The short and short if it

During a trip to one of my haunts, there was a pair of shorts that caught my eye from afar. It was because of a combination of the colour, the fabric and the cut which was very classic.

Upon closer scrutiny, it turns out that the shorts were from the Kendall & Kylie collection which is usually sold at Walmart in the US. So, this is probably made in the Philippines and imported abroad. The shorts are called "Icon," and for a good reason.

Because a classic deserves a classic, this iconic pair of fatigue shorts deserves an iconic white, boyfriend shirt from SheIn. The result is this very comfy, chic and fashionable outfit.

Now, the same pair of shorts was available in a dusty rose colour. Of course, had to get that, too, and pair it with this feminine graphic tee from ForMe.

These shorts are so chic!

Pining for Peppermint

Speaking of cupcakes, whatever happened to Peppermint Patty by Cupcakes by Sonja’s?

This is my all-time fave from this shop. Unfortunately, their Megamall kiosk doesn’t carry it anymore.

Gotta find it and get my Peppermint fix soon.

M People

No, this post isn’t about the band.

Admittedly. Though, i’m A fan of that group and still play “Moving on up” on repeat.

So, what’s this “M”?

It’s the fact that Magnolia Bakery has finally opened near the office! They now have a stall in Megamall.

Of course, I had to drop by and get some banana pudding for dessert.

M so happy!

Western Influence

Whenever we’d watch old Western films, we’d often see the protagonists wearing 3 things: flannel, corduroy and denim. That’s why whenever I see these items of clothing, thoughts of Western movies and series come to mind.

Not to say that these items are costume-y and only belong on television or movies. When done right, these can look very contemporary and chic.

Just like this combination of corduroy and denim.

The shirt is a navy blue corduroy shirt from the Patty Ang x Bench collection from 2019. The flared skirt is from Stradivarius. Both have that western feel, but done in a very modern way.

You can say that this is “the best from the West.”

Orange you surprised?

While they're known for their named scents like "You or Someone Like You," "Fat Electrician" and "Exit the King," the OG scent of this niche brand is "Cologne."

Yes, compared to its other iterations, "Cologne" sounds very plain and basic. 

But when it comes to the scent, that's farthest from the truth.

"Cologne" is an orange bomb. From the moment you spray it until it dries down, it's the orange note that pervades. From the orange fruit to the orange blossom, to dried orange peels - these all come together and create this refreshing scent.

And if you're looking for a fresh scent, you'll be surprised how "Cologne" delivers.

SSDD

About a decade ago, I'd see Bea and Kekx regularly on Saturdays.

They were my students in SSC, both with a minor in Advertising. Even back then, their penchant for creativity and making commercials were evident. Thus, I was hoping that they'd pursue their advertising careers.

Luckily, they did.

Now, I'm working with Bea and Kekx! On a Saturday, to boot! It's like a reunion of our Saturday classes, albeit more fun and professional.

Looking at them work, it's easy to see that they've got a bright future ahead of them in this industry. It's something that I saw many, many, maaaaannnny Saturdays ago, and something that I'm seeing again this Saturday.

Same Saturday. Different Decade.

FMM: Super!

"Taste of Honey" is a 70s duo which had a bunch of awesome hits.

I'd see them on those old episodes of music shows like American Top 40. And I'd find myself bopping my head to the beat.

One of their songs that I'd listen to on repeat is "Superstar/Superman" which is a quintessential 70s song with its beat, instrumentation and the way they sung it. Listening to it transports me back to the disco era.

Listening to it makes me think: "this group - and song - are super!"

Free Willy

The Willy Wonka film has another iteration coming out soon!

Timothee Chalemet and Hugh Grant? They’re not playing!

Gotta watch out for this Willy.

Still the one

Nope, this isn't about that Shania Twain song.

This is about the news that came out today that Greenbelt 1 is finally closing its doors. 

Yes, the OG Greenbelt, the place where a lot of my memories were made, is finally being redeveloped. If you think about it, this was a long time coming. Compared to the Greenbelt Malls around it, particularly Greenbelt 5, it looks very dark, dreary and outdated. 

In fact, when my cousins from BCN are here, and we walk through Greenbelt, they notice the difference when we cross from Greenbelt 5 to Greenbelt 1. 

Despite that, Greenbelt 1 is still the most memorable Greenbelt for me.

As a kid, we'd go to the Coney Island branch here to get our ice cream fix. During my 1st job at Adfomratix, we'd often have lunch at Greenbelt 1. This is where the big Triple V Express used to be. Wendy's was also a go-to, and that store is still around until today.

They also had a big Cinderella store in Greenbelt 1 before. This is where I bought a Reno jacket with my 1st paycheck as a copywriter. That jacket is still with me, by the way. 

This is just some of the many, many memories that are still fresh in my mind. There's also National Sports Grill, OnStage, Greenbelt 1 Cinemas (the cheapest place to watch movies in Makati,) David's Tea House, Chili's - gosh, there are so many!

So, while it's going to be closed soon, Greenbelt will always be open in my mind and memories.

Plural arrangement

Funny how an extra "s" can make a good poster turn bad.

Observe.

No, "member" shouldn't be plural. 

No, "member" shouldn't have had that "s."

It's either "Quick steps to be an Elite Member" or "Quick steps to be Elite Members."

Proofreader, please!

Barkin up the right tree

One of the Netflix films that I've placed on my watch list is the new caper-comedy "The Outlaws."

What drew me to it? 

Ellen Barkin!

I've been a fan of hers for the longest time. She always played strong, enigmatic characters. From "Sea of Love" to "Ocean's Thirteen," she's always a joy to watch.

And I'm sure I'll enjoy her in "The Outlaws," too.

Belgian Bliss

Lawson has always been consistent in coming up with yummy new offerings. Presenting my newest discovery.

Belgian Chocolate Milk! As a chocolate milk fan, this checks all the boxes. Creamy. Check! Full chocolate flavor. Check. Not too sweet. Check. Looks like I have a new milk drink on rotation.

Crosswalk Confusion

That's probably what happened to people when they encountered this crosswalk sign along P. Tuazon.

So, are we supposed to stop? Or are we supposed to go?

Guess we'll just have to cross the walk when we get there.

FMM: Channeling Coco

The Asian music scene was shocked this week upon hearing of Coco Lee’s passing.

She was the singer who broke the glass ceiling for Chinese-American singers. From her career beginnings in HKG, to her stellar turns in Hollywood, to her Oscar performance and nomination - she blazed trails and opened so many opportunities for Asian singers.

I’ve always been a fan of Coco Lee and wrote about her in the past. That’s why it’s sad to think that we won’t be hearing her voice again.

That’s why today’s Friday Magic Madness song is dedicated to her. It’s one of her big hits from the 90s, which was also a song from the hit film “Runaway Bride.”

“Before I fall in love” is such a beautiful song, made even more beautiful with her voice.

And her voice will surely be missed.

White hot!

There are so many cute and hit white dresses in Mango these days. So many, it was difficult to choose one.

Solution:choose two!

The 1st one is an eyelet mini-dress with long sleeves.

If you think the front is nice, you should see the back!

The 2nd dress is a midi-dress with a ruched front and puff sleeves.

This white is so right!

Street Fashion

Here’s another interesting thing I learned about CDO on this trip.

Around Divisoria Park, ukay-ukay stalls pop-up starting 8pm. The usually quiet streets and closed stalls suddenly come to life with various merchandise - from jackets to jeans to graphic tees.

Considering how people started to come in droves a few minutes after the stalls opened, it’s safe to say that these ukays are a popular fashion destination for the locals.

This gives “Street Fashion” a totally new meaning.

Massage en masse

If you're into getting massages, (unlike me), then CDO is going to be up your alley.

As the sun sets in a big park in the Divisoria area, weary bodies congregate en masse. That's because the park is filled with masseuses and masseurs who cater to anyone who needs a quick massage. 

Chairs are set-up all over the park, and you can see people in bright coloured shirts and vests who offer all types of massages. 

Considering the big number of people who were there last night it turns out that this is a popular attraction. Imagine, it was a Monday, but there were so many people. Judging by what they wore, some came straight from their work place, and some looked like they lived nearby and just walked over for a quick massage.

They put the "mass" in "massage."

Middle ground

It was during my first visit to CDO that I first learned about the interesting story of Laguindingan Airport.

After referring to Laguindingan as the "airport of Cagayan De Oro," it turns out that it wasn't. 

Unlike the usual airports that belong to one city or province, this airport belongs to several places. That's because it's in the middle of Misamis Oriental and Iligan. Thus, these 2 provinces share the airport.

In fact, after exiting the airport, you'll find a fork in the road. The right turn goes to Iligan, while the left one goes to Misamis Oriental, and eventually, CDO.

Ah yes. The things you learn from traveling.

Jiggle it. Just a little bit.

No, this isn't a misspelling of the classic 2-in-a-Room ditty.

Ugh! The song is now playing in my mind. Must make this an FMM sometime soon.

So, what's jiggling? It's this!

Jiggels Jelly Juice drink is a recent supermarket run discovery. And as a fan of jelly drinks, this was a must try.

It's so goo! 

I like this a lot! And not just a little bit.

Handover Hangover

It's hard to imagine that it's been 27 years since HKG was officially handed over from the UK to China. Back in 1997, we were glued to the TV, watching this momentous event.

We've been going to HKG when it was still under British rule. It was actually interesting because it was an Asian country, a lot of the buildings have Chinese signages, but the people you see around were British. From the police men, to the shop keepers, to restaurant owners - they were all white folks.

It felt like it was the UK transplanted to Asia.

Watching the handover felt like watching an end of an era. 

And after visiting HKG post-UK, it really was.