Has it begun?

I'm not sure if this is early or late, but this product is already in 7-11.

It's either this is a product from December that hasn't been removed yet, or it's really a Christmas product that they decided to display as early as May.

Mysteries never cease.

The Royal Treatment

After last year's very muted, black and white Christmas wrapping theme, my idea for this year's theme was the complete opposite.

At the get go, my mind was veering towards something more vibrant and elegant. A thought that was further solidified after seeing this wrapper:

It was the royal blue and gold combination that sold me to it. The combo felt so luxe, yet also quiet and muted.

Because of that colour scheme, the accents and accoutrements also followed suit. Found this really nice metallic gold ribbon, and a glittered gold snowflake.

That same blue and gold theme carried on to my gift cards, which echoed both the colours and patterns of those materials.

Together, these elements created this year's Christmas wrapping theme.

Now, let me put on Lorde's "Royal" in the background.

Suddenly Six

Here's a case of Christmas history repeating itself.

These photos were taken on the same day - Christmas eve - but 6 years apart!

So much has happened since 2019, and the world is a lot different.

But Ate Bullet and Toni still look the same.

Creativi-tree

After a year of work, productions, work, pitches, rushed work, and more work, it's finally a wrap for the creative team this year.

From our creative family to yours, Merry Christmas!

SM is So Marvelous

When it comes to Christmas displays, SM is top tier.

They pull out all the stops and don't hold back in terms of ideas and execution.

Their display at SM North EDSA - The Block is a testament to that.

The castle is even functional. You can go inside and watch a shot video.

Marvelous. Just marvelous!

On cue

It never fails.

When September 1 hits, all these come out.

The Christmas season has officially begun. Especially at SM.

F&F

Nope, this isn't about the in-house fast-fashion brand of Tesco.

(Gosh, it's still a bummer that they don't have that brand in MNL anymore.)

It's about how today was spent.

Still on Christmas mode, today was a get-together day with 2 groups of people who have been part of my life - and holiday celebrations - for ages.

FRENDZ!

We were almost complete today. We gathered at Mona's house - per usual - and marvelled at how the kids have grown and how many stories we missed in the years we haven't seen each other. (This was my first time to see Rona and TinTin in 5 years!)

FACULTY!

It;s also been a while since our last get together as a Mass Comm faculty. This was actually the first time in a long time that we were able to gather this big a group. 

Of course, we all had our share of classroom stories to tell. And admittedly, the half day we were together wasn't enough to talk about all the shenanigans.

So, to sum up today, I'll also use an F word.

FANTASTIC!

What's black, white and red...

It's this year's Christmas wrapping theme!

Not that it was inspired by that popular riddle among journalists.

The theme was actually inspired by these ribbons. 

These black and white plaid ribbons have been in "the stash" for more than 5 years. Truth it, I've forgotten about these, until that fateful day that I stumbled upon them while looking for something.

With that colour in mind, I immediately knew that black and white gift wrappers were the perfect accompaniment to the ribbon. Enter these 4 designs - all discovered and purchased on -line.

To give it a pop of colour, and to keep the spirit of Christmas, enter these candy canes!

Since there's a touch of red, why not make the cards red as well?

And together, here's this year's black, white and red theme!

It's a great combination of tradition and non-traditional.

Merry Chistmas!

Gold Standard

Mark's Christmas gift this year is a much deserved sequel to his gift last year.

It's this gold photo album!

Just as gold is valuable, so are the contents of this album.

It's more of our shared memories - from trips to time spent with friends - each photo has a story and meaning that's a joy to review and remember.

This gift is definitely worth its weight in gold.

Celebrating all-over

Even if we're currently in different parts of the world, the family is together in celebrating everyone a Blessed Christmas season.

This is our version of "Christmas across the miles."

It's Christmas all over again!

And we're happier and more blessed for it!

I'm board

Aside from my usual fruit salad - which I amped up this year - here's another thing I made for our Christmas dinner:

A charcuterie board!

It had the Christmas classics: Excelente Ham, Marca Pato quezo de bola, red globe grapes, and some crackers on the side.

This was fun.

So fun, I'll probably include it in my Christmas traditions next year.

Partying day to night

That pretty much sums up today.

In the morning, we had our institutional Christmas Party at SSC. It was great to see the whole Scholastican community together. I'm always amazed at how big we are, and despite the size, it feels like an intimate family.

It was great to catch-up with co-faculty who I haven't seen in a while.

Then, it was off to Richard's house for our annual Thanksgiving toast.

Gosh! The parties just go on and on. (And I'm all for it!)

O Come

It's the first day of Simbang Gabi today.

One of the songs that's most sung during the Simbang Gabi mass is a classic song entitled "Emanuel."

Every time they sing this song, it makes me reminisce about the beautiful story of Mama Mary and Jesus. The song captures the narrative so beautifully, both in words and music.

It's 9 days before Christmas comes. And the world is excited for it.

High on "Gras"

After 4 years of absence, our Annual Anniversary party is back!

This year, our theme is "Mardi Gras," so everyone dressed up in their best NOLA attire.

We missed dressing up. We missed partying. We missed getting together with clients, partners and industry friends. 

We missed this!

And we're on a high because we finally get to continue this tradition.

And so it begins...

Today is the first Sunday of advent. Thus, the Advent wreath is up at Sagrada Familia. And the congregation is ready and happy to begin the new Liturgical Calendar.

To quote a famous Christmas carol:

"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

All decked out

It took longer than usual this year, but finally, our Christmas tree is up!

Of course, the accompanying accoutrements have to be there. The dancing Santa has been with the family for more than a decade, and it's still singing and dancing as if it were his first day.

All that missing now are gifts under the tree. After that, we've decked the halls for the holidays!

Rio Grand

What was the Christmas Gift Wrap theme for 2023?

Sometime in June, we went to National Book Store in Cubao to buy some supplies. Part of the 2nd floor was turned into an NBS outlet, so I decided to go up and check out what they had.

One corner of the area was set aside for gift wrappers. Rolls upon rolls upon rolls of different gift wrappers of varied designs where jammed into cardboard boxes. Of course, I had to check out the designs they had.

There was one design that jumped out of the plethora of rolls. The wrapper was covered in different tropical birds doing a celebratory dance. Immediately, this reminded me of the film "Rio," one of my favourite films. That sealed the deal.

Since the wrapper itself had a dark colour, the ribbon had to be light and bright to serve as a contrasting element. Looking at the many, many colours on the design, my eye singled out yellow as the main ribbon, while coral and baby blue served as the additional hue.

With the wrappers secured, it was time to look for the accent. I knew exactly what I wanted - clothespins with a bird design. But gosh! It was so difficult to find! Went to 168 - none. Checked out Shopee and Lazada - none. Just when I was about to give up, a random stroll at The Landmark proved to be the end of my search. 

They had clothespins with a flamingo design. Woot!

Aside from that, found 2 other worthy accents - a red robin clip-on, and a wooden keychain with a bird motif.

Then, the cards. Made the usual 4 designs, but was only to take a photo of 2 since the rest ran out already.

With all these elements together, here's the final theme.

Just like "Rio," it's frivolous, festive and fun! Which is what Christmas - and Christmas gifts - should be.

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.

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.