Can you Handel this?

Happy Resurrection Day!

As the Bible scripture says: "He is Risen. Alleluia!"

And it's that time of the year again. Time to bring our Handel's "Messiah" and celebrate our risen Lord.

A glorious day deserves a glorious hymn.

Refreshing

Back when Mark and I would spend our Easter Vigils in the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi, there were 2 hymns that they'd usually.sing.

First is "Go down, Moses." And this is a song I've written about before.

The second is a hymn entitled "Come to the Water."

This is part of the 5th reading, and they would often sing this song as part of the scripture. 

As we commemorate Black Saturday and hear the vigil mass, it's refreshing to hear this song once again.

FMM: Act of Love

Among the many World Youth Day songs, it’s the 1995 one written by Trina Belamide that’s most memorable and meaningful.

That year, World Youth Day was held in Manila, and we were part of it. Some Adformatix friends and I decided to join WYD as delegates, and we’d go to Don Bosch Church in Makati after work for briefings and practices.

One of the things we’d regularly practice is the song and gestures for “Tell the world of his Love.”

The first time this song was players, it was clear that the song was a perfect hymn for WYD. The message was beautiful, the lyrics and arrangement were divine, and it. A-Tueres the Story of Christ in a way that’s young and relevant.

The intro alone was so real and heartfelt:

“For God so loved the world, He gave us his only Son. Jesus Christ our saviour, His most precious one.”

This song played in my head as the Good Friday procession passed by in front of the compund

As we celebrate Good Friday today, this song is a fitting reminder of how God loved and continues to love us.

It’s a Good Friday Magic Madness song.

One top, two ways: Cream of the Cropped

Cropped tops are SO back.

This 90s staple has been reappearing for years, but this 2023 and 2024, it’s been making an appearance more often than usual.

My niece - Toni - has been rocking cropped tops since long, long ago. Ate Bullet has been wearing them of late as well.

Even fast fashion stores have been bringing out their cropped tops en masse. Just like this graphic, knit cropped top from The SM Store.

The top has a 90s feel to it. Maybe because of the print. Overall, the silhouette is nice and the crop is just right - not too short and not too long.

The first look is a top and pants combo.

This is a wide-legged dark denim trousers from Plains & Prints. It has a very Summer, nautical vibe, thanks to the shape and the gold button detail in front. Because it’s high-waisted, it complements the crop top, providing ample coverage, yet still showing a hint of skin. 

The second way to wear it is a hark back to the 90s. Since the top already has a 90s vibe, let’s push it towards that direction. So, it’s time for the “shirt inside the cami dress combo.”

The dress is from aerie, and is a slip dress with cargo pockets and a drawstring waist. It’s a 90s dress with a modern twist.

And that’s how versatile a simple cropped top can be. It may be short on length, but it’s definitely long in style possibilities.

Cozy Cat

On very warm summer days, I’m sure we all just want to be like this cat:

It’s “Cat-nap” at its finest.

LFLTAT: Blackbuster

Imagube you’re invited  to a dressy, classy party. You check your closet and can’t find anything to wear. You check your wallet and you only have P1000 to spare.

Might sound bleak. Except if you know where to look.

Just like this look for less than a thousand.

The little black dress is from H&M and on sale.

The black pointed flats are from The SM Store and also on sale.

Would you believe these 2 items rang up to P800? Yes. This whole outfit is just P800.

Time to party!

That's rich!

That's probably the first reaction you'll get when you buy this:

I'm not sure what it is or what it does. 

But with a name like that, how can you go wrong. Harhar.

Oliva la vida

For me, the classic "Oliva" is the sign that it's Palm Sunday.

As kids, growing up in Morato, we had several neighbours with Oliva plants outside their home. Then, when Palm Sunday would come, they'd offer them so that we didn't have to buy palms.

It's such a vivid childhood memory that it's something that always pops up around this time.

While the coconut palms - with their intricate and artful designs - are nice, the simple Oliva has a different charm. 

Maybe because of the fact that from childhood to adulthood, it's part of my life. 

(Not) against the grain

As a bread eater, multi-grain bread is one of my go-to types of bread.

Whether it's with cream cheese, butter and jam, Goober or on its own, it never fails to hit the spot.

On today's supermarket run, there was a sudden rush of excitement after seeing this:

Gardenia now has a multi-grain loaf!

It's super yummers!

It's going to be my go-to grain from now on.

FMM: More "things"

Coming from last week's "thing"-themed Friday Magic Madness song, today's ditty is another fave of mine, and it's somehow related to the word "thing."

Back in 1993, one of the songs I'd listen to on repeat was this song by Deep Blue Something.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's" is one of the best films on my list, and because this song had the same title, I was automatically drawn to it.

There's really something about this song that's uber catchy.

We were the news

No, this is not a Spandau Ballet post.

No, this isn't about "Round and Round." But let it be said, that's one of my favourite songs.

This post it about the fact that we really made it to the news.

It was a feature on that Monday when we replaced our creative hats for a chef's hat:

Yup, it was featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Who would've thought that being a chef could be so newsworthy.

You Rokh!

It's always great to see new and merging designers take the stage as H&M collaborators.

Just like this upcoming one for 2024.

They're teaming up with Rok Hwang, a Korean designer at the helm of his namesake brand - Rokh.

His aesthetic is very clean and minimalist, but has little fashion touches, like a micro pleat here or a detachable detail there. And that's what elevates his work.

This is the 2nd time H&M is teaming up with a Korean designer. First was Minju Kim - erstwhile winner of "Next in Fashion" - back in 2013. So, it's nice to see another Korean designer after a decade.

Can't wait to see what H&M brings to MNL from his collection.

Spam-tastic!

Remember that Spam onigiri that Mark and I ate when we were in Tokyo?

Apparently, it's now here in 7-11!

This I gotta try!

Uh-“O”

Aside from “Sneak Peek” and “Sneak Peak,” another common mistake is the use of “Lose” and “Loose.”

It might seem simple, but a lot of people still get it wrong.

Observe:

O what a difference an “o” makes.

Comfy Cat

Because I got to school early yesterday, was able to catch this cute scene.

It’s one of the school cats, still enjoying his sleep.

Hope he won’t be late for his class.

Living Simply

Slowly trying each of the products under the "Simply" line.

First, it was the blue corn Tostitos.

Now, it's time to try the Simply Cheetos White Cheddar.

This one reminds me of the Chiz Curls of my childhood. But because it's made with white cheddar, it tastes a bit more luxe.

Next in line: Simply Doritos and Simply Lays.

FMM: These "Things"

In celebration of Emma Stone's 2nd Oscar win for "Poor Things," today's Friday Magic Madness song is something about "Things."

Back in 1990, this song was a fixture in almost all radio stations. It's one of the big hits of C+C Music Factory - a band synonymous to 90s dance hits.

"Things that make me go hmmmm," is such a singable and danceable ditty. It has simple lyrics, an infectious beat, and a happy, upbeat vibe.

Things that make a song LSS-worthy.

The difference a letter makes

”Elegant”should be an easy word to spell, right?

Right?

Wrong.

Proofreader, please.

Printed Matters: Wonder-ful

As a fan of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” things that have that visual theme automatically catch my eye.

In my Aeoul trip last year, one of my pasalubongs for Ate Bullet was an earring with Alice and the Mad Hatter. I’ve got a few pairs of socks with the Cheshire Cat. Back in grade school. One of my lunch boxes had Tweedlesum and Tweedlesee.

That said, it’s no wonder that this print caught my eye.

It’s from Plain & Prints’ Holiday collection called “Wonderland.: They had a whole line inspired by the tale, and there were. Lot of gems in that collection. But this print captured the fun and Joy best. And this print is part of this gorgeous dress.

It’s printed on chiffon, and translated to this flows dress with fluttery sleeves and a black belt. Everything about this dress is a knock-out, which is why it had to be in Ate Bullet’s closet.

It should n]be no wonder why this is an instant fave.

Suddenly Silver

When we were trying to figure out when the last time we saw each other was, it was Wells who came up with the answer.

It was in 1999!

That means this reunion was 25 yers in the making! It’s a Silver Anniversary meet-up!

Even though the time was short, I’m so glad that we were able to spend time with Auntie Baby and Wella. I’m sure Uncle Rol is smiling at us from heaven.

As we hugged and parted ways, they promised that we won’t wait for another 25 years to meet up.

Meals with Mark: Breaking Don

Of course, it wasn't all Western fast food places.

For our first meal in Tokyo, Mark and I went to Tokyo Midtown. This was our usual haunt when he was still based in JPN.

There's a good line up of restaurants there. Since this was during our first day, and just a few hours after our arrival, we had to have our fill of Japanese food.

We ordered Dons - a Tonkatsudon for him, an Oyakodon for me.

This don is a do!

From Tokyo to Earth

That's the thing about airports in Tokyo. You make it a point to arrive early. You have more than enough time to spare, and end up roaming around the stores inside NRT or HND. And eventually, you'll end up buying a thing or two, or three, or four.

Aside from my usual loot of Japanese cookies and snacks, one thing that caught my eye was a perfume called Polo Earth.

We grew up with Polo perfume around the house. Our relatives from the US would always send the ubiquitous green bottle of Polo perfume to all the guys in the family. It sort of became the signature scent around the house.

As the years progressed, they would send Polo Crest, Polo Blue and Polo Sport. So, we had the whole gamut of Polo. 

But this one is new. This one is fresh. This one is green. This one is citrus.

Needless to say, this one came home to MNL.

There's away

This might be a simple case of "Lost in Translation."

After reading this sign, it's clear what they wanted to communicate. But the way they wrote it in English, it's quite scary.

That's why when we were waiting for our order to arrive, Mark and I decided to wait on the 2nd floor. 

I think that's "stay away" enough. 

FMM: Make mine Mekanda

After seeing all those vintage robot toys in Akihabara, theme songs of robot shouts suddenly poured in my mind.

Watching Japanese robot shows was a constant during my childhood days. I;d usually watch it with Biboy, and we each had our faves. His was Daimos, mine was Voltes V. His was Mazinger Z, mine was Mekanda robot.

Until now, the theme song of Mekanda robot is fresh in my mind. Sometimes, I’d find myself singing: “Mekanda one, Mekanda two, Mekanda threeeee!”

Okay, let’s make it our Friday Magic Madness song for today.

They don’t make anime and anime songs like these anymore. Which makes me happier that this was part of my childhood.

For your convenience

Convenience store food is one of the things we always look forward to when we visit Japan.

On our short stay, Mark and I made it a point to have at least 1 meal in a convenience store. We did that on our 1st night dinner.

Aside from that, I also had convenience store meals a few more times.

This is breakfast from Lawson near Kitano Hotel.

It's curry bread, my fave Van Houten Cocoa, and the classic rice snack.

Here's another breakfast combo from Lawson.

Ate this on the train to NRT airport. It's a Spam Musubi, Peach and Orange jelly and Orange juice.

Convenience store food is just so good!

Go for Gundam

No matter how short our Tokyo visit is, this is one thing we make sure to squeeze in.

A photo with the life-sized Gundam in Odaiba!

With this simple act, our trip to Japan is complete.

G.U. means Going Undercover

Was in Akohabara to go to Tamashi Nations and scout around for a toy for Jessie.

Passed by a nearby mall and saw that there was a G.U. branch there. Went inside and checked out some stuff, and noticed they had a section for a collection called G.U. X Undercover.

Apparently, this was a special collaboration with a popular Japanese designer named Jun Takashi. His brand is a streetwear brand known for subtle details and a streetwear aesthetic.

Since it was early, there weren’t a lot of people in the store yet. It’s allowed me to check out the items and try some on. 

By lunchtime, the store was starting to get crowded, and people started stocking up on pieces from the collaboration. Actually, when I got back, the jeans and shirt that were with me were almost all gone on the rack. Because of that, I didn’t let go of the items in my bag.

And that’s how I ended up with pieces from the latest G.U. collab.

Timing is everything.

Far For Fast Food

This wasn’t planned, but Mark and I ended up eating at Western Fast Food places more than we ate at Japanese restos

We went to McDonald’s for breakfast because we wanted to try the McGriddle breakfast.

We went toWendy’s-First Kitchen because they had a Truffle Chicken burger and a Portobello Mushroom pasta.

Not to mention our Carl’s Jr. dinner.

So yes, we went to Tokyo to eat Western food.

Yes to Kitano

It’s always nice to try something new.

This is the first time we’re staying at Kitano Hotel.

Unlike big chain hotels, Kitano feels very intimate and low key. From the building design, to the lobby, to the restaurants and the rooms, everything had a sense of quiet elegance to it.

Will we stay here again?

Definitely yes !

Meals with Mark: Carl’s Calling

Imagine the thrill and excitement when Mark and I saw this:

Carl’s Jr.! 

Of course, we decided to have dinner here. 

It was such a thrill to see their menu again after a long while.

It’s still as good as ever!

FMM: Mada-Mada Yamada

One of my favourite aspects of Japan is their musicality.

From their trains to their restaurants to their stores, they seem to have a theme song or theme music for everything.

Back in 2006, whenever I’d visit Mark, we’d go to this place called Yamada Denki. It’s something like a depato and discount store in one. Whenever you’re in the store, their theme song would play on and on and on.

The company has been around since the 70s, and I’m guessing that the theme song has been around for sometime, too.

And that qualifies the “Yamada Denki theme song” as today’s Friday Magic Madness song.

Sugoi ne!