From my childhood until now that I'm an oldie, I still get thrilled whenever Dunkin Donuts comes out with new flavors.
So, imagine my excitement after seeing this:
Summer-themed Dunkin Donuts Bavarian flavors!
The fact that I'm a huge fan of Halo-Halo and Maja Blanca makes this an even bigger thrill!
Oh, Dunkin Donuts! Take my money, please!
Back in the 90s, one of my favorites Asian-American actresses was Bai Ling.
What I like about her is the fact that she was very unconventional. From her looks, to her roles, she was really a stand-out and she shone in every role she played.
I first took notice of her in “Nixon.” Then, she had a stellar turn with Richard Gere in “Red Corner.” Later on, she did a very mainstream Hollywood comedy - “Wild, Wild West” with Will Smith. That was quickly followed by her poignant portrayal as Tuptim in “Anna and the King.”
In 2004, while on a work-trip in HKG, I caught “Dumpling,” a horror film where she appeared as Aunt Mei. Her portrayal was riveting, and it turns out she won several awards for that role.
There was news that she’s appear in “Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith,” and I waited for her role there. Alas, she was edited out. Boo!
After that, her big screen roles were few and far between. She was in “Crank 2” - a B-movie where she shone, as per usual. But after that, I didn’t really see much of her anymore.
Which begs the quest: Where in Bai Ling now? With that kind of depth and talent, I think she should be appearing in more Hollywood films.
Heck, I’d love to see her in the next installment of “Crazy Rich Asians.”
I’d definitely Bai that!
There are quite a number of songs from the 90s that take me back to my start in the advertising industry.
Songs that remind me of long nights, brainstorming for ideas at the office, listening to upbeat, pop music to get the energy up and the ideas flowing.
Then, occasionally, one of the creative folks will take a break from work to do a random dance on top of the chair or table. This would be the impetus for other creatives to stop working and just groove.
One of the songs we'd love to dance to was a song from a British singer/rapper named C. J. Lewis. He wasn't a mainstream artist, but he had an awesome album.
And one of his songs that we'd love to groove to was "R to the A."
This song suddenly popped in my head last week, so I thought it would be a great Friday Magic Madness song for today.
Pardon me while I stop working and bop by head to the beat.
While looking at these photos taken from Becca's Fiesta-themed 1st birthday party, it's hard to believe that this fun, Filipino event happened 12 years ago!
Today, Becca turns 13! Our D' Baby is now officially a teenager!
I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Gosh, I feel old!
Back when I was still younger, Dole had this very catchy jingle that I'd find myself singing randomly. It went:
"Dole, Dole, Dole, Dole-icious Pineapple Juice Drink,
Pineapple Orange, Pineapple Lychee,
Dole, Dole, Dole, Dole-licious Pineapple Juice Drink,
From the No. 1 producer of Pineapples, it's Dole, it's Dole-icious!"
That time, Dole and Del Monte were the heavyweights in Pineapple products - from juice, to chunks, to tidbits to slices. Del Monte was the bigger and more prominent brand, being the Pineapple behemoth back in that day.
Our family was torn between these 2 brands. For Pineapples used for baking and cooking, we preferred Del Monte. But for juices, Dole was our preferred brand. We found the taste of Dole more balanced, whereas Del Monte was too tart and sour.
Then, as an adult, my taste slowly shifted from Dole to Del Monte - juice-wise. Maybe it was because of my age, but my liking for super-sweet-stuff became less and less. That's when my appreciation for Del Monte's more authentic and tart juices became more pronounced.
But there was another plot twist. For canned pineapples, as well as canned fruit, my taste shifted to Dole. Especially after tasting Dole canned fruits and Dole jellies in the US, my taste buds became accustomed to it, and started to look for it since then.
A few days ago, an ad for the Dole flagship store on Lazada popped up. Having missed Dole and not having it for a year, my fingers clicked on the banner ad. One thing led to another, to several add to carts, and eventually, this:
Yup, this is my Dole stash! A lot of fruit jellies (a healthier way to snack every afternoon), pineapple tidbits (for Mom's sweet and sour fish and sweet and sour meatballs), and a chockfull of Seasons Juice Drinks!
Strangely, when I was unboxing and disinfecting these goodies, there was a smile from ear-to-ear, knowing that I'd be enjoying my favourite Dole products again after a while. It's so, SO Tito to be doing that. Harhar!
Well, what can I say but it's going to be a Dole-icious few weeks ahead!
Since I've been reconnecting with my High School Glee Club group online lately, I've also been reconnecting with old episodes of "Glee."
A few years back, "Glee" was the series on everyone's lips. Aside from the great music, the story arcs, the cast of promising newcomers and a powerhouse list of guest stars, it was really a joy to watch.
And the music. Oh, the music. Watching every episode made me relive our Glee Club days with Sir Jun Ortega. How we'd be asked to perform in school programs, and eventually invited to perform outside school.
Some of my favorite LSQC Glee Club performances were "Overture from the Tales of the Manuvu," which we performed in LSM, among other places. There's "Age of Aquarius" which we performed in Greenbelt. And "Sometimes," which we performed for our Father Rector.
These were performances that were all heartfelt and hard to forget. That's why today, let me start the week with something that encompasses these things in one video. An excerpt from Glee which talks about forgetting.
This episode with Gwyneth Paltrow as substitute teacher Holly Holiday is still one of my all-time faves. Something that's worth watching over and over again.
Oh, Glee Club and Glee. I really can't forget you.
One thing this pandemic showed us is that, globally, no business is safe from its effects. While new companies and recent start ups bore the brunt of the situation, even older companies were equally affected.
Last week, I read this article online with a combination of shock and disbelief.
Debenhams - a fast fashion giant - has been in the UK for around 200 years. That's 2 centuries! Imagine that it's been through so much - from 2 World Wars, The Great Depression, the earlier pandemics, even the most recent Brexit.
And it was able to weather all those crucial events in all those decades. So, you'd think that they could also weather this crisis as they did the previous ones.
But these are strange times we live in. Especially for businesses. Even a heavyweight like Debenhams.
Makes me wonder if their closure in the UK will affect their Philippine operations? Will their stores around the globe close down, too?
If they will, I'll definitely miss my lunch time trips to Debenhams at Shangrila Mall. I'll miss Principles by Ben De Lisi, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, Rocha by John Rocha, Star by Julien Macdonald, Red Herring, and even the earlier Editions collaborations with Roksanda Ilincic.
I'll also miss my Debenhams runs in JKT and HKG. I still remember all the great buys from sales in those branches a few years back.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that after this situation ends, they'll find a way to reopen and still be a fabulous fast fashion source, both in the UK and the world.
Since it's Mother's Day this Sunday, today's Friday Magic Madness song is an homage to the most important woman in our lives.
That's our Mom, of course!
And while it would be easy to play some sentimental classic Mom-themed songs like "Mama" by Connie Francis, or "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" by Levi Celerio, or even something old-ish like "Mama" by Spice Girls, I thought of being more upbeat and happy and frivolous.
Which leads me to this:
Yes! It's Mr. T! (Kids, look him up.)
Fun fact: aside from being the resident strongman in "The A Team," he also had a turn as a singer. "Treat your Mother Right" is one of his iconic songs from the 80s. And the juxtaposition of a big, burly guy with a mohawk singing a love song for Moms is just awesome.
Just like my Mom!
So, for Mother's Day, it's Mr. T for my Mom!
Adorable! Cream Cones!
Yup, this is my latest snacker discovery at the online haunt which I've been frequenting the past months.
Honestly, I've been seeing this product for months already, but never got around to trying it. Something that changed last week, when, out of both curiosity and boredom, I thought of ordering a few packs.
Gosh! Why didn't I do this earlier!
The sugar cone reminds me of the classic dirty ice cream cones that you get from the street. Then, the filling is rich and creamy, and the flavoured topping gives it just the right amount of added oomph.
This sort of reminds me of the old "Kean's Marshmallow Cones" that we used to buy as kids. But that one had mallows and chocolate coating, while this has cream and assorted toppings.
Regardless of that, this is definitely a good buy which will definitely find itself in our home again. Very soon.
On the whole, Adorable definitely gets an "A" for me!
Today is May 4.
You know the drill.
As a Star Wars geek and nut, today thrills me no end!
Happy May the 4th!
For most people, the colour khaki is reminiscent of grade school.
After all, if you studied in a boy's school - like me - you wore khaki shorts from Grades 1 to 3, then khaki pants from Grades 4 to 6. But if you studied in Ateneo High School - like my nephews Kevin and Kurt - they wore khaki in High School.
That said, it's easy to look at khaki as very plain, bland, and school-ish.
I don't look at khaki that way, though. For me, this hue is very chic, fashionable, and ultra-classic! It's easy to wear, season-less, can be formal and casual, and very clean-looking! And when rendered in uber-fashionable designs, it's simply awesome.
Here's proof. Two, actually.
One, this dress that looks like two separate pieces.
While Mona and I were talking about how much we miss SG and the Hawker Stall food, I showed her the stash that’s tying me over:
Instant Prawn Mee that reminds me of the divine Prawn Mee we’d often have at the Golden Mile Hawker Center. And Mee Poh Dry which brings back memories of Mee Goreng at the old train station.
Hopefully soon, we can taste the legit ones in SG. But in the meantime, let me relive those Hawker adventures with these 2.
When I saw this post that was written 14 years ago - back when I was living in HKG and had a case of a bum knee - one thing stood out.
That "thing" was the photo that is encircled here.
That was an American Eagle boxer short which was purchased at Maple (if memory serves me right, at least.)
What's great about that particular short is, it's still around today. It still fits and I'm still using it.
How's that for a short that lasts long?
Kim Wilde was one of the wildly successful British female singers in the 80s. Quite a rarity during that time, and that made her special.
Her music was a mix of Pop and Rock, so much like Patti Smyth and Chrissie Hynde in the US.
While I was still a wee, little kid when she stormed the airwaves, I found myself enjoying her songs. Most likely reason was the fact that I was indeed a little kid, and her 1981 hit song was about kids as well.
"Kids in America," at least. And that time, I was a kid in Manila.
This song was so iconic that it was eventually remade in the 90s for some teen film. But even after hearing that, my opinion was that the original sounded much better.
Even now, 40 years later after she first sang it, Kim Wilde's hit still sounds fresh and new.
Great - and wild - music is like that.
Having stayed in Indonesia for short assignments several times, I've always appreciated the intricacy and art that goes into their Batik prints.
During my trips there, I'd always bring home a few yards of that fabric. Whether it's for a men's shirt or a dress for Mom or the Ates, the beauty of the print would always shine through and make the garment be much more visually interesting.
That's why the first time this print popped up on my feed, my eyes were drawn to it.
It's a perfect print - and dress - to welcome summer.
As a kid, I'd always watch "The West Side Story" on TV. It would be shown as part of the afternoon movie offerings, and whenever it would be on, I'd catch it.
There was a lot to enjoy in that film. From the characters, to the acting, to the songs. Especially "Somewhere."
Then, there's Rita Moreno who won the Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in 1962 for her role as Anita. The same awards night where she wore a Pitoy Moreno dress. Pinoy Pride! Woot!
This year, they're remaking "The West Side Story" with Steven Spielberg at the helm!
Part of me wants to watch this, just like I'd watch the original version on TV.
Part of me, though, is reluctant. You know how it is with originals and remakes. Sometimes, they're not as good.
Well, we still have a few more months to decide.
Out of the blue, this appeared on my feed.
Yesterday, with a few hours free before going back to doing school stuff, I decided to check out Netflix for a film to watch.
Honestly, my aim was to look for that old film "13 going on 30." Excerpts of it have been popping on youtube and it made me want to see it again.
Alas, it wasn't on Netflix.
But there was a new film which looked like it was a force to reckon with. And it wasn't just a force, it was...
A superhero slapstick comedy with an Oscar winner and an Oscar nominee? Yes, please!
And needless to say, this film didn't disappoint.
It was a Thunder Force to reckon with.
Back in the 80s, there was this very catchy tune that would play on the radio a lot.
It was a song from a group from Australia and New Zealand called "Koo De Tah." They had a song which was a huge hit, and - aside from the radio - was a mainstay in grade school events. (Go figure!)
That song was called "Too Young for Promises."
As a Journalism teacher - and as a reader at large - seeing wrong information while reading online newspapers make me shake my head and do a face palm.
And yes, I've seen my fair share of wrong information posted online. Even by legitimate news outlets.
Just like this one that I saw on the online version of Manila Bulletin today.
The headline says that "Bicol logs 166 deaths in 1 day." Quite alarming.
But when you read the article, it turns out that they logged 166 cases, not deaths.
Gosh! How can the online editor miss something as big as this. Not only is it misleading, again, it's alarming!
Proofreader please!
Since I've been walking around the compound regularly now, I've been beginning to notice the verdant environment.
One of the things that caught my eye was this particular leaf with a pretty interesting shape.
The leaves are turned over, pretty much like a bowl. It's the first time I've seen a leaf like this. It makes me want to get guacamole or cheese dip and put it in this leaf bowl.
Oh, the things you notice these days.
Nope, this still isn't an Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX post.
What it is, though, is another snacker discovery post. Or rediscovery, more of.
The first time I tasted Franzzi biscuits, it was when I went to Shanghai for work.
It was one of the things in the supermarket that caught my eye and eventually tried. It turned out to be a good choice because the combination of the crumbly biscuit and the creamy feeling was a one-two yummy punch.
Vanilla-Lemon was my entry point to this snacker. And on my trip back, my bag was packed with different flavors.
It's been more than a decade since my last Franzzi haul. But that changed today because it's available in my snacker haunt!
Now, Franzzi is back in our snack shelf!
Welcome back, Franzzi!
For Claire's birthday, Melrose decided to go a little crafty.
Claire is and has always been known for her creativity in crafts. When we were colleagues in Adformatix, I'd always marvel at the creations that were often on her cubicle. Whether it was a handmade paper creation or her wonderful handwriting, it was always a joy to see.
When she left agency life and applied at Kamiseta, she showed me some of the handmade bags she created and was simply floored! There was one particular bag - made of silk and with chopsticks as handle - that was super memorable. After finding something similar in HKG, it became part of one of my sister's ensembles when she attended a wedding.
And last year, she shared with me her blog about her crafting projects. Since then, I've been a regular reader and can't help but be inspired by Claire's creativity and joie-de-vivre.
So, for her birthday, I decided to go back to traditional sketching using a pen and paper, then used my Kurecolor pens to add some life into the drawing. And here's the result of the quick 10-minute sketch.
The choice of what I'd sketch - a bear - is actually an inside joke that Claire and I had back in Adformatix, particularly the word "oso." So, it was fitting that this was my crafty project for her on her birthday.
I wish you an OSO wonderful birthday, Claire! We'll celebrate it together soon!
And just like that, it's summer once again.
Usually, we'd be planning for our company outing around this time. Or, we'd be planning the creative outing. Or, we'd be planning an outing with D' Frendz or Melrose.
Better yet, Mark and I would probably be in Tokyo, or traveling somewhere.
But like last year, summer will mostly be spent indoors, staying safe. Despite the change in the way we do it, there are still a lot of reasons to love summer.
Which inspired today's Friday Magic Madness song from the musical "Grease" from the 70s.
We might be stuck at home, but that shouldn't stop us from enjoying summer nights. And days, too.
Back in 2017, Brie Larson had the pictorial wearing this coral-colored Carven dress.
Here's something that really made my day.
Knowing how hard he worked for his PhD and how hard he works making these presentations and policies, it's always great to see his expertise recognized and shared with the public at-large.
Yup, he's definitely Ichi-Ban!
With so much happening in the world today, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Especially nowadays with so much information - whether we want to see it or not - it's easy to be concerned or worried with what we read and see.
This situation reminds me of a song from the early 90s that we sing a lot in Adformatix videoke sessions. A song from Des'ree which has a very uplifting sound and equally uplifting lyrics.
It's something that we can listen to and draw inspiration from these days.
The song: "You Gotta Be."
Because these days:
"You gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger.
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm,
You gotta stay together.
All I know, All I know, is Love will save the day."
Love and Faith in Him. Those will save the day. Those will save us.
This year, Javier celebrates his fifteenth birthday and his first birthday in TX!
Happy Birthday Javi Boy! We look forward to visiting you in Houston soon!
This afternoon felt like "eat something orange" day.
Upon checking emails, my usual alerts from the Victoria Beckham clothing line popped up. It was an email that introduced their latest collection of denim.
Looking at it closely, it sparked a memory in my head.
That memory was a pair of denim jeans from Bench which had the same feels as the VB one.
In case you didn't notice, there's a P26,201.00 price difference between the two. That's considering the 2 pairs actually look pretty much the same!
This pair from Bench has been popping up on my screen for some time now. After seeing the VB option, this might be a good time to buy it!
I just might.
Wait. I just did!
Today is Easter Sunday!
Arise! Jesus Christ is risen.
This is one of my favourite Bible passages about Easter. My earliest recollection of this as a young adult was in High School during our of our Bible studies in LSQC. This gave me goosies back then, and it still does until now.
Speaking of rising, today also reminds me of one of the songs we'd sing in the choir that I still love until now.
Arise! Shine out, for your light has come! The Glory of Yahweh is rising on you!
Happy Easter!
One of the things that I look forward to during Holy Week are all the religious-themed shows that are airing on Free TV.
As kids, we'd often watch "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Ben Hur", as well as "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Today, I was able to catch the newer version of "Ben Hur." Aside from that, there was a mini-series on-air that which retold Bible stories.
It was great to relive all the stories again, and this Holy Week is a great time to do it.
Today is a Good Friday. And it's the 2nd Good Friday that the faithful are remembering the Passion of Christ from our homes.
Normally, Good Friday is spent doing the Visita Iglesia and attending the "Siete Palabras" mass in Churches.
When we were kids, we'd often spend Good Friday in my Mom's hometown of Malinao, Albay, and we'd walk to the church just across the ancestral home to hear the "Siete Palabras." One of the highlights of that mass in Malinao is how the image of Christ on the cross passes on at the strike of 3:00pm. It's a poignant sight for all the mass goers there.
But while we can't go inside the Church during this time, one thing that this pandemic taught us is that faith is where we practice it. And even if it's been more than a year since I've last heard mass inside a proper Church, hearing it and participating in it online makes our home the House of God as well.
Faith should be boundless, and that's a truism these days. Wherever we may be, if we have Faith, if we practice our Faith, and if we share our Fatih, then He is with us.
This reminds me of one of my favourite Church hymns about Faith. A hymn that we used to sing a lot when I was part of the Grade School and High School choirs. And a fitting Friday Magic Madness song this Good Friday.
