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! 

HBD: Happy Bullet Day!

To my sister and my look-alike, Happy Birthday Ate Bullet!

This is something that I always say: may you continue to be blessed because you're a blessing to others.

Color Story x LFTAT: Back-to-back-to-Beige

Yesterday, it was all about pants that were under the beige hue. Today, it's about a LFLTAT that's also about shades of beige. So, it's a Colour Story post, too!

It's this easy-going ensemble that I put together for Mom.

The top is from Uniqlo, and it's this light beige, oversized top with drop shoulders and an asymmetric shape. The khaki pants are from The SM Store. Just like the top, it has a loose silhouette and this combination of relaxed silhouettes make this outfit great for a weekend.

What makes it even greater is the fact that this outfit rang up to less than P800!

With this price and this hue, it's definitely worth a double feature.

Color Story: Back to Beige

Back in college, majority of my pants were along the beige side. 

I'd often be wearing chinos that are beige, khaki, oatmeal, light brown, among others.

The past years - and this has been well-documented on this blog - my preferences shifted to denim of different shades of blue.

But it seems like my beige days are back, considering these pants that I purchased in a span of 2 weeks.

Feels like I'm in college all over again.

FMM: Thankfully yours

Yesterday, our family in the US celebrated Thanksgiving Day.

Seeing photos of the families in TX and GA, and how they've gathered to celebrate this day put a smile, both on my face and in my heart. 

Just like Christmas, I think Thanksgiving should be celebrated everyday. This is a cliche, but there's really so much to be thankful for in life. From waking up, to being with family and friends, to doing things you love to do, to making a difference in other people's lives - all these things happen everyday. 

Whenever I hear online mass at Santurario de San Antonio, one of the songs they sing most often is a church song classic which was written in 1978. And given the theme and lyrics of the song, it's a fitting Friday Magic Madness song for today.

"Give Thanks" is such an uplifting song. While many singers have their own rendition of this song, choir versions are always my favourite because it reminds me of singing it in church. Both as a kid, a teen, and now as an adult.

That's something to be thankful for.

The Golden Throne

Last Saturday, we checked out this new-ish restaurant in Marikina called Sundays.

The food was good, very Wildflour-esque, but more affordable.

What what really made this visit memorable was the fact that the restaurant had a golden throne. Literally!

Not only that, they had a golden urinal, too.

Guess it makes the overall experience a bit more, uhm, golden.

Abi there

For a teacher, one of the greatest joys is seeing your student thrive and succeed in the professional world.

That's exactly how I felt after having dinner with one of my former students, all the way in Seoul!

Abi was one of my Advertising students in SSC. After graduation, she pursued a career in Advertising Media, working for A-list media companies like Starcomm.

Eventually, she spread her wings further and took on an overseas posting in BKK. There, she continued to impress her bosses until they offered her another posting in Seoul.  Knowing she was there, meeting up with her was one of the items on my agenda for this trip. 

Listening to her story reminded me so much of myself during my younger days. (Albeit I was older than her when the expat life beckoned.) This made for great conversation while waiting for our Chicken Galbi to cook.

Knowing her as a student and hearing how she is now, I'm sure this is just the start of a very successful career in Advertising for her. Whether it's here or there or anywhere.

This is Bananas!

Back in the early 2000s, a trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without bringing home the ubiquitous pasalubong - Tokyo Banana Cake.

This was a must for every Tokyo traveler and my family and friends would eagerly anticipate this confection whenever I'd come home. They'd look forward to the soft, spongy banana chiffon with the creamy, banana flavoured filling. 

As years progressed, Tokyo Banana Cake was slowly replaced by other Japanese pasalubongs. These include Ginza Strawberry Cake, Royce Chocolates, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory cookies and the Tiramisu Chocolate from Donki.

The list continues to grow as trips to Tokyo become more frequent, and people discover more unique food items from Japan.

But for me, the OG would still be those little gems wrapped in a yellow box.

The good news is, I can now have a taste of this classic cake without even riding a plane! 

Woohoo! THE Tokyo Banana Cake is finally in MNL!

I'm going bananas over this. Seriously.

Holiday Sparkle & Shine

With Christmas fast approaching, and the new normal allowing more and more Christmas parties to happen, it's now time to bring out the party outfits and dress up for the festivities.

Ate Bullet's first official get together is this December 1, so I thought of this outfit that brings out the joy and sparkle of Christmas.

The top is actually almost 3 years old and a find from H&M.

The skirt is from SheIn. Since the top is already very beaded and flashy, the skirt should be very muted. Thus, this silk, pleated skirt that echoes the beige in one part of the top.

For the shoes, a pair of shiny, silk mules from Lazada. It picks up the hue of the outfit, and this make the look totally cohesive.

Ah yes! The holidays are upon us!

Family from faraway

Even if it happened more than 15 years ago, it remains fresh in my mind as if it happened yesterday.

It was a work trip in HKG and, as usual, Park Lane Hotel was the company's hotel of choice. I'm happy with that, though, because Park Lane was where Ikea was located, and it made it easier for me to shop for pasalubong during my free time.

While in Ikea, I bumped into a familiar face - Tanya. She was my college classmate and was my co-business manager for our college yearbook. It was my first time to see her in a decade, and it turned out that she was living in HKG. After college, she worked for Cathay Pacific and was based in HKG ever since.

We spent a few minutes catching up, and told her about the work I'm doing in HKG. Then, she told me that this might be just the start of my working in HKG more often, and that I might eventually work there permanently. It was a random comment, really.

Lo and behold, a year after, I received an offer to work for the same agency in HKG. 

After moving and settling in HKG, Tanya became more than a friend, but my family in HKG. She'd be the person I'd ask if there were things I didn't know. She would invite me to her parties so that my circle of friends would widen.

It was during one of those parties that I found out that she worked with a cousin of mine. She also worked with my sisters' friend from Bicol. 

We're both Bicolanos, by the way.

When Tanya became a Mom, she asked me to be her son's Godfather, which I happily accepted.

Even when I left HKG in 2008, we still kept in touch. Whenever my travels - personal or work - would take me there, we'd meet up and catch up.

The last time we got together was sometime in 2015. It was a random trip and we met up at Tung Chung.

A few weeks ago, she visited MNL and I didn't miss the chance to meet up and catch up with Tanya.

Aside from catching up and updating each other about our current lives, one of the nicest parts of this visit was this:

I finally got to see my godson Diego after so, so, SO many years. The little boy I'd play with is now a young man who's almost as tall as me!

While catching up, it felt like we just saw each other last week, even if it's been 7 years. But that's how it is when you meet up with good friends.

Especially if they're friends who are like family.

A tale of 2 Cities

When I bought these 2 shirts on SheIn, it was mainly because of the color and that vintage touristy print.

Then it struck me once the shirts were delivered. These 2 cities have a role in our lives. Ate Lissa and family live in Houston, while Biboy and family have been living in Atlanta the past 20 years.

How’s that for happy coincidences?.  

FMM: Gold Smith

Thanks to a project I'm currently working on, I've rediscovered this old song that was my LSS for a time.

This is a ditty from 1978 from the Patti Smith Group. And yes, we shouldn't confuse Patti Smith with Patty Smyth.

"Because the night" is one of those songs that really evokes a mood. Just by listening to it, I'm transported to a dark, dingy bar with dark wood walls and floors and sparse lighting. Smoke from cigars would be wafting in the air, only seen through the streaks of light that illuminate the bar and stage.

Then, Patti Smith and her group would be playing in the background. Her haunting voice breaking through the din, and piercing both our ears and our emotions.

Amazing how just listening to a song can bring you to a place like this.

That's how good Patti Smith is. And that's why this song is gold!

Very pretty

Being a fan of citrus scents, this was one of the Maison Margiela Replica fragrances that caught my eye after seeing it at Rustan’s.

The reviews about “Under the Lemon Tree” are true. It has a citrus base that’s not too sweet nor tart, and it has a balance of floral accords that give the scent more depth. It has the lightness of a cologne with the longevity of an EDT.

This Lemon Tree is indeed very pretty.

Watching your manners

Makeover shows are always a joy to watch. Whether it's "Sparking Joy" with Marie Kondo or "Ambush Makeover" on the Today Show, it always brings a smile to my face.

And Netflix has a new one that looks promising.

"Mind your Manners" looks promising. And the fact that it takes it from an etiquette point of view is a novel approach.

Looks like there's something new to binge-watch this weekend.

Same same but different

From my last visit in 2019 to my visit last October, Myeongdong has changed a lot.

It might have been because of the pandemic, but there were so many closed shops and empty spaces even in the main shopping street. Some of the places I'd frequent, like The Alley and Jamba Juice, were both closed.

Luckily, some of my favourites are still there, in the same place where they were during my last visit.

Like Yoogane, which is a great place to eat galbi.

And the ice cream place that has been there since 2010! Thus, even if it was 10 degrees outside, that same ice cream was on the agenda. Albeit a different flavour.

These made Myeongdong feel the same, but different.

Comm-patriots

When the 3 of us first met as block mates at the UP College of Mass Communications, we were all wide-eyed teenagers who were raring to embrace what college life has to offer.

Through we came from very different backgrounds, Prichy, Wowie and I became fast and close friends. 

It's a friendship that lasted decades. Even if we moved to different cities and different countries, our paths would always cross and we'd always find ourselves together.

One place where our paths crossed again was another Mass Communications experience. The 3 of us became teachers at St. Scholastica's College - Department of Mass Communications. Being co-faculty members made it so much fun and enriching to teach.

And almost 3 decades since we graduated, we're now back in Plaridel Hall to visit Wowie. She's now the Associate Dean of the College! The same college where we met as wide-eyed teenagers.

Even though it's been decades, being back with these 2 makes me feel like  freshman all over again.

Seoul for the Soul

Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the places that I never fail to visit every time I'm in Seoul.

From the first visit until today, it has this calming presence in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the area. Each time my trip coincides on a Sunday, hearing mass here is on top of the agenda.

When Mark and I dropped by last 2 Saturdays ago, they didn't have a mass and the Cathedral was closed in preparation for the anticipated Korean mass. 

So, we just stopped by the grotto instead.

Of course, we lit some candles to thank Him for this opportunity to travel together and spend a few days there.

We'll definitely hear Mass at the Cathedral the next time we travel to Seoul.

LFLTAT: Say Crochet

While Mark and I were roaming the underground mall in Myeongdong, there was a stall that sold a lot of outfits that were straight out of K-dramas. Summer and spring outfits, at least.

In one stall, a dress on the rack immediately caught my eye. This was despite the fact that it was sandwiched in between other dresses. 

It was a white dress with puffy sleeves, and it came with a crocheted vest.

Rushing to the stall, it turns out that the dress was one-of-a-kind and they don't have others like it anymore. Unique - check!

The price? It was just W15,000! That's less than P700! Affordable - check!

That's how a random underground mall walk led me to the first LFLTAT from Seoul.

And it's not the last.

FMM: Modern Soul

When the New Wave music wave was in full swing in the 80s, my older siblings would listen to it a lot. Whether it was on a cassette tape or playing on WLS-FM 97.1, I'd remember afternoons when these upbeat ditties would fill the air.

One of the more popular bands during that decade was Modern Talking. This German duo had several global hits that were 80s anthems. I mean, who doesn't know "Brother Louie," right? If you're from our generation, you'll know this song.

While the Seoul hangover is still there, today's Friday Magic Madness song is an homage both to Seoul and to Modern Talking. Cue "You're my Heart, You're my Soul."

Even if you listen to this 1984 song today, it won't sound out of place. The instrumentation, synth, and beat still sounds current now as it was then. Amazing considering the song is almost 40 years old.

That's how modern 80s songs sound.

Meals with Mark: Dynamic Duo

One of the most popular food combinations in Seoul is the "Fried Chicken & Beer" combo.

Whether it's in a  Kdrama or IRL, you always see scenes of people indulging in this duo. And whenever I'd catch a glimpse of them biting into those crispy pieces of fried chicken, it makes me want to indulge in it myself.

That's why Mark and I didn't miss the chance to do like the South Koreans do and eat at a chicken & beer restaurant.

Actually, there's this popular spot in Myeogdong where the chicken and beer restaurants are lined up in a row. The first time I ate there was in 2019 with the production peeps, and it took me 3 years to come back, this time with Mark.

We chose the place with the least number of people and settled on a table inside the restaurant, but near the doorway to get the outdoor feels.

Just as it is in the Kdramas, this duo enjoyed the fried chicken and beer duo a lot!

I Chouxs you

Whenever I’d pass through the Lotte Department Store food court, there was a shop that was noticeable because it always had long lines,

The shop was called OPS and is a French bakery. 

You can actually smell butter wafting from their area, making me very curious about the shop and what they had to offer. But from the window, you can see a wide array of breads and pastries of all shapes and sizes.

A day before we left, I decided to drop by and finally check it out. It turns out that their specialty is Cream Puff, and almost everyone in line had a few of them on their tray. So, that’s what I bought for Mark and me.

After taking my first bite, it was clear why this was their bestseller.

The Choux pastry is so delicate and it was so easy to bite into it. It was buttery and subtly sweet. The filling? Divine! Rich, creamy, but not too heavy or overly sweet. 

Was planning to bring some home, but our flight was in the morning and OPS was still closed when we left.

Next visit, I’ll definitely be back and buy more of the breads and pastries there. After all, there’s so much to choose from.

Seoul Food: the 2022 edition

Any trip to Seoul will not be complete without a trip to their convenience stores and trying the local fare.

There's a 7-11 near our hotel, so for lunch, I skiddimarinked on my way there with the intention of getting something quick and Korean for lunch. 

As expected, there was a plethora of choices. But yes, a choice had to be made. Which led me to these:

Of course, Onigiri should be in the mix. This is Kimchi Rice Onigiri. Yum!

Then, there's chicken barbecue Gimbap. Yum! Yum!

And to drink Dr. Pepper! Yum! Yum! Yum!

You can never go wrong with Seoul Food. Even the ones from 7-11!

Meals with Mark: Return to Lotteria

The first time that Mark and I ate at Lotteria together, it was back in Tokyo. 

They had a branch in Miraikan and we ate there after visiting the museum.

Now, 10 years after that, we're back at Lotteria - in Seoul, no less.

That makes this fast food joint one of those places that we've eaten in different countries!

Family First

Nope, this isn't about that networking company which was so aggressive in the early 2000s. Yup, the same company who's people we'd actively avoid at the malls. 

This is about how the family got together to celebrate my birthday after 3 years!

Actually, in 2019, we spent my birthday dinner at Novotel in Araneta Center. And yesterday, we spent it at the same hotel, with the same family members - Mom, Dad, Ate, Ray, & Mark.

With family. That's how birthdays should be spent.

And Seoul makes six!

After Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, Mark and I were fortunate enough to travel to another new country together.

Annyeongsaheyo, Seoul, South Korea!

Of course, part of the itinerary is to visit Myeongdong Cathedral to thank Him for the blessings of this travel opportunity, among many others.

It may have been just a few days, but I'm glad for this trip as Seoul Mates!

FMM: Soulful

Dream Team

This is how badly I’ve been dreaming and wanting A&W Rootbeer float.

Yup, I bought and finished 2 in one sitting!

It’s a dream come true!

A&Wwwwwww

 No. My eyes do not deceive me.

It’s really true.

It’s really here!

A&W is one of my first stops whenever I go to JKT and BKK, particularly for their Rootbeer Float. And now, it’s in MNL.

No more plane rides to enjoy this classic. Gotta go to Burger King. Stat!

Lean, mean (Micro) Machine

Micro Machines were a big part of my toy collection, especially during high school.

And today, it felt like a bit of my childhood came back.

Hello Micro Machines! Great to see you again.