Go forth, and no Multiply...

The last time I was here, blogger was banned so it wasn't possible to make blog entries. A few months after, the site has finally been allowed, which explains the daily updates from chilly SHG.

BUT...

Access to Multiply has been stopped. Which is strange because the last time I was here, multiply was allowed. Now, all of a sudden, it's blocked. Dang! Just as I was about to post photos.

Maybe it's a "one or the other" thing. You can either have blogspot or multiply.

Oh well. Better something than nothing.

Heidi's Angels

Yes! My wish came true!



For the first time in Project Runway history, 3 girls are facing off on the final runway. In the last challenge, Jerrell was auf'd, which leaves Leanne, Korto and Kenley. And yes, I'm still rooting for my wonderfully nerdy Leanne.

Now this is what I call "Designing women."

Desk job

It's been a while since I last did this. I spent the entire day inside an office typing and photoshopping away on my MAC. Meanwhile, Mr. V has been out of the room and running around for meetings since this morning.



Aside from looking at my screen, I've also been looking out the window to check the view, or lack thereof. It's just some residential buildings and soon-to-rise properties.





Time to go out, walk around and get some fresh (and cold) air.

Loo with a view

I've flown with Dragonair a number of times, but this is the first time I've seen an airplane toilet like this.



The window is strategically positioned on top of the bowl. Too strategic, actually. When a guy is taking a leak, he'll be seen from the outside. (I went to the toilet while the plane was on the ground, and the ground staff could actually see what's happening inside.) And when it's time for number 2, a mere twist of the neck and he's got a nice view of the sky.



This was just too weird for me. Better check the other toilet.

Candy-scoveries

Thanks to a day trip to Subic, as well as Mona's return from New York, I've discovered three new candies that got me on a sugar high. It's amazing what you find at Duty Free stores. (And the U.S., too.)

First is Chewy Spree. It's a tangy, chewy confection that tastes like a hybrid between Tart N'Tiny and Skittles. The outer shell is thin, crunchy and a bit sour. The inside is soft and chewy, and the citrus flavors balance out the sourness.



Now that I've mentioned Skittles, this brand has always been my favorite. And just as I thought they've run out of surprises, I find out that they now have a Chocolate Variant! They're actually good, but some of it is a bit Tootsie Roll-ish. Much as they're good, they still pale in comparison to my favorite Berry Variant.



Finally, M&Ms premium. After reading about it on InStyle, I immediately SMSed Mona and asked her to bring some home. She was able to get me a pack of their Raspberry Almond and Mint Chocolate variants. The packaging alone is delectable enough, and this is what's stopping me from opening them and start enjoying the contents.



Ah yes, the sweet life. Sugar rush, here I come.

A-ha!

Woohoo! I found "Take on Me" on youtube!

The concept, the execution, the song, the build-up - everything was stellar. Looking at it now, you would think it was made just a few years back, instead of two decades ago. Just goes to show how it was way ahead of its time.



I remember how I'd get so engrossed with the video each and every time I'd watch it. And the last scene, where the lead singer was trying to escape his "comic life" had me holding my breath and cheering him on.

Now THIS is a music video.

Friday Magic Madness

Except maybe for Aqua Net and shoulder pads that make football players look like they have narrow shoulders, there's so much to love about the 80s. This decade had so much character - from music, movies, fashion -- everything. Even Aqua Net. And Charmis. Hahaha.

Back in college, I'd tune in to Magic 89.9 and wait for the clock to strike 12 and for Friday. Why? Because it's Friday Magic Madness! And they'd open the show with the song: "Thank god it's Friiii-daaayyy! Friiii-daaayyyy!" Then I'd study or do my projects with "Build me up, Buttercup" and "Take on me" in the background.

I haven't tuned in to Friday Magic Madness in ages. I'm not even sure if they're still airing that program. But regardless of whether they are or they aren't, I'm going to get into the "magic madness" spirit and listen to (and watch) some of my favorite ditties from the 80s. (Incidentally, MTV was founded during that decade. No wonder the videos back then were so, so, sooo cool!)

One of my favorite "where are they now?" artists - Appolonia Kotero! Gosh, I think only Erwin and I know this girl.



While watching "Video Hit Parade" and "America's Top 10 with Casey Kasem", I'd wish and wait for them to play SSQ. They had such a cool sound.





And yes, the godmother of 80s and the purveyor of big lips and even bigger hair, Tina Turner!



Yes! I just love the 80s! Now let me finish this post so I can look for A-ha's "Take on Me" on youtube.

The Women to watch

Read about this film on last month's copy of InStyle and was instantly intrigued by it. Went to check if the trailer was available on youtube, and it was! I swear, youtube is a Godsend.



Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Bette Midler AND Candice Bergen? This is definitely a chick flick on overdrive. And judging by the trailer, this movie has more girl power than 20 Spice Girls combined.

Me likey.

She's baaaaack...

She being the Saleslady from Metro Gaisano.

Went to the Bonifacio High Street branch of Fully Booked looking for something for a particular book. Since I was already in the neighborhood, I decided to drop by Metro Gaisano to check out if there were new stuff.

While browsing at the shoe section, there was this interesting pair of color blocked mary janes with a sculptured heel. It came in two color combinations: red with black and white with black. I immediately took the pairs and looked for the nearest available saleslady.

It took a minute to find her, after showing her the shoes, she looked at me then put her hands on her chin and paused for a few seconds. Then she pointed to me and said:

"I know you. Ikaw yung bumili ng yellow and black shoes gaya non." Then she points to the exact shoes I purchased a month back. My reply was: "Wow, ang galing ng memory mo."

She went to the stockroom and skittered back after a few minutes carrying two pairs of shoes. After handing it to me, the difficult task of choosing which one began. It took me about 5 minutes before a decision was reached. Eventually, it was the red and black pair.

After telling her my choice, the saleslady looked at me, nodded and smiled with approval and said:

"Excellent choice, sir."

Then she sashayed off to the counter.

Fer-gee

There are two songs that I'm very much into right now. In fact, they're practically looped on my iTunes. I never bothered to find out who the singer was, until yesterday. And knowing who the singer was left me shell shocked!

Both songs were sung by Fergie. Yes, the Dutchess from Black Eyed Peas. This was something unexpected. She sounded so different in both songs, and she also didn't sound like Fergie in any of them. Probably because these ditties didn't have that "London Bridge" vibe to it. In any case, it's good to put a face - and video - to these songs now.

Mass Comm Memories

Just got back from the Grand Alumni Homecoming of the College of Mass Communications. Like the last reunion we attended some 5 years back, this one was equally fun and was filled with memories. Ran into our old professors (literally and figuratively) including my favorites, Andy Sev, Ma'am Tessa and Ma'am Armi. Professors Diaz and David were also there, but they were to busy to mingle.

Another highlight was seeing my classmates who I haven't seen since graduation! First, there was Charles, followed by Rommel, Daryl, Jicky and Ned. The celebrities of Mass Comm arrived in full force, including Senator Legarda, Jessica Soho, Kara David, Maryo J. Delos Reyes, Giselle Sanchez, Lauren Dyogi (who came with a group from Pinoy Dream Academy), Vida Doria (clothes, anyone?), Sari Yap, among others.

At this point, we thought, "why didn't anyone bring a camera?"

Since we got there early, we paid homage to UPSC - and we wanted to check out which of the old stores survived. Lo and behold! Not only were GM Miranda Bookstore, Sabater Optical, Rodics and Handog Gift Store still there, they looked the same since the 90s! Talk about blast from the past! And longevity!

Then we went to the College to see how much it has improved. Everything pretty much looks the same, but the org tambayans were removed to make room for a new classroom. The library is still there. The crappy canteen is still there. The CMC auditorium is still there. And just as we thought everything was the way we left it, the girls went to the ladies room.

Surprise, surprise! Not only was it renovated, it was totally transformed! According to Bonique, Grace and Alfie, the first floor ladies room looked like it was taken straight out of a hotel. Dark wood, soft lighting, bidet, tissue paper, luxury soap - it was all there. I think this will be the new tambayan of the CMC girls.

Now, what is a trip to CMC without a trip to the fishball stand. Yup, it's still there, and the owners are still the same. Apparently, they still remember Grace and her ex, Paul. No memory gaps and senior moments here. But the burning question then was, "where's Romy?"

This is why I love attending reunions. You pop up for a few hours and leave with a decade's worth of memories. That's why I think I'll follow Direk Maryo J's advice when he went up on stage: "We should really, REALLY come back to CMC more often."

Milk duds and bank runs

Upon running into each other in Causeway Bay, my former colleague immediately asked me: "How are you? Did you hear about the milk situation?"

Apparently, she remembers how I'd often drink two packs of chocolate milk a day. (Yup, I'm a milk guzzler, but more the chocolate variety.) She asked if I remembered the brand of milk that I drank, and said yes. After finding out what brand, she gave a sigh of relief because that brand is made here in HKG and not in China. It's also not on the list of "tainted milk."

The funny thing was, she was more concerned about it than me. And it seems there's another thing concerning people here these days.

For 2 days, I've noticed long lines outside BEA branches all over the island. It turns out, they're having a "bank run." Someone spread a rumour that the bank is in trouble because they had major dealings with Lehman Brothers and AIG, and because of that, people are starting to withdraw their money and moving it elsewhere.

My friend was quite surprised that I knew what a bank run was, considering I'm in a creative field and never had a finance or math subject in my life. Even if banking wasn't in my field of study, it was in the family. Ate Lissa was a manager at Far East Bank and East West Bank, and I remember how she talked about it once.

Thanks to milk and money, things are a bit frenetic here in HKG. It's quite novel to see people getting worked up over things other than LVs.

Chlo-wheee!

Today has been absolutely phenomenal. It's amazing what you find when you're not looking for anything.



Lane Crawford. Chloe. Sale. Last pair. Ate Bullet's size. Enough said.

Aside from that, got a letter from the IRD saying I'm getting a rebate. The fact that it's unexpected is what makes it totally cool!

For these two things alone, this trip has been very, very worthwhile.

Say my name...

This afternoon at the airport:

After checking in, I rushed to the Airport Fee counter seeing there was no queue. Somewhere in between the 2 counters, I dropped my Mabuhay Miles membership card. I was already inside the waiting area when I realized it was gone. Since going out was no longer an option (the area after the immigration counter is one of those "points of no return") my next option was to tell the ground staff about it.

They were very, very attentive and thorough. First, they tried calling the counter where I checked in just to make sure the card wasn't left there. After that call, the girl came up to me and said that it wasn't on the counter and that they'll send their Customer Service Officer to the lost and found section to check if someone turned it over.

After a few minutes, the same girl came back and said that the card wasn't at the lost and found. I told her not to worry about it and that I'll just request for a replacement card from PAL. Right after my sentence, her face lit up and said that she has one last option.

She walked away, and after a few minutes, a voice blared all over the airport.

"Attention passengers. If anyone has found the Mabuhay Miles card of Mr. Lester Edgard Morales, please turn it over to counter N6. Once again, if anyone has found the Mabuhay Miles card of Mr. Lester Edgard Morales, please turn it over to counter N6."

Gosh! Hearing them shout out my name for the entire Terminal 2 to hear was enough to send me shuddering. Thank goodness we boarded a few minutes after. I already lost my card, I didn't want to lose my pride. Harhar.

Loud and Claire

While waiting for my ride, something bright and campy rolled in front of my eyes.



Yes, it was the Philippines' answer to Karen Carpenter - Claire de la Fuente - on the side of a bus. With her fluttering eyes and sultry demeanor, she was calling people to take a journey with her. (Apparently, she owns a bus line and is the president of a Bus Operators Organization.) Suddenly, I had visions of sitting inside the bus, listening to her greatest hits wafting in the air. Or maybe a TV screen, showing these:





As much as I was being drawn to ride the bus, I couldn't. Not today.

... Oh, sayang...

A Paige off InStyle

Browsing through a recent issue of InStyle, something on page 42 jumped out and caught my attention.


In their monthly "Where can I find..." feature, one item looked very familiar. The top that Gabrielle Union was wearing triggered a case of deja vu.



Then I remember that I scored the same top for Ate Lissa in HKG early this year. After double checking it, it was confirmed that the Paige twisted jersey top I bought was the same one that Gabrielle was wearing.



InStyle might have found the top for its reader, but I'm happy to announce that I found it first.

Dream accounts

Most advertising creatives I know have a "dream account." An account that they'd relish working on once they enter the advertising world. Working on an account you're passionate about pretty much ensures that the creative work that will come out is brilliant, heartfelt and - of course - creative. It gives us the ability to really dig deep into the product and bring out the best in it.

Since I entered advertising by accident, I never really had a dream account.

Now, after more than a decade-long career in advertising, I can say that I've worked on dream accounts, and a lot of nightmare accounts. It was only after working on them that I found out that they were a dream to work with. Among the lot, these are on the top of my list - arranged chronologically.

- Cardinal Ceramics
- Incremin
- Myra 300-e
- Robinson's Malls
- Palmolive

That said, I've also come up with a list of accounts I'd like to work on. These would probably be my genuine "dream accounts" list.

- Philippine Airlines
- Department of Tourism
- The Landmark
- Duty Free Philippines

I'd love to work on these accounts because these companies and brands have the ability to showcase the best of the Philippines. These companies can show the world that there's more to our country and show our countrymen that there is still something to be proud of at home. And being able to do that, and communicate that, is one of my biggest, biggest dreams.

Mark his birthday in Manila

Today is Mark's birthday. And for the first time in 2 years, we're spending it in Manila.

Two years ago, we spent it in Muikamachi. After the big surprise I planned, we ended up taking the local train from Urasa to Muikamachi. Then we walked from the eki to Jusco (which is quite far, judging from Mark's reaction then) and ate at Makurodonarudo. Followed it up with trips to Amerikaya, Hard-Off, and the Daiso.

Last year, we were in Ginza. It was my last night in Tokyo and we did our usual trek to Shibuya and had dinner at Friday's. Then we went back to that wonderful little hotel - Ginza Washington - and asked the front desk lady/room service lady for plates so we could eat the traditional Dexter's cake in the room.

Today, we finally celebrated in Manila. Heard mass at Greenbelt, followed by lunch at Marina. Then we went to the World Trade Center to meet Ate Bullet and watch Raymond judge the wedding cake competition. (And saw some really bad wedding cakes.) Then it was back to Tsoko Nut for more of the gigantic dalandan juice.

I'm glad that Mark is celebrating back home this year. He's been looking forward to spending his birthday with his family for years now. That alone adds a happy to his happy birthday. And it's another reason to celebrate, so it looks like there will be more celebrations to come.

Tearful Tuesdays

Every Tuesday night, I find myself locked in front of the TV screen and spend some time fighting back tears. It's all because of this show that has become a semi-habit for me.



"Reunions" is a public affairs program that has a very simple premise. They bring together people who have been separated or estranged. In the past months that I've been watching it, I've seen people reunited after 10, 20, even 50 years - and each Reunion brings a big smile to my face. (And the occasional watery eye.)

This is such a noble program. So noble that if I meet Jessica Soho down the street, I'll probably walk up to her, shake her hand, and congratulate her for a job well done. (Plus, I'll tell her that I met her back in college when we did a studio tour of GMA-7. Gosh! That was ages ago.) "Reunions" is a show that I pray will have a long, long run. Hopefully, even longer than "Eat Bulaga" - the longest running show on local TV.

If there were more programs like this, (and less of the trash that's been airing in the regular channels) then there would definitely be more reasons to watch local TV.

Let's do the time warp again...

While walking along Araneta Coliseum, an old man came up to me and asked:

"Boy, nasaan na dito 'yung C.O.D.?"

Of course, I had to be the harbinger of bad news and had to tell him that it's closed. Actually, it's been closed for around 4 years.

Maybe I should've told him that Syvel's, Rempson's and Zenco Footstep are also closed. Just in case he's planning to look for them as well.