Teal, we meet again

This movie quote from "The Wedding Planner" is a favourite of both Mark and myself. So much so that we blurt it out randomly:

"Teal. The colour of gangrene."

Not to say I dislike the colour teal. In fact, since it was introduced to me as the official colour of Texas Chicken, I liked it already. 

And now, I've met a new "Teal."

This Dr. Teal Body Wash is a gift from Jing-Jing from Christmas. 

The packaging looks very organic, and the scents seem very soothing and body-friendly. It's my first time to encounter this brand, and I'm excited to actually try these.

Teal that day comes, I'll excitedly place these in my body wash stash in the bathroom.

FMM: Simon Says

Carly Simon is one of the most talented and creative singer/songwriters in my book.

She has that 1-2 punch of having that very beautiful and emotive voice, combined with mad songwriting skills. Her iconic hit "You're so Vain" is still one of my most favourite songs so far - both in terms of music and lyrics. It was just very picturesque and beautifully written, and I've featured that song in one of my FMMs before.

With a string of number 1 hits under her belt, and collaborations with some of the biggest names like James Taylor, it's a fact that when it comes to being a female singer/songwriter, she's unique and incomparable.

Which leads us to today's Friday Magic Madness song from 1977:

"Nobody does it better" from "The Spy Who Loved Me" is another one of her iconic hits. And while listening to it again and again, it's easy to see why.

Really, nobody does it better like Carly Simon.

Printed Matter: Fowl play

When I was loving in HKG, i’d pass by Kowloon Park almost on a daily basis.

One of the reasons why I enjoy passing by that area was the fact that they had a small aviary of sorts. The space held several members of the fowl family, particularly Pink Flamingos and Peacocks.

Those fowl friends suddenly came back to mind when I saw this print. 

They're 2 peacocks perched on a branch of beautiful flowers and greens. And this print is from the latest Spring/Summer collection of Plains & Prints. A print that’s on a comfy and fashionable t-shirt that I couldn’t resist buying.

Because the print is already ornate, I thought of pairing it with a plain, belted and wide-legged khaki trousers from Bench. The shape complements the shirt and gives the entire ensemble a very chic and carefree vibe.

Nothing and everything about this ensemble is fowl.

Something's Off

Off-White, that is.

When it comes to dressing up, I'm a very boring and plain person. My uniform consists of jeans and a t-shirt, unless there are meetings at work. During those days, I'll wear a long-sleeved shirt and tuck it in. This makes the pair of jeans look half-decent.

Because I'm practically living in t-shirts, I've got a lot of those in my closet. Mostly, they're plain coloured, very loose and boxy, and comfy to wear. 

Those qualities are the same reasons why I've gravitated towards Off-White brand t-shirts. They come in basic colours (black, white, beige), they're very loose and boxy, and they're also very comfy. Most of their tees have prints, though. But I don't mind because the prints aren't too distracting. In fact, they're a bit artsy, just like the Off-White x Kunsthal shirt that I have.

For those reasons, this Off is definitely On!

Walking the Dog

Nope, this post isn't about a yo-yo trick.

Admittedly, though, I knew how to do that yo-yo trick when I was in high school.

This post is about Kuro, my sister's dog.

Since he spends most of his time inside the house, I'd occasionally borrow him from Ate and take him out for a walk around our compound. This often happens in the evenings when the weather is cool and windy.

It's a great way for Kuro to walk around and stretch his legs. And for me to get some exercise.

Dog-gone it! This is a win-win situation!

Deka-dent

Wafer roll - check!

Peanut butter - check!

Two of my favourites in one product - double check!

Thank goodness I discovered this Deka Peanut Butter Wafer Bites at Super 50.

Better stock up on these. Stat!

LFLTAT: Foxy Browns

While I've written about my discovery of SheIn a few months ago, it occurred to me that I haven't written about my fashionable finds.

Considering that the brand is known for their very, very, very affordable clothes, coming out with a Look For Less Than A Thousand would be easy to do. Frankly, it is. Both for guys and girls.

So, let me start off with this very cool, very comfy and very "street" ensemble from one of my first SheIn purchases. It's a pair that has that foxy, hip hop feel to it.

It's an ensemble that uses brown as the base colour, and uses it in a very fashionably comfy way. The shirt is a coffee brown dolman sleeved shirt. The fabric is very soft cotton that skims the body, making it very breezy and flattering. The jeans are these loose khakis with a brown detail on the side which echoes the colour of the shirt.

Together, this ensemble was less than P700! Not bad for a fashionably foxy look.

Fitch (not-so) Perfect

I'm part of the generation who grew up with Abercrombie & Fitch. In fact, I've written about that brand several times on my blog.

A&F was the perfect store if you wanted that cool, preppy look.

Whenever we'd go to the U.S., we have to stop by an A&F store. Three things that I'd usually buy: Polo shirts, graphic tees and jeans. 

Their polo shirts were very comfortable, and the fabric felt very luxe. Their graphic tees were very smart and witty. Their jeans are top notch - from the denim, to the silhouette, to the little details. So, even if they were premium-priced, it was well worth it.

In the 2010s, they ventured into Asia. They had a store along Pedder Street in HKG, along Orchard Road in SG, and in Ginza in JPN. All their stores looked and felt the same: high ceiling, brown shutters, dark interiors, loud music, and the daunting A&F sales people who looked like they stepped out of the catalogue.

By the late 2010s, the brand lost its lustre, and following, in Asia. And apparently, this was also the case in the U.S. In my mind, I'd always ask "Why?" After all, it seemed like they had a great thing going.

Today, I found the answers. Thanks to this Netflix documentary entitled "White Hot."

So, the company that built its name by creating the perfect preppy uniform wasn't as perfect after all.

FMM: Shoop for the Soul

Back in the 90s, there was a cinema in SM North EDSA Annex that was specially created to show arthouse films. If memory serves me right, it was called "Director's Choice."

While their other 15 - yes, 15 - cinemas showed the usual popular films, this one showed lesser known foreign films that were usually hailed abroad. The films they showed usually had unconventional themes, award-winning actors, and narratives that were very un-Hollywood.

It was in that theatre that I saw "Scenes from a Mall" with Woody Allen and Bette Midler. True to Woody's aesthetic, this film was quirky and had a lot, A LOT, of dialogues. Something that Pinoy viewers weren't too hot about. Back then, at least.

Another film that I watched there was "Mermaids." This family comedy starring Cher, Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci was also quite different in terms of theme, mainly because of the dysfunctional nature of their family. 

Because it featured 3 generations of great actresses, the film had a lot of soul. Each character was deep and damaged, which made the story more endearing and relatable.

Since Cher was in the film, there had to be music! And one of the songs in the film that became popular was the "Shoop Shoop Song." 

The carefree and 60s vibe of the song dovetailed beautifully with the actual film. And the music video captured the energy of the 3 actresses, and the joie-de-vivre of the characters. That made it wonderful to listen to, and even more wonderful to watch.

Re-watching this makes me want to watch "Mermaids" again. Off to Netflix and youtube to find it!

Peso Power

One of the perks of online supermarket shopping?

Random but fun promos! Like being able to buy items for P1! One peso!!!

I've written about this before, and I'll write about it again. That's because I got these yummy soup mixes for only P1 each!

Too bad I could only buy 1 of each.

But this is definitely the best way to spend P1!

Hey to Zed

On a recent run to The SM Store, there was this shelf in the Snack Exchange area that was filled with colourful packs of candies.

They caught my eye from afar because of the bright hues of the packs, and the even brighter contents peeking out of the transparent window.

After approaching the shelf, it turned out that these were sour, chewy candies under the brand "Zed."

Since this is a new brand for me, I ended up buying 2 of each kind. And boy, I'm glad that I did! These candies are awesome! The right combination of sweet and tart, and very pronounced fruity flavour! Especially this Fruit Salad variant.

Hey! This is going to be one of my new faves!

Peak Pet Peeve

I've said this before and I'll say it again, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people misspell "Sneak Peek" as "Sneak Peak."

You'd think people who are in advertising would know this by heart. 

Apparently not. Especially after seeing this on the official website of the Advertising Organization in the country.

Proofreader, please!

Super Shopping!

I've been reading about this new concept store from the Robinson's Group called Super 50. 

Last week, after our onsite office meeting, I quickly swung by to see what it's about. Boy, I was impressed! 

It's pretty much like Daiso Japan, but all the items in store are P50! 

In terms of selection, they have a wide range of items from food to home essentials to toys to electronics to other knick-knacks that you don't need but will eventually buy because of the price. I'm speaking from experience since that's what happened to me.

After my less than 15 minute walk around the store, I left with a big box of items! The best buys for me include the plates, saucers, bowls, dishwashing liquid and snacks!

It was a super experience that I'll probably do again soon.

Rise to the Happy Occasion

These words that are said during Easter Sunday are words that always brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Four words that are full of joy and hope. The same joy and hope that we feel on the day of Christ's resurrection.

Happy Easter!

Vigil Mass Memories

This is the 3rd time that i’m attending the Easter Vigil Mass online.

While the feeling is very different compared to attending Easter Vigil Masses face-to-face, there’s still a sense of community even I’m just behind the screen.

And as each of the 7 scripture readings are read, I can’t help but remember our Easter Vigil Masses with Mark at the Franciscan Chapel Center. An activity that’s well-documented and well-talked about on my blog.

One of the highlights of tonight’s Mass was the baptism of an adult. Again, the brings back memories of Japan where adults are baptized during the Vigil Mass. 

When Mark was still in Urasa, we even witnessed the baptism of a 90-year old woman! That was truly heartwarming to watch.

Hopefully, next year, Mark and I will get to relive our tradition and attend Mass in Roppongi again. The thought of the woman singing “Go down Moses” in her strong and well-rounded voice is enough to make us want to witness it again.

FMM: Love and Sacrifice

It's Good Friday once again.

We were taught the relevance of this day at a very early age. My grandparents were very religious, and they would explain to us kids the meaning of Good Friday. Whilst they forbade us from playing, laughing, swimming, running around - basically having fun, they told us that it's a small sacrifice considering the huge sacrifice that Jesus did for us.

Because we were taught early, it was something that I personally carried with me until my adulthood. That's why Holy Week is usually a time of reflection, and a time that we really thank the Lord for what he did for us. 

Sacrificing His life was the ultimate and most selfless act of love for humanity.

And that love inspired this Friday Magic Madness song on Good Friday. 

"I Love you, Lord," is a song that we'd sing a lot during our choir days - not just on Good Friday - but even on Sunday masses. It's a song that professes our love for the Lord, and thanking Him for everything he did. Something that we should take to heart, not just on Good Friday, but everyday.

Here's to a meaningful and Blessed Good Friday to everyone.

Maundy Kondo

Back in 2019, also in April, the Holy Week was upon us and the quiet time was spent fixing stuff in my room and doing a bit of Marie Kondo-ing.

Today, on Maundy Thursday, that same activity is back!

The afternoon was spent decluttering my room, including checking out my closet for jeans and trousers that haven't been used for quite some time. And to get more use and mileage for them, I've set them aside and we'll send them to our relatives in Bicol.

Here's this year's haul:

My process this year was to take similar jeans (wash, design, distress, etc.) and streamline to just 1 or 2 pairs of the same type.

Now, my jean closet is a bit less crowded, which is gratifying to look at.

Tomorrow, it's time to Marie Kondo my shirt closet.

Mamah Mia!

There are many iterations of the "Try videos." Although the "Try guys" series is probably the first one that I watched.

Recently, I've been binge-watching the "Mexican Moms Try..." series on the Mamah youtube channel. It's a series that has 2 to 3 Moms from Mexico trying everything. From Mexican classics like Pan Dulce and Aguas Frescas, to international snacks from all the different continents.

Including Asia. And the Philippines!

It's such a joy to watch this series. And the Moms are super nice! They remind me of our "Mexican Mamas" when we stayed in Mexico - including Nora, Betty, Rosie and Guada.

Watching this makes me want to go back to Mexico and meet Lucy and Xochitl in person! I'm sure I'd enjoy trying new food items with them.

P.S. Xochitl is on the money with the Shrimp Chips. That's my fave, too!

Marching on

The past few weeks, i’ve been looking for the April 2022 cover of InStyle. I’m interested to know who’ll be fronting their swan song issue.

Strangely though, I can’t.

The last cover that pops up online is the March 2022 issue. Grading it is the effervescent actress who’s fronted many an InStyle cover.

Kate Hudson

Makes me wonder if the March 2022 issue is the last one.

If it is, Kate is definitely an apt cover girl for effortless style.

For Your Information

Today is April 11. Or in numerical terms, 4/11.

And it's a date that has some relevance in American slang.

The numbers 411 mean "information." 

Example: "Hey, do you know the 411 on the upcoming sale on Target?"

In case this is the first time you're hearing about "411," that's the new piece of information today!

Make some noise

This was back in 2018.

Movie houses were showing this preview of a choir film entitled "Joyful Noise."

As a former choir boy, this film piqued my interest. Aside from the theme, it featured 3 of my favourite singer/actresses: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah and Keke Palmer.

Strangely though, this film was never shown on the big screen. The reason behind that has always been a mystery, and I'm still looking for that film on Netflix or streaming services to this day.

Until I find the full film, let me just watch excerpts from the film, including this very heartfelt rendition of "Man in the Mirror." This was performed by Keke Palmer and the choir. And they did it beautifully!

As the character Randy just said: make some noise for this performance!

Life in Mono

Nope, this isn’t a post about the song by “Mono.”

But to make things clear, I like that song.

The “mono” on this post is about the innate chicness of monochrome outfits.

Observe:

This Khaki ensemble has a sense of utilitarian chic to it. Aside from the color, the cargo pants add to that vibe. The top is from Shopee while the pants are from Bench.

And for something more chic and Audrey Hepburn-esque, time to do a monochromatic outfit in black.

The top is the same design as the khaki one, and it's from the same shop on Shopee. For the pants, this one is from the Elizabeth & James x Kohl's collaboration. You can never go wrong with Mary Kate and Ashley!

Who would've thought that you can get so much fashion from just one colour.

  

FMM: Precious Moments

During the past 2 years, mainly because of the pandemic, one of the most relevant songs is the 1974 classic from Three Degrees. 

Everyone knows this song. Everyone has sung this song in a videoke joint. (Especially for people in our generation.)

The song? "When will I see you again."

This is a question that the SMC gang has been asking each other. And while we regularly see each other on Zoom, we've always wanted to see each other face-to-face. See each other's smiles. Hear each other's voices - not through the computer. Catch up, just like old times.

And tonight, it finally happened! 

It was a get together that we just talked about the night before. Then, it actually happened. Which is proof that "the best plan is no plan at all."

And like the song lyrics state, seeing JKLM (Jing, Kin, Lu-Ann & Maricar) is truly a precious moment.

Nice to see you all again!

We live for Olive (Garden)

One of our must-visit restaurants whenever we're in the US is finally opening its doors here!

Yes! Olive Garden is opening in Manila!

Before this, the closest place we'd get our Olive Garden fix was on Guam. So, having some place that doesn't require a plane ride is awesome.

After reading this article, I started daydreaming about their pasta dishes and their breadsticks.

Hurry and open soon, Olive Garden!

Meals with Mark: Yahoo Yabu!

One of our "regulars" that Mark and I have been talking about the past years is Yabu.

This is one of our go-to eating places, and it's one of our faves and fool-proof choices.

The last time we had Yabu was early 2020, and we've been longing to eat there again.

And yesterday, we did!

Yahoo for Yabu!

From Nakano to Ninongs

Back when Mark was still living in Tokyo, we’d often hang out with Kris.

Our hang outs would vary from the 4th floor common room at IH2 in Nakano, to the cafeteria in GRIPS, to random restaurants around Tokyo. Oftentimes, we’d exchange stories, insights, and plans, especially when they finish their PhD and go back to the Philippines.

When they all came back, we met up with Kris many times. That includes their wedding, friend’s weddings, holidays and a list of other occasions.

And last weekend, another occasion was added to that list.

Mark and I were asked by Kris to be ninongs to their first born - Baby Kai!

We’ve definitely come a long way from Nakano.

Printed Matter: Postcard Perfect

Because traveling is still limited these days, it's always nice to see different countries - even in prints.

Case in point, this nice postcard print of Bali in Indonesia.

What's even better is that this print is something that you can carry with you everyday. 

It's actually on a dress from the Summer 2022 collection of Plains & Prints entitled "Picturesque."

The print, the design, the fabric - everything about this dress is so perfect!

Which makes it an equally perfect choice for Ate. (That's why I bought it for her.)

Disco Queens

Awesome music knows no generation. That's a fact.

Here's even more proof to that.

Gloria Gaynor is a disco icon way back in the 70s. Heck, everyone danced to "I Will Survive" and "Never Can Say Goodbye."

Kylie Minogue is a disco icon from the late 80s until now. Heck, everyone danced to "I Should be so Lucky" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head."

And these 2 disco icons broke their generational barriers and dropped this collaboration.

Gosh! They both look and sound ageless. Which is what real music queens are like. Being a fan of both these artists, watching this song is 2 times the thrill!

Looks like there's going to be a new disco LSS in my mind starting today.

Two years in the making

Speaking of meetings that are more than 2 years in the making...

Our last face-to-face ManCom was early March 2020.

The last time we celebrated Richard's birthday face-to-face was even longer than that.

But yesterday, this finally happened!

Not only is the ManCom complete, we celebrated Richard's birthday to boot!

As expected, we had more than 3 hours of wonderful catching-up stories. And it was awesome to see everyone in one room again after so long.

Looking forward to more of these ManCom meetings soon!

FMM: Going Loco

I’ve said this before, i’ll say it again: “Sometimes, the best plan is to have no plan at all.”

The past 2 years, there were plans to personally meet-up with some of the Melrose folks, but while most of them have been able to see each other, I'd always be busy or absent. Thus, I haven't seen them since January 2020!

Today, while doing a quick mall run at SM Megamall to buy a gift for Baby Kai, lo and behold, Fiesta and LG were also there!

And because the 3 of us were there already, we naturally went to eat at the place we were talking about last week during Patis' birthday.

El Pollo Loco!

In honour of this fun and unexpected meeting at El Pollo Loco, today's Friday Magic Madness is a 1987 classic - and the first major international hit of Kylie Minogue:

Yes, let's do the Loco-motion since we're in El Pollo Loco!

Here's the the next - and planned - meet up.