Seoul for the Soul

Myeongdong Cathedral is one of the places that I never fail to visit every time I'm in Seoul.

From the first visit until today, it has this calming presence in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the area. Each time my trip coincides on a Sunday, hearing mass here is on top of the agenda.

When Mark and I dropped by last 2 Saturdays ago, they didn't have a mass and the Cathedral was closed in preparation for the anticipated Korean mass. 

So, we just stopped by the grotto instead.

Of course, we lit some candles to thank Him for this opportunity to travel together and spend a few days there.

We'll definitely hear Mass at the Cathedral the next time we travel to Seoul.

LFLTAT: Say Crochet

While Mark and I were roaming the underground mall in Myeongdong, there was a stall that sold a lot of outfits that were straight out of K-dramas. Summer and spring outfits, at least.

In one stall, a dress on the rack immediately caught my eye. This was despite the fact that it was sandwiched in between other dresses. 

It was a white dress with puffy sleeves, and it came with a crocheted vest.

Rushing to the stall, it turns out that the dress was one-of-a-kind and they don't have others like it anymore. Unique - check!

The price? It was just W15,000! That's less than P700! Affordable - check!

That's how a random underground mall walk led me to the first LFLTAT from Seoul.

And it's not the last.

FMM: Modern Soul

When the New Wave music wave was in full swing in the 80s, my older siblings would listen to it a lot. Whether it was on a cassette tape or playing on WLS-FM 97.1, I'd remember afternoons when these upbeat ditties would fill the air.

One of the more popular bands during that decade was Modern Talking. This German duo had several global hits that were 80s anthems. I mean, who doesn't know "Brother Louie," right? If you're from our generation, you'll know this song.

While the Seoul hangover is still there, today's Friday Magic Madness song is an homage both to Seoul and to Modern Talking. Cue "You're my Heart, You're my Soul."

Even if you listen to this 1984 song today, it won't sound out of place. The instrumentation, synth, and beat still sounds current now as it was then. Amazing considering the song is almost 40 years old.

That's how modern 80s songs sound.

Meals with Mark: Dynamic Duo

One of the most popular food combinations in Seoul is the "Fried Chicken & Beer" combo.

Whether it's in a  Kdrama or IRL, you always see scenes of people indulging in this duo. And whenever I'd catch a glimpse of them biting into those crispy pieces of fried chicken, it makes me want to indulge in it myself.

That's why Mark and I didn't miss the chance to do like the South Koreans do and eat at a chicken & beer restaurant.

Actually, there's this popular spot in Myeogdong where the chicken and beer restaurants are lined up in a row. The first time I ate there was in 2019 with the production peeps, and it took me 3 years to come back, this time with Mark.

We chose the place with the least number of people and settled on a table inside the restaurant, but near the doorway to get the outdoor feels.

Just as it is in the Kdramas, this duo enjoyed the fried chicken and beer duo a lot!

I Chouxs you

Whenever I’d pass through the Lotte Department Store food court, there was a shop that was noticeable because it always had long lines,

The shop was called OPS and is a French bakery. 

You can actually smell butter wafting from their area, making me very curious about the shop and what they had to offer. But from the window, you can see a wide array of breads and pastries of all shapes and sizes.

A day before we left, I decided to drop by and finally check it out. It turns out that their specialty is Cream Puff, and almost everyone in line had a few of them on their tray. So, that’s what I bought for Mark and me.

After taking my first bite, it was clear why this was their bestseller.

The Choux pastry is so delicate and it was so easy to bite into it. It was buttery and subtly sweet. The filling? Divine! Rich, creamy, but not too heavy or overly sweet. 

Was planning to bring some home, but our flight was in the morning and OPS was still closed when we left.

Next visit, I’ll definitely be back and buy more of the breads and pastries there. After all, there’s so much to choose from.

Seoul Food: the 2022 edition

Any trip to Seoul will not be complete without a trip to their convenience stores and trying the local fare.

There's a 7-11 near our hotel, so for lunch, I skiddimarinked on my way there with the intention of getting something quick and Korean for lunch. 

As expected, there was a plethora of choices. But yes, a choice had to be made. Which led me to these:

Of course, Onigiri should be in the mix. This is Kimchi Rice Onigiri. Yum!

Then, there's chicken barbecue Gimbap. Yum! Yum!

And to drink Dr. Pepper! Yum! Yum! Yum!

You can never go wrong with Seoul Food. Even the ones from 7-11!

Meals with Mark: Return to Lotteria

The first time that Mark and I ate at Lotteria together, it was back in Tokyo. 

They had a branch in Miraikan and we ate there after visiting the museum.

Now, 10 years after that, we're back at Lotteria - in Seoul, no less.

That makes this fast food joint one of those places that we've eaten in different countries!

Family First

Nope, this isn't about that networking company which was so aggressive in the early 2000s. Yup, the same company who's people we'd actively avoid at the malls. 

This is about how the family got together to celebrate my birthday after 3 years!

Actually, in 2019, we spent my birthday dinner at Novotel in Araneta Center. And yesterday, we spent it at the same hotel, with the same family members - Mom, Dad, Ate, Ray, & Mark.

With family. That's how birthdays should be spent.

And Seoul makes six!

After Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, Mark and I were fortunate enough to travel to another new country together.

Annyeongsaheyo, Seoul, South Korea!

Of course, part of the itinerary is to visit Myeongdong Cathedral to thank Him for the blessings of this travel opportunity, among many others.

It may have been just a few days, but I'm glad for this trip as Seoul Mates!

FMM: Soulful

Dream Team

This is how badly I’ve been dreaming and wanting A&W Rootbeer float.

Yup, I bought and finished 2 in one sitting!

It’s a dream come true!

A&Wwwwwww

 No. My eyes do not deceive me.

It’s really true.

It’s really here!

A&W is one of my first stops whenever I go to JKT and BKK, particularly for their Rootbeer Float. And now, it’s in MNL.

No more plane rides to enjoy this classic. Gotta go to Burger King. Stat!

Lean, mean (Micro) Machine

Micro Machines were a big part of my toy collection, especially during high school.

And today, it felt like a bit of my childhood came back.

Hello Micro Machines! Great to see you again.

Taco treats!

After 3 years, the townhouse finally held the annual trick-or-treat activity!

The kids were undoubtedly excited and came out decked in their best costumes.

But my favorite part was our neighbor’s cute dog - Taco. He gamely manned their candy station, and it was really a treat to see him taking part of the festivities.

It really was a treat!

Very Keen

Looks like Ate really liked the “Peachy Keen” outfit.

She wore it just a few days after she got the ensemble,

Ate definitely has a keen sense of fashion.

To a T!

Finally, it’s here!

Was really curious about the “White T-shirt” scent of Bath and Body Works, and i’m super psyched that I was able to get one.

This smells so awesome! It reminds me of some of my fave scents like Clean Cool Cotton and Clean Cotton T-shirt. It’s also reminiscent of those soapy colognes that Mark and I would check out at Yodobashi  in Akihabara.

Looks like i’m Going to wear this White T-shirt everyday!

FMM: Wizardry

One of the highlights of our Bicol trip was spending the afternoon walking by the bay with the fam plus my 2 cousins who we haven’t seen in a while.

What made that walk even more magical was this rainbow that was very visible that time.

This inspired today’s Friday Magic Madness song from 1939. Yes, 1939!

It’s a song from the classic film“Wizard of Oz,” and beautifully sung by the incomparable Judy Garland. A masterpiece that you can experience “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”

Ah yes, both the rainbow and Judy Garland’s voice are works of wizardry.

Familiar places

While driving around Legazpi, the lines from the popular Tears for Fears Song was playing in my head. But instead of familiar faces, all around me were familiar places.

Like St. Agnes Academy.

This is our sister school in Bicol. Becky and I went here for a talk before, and we’ve been meaning to come back to do another.

Then, there’s Seadog. 

This is one of Rico’s restaurants. My students and I ate here more than 5 years ago during our Bicol field trip. Their pizza is great and we had a lot of fun.

Seeing all these places make me enjoy my Bicol trips a lot more.

Weave got it all!

Dad and Mom have a new fave shopping place in Bacacay.

There’s a general merchandise store called Divisoria Mart. True to it’s namesake, they have almost everything you need at very affordable prices. From food to cooking ingredients, clothes to shoes, wares for the kitchen to the bathroom to the living room - it’s all there.

When we went there, the folks binge-bought Christmas decors. They now adorn our house in Manila and our cottage in Bicol. During that shopping trip, there was this plastic outdoor dining set with a woven pattern that was so nice. And it would really look good in our cottage by the beach.

Surprise, surprise, it turned out that Dad bought it went we went back to Manila.

We’ve got the same taste in things, Dad and I.

In the mix!

DJC Halo-Halo is another Bicolano icon.

Originating from Tiwi, this halo-halo is a tradition for Bicolanos. Their first shop is near the church in Tiwi, and families would hire off to eat this after mass.

What made this novel was the generous amount of cheese in every glass. This adds a savory touch to the usually sweet concoction.

Amazing how something traditional can change by adding something new to the mix. 

Childhood Churches

Albay has a lot of beautiful churches. That’s a fact.

What makes them even more beautiful is the fact that they hold cherished memories from my childhood. From hearing masses to watching processions, from spending Holy Week to participating in Flores de Mayo. Each church has a distinct memory.

Memories that came back after setting foot on 2 of those churches again.

First, the St. Rose de Lima Parish in Bacacay.

Second, the Church of St. Lawrence the Martyr in Tiwi.

The churches - and memories - are as wonderful now as they were then.

Be Cool

After 3 years, it was great to see Albay again!

It’s my first time to fly in through the new airport. And they’re right in saying that it looks so nice and notches above the old Legazpi Airport.

This makes it a really cool homecoming 

Hawk-ing it!

Whoa! Hawkman will be making an appearance in "Black Adam!"

I'm a huge Hawkman fan. I've written about it here before, when all the kids were dreaming of becoming Superman, I'd rather be Hawkman.

As one of my all-time fave DC Heroes, I'm looking forward to him flying into the big screen.

FMM: Elbow Room

One of the bands from the 80s that has a very unique and distinct name is Elbow Bones and the Racketeers. Bet you haven’t heard of a name as differently cool than that.

But yes, they’re an actual band. 

Just like their very catchy name, the group had equally catchy hits. In fact, their big hit from 1983 is one of my favorite songs. 

Actually, I was already working when I first heard “A Night in New York.” The first time I heard it, the song stuck in my mind because of its mix of big band and swing. It’s something you can easily sway or dance to, whatever you’re feeling at the moment this song plays.

This is a great song. No bones about it.

Shirt time

Clean Cotton T-shirt was one of my all-time fave scents. That’s why I was bummed when they discontinued it.

Recently, I discovered that Bath and Body Works launches this scent sometime this year:

They have a White T-shirt scent!

Why didn’t I see this when I ordered by Bath and Body Works stash from the US?

Gotta get my hands on this. Stat!

Nifty Nineties

Back in the 90s, wearing a white t-shirt inside a dress was all the rage.

My Ates were big fans of this look. Ate Lissa had this favorite ensemble consisting of a white t-shirt worn inside a spaghetti-strap floral dress. She had it in several hues and prints, but it’s the black floral dress that I remember the most.

These days, the look seems to be coming back. Not surprising since fashion usually has a cycle of 2 decades before trends come back.

Yesterday, I wrote about this nice, white t-shirt from Elizabeth and James for Kohl’s  that was part of the “Bermuda Triangle.” Today, we use the same shirt for a more 90s outfit.

It’s now worn inside a cream-coloured knit dress from The Landmark. The cable-knit of this dress adds much needed texture and plays well with how plain the shirt is. It also updates the look from being to 90s to more 2020s.

Amazing how versatile a white shirt can be.

Bermuda Triangle

No, this isn’t about things disappearing into thin air. It’s actually about finding things.

Back in the 80s, everyone knew what “Bermuda Shorts” were. They were the uniform of the preppy set. The length was somewhere in the middle of knickerbockers and roller girl shorts. They had a safari-vibe to them, especially when they were in neutral hues. Just this:

They’re very easy to wear and also very easy to style. The vibe changes with the simple switch of a top, And instead of 2 top options, we have 3!

The first is a Simply Vera Vera Wang Top that I snagged at Surplus Shop. It has a comfy and loose silhouette that looks great when tucked-in the short. It has a bright salmon colout that makes the outfit pop.

For something more muted and classic, the same top is available in a gray hue. This is an example of how a slight colour change transforms the vibe of the outfit.

The 3rd option is an homage to the safari roots of the shorts. This time, it’s paired with a plain, white tee from Elizabeth and James for Kohl’s. The yellow scarf, also from the same brand, gives it a much needed splash of brightness.

With this pair of very classic shorts, it’s so easy to triangulate a perfect outfit.

Bicol bites

There are 2 baked goods from Bicol that automatically transport me to my childhood.

First, there’s Marcasotes. It’s a traditional chiffon cake that’s served during fiestas and birthdays. Second, we have Budin. This is a pili cake with a small pili nut on top.

And last week, I was finally, FINALLY, able to take a bite of these 2!

It tastes as good as ever,

Color Story: Peachy Keen

The color peach, much like the fruit it was named after, is very refreshing. It’s very cool on the eyes, sweet without being too saccharine, and you can look at it for an extended period of time without getting tired of it.

That’s why i’ve always liked clothes with this hue. 

Peach dresses give out this very summer and girly vibe, but peach can also be very strong and powerful. Just like this ensemble that i’ve put together using varying shades of peach:

The knit top is from Surplus Shop, the soft blazer is from Promod, and the trousers are from The Landmark. Together, this looks like a power suit set, but with a feminine twist, thanks to the color.

Ate will surely be keen to wear this.

Boss moves!

Back in the 80s, one of the shows that I'd stay up to watch was an American sitcom entitled "Who's the Boss."

The reason I'd watch it religiously was Alyssa Milano. She was so adorable as the smart and sassy Samantha Micelli. Judith Light was also a joy to watch as Angela Bower. And let's not forget the headliner, Tony Micelli, played by Tony Danza.

Recently, I've been wondering how the cast of this classic show are doing now. Providentially, this video popped up on youtube.

It's so good to see the cast together.

And they all look good! Like a boss, really.

FMM: Newton's Law

Since yesterday's post was about Santa Maria Novella, our Friday Magic Madness song for today is a natural progression.

Back in 1979, there was this very campy but fun song that filled the airwaves. It was so campy, it was used in an iconic scene of a local comedy film.

The song? "Santa Maria!"

This song from Newton Family is such an ear worm, there should be a law against it!

Novel Novella

What 4711 is to Germany, Santa Maria Novella is to Italy.

This is one of their oldest colognes and was originally made by Nuns in Firenze in the 1600s. It became a tradition to make these perfumes, and they’re still in the market today.

The first time I tried this was during a Europe trip I. The early 2000s. I liked it back then and I still like it now.

It’s such a novel story that adds so much character to the scent.

Buy the Hudson

For Fall 2022, Target is collaborating with some insider labels that have a cult following. One of these labels is a designer i’ve been following - Sergio Hudson.

His clothes have that balance of strength and femininity, and it’s easily seen in his designs. And seeing his collection for Target, his capsule collection has the same DNA as his main brand.

My fave from this collaboration is this fuchsia ensemble consisting of a cropped jacket and tailored trousers.

Gosh! If I were in the US, i’d definitely run to Target stat and buy this!

LFLTAT: White out

At the last sale at SM Megamall, dropped by Forever 21 to buy some Christmas gifts. While I was there, my eye was drawn to this white t-shirt dress with a very chic high neck and a ruched hem.

It’s the quintessential classic white shirt with a twist. And it was on super sale!

Then, I was checking out the CLN website and saw this pair of white sandals, also on sale.

Together, this very clean and classic ensemble rang up to less than P700!

That’s white done - and bought - right.

Suit yourself

Ate Bullet is seriously into shorts these days.

Shorts have become her go-to uniform when she works at the coffee shop. But she also doesn’t want to look too casual, so she’s always trying to find ways to make her shorts look more polished or dressy.

Good thing I found this short suit ensemble.

The belted shirts and blazer are both from The SM Store. I love how chic and classic the cut and color are. Then, the inner shirt is this cute and clever oversized shirt from ForMe. It makes the whole look less serious and a bit more fun.

This really suits Ate so well.

Isn't it romantic?

The first time this song was introduced to me, it was last year when we were doing our commercial for YumYum. Since the story was a cute, fun and wholesome love story, we wanted a soundtrack that was equally cute, fun and wholesome.

As our discussion progressed, the song "Romantic Sunday" was floated as a possible peg. This song is a Korean ditty which is part of the OST of the hit drama "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha."

While the song was indeed catchy and an ear worm. But after the TVC was completed, I didn't think of the song that much.

Last week, Ate Lissa and I were talking about K-dramas, and she mentioned "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" again because it's one of her all-time faves. Out of curiosity, I tried watching an episode on Netflix.

That was a "eureka" moment! Now, it's easy to understand why Ate likes this show a lot. And now, hearing the song in the context of the program, I have a better appreciation of the song.

It really is romantic. (And today is a Sunday, so it all works out.)

LFLTAT: Prep’s Cool

Back in the 80s, preppy or prep, was the rage in fashion.

It was the era of pique shirts, khaki pants, culottes, baggy shorts, knitted vests, argyle socks and many others. Back then, during “civilian” days in school, everyone would be dressed up in their best preppy wear

With this in mind, I was able to put together this LFLTAT that captures that preppy vibe.

The top is a pique shirt from Bench, particularly the Lesley Mobo collection. I paired it with these loose shorts with an asymmetric detail and a built-in belt from The Landmark.

This ensemble rang Just cost a total of P850 to put together.

How cool is that?

FMM: That's Hott

Our family grew up with swing music.

Most of the most memorable songs of this genre are from the 70s. From the iconic swing songs like "September" from Earth, Wind and Fire, to "Never Can Say Goodbye" from Gloria Gaynor, to "Sumayaw, Sumunod" from VST & Co.

One of the more underrated swing songs is this ditty from 1979. It's a classic and catchy song from Hott City:

Yes, it was with a double "t."

"If all you wanna do is dance" is a song that my Mom, Ate, Kuya and Tito would dance swing to during family parties. And because it's an 8-minute song, you can imagine that people will really be dancing this until they go home.

Back then, I liked this song for the beat and catchiness. But listening to it now I'm older, the lyrics are very cheeky and fun.

More importantly, it will really make you think that all you wanna do is dance.

Of teas and trees

Citrus Scents and Tea Scents are among my favorite smells.

The smell of tea - green tea in particular - reminds me of Tokyo and the times Mark and I spent there. Citrus scents - and i’ve written about this before - reminds me of growing up in Lolo’s Calamansi farm in Bicol.

So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that I ended up buying these 2 perfumes:

Part of the Replica collection, Matcha Meditation is a scent that’s inspired by Tokyo, and Under the Lemon Trees is an homage to a lemon farm. No wonder they really caught my eyes and nose after trying them.

Scent memories. You can never go wrong with them. 

Those who do, Teach!

Happy Teacher's Day to all the hardworking educators in the Philippines and all over the world!

The earliest teacher I remember was Ms. Sy, the kind and effervescent owner of Learn & Play school where I studied Kinder and Prep. Then came my teachers in Grade School, High School, College and Graduate School - most of who I still remember until now. 

Then, there are teachers who became colleagues in the academe as well. That was twice the fun.

Teachers have always been an important part of my life. Not only did they open my mind to things around me and instilled the love for learning, they inspired me to become a teacher myself.

Another Chans

Yellow Cab Pizza is another one of Mark and my “regulars.”

When we’re there, our usual order would consist of Charlie Chan Chicken pasta, Dear Darla Pizza, and - at times - a side of wings or potato wedges.

We haven’t eaten at Yellow Cab in years! And I miss their pasta already.

That’s why for today’s lunch, this is what I had delivered:

Charlie Chan Chicken pasta!

I couldn’t order our other usuals because I was the only one eating. But the next time Mark and I end up eating at Yellow Cab, we’ll order the whole shebang!

We’ll save that for another time.

LFLTAT: French flair

One of the quintessential French outfits - especially in films and TV shows - is the jumper and striped shirt combo. This is usually worn by women, usually paired with a beret and a cross-body bag.

With that image in mind, I pulled together today’s Look For Less Than A Thousand.

The top is from Surplus Shop and the jumper dress is from an overruns shop on Shopee. Together, this ensemble cost me just P550 to put together.

It might not have a beret and bag, but this outfit has that Parisian flair down pat.

Falling Plat

”Platform” should be an easy word to spell, right?

Wrong. Well, at least according to this site.

Proofreader, please.

(Paper)bag lady

This might be an unpopular opinion, but paper bag pants conjure images of relaxed chic.

Some people find them too loose and baggy, but that's where its charm lies. Something that looks so effortless, but at the same time, well-thought of. This style is actually very popular in Japan and South Korea - even more than 5 years back.

That's why when I saw this really nice pair of paper bag pants at The SM Store, I grabbed it immediately. 

To make the look even more easy and thrown together, a loose, Snoopy print shirt from Uniqlo is the perfect partner for this.

Together, it'll make the wearer look like an carefree and fashionable lady.