Decade and decades

For the 1st face-to-face Christmas Party in 2 years, we decided to go back and relive the different fashion decades.

Our theme was “Fashion Flashback,” and we were encouraged to dress up in clothes from 1920s to 1990s. And the ManCom was very diverse, dressing up in different decades. From the dapper 40s to the fab 50s, from the swinging 60s to the flashy 70s. to the colorful 80s to the grunge-y 90s. (That’s me!)

And the term “decade” had a special significance for me as I celebrated my 1st decade in Catalytx this year! Whoa! This is my longest stay in one agency, and i’m thrilled that I marked this milestone at Catalytx!

That’s a perfect 10!

Doggone cuteness!

Spotted this adorbz cutie during Liz's birthday party yesterday.

He's (or she's, we never got to ask) such a nice and playful doggie - constantly running around, climbing our chairs and legs, sitting and shaking hands on command. 

Kuro would definitely have a great time playing with this doggie.

Rache-Ing out

As Claire announced, time to Party like an Aussie for Rache’s virtual celebration!

Because it’s a Melrose celebration, it’s expected to have a lot of stories, a lot of laughs, and a lot of games!

Rache’s Birthday kicks-off our celebrations for the year. So, we’re expecting more gatherings like this very soon!

Happy Birthday Rache! 

Heads up!

Here's a random - and interesting - photo I found from last week's party.

Three heads are better than one!

Scorpion Nights, the sequel!

In the Melrose group, there are 4 of us celebrating our birthdays in November, and just a few days apart. For example, LG is November 4, I'm November 6, Rommel is November 8, and so forth.

That's why we make it a point to get together for our version of Scorpion Nights. And that's what we did tonight.

I must say, Scorpions are really a fun bunch!

Scorpion Nights!

Coincidentally, 3 of us Creative Directors are all Scorpios! That's why we had a triple celebration last Friday night which was filled with food, drinks, and a lot of jokes. As well as a showcase of talents, including cheese ball basketball and corny joke sharing.

I guess talent runs in the zodiac sign, too.

A glass on its own

Tonight's party with one of my favorite clients was fun in several ways.

First, it was fun because I got to hang out with my clients in a social setting. (With red wine to boot!) After getting used to seeing them in the boardroom and in shoots, it was such a refreshing change to see them at a party.

Second, everyone was game with the games. I haven't seen a group so passionate about a Tak-Tak-Ganern game.

Third, there was a glass bridge leading to the function room where the party was held.

Yes. Glass. Bridge.

Perspective. The function room was on the 42nd floor of the building. The way leading to the door of the function room was made of glass, and you can see 7 storeys down. Now, if you're afraid of heights, this will definitely freak you out. Like, super kaduper freak you out.

Thankfully, I'm not afraid of heights.

So, I was there running on the bridge, jumping up and down, and at one point, I was lying down on the glass structure.

What's even awesome was that I was able to convince my colleagues to all stand on the bridge to have a groufie!

Here's proof:

Yup, we're in a different glass altogether!

The other Oscars

Before I watch tonight's Oscars, I'd like to talk about another Oscar.

Oscar Maxwell, that is.

Last Saturday, Chrissie and David's baby boy was welcomed to the Christian world. They asked me to design both the invitation and the cake, and I was inspired by Oscar the Grouch when I did.

And voila!

I like the coolness of the colors and how the entire invite felt so relaxed. Chrissie's sister, Cynthia, told me how much she liked it, too.

Will talk about the cake later.

Housewarming Holidays

It was a triple celebration for D' Frendz yesterday.

First, we had our annual post-Christmas leftover party. Although we didn't really bring leftovers this year since our party was scheduled just a day after Christmas. Ergo, I doubt if people had time to gather and cook their leftovers.

Second, it was Maricar's post-birthday celebration. We noticed that there was a "birthday boycott" this year. No one among D' Frendz celebrated their birthday! But with Maricar's birthday spread, we've hopefully broken the curse and the celebrations will commence again.

Third, it was a housewarming party at Lezyl's brand new digs! She's been excitedly telling us about her new house since July, and she just moved in last week. Trust D' Frendz to break-in their home with a lot of laughter, stories and noise. Good thing the neighbors didn't complain.

The last time we all got together in this scale was during Alfie's wedding last June 4. That means it's been more than 6 months since the group got together.

So, this triple celebration was well worth the wait.

Winners Circle

Tonight, they announced the winners for best costume during our recently concluded Christmas/Anniversary Party. And three of the winners are actually in this photo that Isa sent us.

Three winners in just one photo. What are the chances?

Looks Greek to me!

Last night's Greco-Roman party was so much fun. (Despite the little hitch that happened as the night progressed.)

It's been a while since I really dressed up for a Christmas party, and I'm glad I decided to really Greek it out this year and come as Ares. I thought the costume was awesome, and apparently, a lot of people thought so, too. There were so many folks asking to have their picture taken with me that I felt like a mascot. Harhar.

I wonder where I can wear this costume again.

Party Hat

I've been organizing parties and events for quite sometime, that's why when they assigned me to organize our office Anniversary party, I was more than willing and happy. I'm always glad to wear my party organizer hat.

I was so into the process that I even made renders of the ballroom and the stage, something that no one ever did before. (At least according to our Admin person.)



I'm now in the thick of making this render a reality, and so far, everything's going as planned.

It's going to be one fun party tonight!

There is no "I" in "Team"

But there is "I" in "Team Pizza Party!"

Even if it was a day late, I was able to celebrate with my creative team at work. The accounts group brought the Estrel's cake, while I brought the pizza and soda. And that was enough to make our happy weekend even happier.

Un fiesta pequeno

On the night before my birthday, we decided to have a little Mexican-themed salubong with Mark, Kris and Danica.

I prepared chicken quesadillas, using a recipe that I learned from my anfitrion way back when I was staying in Mexico. They liked it a lot and even said that it tasted super authentic. Mama Nora would be so orgulloso!

Mark made taco filling which we also used as nacho toppings. Then, we washed it down with different flavors of Suntory, and a smattering of Smirnoff.

And as the clock struck 12 midnight, they sang "Happy Birthday," and I welcomed my first birthday in Tokyo.

It was a wonderful way to start my birthday.

Of Tios y Tias, Primos y Primas, Sobrinos y Sobrinas

"This is just like a dream!"

Those were the words that mi Prima, Evelyn, exclaimed when she finally realized that she was in Manila, surrounded by family. Not just any family, but family that she hasn't seen in 20 years, and some family members that she's seeing for the first time.

Last night, the long anticipated reunion of the Morales family finally happened. Our family from Barcelona visited Manila again after almost 2 decades! Well, Tita Evelyn was here last 2011, but my cousins - Evelyn, Cristy, Esther and Yoly, were last in Manila in the late 80s. Esther's husband - Jorge - was last in Manila in 1994. But a big chunk of the group - my cousin-in-law Xavi, my nieces Alejandra, Maria, Vega, and nephews Lukas, Marcos, Alex, Enrique, Jacobo, Ernesto and Vito - were all first timers in the Philippines. 

When they entered the room, they were visibly surprised at how big the family was.

Yup, we invaded and filled up a function room at Peking Garden, and that was just half of the family!

There were so many reasons why this reunion was such a special one. Aside from the immediate Murillo-Morales family, the Barrettos and the Garcias were also able to reconnect with Tita Evelyn, Tito Linden and Dad.

The second generation was missing a few cousins. Some of them were out of town, some were out of the country. One of my cousins said that it was a good excuse to hold another reunion - hopefully complete - in a year or two.

And finally, the 3rd generation of Morales kids were able to meet. It's the first time that the kids from Barcelona are meeting their cousins from Manila. They bonded quickly, and by the end of the night, some were already bar hopping, while others were having a slumber party at the hotel.

Everything about the reunion was perfect. The food, the conversation, the photos - all perfect. The conversation and photos were rowdy, but perfect. Especially our table!

The wonderful thing about this reunion is the fact that it felt so right that my cousins from Barcelona swore to do this again in 2 years or less. Reconnecting with Manila was such a wonderful experience for them and their families. And it's a reconnection that we're hoping will happen again very soon.

As Cristy put it aptly:

"We shouldn't wait for another 20 years to do this again."

Debutante diaries 1: Material world

In 2 months time, one of my nieces - Alex - will be celebrating her birthday. Both my sisters are involved in the preparations in one shape or form, so they're definitely attending this grand shindig. (I've never had the chance to attend any of Alex's parties.)

Needless to say, Ate Bullet's first question was: What am I going to wear?

Her theme is "Disney Princesses," and thankfully, guests aren't asked to come in as fairy tale characters. The only guideline that our Tita gave them was that there shouldn't be any dark colors, and they'd prefer pastel outfits. 

So, off to the fabric archive I went and found two sets of fabrics that would look awesome and appropriate for the debut.

Here's the first set, which I call the "Cool Corals." It's composed of a combination of charmeuse and dobby georgette in coral, and a silk fabric in an abstract pattern.

When I saw this, I knew that the printed fabric would be the focal point of the dress. It's just so eye-catching and current.

The second is what I termed "Girlie Garden." It's pink charmeuse, beige tulle and a pretty silk fabric with a floral watercolor motif.

The first time I saw this fabric, it reminded me of Prada's "Faerie" collection. How's that for alignment with the theme. It's dainty without being to saccharine, which is very appropriate for Ate Lissa.

Now that the materials are all chosen and set, time to figure out what to do with it.

Convincing portrayal

So, I decided to dress up like an Indian during our Christmas party. I wore a white Kurta with white pants, and a gold-beige-ish scarf with paisley prints.

While going around the ballroom, I saw a client of mine and said "Hi." She just glanced at me and left.

A few minutes later, she comes back and says: "Lester, ikaw ba 'yan?Akala ko foreigner ka talaga! Nagulat nga ako nung nag-hi ka sa'kin. Sabi ko, 'bakit nag-hi sa akin itong bumbay na 'to.'"

Yes, I guess I look like an Indian guy.

A fabulous surprise

What makes a wonderful birthday celebration?

First, a fabulous birthday celebrant who we've known and been friends for more than 2 decades. 

Second, a quietly and well-planned surprise which included decoy facebook posts and under the radar email exchanges about where to go, what do bring, what to give, and - as Tintin asked so worriedly - "Paano ba tayo papasok? Single file or by groups of 3?"

Third, a very willing and cunning accomplice in the form of her hubby. Vince laid the foundation for the surprise which made it easier for all of us to do our parts in springing the surprise.

And finally, an awesome group of Frendz who were more than willing to drive up to Tagaytay early in the morning to make sure that Bonique's big day is spent in the most surprisingly fabulous way. After being friends for more than 2 decades, we still manage to surprise each other.

Happy Birthday, Bonique! You're fabulous!

Sunday's sorbet shades

Cool colors are one way to beat this oppressive summer heat. That's why on our summer get together at Mona's house, we all ended up wearing different shades of sorbet. (Or "sakura colors," as Mark observed.)

It might have been hot outside, but hey, at least we're cool inside.

Force Majeure

Last Monday, we had our Seniors Send-off, and, once again, Chally and I went in character. It was the last big event for the 4th year students, so we decided that it was a major event that needed major props.

Since this year's theme was "Star Grads," we came as opposite sides of the force. I was Luke Skywalker, while he was Darth Vader.



Yes, the force was with us that day.

And no, he isn't my father.