Mmm-Bap

No, this isn’t about Hanson’s song. And no, the title isn’t misspelled either.

This is about my newest discovery.

It turns out that the Korean Store at the corner of 20th Avenue also sells prepared food! Which led me to buy Gimbap for dinner. With Chili’s g Cider, to boot!

Mmm, this is good!

LFLTAT: Bocu to Basics

I’ve been excitedly talking about Bocu and how their clothes are elevated basics. 

Apart from the design, one more thing that makes me gravitate towards Bocu is their price point. Their items are uber affordable, especially during sales. Just like this Look for Less Than A Thousand:

It’s an oversized white shirt made of sweater-like fabric, and a pair of relaxed and roomy cargo pants. This combination is so utilitarian chic!

And it’s a few pesos shy from P1000 for the whole outfit.

This is why I’m always coming back to Bocu.

FMM: Pearl Drive

My family - particularly my folks - like watching live bands. Even as kids, they would take us to music joints to watch live bands perform.

Two of the places we’d frequent were just near our house in Morato. First was “Birds of the same feather” in Timog, and the original Shakey’s along West Avenue.

Because of this, we were introduced to different song genres, especially in the 80s.

One of the songs that love bands loved to sing back then was a Leslie Pearl hit from 1982. It was a very easy-listening song with a very relaxing and laid-back melody.

“If the Love fits, Wear it” is one of those ditties that are embedded in my mental playlist. It was memorable the first time I listened to it in the 80s, and it still has that same effect now. 

And that’s what makes it a perfect Friday Magic Madness song.

It’s a stick-up!

When we were kids, stickers were a thing. 

We’d go,to National Book Store in Quezon Avenue after school, and we’d browse the sticker racks for cute and cool stickers that we’d put on our bags, lunch boxes, notebooks and cabinets. 

There were so many cool designs, from Ziggy to Transformers to Care Bears to fun quotes. The design possibilities were endless, and that’s also why we had so, so, so many packs of stickers back then.

Then, there’s the Panini Sticker book that got me hooked back in the 80s and 90s. First, you’ll have to buy the book which came with 1 free sticker pack. Then, they’d sell the stickers by pack and the objective was to fill up the album. My collection consisted on He-Man, Thundercats, among others.

Nowadays, it seems like stickers are making a comeback. I’ve seen many sticker shops popping-up in malls and bazaars. One of my former writers - Lanz - has a sticker business and she makes a lot of cute, food themed stickers.

After seeing a store in Ali Mall on my way home, Inadvertently stopped by one and started to browse all their sticker collection. And in less than 15 minutes, I went home with these:

Will I be stuck stickering again? 

We shall see.

Hall of Fame

Jerry Hall is undoubtedly one of the original "Supermodels."

Back in the 70s, she was one of the most recognised faces around the world. From fashion magazines to catwalks to advertisements to Studio 54, she added glamour to any place she went to. Along with other 70s supermodels like Iman, Lauren Hutton, Gia Carangi, Cheryl Tiegs, Janice Dickinson, they were icons.

The thing about icons is that they remain icons and they never fade away. Just like Jerry Hall.

At 66 years old, she's fronting the campaign for the H&M x Mugler collection!

Despite the more than 40+ year difference from the current crop of models, she can easily give younger models a run(way) for their money.

As H&M x Mugler proves, she's still a fashion force to reckon with.

Back to Bocu

Okay.

It’s safe to say that I’m really getting into the brand Bocu. In a span of a month, i’ve ordered from them a total of 4 times already. And here’s my 3rd loot!

Bocu has a vibe that’s a combination of Muji and Uniqlo. Most of their items are basics, but with little fashionable twists here and there. I’ve worn the oversized striped shirt that I bought, and it’s super nice! So nice, I also bought 1 for Mark. 

I’ll def be back on their website to do a bit more shopping soon,

Candid Camera part deux

Turns out, there are other candid photos from Keith's wedding in Boracay.

Here's a photo of when the newlyweds were dancing on the beach with the sunset as a backdrop. We were given sparklers to illuminate the event.

It was one of those moments that we didn't know that the photographer was taking photos of us. On hindsight, the photographer was good because I don't even remember seeing him around that area.

Candid is cool!

One top, two ways: Tank you

Whenever you hear the word "tank top," the images that come to mind are either something sporty or something very casual. It's hard to think of a tank top as something dressy or professional, especially if the tank top you have in mind is the usual, plain, cotton tank.

But with the right material and design, a tank top can also be fashionable and elevated.

Take for instance this knitted and ribbed tank top from GTW at The SM Store. It has a nice shape and a cropped design that might look plain, but it can actually be more fashionable when paired with the right items.

Exhibit A: Wear the tank inside a dark coloured suit, and it automatically becomes a girl-boss outfit that is feminine as it is professional. This suit set is from Forever 21, and the Emerald Green colour plays nicely with the neutrality of the tank.

Exhibit B: This maxi-dress is also from Forever 21. It has a vibrant, floral print, and a deep-V cut in front, at the back, and the sides. The neutral tank inside keeps it from being too risque, and at the same time echoes the print's hue.

Now, who said tank tops are too casual and aren't fashionable?

How Unfortunate

The classic and iconic Disney animated film, "The Little Mermaid" had a lot of memorable songs that are embedded in the minds of generations of fans. The film is already 34 years old, but people - including myself - sing the songs as if it were just shown yesterday.

With that in mind, you would think that the people at large would know the songs by heart. 

But apparently, this writer doesn't.

The song is "Poor Unfortunate Souls," sung hauntingly and cheekily by Ursula. So, I don't know where this writer's title came from.

Unfortunately, they need a proofreader.

FMM: Not a Plain Jane

While listening to last week's Strawberry Swtichblade song, another big hit from the 80s popped in my head.

The artist and song? 

"Blue Kiss" by Jane Wiedlin.

Jane Wiedlin was part of the 80s mega girl group, "The Gogos." After their success as a group, the members went on to have solo careers. The most popular ones were Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin. They both had a distinct sound, catchy lyrics and unique voices.

And in 1985, "Blue Kiss" ticked off all those boxes.

Songs like these make me so glad that I'm an 80s kids. With so much great music, we were never blue.

Baby Talk

At the King Sejong Museum, there was an interactive activity where you type in your birthday and they’ll give you your personality.

For my birthday, here’s what came out:

Yes, my personality is like a “Quiet and Leisurely Sleeping Baby.”

Strange as it may sound, but it’s actually quite accurate. Harhar!

Wrapping up

On my last day in Seoul, while wandering around Nandaemun Market, I found this store which will be my new favourite place in the city.

It's a gift wrapping shop!

As much as I wanted to hoard wrappers, my bags were already neatly packed - as well as full. So, resisting the urge to snap up all these wrappers was Priority One. 

But during my next Seoul trip, this is definitely the place that I'll spend mot of my time at.

Of Sandalwood and Childhood

The smell of Sandalwood always reminds me of my childhood.

Because we have Spanish family members, the bar soap that you’d often find in our bathrooms was Mama. It was a Spanish brand with a black and red packaging, punctuated with a dancing Spanish woman. That soap had a very strong Sandalwood scent.

So did Peach Blossom, another soap that you’d find in our bathrooms. It was this wood coloured soap with a super strong scent that stays on long after you’ve used it.

Then, there’s Lola Dita’s Wood fan. It also emitted that same scent profile each time she opens and uses it.

Because of these scent memories, I’ve had a fondness for Sandalwood scents. Even if most people find it too old, i’d Always find myself gravitating towards that kind of scent.

That’s why Diptyque’s “Tam Dao” appealed to me the moment Imtook a whiff at Shinsegae Duty Free in Myeongdong.

Let me say, it’s like reliving my childhood with every spray.

Bay the way

Since we're on the subject of "Something in the Rain."

In that K-drama, Son Ye Jin was working at a coffee company called "Coffee Bay." From the 1st to the 16th episode, we'd always see Coffee Bay - from the exterior, to the interior, to the stockroom - it was all over the place.

One thing that was always on my mind was: "Is Coffee Bay a real place in Seoul."

And during my last trip, the answer finally presented itself.

It is a real coffee shop! And this is the branch near Seoul Station.

Leave it to K-dramas to make people curious about Korean brands.

Sun and Rain

Yup, it rained at one point of our Seoul trip. And this was my cue to just stay at the hotel and have a snack.

This iteration of Sun Chips - Garlic Baguette - was super good! Was able to down 2 packs of these during my stay, and it makes me feel bad that they don’t have this flavour in MNL. Then again, they might have it in Korean sores, so that’s something to check out.

Of course, the chips were paired with something unmistakably Korean -Banana Milk! Yummers!

Even if this day was spent mostly lazing around the room, it still was a day well-spent.

Dramatic Drink

While at Lotte Mart at Seoul Station, a certain product caught my eye.

It was a can of beer with a very light and refreshing hue of blue and orange. After looking at it for a few minutes, I remembered where I first saw this can of beer. 

This was the beer that Son Ye Jin and the other main characters in “Something in the Rain” would drink when they’d get together.

As a new K-drama follower, this curiosity led me to buy the beer and bring it back to the hotel.

Oh, the things that K-dramas make you do.

FMM: Switch it up

Back in the 80s, there was this Scottish singing duo who had ethereal voices and. Quirky sense of fashion. Their songs and MTVs were usually shown on “Video Hit Parade,”  and the young me would be sitting intently in front of the TV, enjoying both the music and visuals.

The duo was “Strawberry Switchblade” and the song and MTV i’d always look out for was “Who knows what Love is.”

This song was launched in 1985, which makes it almost 40 years old. And watching it now, it still fascinates me as much as it did back then.

Who knew that would be possible.

COS I’m blue

It was our last day in Seoul and one realization was that I haven’t bought anything for myself. That wasn’t an unusual moment, and it was actually a source of pride.

One store that was part of my “must-check-out” list was Flying Tiger Copenhagen. The store that I knew was all the way in Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, and that was a good 40-minute train ride from the hotel. But again, it was on the agenda.

Upon reaching Lotte World Mall, it wasn’t at the basement where it was before. They used to be located just across H&M, but now it’s gone! Just as I was about to get bummed, it turned out that they moved to the 3rd floor. Whew!

Yes, it’s the same Flying Tiger with all the fun and quirky stuff that we know and love from their Tokyo store, but admittedly, nothing really caught my eye. So, that visit ended with me still not having bought anything for myself.

While walking back to the subway station, I noticed that the store in front of the old Flying Tiger was COS! 

After ducking in and browsing, I left with this nice pair of jeans:

It’s a dark blue denim with a low rise and a cropped length. Sort of unusual, but it’s very much true to the Korean aesthetic, which is probably why they had it in the Seoul store.

With that, the possibility of leaving Seoul empty handed was finally out!

Melrose in Myeongdong

In 2021, the Melrose gang planned an Anniversary trip to Seoul in 2022.

Due to scheduling concerns and life changes, that trip didn’t push through. Even though we still talked about it, there were no concrete plans when it would happen.

But sometimes, things happen when they aren’t; planned. And last week, 3 of the Melrose members - Rommel, Bong & me - found ourselves meeting is Seoul.

The funny thing about this meet up is that Rommel reminded me that it was around the same time - 5 years ago - that the 3 of us met up in JKT!

We’re really living up to our name as Melrose International.

Oppa-rtunity

It started when Mark said that he didn't have anything to wear on his flight back to Manila. The clothes that he brought to Seoul were just enough for the entire stay, and his only option was to wear shorts on the flight back to Manila.

Since wearing shorts in Seoul's currently cold and rainy weather was a "no can do," this was an opportunity for me to put together something for Mark.

Myeongdong was just 5 minutes away from our hotel, so the task was easier. My game plan was to first check out my go-to local brands - SPAO, Top Ten and 8-Seconds. As back-up, there are the non-Korean brands like Uniqlo and Muji.

Since Seoul fast-fashion brands are now selling Spring clothes, it was easy to find something that's appropriate both in Seoul and Manila. Something light, easy-to-wear and versatile. And with our current location as inspiration, something "Oppa" would also be a great idea.

And voila! 

The first thing that I found was the pair of light khaki slacks from Top Ten. The fabric was super soft, the silhouette was breezy, but with pleats in front to make it look sharp. The striped top is from Muji, and the cardigan was something that Mark brought with him. Actually, that gray cardigan was part of my consideration set when buying this outfit.

After buying everything and putting it on the hanger, it really did give out that K-drama vibe that I'd see in those Netflix shows.

With that, Mark came back to MNL looking like a cool, Korean.

Meals with Mark: Ari-run

It was lunch time and Mark and I wanted to eat at a more authentic and hole-in-the-wall place.

We spotted a small restaurant ear the hotel and decided to try it. The fact that there were a lot of locals who were ducking in the restaurant for lunch - it was a good sign that the resto must be authentic. So, it was decided that our lunch would be at “Arirang.”

Yup, the food and side dishes were so fresh and local. We both had the vegetable Bibimbap, and they served it with 4 side dishes which Mark ranked based in how good they were: salted fish with greens, kimchi, mushrooms and boiled spinach.

There was also a shared side dish which tasted like a cross between a tteok-bokki and kimchi. Also delish! 

It was a filling and satisfying meal. And considering the name of the restaurant and what it means, it was also a very apt and providential choice.

Rise to the Occasion

Easter Sunday is truly and uplifting and hope-filled celebration. It’s always a joy hearing Easter Mass because of the wonderful readings and the beautiful story of His resurrection,

This line from the Bible is truly one of my all-time favourites.

And to celebrate this Easter morning, here’s a song that captures the joy, Hope and meaning of today.

Happy Easter everyone!

Modern Tradition

Just outside our hotel, there was a Starbucks outlet that Mark and I had to try. While we’ve been in different Starbucks branches in Seoul, this was different.

First, the facade was based on a traditional Korean house. Second, there was a seating area where you’d have to sit the traditional way: sitting on the floor sans shoes. And that’s what we did.

It’s nice when modern places give a nod to ancient traditions.

FMM: Caldwell, well, well

Whilst this isn’t a Seoul post, it is a “Soul” post.

One of the biggest - and most surprising - musical acts from the 70s and 80s is Bobby Caldwell. He’s described as surprising because if you listen to his music, you’ll automatically think that he’s in the league of Louis Armstrong and Lou Rawls - really good African-American soul singers.

That’s the vibe when you hear him. BUT when you see him, that’s a totally different story. As an example, here’s Bobby Caldwell singing his huge 1978 hit, “What you won’t do for love.”

Yes, he’s white. He’s a white, soul singer, which is a rarity then as it is now.

The amazing thing is that he has SO many hit songs under this genre. And i’ll most likely devote several more Friday Magic Madness posts on this amazing singer.

Well, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Kings of Seoul

A lot of the Korean series that I follow are period pieces. Because of that, i’m familiar with the King’s throne and the screen behind it.

Those 2 are fixtures at the throne room and we often see them in scenes whenever the king makes a big decision.

After seeing it so many times, it was time to experience sitting on the King’s throne!

Tadaa! Mark and I got to sit on this throne replica at the Museum of King Sejong in Seoul.

Now, we’ve officially experienced the Joys of Jeonha!

Feeding my Seoul

Whenever I’m in Seoul, first on the agenda is a quick snack. 

So, an hour after touchdown, it was off to 7-11 for this:

With a Triangle Gimbap and Chilsung Cider in hand, it’s safe to say: Annyeong Seoul! I’m back!

Nasi, I see

Even if i’ve been flying Air Asia for many years now, one of the things that Imhaven’t tried Yet is the legendary Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak.

Friends and family who fly Air Asia swear by how good this in-flight meal is. 

The past few flights with Air Asia, I’ve been SO tempted to try it. But because I’m wary to take off my mask, I’ve always avoided it.

But those days are behind me. Finally, I’ve tried the Nasi Lemak on my latest flight.

Now, I see what the fuss is about.

Working Student

In my decades in the advertising industry and the academe, I've experienced many cross overs. Simply put, I've had a lot of former students who have become work mates.

Some of my them have been colleagues in the same agency, suppliers for productions, even clients.

And here's a new addition to the list.

Last month, I had the cool experience to work with Jem as a commercial model for one of our recently launched materials.

Jem was my advertising students, and I remember her as one of the strategic and creative thinkers of her batch. Back then, I knew she'd end up in advertising. And she did, but instead of behind the scenes, she's right in front of the camera as one of the familiar faces in commercials.

Times like these make me so happy to be in the advertising profession.

Sopas, so fast!

Being a huge fan if Chicken Sopas, this is giving me such a thrill!

Look! Now, 7-11 is serving Chicken Sopas!

Just put it in the microwave for a few seconds, and it’s piping hot done!

Now, there’s a faster way for me to get my Sopas fix.

Flora, Fauna, Frida

These words would be what i’d Use to describe the pieces from the SheIn x Frida Kahlo collaboration.

Aside from the pants and shirt combo that was featured before, these 2 dresses from the same collection have an interesting mix of prints.

This one has oversized flowers that are very prevalent in Frida’s works.

And this one has leaves and plants, also playing on the same color story of greens and reds.

Bonus: A Frida face print!

Another F to describe these items? Fabulous!