Let it B

Before our HKG trip, I knew that shopping won't be a big part of the agenda.

Given that it was just a 3D/2N trip, my priorities were eating and meeting friends. Although my mind was already set on going to GU, thus it was the first place we went to after arriving.

True to expectations, I didn't go to my usual shopping haunts like Mongkok, Prince Edward Street, Lane Crawford Outlet and Joyce. But I was able to go to GU, Uniqlo, Citygate Outlets and IFC.

While at IFC, I had to go to the restroom, and found out that the Byredo store was just across. And with that, this was my unplanned purchase on this trip.

Since Byredo isn't easily available in MNL, I'm glad that I let myself buy this despite it being unplanned.

Ming Dynasty

We were at CLK waiting for our flight home last Sunday night.

Suddenly, we heard excited shrieks and people started running towards the airport balcony where the people from the departure area could view the arrival deck.

Curious about the ruckus, we went to the balcony to see what was going on. It turns our that the China Youth National Basketball Team just arrived in HKG, and the head of their delegation was China's most famous basketball player, Yao Ming!

Yup, even from afar, his 7'6" height is imposing.

The first time I saw him was in 2007 when he visited HKG. He was just a few feet away from me, he really looked gigantic. Now, even if he was around 15-20 feet away, the feeling was still the same.

After all these years, he's still famous and has the same following in HKG.

More of the Usuals

It might have been just a 3D/2N trip, but there was a conscious effort to sample all the HKG eats that are part of my life.

Like my usual McDonald's breakfast:

And Lok Bo Fan (from another resto, though.)

They were great eats! As per usual.

Prawn Stars

Just like my previous trips to HKG, no matter how short or how long, a visit to Landale Prawn Noodle Shop is always one of my stopovers.

So, in between a trip from Kwun Tong and Tung Chung, it was off to Admiralty, for this:

It's been 4 years since my last bowl of Prawn Noodles, and it's still as good.

Thank goodness some things never change.

FMM: Cheung Dynasty

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is an homage to my trip to HKG last weekend. Because of that, a HKG-themed FMM song is in order.

One thing I learned whilst living in HKG was the concept of "Four Heavenly Kings of Music." This referred to the 4 biggest names in Canto-Pop. These are the 4 male singers who are considered icons in the local music scene - some even making a name internationally.

These are Andy Lau, Leon Lai, Aaron Kwok and Jacky Cheung.

Among these 4 names, the one that would be more familiar to Pinoys is Jacky Cheung. That's because he had a song with Regine Velasquez in 1994. It's a song that made it big in the Philippines, as well as in HKG.

"In Love with You," was a great song that successfully melded together the styles of both Jacky and Regine, which made it doubly successful.

It's not hard to fall in love with this song, really.

Okay, Coral!

It's a given.

Whenever my travels take me to HKG, there's one place that's a "must-visit."

Cafe de Coral!

This iconic HKG fast food joint was part of my life during my 4-year stint in HKG. It was my go-to place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, even tea times! It's an ubiquitous part of the landscape and there's always a branch near you wherever you are.

Even if this trip is a very short 3D/2N, Cafe de Coral HAD TO BE part of the itinerary. So, this is where we had breakfast on our 2nd day.

The interiors of Cafe de Coral have been upgraded. But the service and the food is still the same.

Okay, that's one "must-visit" checked off the list.

Tart Time

The past 2 odd years, new items of stores and restaurants closing in HKG became commonplace. In fact, a number of my favourite places - Hui Lau Shan, Hop Hing Noodle House, Mido Cafe, Fat Angelos, even Swindon Book Co. Ltd. - closed down.

Upon arriving in HKG, there was a feeling of fear and dread that one of the places that I'd visit multiple times a week would be closed as well. This is Pie & Tart Specialists.

This is the small bakery that I'd often visit at the corner of Granville Road and Chatham Road South. I'd pass by their store before going home from the office, and would be their floss tarts and the mini tuna pie. It would usually be my dinner, or a whole day thing on weekends.

While Grace was shopping for shoes on Granville, I quickly darted to the corner to see whether Pie & Tart Specialists was still open.

Et voila!

Of course, my evening snack that night was the floss tart.

I'm so happy that I got to visit this store again this time.

Ticket within a Ticket

Call this an inception moment.

My airline ticket from CX going to HKG came with another ticket! It's a ticket to a film that I've always wanted to watch, featuring one of my all-time fave actresses - Julia Roberts!

"Ticket to Paradise" is a rom-com that's been on my radar since the trailer dropped. Unfortunately, they didn't show it here in MNL, mainly due to the fact that most theatres were closed. 

So, when it appeared on the entertainment console, I immediately pulled it up and watched it.

Gosh, Julia hasn't lost her touch when it comes to rom-coms!

Triple Treat

One of the great things about HKG is its size. Because it's a fairly compact island, it's so easy to go from one part to another in less than an hour. One can travel from East to West with such ease, and it's easy to meet a lot of friends even with a limited time frame.

Which is exactly what I did last Saturday. As my first full day in HKG, I made it a point to see my friends who I haven't seen in years - and for one - more than a decade.

First, it was off to Kwun Tong to meet Bebe. She was a former colleague, a brilliant art director, and now pursuing her passion of advocating a healthy lifestyle through Traditional Chinese Herbal Teas.

The last time I saw her was in 2009, so it was great to catch up after more than a decade.

Then, it was off to the opposite side of HKG, in Tung Chung. It was here where I met up with Tanya - one of my great friends in College who also became my first "local" friend when I moved to HKG in 2005. Actually. we saw each other a few months ago here in MNL, but it's different when you see friends in their "home court."

Third, it was time to meet Monna. Another friend I made while living in HKG. She's the cousin of Ovvian, my college friend, and we also became friends after that initial and accidental meeting. Too bad I don't have a photo of our meet-up, but yes it happened.

Three awesome friends in just 1 day. That's really a treat!

See you, G.U.!

Just an hour or so later after arriving in HKG, this was the first stop.

Gosh! I've missed G.U. so much that I had to go straight to their Mira Place branch after checking in our hotel.

As always, G.U. did not disappoint.

I'm so glad to see you!

CX-cited

After a few years of being apart, I'm reunited with my favourite airline!

Hello again, CX! It's so good to be back!

FMM: Travel back

This weekend will definitely be one that I'll spend reminiscing. It's going to be at a place that was my home for a few years and holds a lot of wonderful memories.

With that, it's time to bring back a 1988 classic that used to be played a lot at home. It's from Johnny Hates Jazz, and the vibe of this song is perfect for my upcoming weekend.

I'm looking forward to 3 days of going back to "Turn Back the Clock." 

Heeeres Hotaru!

There seems to be a Japanese series influx on Netflix. More and more, J-Dramas and J-Rom Coms are popping up on the suggestions list.

After finishing "Atelier" and "Born to be a Flower," a pleasant surprise came into view.

"Hotaru no Hikari" is on Netflix!

Binge-watching this will take me back to my HKG days for sure.

"A" big mistake

It's amazing how a single letter can turn an otherwise good sentence into an erroneous one.

Exhibit A. Literally.

See how a misplaced "A" made a difference? It ruined this perfectly designed poster at SM Megamall.

Proofreader, please!

Doggone it!

Oh no! Kuro and Chunky just figured out how to escape from Ate’s garage!

Kuro was successful in his escape, using different chairs to hop out of the barrier, then he was gone! We had to chase him after he escaped. No do8bt, Chunky will learn the same trick soon.

Smart dogs!

Petrichor period

This was a word that I learned way back when I was still in elementary school.

It was at the library in Claret School. While reading this science book, one page talked about “Petrixhor.” Because the word sounded so intriguing and complex, it stuck in my mind.

Basically, it’s the scent of rain after it falls on the soil and grass. It’s something I’d smell a lot when we were in Bicol, mainly because Lolo’s House was surrounded by carabao grass. After the rain, that distinct scent would waft in the balcony, and my first thought would be:

“Ahhh... Pertichor.”

It’s been a while since that smell reached the concrete jungle where we live. But that will change after buying this Replica scent in Shangrila Mall recently.

‘When the rain stops” aims to replicate the scent of land after its been drenched in rain. While it seems like an unusual scent to wear, after smelling the sample of this perfume, it brought me back to that period in my childhood in Bicol.

Another scent memory unlocked.

In the right place

Of course, I had to watch "Your Place or Mine" the day it started streaming on Netflix.

It's a nice, uncomplicated and easy-to-watch Valentine's film. The fact that the main characters are a bit older, with "old people concerns" make this film relatable. And yes, Reese Witherspoon hasn't lost her timing and charm in rom-coms.

Yup, the film has its heart in the right place.

Worn out shirt

I'm not really a cologne wearer. That's why when there's a cologne at home - most often gifts - it takes years before the bottle is finished. No matter how big or small the bottle is.

So, it must mean something when a bottle of cologne doesn't last longer than 4 months. That's what happened to the bottle of Bath and Body Works White T-Shirt. 

Yes, it's all used up after just a few months. As it, to the last drop.

That's because this scent is so nondescript and it just feels like you're wearing freshly laundered shirts. 

Thankfully, there are still 2 more bottles at home. (And 2 more on the way!)

FMM: Steps up

Just like Wham!, there was another popular English singing duo back in the 80s. While they weren't as super popular as George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, they also had a number of hits and had songs that enjoyed a lot of airplay in the Philippines.

That group was "Giant Steps." While it might not immediately ring a bell, their song most likely will.

Their 1988 hit "Into You," was one of the ear worms of that decade. It had that same laid back groove and catchy beat. They'd also play this quite often in the MTV shows back in the day.

Just like the song title, I'm still into this song even after 35 years.

That’s Fresh

When Bath and Body Works launched "White T-Shirt," it was part of a collection that included 2 more scents. The 1st was "Fresh Getaway" and the 2nd was "Fresh Cotton and Coconut."

Thankfully, Gary brought a pair of that other scent from the US when he came home for Christmas! Woot!

Like its name, the scent is very fresh and is similar to "White T-Shirt." But it has a hint of coconut that gives it a tropical vibe.

It'll be good to have something fresh to rotate the White T-shirt with.

Palaz-zo Chic, part deux

People who really know me also know this factoid: whenever I find an article of clothing that's really, really, really, REALLY nice, my tendency is to buy it in all the available colours.

Such is the case with the Plains & Prints Varvara pants. Yup, the Palazzo pants in white that was written about just a few days ago.

The style and silhouette were so chic, I had to check if they had it in other colours. And they did! It's also available in black!

So, it was off to Plains & Prints Ali Mall since they were able to find a pair for me. While waiting for them to bring out the pants, I browsed the racks and found this asymmetric khaki top that went so well with the pants.

Now, Ate has 2 pairs and 2 ways of rocking these pants.

Mango Picking

While there’s a different feeling of joy and thrill when shopping at Mango stores, shopping online also has its unique benefits.

One recent discovery after browsing their site - the sales are bigger and the prices are lower online. Plus, there are way more items to pick and choose from. These irresistible deals led me to make my 1st order from the website. And my orders are here!

Looking at the waybill, the items came all the way from Spain! So, it’s def straight from the source!

Hello to another great way to shop for Mango!

Three-riffic!

And just like that, Olivia Rose is now 3 years old!

Don't grow up too fast, Via. And visit your Wowos and Wowas in MNL soon.

Star Studded

Among the many franchises of "Star Trek," my favourite would be "Star Trek The Next Generation."

No wonder that the series "Star Trek:Picard" has always been on my radar. But since we don't have Prime Video, I still haven't seen the series.

But after seeing the trailer for Season 3 of the series, it might be the trigger for that Prime Video subscription!

Picard, Riker, Troi, Crusher, LaForge, Data - and Seven of Nine. In one series!

Must. Subscribe. Now!

Thank you, Next!

No, this isn’t about an Ariana Grande Song.

It’s about the fact that “Next in Fashion” is having  a 2nd season!

This is going to be next on my binge-watch list!

FMM: Scent to Song

After receiving my boxes of Bath and Body Works products, I proceeded to excitedly opening one box after the other. And while opening one of the boxes, today’s Friday Magic Madness song just smoothly eased in my mind.

It’s this 1980s hit by Larry Graham which is such a cool and easy-listening song that’s super worthy of an FMM mention.

“One in a Million You” enjoyed a lot of air play back in the 80s. It was so popular that a lot of the local artists would also sing it in different TV show and radio show guestings. One of the famous Filipino singers who would sing this was the late Ric Segreto. And his voice was perfect for the song.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what scent inspired this song, it’s this one.

Smooth transition, eh?

Palaz-zo Chic

While Palazzo Pants were most prevalent in the late 60s and the 70s, it hasn’t really disappeared from the fashion scene. Every decade since then, we’ve seen some iteration of this wide-legged pant in some shape or form.

That’s understandable considering how chic this silhouette is. It has that certain ease and elegance when a pant strongly resembles a skirt. It makes a person do a double take, making you wonder what she’s wearing.

In one of its collections the past years, Plains & Prints came up with their version of the Palazzo Pant called the “Varvara Pant.” It was from a year or 2 back, and it was featured in one of their Shop Live events when face-to-face shopping was still restricted.

In this January’s Purple Sale, that pant found its way to the Ali Mall store at 50% off. Of course, we know what happened next.

Aside from the pant, there was this two-fer blouse that was a perfect pair for the pant. It was the same colour, but had a striped sleeveless top with a belt. This made it a perfect breaker to this all-white look.

So chic indeed!

(Bath and) Body Rocks!

The box that Biboy sent from the U.S. is finally here!

I’ve been waiting for it because of this:

My sale stash of Bath and Body Works!

Gosh, my room will look like a mini-Store after unpacking.