The story of the Assumption of Mama Mary is one of my favourite subjects to talk about during high school.
Whenever August would come around, we would discuss it in our Christian Living classes, as well as our weekly prayer meetings.
Since our school was a Marian school, this would also be the subject of many stage plays and performances in August.
That's why it had such a strong impact on me then.
And it still has a strong impact on me now.
Happy Feast Day of the Assumption!
This is going to make my day. Days. Week!
Looking back at my blog, this post caught my eye.
Written 15 years ago, it was about a well-spent weekend in Manila (since I was living in HKG that time) and the things that happened in those 2 days.
Provincial scenes in paintings and prints have always caught my eye.
In our old house in Morato, there were a couple of paintings of this theme, that's why seeing these types of prints remind me of my childhood.
That's why this print instantly caught my eye.
One of the snacks that I discovered when I stayed in Mexico is this classic and iconic wheat chip that's part of every Mexican's snack time.
Sabritones was introduced to me by my first "foster siblings" in Monterrey. It was one of the first things they offered me when we arrived at their house. We arrived late in the evening, and this was like my "midnight welcome snack" from Jorge and his family. Sabritones and Coca normal - those were the first 2 food items that greeted me in Mexico, and that's why it was so memorable.
Whenever our travels take us to the US, I'd always tell myself that I'd buy Sabritones. I'm sure they have them at Walmart because they carry a lot of Mexican food and snacks. But somehow, it's something that I never got to do.
Today, the thought of this Mexican snack entered my mind again. Hoping that they'd be available at Lander's or S&R, I went online to check it out. Alas, these spicy and sour munchies aren't here in the Philippines just yet.
Where's Walmart when you need it?
While randomly flicking the remote last night to find something interesting to watch, I found this cable channel called "HallyuPop" which turned out to be a channel that features concerts. Majority of the concerts they feature are Korean acts (thus, the "Hallyu") but they occasionally show other foreign acts as well.
And what was showing last night?
Britney Spears' Apple Music Festival performance.
Needless to say, my channel surfing stopped there and I had the pleasure of watching Britney perform once again.
As always, Britney is a joy to watch.
It's always been the plan of Melrose to travel as a big group.
The past few years, some of us have traveled together. But those groups were smaller ones and the trips ranged from domestic ones like Cebu, to regional destinations like HKG and JKT..
But the past few months, talks of traveling as a complete group has been actively discussed, and it's the group's goal once this pandemic is over and we are all free to travel again.
And the group's target? Seoul!
We're hoping that we can do it next year when Melrose celebrates our 25th year of friendship.
And for that trip, our theme song would most likely be:
Hey, Silver, Seoul, Silver, Seoul, Silver, Seoul, Silver!
(Now, I can't stop singing this song in my head.)
Nope, this is not an out-of-town trip post.
It's about this film on Netfilx that was heavily advertised the past week, ergo, it became my top-of-mind and decided to watch it this Sunday.
"Resort To Love" is a very easy-watching Rom-Com with the usual elements that are no-fails when it comes to this genre. Plus, the stunning vistas like beaches, mountains, waterfalls, etc. are a good way to vicariously escape while we're all still not traveling.
Overall, this film is very relaxed and simple and it doesn't require heavy thinking or analyzing. Which, on a Sunday, is a getaway we all need.
While browsing the online supermarket for our weekly needs, this familiar product suddenly popped-up on my screen.
It's one of my favourite gummy brands - Haribo!
Previously, Haribo reminded me a lot of Europe. It was the brand that Tita Evelyn would bring home from Barcelona whenever they'd visit. Then, during my travels to Germany, I learned that this brand was originally from there, ergo you can find it in every street corner. It was my default sweet during my trips to Berlin, Koln, Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.
Then, from Japan, my memories of Haribo shifted to Tokyo. Whenever Mark and I would go to Donki, this was one thing I'd always put in our basket and bring home as a snack in TIEC and IH.
Now that I know where to buy it in MNL, I'm sure Haribo will be a constant part of my snacking routine. Let's see where the first bite will take me this time.
This comic panel is simply so true!
And because of this, I suddenly missed "The Muppet Show!" That's why I'm dedicating today's Friday Magic Madness to this awesome show.
As a kid, I'd never miss an episode of this laugh-a-minute extravaganza. If memory serves me right, this was shown on Channel 13, and when it was on, you could find me fixated in front of the TV.
"The Muppet Show" was the best! It had so many funny segments like "Pigs in Space," "The Swedish Chef," "Sam the Eagle's Editorials," "Rowlf on the Piano," and "Muppet Labs." Plus, the unforgettable banters of the 2 grumpy men was always a hoot.
Looking back at the show is making me miss it even more.
Because of that, it's time to get things started on the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational, this is what we call The Muppet Show!!!
Here's another episode from the same series that I enjoy watching.
The "Pound Cake" episode.
I'm craving for Pound Cake all of a sudden.
Last night, the Philippines was awake and celebrating the victory of our first Gold Medal in the Olympics! That's courtesy of our very own Hidilyn Diaz who ruled the 55kg Weighlifting event in Tokyo.
She's the epitome of perseverance, patience and faith.
Perseverance because this is her 4th Olympic outing. She debuted in Beijing in 2008, followed by London 2012. In both instances, she didn't even reach the finals. She scored Silver in Brazil 2016 and it led her to her now-Gold-winning performance in Tokyo.
Patience because she waited 16 years for her dream to be fulfilled. And she's been training for this for 19 years, starting at a young age of 11.
Faith because she attributed her victory not just to herself and her team, but to The Lord and Mama Mary. She proudly showed off her Miraculous Medal along side her Gold Medal, showing to the world that these 2 medals are equally important to her.
With those 3, Hidilyn deserves all the accolades she's receiving.
You gold, Girl!
The lighting of the Olympic Cauldron is a sight that always brings goosies and tears to my eyes. My all-time fave is the lighting of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics cauldron which, until now, leaves me in awe whenever I watch it.
This year's 2020 Tokyo Olympics is no different. Especially since the one lighting the cauldron is Naomi Osaka.
The cauldron itself is so Japanese. Aside from it being a tribute to Mount Fuji, the sphere that opens and transforms is a testament to Japanese technology and how artistic they are. It felt like an origami sculpture unfolding before our eyes.
I have so, SO much admiration for Tokyo for foraging through this pandemic to ensure that the Olympics are held safely and continue the tradition of community and sportsmanship. As many new outfits reported it, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a beacon of hope that the world can and will go back to normal.
Now, let the games begin!
Today's discovery is the fact that Daiso Japan is online and they deliver!
That's all I needed to know in order to get these!
Caramel Corn! This is one of the favourite snacks that Mark and I would hoard when he was living in Tokyo and I'd visit him.
After the sweet, let's go savory. And these nuts and rice crackers are just what we need. Again, this is a staple at Mark's dorm when were were there.
And as Mark pointed out, I was able to order these on the day that the Tokyo Olympics opened! How cool is that?
Let's watch the Olympics in Tokyo and eat Tokyo snacks then!
It's been raining the past few days and the weather has been very lazy.
This type of weather calls for very chill, laid-back music. Something with an easy melody, soothing voices, and a vibe that makes you just want to curl up in bed with a blanket.
Plus, it's Friday today, so that song should be Friday Magic Madness worthy as well.
And I have the perfect song that makes the cut:
"Everything I own" is one of Bread's biggest hits in the 70s, along with my previous FMM song, "Make it with you." The lyrics "kept me warm, kept me warm" is what made me think of this song. Because the rainy weather is making the surroundings really cold.
Looks like I'm going to curl up in bed under a blanket and listen to this song until I fall asleep.
Now, it really feels like Friday.
What can I say? This comic panel really made my day.
Better yet: "Made my day, this comic panel did..."
Nope, this isn't a graduation post.
This is a post about one of my favourite Japanese brands.
Unlike the big fast fashion brands like Uniqlo and G.U., Toga Archives is more specialized and more bespoke. I remember walking into their store in Harajuku and being amazed at the physical store and their designs.
True to the Japanese heritage, their clothes are very minimalist and play with structure and lines. Even back then, their play on tailoring and pleating was already impressive. Something that's admirable until now.
It's been years since our last Tokyo trip and Toga Archives exposure. So, it was a thrill to read that the next H&M designer collaboration will be with the same brand!
Gosh! I do hope that I'll finally be able to see this collection IRL. It's going to be like a return to Tokyo without even going there.
This is such a beautiful and intricate print of a jungle scene.
Tuc Crackers is one of those products that constantly reminds me of my childhood.
This was a European brand, and whenever Tita Evelyn and her family would visit the Philippines, it was one of those things that they'd often bring. Along with Cola Cao Chocolate Drink and Haribo Gummy Bears.
I'd always look forward to this snack because it was very different from the crackers available in MNL back then. This one was very flaky, the flavour was unique, and it was great on its own.
Eventually, this brand became available in the country sometime in the 80s. I think it was imported by one of the local companies, but it didn't last that long. After a few months, Tuc was off the shelves which bummed me out.
Last week, while browsing the page of my snack haunt in Cubao, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they had this:
Tuc Crisp!
We know what happened next, of course.
Yes, it's still as good and it still reminds me of my childhood.
Sometimes, I think Friday Magic Madness is ingrained in my mind too much that I'd randomly dream of really old songs.
These songs would either be part of the scene in my dream, or the song would just automatically play in my head while asleep.
This week, that song is actually a Friday Magic Madness song twice over.
It's a very popular, very iconic and very cheesy song from the 70s, entitled "I've never been to me." Of course, most people know this as the song by Charlene, which was also an FMM song of mine 11 years ago.
They may be 2 different artists, but the overall feel of this song is the same for both. Whether it's Mary or Charlene, this ditty is something you'd listen to on a long Sunday drive to a random place. It can also be the song playing in the background when you're just in the room, reading a magazine.
In any case, I'm okay to have been to me for both singers.
When I read this intro for an article online, I was trying to figure out what was it about.
But when I saw the article below, things finally became clearer.
Amazing what a missing "u" can do in making things more comprehensible.
Proofreader, please!
"Bundle" should be an easy word to spell, right?
Apparently not.
Amazing what a simple letter switch can do.
Proofreader, please.
Since RTD Tea drinks and Boba really came from and became popular due to Taiwan, I've always had high hopes and expectations for Taiwanese brands. For both products.
We all know that Boba Tea icons Chatime and Gong Cha are originally from Taiwan. And they're really good! In fact, there was a time that I'd drink a cup (or two) of these brands daily.
For RTD Tea drinks, I've never really seen a lot of brands here from Taiwan. So when I discovered this brand at my snack haunt last weekend, I decided to give it a go.
MineShine is from Uni-President, which is one of the biggest food and beverage manufacturers in Taiwan. I'm familiar with some of their products, particularly the noodles. I know they have bottled tea, but never really tried them. Even if I saw if often in HKG, JPN and SG.
So, I bought MineShine Green Tea with no expectations whatsoever. I bought it, chilled it, and tried it.
My reaction:
It's really, really, REALLY good!
It definitely outshines the usual RTD Tea drinks I buy here in Manila.
Watercolour was my favourite medium for painting as a kid. That's why it's no surprise that I have an affinity for watercolour prints.
Especially floral ones, like this one.
The hues are vibrant and the florals are very delicate and pretty.
No surprise that this print belongs to an equally delicate and pretty dress with a shift silhouette and puffed sleeves.
One of the cassette tapes that Dad had that I enjoyed taking from his library and playing on the cassette recorder was that of "Starland Vocal Band."
In the 70s, they were an iconic band because of their all-American sound and catchy - nay, super duper sticky - songs which have been part of pop culture. Their songs have appeared on films, on sitcoms, and in everyday conversation.
Among their iconic songs that I love to listen to is this classic:
"Afternoon Delight." This song needs no introduction nor explanation. You just sit back, listen to it, and you know that it's an utterly wonderful and timeless song. And it deserves to be this week's Friday Magic Madness song.
It delighted me back in the 70s. It still delights me until now.
One thing I really miss is going to National Bookstore and SM Department Store to check out their latest designs of wrapping paper.
I’d pore through the racks for almost an hour, and i’d But a few pieces of designs I like to try them out. Then, when I find the ones that really make me smile and thrilled, I buy them in bulk.
Now, the only way I check our wrapping paper is online, with my contacts in National Bookstore and SM sending me photos of their latest designs.
While it’s not exactly the same an]s the usual way I do it, this works for now.
While the past year hasn't been conducive for "dressing up," it doesn't stop us from putting together dreamy, colourful outfits that will eventually see the light of fashion day.
Because of trawling online shops and the almost-monthly sales, it's quite easy to come up with a fashionable Look For Less Than A Thousand.
To add more colour into our days, that's the theme of this look. Bright, happy pops and blocks of colour!
The dress is from the Zalora Occasion collection. It's a classic, architectural silhouette, made with a combination of fuchsia and burnt sienna.
This is an outfit that makes you feel dressed to the nines, and it's actually just P900 in total! It's a (colour)blockbuster indeed!
When it comes to Mango Juice, Gina has always been the gold standard for me.
This brand has been around since time immemorial. It was already there even when I was a kid. It was the favourite mango juice of my grandparents. It was also the favourite of my Tito, Tita and cousins from Spain. Whenever they'd visit the Philippines, we would always stock Gina Mango Juice in their home.
The great thing about Gina is that it's consistent. Even until now, the taste and quality is the same high quality we enjoyed decades ago. And while I've tried other Mango Juice brands (Del Monte, Locally, etc.), Gina is still the best of the lot.
When Gina isn't available, I'd usually buy Juice Avenue. Now this brand is legit! They really use real Mangoes which they puree and serve freshly made in bottles. These aren't available in supermarkets, though. I'd buy these at their kiosks in malls and outside supermarkets. (So, technically, it is available in supermarkets. Outside, that is.)
Recently, I discovered a new brand that is almost as good as Gina. (Almost.)
That brand is Oishi Squeeze.
It has that rich and real Mango taste. It's not watered down or not sweetened unnecessarily. It's very authentic and it feels like I'm drinking juice extracted from real Mangoes. Even my sister and nephews like it, too.
So, while Gina Mango Juice will always be on top of my list, this new brand will be the fallback in case the preferred one isn't available.
When he cooked it for the fam, we loved it!
When he cooked it for Father’s Day and our neighbors tried it, the loved it, too!
So now, my nephew Kevin is following Ate Bullet’s footsteps and he made a small batch of his Kare-Kare for family and close friends.
Looks like we have another great cook in the family!
Turns out that yesterday, July 1, was a very memorable day for both Mark and me.
There was a flurry of reminders of wonderful things that happened on this date, some dating back as far as 2008!
Most of it happened in Japan, and it made me smile to remember our many times and trips there.
And there's even Manu's 2nd birthday!
To celebrate this wonderful day, today's Friday Magic Madness song is equally wonderful. An Eric Clapton classic from 1977 which I know a lot of people are familiar with. Plus, I'm sure a lot, lot more people sang this at a videoke joint at one point.
Wonderful, indeed!
