Elephant in the room. The mall, rather.

Apparently, South Korea's other fave eyewear brand is also in the Philippines.

Passed through Glorietta on my way to the 4As meeting and spotted this Blue Elephant kiosk in Glorietta 2. 

Aside from Gentle Monster, this is the other brand that Pinoys hoard whenever they go to Seoul.

There's some controversy surrounding these 2 brands, though. There was a time when Gentle Monster was suing Blue Elephant for copying their designs and selling it cheaper. Not sure what happened to that, but the fact that Blue Elephant is still around might be an indicator.

Guess they acknowledged the elephant in the room.

Another place to Sing

It's good to see more and more Singaporean restaurants opening their doors here in MNL.

First, there's Nanyang. Then, Tiong Bahru Chicken. The, Ya Kun Kaya Toast.

Here's a latest addition that I spotted in Glorietta.

We've come a long way from Rasa Singapura in Morato.

Here's another place for Mark and I to try.

Flying, Hi!

Oh look, they're open!

Flying Tiger's first store in the MNL - particularly in Glorietta - is now open. Of course, a visit was imperative.

It has the same vibe as the Flying Tiger stores abroad, and the prices are pretty reasonable. And after inquiring with the sales staff regarding the company who brought this in, it's SSI!

Hi, Flying Tiger. Glad that you're finally here!

Go, Tiger!

Mark and I had lunch in Glorietta today, and look what I spotted

Flying Tiger - Our super fave Danish brand - in will finally be in Manila!

Now, we won’t have to go to Tokyo our Seoul to get our Flying Tiger fix.

As another famous tiger once said: This is Grrrreta!

Catnap

Makati is a haven for cats.

Strolling along Glorietta and Greenbelt, it's commonplace to see a lot of cutie cattaters just lazing around random areas. When the Spanish crew were here last March, they found these frolicking felines so cute that they'd randomly stop to take photos of them.

What's most cute for me is finding these cats napping peacefully. Just like this black and white ball of cuteness on the stairs of Glorietta 4.

While taking this photo, it was a conscious effort to make as little sound as possible so as not to disturb the catnap. After all, we should let sleeping cats lie.

Looking for CD-R King

Time was when CD-R King was everyone’s go-to place when they were looking for computer and electronic stuff.

They started more than a decade ago, selling - as the name clearly states - recordable CDs. They had it in all colors, designs and sizes, and it made buying CD a joy. CDs suddenly became collectibles, and I would find myself buying CDs even if I didn’t need them.

Soon after, they expanded to other gadgets. And they expanded some more.

Whenever I needed earphones - CD-R King. When Mark needed an external keypad - CD-R King. When I forgot my charger at home - CD-R King.  Whenever I needed a phone case - CD - R King.

This weekend, I needed to buy new headphones, so I went to CD - R King.

Lo and behold, all the branches I frequent were all closed! Gateway. Robinson’s Galleria. Glorietta. SM Megamall - all gone!

What happened to CD - R King? And where did they go?

This issue needs answers!

New brands in town

In between meetings, the accounts people and I decided to have lunch at the new Glorietta - a place which really rates high in the swank factor. (The highest swank rating has to be the East Wing of Shangri-La Mall. Heck, it feels like I'm in Singapore or Japan!)

While roaming around after lunch, we discovered that the 2 new Spanish brands that we've been anticipating for are finally open!

Too bad we were pressed for time. We didn't get a chance to really go around and check out the merchandise.

But knowing these brands, I'm sure they'll be ultra chic and fashionable.

Welcome to the Philippines, Bershka and Stradivarius!