Three sheers!

It's sheer genius how trends from the runway are translated to fast fashion in sheer numbers.

The past month or so, I've been seeing dresses with see-through paneling in sheer volumes. It takes sheer tenacity to wade through all the items and pick out the ones that are sheer joy.

SHEER 1: The red dress from Topshop.

Leave it to Topshop to take some of fashion's trickiest aspects and put them together in a tasteful frock. Red is tricky. Sheer is tricky. Plunging necklines are tricky. But when you have them in a nice fabric and cut with precision, you've got a chic dress with a lot of attitude.

(You can't see it here, but the neckline plunges down to the waist.)

SHEER 2: The black sequined dress from Mango.

Here's the little black dress taken to another level. The entire bodice is fully sequined, and it creates this interesting pattern when the light hits it. The neckline is modest, the sleeves are long, making it very prim and proper up front.

Then, you see the back.

SHEER 3: The purple dress from Tyler

This is another case of "classic with a twist." The color, cut and fabric of this dress makes it perfect for everyday wear. If you see it coming, it'll look like an commonplace shift dress.

But when you see it going, you'll see a completely sheer back that goes all the way down to the waist. It's that element of surprise that makes people give the dress a second, or third look. And according to Ate Bullet, that's exactly what she got when she wore this dress.

I'm sheer - I mean, I'm sure - that there are more dresses like this that will pop up in stores soon. And I wouldn't be surprised if they re-appear in my sisters' closets as well.

LFLTAT: Three trends

Among the recurring trends that have been appearing on magazines and on the runway, three of the more consistent ones are: 1.) sheer, 2.) lace and 3.) pastel colors. 

These three trends reminded me of this dress that I found at The Landmark about half a year ago. 

The dress was made of this sheer chiffon that looked very light and breezy. The blush color added to its ethereal quality. It's something that will look in place in a wedding, or a lazy weekend in the city. The salmon colored belt wasn't part of the ensemble, but I thought it was a nice way to ground the outfit.

When you turn the dress around, a pleasant surprise greets you. A see-through lace back, with some draping to add a bit of modesty.

What's nice is that this dress is able to pull together these 3 trends seamlessly and fashionably.

What's even better is that this whole ensemble was around P700.00 in total.

Yup, more Look for Less than a Thousand chicness for The Landmark.

FMM: Majica Mexicana

Almost a decade ago, I was in Mexico for an exchange program.

While I was there, I got hooked on a Thalia song which was her latest single back in 2002. It was a song that was very upbeat, had a techno feel to it, and was a different sound from what she's previously done. Plus, the video was fun to look at. It's like "Thalia does Britney." Harhar.

I was so hooked, that I actually knew some of the lyrics and could sing-along at some parts. Something that my "foster parents" thought was adorable. "Que Lindo," was what they would say.

The song was "A Quien Le Importa."

Pardon me while I go Mexican on today's Friday Magic Madness.

Winning quote of the day

Today's winning quote was overheard this afternoon at The Fabric Warehouse in SM Megamall:

LADY: Meron ba kayong telang red velvet? Yung pula.

Winner!

Tokyo talk

One of my former students is in Tokyo today, and we were exchanging messages about where she should go and what not to miss.

Since she's into anime and cosplay - that being the subject of their undergraduate thesis - I told them to visit Harajuku and check out the scene there. 

Since their hotel is in Ginza, I also told her to check out the Uniqlo mega-store, the big G.U. store and the H&M branch there.

Then, I asked her to try the typical Japanese restaurant with vendo machines outside. Now that's very typical Japanese.

All this Tokyo talk is making me miss the place even more. Even though it's been less than 2 months since I was last there, I'd really like to go back and do more of the things that Mark and I would do whenever we're there.

This, of course, includes going to Harajuku and Omotesando, checking out the shops in Ginza, and eating at typical Japanese restaurants with vendo machines outside.

Quiet Collaborations

Are people tired of fashion collaborations? Has the marriage of high-end designers and low-end brands ended?

By this time, the we should already be buzzing with stories about H&M's latest designer collaborations. From the first ones including Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor and Rolf, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Madonna, Lanvin, and to the more recent Versace and Maison Martin Margiela. 

It usually launches in September or November, so if there's any new collaboration, it should already be announced by this time. But there hasn't been any word whatsoever.

This must be "Capsule collection fatigue syndrome."

Gar - see ya!

First, Sarah Jessica Parker inaugurated SM Aura.

Now, this!

Yes, Nina Garcia (or as Heidi would say it, Nina Gah-thee-yah,) is coming to Manila to share her style secrets. It would be nice to see her in person, but I'm not trekking all the way to MOA for that. I'm sure they'll have the interview on youtube anyway.

Manila is really becoming a style destination these days.

Oh, what a difference a letter makes

As my Journalism professor once taught me, it only takes a letter to change the entire story.

While reading an article on Yahoo regarding Benedict Cumberbatch, I ran across this paragraph. 

It looks fine when you read it, but when you pay attention to how it's written, I noticed that murder was committed on his hair.

Yes, there's a difference between dyeing and dying. The proofreader should know that by now.

McKayla-ed

With all the talk about SM Aura, I made it a point to visit it this weekend. 

Yes, there have been horror stories about the traffic going there, and the descent of the Divi crowd to BGC, but these didn't deter me. Today, I went to the mall, not just to check it out, but to attend the Uniqlo event as well. (Fine, and score some loot from Uniqlo.)

After seeing, feeling and exploring SM Aura, here's my assessment:

It's just like one of those hollywood films that everyone is raving about, but when you finally see it, you find out that it's not that great after all. That was my initial reaction to this mall. Mainly because of the following:

1. River Island is still closed.
2. The Mall itself is small and the corridors are narrow.
3. The interiors look very ordinary. It reminds me of SM Annex in North EDSA.
4. River Island is still closed.
5. The restrooms were dirty! (Considering it was just opened yesterday.)
6. The crowd was rowdy.
7. River Island is still closed.

Despite the fact that I'm McKayla-ed, there are certain parts of the mall that I like. Their Sky Garden looks awesome, and I can imagine it to be a hit once all the trees have bloomed and the grass has turned from brown to green.

The SM Store looks very nice and tres classy! It reminds me of Lane Crawford.

Also, they're having a San Pedro Calungsod Chapel within the mall, and it looks very promising.

That said, I won't be going back to SM Aura anytime soon. It looks like River Island isn't opening anytime soon, so that's okay.

Maybe when it opens and I come back, some impressive changes might have happened already.

FMM: Shouting Sarah

Since Sarah Jessica Parker is all over the news in Manila today - from newspapers to television to on-line news outlets - I think it's the perfect time to bring her into Friday Magic Madness.

More than 20 years ago, SJP was a young ingenue in Hollywood. She starred in a light, bubbly, coming-of-age dance movie entitled "Girls just want to have fun." She co-starred with a young Helen Hunt, and a very, very young Shannen Doherty.

The theme song of that film is a catchy ditty by Alex Brown entitled "(Come on) Shout."



I must say SJP looked bubbly, cute and chic even back then.

Rolling on a River!

Being a self-confessed mall rat - something that Mark can attest to - it excites me when new malls open in Manila. 

Today is the grand opening of SM Aura at The Fort, so I decided to check out their website to see what to look forward to. As well as if there are new shops worth visiting.

Lo and behold!

We have River Island in Manila!!!

Just as I was lamenting last February that they've closed River Island in SG, now it's open in MNL!

I'm there! I'm so there!

SJP and the City

SM is really upgrading its image!

Imagine, they're flying in THE Sarah Jessica Parker to open their new store at SM Aura.

If they're flying in a fashion icon to open their new store, then it must be a really, really fashionable store.

This I have to see. (The SM store, not SJP. Harhar.)

I wish I did that...

Being in the advertising industry for almost 2 decades, it's easy to feel jaded about ads. But once in a while, certain ads resonate with me so much that I just watch it and think: "Gosh, I wish I did that."

Just like this ad for Robinsons drinks.



The ad is wonderfully executed, and what makes it even more beautiful is the fact that it's anchored on a real insight. "It's good to be a Dad. It's better to be a friend." That's as real as it gets. Heck, I've tried to live my that mantra since I became an uncle. "It's good to be an Uncle. It's better to be a friend."

Awesome job, BBH. If they had Robinsons drinks here in Manila, I'd be buying one right now and drinking to all you folks.

Confessions of a disenfranchised voter

While most Filipinos are out exercising their right to suffrage, I'm home sorting out clothes to send to Bicol.

Yes, I'm not voting. Not because I don't want to, but I simply can't. Such is the case for both 2010 and 2013.

Don't get me wrong. I've always voted. Heck, I've always wanted to vote. One of the reasons why I looked forward to my 18th birthday was the fact that I could vote right after. Since then, I've never missed an election.

In fact, it was because I never wanted to miss an election that I registered as an overseas voter when I was still living in HKG. Upon my return to the Philippines, I found out that my name has been removed from the voters list in my former precinct. Thus, I wasn't able to vote last 2010. (The only option would have been to go to HKG and vote there, which I could've done, but didn't.)

I should've learned my lesson back then and re-registered prior to the 2013 elections. It was really my plan, but as some plans usually go, it didn't materialize. So, for the 2nd time around, I was disenfranchised. Boo!

That said, I can't complain about the results of today's mid-term elections. After all, I'm not part of it. But 2016 is another story. That's the year that we'll choose a new president who'll lead us for another 6 years, so the need to register is greater.

With something that monumental, I'd like my voice to be heard.

Baby. Cakes.

Welcome to the Christian world, Baby Alex. We're looking forward to baby sitting you in the near future!

(Here's Baby Alex with the cake that Mark and I gave as a gift for the occasion. Personally designed for her, of course.)

Oh, Onigiri!

Yes, I'd go all the way to Family Mart in Makati for these wonderful little treats!

As I told Mark, the onigiri they sell here are a bit different from what I'm used to in Tokyo. The rice isn't as sticky and compact, and it lacks that complicated instruction on how to open and eat it. But hey, it's the next best thing, so I say: Go for it!

Good thing they're opening a Family Mart in Ortigas soon. That way, this treat will be oh so near.

FMM: Shake it!

Someone played a Debbie Gibson song this morning, now it's been playing in my head the entire day!



Well, if you can't shake it off, just sing with it!

From Darkness to light

Being a huge Star Trek fan, I'm hugely excited about the next installment in the Star Trek saga!



Show this movie now. Please!

K, Fine!

It's common knowledge that I love to teach. There's a strong feeling of gratification knowing that I'm doing my bit in educating the next generation of advertising practitioners.

But aside from Advertising subjects, I also enjoy teaching Journalism subjects as well. It lets me use my degree in Journalism, and it's always fun to read, edit and write articles.

That said, it's always a joy to handle the Feature and Technical Writing class because we come out with a magazine every 2nd semester. And here's our issue for 2013!

K magazine - short for Kulasa - is all about celebrating Women, particularly the successful women from St. Scholastica's college. And it was fitting to have a successful fashion model from SSC on our cover! Jem isn't just a Scholastican, she's also from Advertising and is one of my former students. Woot!

Can't wait to get my copy of this magazine!

When Holly met Bolly

Since I'm in a Bollywood mood, I remembered a film that I used to watch a lot of when I was still living in HKG. (I had a DVD of it at home.) 

It's entitled "The Guru" and featured Heather Graham and Jimi Mistry. And the Indian song and Grease mash-up has got to be one of my favorite scenes in the entire film.



I can feel an LSS coming on.

Sketchy stories: The Bollywood edition

Creative people say that there's inspiration everywhere. Even from the most random thing, you can find a trigger that gets your creative juices flowing and pushes you to create something. 

This was the case of the dress that Ate Lissa wore during Pichon's wedding last Saturday.

The story starts at Forever 21. Ate Bullet has a wedding to attend in June and is planning to wear the black, pleated long gown that I bought for her in Singapore. She needed earrings to go with it, and I remember seeing a pair of black, art deco ones at the Megamall store. (More on that another time.)

Immediately, I found the pair that I was looking for.  But just as I was walking away from the rack, there was this other pair of multicolored sparklers that called out to me. It said: "Don't leave just yet. Look at me! Look at me!" So I looked at it. And bought it.

This pair was also a bit art deco in design, thought its vibe was more Bollywood. Maybe it's the deep jewel tones that remind me of India. Immediately, I knew that "Modern Bollywood" would be the theme for Ate Lissa's dress.

With that accessory in mind, it was time to find the perfect Indian fabric. Which would've been easy if we were in Singapore or India. But this is Manila, and this might have been a tall order. So, I went to several Indian shops in search for a sari that can be reworked. Luckily, this Indian silk fabric presented itself to me.

It was perfect. The deep magenta base, a red cenefa, and small brick red patterns - it was very Indian, but still modern. What struck me the most was the paisley edges that echoed the design of the earrings that this was supposed to match.

The fabric was already busy and a bit complex, thus, I thought the design should be simple, classic, but still with a touch of modernity. Which led to this sketch:

A simple, strapless dress with a flared hem. It was classic, and it would bring out the cenefa both at the bodice and the hem. Just to keep it from looking too simple, the back had an open detail to show off some skin and to break the color and pattern.

After showing the seamstress the dress, she immediately knew what to do. And after a few weeks, the modern Bollywood gown arrived.

Like a lot of creative endeavors, this gown looked better than I imagined it to be. The flared hem gives it an edge, and the back offers a hint of sass. It could've been a tad bit more open, though, but the cenefa would've been cut if I insisted.

Just add some "chori, chori," and this gown will definitely go straight to Bollywood.

Vamos a celebrar!

A few years ago, I was fortunate to be part of an exchange program to Mexico. We were able to go to different states in the Nothern Part of EUM - or Estados Unidos de Mexico - and experienced life as a professional.

We lived in different types of cities, from the highly urbanized like Monterrey, to the more laid back and rural ones like Tampico. We got to taste different cuisine and drink different cerveza. And of course, we got to live with Mexican families as "foster children." This was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

While we were there, the equipo was able to celebrate Mexican Independence Day or Cinco de Mayo. I remember that we celebrated it with a Fiesta at the house of Guadalupe, and it was a reunion of sorts because we got to party with a lot of the people who were part of our journey in Mexico.

Since that Mexico trip, I've been silently celebrating Cinco de Mayo. After all, it's already a part of my growing up years.

So, Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Vamos a beber tequila y come tortillas!

Sibling Revelry: The relaxed formal edition

Three weeks ago, my siblings and I got all dressed up for my cousin's 18th birthday. 

Today, our other cousin got married, so we had to get all dressed up once again for the occasion.

This morning's wedding had a more relaxed vibe, which reflected on what we wore. My sisters went for a lighter palette and a more laid-back look.

(Spot the difference. Better yet, spot the similarity)

Three weeks after, I think we still clean up nice.

FMM: Yma hooked!

Fridays are all about old music, and when the subject of music comes up, Dad automatically comes to mind.

My Dad is a big music fan. One of my most vivid memories of childhood is my Dad's cassette tape collection. I think the had more than a hundred cassette tapes, arranged neatly and alphabetically in different tape decks. He even had a typewritten catalog of his collection. It was a lot of hard work, but that's how much he's into music.

Because of his music collection, I grew up with an eclectic knowledge of music. While most of the 80s kids were listening to punk and new wave, I'd be listening to classical music, jazz, folk rock, and country.

Thanks to Dad, I had an appreciation for Ferrante and Teicher, Richard Clayderman, Seawind, Pauline Wilson, The Mamas and the Papas, Shirley Bassey, among many others.

I also learned to appreciate non-English music, too. Dad had a collection of Spanish, Italian, Brazilian, and even Peruvian music. It was through him that I learned about this awesome exotica singer named Yma Sumac. She mixed genres seamlessly, blending opera with mambo, with a big band flair. And among her songs, the one that captures this blend best is "Malambo No. 1."



Listening to this song again brings back memories of childhood. Which is what Friday Magic Madness is about.

I should find myself a CD of Yma Sumac.

May day!

I just realized it's already the 2nd of May!

Where did January to April go?

Time is just speeding by so fast.

Slow down, Father Time. Slow down.

Welcome to the Family!

Family Mart is one of the places that Mark and I frequent whenever we're in Japan. After all, there's a branch in almost every corner.

It's our emergency stockpile whenever we feel hungry at odd hours. He's often buy Calpis Water, and I'd buy the gelatin with fruits inside. Sometimes, he's buy ice cream, and I'd buy bread. And of course, there's the onigiri.

A few months ago, I saw one part of the MRT-Ayala station boarded up with the Family Mart logo and thought: "Whoa! Family Mart is coming to Manila!"

And indeed they have. I checked it out this week and was thrilled to see a Tokyo mainstay arrive in Makati.

Of course, it was a bit disconcerting to see Family Mart selling Purefoods Corned Beef and Lucky Me Instant Noodles. It's because in my mind, I'm expecting to see all those Japanese products like Meiji, Asahi, Kirin and what-nots.

But I was thrilled to see the house brand snacks available here in Manila. Including my favorite Tohato Caramel Corn!

Now, excuse me while I go to the Family and check out what goodies are in store for me.

The bookends

Kuya Marv and I are the oldest and youngest in the Regalado-Morales clan. So, we were the family's bookends. We were farthest from one another, and were usually on the other end of each one.

Obviously, just like our birth order, we were polar opposites most of our growing up years.

As being opposites go, my Kuya and I fought quite often when we were kids. We'd fight about mundane things like remote controlled cars, who would get the new electric fan, and who would get the bigger room. We also liked very different things. He'd like all those army toys and I'd prefer robots and aliens. He dreamt of becoming a PMA cadet, and I'd dream of becoming an astronaut.

But despite being opposites, we also had similarities. The most glaring being our physical appearance. A lot of people have told me that Kuya and I look alike, the latest being my colleague who remarked that we can't deny that we're siblings.

Since he lives in Makati, Kuya doesn't get to hang out around the house a lot. At least as much as he did when he was just living 5 blocks away. So it was great seeing him - in Bataan, of all places.

And looking at this photo that Princess snapped of us while we were at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, I can say that despite being bookends and opposites, we're not that different after all.

Feel the (sun)burn

After the 4-ish hour road trip, we're finally back from the company outing!

What made it fun is the fact that after a long, long time, I was able to do the following again:

- Attend a summer outing (last time done: about a decade ago)
- Swim on the beach (last time done: about 4 years ago)
- Make a sand castle (last time done: more than a decade ago)
- Sleep in an old house (last time done: more than a decade ago)
- Get sunburned (last time done: about 3 years ago)

Okay, I think the last one doesn't qualify as fun. Harhar.

In and Outing

Frankly, I can't remember the last time I joined a company outing. Most of the time, I'd be out of the country when the outing would happen, and I'd skip it altogether.

I think it's been about a decade since I last joined one.

That is, until today.

After a decade, I'm in the list of people going to our company outing in Bagac, Bataan.

(Also, this is the first time I'm up at 5am just so I can be at the office for the 5:30am call time. Zzzzz...)

FMM: Right on!

This all started when I caught Michelle Visage on youtube.

Seeing her reminded me of her former girl group, Seduction. And this led me to remember their 90s hit which was one of the dance anthems of that decade.



Not only does it take two to make a thing go right, it also takes two to make a happy memory.

Now, it's really bye-bye Multiply

Another one bites the dust!

A few months back, Multiply announced that they were removing the social networking aspect of their business. And tonight, I found out that they're closing down altogether.

And with that, I bid goodbye to Multiply. It was a good run, but no matter how hard we try, some good things never last.

Ironed out

There's no doubt how powerful Iron Man 3 is.

All 12 cinemas in Megamall are showing it. All 10 cinemas in Galleria are showing it. And all 5 cinemas in Shangri-La are headlining Iron Man 3 as well.

Looks like there won't be any "What movie are we going to watch?" questions this week.

Roaring

There's this often asked question: "If you could have been born in another decade, what decade would that be?"

My answer to that question would be: "The 1920s. Definitely."

Art Deco. Jazz. Cloche hats. Charlie Chaplin. Buster Keaton. Laurel and Hardy. Mary Pickford. Louise Brooks. Jean Patou. Jeanne Lanvin. Flapper dresses. There's definitely of highlights during this decade.

It's also this interest in the 20s that fuels my excitement about the modern retelling of "The Great Gatsby."



I'm expecting to be transported back into the 1920s for a few hours. And with Baz Lurhmann leading this journey, it'll definitely be a visually spectacular one.

Sibling reverly: The Regal edition

In previous entries, I've talked a lot about my siblings. Last year, when Tita Evelyn spent her holidays in Manila, I talked about Dad and his siblings.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I really haven't talked about Mom and her siblings. One reason is probably the fact that they're big and scattered in different places.

Mom is the 7th among 10 siblings. Yes, the Regalados - fondly called the "Regal babies" - are a big clan. And an "equal" one, too, because among the 10, there were 5 boys and 5 girls. 

As adults, Mom and her siblings were scattered in 3 different places. Mom was the only one who settled in Manila. Five of her siblings lived in the U.S with my Lolo and Lola, while the other 4 settled in Bicol which was my grandparents' hometown.

Growing up, we weren't too familiar with our Regalado aunts and uncles. We'd see our Bicol-based relatives maybe once every 2 years. For the U.S.-based Regalados, maybe once in 5 years. 

But that didn't stop us from being close. Whenever we'd get together, it would always be a lot of fun. I have fond memories of our Regalado clan reunions at the "palitada" in Malinao. Whenever my Aunts and Uncles from the California would visit, we'd stay up until the wee hours just talking and having fun. We'd correspond by letters and cards. They'd send packages of toys and goodies. And we'd always look forward to seeing each other.

Last weekend, Mom and 4 of her siblings got together in Hayward for my cousin's wedding. Uncle Rol posted this photo, and I thought it was such an adorable shot. Even if they're all in one country, Mom lives down South while the other 4 live at the West Coast. Ergo, a shot like this doesn't happen that often.

I love their smiles in this photo. It's so telling of how they love and miss each other, and how they're cherishing this moment that all 5 of them are together. It's just too bad that Auntie Cel and Uncle Coye were both in Bicol when this was taken.

But as my cousin Danny said, next year is the Golden wedding anniversary of Uncle Coye and Auntie Mila, and he's hoping that the 7 Regal-siblings will be together for that event.

That's definitely something to look forward to.

Mom as a Muse

One thing that Mom likes to do is dress up. That's why it's no wonder that she does it so well.

Back in high school, the girls in my class would tell me how pretty and fashionable my Mom was. They would see her when we'd do school project at home, or if Mom would go to school during awarding ceremonies. She'd always be put together: no hair out of place, always dressed to the nines. 

Mom was so much into fashion that she had a regular seamstress named Tita who would make her clothes. I remember how she would sketch the designs, buy fabric in Kamuning, and bring it to Tita. For bigger occasions, she had a go-to designer - Bumbee. He would make all these grand fashion confections to Mom's delight.

It's a passion for fashion that she had even up to the present day. A perfect example would be this photo of her during my cousin's wedding in California. Mom looks  so chic in her wine colored lace dress and nude pumps. 

Just to illustrate my Mom's love for fashion, this dress she wore to Raymond's wedding was one of 6 dresses that she brought and chose from. Yes, I'm sure of that number because I bought all of them before she left for the U.S. Among the options were lace dresses in black and purple, a black ponte dress with lace panels, and a bodycon styled frock. The one she wore is my favorite of the lot, so it's nice to see her in it.

Knowing Mom, the other 5 options will probably be seeing light in the next months or so. The nice thing about Mom is that she likes to get all dressed-up and play with fashion. Whenever she has new dresses, she makes it a point to wear them, whether it's for a party, or just a casual Sunday brunch. That way, she looks like a new fashion plate each time.

It's the same attitude that Ate Bullet has towards fashion. In fact, Ate Bullet has a reputation as being "the woman who never wears the same clothes twice." Besides, why should she? She has two rooms of clothes and she can really afford to wear something new everyday.

It's sad when you've got closets upon closets upon closets of clothes, but you never wear them. Instead, you just wear the same things over and over again, unmindful that there are actually hundreds of clothes just stuck in bags and closets. It's such a waste of good fashion.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ate Bullet sees Mom as her fashion muse. After all, they've got the same fabulous attitude towards fashion.

And with a Mom this fabulous, I think she'll be a worthy muse for anyone.

Debutante diaries: My Fair-y Lady

With all the excitement leading to the big day, I forgot to post the conclusion of the "Debutante diaries" series that I wrote. It was basically a chronicle of the dresses that Ate Lissa and Ate Bullet wore for the 18th birthday party of our cousin.

First, it was about the 3 materials that I found in the stash. Then, it was about the chicken scratch that I made and gave the dressmaker.

A few weeks of work and 1 fitting after, here's the fairy-inspired gown of Ate Lissa.

Too bad I can't find a photo of the back of the gown since it was very nicely done. The back was really deep, but tasteful because of the tulle. I'll go back and post it in case I find one.

Like any creative person, there's a feeling of fulfillment when you see an idea go from just a seedling in your head, to a sketch, to an actual finished product. And seeing how Ate Lissa radiated in the gown adds to the feeling.

So, the fairy themed gown is a wrap! Up next, the queen of Bollywood!

FMM: Panfilo

One time, my colleagues and I were talking about 90s groups and songs. We all had our favorites, from Green Day to Nirvana to C&C Music Factory.

Suddenly, one of them said: "Basta ako, ang favorite 90s song ko, yung Panfilo."

To which I replied: "Panfilo? May 90s song ba na Panfilo?"

His reply was: "Meron. Yung 'Panfilo, this band is gonna play my tune, Panfilo, I wanna, I wanna tell you so.'"

Then, I thought: "Oh, this Panfilo."



Not only do we have old music on Fridays, we have old jokes as well!

And now a message from your blogger...

This year, I was invited to be the editorial moderator of Pax, our college yearbook. The editor-in-chief, Maica, was one of my best advertising students. With her passion, talent and work ethic, I couldn't say no.

Truth is, this isn't the first time that I'll be involved in a yearbook. I was a writer for our high school yearbook, and the business manager of our college yearbook. Ergo, this shouldn't be too difficult for me.

But when Maica asked me to write a message to the graduates, I thought that it would be a challenge.

After all, it's been a while since I last wrote something that's supposed to inspire an entire batch. And even though I've written copy that was able to rally people to buy Myra 400-E, Incremin, Colgate and Palmolive, I wasn't sure if I could write copy that would rally an entire batch of college students.

Then again, I was never one to shirk at a challenge. So, I mustered all my inspiring energy, and managed to eke out these word of inspiration and advice to SSC Batch 2013:

Dearest graduates of Batch 2013,

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”

These words were spoken by Bill Cosby – a famous American comedian who I’d love to watch when I was your age. They were also words that my parents wrote on the card they gave me on my own graduation.

As you take your first step into the proverbial “real world,” I’m certain that there’s an amount of fear in your hearts.  Niggling questions begin to pop in your head. Questions like: “Will I get a job immediately?” “Will I get my dream job?” “Am I going to succeed life?”

The answer to those questions is a resounding “Yes!” But you need to keep alive that desire in your heart to succeed. The same desire that allowed you to do excellently in your schoolwork. That allowed you pass your comprehensive exams with flying colors. That allowed you to successfully defend your theses. That allowed you to receive that diploma that you so longingly desired.

Along with that desire, you also need to put into practice the knowledge and values that the school has instilled in you. For the past 4 or 5 years, we’ve always emphasized the Benedictine Values of “Ora et Labora.” And you should bring this with you wherever your first step takes you.

With that, I congratulate all of you for a job spectacularly done. I, along with the entire editorial board of Pax, wish that this yearbook will remind you of the wonderful memories and desire that you had in college. More importantly, we look forward to all your future successes.

That in all things, God may be glorified.

After reading and re-reading it, I thought, "Heck, it ain't that bad."

And my editor-in-chief's reaction was: "Sir, it's too long."

The one that got away

It was around this time last year when I got wind that Mary Katrantzou would be coming up with a capsule collection for Topshop. I'm a huge, huge fan of her work - from her silhouettes to her prints.

After seeing the clothes she designed for Topshop, this particular dress was the most covetable of the lot:

Everything about it screams couture! From the mismatch of prints, the china-pattern bottom half, and the bell shaped skirt. It's perfection! And I'm sure my sister would rock this dress!

Unfortunately, this collection was never carried in Manila. And when I checked on ebay, the prices were ridiculous! Someone was selling this dress for P35,000!

Oh well. I guess this beautiful piece will just be filed under "the one that got away."

Fanning the flames

With the Harry Potter saga wrapped up and the Twilight Saga closed, it looks like there isn't a franchise worth looking forward to.

Of course there's "The Hobbit," "Percy Jackson" and "The Hunger Games." And among the three, I think "Catching Fire" is the one that's going to blaze among the viewers.



This trailer doesn't excite me just yet. Hopefully, the next ones will.

Fathers and Sons

In the continuing saga of Alecx's 18th birthday party...

Here are 2 sets of fathers and sons. We were all in a row, seated at table 7. After the photographer took our shot and gave us the print out, all I could think of was: "Gosh, we're carbon copies of our respective Dads!"

Carlo, Mario, Edgar and Lester Edgard. You can't have a better Father and Son match that that.

Masterpiece in sugar!

There was never a doubt that my brother-in-law is a master cake designer and creator. He, along with his team at Dexter's bakeshop, has been creating sugar masterpieces for over 30 years!

But after seeing the cake he did for Alecx's 18th birthday, I was much more impressed by his mastery and attention to detail. The Disney castle he created was simply astounding!

So outstanding that my Dad and his friend Mario couldn't help but have their photos taken with it. (Dad rarely does this, so this is really special!)

This cake was a creative challenge for Raymond. Actually, he started work on it as early as January! But the result was well worth all the effort.

Congratulations, Raymond!

Sibling reverly: The formal edition

Tonight, my siblings and I had to get all dressed up for our cousin Alecx's 18th birthday celebration.

And I must say, we clean up nice.

FMM: Memory mash-up

On today's Friday Magic Madness, the question is, what do you get when you cross Ace of Base... (which is on its second appearance on FMM for the same song)



The Bangles...



And Gloria Estefan?



You get this awesome mash-up from "Pitch Perfect."



Yes, this film really brings back fond memories.

Rebel with a cause

She was hilarious in "Bridesmaids." She was great in "Bachelorette." She brought the house down in "What to expect when you're expecting." And she can sing and make you laugh at the same time, as exemplified in "Pitch Perfect."

I must say, Rebel Wilson rocks!

Pitch Perfection

One of the favorite topics of my Journalism class last semester was a film entitled "Pitch Perfect."

Every week, they'd talk about it, sing about it, and even re-enact scenes from it. It was one of those "sleeper hits" that really made a strong impact on the audience - young and not-so-young alike. Heck, even some of D' Frendz talked and raved about this film at one point in time.

After seeing the film, I see why it resonated with the audience so strongly. It was a classic David and Goliath story, with the Barden Bellas as David and the Treblemakers as Goliath. And as we all know, by the time the Barden Bellas sang their finale, David triumphed again.



This last performance is perfect. The song was great, the choreography was fun, and best of all, the feel-good factor is high. Heck, I was misty-eyed after watching this scene because I felt ecstatic at how good the group was and how they triumphed against the front runners.

That does it. "Pitch Perfect" makes it to my list of the best feel-good movies ever.

Intoxicating

Aside from the staple Green Tea Kitkat and Meiji dark and white chocolates, another variant that I bought at Ueno was this interesting chocolate variant.

Honestly, what attracted me to this product was the color of the packaging. I had no idea how it tasted like, but the box looked appetizing. Thus, I ended up buying one whole box.

And boy, it's a good thing I did. This chocolate tastes great! The rum flavor is very pronounced, and adds body to the dark chocolate base. There's this hint of berry flavor, which I attribute to the wine. It was my niece who told me that it tasted great, and after trying it out, I couldn't help but agree with her.

I'm glad that I bought this interestingly new Dark Rum chocolate from Meiji.

It really is intoxicating.

Birtwell, well, well

When I was in Tokyo last week, one of the things that caught my eye was the Celia Birtwell x Uniqlo collection.

I've always been a huge fan of Celia Birtwell's prints - even before Etro, Suno and Liberty of London. And it's great to see that everyone can have a piece of her fabulous prints.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to buy anything from that collection. Mainly because of the lack of time. (Not to mention luggage space.)

Fortunately, according to my Japanese colleague who handles Uniqlo, it's also available in Manila!

Well and good!

Jump for joy!

He's turning 7 today. But for all of us, Javier will always be our jumping and bouncing baby boy!

Happy Birthday, Javier! Here's to more hop-py, happy birthdays!

(He loves jumping on the trampoline, thus the cake design.)

That's Sit!

Today, I did something that I haven't done in years.

Nay, it's something I haven't done in AGES!

I was a babysitter for 2 kids - a dynamo of a toddler aged 2, and a self-sufficient little girl who's 5 months old.

Gosh, I had to bring out my arsenal of tricks: juggling, long range shooting, tickling, running up and down the stairs, peek-a-boo - you name it, I did it.

And it was a lot of fun!

Exhausting, but surely a lot of fun.

FMM: I've got an Adia

Back in the 90s, one of the popular things to collect were those compilation CDs of popular 90s songs.

Admittedly, I was one of those collectors.

And among my many compilation CDs, there were a few songs that made multiple appearances. One of which was this beautiful and haunting song from Sarah McLachlan entitled "Adia."



This is a song that's so comfortable, it's like a lullaby that will lull you to sleep.

And that's why I'm playing it right now.

Post card pretty

Once, while I was talking post card-type photos, Mom told me: "If you're just going to take pictures that look like post cards, then just buy a post card." I guess Mom isn't a huge fan of still life. Harhar.

After that, I've tried avoiding taking those types of shots. That was until last week when I saw this wonderful vista created by the bright blue sky and cherry blossoms in bloom.

Spring in Japan really is pretty.

Don't encourage him

Yesterday, I read an article about the retirement of PacMan. What struck me most about the article was the author's suggestion of what he should do now that he's hanging up his boxing gloves.

Really? President?

Say it isn't so.

The Closers

About a decade ago, we were celebrating the birthday of one of D' Frendz and decided to go to the small videoke joint within the defunct SM Megmall Bowling Alley. We got one of the rooms in the far ends of the place and started singing.

After a few hours of singing, we wanted to order drinks so I went out to look for the wait staff. To my surprise, we were the only people in the place, and all the wait staff were in their sandos and slippers and was in the middle of cleaning up.

It turned out that the place was already closed, and no one noticed we were still there. (Yes, our room was in the far, far end of the joint.) When they realized that there were still customers, they hurriedly changed back to their uniforms, then rang up our bill, then kicked us out.

Needless to say, we looked for another singing place and ended up videoke-ing until 5am.

Tonight, we celebrated Lezyl's "life begins" party at Yakimix at the Podium. As usual, the group was noisy and the table was filled with chatter. Everyone was engrossed with the conversations at hand, including Bonique's pregnancy, Lucas' shenanigans, Rick's weight loss, Tintin's operation, Lezyl's tea store and my recent Tokyo trip.

A few moments later, we looked around and realized that the tables around us were all empty, and all the seats were stacked up. The wait staff were already cleaning the tables and mopping the floors, and we realized that they were almost closed! In fact, we were the only table in our area!

Good thing there was still two tables occupied, which meant we weren't repeating the "videoke in the bowling alley" fiasco. And what did we do when we realized that there were still other people in Yakimix? We got dessert again and resumed the storytelling.

That was until we were told that their store was indeed closed.

Such is the life of closers such as D' Frendz.

Twenty degrees of separation

When I arrived in Tokyo last Wednesday, the temperature was around 9 degrees.

Tonight, I arrived in Manila with the mercury rising to 29 degrees.

Yup, I'm definitely back in the Philippines.