a few packs of Herr's at home, and it's now part of our cheesy snack routine. 

Yup, still tastes like my childhood!

FMM: Happy Happy

Today is Mark's Birthday!

Just like Friday, his birthday is a magical day.

Magic that spans from that first celebration together in Urasa, to celebrations in Ginza, Roppongi, and many other parts of Japan.

Magic made with home-cooked meals at IH, to restaurant meals with friends.

Magic that's best celebrated with this song which we'd always sing whenever we'd have karaoke sessions in IUJ with the Pinoys. A song from the 60s by "The Turtles" and a song which really captures the feeling of spending birthdays together.

A Happy Together, Happy Birthday, Mark! 

Christmas Countdown

Although Christmas in the Philippines officially starts on September 1, it's worth to note that September 16 is...

Let the countdown begin!

Just Jack-et!

Although jackets don't really get worn these days, I still find myself browsing the net for chic outerwear.

While doing that, this jacket from Kashieca popped up.

There's so much going for this jacket. 

First, there's the refreshing blue hue.

Second, there's the utilitarian-fashion design.

Third, there's the cool neckline and sleeves.

Fourth, there's the fact that it's available in my sister's size.

Yes, I think we all know what just happened next.

Ageless Style

While looking at all the fashionable people dressed to the nines for the 2021 MET Gala, one fashion maven caught - well, more of grabbed with force by 2 hands - my attention.

That, of course, if the supremely elegant and ageless Vera Wang.

I’ve been a huge fan of her fashion and person for decades. From watching her fashion shows online to buying Vera Wang clothing when I was living in HKG. From trooping to Kohl’s when I was I. The US to browse and buy her Simply Vera collection, to scouring my local haunts for overruns of her items.

Yes, i’m That’s kind of fan.

And seeing her and her super chic ensemble at the MET Gala wasn’t surprising at all.

What’s surprising is the fact that she’s 72-years old.

Yes! She’s!72!Years!Old!

How’s that for the epitome of “Style is Ageless.”

Beauty. Queen.

The star of "The Queen's Gambit" makes her debut as the cover girl of InStyle's Beauty Issue!

Much deserved since Anya Taylor-Joy has that classic beauty that you can look at for hours and will never tire of it.

Now I've seen the cover. I wonder when I'll see the actual issue.

LFLTAT: Sorbet Style

Sorbet colours are always very refreshing to the eyes. That's why aside from enjoying sorbet as a dessert, I also enjoy finding items of clothing with these light hues.

Such as these two.

These colours are from a look that I got online. The top is from Penshoppe and the skirt is from Plains & Prints.

These 2 items were on sale when I spotted them, and the whole ensemble was just P900!

How's that for a refreshing, sorbet-coloured Look For Less Than A Thousand?

Lusti-Cool

Back in the 2000s, there emerged a new breed of fashion designers in the Philippines. 

They were young, creative, bold and imaginative. They stormed fashion shows and fashion magazines with their cool, architectural and avant-garde designs.

Among these names were Joji Lloren, Avel Bacudio, Ivarluski Aseron, Dennis Lustico, Rajo Laurel among others.

I've always liked the work of these designers, and thanks to some of their collaborations, I was able to snag pieces from them. There's Joji Lloren for Rustan's, Avel Bacudio for Landmark, Rajo Laurel for Plains and Prints, among others.

Last year, I saw that Dennis Lustico - along with other designers - had a collaboration with Zalora. I'd often go back and check out these dresses on their site, and always planned to get them. 

A few months ago, I finally did!

This dress from Dennis Lustico is true to his aesthetic. Very sleek and architectural, with feminine details like point d'esprit lace.

From the color (or non-color), to the construction and design, this dress is so cool! And I'm so glad I was able to snag it!

FMM: Diamond in the rough

Among the 12 months, I'd say that September is musically special for me.

There are a lot of songs with the word "September" that are on my playlist. Songs that I play whenever I want to just bop my head and dance, or just chill on a weekend, or to put me on a relaxed mood before going to sleep.

One of my favourite relaxing "September" songs is by Neil Diamond from the 70s. 

This song reminds me of my childhood in Bicol during summer. For some strange reason, I'd hear this song often, maybe because one of my cousins or Titos would play it. But after listening to it the first time, the song got stuck in my head and now, I find myself going back to it again and again.

That's why today's Friday Magic Madness song for the 2nd week of September is, well, about September.

Dates and Days

Today is Thursday, September 9, 2021.

That's why I was wondering about this news story online.

The writer must have been very busy that they got the day and date wrong.

Proofreader, please!

Hail to the Queen!

You have always been a source of strength to me, our family and our friends. 

I'm fortunate that my family taught me about you at a very young age. Then, as a Lourdesian and with the guidance of my CL teachers, I knew more and more about you, your life, your faith and your sacrifices. 

And today, on your birthday, we praise and glorify you more, Mama Mary!

Please continue to cover us with your blue mantle of protection and watch over the world.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

Monstrosity!

Saw this interesting interview about Afghanistan on youtube.

Aside from what the interviewee and what she was saying, what struck me most is how she was labeled by the network.

I know they interviewed a "minister," so why are they calling her a "monster"?

Proofreader, please!

Pueblo Cerrado

The last time I saw El Pueblo was November last year, when we had a shooting in Ortigas and passed by the area on our way to the studio.

Back then, it was already noticeable that a lot of the places were closed. Like the Anytime Fitness Gym on the 2nd floor, the Song Do Korean Restaurant and 12 Monkeys on the other building. But that time, McDonald's El Pueblo was still open. And it looked like the side of Chateu was still open.

But a few weeks ago, this photo popped up on my feed! 

(photo grabbed from Spot.ph)

El Pueblo is now boarded up! (Except for McDonald's.) 

Gosh! So many memories in this place. From TGIFriday's on the 2nd floor where D' Frendz would often have our get togethers, to Congo Grille where Madz and I would have lunch, to Tequila Joe's where we'd see celebrities quite often, to Rack's where Mark and I would have breakfast and where Alex had her baptism reception. 

And those are just some of the memories from that place. There's still a lot more that I haven't mentioned yet.

Seeing this photo makes me wonder what they'll turn this corner property into. Another high-rise building? Another lifestyle center?Another mall?

We'll have to wait and see. But until then, that corner of Julia Vargas and ADB Avenue will always be El Pueblo de Manila for me.

A Memorable Ting

Tito Ting is the eldest among the Dad's siblings.

My first memory of Tito Ting is when we first visited Bicol as kids. He lived in this super cool house in the middle of a sprawling garden. When we stepped in to meet him and my cousins, it was easy and clear to see that he was the patriarch of the family.

He was well-dressed like gentlemen of that era. He spoke Spanish fluently. His voice was very firm and authoritative. He looked strict and stern, but as we knew him more, he was also mild-mannered and very gentle.

Tito Ting, as well as Tita Dolly, were very active in church. He was a lay minister at the big church in Bacacay. One of my memorable childhood moments in Bicol was when we heard mass in Bacacay along with Tito and Tita. 

After mass, we all went to the priest's home inside the church compound so he could introduce us to the Parish Priest. It was huge home, filled with antique, wooden furniture. While we were waiting for the Priest to arrive, I saw the huge dining table with a basket of fruits in the middle. Feeling "at home," I took a piece of banana and started to eat. 

As I was taking a bite, I was told that I wasn't supposed to get food from the table because it wasn't ours. I'm not sure now if it was Tito or Tita who called my attention, but after they did, I stuffed the whole banana in my mouth and placed the banana peel in my pocket to hide the evidence. 

That's just one of the many memories with Tito Ting and family. The others include our usual sleep overs at their house in Bacacay during summer, or our beach bonfires at Lolo's beach. My cousins and I would also go to Tito Ting's property in the same area where there was a mangrove plantation. We'd usually get mangroves and turn them into rifles for our "army play" with the cousins.

Another memorable moment was when there was a big party at Tito Ting's house. In the middle of the revelry, a huge gecko appeared on their glass door and made a huge "tuuukooo" sound. Being kids from Manila, this freaked us out. Papa Jack - Tita Dolly's brother - saw the panic in our eyes and he brought out a gun and shot the gecko. Of course, the glass door shattered, but so did the gecko. After that incident, everyone went on with the party as if nothing - not even a shooting - happened.

Last time we visited Tito Ting in person was in Bicol was in April 2019. The first time we dropped by, he wasn't there because he was doing his lay ministerial work at the prison in that area. Yes, at 80+ years old, he was still an active lay minister.

The last time we saw him virtually was in April of this year when they were all in San Roque to celebrate Tito Hector's birthday. They had a video call and we got to see and say hello to Tito Ting.

Yesterday evening, Tito Ting was given his angel wings and joined Lolo Iking and Lola Dita in heaven. Now, we won't see him physically the next time we visit his cool home in the middle of that sprawling garden in Bacacay, but we know that he'll be watching us from above.

Vaya con Dios, Tito Ting. 

Bring out your Passport

Nope, not that passport.

Most people haven't used their passports since early 2020.

But this is one passport that I was able to bring out. Of our snack cabinet, that is.

Pringles Passport Flavours!

I'm really digging these 2 new flavours from my snack haunt. Honestly, the London Fish and Chips REALLY tastes like Fish and Chips! And the Sichuan Spicy Chicken has the right amount of spicy kick.

Now this is one passport that I'll be using every afternoon.

FMM: Beat that!

Kim Carnes is one of my favourite 80s singers.

She has the same raspy voice as Bonnie Tyler. And her songs are very upbeat and makes you bob your head and sway your body.

In the 80s, she churned out hit after hit after hit. And as a kid, I'd wait for it to play on the radio or watch it on MTV.

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is one of those songs. A song with a very catchy beat:

"You make my heart beat faster" is a song that reminds me of grade school dance programs. Strange, but true.

Amazing what a catchy beat can make you remember.

A Kueh-iet Place

Nope, this isn't about the Emily Blunt movie.

It's about one of my go-to delicacies and snacks whenever I'm in SG - Ang Ku Kueh!

I've been buying this around neighbourhood stalls and hawker centres whenever I'm in SG. And it's always a hit.

Recently, I saw this video about this very popular Ang Ku Kueh shop in SG. And this place is supposed to be legendary!

Gotta try this out next time I'm in SG! 

Christmas Collab

The 1st of September - for the Philippines - is the 1st day of the Christmas Season.

And yes, the net is replete with Jose Mari Chan memes today. 

Actually, since last week.

Actually, we added to that plethora of memes since we did one for a client.

But among the many memes, this one caught my eye. It's a meme that you don't just read, but you sing in your head.

I've shared this with a few friends and they all had that same "singing it in my head" reaction.

Now this is a collab that should be recorded. Stat!