Keeping a-float!

Even before I left for JKT, I already knew the first thing I'd do in the country.

Get a mug of A&W Rootbeer Float at the airport.

And that's exactly what I did.

Hello Indonesia!

LFLTAT: Etro in the Metro

It's been a while since I've made a "Look for Less than a Thousand" post.

Which is quite odd, considering that I've seen so many LFLTAT worthy clothes from my weekly Divisoria runs.

But this one is too good not to post.

I've always professed my love for Etro's aesthetic, particularly their print-on-print looks. Today, I found 2 pieces that mirrored that aesthetic, and I found it at Metro in Market Market.


 The first piece, a boat neck blouse with 3/4th bell sleeves. Very classic chic! And it has a small, black and white floral prints set against a gray background. And this blouse was a steal at P350.

Next, a pleated skirt. Again, this is very du jour as there are so many fast fashion brands carrying this style. The predominant color palette is black, gray and white - just like the skirt. But the floral prints are bigger. Best part - it's only P350!

 

They might be two very different looks, but if you put them together, and you have a very Etro-worthy ensemble. It's the same color story and prints that make it cohesive. And it only cost P700! You can take the remaining P299 (so it'll be technically less-than-a-thousand) and buy a nice pair of black flats at SM Department Store. 

Amazing what you can put together for less than a thousand these days!

Two wrongs don't make a right

The administration of the office building where I work isn't exactly the most grammatically correct. Many, many, many... many time, they've posted signs that have shady grammar, not to mention the usual spelling and sentence construction errors.

Case in point, from today:

Really? This sentence is wrong in at least 2 ways:

It's either "will resume" or "will be resuming."

Proofreader, please.

This Ragna-Rocks!

When Cate Blanchett is in a Thor film, you know that it'll be so, so, SO MUCH BETTER!



Yes! Another movie to look forward to!

Sunday is the best desert

Walking along Emerald Avenue on a Sunday is such a pretty sight. It's so different from the bustle and traffic that we see on a daily basis.

The streets are deserted, and the only people you see on the road are joggers, meanderers, and kids gleefully riding bikes to and from Julia Vargas.

If it were like this everyday, it would be more fun to come to work.

A whole lotta shakin' going on

At first, I thought it was just me.

I was discussing something with the class, and was perched on top of a 1.5 foot high stage. Because of my elevated position, it was easy to feel the ground shaking side-to-side. The question in my mind that time was: "Is this an earthquake?" But the whole class of 60+ students seemed oblivious to it. So, maybe it was a false alarm.

A few minutes later, the shaking happened again. This time, stronger. This time, everyone was feeling it and they started to stand up and head for the door. Good thing we've had several drills for this situation, so the students calmly walked to the stairwell and onto our designated safe space - the field.

After about 30 minutes of mulling about, everyone was sent home. And I saw our school president on my way out, and told her that all those drills we did before really paid off. That was easy to see today.

I sincerely pray that this will be the last.

FMM: Sybil Rights!

So, Sybil is going to have a concert in Manila this April.

Where do I sign up?

Seriously, Sybil was one of my favorite singers in the 90s. I think I still have a CD of all her songs.

Her music is much like Swing Out Sister that it's "happy-sad." On the surface, it sounds like a happy beat. But once you listen to lyrics, it's usually about heartbreak. How's that for a good contrast.

Among her songs, one of my favorites is "Make it Easy on me." Which is today's Friday Magic Madness song.



The reason why this song is so memorable is because we were supposed to dance to it during Emin's debut. The cotillion members - including me - had to perform to 3 songs: waltz, cha-cha or swing, then a modern dance. And the song we were supposed to do the modern dance to was this.very.song!

While we practiced for it, we never really got to dance it. I think it was a timing issue of the program.

But hey, I still remember the intro steps. In fact, excuse me while I do it right now.

White hot summer

Now that summer is officially upon us - hello scorching noon heat! - it's time to dress lighter and cooler.

In the U.S., white is usually reserved for Labor Day. For us, it's reserved for summer days when the sun is up and you just want to wear something cool and breezy.

One piece of fashion article that's a no-fail is the shirt dress. Just like this beauty from Warehouse.

It has the classic silhouette, but with a cinched waist and some tucks on the sleeve. This gives the dress an interesting shape, while keeping its relaxed vibe.

Since the dress has a utilitarian vibe to it, the shoes should have the same feel. Enter this cool pair from Parisian.

The shape and heel gives it a bit of an oxford vibe, but the d'orsay and elastic bands give it a feminine touch.

Together, these two pieces shout summer, in a hot and chic way.

Upper deck park-ing

Our favorite studio has something new and relaxing! A mini-park on their upper roof deck!

It was so cool that Devi and I had to sit down and enjoy it.

This is definitely going to make shooting here even more fun!

Perforated Perfection

There was a time when SM Department Store's shoe section would surprise us with uber chic pairs of shoes. I recall a few years ago when they came out with this collection of brogues in different colors and textures, and my sisters ended up getting multiple pairs.

It's been a while since then, and I've always wondered when they'd come out with something chic and surprising again.

Turns out, that day was today. Thanks to this pretty pair:

It's a pair of black mules with a classic shape and heel. The androgynous feel makes it something that Alexa Chung or Cara Delevigne would wear.

But what makes it totally different and elevates the look is the perforated design on top. This simple detail elevates the shoe to uber chic heights!

It's so easy to imagine this pair with cuffed jeans, with a full skirt, and even a casual dress. That's how versatile it can be.

All-in-all, I'd say this pair is perfection!

Counting down the Target date

In less than a week's time, Victoria Beckham x Target is going to finally drop!

I'm going to do an Altuzarra and stalk the pieces I'll buy for my sisters on their website. I hope it'll be as easy as that collection. (And not like Missoni.)

Because I really have my eyes on this pair!

Let's go, Target! Let's do this!

Having a ball!

What better way to spend the weekend but in UP, eating fishballs! (And squid balls. And kikiam. And dynamite!)

This is one thing about school that I'll always miss.

Flush Report!

Even my alma mater is not immune to proofreading faux pas!

Here's one from the restroom near UP Shopping Center.

(Maybe it's an April Fool's Day Joke? Maybe not.)

Really? We need to "flash" the urinal?

And to think this was signed by a PhD.

Proofreader, please!

FMM: Tuesday Feels

Since new wave is making a comeback in Manila, today's Friday Magic Madness is an oldie-but-goodie new wave song.

It's a song by a group called "'Til Tuesday." If the name doesn't ring a bell, it's because they weren't one of those massive new wave bands. They were more the quiet types, but never fail to come up with great songs.

Just like my favorite song from the group, "Voices Carry."



This will be enough to carry me through the weekend.

Digital Design

There are times when I'd like to sketch something, but a nice pen or pencil is nowhere to be found.

Odd, but true.

In that case, I just open the trusty photoshop and try to digital my way out of the predicament.

Just like this design that for Richard's cake. Dexter's is going to do a great job on this.

It's actually faster to do it digitally at times. But call me old fashioned, but the traditional sketching is still my preference.

Spiel the beans!

Now I can "spill" it.

Anywhere and everywhere, I see proof that there is a dire need for proofreaders in this world.

Proofreader, please.

It's Britney, B***h!

My concert dreams just came true!

Britney Spears is finally coming to Manila!

Let me take an hour or two, or maybe a day to process this.

*faint*

Bicho by golly wow!

On my weekly trips to Divisoria, I always chance upon this nicely and neatly laid out food item on the street.

I've always wondered what it was. But I never got the chance to ask about it. Until yesterday.

I found out that it's called Bicho-Bicho, and it's deep fried bread.

Deep.
Fried.
Bread.

Where do I sign up?

After buying one and trying it, the experience was phenomenal! It tasted like those deep fried donuts they used to sell at Rustan's. So, it would be safe to say that Bicho-Bicho is a taste of childhood.

Looks like there's another reason for me to go back to Divisoria every weekend.

Learning should feel like a picnic!

In today's class, we were talking about event styling. The objective was to show the class that with the proper ambience, planning and props, you can transform just about any venue to one that fits the theme.

A few weeks ago, I asked them what type of event they wanted to see, and their answer was a "indie-camping-cum-picnic."

So, to demonstrate the lesson, I transformed our broadcast studio to a picnic ground. We placed mats, picnic props, and even stars in the background to give it an outdoorsy feel.

Considering how the class reacted, i'd say it was a success.

Learning should be this fun.

The cutest of the mole

You know Saturday is going to be great when your day starts with a comic strip as cute as this.

It's more than enough to give you the warm fuzzies the whole day, eh.

FMM: Make a wish!

In honor of that upcoming China Crisis concert that I saw, today's Friday Magic Madness song is... wait for it...

China Crisis!

And any 80s kid will know that "Wishful Thinking" is their biggest hit!



Makes me wonder if I should watch their concert.

Wishful thinking indeed!

War. Torn.

Both Lolo Iking and Lolo Doring were soldiers. That's why they had an involvement and interest in war.

I recall that in Lolo Iking's library, he had books on World Wars. There was even one book entitled "World War III" which I read and freaked me out. But it also got me interested in war as a subject.

When I was in high school, I would borrow books on military stories and operations. Also, I'd build scale models of war planes, tanks and trucks, along with my brothers.

On my way to a meeting in Pasay Road, I saw this in Ayala Museum.

Then I realized it was a long, long, long time since I've seen anything war-themed. Which made me want to check this out.

Unfortunately, it falls on a Saturday, and I have classes. And much as I'm torn between the two, I'm still an educator first and foremost.

So in this war, my classes win! Harhar.

Flash Mob

Here's a good way to spend time waiting for a meeting to start:

Gosh! I thought it would take time for me to do this, but I was able to do it in less than 3 minutes.

That was fast. Just like The Flash!

Koala cool

I'm a huge fan of Hello Panda. It's one of the snacks that is regular part of the repertoire. This was true even when I was living in HKG.

Last week, when Mark and I had lunch with Mike, I chanced upon this huge Koala bear near their office.

I realized it was the Koala from the Lotte chocolate snack, which is Hello Panda's fiercest competition.

Thanks to that huge koala, I found myself trying, and liking, the Koala filled chocolate, too!

Looks like the marketing folks who planned this did their jobs right. Now, they have another customer, thanks to that sighting.

Marketing is cool that way.

Grown-up Girl

The last time I saw Veja, my niece from Barcelona, was in 2013 when they visited us in Manila.

Two weeks ago, my cousin sent me a photo of her wearing the dress that I sent. And my, has she grown!

Sigh! Kids are growing up so fast these days.

Loose vowels

Oh what a difference a vowel makes!

While I was in Divisoria today, I saw this crate of cute, Hello Kitty stuffed toys.

When I came closer, lo and behold! When you change "u" to an "a", then it becomes a totally different product. Which makes me wonder, what's the "staff" all about?

Yup, it must be made by their staff. Or maybe it's made WITH their staff.

Now that I'm thinking about it more, I can't help but feel scared... Harhar.

Time of Crisis

The 80s are back to haunt us!

This time, it's in the form of two popular new wave bands. In the 80s. Like, 30 years ago!

Strangely, though, I'm very interested to see this twin concert. Hahaha.

FMM: Be(a)st Movie Ever!

While rave reviews were still hot, Mark and I watched "Beauty and the Beast" today, and I have my verdict.

It's-the-most-spec-tac-u-lar-movie-ever!!!

Throughout the movie, I was getting all the feels! After all, this is one of my favorite Disney Animated films of all time, and now it's happening live, with real people. Who wouldn't get goosies with that?

I'll gush about the film a bit more later. Now, let me just relish in the hangover by regaling Friday Magic Madness with the original theme song that was beautifully sung by Angela Landsbury. This was from the 90s, so it's an apt song to play today.



No kidding. This is Beauty and the BEST!

The Spice of Target's life

And Target just keeps on giving...

First, they released the full lookbook of the Victoria Beckham x Target collaboration. Now, the TV commercial is out, too. And all I can say is that it's a spice-y one!



I swear, this TVC just gave me some major Spice Girl feels!

Pieces to Target!

After months of searching and hoping, they finally released the lookbook for the Victoria Beckham x Target collection!

Can I hear a whoop, whoop?

*whoop, whoop!*

Her Target collection reflects the vibe and aesthetic of her Victoria Beckham and Victoria by Victoria Beckham lines. They're sophisticated, simple, and has a quiet elegance to it.

As usual, I'm gravitating towards the dresses in this collection. I'd say these are the money pieces! Like this menswear fabric shirt dress that's ultra chic!

And as I noticed in the first photo they released, they have a series of calla lily printed pieces. I'm loving this shirt and pant combo. It's relaxed and easy.

And the dress! Where do I line up for this?

I've noticed that they don't have evening or long pieces in this collection, though. That would definitely have been a home run.

Nonetheless, I'm SO on-board with this collection. Time to strategize my on-line shopping sojourn now!

Jesse takes the cake!

Birthdays are a funny thing. It feels like I just attended Jesse's 1st birthday party, and now, he's celebrating his 2nd birthday!

Mark showed me the cake they wanted for his Avengers themed party, then I looked at it, did some modifications, and sketched this:

As always, Ate Bullet and their team at Dexter's did an awesome job turning it into the actual cake!

According to Mark, the cake was a hit! Especially with Jesse.

And that means we did our job right.

Mexico by way of Japan

Having lived in Mexico and stayed in Japan for extended periods of time, their respective cuisines are among my favorite.

That's why it was a thrill to find this Mexican-Japanese hybrid snack at the nearby Tokyo Tokyo.

Yup, it's a Makirrito! A cross between a maki and a burrito.

Well, if you want to be technical about it, the burrito isn't Mexican food. One thing I learned during my stay there was that Mexico doesn't make or serve burrito. It's more of an American concept, developed by border towns to cater to "U.S. Americans."

The taste and texture are both interesting, but it's so heavy! I should be having this as lunch next time.

Yes, it's good that it warrants a next time.

TV See

More often than not, people who have been in the same industry or job for a long time tend to be jaded. Or maybe not as excited as they were during their first day at work.

I've been in the industry for more than 2 decades. (Hello, fossil!) But whenever I see the commercials that I've conceptualized on TV, the thrill is still the same. It's the same feeling I go when I saw my first commercial for Coleman entitled "camping" on air. A combination of joy, pride, thrill and plain 'ole giddiness.

Just like when I saw this commercial we did for Thunderbird on TV, in a public space. It was still such a thrill.

Safe to say, I love my job.

Wake up feeling like a million bucks!

That must be how it feels to wake up on this bed.

Yup, the bed is a million bucks. Literally. P1,000,000! You can find it at the 4th floor of Shangrila Mall in case you need to see what a million peso bed looks like.

If I had this bed, I probably won't get out of it under any circumstance. Hahaha.

FMM: Clear as Crystal (Waters)

I'm still having a 90s hangover, so it's back to that decade for this Friday Magic Madness.

During this decade, disco pop was the most prevalent genre. And the famous groups from this genre include C + C Music Factory, Black Box, and of course, Crystal Waters!



If you're a 90s kid, you've definitely danced to this ditty.

Admit it. You did. 100%!

Victoria's looks to Target

Okay.

Now that I'm over that spelling error, on to the matter at hand. The sneak peek at Victoria Beckham x Target!

Based on this photo, I'm gravitating towards the floral printed dress and pant set. It looks very chic, although it reminds me a bit of Altuzarra's floral printed dress.

But as a sneak peek, this photo is very effective. I can't wait to see the full lookbook!

Something to Berate

With Victoria Beckham x Target launching this April, I've been scouring the next for any news or sneak peeks into the collection.

Finally, I found one today! It was on the website of a UK-based publication called Metro.

But instead of noticing the first look of the collection, this is what I noticed!

Really? "Collaberation"?

Proofreader please!

Te extranjo mucho, Abuelo

You would've been 107 years old today, Lolo Iking.

I'm amazed that the fact that you've left us more than 20 years ago, but still you continue to inspire us and guide us from up there.

You will always be loved. And you are always missed.

Feliz Cumpleanos Lolo Iking. Mi Abuelo. Mi Heroe.

At Last (Jedi)!

Oh look! It's a longer trailer for "The Last Jedi."



Star Wars geek mode intensifying...

Blackish-black

Another series that I caught on the plane which I'm currently watching is "Blackish."

It's a sitcom about a modern African-American family, and how their second generation is acting more "white" than "black." Thus, the title.

Like "Fresh off the boat," this series plays on stereotypes, and how they're sometimes funny, sometimes true, but always good material for a sitcom.



What struck me about "Blackish" is the powerhouse cast they have. Imagine, they have Laurence Fishburne and Tracee Ellis Ross! And she won a Golden Globes for that!

No wonder this series is a winner.

Come and Getty!

Leafing through different fashion magazines the past few months, there was one name that kept on popping up. It's the name of a new designer who has a love affair with simplicity, minimalism, but with a sharp eye to detail.

That designer is Rosetta Getty.

It's no wonder why she's getting the attention of the press. Her work is fashion genius. It's cerebral but wearable. New, but with an old world vibe.

I'm going to watch out for her more and more.

FMM: Feeling Sap-py

Back in the 90s when I was still at Adformatix, we were deep in the process of brainstorming for Promil.

One of the insights was about how mothers will do everything to take care of their babies. Then, suddenly, a song played in my head. The strange thing was, I have no recollection of that song, and I can't remember when or where I first heard it. Heck, I didn't even know the title, just the lyrics.

I started humming and singing the song, and the lyrics I remembered were:

"I'll take care of you. Don't be sad, don't be blue. Just count on me your whole life through, Cause I'll take care of you."

Immediately, Kuya Danny (rest his soul) shouted "I'll take care of you! Ronnie Milsap!"

True enough, that was the song.



That was the first time I heard of Ronnie Milsap, or even the actual title of the song. But after that, this ditty never left my head.

And that's why on this Friday Magic Madness day, I'm bringing back Ronnie Milsap, and this song

Beast mode!

Disney is really pulling out all the stops to whet the appetite of "Beauty and the Beast" fans such as myself!

Look, they came out with another clip. And this features the opening song!



Show this film! Now!

Something fresh

Most of my friends know that most often, I get to watch movies and TV shows in one place.

In the plane.

My "catch-up" time is usually 35,000 feet above sea level. And this is the only time that I settle on a chair and watch old and new movies, as well as shows.

During my 22 hour flight from MNL to ATL last July, I discovered so many good TV shows. In fact, I binge-watched them while flying over the Atlantic.

One of the shows I discovered and enjoyed is "Fresh off the boat."



It's a comedy-satire about an Asian-American family in a US suburb. Particularly, a Chinese-American family. And it pokes fun at the Chinese traits that we all know and laugh at. And this resonates with me particularly because I've seen families in HKG do the same thing.

Let me look for a DVD of this. It's something fresh that I won't mind watching again.