Super Shopping!

I've been reading about this new concept store from the Robinson's Group called Super 50. 

Last week, after our onsite office meeting, I quickly swung by to see what it's about. Boy, I was impressed! 

It's pretty much like Daiso Japan, but all the items in store are P50! 

In terms of selection, they have a wide range of items from food to home essentials to toys to electronics to other knick-knacks that you don't need but will eventually buy because of the price. I'm speaking from experience since that's what happened to me.

After my less than 15 minute walk around the store, I left with a big box of items! The best buys for me include the plates, saucers, bowls, dishwashing liquid and snacks!

It was a super experience that I'll probably do again soon.

Rise to the Happy Occasion

These words that are said during Easter Sunday are words that always brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Four words that are full of joy and hope. The same joy and hope that we feel on the day of Christ's resurrection.

Happy Easter!

Vigil Mass Memories

This is the 3rd time that i’m attending the Easter Vigil Mass online.

While the feeling is very different compared to attending Easter Vigil Masses face-to-face, there’s still a sense of community even I’m just behind the screen.

And as each of the 7 scripture readings are read, I can’t help but remember our Easter Vigil Masses with Mark at the Franciscan Chapel Center. An activity that’s well-documented and well-talked about on my blog.

One of the highlights of tonight’s Mass was the baptism of an adult. Again, the brings back memories of Japan where adults are baptized during the Vigil Mass. 

When Mark was still in Urasa, we even witnessed the baptism of a 90-year old woman! That was truly heartwarming to watch.

Hopefully, next year, Mark and I will get to relive our tradition and attend Mass in Roppongi again. The thought of the woman singing “Go down Moses” in her strong and well-rounded voice is enough to make us want to witness it again.

FMM: Love and Sacrifice

It's Good Friday once again.

We were taught the relevance of this day at a very early age. My grandparents were very religious, and they would explain to us kids the meaning of Good Friday. Whilst they forbade us from playing, laughing, swimming, running around - basically having fun, they told us that it's a small sacrifice considering the huge sacrifice that Jesus did for us.

Because we were taught early, it was something that I personally carried with me until my adulthood. That's why Holy Week is usually a time of reflection, and a time that we really thank the Lord for what he did for us. 

Sacrificing His life was the ultimate and most selfless act of love for humanity.

And that love inspired this Friday Magic Madness song on Good Friday. 

"I Love you, Lord," is a song that we'd sing a lot during our choir days - not just on Good Friday - but even on Sunday masses. It's a song that professes our love for the Lord, and thanking Him for everything he did. Something that we should take to heart, not just on Good Friday, but everyday.

Here's to a meaningful and Blessed Good Friday to everyone.

Maundy Kondo

Back in 2019, also in April, the Holy Week was upon us and the quiet time was spent fixing stuff in my room and doing a bit of Marie Kondo-ing.

Today, on Maundy Thursday, that same activity is back!

The afternoon was spent decluttering my room, including checking out my closet for jeans and trousers that haven't been used for quite some time. And to get more use and mileage for them, I've set them aside and we'll send them to our relatives in Bicol.

Here's this year's haul:

My process this year was to take similar jeans (wash, design, distress, etc.) and streamline to just 1 or 2 pairs of the same type.

Now, my jean closet is a bit less crowded, which is gratifying to look at.

Tomorrow, it's time to Marie Kondo my shirt closet.

Mamah Mia!

There are many iterations of the "Try videos." Although the "Try guys" series is probably the first one that I watched.

Recently, I've been binge-watching the "Mexican Moms Try..." series on the Mamah youtube channel. It's a series that has 2 to 3 Moms from Mexico trying everything. From Mexican classics like Pan Dulce and Aguas Frescas, to international snacks from all the different continents.

Including Asia. And the Philippines!

It's such a joy to watch this series. And the Moms are super nice! They remind me of our "Mexican Mamas" when we stayed in Mexico - including Nora, Betty, Rosie and Guada.

Watching this makes me want to go back to Mexico and meet Lucy and Xochitl in person! I'm sure I'd enjoy trying new food items with them.

P.S. Xochitl is on the money with the Shrimp Chips. That's my fave, too!

Marching on

The past few weeks, i’ve been looking for the April 2022 cover of InStyle. I’m interested to know who’ll be fronting their swan song issue.

Strangely though, I can’t.

The last cover that pops up online is the March 2022 issue. Grading it is the effervescent actress who’s fronted many an InStyle cover.

Kate Hudson

Makes me wonder if the March 2022 issue is the last one.

If it is, Kate is definitely an apt cover girl for effortless style.

For Your Information

Today is April 11. Or in numerical terms, 4/11.

And it's a date that has some relevance in American slang.

The numbers 411 mean "information." 

Example: "Hey, do you know the 411 on the upcoming sale on Target?"

In case this is the first time you're hearing about "411," that's the new piece of information today!

Make some noise

This was back in 2018.

Movie houses were showing this preview of a choir film entitled "Joyful Noise."

As a former choir boy, this film piqued my interest. Aside from the theme, it featured 3 of my favourite singer/actresses: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah and Keke Palmer.

Strangely though, this film was never shown on the big screen. The reason behind that has always been a mystery, and I'm still looking for that film on Netflix or streaming services to this day.

Until I find the full film, let me just watch excerpts from the film, including this very heartfelt rendition of "Man in the Mirror." This was performed by Keke Palmer and the choir. And they did it beautifully!

As the character Randy just said: make some noise for this performance!

Life in Mono

Nope, this isn’t a post about the song by “Mono.”

But to make things clear, I like that song.

The “mono” on this post is about the innate chicness of monochrome outfits.

Observe:

This Khaki ensemble has a sense of utilitarian chic to it. Aside from the color, the cargo pants add to that vibe. The top is from Shopee while the pants are from Bench.

And for something more chic and Audrey Hepburn-esque, time to do a monochromatic outfit in black.

The top is the same design as the khaki one, and it's from the same shop on Shopee. For the pants, this one is from the Elizabeth & James x Kohl's collaboration. You can never go wrong with Mary Kate and Ashley!

Who would've thought that you can get so much fashion from just one colour.

  

FMM: Precious Moments

During the past 2 years, mainly because of the pandemic, one of the most relevant songs is the 1974 classic from Three Degrees. 

Everyone knows this song. Everyone has sung this song in a videoke joint. (Especially for people in our generation.)

The song? "When will I see you again."

This is a question that the SMC gang has been asking each other. And while we regularly see each other on Zoom, we've always wanted to see each other face-to-face. See each other's smiles. Hear each other's voices - not through the computer. Catch up, just like old times.

And tonight, it finally happened! 

It was a get together that we just talked about the night before. Then, it actually happened. Which is proof that "the best plan is no plan at all."

And like the song lyrics state, seeing JKLM (Jing, Kin, Lu-Ann & Maricar) is truly a precious moment.

Nice to see you all again!

We live for Olive (Garden)

One of our must-visit restaurants whenever we're in the US is finally opening its doors here!

Yes! Olive Garden is opening in Manila!

Before this, the closest place we'd get our Olive Garden fix was on Guam. So, having some place that doesn't require a plane ride is awesome.

After reading this article, I started daydreaming about their pasta dishes and their breadsticks.

Hurry and open soon, Olive Garden!

Meals with Mark: Yahoo Yabu!

One of our "regulars" that Mark and I have been talking about the past years is Yabu.

This is one of our go-to eating places, and it's one of our faves and fool-proof choices.

The last time we had Yabu was early 2020, and we've been longing to eat there again.

And yesterday, we did!

Yahoo for Yabu!

From Nakano to Ninongs

Back when Mark was still living in Tokyo, we’d often hang out with Kris.

Our hang outs would vary from the 4th floor common room at IH2 in Nakano, to the cafeteria in GRIPS, to random restaurants around Tokyo. Oftentimes, we’d exchange stories, insights, and plans, especially when they finish their PhD and go back to the Philippines.

When they all came back, we met up with Kris many times. That includes their wedding, friend’s weddings, holidays and a list of other occasions.

And last weekend, another occasion was added to that list.

Mark and I were asked by Kris to be ninongs to their first born - Baby Kai!

We’ve definitely come a long way from Nakano.

Printed Matter: Postcard Perfect

Because traveling is still limited these days, it's always nice to see different countries - even in prints.

Case in point, this nice postcard print of Bali in Indonesia.

What's even better is that this print is something that you can carry with you everyday. 

It's actually on a dress from the Summer 2022 collection of Plains & Prints entitled "Picturesque."

The print, the design, the fabric - everything about this dress is so perfect!

Which makes it an equally perfect choice for Ate. (That's why I bought it for her.)

Disco Queens

Awesome music knows no generation. That's a fact.

Here's even more proof to that.

Gloria Gaynor is a disco icon way back in the 70s. Heck, everyone danced to "I Will Survive" and "Never Can Say Goodbye."

Kylie Minogue is a disco icon from the late 80s until now. Heck, everyone danced to "I Should be so Lucky" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head."

And these 2 disco icons broke their generational barriers and dropped this collaboration.

Gosh! They both look and sound ageless. Which is what real music queens are like. Being a fan of both these artists, watching this song is 2 times the thrill!

Looks like there's going to be a new disco LSS in my mind starting today.

Two years in the making

Speaking of meetings that are more than 2 years in the making...

Our last face-to-face ManCom was early March 2020.

The last time we celebrated Richard's birthday face-to-face was even longer than that.

But yesterday, this finally happened!

Not only is the ManCom complete, we celebrated Richard's birthday to boot!

As expected, we had more than 3 hours of wonderful catching-up stories. And it was awesome to see everyone in one room again after so long.

Looking forward to more of these ManCom meetings soon!

FMM: Going Loco

I’ve said this before, i’ll say it again: “Sometimes, the best plan is to have no plan at all.”

The past 2 years, there were plans to personally meet-up with some of the Melrose folks, but while most of them have been able to see each other, I'd always be busy or absent. Thus, I haven't seen them since January 2020!

Today, while doing a quick mall run at SM Megamall to buy a gift for Baby Kai, lo and behold, Fiesta and LG were also there!

And because the 3 of us were there already, we naturally went to eat at the place we were talking about last week during Patis' birthday.

El Pollo Loco!

In honour of this fun and unexpected meeting at El Pollo Loco, today's Friday Magic Madness is a 1987 classic - and the first major international hit of Kylie Minogue:

Yes, let's do the Loco-motion since we're in El Pollo Loco!

Here's the the next - and planned - meet up.

What a Cat-ch

Our compound has a number of resident cats. Some of them are owned by the homeowners, and some are strays that jump in and out at their own convenient time. 

But whatever type of cats they are, one thing is sure. These cats are SO CUTE!

Just like these 2 that I caught while walking around the compound.

This is Chase. The cat who just love to sleep in the middle of the road, unmindful of passing vehicles.

And Enzo. The fat cat who loves to interact when you stop and engage him.

Ah yes. Cats are so cute!

Suave move

It's common knowledge that in the US, the gold standard for hand wash products is Bath and Body Works. That's why it's no surprise that whenever I'm in the US, this shop is part of my itinerary.

The scents of Bath and Body Works are top notch, that's why they're so irresistible.

And as the old adage goes, "Imitation is the best form of flattery." Which is probably why this brand is latching on to the popularity of the number 1 brand.

This hand wash brand is Suave. It's a brand long known for their shampoo and body wash, and it looks like they want to get a piece of the hand wash pie.

Well, let's just say that their strategy worked. Here's proof:

Yup, these were my impulse purchases at The Landmark. Driven mainly by their "Bath and Body Works" promise.

Very suave, Suave.

Transform-ative

My first Transformer toy was Sideswipe. He was a red Lamborghini Countach, and he was one of my favourite car characters along with Jazz and Wheeljack.

My Sideswipe was given to me as as a gift by my classmate, Cholo. And I still remember the ultimate thrill and joy I got when he handed that iconic, black Takara box which housed that toy.

That was more than 30 years ago, and a lot of things have changed since then. My Transformers collection was eventually given away to my cousins in the province. My interests shifted from robots to other things. My fandom for the franchise waned, especially after the movie series.

But last week, more than 30 years after I received my 1st Transformers toy, this was given to me:

It's the iconic, black Takara box - updated to the current times - and housing a Transformers car! Getting this brought me back to my HS days.

Transformers toys are really a transformative experience.

Shoe-biz

Interesting piece of trivia from mi prima, Esther. My nephew, Marcos, is an aspiring cobbler.

She showed me his shoe creations, and the boy has talent.

Because of that, I gave him a book on different iconic shoes and the shoe designs that changed the way they're made.

Then, my cousin asked me if I could find shoe tools that he can use. And because of the proximity of Marikina, I was able to.

Hopefully, these will inspire him to make more beautiful shoes soon.

Spain is Plain

Plains & Prints, that is.

It's no secret that my sisters are huge Plains & Prints fans. But now, they have a new set of international admirers.

My cousins from Spain!

I gave them Plains & Prints dresses as a going away present, and they loved, loved, LOVED them!

The Plain is now in Spain!

At ease, Patis!

It’s a few weeks late, but tonight, we finally got together for the virtual Birthday celebration of Patis!

Just like our Birthday girl, the get together had an ease and relaxed vibe to it. Peppered with excitement from Kahoot and the “Name that Tune” game.

Hopefully, our next Birthday get together will still have the same ease, but in person.

Happy Birthday Patis!

FMM: Yeah Yeah

Since we're on a Spain-streak, today's Friday Magic Madness is still inspired by memories of Spain.

It was in 1986 and Tita Evelyn and Tito Agustin visited Manila, this time with Yoly in tow. Back then, Yoly and I were just kids, and since we were the same age, we naturally hung out together a lot.

While we were at National Book Store in Quezon Avenue, we wandered to the music store where they sold cassette tapes. Yoly quickly turned to me and said she wanted to buy a tape of the "Yeah, Yeah" song.

Not knowing what the "Yeah, Yeah" song was, I had to probe and ask what the song title was. Because of the language barrier, it was a challenge. She just kept on singing "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah."

After a few minutes, I finally got it! This was the "Yeah, Yeah" song she was talking about:

"Edge of Heaven" by Wham! A song that I liked as much as she did. So much that we eventually bought 2 tapes - one for her, one for me.

Yeah, yeah! She was right about this.

Two weeks noticed

For some people, 2 weeks seem like a long time.

But what I've noticed - and something Mark would always say - "Time flies when you're having fun."

And for the past 2 weeks, we really had a lot of fun with my Tita and cousins from Spain.

We had so much fun that we didn't notice that 2 weeks had passed and it was time for them to fly back to Spain. Today.

Fue genial pasar tiempo contigo. Te veo de nuevo pronto!

Feliz Cumpleanos adelantado!

When I was booking Raffles for my Spanish relatives, the reservations person asked me: "Is there a special occasion that any of the guests are celebrating while they're here?"

That's when I remembered that my cousin - Yoly - celebrates her birthday in March. In particular, March 27!

That's a few days shy of their flight back to Spain. But that didn't stop us from celebrating early and greeting her in advance.

Feliz Cumpleanos adelantado, Prima! Glad that you were able to spend part of your birthday here with us!

Converse-ant

With this blog as a witness, the early 2000s were my "Converse years."

Back then, I'd have pairs upon pairs of Chuck Taylors and Jack Purcells, and would wear them on a daily basis. When HKG was my home, this was part of my uniform - Converse, ripped jeans, button down and pull-over.

It was in the 2010s when a doctor - yes, a doctor - suggested that I change my shoe brand from Converse to New Balance. He said that since I'm an avid walker, New Balance has more cushion and is better for very long walks. 

That's the reason for the shift, and I've been an NB guy since.

But that NB streak is broken this week. 

My niece, Alejandra, sent a pair of Converse to my nephew, Kevin, direct from Spain. But when Kevin tried it on, it was just too big! So, they asked me to give it a shot and try it on. Surprise, surprise, it fits like a glove!

So now, a pair of Converse x CDG has found its way into my shoe rack.

Welcome back, Converse!

Missed you, Mass

It's been almost 2 years since I started hearing Masses online. 

Due to the pandemic, most of the face-to-face Masses were limited. And with the changing guidelines, it was more convenient and consistent to hear online Masses.

But yesterday, almost 2 years since I started hearing Masses online, this happened:

Finally! I attended the Mass at Greenbelt Chapel!

Honestly, it was such a heartwarming homecoming that I was teary-eyed while the Mass was ongoing. Greenbelt Chapel is where Mark and I would usually hear Mass whenever we're in Makati on a weekday or weekend.

I missed this so, so much.

Back to the beginning

Yesterday, while waiting for the BCN crew to finish their nail spa appointment, I walked around the area to see what's changed and what hasn't.

All that walking lead me to this place:

Republic Glass Building is where I began my advertising career. I was a Copywriter Trainee at Adformatix at the age of 19, and that's where my eyes were opened to the wonderful world of advertising. And the person who opened my eyes was no other than my first and best mentor - Sir Conrad!

Looking back at where my career started and where it headed, it made me smile and made me happy to go back to my roots.

When life gives you Lululemons

While accompanying my Spanish cousins around the malls, I'd break away from the group and do a bit of shopping on my own.

We brought them to Surplus Shop, which is one of my favourite haunts, and they were happily surprised at the merchandise and prices of the items there. Which isn't a surprise, really.

They hoarded on active wear because they really liked the selection and prices of the available items. Especially these Lululemon active wear tops.

They couldn't believe that it was less than 5 Euros each! 

Needless to say, I had to buy some for Ate as well.

That's what you get when live gives you lemons. Lululemons, that is.

FMM: Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

Yup, I called it!

Today's Friday Magic Madness song was inspired by yesterday's post on Laura James!

Presenting Christopher Cross' 1983 hit, "Think of Laura."

As they say, once you think it, you do it!

Think of Laura

No, this isn't a song about Christopher Cross' iconic song. 

Let's be clear, though. I'm so into that song. In fact, it just might be my FMM song tomorrow.

But I digress.

While watching the Netflix film "A California Christmas: City Lights," one of the antagonists quickly caught my eye.

She looked very familiar - and I spent a bit of time thinking where I saw her first.

Then, it hit me!

It's Laura James! My favourite model - and eventual winner - of the College Edition of ANTM!

It's so good to see her on screen! And she was very engaging in this film.

Can't wait to see her in more movies - both on Netflix and on the big screen - soon!

Mystery, revealed!

After more than a year of wondering about the mystery statue in SM Megamall, I finally saw the actual and uncovered art piece!

And no, it wasn't Henry Sy Sr.! It's a sculpture by Filipino-American artist JEFRE, and is entitled "Time."

Can't wait to drop by SM Megamall and see this up close. While I've read about the sculpture online, it would be good to find out more about the concept and story behind this revelation.

Hermanos y hermana, Primos y Primas

Whilst the group might not be as big as the one in 2013, getting together with our family from Barcelona is always heartwarming and smile inducing.

Last night, the 4 original Morales siblings were able to have a reunion after a decade! 

Along with them, some of the 2nd generation Morales', including myself, also made sure to get into the action. While this is just a fraction of the Morales Primos y Primas, each one of us had humongous enthusiasm to fill up the room.

As the night was wrapping up, the conclusion was resounding. We should do this again - on a bigger scale - soon. Whether it's here in MNL or in BCN.

That's something to look forward to.

Grand dame

One of the great things about these reunions are the photos that are shared between cousins.

Esther told me that she found a lot of old family photos in Tita Evelyn's house. Since these were old-school printed photos, she scanned some, she took photos of the photos for some others, and she showed them to me while we were having our impromptu "house party."

Among the photos that really made me smile was this photo of my Grandmother, Lola Dita, when she was younger.

This photo is actually framed at their condo in Sitges. I saw this when I visited that place more than a decade ago. Looking at it back then, it was clear that Lola was a very classy, elegant woman. And that's how I always remember her, someone who's always well-dressed, well-mannered, and classy.

She was truly a dame.

The Spanish-Chinese connection

There's one constant each time my relatives from BCN come home to the Philippines.

Chinese food!

They're huge fans of "Comida China." In fact, they have a favourite "Restaurante Comida China" in their neighborhood in Deu y Mata.

That's why when they're here in the Philippines, one thing that we always do is have our reunion dinner at our go-to place - Peking Garden!

And that's what happened tonight:

Aside from enjoying their Hot & Sour Soup and Peking Duck, they thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the Tios, Tias, Primos, Primas y Sobrinos.

The last time we did this was almost 9 years ago. And just like what happened in 2013, our hearts and tummies were full when the night wrapped up.

Some things never change.

State of the Art

Trust Plains & Prints to keep local fast fashion followers excited to dress up for summer.

They just dropped their Summer 2022 collection which is a collaboration with 3 young and dynamic artists.

Since they started sharing teasers for this collection, I've been watching out for it on their website. And now that they've shown both the Lookbook and the actual clothes, they're so beautifully illustrated and well-designed.

I'm looking out for - and buying - the ones made by Soleil. Her art style and aesthetic are both feminine and powerful.

This truly is wearable art!

FMM: Le Chick

In celebration of my Tita and cousins from Spain finally visiting Manila after many years, let's have a Friday Magic Madness song that will fit the bill perfectly.

This classic song from 1973 is a popular song at Jazz bars. There's something so effervescent about the tune, instrumentation and overall feel of the song.

The song I'm talking about is Chick Corea's classic, "Spain"

We should find a place that plays this song and ask the family to go and listen to it. That will be a double dose of Spain in one go!

La familia es amor

The last time we got together with all my cousins from Barcelona was in 2013.

And tonight, fresh from their flight from BCN, we finally got together with Tita Evelyn, Eve, Cristy, Esther and Yoly again!

Es bueno verlos a todos! 

Fashionable Farewell

The past years have seen print publications migrate to the digital platform.

With more and more people spending time online and less people going out to by physical publications, the move is expected.

Locally, Summit Publication - once the biggest publisher of magazines - shuttered down all their physical magazines and came out with digital editions. This was sad news for me because I'm a huge fan of their mags, buying Cosmpolitan, Preview, Yummy, Esquire, among many others, on a monthly basis.

Now, another fashion fave is also about to bid adieu. They announced this last month, much to my disbelief. But it's now a done deal, and it's something that I'll have to accept.

Yup, my go-to InStyle is printing its last issue by April 2022.

It's another end of a fashionable era. And this time, I'm hoping that I'll really get to grab a copy of the magazine from the US.

Choosing Churros

Because it's been ages since my last mall visit, eating freshly cooked Churros is something that my palette and tummy are missing.

Whether it's La Lola or Dulcinea, there's nothing like piping hot Churros that's fresh from the fryer. Then, you dip this crunchy and soft creation in chocolate and other flavored dips. Yummers!

Good thing, now we don't have to go to the mall to get this experience. Thanks to this newest discovery:

Ready-to-cook Churros!

We're definitely going to have this for merienda soon!

Yes, he's Grand!

Today is Lolo Iking's birthday!

After almost 2 years, I was able to visit him in Loyola to greet him on his special day.

Today, and everyday, I thank you for watching over us and guiding us. You are and have always been a wonderful Grandfather to all your grandkids, and that's why we're grateful and blessed to have you.

Happy Birthday, Lolo!

Wanza-pon a time

One of the dresses that Plains & Prints came up with during its Holiday 2020 collection was this sculptural dress with color blocking detail that was both simple yet elegant.

The dress was called “Wanza.”

I’ve been meaning to buy that dress, but i’d always be derailed by another item and would end up buying the other piece of clothing.

Then last week, I went to Zalora’s site and found out that they still had the Wanza there. At 50% off!

So, that’s the reason why I didn’t buy it in store at regular price. The sale was waiting for me.

There’s really a perfect time for everything.

Panda-monium in Manila

Whenever the family goes to the US, Panda Express is one of our go-to places. In fact, I've written about them in this blog several times already.

We were excited when Panda Express finally opened in the Philippines, but never got around to eat there.

When they first opened, the lines were so long and it was such a chore to wait for the crowds to subside. Then, a few months after they opened, the pandemic happened, so getting there even became a bigger challenge.

But thanks to food delivery services, we finally got our Panda fix last week.

Of course, the experience of eating Panda Express in the actual restaurant is way, way better than having it for take-out. But in the meantime, this will suffice.

Let the Panda Express pandemonium begin!

FMM: Vacay okay!

The past 2 years, the thought of travel wasn't on top of the minds of people. With everyone asked to stay at home and indoors as much as possible, the thought of going out - especially out of town or out of the country - was farthest from people's minds.

Now that the borders are slowly opening and people are starting to travel again, we're seeing more and more relatives from abroad finally pushing through with their plans to vacation in Manila.

Yesterday, my cousin from the US dropped by the house. Next week, my relatives from Spain are finally visiting after 3 years.

And because of these vacations happening, my Friday Magic Madness song for today was inspired by this little factoid. And as people go on vacation, then it's time for The Go-go's "Vacation."

This 80s ditty has so many happy feels. From the beat to the instrumentation, to the joy of the singers. It really makes you want to pack your bags and fly off to a vacation somewhere.

Hopefully, it'll be our turn to vacation soon.

Caught!

There’s something about those online GIF games that ask you to catch an item in the middle of an outline. Whenever I see one, the tendency is to stop and play.

And often, I catch them in one go! Just like this fish!

This, then, is the catch of the day!

Ash you like it

It's been 2 years since I last heard physical mass in honour of Ash Wednesday.

As much as I hoped that this year would be the year I would, unfortunately that didn't push through. We were hoping that the Townhouse association would organize a mass and ash-laying within the compound, but they said that the church was busy, too.

Good thing ASC had a virtual Ash Wednesday mass today, so I was able to keep the tradition, albeit online.

Hoping that for Palm Sunday and the rest of the Holy Week, we'll all finally be able to attend masses IRL.

MMFF: My Meyers Film Fest

Continuing the habit of playing a film in the background while working, today's choice of films were some of my sort-of-oldies-but-goodies-faves.

The first one is "Something's Gotta Give," which features wonderful acting from the great Hollywood duo of Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton.

The second one is "The Intern," which features an unusual pairing of 2 Oscar winners - Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway.

While the credits were rolling for "The Intern," that's when it hit me.

Both films that I watched today were both from Nancy Meyers!

Gosh! She really knows how to make films that are intelligent, relevant and feel-good. 

What Nancy Meyers film should I watch next?