FMM: Hit it!

Call it "last word association," but after writing about Jack in the Donuts, this song immediately came to mind.

"Hit the Road Jack," is one of the most popular songs from the iconic Ray Charles, with Margie Hendrix adding vocals to the ditty.

Even if this song was released in 1961, if you listen to it now, it still feels fresh, relevant and catchy. Not bad for a 65 year old song.

No wonder it was such a hit!

Not in the box

Speaking of donuts, there's a new entrant in the donut game.

And it's from Japan!

Jack in the Donuts is in Glorietta!

Now, aside from Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory, we have another source of authentic Japanese donuts in MNL.

When the news first broke out, my first thought was "Jack in the Box." Yup, that iconic American fast food chain which was here in MNL once upon a time. Too bad they didn't survive, they had good onion rings!

Here's hoping that this Jack will last longer.

Two good to be true

The inner child in me is ecstatic!

Two of my favourite Dunkin Donuts flavors are back. At the same time!

As a kid, my allowance would usually go to Choco Jelly Ripple and Split Royale. What's common with these 2 donuts is the abundance of icing. For the Choco Jelly Ripple, it slathered on the top and sides fo the donut, and piped on top. For the Split Royale, it's nicely piped on top to mimic a banana split.

Now, this is where my salary will go.

Found in translation

It's true that you learn something new everyday.

Example, I was today years old when I found out that "Chicharon Bulaklak" has an English translation.

Somehow, it sounds more fine dining when you call it "Flowerfat."

WATN: Potter head

No, this isn't a post about Harry Potter.

But it is about a Potter.

Monica Potter, to be exact.

During the late 90s and early 2000s,, she was one of the most visible actresses in Hollywood. She was mainly known for rom-coms, but her range allowed her to play darker roles. My first exposure to her was "Con-Air," but for me, her most iconic film would be "Head over Heels."

Later on, she appeared in thrillers like "Along came a spider," and "Saw." After that, her appearances were few and far between.

According to IMDB, she had a few small roles in the 2020s, but nothing as big as her early films. But it would be nice to see her again in a rom-com, since that's where she really stand out.

Market Dynamics

One of my favourite parts of advertising work is going on-field and seeing how real consumers interact with our brands.

Haven't done that in a while, so it was great that we were invited to our client's wet market roadshow in Pasay yesterday.

As expected, it was loads of fun. From the games to the interaction, having this face-to-face encounter beats any type of desk research.

We should do this more often.

Movie scenes in my mind: Fierce foot

There are a number of movie scenes that live rent-free in my mind.

Some are there because of humour. Some are there because of music. Some are there because of powerful emotions. Some are there because of a memorable script. Some are there because of excellent acting.

This scene is a combination of the last 2.

This pivotal scene from "Erin Brockovich" is a masterclass in subdued and effortless acting. Julia Roberts delivered the line with a perfect balance of calmness and intensity, and that further amplified the power of her dialogue and the scene.

The "two wrong feet and f***ing ugly shoes" line was gold!

And that was her foot in the Oscan door.

FMM: Swim in the Ocean

I've been reviewing my 80s playlists of late, and came across an artist that I'm a fan of, but hasn't been on my Friday Magic Madness feature yet.

Billy Ocean.

Yup, he's an 80s staple with his smooth voice and catchy sounds. 

Just like this 1984 classic.

"Caribbean Queen" has an iconic intro. The type that you listen to the first second and you know what the song is. And yes, we had a cassette tape of this artist, thus, I'm familiar with the song. Even if I was not even a teenager when it was released.

'Nuff said. Time to dive into Billy Ocean.

Rose (gold) to the occasion

Metallic colors are usually difficult to pull. Especially the ones that are on the shiny side.

That's why when my Mom and sisters need to wear something gold or silver, my instinct is to go for the more matte and subtle versions of that hue.

But in a random shop in Cubao Expo, the exception presented itself.

It came in the form of this rose gold gown.

The colour - whilst metallic - isn't too shiny or garish. Maybe it's because of the material, but it's not blindingly shiny.

And of course, the design is so nice that you go past the colour to focus on it. The draping, the details, they all make the dress look super elegant.

We hit gold with this one.

Caught up

I'm from advertising.

Thus, I should be aware that posts like this are just a ploy for thumb-stopping and engagement.

Despite that, here I am, still playing and trying to catch the photo within the outline.

(In fairness, was able to do this on the 1st try.)

Sweet Start

It's the first day of Toni's bazaar in SM Megamall today.

And as the supportive Tito, being there was a non-negotiable.

Even before 10am, Toni and her team were busy setting up. And even as they were setting up, the people started to gather.

At 10:01am, this was the line!

Looks like another sweet and successful bazaar run for Toni! 

And we couldn't be prouder of her.

Super Shocked

But really, I shouldn't be.

I've seen the National Bookstore Superbranch go from 5 floors, to 4, to 3, to 2, and now, to just 1 floor.

And soon, that 1 floor will be gone, too.

They're finally saying goodbye to the Superbranch and moving it to Gateway 2. But as the sign says, an art and community center will be rising in its stead, so that's something to look forward to. 

So, thank you, National Bookstore Superbranch! Thanks for the memories!

Spaghet it!

This might be my "official meal" whenever I'm in Bicol.

For the past 4 trips, I'd always go to Bigg's to have their spaghetti and pizza bread combo.

The spaghetti is super good! 

Actually, this spaghetti is better than Jolly Spaghetti IMHO.

Bicol Beckons

Looks like 2026 is becoming my most Bicol year.

This weekend trip was my 4th for the year. And no matter how many trips I've made, I'll never get tired of this view.

Magayunon!

FMM: Times for a comeback

There's a common thread that connects the songs of the 90s.

Most of the songs in that area - the fast ones, at least - are all ear worm worthy.

Catchy beats, fun lyrics, repetitive portions - this was the formula that made bands like Aqua, Vengaboys, S Club 7 and their ilk so popular.

You can also add Ann Lee to the list.

Her 1988 hit, "Two Times" was all over, it was difficult to escape.

Then again, with a song that brings out the good times, why would you want to?

Around the bend

It's wild that "Legally Blonde" celebrates its 25th year this year.

Gosh! It's one of those moments when you just feel old.

That simply means it's been 25 years since we all bent and snapped.

To quote the guy in this clip:

"It works every time!"

Having a ball (and chain)

And the Japanese brand invasion in Manila continues.

Now, the much loved casual bag brand from Tokyo has arrived in Manila.

"Ball and Chain" is a quirky and utilitarian bag that's a favourite pasalubong from people traveling to Japan.

Now, you don't have to go far to actually get it.

Sugoi ne!

Entangled

With so many cup noodle brands and variants in MNL, it's easy to have noodle fatigue.

But trust Samyang to do something about it.

Tangle is one of their newer products, and it's a novel concept.

Instad of the suual noodles, it's instant pasta in a bowl!

They have 2 variants, but I've only tried the garlic oil. And it's actually good!

Can't wait to try their creamy mushroom next.

As a new week rolls along...

 ...this cute cat is rolling in his sleep.

This cat pretty much sums up everyone's sentiment this Monday.

Tech-cash

When we were about to pay for Dad's purchase at Shopwise, this greeted me at the counter.

Shopwise now has automated payment machines!

Yup, you can just enter your bills and coins, and you're done. No more giving your money to the cashier.

Can self checkout counters be next?

Curry up

Two weeks after blogging about that 1-2 Curry Puff punch during our trip to SG, this happens.

Hong Lim Curry Puff is opening in Trinoma.

The place where I bought the 2 Michelin starred curry puffs is called Hong Lim Hawker Center, and apparently, that's where this chain came from.

Now, it's easier to satisfy my cravings for real curry puffs.

FMM: It's her turn (around)

Gosh, this is such a shocker.

I've been doing Friday Magic Madness for decades, and it's just today that I discovered that Bonnie Tyler has never been featured!

Sacrilege.

But as they say, better late than never.

So, as a tribute to the iconic Bonnie Tyler, here's the song that she's best known for.

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" truly eclipsed many songs it was pitted against, and rightfully so. The song is well-written, beautifully sung, and is so memorable. In fact, it's so memorable that, 43 years later after its release, people still know and sing this song.

Bonnie and this song will never be eclipsed.

Eclipsed

Today, they delivered the sad news that the 80s singing icon has gone to that great music hall in the sky.

Yes, Bonnie Tyler has passed on at the age of 75.

Any kid of the 80s will know Bonnie Tyler. Her song, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" wasn't just popular, it's iconic!

She's truly one of a kind, and she, and her voice, will be sorely missed.

The Godfather

No, this isn't a post about the Marlon Brando film.

It's about...

Me!

Yup, after many, many outings as a godfather to my friends' kids, I'm now - and for the first time - a godfather at a wedding!

Last Sunday was my first foray as a wedding godfather, and the lovely couple is my art director - Kat, and her new hubby, Laurence!

It's a different feeling when you're now acting as a second parent to a married couple. While I'm not equipped to give them marriage advice, I'd probably give out sound and good relationship advice.

Better get ready for this new responsibility.

Herring Aid

"Golden Girls" was an iconic show in the 80s. 

While we were just young kids back then, we were able to appreciate the very adult - and super old - humour. The quips and quibbles of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sofia would elicit giggles and laughs. My favourite would be Rose's St Olaf stories.

Just like her story about the Great Herring War in St Olaf.

What's great about this clip is seeing Dorothy and Blanche break character and just laugh at the silliness of Rose's story. It's this kind of comedy that's a joy to watch.

I've seen this clip more than a hundred tines, and I'm still laughing each time.

Werther's or not

When my parents came back from Bicol, aside from their usual pili pasalubongs, there was one thing they brought home that caught my eye.

Werthe'rs Original!

This caramel candy is a fave since we were kids. Among the many caramel candies, this one really has the rich, creamy caramel taste that feels indulgent, yet light. 

Apparently, Dad saw it at the Duty Free store at the airport and couldn't resist buying one. Good decision because not only did he bring home a bag of candy, he brought home decades worth of childhood memories.

That's sweetness in more ways than one.

It's a Homer-run!

As a grade school kid, my fascination with Greek Mythology and stories was prominent. 

I've written about this factoid on this blog before, but I'd spend hours in the library reading Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" and Homer's "The Odyssey."

That was decades ago, and it's been a while since I've held those 2 books.

So, it's exciting that one of those 2 pieces of Greek literature is now a film. By Christopher Nolan, no less.

Judging by the trailer, it looks like "The Odyssey" will be a must watch for me. 

I'm sure it'll bring me back to my childhood, and I'm all for it!

Lifting the Weil

While we were in Changi a few weeks ago, one of the duty free shops had the full collection of Byredo's "Night Veils" collection.

It's supposed to be a darker and richer iteration of a brand that's more known for brightness and effervescence. That's why it was interesting to see - and smell - the line.

Yup, it's a departure from the usual Byredo scents. Despite that, they work. My fave among the lot is the Vanille Antique, which I eventually bought for Ate.

You've got another hit here, Byredo.

FMM: Chic Times

Chic is so famous for their hit song "Le Freak," people forget that they have another song that's as catchy and danceable.

"Good Times" was a hit song from the group that hey released in 1979. It has some similarities with "Le Freak," but overall, this song feels more chill and boppy rather than dance-y.

It's always a good time when you listen to it.

Nuggets of cuteness

This series of shorts suddenly popped up on my feed.

Now, I'm hooked!

It's so simple and cute. And it's a good break from all the craziness on the net.

We need more feel-good content like this.

That's practical

After "The Devil Wears Prada 2," here's another film whose sequel comes more than 2 decades after the release of the 1st one.

"Practical Magic" came out in 1998, and yes, I watched that film in 1998. So, it's exciting to see the same characters and actors reprise their roles after 28 years.

Hope the sequel is as magical as the original.