Korea in Japan

Lawson is a Japanese convenience store. But it seems like they're riding the Korean wave.

Observe:

They're now selling Odeng at the Lawson store near our office! It looks like they're trying to get the lucrative market of K-food fans from Korean stores to their convenience store.

Will try these one of these days to see if they're legit.

Meals with Mark: It’s a Sing Thing

It’s been 5 years since Mark and I last travelled to SG.

One thing we enjoyed there was the food! From Hawker Centers to local spots recommended by Jo, it was one culinary adventure after another.

When we met up today, we decided to relive that SG experience by eating at Nanyang.

We had the-classic Kaya toast and Chicken Chop Noodles. Of course, we washed it down with Teh O and Kopi O.

Hoping that our next SG meal will really be in SG.

Crispy cravings

Had this intense craving for fried chicken and gravy this weekend. 

The default would be going out to KFC, Popeyes, McDonald's or Jollibee. But since it was a weekend, the idea of going out wasn't too attractive.

Good thing there's Crispy Fry!

We were able to whip this up in a matter of minutes. This is our home creation using Crispy Fry breading mix and Crispy Fry Gravy.

The fried chicken is perfectly seasoned and crispy. The gravy has this smokey flavour that can rival restaurant gravy.

Cravings satisfied!

Meet me at Mitzi's

After more than 3 years, I've set foot in 168 Mall again!

Aside from shopping, one of the reasons of my frequent return is the food court. The 168 Food Court has a lot of little gems, particularly the Chinese food stalls. And of course, Chariya Thai Kitchen.

But one of my regulars here is Mitzi's Cantonese Cuisine.

They have great roasts and other dishes that I'd eat in HKG. But they also have local faves like Camaron and Kikiam. Which was yesterday's order.

After more than 3 years, it's still as good. 

That’s Smart

Popcorn that isn’t swimming in butter.

Popcorn that’s air fried to make it healthier.

Popcorn that’s gluten-free.

But above all, popcorn that you don’t have to wait for. Just open the bag and enjoy.

That’s Smartfood popcorn!

While this won’t replace our usual microwaveable popcorn at home, at least we have a smart alternative.

FMM: Ma Cherie Amor(osi)

You know you’re old when the songs you were listening to while working overtime is a song that your colleagues aren’t familiar with.

Because when it was playing on the radio - they weren’t born yet.

They. Weren’t. Born. Yet.

Was asking my copywriter and visualizer if they were familiar with Vanessa Amorosi and her hit song: “Absolutely Everybody.” That club hit that 90s and 00s kids danced to a lot back in the day. The song that’s part of many of our overtime overnighters:

Well, they had no idea about the song. It was launched in the year 2000 - which makes the sing 23 years old now.

The kicker, they were born after 2001.

Absolutely shocking.

Truffle Prize

Truffle flavoured potato chips are one of those “pandemic food items.”

Just like Ube-cheese pandesal, sushi bake, Dalgona coffee and Burnt Basque Cheesecake, it gained fame on-line while people were stuck at home because of quarantines. It suddenly became a hot item, to the point that on-line shops were running out of it.

But now that things are back to business as usual, it’s not that difficult to get truffle potato chips any longer. You can just go to Shopwise or Landers, and you’ll have several brands to choose from and enjoy.

One of my current faves is this brand from Marketplace:

Meadows is a house brand that I used to see in Cold Storage in SG. Didn’t know they were in MNL until my visit to Marketplace in Shangrila Mall. While they have a range of products, their chips are what keeps me coming back.

Compared to other truffle potato chips, Meadows is priced lower, which is also another reason why this is always in our snack pantry.

Actually, it’s a prized part of our pantry.

Putting the "read" in Bread

As a bread lover, and an avid reader, this book brings together those two aspects of my life in one:

It's a recipe book that was given to us by our client - Gardenia. It's a recipe book which shows a plethora of ways to use and prepare Gardenia bread. 

True to its title, this book really has unlimited ideas on how to transform Gardenia bread into culinary masterpieces.

I've already tried making some, and I can't wait to try these bread recipes at home.

Nothing beats a classic

Bsfiure the Lay’s, Ruffles and Pringles of this world, there was Jack N’ Jill Potato Chips.

As kids, this was our go-to snack, along with Chippy, Cheese Curls, Prawn Curls and Barbecue Curls.

And after more than 30 years, it’s still as yummy!

Just like a classic.

Lime Time

Back in the 2010s, there was one US brand that was a go-to when it comes to shoes and accessories. Those who are familiar with fashion were also familiar with this brand. 

Piperlime was part of the GAP group of brands. They focused more on bags and accessories, and they carried hundreds of shoe brands - from designer labels to more pocket-friendly options.

They never had a store in Asia, but their website was there for us to peruse. Often, I'd check out products there, order them and have them delivered to a US address, and the products would find their way to MNL. Tedious, but worth it.

I'd also check out their stores when my travels would take me to the US. Their lime facade was hard to miss.

One time, they were even the sponsor for Project Runway's accessory wall. It was a sign of how serious they were in building their brand.

Alas, by 2015, the brand shuttered down both their on-line and off-line presence. 

And with that, Piperlime's story ended on a sour note.

This is... Korean

Since the song came out in "The Greatest Showman," everybody fell in love with "This is Me."

That includes me.

The song and the MTV are on repeat, and it's something I'd listen to regularly.

Today, I discovered a new reason to enjoy the song even more:

There's a Korean version! And what makes this even cooler is that the singers are actually K-drama stars!

I've spotted the grandma in "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," the queen's Dad in "Queen for Seven Days," and the Queen's handmaiden and the deposed Queen in "Under the Queen's Umbrella." It's so refreshing to see them at their most natural, and singing to boot!

This is... so cool!

Seeing Double

When it comes to chocolate wafer sticks, Giziku is my gold standard.

This was an Indonesian brand that they used to sell in the Philippines. I’d buy 2 of the big tubs and finish them in days. It was that good.

Unfortunately, they suddenly disappeared from supermarket shelves. And i’ve Been looking for a wafer stick that was as good.

For years, that search was for naught.

But last week, I found a product that was close to the Giziku taste I’m looking for.

Suoerstix Double Choco!

Too bad they don’t sell it in tubs as big as Giziku.

Oh well, will just buy double the number.

FMM: Nothing compares 2 her

Seems like they're organising a major concert in heaven. 

After Tony Bennet who passed away a few days ago, now, Sinead O' Connor has also left this world.

For our generation, Sinead was a music rebel. Her music was distinct from other music artists who were her contemporaries. From the melody, to the lyrics, to the ethereal way of singing, no one compares to her. 

That's why today's Friday Magic Madness is her biggest global hit: "Nothing Compares 2 U."

Truly, nothing - and no one - compares to Sinead O' Connor.

For that reason, she'll be missed.

That Muumuu that you do

Today’s generation probably don’t know the term, but back in the 70s, everyone knew what a “Muumuu” was.

It was a dress style that was a huge hit around that decade. Known for it’s oversized silhouette and vibrant prints, it was the perfect lounge dress.

Growing up, Mom had a lot of muumuus in her closet, and it was her go-to house dress (as well as her mahjong dress.)

Spotted a dress from the SheIn x Frida Kahlo collab, and it was giving full-on muumuu vibes. That’s the reason it snatched my attention and eventually purchased it.

While the shape is muumuu, the print is modern, and the asymmetric ruffled hem is also a contemporary touch. Those details make it cross over from the 70s to today.

That’s how you do muumuu,

Oh, Chute! Part 2

Whilst ‘i’m thrilled at my Zara web find, the sale items From the other Inditex brands here in MNL were equally thrilling.

Especially these parachute skirt from Bershka!

Ate Bullet is into utilitarian fashion, and this fits the bill. With its parachute material, balloon silhouette and gathered waist and hem, it’s so unique!

After Bershka, it was off to Pull and bear where these Velcro and rubber sandals were also on sale!

The style, material and color were equally utilitarian, which made it a perfect pair for the skirt.

To tie the look together, it’s good to keep it simple with a black, ribbed knit top from Penshoppe.

This is a chute ensemble that’s shoot worthy.

LFLTAT: Resort to this

This is an outfit that first caught my eye a few weeks ago.  

It's from the SM house brand that specializes in resort wear - Coco Cabana. This consists of a roomy top and loose trousers that's made with a silk fabric with a very pretty and eye-catching botanical motif. It also has tassel details on the hem of both the top and pants.

After checking it out, I told myself that I'd come back and buy it another time.

Passing through SM yesterday, I found out that the outfit was now on-sale! Aside from it being 50% off, my SM Prestige card also gave me an extra 10% off!

With that double discount, this entire resort ensemble rang up to less than P800!

That's why I resorted to buying it.

Caught in Zara's web

A few weeks ago, there was an item at the Zara store in SM Megamall that caught my eye.

It was an asymmetric blouse in this vibrant fuchsia hue. It was made of jersey, and it draped and fell beautifully. 

Knowing that Ate would rock that blouse, I told myself that I'd come back for it in a few days since their sale was about to start.

The sale did start, but upon visiting the Zara store, the blouse was nowhere to be found. It wasn't in the racks, and upon inquiring from the staff, they didn't know where it was.

It came to a point that I had to check out 3 Zara branches to look for it. To no avail.

Then, an idea popped in my head.

The Zara website!

After logging in and patiently poring through so many items - along with keyword searching - it turns out that the blouse was on-line!

Woot!

And that's how I made my first web purchase for Zara. And this is just a few months after my 1st web purchase for Mango.

Let me just say, the packaging of on-line orders are top notch. Aside from the box, it came in wrapped in Japanese paper.

Looks like I'll be doing this again soon.

Sunday Snoozing

Sundays are best spent just lazing around or taking naps whenever and wherever you feel like it.

And no, I'm not talking about myself.

This is one comfy cat who spends Sundays snoozing. (An alliteration!) 

Cats are so lucky.

You know the espadrille

Having family in Spain made us aware of espadrilles at a very young age.

Whenever my Tita and cousins would visit Manila, we'd often see them wearing these fabric shoes with jute soles. Each one wore different styles of these shoes - some were mules, some were sandals, some were flat, some were heeled.

Aside from wearing them, they'd bring us some pairs as pasalubong. But we always had a hard time wearing them. It felt too casual to wear for going out, but it was too nice to treat it like slippers at home. So, we'd often wear them at the beach.

Whenever we'd go to BCN, one store we'd always visit it a local espadrille chain called Toni Pons.

It's been making espadrilles for more than a century, and is one of the more popular Spanish espadrille maker, along with Castaner.

Because the Philippines is heavily influenced by Spain, it's no surprise that Toni Pons will find itself here in Manila. Last month, they opened their first store in SM Megamall.

Maybe it's time for me to look for those pairs of espadrilles that I've hidden for the past years.

Looks like espadrilles will be back in style soon.

FMM: Listen, People!

Yup, I called it!

As mentioned last Tuesday, today's Friday Magic Madness song is M People's iconic dance ditty. "Movin on up."

It felt like yesterday when we were listening to this at Adformatix. But in reality, this song is 30 years old.

30.

Years.

Old!

But as many classic songs, this never grows old. I'm into this song so much, this is the 3rd time it's made it to FMM.

That said, I move to listen to this song some more.