Drink!

As it’s been spreading all over the internet, apparently, the  last day of 2023 is a rarity. 

That’s the numerical equivalent of December 31, 2023.

Time to bring in some Sia and 1-2-3-1-2-3 drink.

We won’t be swinging from chandeliers. But it;s going to be a fun New Year’s Eve!

Fiesta Time!

Look who made it in time for her birthday!

It's Fiesta!

She surprised Melrose by coming home this December. We were already planning to spend her birthday via Zoom, but in true Fiesta fashion, she found a way to come home and celebrate with us IRL.

It's definitely a Fiesta when she's around.

FMM: How Sweet...

Of course this was going to happen.

Today's Friday Magic Madness song piggybacks from all the "sweetness" I've been writing about the past  2 days.

It's a 1975 classic from James Taylor. A song that's so popular, generations of music lovers love this song:

"How sweet it is (to be loved by you)" is such a feel-good song. Which you can say for a lot of James Taylor song.

So, for the 3rd day in a row, all I can say is: "Sweet!"

Another Sweet Tradition

Speaking of Tablea, that’s the other gift that Mark gave for Christmas.

Davao is known for cacao and chocolates, so this should be really good.

It’s a sweet gift. Literally.

Sweet Tradition

I’ve always equated “Tablea: with Bicol.

When we’d spend summer in Bicol, particularly Mom’s hometown of Malinao, sweets were always part of the experience. These include making Nilupak in the small kubo in the garden, the de limon we’d buy in the store, and the tables that they would make at home.

There would be days that the strong smell of cocoa would waft from the dining room. When we’d get there, a number of people - Lee by my Lolo Doring - would be gathered around the dining table, busily making these chocolate balls. They would be lined-up on the table for drying, before they’d pack them in plastic bags.

That same tradition is still very much alive in Bicol today. It may no longer be my Lolo Doring who’s making it, but the tradition is still very much around.

Sweet!

When Silver is Gold

Opening presents at 12 midnight is a tradition in our household. One thing that never grows old is the excitement on everyone’s faces as they tear open their presents.

Among the many gifts that were given to me this year, this is definitely my fave:

This was one of Mark’s Christmas gifts this year - a precious silver album.

Inside, it’s pure gold

He collected photos from our travels and occasions both big and small, and compiled them in the album. It made me smile from ear-to-ear as I leafed through these special moments that we spent together. It was so easy to see the thoughtfulness and effort Mark put into this.

It made Merry Christmas even Merrier.

It's Christmas...

...all over the world tonight.

So, from MNL to ATL to IAH, our family is one with the world in celebrating this most blessed day.

Thank you, Jesus, for being born and being the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas to you and all your loves ones.

All about (Christmas) Eve

Because at home, Christmas shenanigans start early:

Can’t wait ‘til the clock strikes 12!

School. Mates.

It was super random if you think about it.

Out of the blue, Prichy contacted me and asked if I’d be interested in teaching Copywriting at St. Scholastica’s College. They were in urgent need of a teacher, and she thought my credentials merited me to teach.

First, my advertising career started as a copywriter. Second, my office was just a stone throw’s away from SSC. Third, my academic background fulfilled all their requirements.

Needless to say, my answer was “yes.”

Almost 2 decades later, I’m still teaching.

Because teaching has given me so much more in return. I’ve learned from my students as much as they learn from me. I’ve been inspired by the next generation of advertising practitioners as much as i’ve Inspired them. Teaching has helped me continuously fuel my passion for advertising.

And of course, i’ve made wonderful friends of long standing. From co-teachers, we’ve become great mates. Just like the 3 of us.

This is just 3 of many. And 3 of the many reasons why I discovered school.

FMM: It's in the Cards

During my elementary school days, we had to perform in our school's Christmas program. 

While the other sections performed the classic Christmas songs like "12 Days of Christmas," "The First Noel," and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," our music teacher decided to go with a lesser known Christmas song.

It was so lesser known, that even we didn't know it.

We had to start from scratch, learning the melody then memorising the lyrics. But after we got a hang of the song, we realised that it was a fun and meaningful song to sing.

Here's the song:

"Christmas Cards" was a Petula Clark classic from 1954! That means, this song will turn 70 next year!

Listening to this again makes me recall my elementary school days, and recall the joys of Christmas as a child.

How it’s going

Today’s post is inspired by that “How it started, How it’s going” meme.

That’s what comes to mind every time I put together an outfit on a mannequin. There’s always a question if the look will translate well from a mannequin to a person, and 99.9% of the time, (this is a habit picked up from decades in advertising) it starts well and goes well.

Just like this example,

This is how it started.

This is how it’s going.

And that’s how fashion goes.

A Creative Christmas

Of Course, the Holiday Season at the office won’t be complete without the customary lunch with the creative team.

I’m blessed to have such a fun, dedicated and cohesive team at the office. They make work a lot more fun with their creativity, their witticisms, their crazy ideas, and their appetite!

Merry Christmas from the team.

Merry Christmas Team!

Oh, (Aqua)man!

Aquaman is a memorable film for me.

When the 1st Aquaman film came out, we were in the US spending Christmas with the family. 

Biboy planned a movie date with the whole family, and the film was "Aquaman."

So, we all went to Avalon to watch the film. The film was fun and enjoyable - and the company that evening made it even more so.

It's hard to believe that it's been 4 years since we watched it. That means, it took 4 years for the sequel to come out.

Hope this is as good as the first one. Better watch it just to be sure.

One skirt, two ways: Inside Out

 In the previous incarnations of “One Skirt, Two Ways,” it’s usually one skirt that’s paired with 2 different tops to create 2 different looks.

This time, it's the skirt that transforms to create 2 looks.

The skirt is this camouflage cargo skirt from The SM Store. Yes, The SM Store.

It's a very modern and fashionable skirt. It has a parachute silhouette with a gather on both sides of the hem. You can transform it into a full-length skirt, but it also can have a balloon silhouette when you pull the string up.

With so many details on the skirt, a simple top would be an ideal pair. Enter this knitted, turtle neck top from Surplus Shop. 

Now, here's where the second way comes in. If you turn the skirt inside out, it becomes a black shirt!

Now, the black top becomes even more fitting because it creates the illusion that it's one piece. Like a super fashionable black dress.

Thanks to SM, our OSTW reached another level.

Merry Christma-llorca

In this fast-changing world, it's always a joy when something familiar and from your childhood doesn't change.

For me, it's Pasteleria Mallorca.

When we were kids and lived in Scout Gandia, we'd walk to Scout Fuentebella where Mallorca was. They were famous for their Spanish-inspired desserts and baked goods like Argellanas and Tocino del Cielo.

Because my grandparents were part-Spanish, they appreciated how the taste of home was just within reach.

Now, Pasteleria Mallorca is still there, still churning out jars upon jars of super yummy cookies and pastries.

It's so good, it's worth sharing. Which is what Mark and I did.

Yup, it was Argellanas for the Belfield Buddies this year. Some of them - like Ia - were familiar with it, and it was something new for some.

But once they taste these Argellanas, I'm sure they'll be just like me and go: "Mmmmm!"

Sketchy Stories: I live for Olive, part 2

First, Lyli told me that Ed asked her to be their Ninang on their wedding day. Of course, she happily agreed. Now, she needed a gown for the wedding.

Second, she shared with me the colour motif, which was Olive Green. 

Third, she told me that she didn't want to look like a traditional "Ninang." She didn't want to wear something frilly or complex.

With those 3 things as backdrop, my mind started to conjure up possible designs for Lyli. Then, it occurred to me that there was a bag of Olive Green fabric in "the stash." Thankfully, it wasn't buried deep in "the stash," and was easily accessible.

The fabrics were lace and charmeuse. And with these 2 fabrics in hand, plus Lyli's non-negotiables, this was my sketch.

It's a two-piece ensemble consisting of a lace skirt and a flowy, asymmetric blouse. The back was floor length to create the illusion that she’s wearing a long gown from the back. This was her choice after showing her 3 possible options.

The designs and fabrics were then sent to Ofel, so she could do her magic.

When Lyli went for the fitting, she told me she was happy with the outcome. She even intimated that she was worried how the ensemble would look like, and if it would be faithful to the sketch. But after seeing the final dress, she lived for it!

Another point for olive! Woot!

FMM: Roses in the Jungle

In theme with yesterday's Christmas Party, here's today's Friday Magic Madness song:

Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" is one of their biggest hits from 1987. It's a rock song, but surprisingly, it's not as heavy as the other rock songs I'm familiar with.

It's actually quite fun to listen to.

Such a welcome change for rock songs.

...but make it creative

For the office Christmas Party this year, our theme was "Safari."

Of course, the default costumes would be the usual khaki sets, animal prints and the occasional animal onesie. 

The creative team - being the crazy, creative folks that we are - decided to take a different approach to the task.

Our concept: safari-inspired brands in the Philippines.

Here's my costume:

And here's the team:

Safari never looked this different. 

And fun.

And creative.

Tee for two

The Rosenthal Tee x Karimadon set that Ate Bullet wore in Bicol was such a hit, it deserved an encore.

Thankfully, there was another set from the same collaboration during my last visit to their store.

This one is a blush pink ensemble. The cropped top has soft ruffles that’s echoes on the pants. It also has that same slit effect that the green one had. 

That’s two for two for this brand!

Why didn’t I discover this collaboration earlier.

I am the Vest

Ate Bullet has been having a vest moment lately. Vests of all colors and styles have been finding itself into  her wardrobe.

That’s why when the vest from Plains & Prints came out, it caught my eye and eventually my shopping bag.

The print on this vest is gorgeous. It screams holiday without being too Christmas-y. The lengthy and belt detail is also super chic.

A vest with a lot of details needs a simple outfit for it to stand out. Enter this wide-legged jean from Olains & Prints and knitted top from Penshoppe.

It’s the vest!

Cue music:

Color Story: I live for Olive

Most people find the colour Olive drab.

In fact, someone once told me that the colour reminds her of chicken poop.

Personally, though, Olive is a hue that I find elegant yet casual. While it's often seen in uniforms, Olive - in the right material and style - can be very stylish.

An example of Olive done elegant is this lace fabric.

The patterns are big and bold, yet refined and delicate. It's a very eye-catching fabric that's from a classic dress from Stella.

The colour, the lace and the cut - they all work together to create this one-of-a-kind dress. 

That's one of the many examples of how Olive is done right. 

Double Happiness

Hands down, my favourite photo from last Friday's double celebration for Mom and Dad.

There's so much happiness on their faces. That alone means the party was a success. (And Biboy seems happy, too.)

This is definitely one of those pictures that paint a thousand words.

Double Delight

When we were planning Mom's 80th Birthday Celebration in Bicol, one of the things she asked was: "What about our friends in Manila?"

This is where the idea of having another celebration came from. And because Dad's birthday was also coming up, it was decided that the party would be a double celebration.

That's how this party came to be.

Mom and Dad's birthdays are just 9 days apart. That's why we've had double celebrations prior to this. The last joint celebration was in Gloria Maris, many moons back.

The family all got together to ensure that the party would be a success. Ate Bullet helped with the venue and food choices, I was in charge of the invites, souvenirs and other paraphernalia, and Raymond was in charge of the cake. Which was super nice, of course.

It was awesome to see Mom and Dad's friends from different timelines of their lives. Dad had his Letran HS classmates there. We also had Tita Sari and Martin who lived in Scout Gandia with Mom and Dad when they were in their 20s. There's  Tita Mira who's Mom's best friend since we were in Grade School. And the Park Avenue crew who became close friends during the pandemic.

They all made the evening doubly fun and special. Just like the special double celebrants last night.

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad! We're doubly blessed to have both of you!

FMM: A Mother's Wisdom

Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

There's a different kind of joy when you hear Marian songs being sung in masses. While hearing mass today, the celebration was filled with songs for and about Mama Mary. And songs about her aren't limited to church songs. Mama Mary has been written about in a lot of songs, even mainstream ones.

One of the most played and replayed songs that reference Mama Mary is this 1970 classic from The Beatles.

"Let it Be" is such as appropriate Friday Magic Madness song for today. Just as appropriate are the lyrics:

"When I find myself in times of trouble,

Mother Mary comes to me.

Speaking words of wisdom, "Let it be."

Happy Feast Day, Mama Mary.

About the Grill

Whenever the topic of Bicol comes up, one of the places that always pop up in my memory is Bamboo Grill.

Back in the 80s, Bamboo Grill was a popular spot in Tabaco. As the name implies, it's a restaurant that has a lot of grilled offerings. But what it's better known for is the 2nd floor where mahjong games are played daily.

Lola Dita and Mama would go here to play mahjong, and they would allow us kids to roam around the grill, and we'd often go to the ground floor function hall. The reason why we were here often was that the walls were adorned with all these fantasy tableaus, including one with King Neptune and mermaids, one with various sea creatures, and another with a giant oyster and pearl.

Now, it's 2023, and that childhood place from the 80s is still around.

It's not the Bamboo Grill that we know of. It's now a private residence, and most of the structures that we'd frequent as kids - including the ground floor function hall - is gone.

But their iconic gate is still there, and that's enough for me to appreciate all the wonderful memories this place brought us.

Mag-nificent

It's been 4 years since I've seen a US Vogue Magazine IRL.

Aside from the fact that a lot of my former magazine haunts have closed, NBS whittled down their magazine offering to a few titles. Unfortunately, US Vogue was one of the titles they dropped.

But thanks to Biboy, I've held my first US Vogue issue in 4 years!

Oh, Vogue, I've missed you so.

To a Tee

When you say “Karimadon,” the first thing that comes to mind is “college graduation.”

Back in the 90s, Karimadon was the go-to place to buy graduation dresses. It came to a point that some graduates would be wearing the same thing. People didn't mind it, though, since there weren't a lot of choices back then.

It's 2023, and Karimadon is still pretty much around. Aside from graduation dresses, they're also very popular among the prom and wedding set. Their long dresses and gowns are both stylish and affordable.

They also dabbled in collaborations. In 2018, they had a capsule collection with designer Rosenthal Tee. She brought her ultra-feminine sensibilities in a collection of gowns and separates. The designs and materials were very unique, and timeless.

Five years after it was launched, saw some of the pieces on the rack of Karimadon in SM Megamall. Since we were looking for something for Ate Bullet to wear for Mom's party, this was a good place to start.

And that good place brought me to this very fun, feminine and frivolous cropped top and pants pair from that collection. A cool outfit in emerald green.

The top had a cold shoulder detail, and the sleeves were gathered to form 2 lantern shapes. It had a contrasting old rose ribbon which added a playful touch.

The pants are also uniquely designed. The side ruffles open up to a high slit, which made it move aesthetically interesting when you move.

When Ate came down from the stairs, a lot of people noticed it, too.

This Karimadon x Rosenthal Tee is definitely a "better-late-than-never" purchase. 

Wu you?

Another thing great about traveling with family is trying new restaurants together.

We’re all fans of Chinese food, and luckily, there was a Cantonese restaurant in our hotel called Uncle Wu’s.

We didn’t have ultra-high hopes since this was Albay. But we were pleasantly surprised that the food was good! 

Some of the dishes reminded me of my stint in HKG, particularly the veggie dishes. And the empty plates were testament to how much we enjoyed.

Wu-hoo!

Just Be-cous

Another perk of celebrating Mom's 80th birthday in Bicol?

Getting together with the Regalado cousins!

No exaggeration, it's been decades since some of us saw each other. When I last saw Mary Jane, we were just teeners!

What's amazing is the fact that the cousins in the photo is just a fraction of the Regalados. This is just 1/4th, or even less.

Looking forward to a bigger reunion with the cousins soon!

Our hero is 8-0!

Today is Mom's 80th birthday! Woot!

And because this is a milestone birthday, we decided to shake it up and make it different from her past milestone birthdays. 

We decided to have her 80th birthday party in Bicol!

Yup. It's been AGES since Mom celebrated with the Regalado family in Albay. And this was the perfect day to gather our relatives - both from Mom and Dad's side - and have a birthday reunion.

Everyone was on board with the idea, so we all flew to Bicol to celebrate. 

Dad was there, and he was the quintessential host. Welcoming everyone and making them feel at home.

Biboy flew in from GA a day before the birthday, which was a surprise for Mom. So, like Kevin's wedding, there were 4 of us there. We definitely missed Ate Lissa.

With the laughter, great food, warm hugs and excited stories, I'd say this 80th birthday party was a success.

Nothing less for our family's hero.

FMM: One Night Only

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is inspired by my current location.

One of the most iconic songs in Bicol is "Sarung Banggi." 

Literally translated as "One Night," it's a folk song that has been part of Bicol for generations. As a child back in the 80s, I'd hear my relatives sing this song. And now, in 2023, they still sing this song!

That's one, long, one night.