Getting back to (the new) normal

As we get ready to welcome the new year, it's always nice to look at the year that was.

"New Normal" is a term that's been around since the later part of 2020, but it was this year that it felt like we were really moving in to it.

With the travel rules easing, masking becoming optional, and more people going out, it started to feel like the world was going back to what it used to be. But of course, there were still indicators of the pandemic - people still wearing masks, the reluctance to remove masks in public places, the practice of social distancing, and the feeling of overall cautiousness.

Personally, we started to go to the office more often. Our shoots were a bit more relaxed, sans the face shields but still with a lot of swab tests. Meeting up with friends became a tad (just a tad) bit more frequent. And yes, this was the year that I was able to travel again.

First, it was to Bicol with the family. That was the first domestic trip. 

Second, Mark and I were able to go to Seoul before the year ended. That was a special trip in a lot of ways.

And as 2023 comes rolling along, it feels like we'll start to do a bit more "normal" things. Hopefully, with more confidence and less reluctance.

Thanks for easing us to a new sense of normalcy, 2022. And we're hoping for a better a more "normal-normal" 2023!

FMM: Life IS better

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is inspired by a Netflix series that I've recently been binge-watching. But I'll talk about that in another post. Today is about the song.

This song was a huge, huge, HUGE hit in 1998. It was a dance club anthem that they would often play in places where there are people dancing. That includes music halls, clubs, videoke joints, company parties, birthday perties, Christmas parties - the whole shebang!

It's a song from The Tamperer featuring Maya, and the title is a cheeky one that encapsulates the experience of listening to the song:

"If you buy this record, your life will be better."

Gosh! The title itself is worth gushing over. It's so fun and cheesy! 

And the song - it's so happy, peppy and danceable. Plus, it samples "Material Girl" from Madonna, which makes it even more appealing to 80s kids like me. And yes, this song was played non-stop at the office whenever we worked overtime.

Listening to this song again after a long time, I can say that my life had definitely become better.

Feeling Randy

After my pre-New Year lunch with Mark at Shangrila Mall, I dropped by True Value on the 6th floor to get some LED bulbs.

Lo and behold, a few feet away from the hardware store, there was a Randy's Donuts kiosk!

I've been wanting to try this since they opened in BGC early this year. And it's so awesome that they finally opened one near the office.

Tried a dozen donuts and went for the premium ones. They had flavours like Red Velvet, Coffee, Hazelnut, Oreo, S'mores, among many others. The one that really caught my eye was the Raspberry-filled Glazed donut. And yes, it did not disappoint.

The donuts are really good! Not too sweet, the right amount of doughiness and chew, and the size is definitely bigger than the usual donuts. Which should be expected given their price point.

This is going to be a great addition to my donut repertoire.

Make mine Magenta

It's no surprise that fashion brands are suddenly bringing out their best magenta outfits. After all, Viva Magenta is Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2023.

Because the family wants to welcome the new year wearing this coming year's colour, it was off to the mall to find outfits for Mom. Luckily, there were 2 outfits that fit the bill.

Outfit # 1 is from Stella at Robinsons Department Store. 

It's a loose cotton jersey shirt and pants combo that's as comfortable as it is colourful.

Outfit # 2 is a combination from 2 shops.

The Susan Graver top is made of jersey and has a mock turtle neck and extended sleeves. The pair of jeans is from The Landmark.

Okay, Pantone! We're ready for 2023!

Closing a Chapter

It’smso sad to see this piece of news online,

National Bookstore in Greenbelt holds so many memories for me. And seeing the, close is like closing a chapter.

He’s coming to town

This year's Christmas wrapping theme was actually a case of reverse engineering.

It all started with these Santa Claus clips. 

These clips are almost 5 years old. Mark and I bought these in Tokyo, at one of our favourite black holes, Flying Tiger. It was near Christmas that time, that's why they had holiday stuff out. My purchase that day included 6 boxes of these clips.

After unearthing it in my closet, it was clear that this had to be part of 2022's Christmas wrapping theme.

Luckily, National Bookstore had Santa-themed wrappers out early. Believe it or not, these wrappers were on display as early as July this year. It was a sign!

The Santa Claus print in this wrapper had a bronze scarf against his classic red suit. It was natural that the ribbons for the year would echo these 2 colours.

Then, there were the tags. I designed these with different Santa Claus prints, from the classic to the whimsical.

With all these elements in place, this is how this year's Christmas wrapped gifts looked like. It's a mix of something very traditional with touches of colour and whimsy.

After many years, Santa Claus has finally come to town!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas has always been about family. So, on Christmas Day, our family, both near and far, came together to celebrate this most joyous day.

And when the clock struck 12 in the US, we had another virtual Christmas gathering with the US family as well!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Chill

It’s Christmas Eve, and the whole house is ready for Noche Buena. All the peeps have been made, so we’re just sitting by the gazebo, enjoying the company of family and some neighbors.

And yes, i’m not doing any last-minute Christmas gift wrapping! Woot!

So yes, Christmas is very chill this year.

And amidst the chill and calm of waiting for the day that Christ is born, I think it’s best that we wait for it in silence and reflection, and a Christmas Carol that embodies that.

Oh the beauty of a chill and silent Christmas Eve.

FMM: Remember her name

Every 80s kid knows Irene Cara.

From her memorable voice to her wonderful songs to her stellar performances, she was an artist who transcended one medium. She was a singer, an actress, an activist and an icon. Her presence and personality was so big, her absence is felt.

It’s been almost a month since she’s passed, and the musical world isn’t the same without her.

But just like her iconic song, while she might be gone, everyone will remember her name:

Her iconic “Fame” is the perfect Friday Magic Madness song to celebrate her life, her legacy, and of course, her fame.

It’s a Wrap

It’s official!

I’m done with all my Christmas wrapping this year! With 2 days to spare.

It’s going to be a very chill Christmas Eve.

Decade and decades

For the 1st face-to-face Christmas Party in 2 years, we decided to go back and relive the different fashion decades.

Our theme was “Fashion Flashback,” and we were encouraged to dress up in clothes from 1920s to 1990s. And the ManCom was very diverse, dressing up in different decades. From the dapper 40s to the fab 50s, from the swinging 60s to the flashy 70s. to the colorful 80s to the grunge-y 90s. (That’s me!)

And the term “decade” had a special significance for me as I celebrated my 1st decade in Catalytx this year! Whoa! This is my longest stay in one agency, and i’m thrilled that I marked this milestone at Catalytx!

That’s a perfect 10!

Hot Rod-ic’s

Now, there’s no need to go all the way to UP for my Rodic’s fix.

They opened a branch nearby!

This branchnin White Plains is near the Bakeshop and Coffee Shop. If the weather is pleasant, it’s actually possible to just walk there from Dexter’s!

Hey Rodic’s! Here I come!

Ca(n’)t be bothered

This made my Monday on-site work at the office SO worth it!

Seeing this cat looking at me like he can’t be bothered us cuteness overload!

Tree-at

For reasons that escape me, we didn't put up our Christmas Tree last year.

That's why this year, we made sure that it was up and lit by November.

And now, almost all the gifts for the year are also under the tree!

Now, that's a treat!

The Boss

Nope, this post isn't about Diana Ross' iconic song. 

But hey, I wrote about that already.

This is about our neighbour's adorable cat.

His name is "Bossing." Which is truly an apt name for him since he's super bossy. He bosses around the neighbourhood cats. He walks around as if he owns the compound. And when he "Meows", his voice is round and booming.

Yup, just like a boss.

FMM: Anticipating His Coming

One thing that I always look forward to during Christmas Masses are the Christmas songs that they play as Communion and Recessional Hymns. 

Today, at the online Anticipated Simbang Gabi, they played a song that's a personal fave even as an elementary school kid.

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is true-blue Friday Magic Madness worthy song. Its history dates back to the 1800s, and its still played until today. Talk about longevity, and a timeless classic! That's why as a kid, and until now, I eagerly anticipate whenever they play this song.

Just as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ this Christmas Day.

And the tradition begins...

Another year, another start of Miss de Gallo.

As much as i’d like to go back to attending it in person, i’ll have to do what i’ve been doing the past 2 years and attend on-line.

Can’t wait to complete the 9-days again.

Little goes Big!

Little Quiapo has always been our go-to halo-halo and palabok place since I was in grade school. It’s most likely because of its proximity from my old grade school - Claret. We’d sometimes go there after school and have our merienda.

It’s so much part of our lives that even as an adult, i’d still go to Little Quiapo. Nowadays, the Little Quiapo crew is usually composed of Maricar, Mona and Bonique.

We haven’t been to that restaurant in 2020. We’ve always wanted to go back, but haven’t gotten around to doing it. But after seeing this post, we want to go back!

Looks like there’s a big change at Little Quiapo. And i’m here for it!

Painting the town

Today, while in transit to a meeting and headed home, I noticed something similar in 2 different places.

This was along EDSA.

This was at Araneta Coliseum.

Guess people are painting the town these days.

Oui like it!

Because of its locale and theme, the Netflix series "Emily in Paris" is one of the most fashionable and chic shows that's currently airing. Although I'm not an avid follower - yet - seeing the fashion on those few episodes made me smile.

It's no surprise that this show has inspired fast-fashion brands to bring out their best Parisian chic. One of those brands is the family's perennial fave - Plains & Prints. Recently, they held a special preview of this collection at Shangrila Plaza Mall.

Since I was given an invite, and it was just near the office, it was off to Shang to check it out. 

When they unveiled the racks, it was clear that Paris was the inspiration for the collection. From the classic stripes, to dotted tulle, to classic denim - a lot of the pieces would definitely fit in the streets of Paris in the summer.

Doing my usual shopping strategy, my eyes did a quick scan and looked for pieces that stood out and made an instant impact. And among the pieces on display, these really caught my eye. 

First item, this halter top dress with a loose, trapeze silhouette and a ruffled hem.

The striped fabric is so French. Plus, there were 2 details that made this dress a wow: a large bow at the back, and an asymmetric hem.

The second item is a shift dress with a ruffled neckline, a front slit, and pom-poms on the hem. The style reminded me of a dress from their Spring Harvest Collection. Despite that, it's the print that really caught my eye with this piece. It was a combination of florals, the Tour Eiffel, and sketches of women. 

There were other pieces that were worth buying, but because of the lack of time, these top 2 items were the ones that went from Paris, straight to Ate Bullet's closet. 

But once the full collection drops in stores, Oui will definitely be buying a few more pieces!

Double happiness

When I was living in China, one of the popular beer brands was Double Happiness.

But this post isn’t about that.

It’s about today’s Double Happiness!

We had a double happy birthday celebration for Dad and Mom. Today is Dad’s birthday, and Mom’s was last Friday.

Of course, it won’t be Dad without a wacky photo.

With family, food and fun, it was truly a doubly happy day!

Yeah, it’s Time!

 Michelle Yeon is Time Magazine’s Icon if the year for 2022!

Yo! This is well-deserved!

Hope the Oscars come next.

FMM: I'm Suk-t

Today was one of those days when a random old song popped in my head. 

Something very apt considering it's Friday and it's FMM day.

And today's random song is really, really, REALLY random.

"Su-Ku-Leu" was a 1980s disco hit from Tantra. That song would often be performed on noon time shows and dance shows. Although no one really understood the lyrics, the whole African vibe of the song really caught on and became such a popular song for a few years.

Listening to it now, I think you can play this in a club in 2022 and people won't fell shookt. In fact, I can see them dancing to it, just like in the 80s.

#FeelingBlessed

Once upon a time, that hashtag was THE hashtag that everyone was using. So much so that it became some sort of a joke.

Today, though, that hashtag is not only very apt, it's also very timely.  Because on December 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Virgin Mary.

This Feast day is of special significance to me because Mama Mary has been truly kind and merciful to me. 

With her, I truly am #FeelingBlessed.

Geeking out

Fact # 1: I’m a huge Bath & Body Works fan.

Fact # 2: I’m a geek.

Because of these 2 facts, i’m currently binging on this recently discovered blog:

“Queen of the Girl Geeks” is a blog by a effervescent lady named Bonnie. She’s a huge Bath & Body Works fan and regularly posts content on her blog and on YouTube. And since my discovery, i’ve been binge-reading and binge-watching her blog and vlog.

Spending hours watching Bath &. Body Works videos? 

Yup, that’s how much of a geek I am.

If Andy met Betty in Japan

Before following K-dramas, I've always been interested in Japanese drama series or J-dramas.

It began during my HKG stint, and one of the shows I'd watch daily was "Hotaru No Hikari." This series starting Ayase Haruka (one of my super faves) is one of those shows I've seen from start to finish.

Netflix currently has a roster of J-dramas, one of which was a recent binge-watch.

"Atelier" is a dramedy about the fashion industry. It's the story of a plain-jane textile geek named Mayuko who finds a job in an ultra-chic, luxury lingerie brand headed by a headstrong fashion designer named Mayumi.

Mayuko's nerdy and lack of knowledge in fashion causes her to often clash with Mayumi who's very stylish and fashion forward. But as the series progresses, we see Mayuko slowly transform from drab to fab, thanks to Mayumi's guidance.

The transformation angle is very "Ugly Betty," and the strict-fashionable boss is very "The Devil Wears Prada." The fashion influences of this series are so notable, with Mayuko wearing an Anna Wintour bob.

Watching this was a joy. Not just because of the fashion theme and the style references, but also because it's set in Tokyo. There were areas shown in the show that are familiar, including the Mikimoto building and the fashion streets of Omotesando and Harajuku.

This series was such an easy watch that I've actually seen it twice.

And it looks like I'll continue to watch even more. 

From CMC to ASC

Like many of my long-term and cherished friendships, Shash and I first met as Freshmen in the UP College of Mass Communications.

She shifted courses to Economics, so we didn’t get to see each other as much during the later years of college. 

As professionals, we both found ourselves in advertising, worked in one agency for a few years, and grew even closer since then. Now, we;re both members of the Ad Standards Council, and saw each other during the ASC’s annual Christmas shindig!

It’s been more than 2 years since we last saw each other in person. Thanks goodness we dressed up nicely for this snap!

Joining the Harem

Harem pants are one of the most reviled fashion trends in history. 

It was a thing in the 90s, made popular by M.C. Hammer. In fact, it was called “Hammer pants” back then.

But any trend, no matter how hideous, can be made fashionable when done right. Just like this pair of jeans with a harem pant silhouette from The SM Store.

Because the pants are already filled with character, a neutral top works best with it. Just like this classic white t-shirt from SheIn.

With an outfit that looks like this, joining the harem looks promising.

Snacks with Seoul

Call it a “Seoul hangover” after our trip last October, but my cravings for Korean snacks are becoming more frequent.

Good thing there’s a Korean Store a few meters away from the house! It’s so easy to get this:

Chisu Cider is the equivalent of Sprite in Korea, but it’s less sweet and lighter, which is great for me. And the corn chips is one of the things that I discovered in the Lotte Supermarket. It’s a snack that I liked after tasting it. Mark, not so much.

My Seoul snacking self is happy!

FMM: Because she Khan

Today is Mom's birthday!

Of course, the birthday crew of Dad, Ate Bullet, Ray, Mark and me were there to celebrate another year of this amazing woman.

And for this special occasion, a very apt and timely Friday Magic Madness song is in order. It's a classic song from Chaka Khan from 1978 that is an anthem for women power.

"I'm Every Woman," is a classic disco song that's not just very catchy and danceable, it's also very powerful. Each line of the song talks about the power that women hold, and the influence they yield - in families, in the workplace, in the world.

That's why on Mom's special day, which falls on a Friday, this song really can capture the essence of the moment.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Literal and lightweight translation

So, this is what “light blue” is in Tagalog. At least, according to Lazada.

Talk about being too literal.

P.S. I’m loving the dress, though.

Rose to the occasion

Whenever i’m looking for unique and very luxe gift wrappers, there’s one place I go to.

The Wrap Shop.

Since the 90s onwards, this shop has been consistent in coming up with the most eye-catching gift wrappers. Their designs are unique, well-thought of, and are works of art. In fact, my 2014 Ming wrapper was from that shop.

Swung by last week to get a wrapper for family gifts, and found this gorgeous rose-print wrapper:   

It looked like a wallpaper from a French chateau! Of course, I had to buy a few rolls.

Because of the print and the different pink hues, I chose ribbons which followed the color family. Particularly, carnation and salmon pink.

The result, a pretty floral-themed present!

It’s still as sweet!

Monalisa's Mile

Nope, this isn't about Julia Roberts' women empowerment film. 

But you know me. I'm a huge Julia Roberts fan and never miss a chance to gush about her.

This is about another Monalisa. An awesome friend who's celebrating her birthday today.

Mona and I met more than 30 years ago as Freshmen in UP Diliman. We were both in Block I-1 of UP CMC. Our block was a fun and diverse group of 1st year students from different provinces, schools and backgrounds. And I'm so fortunate to still be in touch with a lot of my block mates, some of whom have become very close friends.

While we were block mates and classmates in a lot of subjects in CMC, Mona and I moved in different circles. She was a member of "The Geeks," which was our version of "The A-list crowd that everyone wanted to be friends with." Meanwhile, I was just a plain and simple geek. Someone who wasn't cool enough to hang out with the cool kids.

Part of my college memories would be seeing them in CASAA. They'd have 2 rows of tables and chairs for their group, exchanging stories, laughs and Super Lemon candy. We'd say our "hi and hellos" when we'd pass by, but we'd often sit a few tables away from them. (Sometimes, even outside CASAA when it was really full.)

My next major interaction with Mona was when we were in 3rd year. She started this organization called "UP Unang Hakbang" which championed and benefitted street kids. There were two things that drew me to that org: 1.) the very worthy cause they were championing, and 2.) their logo - which is still fresh in my mind until today. It was a crayon drawing rendition of 2 kids, and the org name circling that visual.

That was one of the 1st instances when I was in awe at how Mona would go the extra mile for causes she feels strongly about. She was one of the main reasons I wanted to join. And back then, it was clear that Mona would be a leader who would do great things.

While I did apply for their org and participated in some activities, (okay, 1 activity), my membership fell through. It was probably because I was still working at McDonald's that time, and my crew life took most of my free time.

A year or so later, our paths crossed again in another org - UP Journalism Club. My decision to join the club was very Johnny-come-lately - it was during my graduating year. Mona was one of the officers that time, so she'd be very active in setting tasks for the org applicants.

When it was time for our initiation, we were en route to a "secret location" where the rites were supposed to be held. On our way to the "secret location," someone blurted out "Malapit na ba tayo kina Mona?" That was the 1st time we went to Mona's house in Marikina, and being in her house made me feel like I knew her a bit more.

After graduation, we went our separate ways. But as it usually happens, some of the friendships stayed well beyond the hallowed halls of UP and Plaridel Hall. In my case, those friends were Prichy, Kitel, Wowie, Lhorie and Eva. Even though we all had different jobs, we'd find ways and occasions to meet up.

A year or two after, my post-college-friends-circle expanded. This is when D' Frendz was born. Our group was actually formed in a very organic way. We just came together, grew closer, and stuck to each other for decades. 

It was during this time that I really got to know Mona. 

When you've known each other for 3 decades, it's a given that you'll really get to know each other - warts and all - as the adage goes. 

There are a number of things that I've learned about Mona which can be considered common knowledge, or things that most people already know.

She's intelligent, she's accomplished, she's a born leader. She's generous, she's selfless, she's a family woman - both to her immediate family and extended family (which includes us, luckily.) She's steadfast, she's headstrong, she's level-headed, and she has admirable Faith.

But in my decades of interaction with her, there are also things that I've learned about her through experience. Quite a number, really.

One that strikes me the most - she's an empath.

Empathy - in the true sense of the word - is difficult to find in people. And for Mona, it comes so naturally. 

In my personal experience, she knows when to talk or ask questions, or even offer help. She never presses an issue or a question, and has the uncanny knack of knowing when the right time is. 

She already knew Mark for many years when she asked me the question: "Is Francis your friend?" That question actually made me smile when she asked it. And it makes me smile thinking about it now.

After casually mentioning that my colleagues and I were having this issue with the company we were working for, she immediately suggested that we talk to one of the partners in her law firm that specialized in labor issues.

In 2019, while I was in the ER, she was suddenly there with Ate Bullet. She said that it just so happened she was in TMC and saw Ate, and quickly rushed to where I was. She even called Maricar, and I remember they were calmly talking to me and assuring me while lying in the ER. She even brought food from KFC to our room when I was finally admitted. She said that we probably didn't have dinner yet because of all the tests and paperwork being done that day.

Those are just some of the many, many, many ways that Mona showed her empathy and went the extra mile for me. And her empathy is just one of the many, many, many qualities that people don't commonly know.  But as friends, we're truly blessed to get to experience it in our frequent interactions.

Having true, close, dependable and admirable friends is a blessing. Having one like Mona is all that, and even more. That's why on her birthday, I wish her all the blessings she deserves and everything her heart desires.

Happy Birthday, Mona!