Coco(pan)-tastic

Aside from their breads, this is the other reason for my regular runs to Cocopan.

Their Milo Overload is worth the trip back. It has the right amount of sweetness that complements the malty goodness of Milo. 

Price-wise, this is also the most value-for-money compared to other stores that sell Milo drinks.

Because of that, my Cocopan trips can now be filed under: "Come for the breads, stay for the Milo."

How sweet it is

Nope, this isn't a James Taylor post.

It's about Toni's latest creation.

I'm amazed at the creativity and work ethic of my niece. Since she introduced her Sweet Tones brand, she's been working non-stop, taking orders, making cakes and chocolates, all while continuing her content creation.

Her latest product - her chewy cookies - are a hit. Heard that it sells out quite fast, so I'm lucky to have gotten a few pieces for the house and to give to a student.

After trying it, I'm not surprised why it's popular. It's really, really good!

Here's to more sweet, successful products like this!

FMM: What's in a name?

Listening to music for decades, one of the things that would always amuse me are songs whose titles aren't "obvious."

Most songs would have titles that reflect their chorus. Or an opening line. Or a repetitive stanza. 

But some are totally left field, which makes the ditty more interesting.

Case in point is today's Friday Magic Madness song.

Because the words "Hey, you're such a pretty boy" is repeated over and over, you'd think that would be the title. 

But no.

This ditty is "What's your name?" which is another iconic hit from Depeche Mode.

Pretty cool, eh.

Meals with Mark: Meals with Mak

Having eaten at Mak's noodles in HKG several times when I was still living there, I wanted to try their first branch here. With Mark, of course.

Knowing how the original tastes like, was curious to see if they could accurately replicate it here in MNL. 

In summary, they did.

The broth was rich. The noodles, firm and bouncy. The wonton, packed with both filling and flavour.

What was different, though, was the price. Compared to HKG, Mak's here was on the pricey side.

While this won't be a regular for us, it's probably going to be a place we'd go to once or twice a year.

(Terence) Stamp of Approval

I was today years old when I found out that Terence Stamp was in the 1st Superman film.

Yup, he's General Zod. And if not for this video that crossed my feed, I wouldn't have known.

Imagine, he went from General Zod to Bernadette Bassenger in "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."

Now that's super!

Curious combination

I'm fond of lemonade.

I'm fond of caramel.

But would I be fond of them together?

I'm interested - yet reluctant - to try this.

Maybe next time.

Sidewalk sleeper

Another Monday, another shot of this adorbz office cat.

Seriously, this cat can sleep pretty much anywhere. 

Today, he found himself nestled comfortably on the sidewalk in front of our office steps.

Can't we all be just cats?

Friends of Long Standing

I've read somewhere that you meet some of your best and most lasting friends in High School. 

Gary was one of those friends for me.

We met in freshman year. I was new to LSQC, having just transferred from Claret the year before. Was also part of the cream section, and most of the students in that section already knew each other since grade school. Initially, it felt like I'd be the odd man out.

But thanks to Gary, that feeling never happened. He welcomed me and we instantly became friends. 

We'd hang out in school, and we'd hang out after school. His house was near LSQC, and we would sometimes hang-out at their house. Eventually, Dimpy joined us and the 3 of us would be constants. Dimpy's house was the other place we'd hang out after class.

Aside from their homes, our adventures would take us far. Well, far considering that we were in high school and in our early teens. Among my fond memories with Gary and Dimpy was the time we went to Makati and geeked out at the big National Bookstore there. Gary and I would also go to Quiapo to have photos developed and to buy magazines.

When college came, we both ended up in UP, albeit in different colleges. Despite that, we'd find ways to see each other on campus. During our CMT, we we're both in the Sunday battalion, which meant hanging out more often.

Then, we graduated. While we didn't see each other as often, we'd find time to meet up.

Eventually, Gary moved to the US. Despite the difference in time and distance, we always kept in touch. (Thank you, technology!) Whenever he was in Manila, we had to meet up. When we did, he'd usually have a stash of pasalubong, or he would bring the stuff that I'd ask him to buy from the US.

In 2019, Gary asked me to organise his parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary. Since he and his 2 sisters were al in the U.S., and the celebration was here in MNL, he trusted me enough to put everything together. And that meant a lot.

Last time we saw each other was before Christmas. He was home for a visit, and we had our usual Christmas get together. He brought a stash of Trader Joe's mini totes. We talked the possibility of meeting up in the U.S., and maybe even get together with another H.S. friend, Arvin.

Unfortunately, those plans won't push through. 

Last Friday, Jing Jing messaged me asking if she could call. I already felt that what she'd be calling about wasn't good news. When she eventually called, she asked if I was sitting down. Yet another indicator.

That's when she broke the news. Gary was gone.

It was a shock. It still is a shock. There was no inkling that our December lunch would be the last. Part of me is sad that those get togethers won't happen again. But part of me is glad that we were able to see each other last year.

Thanks for being a friend, Gary. For being one of my first friends in LSQC HS, and in the decades after. You'll be missed.

Vaya con Dios.

Saturday Surprise

Went to school on Saturday, and was supposed to ask where my trophy could be claimed.

But instead of me looking for the trophy, it was the trophy who came to me. Delivered by my students from both last semester and this semester.

It was such a pleasant surprise! And it came with a cake, too.

It just gets better and better.

FMM: Teacher's Special

Since we're talking about teaching, this classic 1984 song suddenly popped in my head.

It would make a great FMM song for today.

This song by "38 Special" was a song I'd hear back when I was still a kid. Back then, I didn't pay attention to the lyrics or the message. Was just hooked by the beat at the repetition of the title "Teacher, Teacher."

Watching it again now, I learned that this is from a film entitled "Teachers." Gosh, I didn't see that coming. Hahaha.

Now that I'm a teacher, this song hits different.

One of the best surprises

It began with a message from Vanie. She asked if I've been told about my nomination as Best Lecturer in the school's institutional awards for faculty. My reply was" "No, this is the first time I'm hearing this."

Cut to the next day. This happened.

Apparently, I'm the Best Lecturer! This is such a cool and awesome surprise!

Too bad I wasn't able to receive the award since there was a work meeting at that same time.

Actually, teaching and interacting with students, school faculty and our school administration is reward enough. So this award is icing on the cake.

Elements of a celebration: The Invite

When we finally decided to have a celebration for my parents' 60th wedding anniversary, one of the first things Dad asked me was if I'd do the invite.

Of course I'm doing their invite!

Using my advertising background, my parents suddenly became clients and my role went from being their son to being their creative director.

Dad and Mom had different visions for the invite. Dad wanted something casual and fun, and his mandatory was a moustache graphic. Mom said that it was still a wedding, so it had to look elegant.

So, the brief was clear. Casual, fun yet elegant.

And after 3 studies, this is what they both approved.

Compared to their 40th and 50th wedding invite, this one is a lot more fun! And it captured what Dad and Mom wanted. 

Client approved!

Color Story: Foxy Browns

Brown is a colour that always has a space in my shopping basket, and eventually, Ate Bullet's closet.

For me, it's just like black and white clothes - you can't have too much of it.

That said, here's another outfit inspired by this hue.

The top is an interesting piece. It's made of a suede-like material, and it has a boxy fit. Trust Zara to come up with something as fashionable as this. The skirt is from Landmark, and it has an interesting texture - it reminds me of those foldable Chinese lanterns. And the sneakers are also from Zara, a pair of brown sneakers that have a soccer vibe.

This mix of textures and shades make this brown ensemble a standout.

LFLTAT: Nylon is now!

From kids wear to teens wear to adult wear, it looks like the nylon-ish fabric is making its presence felt in fast fashion.

At first, this utilitarian fabric was used for streetwear essentials like parkas. Then, it transitioned to more every day wear, like the nylon dress at Uniqlo. Then, they started showing nylon coords for kids. Then, there was nylon everywhere.

Recently spotted this nylon skirt at The SM Store. It was a parachute style skirt made of nylon material. It had cargo details, and the bottom half was detachable. Very well-thought of details. 

The best part is, it was 50% off! So, even after pairing it with this muscle shirt from Human - also 50% off - the total outfit rand up to just around P700!

Further proof that a little nylon, and a thousand bucks, can go a long way in fashion.

Feeling great!

It's always great to go back to Bicol, even if it's for a very short, weekend trip.

It's also great to be able to hear mass at the church that holds a lot of history and memories for me.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral is where we used to hear mass when we'd go to Legazpi as kids. This is also where my uncles and aunties got married. 

Another great thing? The officiant of today's mass was my classmate in UP! Fr. Raleigh was my classmate in MA, and our class was BC201 under the late Prof. David. Those were fun times.

Needless to say, it was a great weekend.

Aye, Aye, Admiral!

Mark had this week-long planning at The Admiral Hotel, and went there yesterday to have breakfast with him.

It's been ages since my last visit to this hotel, and was so surprised at how much it has changed!

Now called "The Admiral Hotel M Gallery," they've renovated and - true to their name - it's now like a gallery filled with art. 

The ceiling alone is a work of art - a stained glass masterpiece with different iconic Philippine scenes. And cascading down from the ceiling are paper pieces with the baybayin. Splended!

The rooms are super nice, too. Mark's room had this metal artwork of Sagada. 

We should go back and have a staycation here soon.

FMM: Ring the Alarm

My youtube feed has recently been suggesting a lot of 80s, new wave ditties. 

And I"m not complaining. I've said this before, the 80s is my golden decade of music.

One of the songs that recently popped up is this 1985 hit from this British Group called "The Alarm."

"Absolute Reality" was one of those songs that we'd wait for while watching "Video Hit Parade." Not only was the song very happy and uppity, the MTV was equally fun.

Will this song be playing on my Mac the whole day today?

Absolutely!

High School High

One of the friendships that I admire is the friendship of my Dad and  his high school barkada.

Imagine, their high school days were about 7 decades ago, and they still hang out and get together now as if they were in Letran.

They usually have their Sunday get togethers at Pancake House in E. Rodriguez, and Ninong Tino would usually call up Dad and Mom to have their random lunches at Gateway.

And of course, they had to be there during Mom and Dad's 60th wedding anniversary!

Dad's original Letran circle includes Ninong Tino, Danny and Bodjie, and their extended group includes Tito Boy and Bobby.

Now that's a high school friendship worth emulating.

The Seconds time around

If Gindaco isn't reason enough to go to Megamall more often, they're adding this:

Yup! This Korean fast-fashion brand which is one of my usual Seoul stops is going to be just a few minutes away. They're going to be on the 2nd floor of the Fashion Hall, where American Eagle used to stand.

After Top 10, now there's 8 Seconds!

And not a second too soon.

Tako-yummy

Do my eyes deceive me?

Will our fave Takoyaki chain in Japan finally open near me?

Here's the answer:

February is a few weeks away.

Let the countdown begin.

Cats know

For some strange reason, I always see cats like this every Monday:

Yup. They definitely know what Mondays feel like.

Six decades of Love

My parents' 60th wedding anniversary was such a festive, nostalgic and heartwarming event.

Festive because both Mom and Dad love to celebrate and party. Dad insisted on having the band to liven up the venue with retro music, line dancing and ballroom dancing. 

Nostalgic because of the videos done by Kurt. The video of their 1966 wedding in Malinao, with "We've only just begun" in the background was such a beautiful way to open the event. The videos of both the 40th and 50th anniversaries, as well as the old family photos were like time machines that brought us back to the past.

Heartwarming because of the family and friends who took like out to celebrate with us. Dad's high school friends were there. Our relatives who were there during the 50th anniversary also came. The Park Avenue group also came in full force. It just shows how much my parents are loved by the people around them.

So, yes, this was truly a celebration of love. Not just of my parents, not just of our family, but everyone who mattered.

Happy 60th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Sweet 60!

Today is the day!

Celebrating 60 years of marriage is such an amazing milestone. And we're super blessed that my parents have the privilege to celebrate theirs.

Needless to say, this party was in order.

FMM: I heard a rumour

No, this isn't a Bananarama post. Though I've featured their iconic song in this blog before.

This is about the other "Rumours."

Timex Social Club had this massive hit in 1986. It was such a big hit that it was difficult to replicate. And judging by the fact that this is the only hit under their name, it's probably true.

Yes, it wasn't a rumour.

Printed Matter: Glam Bot(anicals)

In the many times that Plains & Prints has done botanical prints, they've always done it well. 

Ate Bullet has a closetful of dresses, skirts and tops from the brand, and it's time to add another one to the collection. 

It features this print:

It's an array of flowers and leaves, all light and bright in colour, set against a backdrop of deep green that makes it pop. This pretty print is the canvas for this even prettier coords.

It's a crop top with a ribboned strap, plus a flowy skirt.

This is a perfect ensemble to make everyday a glamorous one.

Color Story: Sand just like that

Sand is one of the more underrated colours in my book.

Not as pristine as white, not as creamy as beige, not as strong as khaki.

But it has a touch of those qualities - pristine, creamy and strong.

Qualities that make it chic and effortless. Just like this outfit.

This sand duo - top from Mango and skirt from The Landmark - has that right balance of qualities. Add the Mary Janes from The SM Store, and you've got a look that can go from work to weekend.

Nothing rough about this sand.

Top (hot)dog

She started as a viral sensation.

Neneng's hotdog became a by-word because of TikTok.

She had this small table below Carriedo station, and she would sell her signature "hotdog overload." It was a hotdog sandwich that was literally overloaded with toppings. It was a good value product that gained traction on line, and IRL.

And it looks like that traction continued, because she now has this stall in front of Isetann Recto.

It's so gratifying to see success stories like these.

Never grows old: the marriage

Nope, not the marriage of Jul & Jen. But that's going to  hit a decade in a few months.

The wedding in this case is my parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary. 

Yes, that was already 10 years ago.

And this is still one of my favourite photos from that celebration.

It's Kevin's selfie. And I've said this before and I'll send it again, it's genius!

This moment - just like love - never grows old.

Never grows old: the engagement

Found this photo from Jul and Jen's engagement party.

That's when it hit me that this photo was already taken a decade ago!

Amazing how fast time flies.

Model Behaviour

A few months ago, was in Zara in Megamall and paying for my purchase. There was something playing on the screen, and it was the first time that I really stopped and watched it.

Gosh! It was iconic!

This was Zara's 50th Anniversary ad. They took 50 iconic models, one for each year. And the cast was like the encyclopedia of supermodels!

They had Twiggy. They had Cindy. They had Paulina. They had Naomi. They had Alek. They had Karen. They had everyone!

The cherry on top? It was directed by Steven Meisel.

This is the model of how anniversary ads should be done.

FMM: It's time

One realisation during last week's D' Frendz get together was that time is moving faster than we would want it to.

The babies we used to carry are now teens. The kids who loved to hang out with us now prefer to hang out at home or in their rooms.

We're now starting to discuss body aches and pains, trips to chiropractors and medical conditions.

This brings us to this question:

"Where does the time go?" by Julia Fordham is the perfect song for this. This 1988 hits still feels current, but hits different in our current age.

That said, can we just ask time to slow down a bit?

Celebrating Sixty!

Wedding anniversaries are always worth celebrating.

Much more so if it's a 60th wedding anniversary!

And that's what Mom and Dad are celebrating today.

Of course, the fam was in full force to celebrate. Including Princess who's visiting from Canada.

Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary!

Color Story: I've got the Pow(d)er

At one point, powder blue was a popular colour for weddings.

Take it from me. I'm a wedding planner. (Or used to be, at least.)

 But powder blue is a great hue for everyday wear, too. Just like this combo.

The knit top is from Penshoppe, while the floral skirt is from The Landmark. To ground the look, beige flats from Parisian.

You won't get the blues with this ensemble.

I think you're ready for this Jelly

No, this isn't a Destiny's Child post.

It's about a recent discovery at SM North EDSA.

There's a shoe store called Lyn. Because of my unfamiliarity with the brand, my curiosity led me inside. Once there, the shoes they had were very Charles & Keith in terms of the vibe.

But in one corner, there was a display of jelly shoes under the brand "Jelly Bunny." That's what got my attention.

The attention turned into browsing. The browsing resulted in me going home with this pair of jelly Mary Janes.

What makes it interesting is the material and the cap detail. Gave this to Ate Bullet and she swears by the comfort.

Looks like I'm ready to buy more from this brand.

Mood

While we were at the office as early as January 2, today is actually the official work day at the office.

And seeing this cat outside our building pretty much sums up how everyone at work feels.

No time for cat napping thought. 

It's a new year.

Time to hustle!

Meals with Mark: It's a must

Over the decades, Mark and I have built small traditions that we enjoy going back to.

One of those traditions is to have lunch together on December 31, particularly at North Park in SM Muntinlupa.

No question, North Park has great food. But one of the things that we keep coming back for is their Fresh Lemonade, it's a must!

Yup, that's how this item appears on their menu. "Fresh Lemonade. It's a must." Heck, they even have a poster for it.

Here's to more meals with you this 2026!

New Year, Old Frendz

Though we might not see each other as often as we used to, or as often as we want to, it's always a riot when D' Frendz finally get together.

This coming 2026, here's to more meet-ups, iyak-tawa moments and discoveries with these long standing friends.

FMM: Hello Kit-tea!

Despite being more than 50 years old, Hello Kitty shows no signs of stopping.

Just saw this installation for the Chagee x Hello Kitty collab.

She's proof that a classic never grows old, and that there's always a way for you to be continuously relevant for other generations. From merch, to cafes, to tea, Hello Kitty has a midas touch that she has maintained for all these decades.

And in honour of this achievement, today's Friday Magic Madness song is dedicated to the kitty herself!

I'm not sure why I'm familiar with this song, but the "Hello Kitty theme song" has been living rent-free in my mind for a long time now.

This is the best time to bring it back.

It's a New Year!

And just like that, we begin another year.

Thanks, 2025, you were great.

Here's to greater things this 2026!

Let's Dance

Even though it's not an obvious choice - after all, it might not even be a colour - I'm very much drawn to this year's Pantone colour of the year.

Cloud Dancer is basically white. With a bit of softness to it. This is actually making it easy for everyone to follow the colour code this coming new year.

Hope the coming year will be filled with quietness, simplicity and freedom - just like a Cloud Dancer.

The Royal Treatment

After last year's very muted, black and white Christmas wrapping theme, my idea for this year's theme was the complete opposite.

At the get go, my mind was veering towards something more vibrant and elegant. A thought that was further solidified after seeing this wrapper:

It was the royal blue and gold combination that sold me to it. The combo felt so luxe, yet also quiet and muted.

Because of that colour scheme, the accents and accoutrements also followed suit. Found this really nice metallic gold ribbon, and a glittered gold snowflake.

That same blue and gold theme carried on to my gift cards, which echoed both the colours and patterns of those materials.

Together, these elements created this year's Christmas wrapping theme.

Now, let me put on Lorde's "Royal" in the background.

LFLTAT: Straight to No. 1

No, this isn't about the song by Touch and Go.

What it is is another post-Christmas sale ensemble.

For less than a thousand, of course.

The top is from Kashieca, which is a lace top (it's long enough to be a dress, actually) with an interesting, Chanel-esque print. The skirt if from The Landmark, and we all know who affordable fashion items are there.

Despite the P800 price tag, this look definitely has a lot of class to it.

LFLTAT x Color Story: Taupe tier

Sales about after Christmas day.

Retailers know that people have a lot of Christmas money to burn, so they give them a gentle nudge and suggestion on how to do it. 

Because of these sales, it's so easy to churn out a Look for Less than a Thousand, that can also be a Colour Story. Just like this ensemble:

It's a very classy and classic taupe look, but with something extra. The top is from Baleno at The SM Store, while the pants are from H&M. The pants are particularly interesting because it has that faux layered look, thanks to the lace overlay.

For the price - which is just around P900 - is a top choice!

Suddenly Six

Here's a case of Christmas history repeating itself.

These photos were taken on the same day - Christmas eve - but 6 years apart!

So much has happened since 2019, and the world is a lot different.

But Ate Bullet and Toni still look the same.

FMM: Christmas Calling

There was this very catchy yet very mindless piece of techno music back in 1999.

"Mindless" because for more than 2 minutes, they just repeated the same line over and over and over and over again. "Catchy" because it was so popular back then. You'd hear it on the radio, on MTV, in clubs and parties. 

You might not know the title, but once you hear it, it'll all come back.

IYKYK, as kids these days would say.

Yup, it's "Somebody answer the phone" by Mario Piu.

It's a fitting Friday Magic Madness song, inspired by Mark's very thoughtful Christmas gift.

He must have seen how old my current phone was, that he decided to give me a new one. He knows that I'm not the type who'll buy a phone for myself, so he took matters into his own hands.

Very thoughtful.

Great call, Mark.

Christmas at the Park

Park Avenue, that is.

From our family - both in Park Avenue and in Texas, Georgia and Toronto - a Merry Christmas and a blessed Holiday Season.

See you Litre

Went to Serenitea for my usual Lychee Green Tea fix, and got a big surprise.

Literally, big.

Like, a litre big!

Apparently, they have an anniversary promo. If you buy a selected drink (and my Lychee Green Tea was selected), you get a free upside to a 1-litre cup!

That's a whole lotta Lychee! (Not complaining, though.)

Bicho bottom dollar

No, this isn't an "Annie" post.

It's a post about the fact that, despite eating at Tsokolateria many, many times, I'm only discovering their Bicho Bicho today.

It's SO good!

The Bicho has the right combination of a crunchy exterior and a pillowy interior, and the choice of dips complement it.

Looks like the Churros Waffle will be dislodged as my Tsokolateria fave.

Creativi-tree

After a year of work, productions, work, pitches, rushed work, and more work, it's finally a wrap for the creative team this year.

From our creative family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Danke Schon

Thanks to Arche, I'm now familiar with this German brand of mixed fruits.

Meyve Mix was what I got from the exchange gift, and I couldn't be happier.

Hope they have this in supermarkets in MNL. 

It's sehr lecker!

Not Becky's Kitchen

But Becky's living room!

Once again, the Mass Comm faculty continues our tradition of spending our Christmas party at Becky's home.

As expected, it was an afternoon filled with food, laughter, and teacher talk.

Merry Christmas, Mass Comm!

FMM: Wither on not

Today's Friday Magic Madness post is in honour of the song that wasn't sung yesterday.

For our finale, we were supposed to group sing Bill Withers' 1972 hit, "Lean on Me."

But the team felt that we needed a more upbeat and party-ish ditty to end our tribute medley. Eventually, we sang "Happy Together" by The Turtles.

Too bad, actually, since we were really feeling the vibe of this Bill Withers song. Which I'll play today.

Too bad that this song didn't get the airplay it deserved.