Souperb!

 After more than 2 years, my cravings for French Baker's Soup in a bowl is satisfied!

This is one of my go-to choices for a quick and hearty lunch or afternoon snack. But since 2020, I haven't been able to go to French Baker. And while they offer this item on their delivery menu, it just isn't the same if you don't eat it in store.

The wait was worth it. This soup is still as good!

Shrimp-ly Irresistible

Among the plethora of yummy Pinoy snacks, this has to be one of my top favourites!

Tanyag Shrimp Crackers!

This has been a go-to snack for decades, and it's as good now as it was before. That's why whenever I see it anywhere - whether it's a street vendor or a random shop in the mall - I can't resist but buy one.

Wah!!!

That expression is one of the first words that I learned during my HKG stint.

"Wah!!!" is the usual expression when Hong Kongers are surprised, impressed, happy, bamboozled, among many others.

Today, it was my turn to say "Wah!!!' And not just a plain "Wah!!!" but "Kee Wah!!!"

Kee Wah Bakery is a staple in HKG. I'd go to the nearby branch in TST twice a month to buy my favourite egg rolls and their floss stuffed egg rolls. 

They also have a big store in Chek Lap Kok, that's why Kee Wah was my go-to pasalubong each trip back to MNL.

I'm so glad that they've finally opened a store here in  MNL! 

Floss-stuffed egg rolls, here I come!

Christmas curveball

Because it's never too early to post about Christmas.

This isn't about Christmas gifts or Christmas wrappers, though. Not to say those aren't already being taken cared of.

This is about the Neflix film, "Last Christmas."

When the prompt popped out that the last day of streaming of this film was on June 15, I decided to finally watch it. I've been seeing this on the list of choices for months, but never got around to watching it.

Based on the trailer, it seems like a straightforward rom-com. After all, it features the cute and funny Emilia Clarke, a subtly hilarious Michelle Yeoh and "Crazy, Rich, Asians" resident heart throb, Henry Golding.

But as the film progressed, it became clearer and clearer that this film wasn't as simple. As the plot progressed, it was starting to be clear that there was more to the story. 

Then, the climax. Curveball!!!

Of course, I won't spoil any of that. But let's just say that this Christmas rom-com is way different from "The Holiday" and "Love, Actually." Also, having seen this film and "Me Before You," there's a pattern forming with Emilia's leading men.

I'll definitely watch this again before June 15.

FMM: Met expectations

The Metropop fixation continues. Which is very apt because all the entries, runners-up and winners qualify as Friday Magic Madness songs due to their age.

Kuh Ledesma is a big favourite of the family. When we were kids, we'd watch her concerts at Music Museum, even if it meant us staying up way past our bedtime. We also got to meet her personally a few times because she's friends with one of our Titas.

There's an interesting story about Kuh Ledesma and the Metropop Music Festival. Odette Quesada penned an entry for the contest, and she wanted Kuh to sing it. At first, Kuh was reluctant because she didn't like joining singing contests, even as an interpreter for a composer who's very close to her. 

But Odette really wanted her to interpret the song. In fact, Kuh was the only singer she had in mind and was a non-negotiable. So, what she did was to ask her grandmother to talk to Kuh and convince her. Now, Kuh is close to her Odette's grandmother and has a soft spot for Lolas. And that sealed the deal.

That song, "Till I Met You" eventually bagged the grand prize in the 6th Metropop Music Festival in 1983.

I'm so glad Kuh met Odette's grandmother. That meeting has gifted us with an iconic song that - up to now - is one of my most listened to songs.

Show me the Marni! Again!

This repeat took more than a decade to happen!

Last 2011, H&M had a collaboration with Marni. Alas, I wasn't able to get any items from that collection, thus, I had nothing to show for it. (Unlike the Versace, Cavalli, Matthew Williamson, CDG & Lanvin collaborations.)

Now, Marni is back! This time in a collaboration with Uniqlo.

Looking at some of the items on their lookbook, there are a lot of signature Marni prints. There's also a lot of color, and a lot of joie de vivre!

Gotta show up at Uniqlo, stat! 

Happy, Holy Birthday

Happy Birthday St. Padre Pio de Pietrelcina!

Thank you for all the mercies and miracles you have bestowed upon us.

(No) Brand Conscious

This store opened pre-pandemic. I've seen it several times at Robinsons Galleria, but never got around to venture inside.

It was only last month when I actually entered and explored No Brand - the Korean store owned by the Robinsons Group.

Basically, it's a grocery filled with Korean goodies - both food and non-food. During my quick stop at their branch, there were 2 items that caught my eye and ended up in my basket.

The Shrimp chips are divine! And the custard cake is pillowy soft and oozing with filling. These are food items that are so good, I'm inclined to buy them again. That's 2 out of 2 for this first visit.

I'll be more conscious about their other products on my next visit.

Coming back UP

Just like the buildings and the feels of the campus, UP never grows old.

Palma Hall still looks the same as it did when we were Freshmen. The only difference is that the whole building is now gated and you can't go in and out freely, unlike in the 90s.

The Sunken Garden and the stage are still there. Looking at it reminds me of our ROTC parades under the hot, afternoon sun.

Coming back to UP is always a memory-filled experience.

Window dressing

The story of this dress literally started at the window.

BCBL isn’t s new brand for me. It was in 2017 when I first discovered this brand in Greenhills. They have a store there, and I found their dresses well-designed with very unique prints. It was like Plains & Prints, but for a slightly older market.

Due to this factoid, i’d Usually but BCBL dresses for Mom, then Plains & Prints for my sisters.

Then, I found out that they were also available in The Landmark Department Store, and that’s when I started to notice that they also had younger designs. Then, they eventually opened in Ali Mall, and we’d go there with Mom and Ate.

That’s when I started buying the brand for Ate Bullet as well.

Sometime late last year, I went to Ali Mall and decided to drop by the BCBL store. Alas, it was closed.

But, from the window, I saw this dress that automatically caught my eye. It was a classic dress with a white, floral print fabric. I wanted to buy it, but since the store was closed, I just looked at and lined for the dress from the window.

Each time I’d visit Ali Mall after that, my routine would be passing by BCBL. And each time, they were closed. I went to The Landmark, but they didn’t have the dress there.

Last week, while checking out Lazada, a shop suggestion popped out. It was the BCBL Lazada Store!

And what do you know, they had the dress there! Of course, I added to cart and checked out faster than you can say BCBL!

It’s the same dress that I wrote about yesterday.

The dress has so many chic details. For starters, it has a black, bateau neckline that’s very Audrey Hepburn. (I know, I said this yesterday. But it’s something worth repeating.)

Then the black detail extends to the side, culminating in a ribbon on both sides of the waist.

If that’s not enough, the back has an exposed zipper! And you know me, put an exposed zipper and an Audrey Hepburn reference “and I’m on board.’ Yes, i’m quoting Nigel.

And that’s the story of how the dress from the window finally got home.

Goody Two Shoes

When a pair of shoes is classic and versatile, there’s more than one way to wear it.

Take this pair of black mules from Rubi for example.

Its black color and round shape makes it easy to wear with almost anything. And here are 2 examples:

Look # 1: Corporate Cool

The shoes give this ensemble a fashionable and professional vibe. The top from The SM store is a long sleeved blouse with a ribbon detail on the cuff. The pants are from Kashieca, and has this dainty pattern against a brown backdrop.

Look # 2: Chic Classic

Here’s how a pair of mules can be party-worthy. Pair it with a chic dress with a very Audrey Hepburn-esque silhouette. This BCBL dress has bateau neckline that's highlighted by a black detail. And black piping echoes the color of the mules.

This dress actually has a lot of very fashionable details, but i’ll Share that separately. This,post is all about the shoes, so i’ll focus on that.

Two looks with one pair of shoes? Goody!

FMM: Top of the Pops

The Metropop Music Festival in the late 70s & 80s was definitely the breeding ground of some of the most iconic OPM songs. 

Back in the early 2000s, I had a CD compilation of the winners and finalists of the different Metropop derbies, and I'd often listen it with Kuya Ers - a fellow fan of old OPM. After poring through each CD, one thing was clear - this was the golden age of song writing contests.

From Metropop came some memorable Pinoy hits like "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika," "Salamat, Musika," "Isang Mundo, Isang Awit,""Ako ang nagwagi, Ako ang nasawi," "Give me a Chance," "Anak," "Umagang Kay Ganda," among many others.

But the winning songs weren't the only one that became hits. Other finalists and runners-up were equally memorable and have stood the test of time.

A good example is today's Friday Magic Madness song from 1980. It's a song from The New Minstrels and talks about how we are all connected despite our differences. A message that's beautifully captured in the title: "Ikaw, Ako, Magkakapatid."

I've listened to this song for 4 decades already. And fun fact, we performed this song when I was still part of the High School choir.

And the message rings true now just like it did 42 years ago.

One Top, Two ways: Vested interests

I'm going out on a limb here, but vests are one of the most underrated and underutilized items in fashion.

A vest - when properly used - can elevate an outfit. It's such a simple piece of clothing, but it has a transformative effect. Given the right cut, color and fabric, it can totally change the overall look and feel of an outfit.

Here's an example: A simple denim vest from Bench. It has jean-like details like rivets and metal buttons. The shape is loose and the length is longer than usual. On its own, it looks quite nondescript.

 

But if you add it on to other pieces, it takes on a totally different fashion form and feel. See how these two dresses from Zalora transform with the help of this vest.

Place it on top of a patterned maxi-dress, and it gives a very boho-chic vibe that's very California in it's look and feel.

Wear it on top of a swiss dot prairie dress, and you've got an ensemble that's very chic-Western. It's something that will look like something from Texas or Arizona.

And those are just 2 ways to style this denim vest. If you start wearing this with separates, then it takes on a different persona.

Interesting how one little piece of clothing can do all that.

Sweet 16

Sixteen summers ago, to be very specific, 16 summers to this day, our creative campaign for Colgate 360 Toothbrush made it to the cover of Campaign Brief Asia. It was the first time our work was featured in this Advertising industry "bible."

Now, after 16 years, I find myself back on that same publication. Albeit in the digital version.

It's now called "Campaign Asia," and they have a feature called "Creative Minds" where they pick the brains of creative practitioners around the region. Apparently, last week, I was that creative mind that they featured.

It feels like a full-circle moment, especially because the work that was featured 16 years ago was the same piece of work I talked about in this interview.

Sweet!

Managing the distance

Although we’re thousands of miles apart from Richard, we’re lucky because we still get to see him during our Management meetings. Via Zoom, of course.

We miss his physical presence during our meetings. We learn a l0t from his stories and we really get a lot of insights each time we meet. And that’s something more fun if we do it face-to-face. But we’re thankful that Zoom still allows us to connect.

Oh, the wonders of technology!

Spray it, don't say it!

These days, disinfectant sprays are a must in every household.

At home, you can find cans of Lysol, Homebright and Bench Alcogel disinfectant sprays all over. Because of that, I'm always on the look out for new scents, so as to avoid "Disinfectant Spray smell fatigue syndrome."

Recently, I discovered a two-fer! It's my go-to Bench Alcogel Disinfectant spray plus my favourite Bench Better Goods scent:

"Ring around a Rosey" is now available as a disinfectant!

Keeping the house clean is going to smell so good!

Pret-sells

Jack N' Jill Chocolate Pretzels was my ultimate fave and my go-to snack as a kid.

It had an iconic box with 2 kids dressed as American Indians, surrounded by chocolate pretzel sticks. As a kid, I'd imagine that it was me surrounded by all those yummy chocolate.

Whenever we'd go to Unimart, that's what I'd buy. Whenever I'd be given my allowance, that's what I'd buy. 

It's been a while since I've seen or bought these Chocolate Pretzels. Until today when I dropped by the supermarket and saw this:

The packaging has changed! (And I prefer the old one, actually.) But what matters most - what's inside - still tastes the same. It's the same crunchy, chocolate-y sticks that I've always known.

Thankfully, some good things never change!

Senior moment

After waiting patiently for weeks, today is the day!

Rebel Wilson's new Neflix film has finally dropped!

I've been excited to watch "Senior Year" since they showed the trailer. It has all the elements of a feel-good high school comedy. There are elements of 80s, 90s and 00s films, made contemporary due to the changes in technology and the way high school kids act nowadays.

Without spoiling the film, there's one part that made me smirk - the dance number which felt like an homage to "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion." And there's one part that put a big smile on my face. A cameo appearance from a rom-com legend!

Rebel Wilson was a hoot, of course. Watching her in this film made me forgive her for that major faux pas that was "Isn't it Romantic." Harhar!

This film will definitely be my go-to film from now on.

FMM: Summer Street

More and more, you can feel the hot weather whenever you go outside.

This only means one thing: Summer is upon us!

And this makes me want to bust out some summer tunes for Friday Magic Madness. Starting with this 1965 classic from Martha and the Vandellas:

The lyrics ring true to today:

"Summer's here and the time is right, for dancing in the street!"

Hello Summer!

Pusit good. Pusit real good!

No, this post isn't about Salt 'N Pepa's iconic song.

But admittedly, bopping to that song is one of my guilty pleasures.

What this post is about is my latest snack discovery from Oishi!

I'm a huge fan of "pusit" snacks. From Chivalry Pusit to the ones that you buy by the gram at Puregold Sta. Rosa. Even as a kid, we'd buy those little pusit on a toothpick at Aling Ensa & Aling Leony's store.

Those same feels are in every pack of O-Pusit. The moment it touches my lips, the sweet and spice taste of the squid bursts in my mouth. And when I bite into it, the crunch is just divine!

I'm Pusit-ively buying more of this snack!

How about Whos-its and Whats-its galore?

Further proof that you can find everything on Shopee.

Now I know where Ariel of The Little Mermaid shops.

Walk in Faith

A few times, I've written about fashion brands - both local and international - who inject a touch of faith and spirituality in their products.

This weekend, I found another one. 

Bought a few jelly slides for my Mom and Ate, and they came in plastic bags with an inspirational Bible quote on it.

I think that's a nice touch when brands try to keep and spread the faith in any way they can.

Make it count

Voting has always been a serious activity for me.

From the time I was legally allowed to vote, I immediately registered and participated in the democratic exercise. 

When I lived abroad, i’d file a leave and come home each time there would be an election. Whether national or local. That’s how important it was to me.

It’s an exercise I did today as we once again vote for our future leaders. 

Leaders who we believe in.

I’m glad and proud to have made my vote count.

The Force of the Family

I'm fortunate to be surrounded by strong women who head their families with both force and grace.

From my Mom, my 2 sisters, and my 2 sisters-in-law. From the earlier generations, my paternal and maternal grandmothers, plus my Lolo Iking's sister - Lola Talen. 

Then, there's the new generation of Moms - my 2 nieces-in-law, the Moms of my 3 adorable "apos."

To all of you, this padawan sends this greeting:

May the force continue to be with you today and beyond!

Do you see what Icee?

As a kid, Icee was one of my favourite frozen drinks.

I recall how there was an Icee stand in Greenhills, and it was beside a Slush Puppie stand. Yes, Slush Puppie was another fave. But more on this later.

Icee is still imprinted in my mind until now. From the red and blue cup, to the polar bear mascot, to the jingle (Everybody loves... slurp... Icee!) to the dual-cylinder machine that churned out those soft, frozen beverage that many of the kids my age loved. Cola and Cherry were 2 of my go-to flavours.

I think it was sometime in the late 80s or early 90s that Icee disappeared from the malls. And I've always wondered why. It's not due to a lack of demand because 7-11 still has the Frozen Slurpee. 

Just when I thought I'd never taste Icee again, look what I found at Landers:

Icee Cherry!

The moment I laid my eyes on this on the website, I had to add to cart and check out!

Icee what you did there!

FMM: Something to Crow about

The 90s was a great decade from female singer-songwriters.

It was the time where we had a lot of strong, female voices in music. It was the decade of Alanis Morisette, Aaliya, Sarah McLachlan, Melissa Etheridge, Brandy, among many others.

And one of my faves during that decade? Sheryl Crow!

During my first job at Adformatix, I spend a lot of nights working overtime on projects. And to keep the energy up during those long nights, we'd usually play Sheryl Crow on the cassette tape and CD player.

While she had so many great songs, her biggest hit is still my favourite. Up until now.

If you're a fan of hers, you know the song I'm talking about:

"All I wanna do" has a catchy beat, clever lyrics, and Sheryl's cool, bohemian voice. It's a combination that's really LSS worthy!

Now, all I wanna do is listen to this song over and over and over again.

Cool Cat part deux

While waiting for Mark, I spotted this extremely cute and cool sight:

It's a cool cat! Literally, a cat under a photo of cool shades.

The cat was so cute that I had to take a photo and send it to Mark. After all, we're both cat lovers, so, something this cool had to be shared.

The Force is Sneaking in

Once again, it's "May the 4th be with you" day!

That's why when Mark and I met up for lunch today, I brought him this:

An R2D2 sneaker from the World Balance x Star Wars collaboration!

Mark and I are both Star Wars fans. So I definitely don't need to force him to wear this.

P.S. I got the BB8 one for myself.

Donut Ignore

The first time I saw Randy's Donuts was during a trip to the US in the early 2000s. 

Back then, it was the heyday of Krispy Kreme that's why I ignored this donut brand. Apparently, it's an iconic brand in the US, and it's also as well-loved as Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme.

It's such an icon that it appeared in many, many films. But what I remember most is that scene from "2012" where the donut was in the midst of all the natural calamities. Now, that's hard to ignore.

Since then, I've always wanted to try Randy's Donuts. But they don't have an outlet in GA or FL, and I haven't been to CA in ages. So, until now, I haven't tried Randy's.

But it seems like it's all going to change! Randy's Donuts is opening in Manila, and their first store will be in BGC!

I can't ignore the fact that I'll finally be trying Randy's very soon!

Up your sleeve

The sleeve of a dress is often an underutilized place. Most of the times, dress designers and fast fashion brands don't use this part of the dress as a focal point.

That's why whenever I see a dress with a lot of details on the sleeve, I'm drawn to it. 

Just like the dress from Plains & Prints' 2022 Spring/Summer "Picturesque" collection.

This white, easy and breezy dress is called "India." No surprise because of the beautiful and ornate print that you find on its sleeve.

It's an elephant and some foliage that harks back to the country after the dress was named. It's a beautiful detail that really elevates this white dress into something that's ultra-fashinoable!

Plains & Prints really has a lot of fashionable tricks up its sleeve.

High five

Here's something that I haven't seen in a long, long, long, looooong, time.

It's a 5 cent coin!

Gosh, I didn't know they still produced these. But apparently, they're still in circulation.

So, in the words of Jack McFarland: "And now you know. Shooting star."