LFLTAT: Double Mark

Since I visit the Plains & Prints website regularly, i’m lucky enough to catch their flash sales, or those once-in-a-blue-moon-sales where they give out great deals.

Last week, during the Double 2 date, they had a CNY sale which had some of their older collections at Uber great sale prices. From that sale, I was fortunate enough to snag 2 items from the Mark Bumgarner collaboration from a few years back.

This very chic ensemble is composed of a cold-shoulder top with flared sleeves. The nice details are these fabric buttons in the middle of the top.

The skirt is a full skirt with roomy pockets and a self-tie belt. It also has the same fabric buttons sunning down on the side   

Because of the sale, this ensemble only cost less than P900! For something from Mark Bumgarner and Plains & Prints, a LFTAT like this is a big deal!

This buy inspired me to hang out at their website some more. Who knows what other fashionable deals i’ll snag!

Dress you up

No, this isn't a post about Madonna's iconic 80s song.

Though I like that song a lot. And my 2 sisters used to love dancing to that very infectious pop tune.

This is about a book that I've finally gotten around to start reading.

A book that chronicles the evolution of dresses, "The Dress: 100 ideas that changed fashion forever," is such a rich resource for anyone who's interested in fashion. 

It takes the world's biggest dress trends and tracks its historical context - some as far back as the Ancient Egyptian times. It clearly shows how fashion has evolved, but at the same time, is still rooted in the rich history of the generations and races that have come before us.

Another thing enjoyable about reading this book is that it features some of my favourite fashion designers and some of the breakthrough fashion moments. From Paul Poiret to Madame Gres to Paco Rabanne. From Issey Miyake's pleats to Dior's "New Look" to Azzedine Alaia's body con dresses.

Reading this is making me want to bring out my sketch pad and start doing my chicken scratches again. And hopefully soon, those sketches can be brought to Joy who will bring them to life as dresses.

FMM: In my Heart

So, there are 2 big things happening today.

First, it's the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes. Which is a very important date for me since I'm a Lourdesian and this feast is close to my heart. Memories of my grade school and high school days, hearing mass and having Marian celebrations defined this day for me.

Second, it's Friday Magic Madness day! And as explained last week, all of my FMM songs this February will be "Heart-themed."

Which brings me to this perfect song that combines the Feast Day and FMM Day. A classic song from Phil Collins from 1985.

How can this song not be perfect?

Being a Lourdesian and a devotee of Our Lady of Lourdes will always be in my heart.

Early birds

Finally, Mark was able to visit the new shop in Katipunan early this morning! And Ate Bullet and the family were so glad to see him.

Bonus: we were able to have a good and heart breakfast there! Courtesy of Ate's excellent cooking skills, of course.

Here's to more get togethers at Dexter's/Bite The Bullet/Kuro soon!

Ly-cheers!

There’s truly a plethora of awesome memories I have of Tokyo and Japan. That has been well-documented on this blog.

But one of the daily, quiet memories that I cherish are those ordinary and daily trips that Mark and I would take on either the JR line or the Marunochi Subway line. This was often from IH2 to GRIPS.

During those daily rides, while waiting for the train to arrive, Mark would usually sit down and i’d Be scouting the nearby vendo machines for something to buy.

One of those things that I often get is this Salt and Lychee drink from Kirin.

I’m a huge fan of Lychees that’s why this drink is always on top of my list. Along with Fanta grape. 

Not only do I buy this at the Eli, but whenever Mark and I would go to Lawson, Mini-Stop, 7-i, Aeon Supermarket and other obscure konbinis, i’d buy this drink whenever it was available.

So, imagine my thrill and surprise when I went to the Japanese store near the house and found this:

It's my Kirin Salt and Lychee drink!!! Mark would understand why I'm so psyched about this. Harhar.

Cheers to finding this and getting to enjoy it again. 

Flavour Overload!

This is a case of "one thing leads to another."

After ordering the Pringles Dill Pickle flavour, my curiosity was piqued and wondered what other tasty treats are out there.

And voila, I found this video:

Black Pepper and Parmesan sounds so luxe! And Australia is so lucky because they're overloaded with all these choices!

Now, I know what flavour to look for next.

What's the Dill?

It's safe to say that I'm one of the few people who actually like pickles.

As a kid, I'd always raid our fridge for the bottle of mixed pickles, pickle relish and dill pickles, and actually eat these as a snack.

In college, as a crew member of McDonald's, I'd always ask for extra pickles on my sandwiches. And if my co-crew members removed the pickles from their burgers, I'd be the one to eat them.

One of the reasons why I'm so into Triple O's so much is the fact that there's a huge dill pickle outside the bun and on top of the sandwich. Same appreciation with Tropical Hut and how they put big slices of pickles in all their sandwiches.

So, imagine my thrill when this product became available at my snack haunt!

Pringles Dill PIckle!

Although I haven't tried it yet, I'm sure this is going to be a big dill. Oh, I meant deal!

Printed Matter: Fashion Flock

My liking for avian prints have been well documented on my blog.

Here's the latest addition to that documentation.

Such a pretty print that is so detailed, it's almost scientific. It feels like something you'll see on an Ornithology poster. The story would probably about how flocks migrate from one country to another during the changing of the seasons.

No surprise that this classic and classy print is from a dress from Plain & Prints' Holiday 2021 Collection.

I think there's only 1 or 2 dresses from this collection that we skipped. That's testament to how fashionable this collection is.

Designing Women

More than 2 decades ago, there was a hit Sitcom in the US which was also aired here in the Philippines. It was a sitcom about 4 creative women in the field of design, and it was entitled “Designing Women.”

The 4 women in the series were in the Interior Design industry, and they were all headstrong and had their unique points-of-view.

Fast forward to 2022, and i’m watching the finale of Project Runway Season 19. And while watching it, I couldn’t help but get flashbacks.

Here’s why:

The top 4 finalists are all women. They’re all in the field of design - Fashion Design, and they’re all headstrong, they have their unique points-of-view, and are all supremely creative.

It was like art imitating life!

But after the episode was done, the ultimate designing woman was Shantall! Which was no surprise because everyone was expecting her to win.

That’s the power of (designing) women!

FMM: Heart-y

Since it's the first Friday of the love month, I thought of making all Friday Magic Madness songs for February about "hearts."

Given that there are so many cool songs with "heart" in the title or lyrics in the past decades, this should be easy.

Our opening salvo, this song that reminds me - again - of overtime work in Adformatix during the 90s. It's a classic from Robbie Dupree from 1979, and it has a very chill and relaxed vibe.

"Hot Rod Hearts" is such an easy song to listen to. Which is apt for the start of a weekend like today.

In the Mex

Why am I doing this to myself?

After watching "La Divina Gula," I'm now watching "Street Food: Latin America." Particularly, the episode on Mexico.

And after watching it, this brought back my craving for Tlayuda!

Gosh! It's been almost 20 years since I last had this awesome street food in Mexico. And watching this brought me back to that street stall with the uber delish Tlayuda!

Oh Mexico. Extranjo Mucho!

Witticisms

 As a writer, witty lines like these are what I dream of writing.

Gosh, this is one of those: “I wish I wrote this.” Moments.

And I can almost hear Sheilah Marie shouting: WITTY1!!

Tale of 5 Tigers

As a kid at heart and as someone who celebrates Chinese New Year, this greeting resonates with me a lot. Like, 5 times!

It’s 5 famous cartoon tigers in one digital greeting!

The fact that Hobbes is there adds even more thrill to this already thrilling photo.

Gong Xi Fa Cai     

Color Story: a wink to winkle

Pantone’s color of the year is “Very Peri”.

And that’s a fancy name for “Periwinkle.”

My first introduction to Periwinkle was during my grade school days. The big box of 48 Crayolas has Periwinkle. It was such a light and dainty color, and i’d otter use it to color flowers. 

The color was refreshing, dainty, but still bold and strong. And these same qualities are found in this outfit that features Very Peri.

This ensemble is from Vero Moda, which i’ve recently rediscovered and been buying a lot of pieces from.

The top is a light knit with an interesting cold shoulder detail.

The skirt is very fashionable and very chic! There are a lot of details that elevate it, including pleats, overlaps, and a hint of peplum.

Together, the ensemble captures the strength, boldness and femininity of Periwinkle.

Very, very nice.

Love-ly

Today’s Scripture reading is definitely one of my favorites.

Corinthians 13 is one of the most beautifully written, most heartwarming, most smile inducing, and most heartfelt readings in the Bible.

When I was organizing a lot of weddings, this was one of the favourite readings of couples and would request that it be read as the Gospel. They would often request this, and when the priest would oblige, the homily would be equally beautiful. No matter where the wedding was or who the priest was, each homily would be a joy to listen to.

This scripture reading never fails to uplift me. Which makes the last line even more relevant:

“Love never fails.”

Takis (not) overrated

Oh look! They actually have Takis in Manila!

Good thing I did a bit of snooping after that Takis craving. It led me to an online store that actually carried it.

Bonus: they have Pulparindo as well!

Finalmente, encontre mis favoritos!

FMM: Two beats

It's been said on my blog before, I'm a fan of both Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.

While listening to them today - it's Friday Magic Madness after all - there was an epiphany that happened.

Two of my favourite songs from the group actually have the word "Beat" on the title and song. They’re faves to the point that i’ve actually named these songs my FMM songs before. But like a lot of good music, these deserve an encore!

First, "Dr. Beat."

Second, "Turn the Beat Around." Originally, this is from Vicky Sue Robinson, but it's the Gloria Estefan version that I'm more familiar with. And yes, it's the song that regained popularity because of "Pitch Perfect."

Looks like Gloria and Emilio have a thing for beats. And I'm not complaining. 

After all, these beats are a joy to listen to.

Fashion's Apfel climb

What's an extraordinary way to celebrate a fashion icon's 100th birthday?

With a collaboration with H&M, of course!

This Spring, Iris Apfel will be launching her collaboration with the fast fashion behemoth! And if we're basing the collection on her personality, then it's going to be huge, colourful and wild!

Just like how fashion should be.

Royals

Nope, this isn't about the Lorde song. Though I do like that song a lot.

This is about a Netflix film that was recently dropped.

"The Royal Treatment" is a simple, straight forward, formulaic rom-com. And as rom-coms go, simple, straight forward and formulaic is the right way to go.

It's an age-old tale of a Prince falling in love with a commoner. But this combination of a headstrong New York hairdresser and a prince from a faraway land who has no "voice" in his kingdom feels a bit different because of some teeny-tiny plot embellishments.

Watching it once made me smile. And most likely, I'll be watching this again when I have spare time.

Takis is on my list

The Mexican cravings continue.

Today what I'm missing is the tortilla snack that I'd hoard whenever we'd go to Sorianas!

Takis Fuego!

This snack has a very distinct, Mexican taste. And since Mexican food is also known for its spice, the level of hotness on this snack is also top notch.

Gosh! I should keep myself from watching "La Divina Gula." The cravings just keep on getting more and more intense!

Two cute

Seeing photos of my “Apos’ make me smile.

So you can image how big my smile is when I saw 2 of them in one photo!

Noah and Olivia are just 2 bundles of cuteness! And they’re growing up so fast! 

Wowo hopes to see you soon.

Taking a Bite

Presenting the Netflix Series that is fuelling my craving for all those Mexican goodies that I enjoyed in the early 2000s when I lived in Mexico.

"La Divina Gula" is currently showing on Netflix and I've been binge-watching it since last Friday. Translated, the title means "Heavenly Bites," which is exactly what I've been seeing each episode. Heavenly food and drinks that are part of my Mexican experience.

Aside from Chilaquiles, the series made me miss Tortas, Tacos, Pan Dulce and Micheladas! This is on top of the usual Dona Torta Gorditas, Pinguinos, Choco Lala, Raspas and Helados.

Oh Mexico! I can't wait to go back and take a bite of these goodies again!

Netflix and Chil-aquiles

Because of this Netflix series I'm watching about Mexican food, I suddenly have a craving for Chilaquiles!

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish which consists of tortillas, salsa, pulled chicken, crema, cheese and frijoles. Yes, it's all the Mexican faves in one plate!

When I was in Mexico, this was the first breakfast I tasted, and it was freshly cooked by my foster-Mom, Nora. The memories are still vivid in my mind - the moment I woke up and walked out of my room, there was this appetizing smell wafting from the kitchen.

It was Mama Nora cooking, and she was all smiles when she saw me walking in. She asked me to take a seat, poured me some orange juice, and asked me if I've ever tried Chilaquiles before. Of course, I haven't. So, while she was cooking, she was telling me about the dish, and how her Abuela taught her how to make it.

From the pan, she placed it on my plate and asked me: "Pruebalo!"

It was an epiphany at first bite! The combination of the crunch, creaminess, the mix of savory and acidity - it all made for a perfect dish. And a perfect first breakfast in Mexico.

Now, there are 2 things on my mind:

1. Is there a Mexican restaurant in Manila that makes Chilaquiles?

2. Should I look for a recipe and make it myself?

Gosh, if I could just fly to Mexico now and get the real deal, I will!

FMM: Classic for a Classic

Yup, I kinda saw this coming.

While writing my entry yesterday about classic fashion, there was a song that suddenly popped in and played in my head.

This is the Adrian Gurtz hit from 1982, aptly called "Classic."

Just like the title, this song is a "Classic" indeed.

Chic Classics

While searching for something in the closet where gifts and other dresses were stored, something stuffed in one corner caught my eye.

After pulling it out, it turned out to be an outfit consisting of a dress and a chunky necklace. It was in a Forever 21 bag, and it was because that's where I bought the necklace.

Upon checking out the receipt in the bag, it turned out that the items are more than 5 years old. Both the dress and the accessory.

Although the ensemble is half-a-decade old, looking at it now, it still looks fresh and current! 

The dress is an LBD from SM Woman. The fabric is very substantial and holds it shape, which is great because it has a flared hem with a slit. What makes it even more interesting is that it has faux, covered buttons on the side.

The necklace - as mentioned - is from Forever 21. It's a chain necklace with 2 brooch-like details on the side.

If this ensemble was on display in the mall today, it would look very now. So, it's hard to imagine that they date back to 2017. 

Now, that's a true hallmark of a classic.

Balancing act

I really miss buying and wearing New Balance shoes!

Thankfully, Biboy sent over a new pair last month and i’ve been wearing it even if i’m not really going anywhere. Harhar!

Soon, these shoes will be out and about.

Keep Calm and Crayon

Call it a return to childhood, but I suddenly had the urge to buy crayons!

Maybe it’s because I also bought a coloring book on Lazada a few days back.

Even as a kid, coloring had a calming effect on me. It was very therapeutic to think of what color would best fit the visual. Then, i’d gently color the picture using just one uniform stroke, and having this beat and cadence while I did it.

The crayon set that I ordered is the same one that was my favourite during my grade school days - the 48 piece box.

Strangely, though, this looks very different from the box of my childhood. That one was a lot bigger, and had a built-in sharpener!

Maybe times have changed, but i’m hoping that the colors inside haven’t. I’d still like to find Gold, Silver, Cornflower, Periwinkle, Brick Red and Burnt Sienna in this box.

We’ll see that soon.

Seeing double

This is the first time I'm seeing this, but InStyle has a double issue!

Their December 2021 and January 2022 issues are now combined into one.

And a big issue deserves an equally big star on the cover.

Yup, Reese Witherspoon definitely fits that bill.

Gosh, if Emerald Magazines was still around, I'd probably still be subscribed to InStyle and would have this ish.

Childhood memories of the Child Jesus

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Sto. Nino.

My grandparents on both sides were very religious. That's why it was customary to see the Sto. Nino in their houses.

One of my fondest memories of the Sto. Nino is how Lola Dita had an image of the Sto. Ninn de Dormido - or the sleeping Sto. Nino. She had it in the altar of their room and it always caught my eye because it's so different from the image we're used to. 

While the traditional Sto. Nino is smiling, wearing a crown and an elegant robe, carrying a staff and a globe, the Sto. Nino de Dormido is peacefully sleeping. I'd always stare at his serene and smiling face, which would also make me smile.

In the Regalado's ancestral home in Malinao, the room that we'd usually sleep in also had a Sto. Nino which was perched on an altar, up on the wall. It's memorable because it had red, candle-like bulbs that would flicker. And when we'd close the lights to go to sleep, the altar would remain lit. That would be the light that would illuminate the room and would watch over us as we slept.

Two other notable Sto. Nino stories are right here at home, right now.

We have 2 images of the Sto. Nino in our altar, and both are heirlooms of sorts. The 1st one, a Sto. Nino made of either plaster or concrete - is a lot older than me. I think it's been there even before Kuya Marv was born, which makes it at least 60 years old. The 2nd one is at least 40 years old, because I remember it's been there since I was a kid.

It's such a blessing to look back at my childhood, especially when it's in honour of the Child Jesus.

Cheap (on-line) thrills

iIt’s so random and trivial, but this is what made my day today:

 

I got a P50 phone load for only P1!

Yes, just P1!

Amazing what you can get on Shopee.

FMM: Tracing Tracie

Back in High School, there was a very popular concept called "Interaction."

During "Interactions," students from an all-boys school like LSQC would "interact" with students from an all-girls school like SJQC. 

We would usually go to the girl's school, have a venue set up like an auditorium or a basketball court, and the boys would be sitting on one side and the girls on the other. Then, they would encourage both sides to socialize and talk, and they would also encourage us to dance by playing upbeat music in the venue.

In one of our "interactions, " the thing that stuck to my mind wasn't the experience, but the song that they were playing. It was an upbeat, happy and danceable tune sung by a very peppy female singer. Weeks after the interaction, the song would still play in my head, to the point that I had to look for the song on cassette, or wait for it to play on-air.

Eventually, I was able to trace both the song title and the singer. And that ditty has been in my head ever since.

Ever since 1988!

And I'll go back to that song today as my Friday Magic Madness song!

Tracie Spencer! She's one of the more popular singer in the late 80s with her combination of dance tracks and ballads. And undoubtedly, "Symptoms of True Love" was one of her biggest hits.

And listening to it today, it feels like it's still relevant and timely, even if it's been 34 years since the song dropped!

That's the symptom of a true hit!

Printed Matter: You Kente-ll

The traditional Kente fabric of Africa is something that i’ve always loved looking at.

From the first time I saw it in an African Shop in HKG, to the times I would see some of Mark’s classmates from that continent wearing their traditional clothing during events in IUJ, i’ve Always admired the colours, patterns and craftsmanship that goes into it.

That’s why this particular print caught my eye.

Although it’s not really a Kente fabric, it gives out that same vibe. Maybe it’s because if the deep, saturated color or the geometric prints. For me, it’s close enough.

It’s no wonder that this print is from Plains & Prints “Wonders of Africa” collection from 2020!

This is probably why I was so drawn to this. I could tell the inspiration behind it.

SnacKano

Back when Mark was living in IH2, we’d often drop by Nakano Broadway before going home.

Among our 2 constants in that mall are Donki, and a store that sells different kinds of chocolates and snacks.

Whenever we pass by, one of the things we always buy is the traditional Japanese rice and peanut snack - Kameda Kaki No Tane.

It’s the fierce snack that has a light soy sauce flavor, and plain, unsalted peanuts. It’s a very light and flavorful snack that is part of my Japanese experience and memories.

And today, I was able to find it here in Manila!

Hopefully they’ll restock soon so I can send some to Mark as well.

Ice say goodbye

Rita's Ice is one of my go-to desserts.

Their cherry ice is just divine. And that's because I'm a huge fan of cherries.

Then, you add the custard! Divine!

But today, I just saw an announcement that Rita's Ice is saying goodbye. The pandemic claims another brand.

Although they've announced this with finality, I'm still hoping that they'll find a way to reopen once this situation is over.

Because no one can make Cherry Ice like Rita's.

There’s nothing to it...

 

Vogue Philippines!

Yes, we’re going to have our own edition of Vogue!

Count me in! Where’s the Subscription form? 

Sunday Feasts

This Sunday is doubly special for us Catholics because of 2 Feasts we are celebrating today.

First, the Feast of Christ's Baptism.

I'll never tire of the Gospel reading for this Sunday. It highlights Christ's humility and John the Baptist's acceptance of his responsibility.

Second, the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

Although the way it's celebrated has greatly changed since 2020, Faith goes beyond physical processions and the traditional Traslacion.

Happy Feast Day x 2!

New Crew

Considering that people like myself practically don't go out anymore, getting a new pair of shoes is the farthest thing from my mind.

But when I saw this pair of New Balance x J. Crew 574s, it made me want to go to the US, snag a pair, and walk around as much as I can!

Hoping and praying that this is the year that we'll all be able to do that.

FMM: Hurray for Murray

Thanks to the suggestion of youtube, I've recently been listening to Anne Murray again.

She's one of the most iconic and prolific singers in the 60s, 70s, and onwards. Anne is known for her romantic songs, sung with such emotion and captured beautifully in her very soothing voice.

And many romantic hits she has! Listening to the "Anne Murray's Greatest Hits" playlist, I hear song after song after song - each one memorable, singable and part of our music culture.

There are so many, but for today's Friday Magic Madness, let me start with one of her biggest hits from 1978:

Just like the song title, I just fall in love again while listening to this song.

Hurray for her songs indeed!

Getting (She)Into it!

There's an online fast fashion brand that's been around for years now. 

SHEIN.

That name has been synonymous to fashionable and trendy clothing at very low price points. They've also been subject to their own sets of controversy, particularly selling knock-offs of clothing made by independent designers or bigger fast fashion brands like Zara.

Some online influencers abroad have even featured SheIn in their haul videos, and they swear by the brand for cheap and trendy clothing.

Although I've been looking at their website for years now, I've never gone around to buying from them. After all, I get my fast fashion fix online through Zalora, and I'm assured of the quality of their products. 

Then, I discovered Shopee and Lazada, which is a virtual mall selling brands that you find in physical stores.

But last Christmas Eve, my niece - Princess - talked to me about SheIn and how it's her go-to shopping place for fun and fashionable clothing. She talked about it with such excitement, that it rubbed off on me and I found myself checking out the site again.

More than checking out, I eventually bought a few pieces, just to give it a try.

So far, so good. The quality, fabric, designs and construction seem to be good, especially for their pants and jeans.

And here's a fun fact. When I looked at the address of the store, the name of the building sounded familiar.

Wing Hing Industrial Building is one of my usual haunts for Export Overruns in Kwun Tong! I used to frequent that building when I was still living in HKG, and even wrote about it in an inflight magazine.

Looks like I'm meant to be (She)In this place!

Lightness of being

Church Architecture is something that I've always been a fan of, even as a kid.

That's why our trip to Mexico was such a blessing because they have so many - like hundreds - of beautiful churches. From the big cities to the small towns, the place was teeming with beautiful churches - both quaint and grandiose.

Recently, I saw this post about a Church in Osaka, Japan which was designed by famed Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. It's called "Church of the Light."

This is a church that's breathtaking in its simplicity. This is so true to the Japanese aesthetic of minimalism, yet it's very meaningful. I love the play of the glass and how it forms the main crucifix in a very quiet and elegant way.

When Mark and I are able to go back to Japan, this is one place that we'll definitely be visiting.

Who's afraid of the...

I've heard of "Big Bad Wolf Books" when they still had their physical event. A lot of my bibliophile friends would flock to the warehouse where they would have it, and they would buy lots and lots and lots of books.

While I'm a bibliophile and love books myself, whenever I see photos of the crowds and cashier lines, it would discourage me because it felt like it was too much of a hassle. Besides, I'm used to getting books at a bargain at the NBS Outlet Store in Cubao anyway.

Then, sometime last year, I discovered that Big Bag Wolf Books had a Lazada store. And I checked it out. And I've been there on a weekly basis ever since.

Now, there's a pile of books here at home. Some are for personal consumption. Others are for gifting.

So, who's afraid of Big Bad Wolf Books?

Me? Because if I don't stop, our house might look like a bookstore soon.

Golden Fiesta

Nope, this post isn’t about cooking oil.

It’s about Fiesta’s birthday celebration which we had yesterday!

As expected, Melrose made sure that there are a lot of golden moments during our Zoom get together. And she definitely enjoyed our virtual party.

Happy Birthday Fiesta Girl!

Sunday's Soft Skies

On the 1st day of the New Year, the skies looked like it was covered in cotton.

I'm not sure what these clouds are called, but they sure are pretty.

It's such a soft and pretty way to start the year.

But I'm feeling...

Twenty-two!

To be exact, 2022!

And while I've written about this Taylor Swift song before, I think it deserves an encore on the 1st day of the New Year!

Happy New Year and a blessed and bountiful 2022 to all!