FMM: Siempre!

Hoy fue un dia emocionante para mi!

Despues de lo que paracieron anos, 3 de los miembros de la Mafia Mexicana estan juntos!

Yup, Beng, Ginger and I finally had our long overdue reunion! And as expected, it was a wonderful walk down the paved lanes of Mexico.

Although this isn't a Mexican song, it's a Spanish song, so it's close enough.

So, for today's Friday Magic Madness song, here's Los Manolos!

"Amigos para siempre" is such an apt song for us. So, this 1992 hit from this Spanish group is perfect.

Hopefuly, Beth will be with us the next time we get together.

Que alegria verlos amigos mios!

Viva Mexico!

Today is Cinco de Mayo!

Time to bring out some Mexican music!

My exchange program in Mexico is still one the highlights of my travels, and my life. Being able to go to different states around the country, meeting diverse sets of people and trying authentic Mexican food - they're experiences that are forever embedded in my memories.

Muchas gracias y felicidades, Mexico!

Free the Frida

Even before going on my exchange program in Mexico, I've always been a huge fan of Frida Kahlo and her art.

Being an art fan even as a grade schooler, I'd already look at art books and was always enamoured by her paintings. The colours, vibrance and the occasional surrealism - they were so unique and creative and was uniquely her.

The 2002 film "Frida" was something that I re-watched so many times. And the icing on the "pastel" was going to Mexico and seeing some of her works in person.

Imagine my thrill when Shein came out with a Frida Kahlo collection!

This is so unique and it's the first of its kind in my eyes. Needless to say, several items from this collection have already found itself home.

Further proof that fashion is art.

Cross country

While in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, almost 2 decades ago, we wandered off into this street stall that sold these very pretty crosses.

Being a predominantly Catholic country, Mexico sells a lot of religious imagery made by local artisans. And this shop was one of them.

What caught my eye was a cross that's made of metal, then mounted on wood. The metal cross had different patterns and designs on them, and it made the cross very unique.

The crosses I bought still hang at home, at Biboy's house in ATL, at Ate Bullet's house, and at the houses of all my friends who received them as a gift.

While looking at it this weekend, it made me want to buy more. Now, I'll have to check whether they have it on-line, or if I have to go cross country to Mexico to get some mroe.

Tostitos of Manila

One of the key takeaways that I learned during my stay in Mexico in the early 2000s was this: 

Authentic Mexican nacho chips and salsa are incomparable.

While there are a lot of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants here in MNL, I still find myself longing for that legit crunch, subtle flavour and texture.

When that happens, my go-to brand is - for me - the next best thing.

Tostitos!

That's why it's no wonder that we never run out of it home.

Mamah Mia!

There are many iterations of the "Try videos." Although the "Try guys" series is probably the first one that I watched.

Recently, I've been binge-watching the "Mexican Moms Try..." series on the Mamah youtube channel. It's a series that has 2 to 3 Moms from Mexico trying everything. From Mexican classics like Pan Dulce and Aguas Frescas, to international snacks from all the different continents.

Including Asia. And the Philippines!

It's such a joy to watch this series. And the Moms are super nice! They remind me of our "Mexican Mamas" when we stayed in Mexico - including Nora, Betty, Rosie and Guada.

Watching this makes me want to go back to Mexico and meet Lucy and Xochitl in person! I'm sure I'd enjoy trying new food items with them.

P.S. Xochitl is on the money with the Shrimp Chips. That's my fave, too!

In the Mex

Why am I doing this to myself?

After watching "La Divina Gula," I'm now watching "Street Food: Latin America." Particularly, the episode on Mexico.

And after watching it, this brought back my craving for Tlayuda!

Gosh! It's been almost 20 years since I last had this awesome street food in Mexico. And watching this brought me back to that street stall with the uber delish Tlayuda!

Oh Mexico. Extranjo Mucho!

Takis (not) overrated

Oh look! They actually have Takis in Manila!

Good thing I did a bit of snooping after that Takis craving. It led me to an online store that actually carried it.

Bonus: they have Pulparindo as well!

Finalmente, encontre mis favoritos!

Takis is on my list

The Mexican cravings continue.

Today what I'm missing is the tortilla snack that I'd hoard whenever we'd go to Sorianas!

Takis Fuego!

This snack has a very distinct, Mexican taste. And since Mexican food is also known for its spice, the level of hotness on this snack is also top notch.

Gosh! I should keep myself from watching "La Divina Gula." The cravings just keep on getting more and more intense!

Taking a Bite

Presenting the Netflix Series that is fuelling my craving for all those Mexican goodies that I enjoyed in the early 2000s when I lived in Mexico.

"La Divina Gula" is currently showing on Netflix and I've been binge-watching it since last Friday. Translated, the title means "Heavenly Bites," which is exactly what I've been seeing each episode. Heavenly food and drinks that are part of my Mexican experience.

Aside from Chilaquiles, the series made me miss Tortas, Tacos, Pan Dulce and Micheladas! This is on top of the usual Dona Torta Gorditas, Pinguinos, Choco Lala, Raspas and Helados.

Oh Mexico! I can't wait to go back and take a bite of these goodies again!

Netflix and Chil-aquiles

Because of this Netflix series I'm watching about Mexican food, I suddenly have a craving for Chilaquiles!

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish which consists of tortillas, salsa, pulled chicken, crema, cheese and frijoles. Yes, it's all the Mexican faves in one plate!

When I was in Mexico, this was the first breakfast I tasted, and it was freshly cooked by my foster-Mom, Nora. The memories are still vivid in my mind - the moment I woke up and walked out of my room, there was this appetizing smell wafting from the kitchen.

It was Mama Nora cooking, and she was all smiles when she saw me walking in. She asked me to take a seat, poured me some orange juice, and asked me if I've ever tried Chilaquiles before. Of course, I haven't. So, while she was cooking, she was telling me about the dish, and how her Abuela taught her how to make it.

From the pan, she placed it on my plate and asked me: "Pruebalo!"

It was an epiphany at first bite! The combination of the crunch, creaminess, the mix of savory and acidity - it all made for a perfect dish. And a perfect first breakfast in Mexico.

Now, there are 2 things on my mind:

1. Is there a Mexican restaurant in Manila that makes Chilaquiles?

2. Should I look for a recipe and make it myself?

Gosh, if I could just fly to Mexico now and get the real deal, I will!

Back in the Barrio

From it playing in the background like white noise, I'm now indulging in the guilty pleasure that is...

Maria la del Barrio is shown on TV5 every afternoon. Yes, it's been more than a decade since it was first shown on RPN-9, but now it's back. And now, I find myself stopping what I'm doing to watch the show. 

And admittedly, it's still as engaging as ever.

I guess it's true. Once a Thalia fan, always a Thalia fan. 

Fifty and Fabulosa!

Speaking of birthdays, here's another one of my favourite style icons who's celebrating a banner year.

If Iris Apfel celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday, this style (and acting) icon turned 50 last August 26.

Yes, Thalia! The definitive Mexican Actress and Musical Star who made waves in the 90s and 2000s with her shows like Marimar and Maria La Del Barrio, and her songs of the same title, plus some of my favourite Mexican songs like "A Quien Le Importa."

I must say, she looks like she hasn't aged a bit. She's still as beautiful and as charming as the day the Filipinos - and the world - fell in love with her.

Feliz Fifty, Fabulosa Thalia!

Mama Mexicana!

Watching this series on youtube that features Mexican Moms trying different types of food is my latest binge watch.

The 2 Moms are so adorable and are so genuine and honest. Their comments are very candid and on-point, and watching them is such a joy.

Watching them also makes me miss my foster Moms when I lived in Mexico - Nora y Betty.

It's been almost 20 years since we had our exchange program and lived there. Hopefully, the Mafia Mexicana will be able to go back there and visit our anfitriones soon.

Mexico on my mind

One of the snacks that I discovered when I stayed in Mexico is this classic and iconic wheat chip that's part of every Mexican's snack time.

Sabritones was introduced to me by my first "foster siblings" in Monterrey. It was one of the first things they offered me when we arrived at their house. We arrived late in the evening, and this was like my "midnight welcome snack" from Jorge and his family. Sabritones and Coca normal - those were the first 2 food items that greeted me in Mexico, and that's why it was so memorable.

Whenever our travels take us to the US, I'd always tell myself that I'd buy Sabritones. I'm sure they have them at Walmart because they carry a lot of Mexican food and snacks. But somehow, it's something that I never got to do.

Today, the thought of this Mexican snack entered my mind again. Hoping that they'd be available at Lander's or S&R, I went online to check it out. Alas, these spicy and sour munchies aren't here in the Philippines just yet.

Where's Walmart when you need it?

Gord(ita) your Loins!

So, Taco Bell came up with their version of the "Gordita." This is one of my favorite snacks in Mexico and I've been dreaming of it and craving for it since my last trip there.

Although I haven't tried it yet - and I will soon - it looks different, and I'm sure it also tastes much different from the OG Gordita I know, Dona Tota Gorditas!

Gosh! I want to go back to Mexico, even if it's just for Dona Tota!

FMM: In the Mex

Okay, fine.

Since we've been talking about Tacos, Nachos and Mexican food the past few days, let's stick with the theme this Friday Magic Madness.

Time for a little James Taylor.



It's really a Mex-xed up world.

Mexxed-up world

While dreaming of authentic Mexican Tacos last night, I just realized that there's one place in Manila that I frequent whenever I crave for Mexican food.

Technically, they're not really Mexican. The name itself is a compound of Mexico and California, so their cuisine is more of the Baja California type of Mexican food. But admittedly, their enchiladas are good. So are their burritos.

Gosh, writing this is making me crave for Mexican goodies even more.

I should really stop.

Taco Tuesdays

Watching several American TV shows both on youtube and on television, one of the things I noticed is that they often mention "Taco Tuesdays."

I'm not sure if it's a big thing in the U.S. And I have to investigate what it actually means. Do they get discounts on Tacos on Tuesdays? Is that the only thing they eat on Tuesdays? Is this a U.S.-wide thing?

Thinking about it makes me miss those authentic tacos we used to eat at Mexico. Those were top notch, and definitely not Taco Bell.

But since we don't get these types of Tacos here in Manila, well, see you in Taco Bell.

Mysterious & Mexican

I've seen a lot of M&M variants before, especially when I go to the US. I have my personal favorites, like the pretzel M&M, mint M&M, and crispy M&M.

Then, I saw this mysterious pack on the shelf and was instantly intrigued by it:

Mexican Jalapeño M&M!

True to its Mexican roots, it's spicy! You can taste the kick of spice the moment you bite into it. But before it gets super caliente, the chocolate comes in and neutralizes it.

Off hand, I think this is one of those "acquired taste" M&Ms. Fortunatelt, I've acquired a taste for Mexican food.