(Har)vest bet

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Clover Chips.

The taste and crunch of their classic cheese flavour is so familiar and comforting. It was one of my go-to comfort food during my expat days in HKG.

Apart from flavours, there hasn't been anything super new about Clover Chips. 

Or is there?

Yup, there is! Clove rChops has this Cassava chips variant called "Harvest." And it has a sweet and sour flavour, too!

Tried it, and it's good! It has the same Clover texture, but there's a certain difference with the crunch. And while sweet and sour isn't a common flavour for snack food, this one works.

This is going to be part of my snack rotation, stat.

From spreads to jams

Another month, another party organised by the creative team.

Since it's October, we wanted to do something related to Oktoberfest, but not too obvious.

Thus, Oktober Jam.

It's probably the longest party we've had so far. It extended until after midnight ,which is testament to how much everyone enjoyed it.

This jam was a success!

Start spreading...

Not the news.

Just spreads.

Making spreads was my activity this weekend. Armed with stuff from the kitchen, was able to put together these 2 spreads.

The first one was the classic tuna spread, while the other is an herbed chicken spread.

Despite the fact that it's been a long while since my last spread making activity, these turned out to be good!

LFLTAT: Resort to this

Here's another yield from the SM Megamall sale.

And because it's a sale, you can be sure that it's a look for less than a thousand.

The dress is from Coco Cabana, which is The SM Store's resort wear line. Actually, they have a lot of nice clothes - both is style and in prints. Mom has a couple of Coco Cabana clothes in her closet.

But this particular dress is for Ate Bullet. It's a linen dress in an olive green hue, and the halter neckline is what makes it very interesting. The slides aren't from SM but from The Landmark. It's a brand called Shooz, and this jute slide fits the resort vibe of the dress perfectly.

All you need is a beach and this outfit is good to go.

LFLTAT x Color Story: Caramel Cool

There was a dress in The SM Store that caught my eye the moment it was brought out a few months ago. It was a caramel coloured shirt dress with an interesting pleated overskirt that ties in front. It was so classic and chic, and would add a touch of sass to any closet.

Strangely, though, I never got around to buying it. The dress magically disappeared from their shelves.

Now, I know why.

At the recent SM Megamall sale, the dress was back, and it was 70% off!

And after checking out Solemates, which is one of SM's house brands, saw a pair of caramel coloured flats what would look great with the dress.

Thus, today's cool outfit was born.

What' cooler is that this outfit added up to only P698!

You gotta love SM!

FMM: Sue me

The first time I heard the song "Turn the beat around," it was the Gloria Estefan version. Thought that she was the original artist, until a few years after. That's when the discovery happened - it was a remake.

The original was first published in 1976, by a talented singer named Vicki Sue Robinson.

Later on, this song would again be popular, thanks to "Pitch Perfect."

Yet more proof that a great beat is timeless.

Zimms familiar

Was at one of my haunts when a brown dress which had an embroidered, eyelet like pattern caught my eye.

The reason it caught my eye was the fact that it looked very, very, very familiar. Something it nm said" "You know this dress. You've seen in before."

After a little while, an epiphany happened and the mystery was solved.

This was the dress:

This is why it looked familiar.

It's a Zimmerman dress that passed by my feed after viewing the brand on Net-a-Porter.

And this has to be my best buy for the month.

Back it up!

This is my current favourite youtube video that's been playing on repeat.

And repeat.

And repeat.

It's so simple, clever and super funny!

Don't you dare walk away from this comedy gold.

(Gula)man of the hour

Since the afternoon merienda is now part of the daily routine of the Park Avenue seniors - with my Dad as enabler - thought of contributing something to their merienda spread.

And here it is!

Yup, made gulaman and sago. 

Happily, it was a hit.

Will do this again soon.

Hopia agree

Durng my trip to Divisoria, saw this small stall that sold hopia. 

What drew me to the hopia wasn't the product itself, but the packaging.

It's a beauty!

It has that very strong Chinese-retro vibe - from the paper colour, tot he ink, to the font style - it was so traditional. But because it was so traditional, it felt modern! The beauty of contrasts.

The hopia inside was bigger than the usual hopia, and each variant had a crunch which tasted like kundol.

While it won't dislodge Holand as my fave hopia, this is worthy of being part of the repertoire.

Meals with Mark: Holy Khao

Mark and I have a goal to try all the restaurants in One Ayala, and lately, we've been covering a lot of ground.

We've eaten at all the Bistro Group restaurants, we've done Chili's, we celebrated his birthday at Tong Yang, and we also did the rounds of the restaurants inside the mall like Stuff'd, Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Dalmoro.

So, when we had lunch yesterday, our question was: "Which resto haven't we tried yet?"

Then we realized that that we haven't eaten at Khao Khai, which is a Thai place. 

Since ti's been almost (or maybe a) decade since our last BKK trip together, we decided to give it a shot.

And it did not disappoint!

The Kra Paos were very flavourful and really had legit Thai flavours. Mark's only comment was that it could have been spicier. I would have agreed to the comment, but I ended up biting into a couple of small chillies. 

The Thai Iced Tea was also good, so was the crispy tofu.

Looks like this won't be the last time that we'll eat here.

Color Story x LFLTAT: Season of Grays

So, it's the SM Megamall 5-day sale, and it's obvious that there will be a lot of LFTATs that can be created from the finds in that sale.

True enough, was able to snag a look that wasn't only a "Look for less than a thousand," it also falls under a "Color Story" post. And here it is:

This is such a classic, chic, a bit British, a bit Thom Browne and all affordable. 

The pleated gray skirt is from Uniqlo, and the sweater top is from The SM Store. Together, this look just rang up to P989.

But yes, it looks much, much, much more expensive than that.

FMM: Waxing sentimental

There's an ad for a dance concert called "Legends," and it features iconic dance groups from the 70s to the 2000s. Among the headliners are Penthouse 7, The Aldeguer Sisters, Wea Dancers, Vicor Dancers, among others.

It makes me wonder if Beat Culture is going to be part of that concert. They were a popular dance group in the 80s, and their dancers were very young and hip (in the 80s, at least.) They would make the rounds of variety shows, they they were best known for their dance routine set against this 1986.

"Right between the eyes" by Wax was actually a very popular song back then. It had a lot of airplay, and it was a mainstay in parties and discos. I'm not sure if the song became popular because of Beat Culture, of if Beat Culture became popular because of Wax's song.

But whatever the case may be, this song continues to be as catchy and fun to listen to, even if it's almost 40 years old.

Berry intrigued

Apparently, Snickers has a berry option!

As a berry lover, this definitely caught my eye and eventually bought a few pieces to try.

Verdict: it's good, but the berry flavour could have been drummed up some more. If it had something like berry jam or berry bits inside, that would have made this Snickers berry good.

Very good, I mean.

Ikat it out

While browsing the on-line shop of Lovito (which I really shouldn't do very often), I came across this nice denim dress.

It's made of a dark wash denim, but the denim itself was light and falls beautifully. There's a lot of seaming action in front, which gives it a nice shape. But looking at it for an extended period of time, it felt like the dress could use a little something to lift it.

That's when this Ikat belt came in.

I've always been a fan of Ikat prints. And this belt was a purchase from years ago. It's been sitting in the stash for a time, and this was the perfect opportunity to bring it out.

And with that, this look is officially lifted.

Fresh(ness) in my mind

Yes. I'm old enough to know that Freshness Burger was once here in the Philippines.

Their first shop was near Makati Cinema Square, which was fitting because it was where all the legit Japanese restaurants were. 

Then, they opened a branch at the 6th floor of Shangrila Mall, and I used to eat there with Mark if we wanted a legit Japanese burger.

Quietly, it disappeared. Maybe the concept was ahead of its time.

So, I'm hoping that with Mos Burger and Masajiro Burger in MNL already, they'll follow suit and reopen here.

That's a fresh idea.

Masajiro lies in you...

The Japanese brand invasion continues in MNL.

Another iconic burger brand just opened its first store in Glorietta 2.

Yup, Masajiro burger is here.

With Mos Burger and Masajiro Burger now in the Philippines, the triumvirate of good Japanese burgers is almost within reach.

Hopefully, Freshness Burger goes back to the country soon. That way, the trio will really be complete.

Hall of Fame

Annie Hall remains to be one of the most fashionable and most iconic characters in Hollywood.

And only Diane Keaton had the personality, style and gravitas to pull this character off.

She has so many films that are on my fave list. Who can forget her other Annie - from the "First Wives Club," and Erica from "Something's gotta give." Diane gave these characters both depth, humanity and humour - qualities that made them unforgettable.

Now that she's gone up to the Hollywood in heaven, that's what she'll continue to be.

Unforgettable.

Cat Calling

Here's one of the reasons why going to school on Saturdays is a lot of fun.

These 2 cute cattaters - sometimes more - are always hanging outside the faculty area. They're usually there, just looking cute. 

Seeing them is a great way to start the day.

FMM: In the Flesh

Let's go alternative rock for today's Friday Magic Madness song.

They weren't wildly popular, nor were they a household name. But in our household, they would often play this 1987 hit from the British band called "Flesh for Lulu."

This song, entitled "I go crazy" was a mainstay in dance parties in the 80s. There was something about the song that made it so easy to sway to. 

Actually, I'm swaying now just listening to it.

Coat me on that: Feeling Phillip

Something about this coat reminds me of Phillip Lim.

It might be the vibrant colours and joyful prints. Or it might be the fact that the print reminds me of his collaboration with Target.

Whatever it is, this coat is enough to make a statement.

Coat me on that: Coming up roses

Everything's coming up roses.

Particularly this coat.

I'm actually surprised that they have a coat this chic and cheap at The SM Store. 

The material is neoprene, which is why the coat holds its shape. There's a bit of flounce on the hem, and the sleeves have this bubble detail. So much chic-ness in one outerwear.

Coats like these make me wish that the weather in the Philippines be more coat-appropriate.

Coat me on that

Here's something that you don't normally find at The SM Store.

Coats!

But surprisingly, they have a couple of nice coats in a section where you won't expect to find them. At their house brand section.

Actually, there were a lot of nice coats and it was difficult to choose which one to buy. But after much thought, the list was narrowed down.

First up, this cocoon coat.

The shape of this coat has a nice arc. The sleeves follow the shape, it's also curved. This combination of curves and arcs is that makes it distinct. And what balances it out is the fact that the fabric and colour are very classic.

This is sure to elevate any outfit.

More and more Monday Moods

Another Monday, another cat that captures the vibe.

Why can't we all just be like this cat?

When live gives you (finger) lemons

This is my current snack obsession.

Julie's Finger Lemon Sandwich!

No kidding, this biscuit is SO GOOD! It has the right blend of sweet, tart and creamy.

Gotta stock up on these at home.

Eek!

For the Nth time, it's "Sneak Peek" and not "Sneak Peak."

Proofreader, please!

FMM: Hair ye! Hair ye!

"Hair" is one of those old musicals that produced so many iconic songs. 

My awakening to this musical came in high school when our choir master - Sir Jun Ortega - asked us to perform "Aquarius." Before teaching us the song, he gave us a background on the song and musical, and from then on, the choir peeps would have listening sessions dedicated to the songs from there.

Today's Friday Magic Madness song is from "Hair." But what makes it special is that it's not the original artist, but a rendition made by a Filipina singer.

This version was performed by Sahlee Quizon, who is one of Dolphy's daughters. In 1971, she did her own rendition of "Good Morning Starshine." The first time I heard this song was in a CD entitled "Hits from Yesterday" by Vicor Records. The songs in that CD were so fun, memorable and cheesy - which made me buy it and love it even more.

So, this Friday morning is a good morning, thanks to this song.

The Boss

Nope, this isn't a Diana Ross post. Though I've posted about that iconic song of hers already.

This is about one of the shows I've been binge-watching on youtube recently. An inspirational series that chronicles work life in the US and the challenges that workers face. The company's bosses work undercover to get to know employees and their stories, and the employees get a surprise for their hard work.

The show is called "Undercover Boss."

I've watched full episodes, and I've watched condensed ones like this. Whether it's long or short, there's always a feel-good feeling after watching it.

Thank goodness there are shows - and bosses - like this.

Foods for thought

For the Nth thousandth time, people. Adding "s" doesn't make "food" plural.

Proofreader, please.

Building Blacks

You can never go wrong with an all-black outfit.

Whether it's a combination of classic or trendy pieces, if it's all black, it's automatically becomes elevated.

This outfit was built around this pair of sporty ballerinas from Bershka. 

To complete the outfit, we paired it with a mock-turtleneck top from RAF and a skirt from ForMe.

Together, it created this sporty-feminine ensemble that Ate will surely rock.

More Monday Moods

Mondays are the first day at the office.

But you'd rather be doing this.

Yes, sometimes you wish you could just be a carefree cat.

WATN: Pied Piper

One of my most favourite film lines is from a 2002 B-movie comedy starring Piper Perabo. 

The line was:

GIRL 1: (Shouting) CAN. YOU. SPEAK. AMERICAN.

GIRL 2: She's French. Not deaf.

The film was "Slap her, she's French."

Piper Perabo was on-track to becoming Hollywood's next It Girl. With her looks, charm and acting skills, she headlined big films like "Coyote Ugly," "Imagine me & you," and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2." Whether it was a comedy, a heavy drama, or an action film, she just shone.

That said, I'm missing seeing her on the big screen. While she's been doing some good TV work like "Yellowstone," it's about time that we see her in a Hollywood film.

Fly guy

One of my dreams as a kid was to become a flight attendant.

Being a huge fan of flying, the idea of traveling from one country to another by air was such an exciting proposition. It also helps that I'm a fan of traveling as well.

Of course, that didn't happen. But whenever I'd see male flight attendants in my flight, the thought of "what could have been" always crosses my mind. Also, I'd live through them vicariously.

So, when this feature popped up on my youtube feed, an instant connection happened.

His story is so inspiring. Imagine, being a flight attendant for 46 years! And he looks like he loves his job, and loved it until his last flight. Based on his interview, if he didn't get sick, he'd probably still be flying.

That's dedication. That's love. That's an awesome flight attendant.

FMM: Hold it!

There's a sudden urge to listen to Toto today. Thank goodness it's a Friday.

So, let's play a 1978 Toto hit for today's Friday Magic Madness song.

"Hold the line" is a song with a very nice balance of rock and pop. While the instrumentation is bordering on slow rock, the singer delivers it in a way that it has that pop element to it.

This is a nice song to hold on to on weekends.

This idol has talent

Everyone predicted that Jessica Sanchez would win the 11th Season of American Idol in 2012. She had the strong vocal chops, the personality, and the marketability to make her a singing superstar. 

She eventually finished runner up to Phillip Phillips.

Now, 13 years after, she gets her well-deserved victory on another stage - America's Got Talent.

This is one of those "never denied, only redirected" stories.

Gap's Groove

Historically, music and dance are integral and inextricable parts of Gap's commercials.

There are a number of Gap ads through the decades that have caught my eye and I'd often play on repeat. That list includes the Claire Danes and Patrick Wilson from 2007, Madonna and Missy Elliot in 2003 and in 2001 with Daft Punk.

And that trend continues this year, thank to Katseye.

While I"m familiar with Katseye because of the Netflix documentary, the thing that got me hooked on this commercial is Kelis' "Milkshake." This was such a huge hit in 2003 and was one of Toni's fave songs.

Now, let's see if this ad will bring the shoppers to Gap's yard. 

St. Pio's power

To the Saint who has been my guide, strength and saving grace, a blessed Feast Day to you.

Happy Feast Day, St. Pio de Pietrelcina!

So long, Cinta

If you're a Pinoy in HKG, chances are, you know Cinta-J.

This is an institution, and a must-visit whether you're a local or a tourist.

Cinta-J is a restobar. They serve good Pinoy food. They have a live band. They have a karaoke bar. They have comedy nights.

in short, it's everything we Pinoys are known for - all packed in a single place. 

The last time we went here was in 2017, during our family visit with Ate Bullet, Biboy and their respective fams. Glenda brought us here after dinner, just to get the Pinoy experience in HKG.

And it's with shock and sadness that this place is going to close after 42 years.

As the owner said in the interview, this isn't "goodbye," just "see you later." And it's with anticipation and hope that I'm waiting for the next location and incarnation of Cinta-J.

Delightful Decades

During yesterday's GA for the CommSoc, they asked the students to come in outfits from different decades.

Most of the students came in 80s garbs, followed by the 90s and 00s. Some came in as far as the 20s, and 60s, but the most popular decade was probably the 80s. 

One student came as Cyndi Lauper and she got the look down pat.

The funny thing was the fact that the students called them "fashion flashbacks," while in my case, these are outfits I've seen and lived through. 

Yup, I'm old.

One-derful

Last Tuesday, our baby Saabers turned one. And last Thursday, we celebrated it in the most popular - and Pinoy - way.

Through a Jollibee party!

Without fail, it was a hit among kids and adults alike. That's how universal Jollibee is.

Happy Birthday, Saabers!

FMM: Fewer Forever

Now, even the small Forever 21 store in SM Makati is closed.

More and more, it's getting difficult to look for Forever 21 stores here in the Philippines. 

Since they're owned by the SM group, some of them are creeping in to SM Department Stores, just like in Cubao.

It's a far cry from when they launched. Huge stores, some even 2-storey stores.

Guess it's true that nothing lasts forever.

And on that note, here's today's Friday Magic Madness song.

Get it? "Forever"?

Thanks, Kenny Loggins.

Okay, Pine (apple)

I've seen many KitKat flavours, but strangely, this is the one I'm most intrigued about.

KitKat Pineapple!

It might be because of the fact that I'm a big fan of pineapples on everything. Yes, even pizza.

I'm only going to be fine after trying this.

Forever (Tong) Yang

Today is Mark's birthday, and it's our 19th year of celebrating it together.

We were walking around One Ayala, looking for a place to celebrate his birthday lunch. We passed through our usuals (Friday's, Chili's, Italiani's, etc.) and considered new places (The Fat Seed, Ikinari Steak.)

But then, we passed by Tong Yang, looked at each other, and we instantly knew that it was where his birthday lunch will be.

Of course, he got his lunch for free. So, there IS such a thing as a free lunch.

Cheers on your special day, Mark!

Happy Birthday!

Nuggets of Wisdom

My newest Milo obsession is thanks to Mark.

Milo Nuggets!

This was his pasalubong from his last SG top, and it's a product that apparently has been in SG for the longest time. 

So, why is this the first time I'm tasting this flavour bomb of Milo coated in Milo flavoured chocolate!

Better late then never, as they always say.

KAWS and effect

Uniqlo is really upping its game.

Look who their new artist-in-residence is.

I'm a fan of the KAWS collaborations for UT. And with his new role, he can further stretch the artistic bounds of the brand.

Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Wait a Seconds

Apparently - and quietly - another one of my favourite Korean fast fashion brands has a store in MNL!

8 Seconds is part of the triumvirate of fast fashion shops that's always in my itinerary whenever I'm in Seoul. The other 2 are Top Ten and SPAO.

After Top Ten opened this year in Gateway 2, 8 Seconds opened its first store in MOA. This is probably why the opening was unknown to me. It's just too far!

But knowing that they're open, I can't wait to visit their store soon.

Living on the edge

Or "Sleeping on the edge" would be a better description.

This is our compound cat. According to the guard, this is how he really sleeps. While there's space above him, he chooses to sleep at the edge of the cabinet.

Apparently, he already fell a few times. But each time he falls, he goes back up and assumes the same sleeping position.

It must take the edge off.

FMM: It's Gurvitz

Here's another song that reminds me of my childhood. Particularly weekends in our lanai, lazing around and just listening to old songs. They're such good memories that this song deserves air time once more.

This song by Adrian Gurvitz has a perfect title. "Classic."  Hard to believe this song is more than 40 years old, it first went on-air in 1982. But listening to it now, it still sounds fresh and can measure up to all the pop songs and ballads that are on-air.

Because that's what this song is. It's a classic.

To the Mak's

Mak's Noodle is my go-to place in HKG for Wonton noodles.

In fact, a visit to HKG isn't complete without dropping by for a bowl there. Whether it's a 5-day trip or a layover, Mak's has to be part of the itinerary.

Now, that experience is possible even without leaving MNL!

Yes! Mak's Noodle is opening in Megamall!

Exciting times ahead.

Can do

It's been a while - a long while - since I last collected something for a promo.

And these can-shaped Coca-Cola tote bags are a good reason to go back.

I've been collecting caps of Coke, Royal and Sprite in order to redeem these. Got 2 designs so far, and will get the Sprite one soon. Hope 7-11 stocks up on all 3 designs again soon.

The things we do for cute things.

Bruce Almighty

Nope, this isn't a post about that Jim Carrey film.

It's about my first foray into buying blind boxes.

Saw this series called "Monday Bruce" at the KKV store in Gateway 2. Basically, it's a figure series that captures the sentiments of people every Monday. And it's dramatised through a bunny and his friends.

And this is what I got.

So much cuteness. And so much realness.

(Though I'd never spill a drink on anything on my desk.)

Birthday Blessings

Today is Mama Mary's birthday.

Thank you for being in our lives and always being a source of strength and guidance. Our lives are better, richer and blessed because of you.

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

Take it back

There are a lot of words that sound the same when spoken, but very different when spelled. This often causes confusion, especially when it's time to write down the word,

Here's a good example:

It's obvious that they meant "racerback."

Proofreader, please.

Strip Tease

There's something about 80s and 90s cartoon theme songs that make them super memorable.

Among the many songs that continuously plays in my mind is the theme song from the late 80s cartoon series - "Comic Strip."

The concept of this show is just like its namesake. In the 30 minute episode, there are 4 mini-episodes of 4 different cartoon shows. My favourite? TigerSharks, of course.

Netflix, please bring this show back. Please.

FMM: Just to Share

According to my folks, this song was one of the songs that I'd sing as a wee-little boy. And when they say "wee-little," it was toddler-levels.

The song is entitled  "My Fair Share," and is a 1977 classic from Seals and Croft.

Honestly, I don't remember singing this as a kid. Maybe I was too young back then. But listening to it now, I'd say that it's a song that/s definitely up my alley.

Printed Matter: A walk in the park

Luneta Park, to be exact.

This print is the one that really caught my eye when they introduced the Plains & Prints x Marc Nicdao "Manila" collection.

It's a print of the Luneta Park, particularly the Rizal Monument. It's done in a monochromatic way, and the red and blue mix gives it a 3D glasses vibe.

The print was in a couple of items, but the skirt was the one where the print was best utilized. The white background made the print pop-out a lot, which is what made it more impactful. And since the skirt had impact, a simple, white top is enough to complete the look.

This combo knocked it out of the park!

Exotic Taste

Almost forgot about another interesting find from our SG trip.

Apparently, Hershey's has a line called "Exotic/" It was my first time seeing that variant, and this particular one was the one that most caught my eye.

Raspberry and Goji berries. In dark chocolate.

Divine.

And yes, it's as good as it looks. The berry flavoured centre was chewy and bursting with flavour. And the dark chocolate was rich and a bit bitter, which offsets the berry flavour.

Wish they would also carry this in MNL.

Not Yakee at all

Miokins - the coffee shop in our office building - came out with this nostalgic line of drinks that they called "Balik Tanaw." It took inspiration from childhood candies, and turned them into drinks.

Ordered a fruit drink inspired by my fave gum ball - Yakee!

It's an interesting drink with a very tart taste profile. The addition of the gum balls give it added sourness, as well as something to chew on after.

Ah yes. The kid in me is happy.

On cue

It never fails.

When September 1 hits, all these come out.

The Christmas season has officially begun. Especially at SM.