Color Story: a wink to winkle

Pantone’s color of the year is “Very Peri”.

And that’s a fancy name for “Periwinkle.”

My first introduction to Periwinkle was during my grade school days. The big box of 48 Crayolas has Periwinkle. It was such a light and dainty color, and i’d otter use it to color flowers. 

The color was refreshing, dainty, but still bold and strong. And these same qualities are found in this outfit that features Very Peri.

This ensemble is from Vero Moda, which i’ve recently rediscovered and been buying a lot of pieces from.

The top is a light knit with an interesting cold shoulder detail.

The skirt is very fashionable and very chic! There are a lot of details that elevate it, including pleats, overlaps, and a hint of peplum.

Together, the ensemble captures the strength, boldness and femininity of Periwinkle.

Very, very nice.

Love-ly

Today’s Scripture reading is definitely one of my favorites.

Corinthians 13 is one of the most beautifully written, most heartwarming, most smile inducing, and most heartfelt readings in the Bible.

When I was organizing a lot of weddings, this was one of the favourite readings of couples and would request that it be read as the Gospel. They would often request this, and when the priest would oblige, the homily would be equally beautiful. No matter where the wedding was or who the priest was, each homily would be a joy to listen to.

This scripture reading never fails to uplift me. Which makes the last line even more relevant:

“Love never fails.”

Takis (not) overrated

Oh look! They actually have Takis in Manila!

Good thing I did a bit of snooping after that Takis craving. It led me to an online store that actually carried it.

Bonus: they have Pulparindo as well!

Finalmente, encontre mis favoritos!

FMM: Two beats

It's been said on my blog before, I'm a fan of both Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.

While listening to them today - it's Friday Magic Madness after all - there was an epiphany that happened.

Two of my favourite songs from the group actually have the word "Beat" on the title and song. They’re faves to the point that i’ve actually named these songs my FMM songs before. But like a lot of good music, these deserve an encore!

First, "Dr. Beat."

Second, "Turn the Beat Around." Originally, this is from Vicky Sue Robinson, but it's the Gloria Estefan version that I'm more familiar with. And yes, it's the song that regained popularity because of "Pitch Perfect."

Looks like Gloria and Emilio have a thing for beats. And I'm not complaining. 

After all, these beats are a joy to listen to.

Fashion's Apfel climb

What's an extraordinary way to celebrate a fashion icon's 100th birthday?

With a collaboration with H&M, of course!

This Spring, Iris Apfel will be launching her collaboration with the fast fashion behemoth! And if we're basing the collection on her personality, then it's going to be huge, colourful and wild!

Just like how fashion should be.

Royals

Nope, this isn't about the Lorde song. Though I do like that song a lot.

This is about a Netflix film that was recently dropped.

"The Royal Treatment" is a simple, straight forward, formulaic rom-com. And as rom-coms go, simple, straight forward and formulaic is the right way to go.

It's an age-old tale of a Prince falling in love with a commoner. But this combination of a headstrong New York hairdresser and a prince from a faraway land who has no "voice" in his kingdom feels a bit different because of some teeny-tiny plot embellishments.

Watching it once made me smile. And most likely, I'll be watching this again when I have spare time.

Takis is on my list

The Mexican cravings continue.

Today what I'm missing is the tortilla snack that I'd hoard whenever we'd go to Sorianas!

Takis Fuego!

This snack has a very distinct, Mexican taste. And since Mexican food is also known for its spice, the level of hotness on this snack is also top notch.

Gosh! I should keep myself from watching "La Divina Gula." The cravings just keep on getting more and more intense!

Two cute

Seeing photos of my “Apos’ make me smile.

So you can image how big my smile is when I saw 2 of them in one photo!

Noah and Olivia are just 2 bundles of cuteness! And they’re growing up so fast! 

Wowo hopes to see you soon.

Taking a Bite

Presenting the Netflix Series that is fuelling my craving for all those Mexican goodies that I enjoyed in the early 2000s when I lived in Mexico.

"La Divina Gula" is currently showing on Netflix and I've been binge-watching it since last Friday. Translated, the title means "Heavenly Bites," which is exactly what I've been seeing each episode. Heavenly food and drinks that are part of my Mexican experience.

Aside from Chilaquiles, the series made me miss Tortas, Tacos, Pan Dulce and Micheladas! This is on top of the usual Dona Torta Gorditas, Pinguinos, Choco Lala, Raspas and Helados.

Oh Mexico! I can't wait to go back and take a bite of these goodies again!

Netflix and Chil-aquiles

Because of this Netflix series I'm watching about Mexican food, I suddenly have a craving for Chilaquiles!

Chilaquiles is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish which consists of tortillas, salsa, pulled chicken, crema, cheese and frijoles. Yes, it's all the Mexican faves in one plate!

When I was in Mexico, this was the first breakfast I tasted, and it was freshly cooked by my foster-Mom, Nora. The memories are still vivid in my mind - the moment I woke up and walked out of my room, there was this appetizing smell wafting from the kitchen.

It was Mama Nora cooking, and she was all smiles when she saw me walking in. She asked me to take a seat, poured me some orange juice, and asked me if I've ever tried Chilaquiles before. Of course, I haven't. So, while she was cooking, she was telling me about the dish, and how her Abuela taught her how to make it.

From the pan, she placed it on my plate and asked me: "Pruebalo!"

It was an epiphany at first bite! The combination of the crunch, creaminess, the mix of savory and acidity - it all made for a perfect dish. And a perfect first breakfast in Mexico.

Now, there are 2 things on my mind:

1. Is there a Mexican restaurant in Manila that makes Chilaquiles?

2. Should I look for a recipe and make it myself?

Gosh, if I could just fly to Mexico now and get the real deal, I will!

FMM: Classic for a Classic

Yup, I kinda saw this coming.

While writing my entry yesterday about classic fashion, there was a song that suddenly popped in and played in my head.

This is the Adrian Gurtz hit from 1982, aptly called "Classic."

Just like the title, this song is a "Classic" indeed.

Chic Classics

While searching for something in the closet where gifts and other dresses were stored, something stuffed in one corner caught my eye.

After pulling it out, it turned out to be an outfit consisting of a dress and a chunky necklace. It was in a Forever 21 bag, and it was because that's where I bought the necklace.

Upon checking out the receipt in the bag, it turned out that the items are more than 5 years old. Both the dress and the accessory.

Although the ensemble is half-a-decade old, looking at it now, it still looks fresh and current! 

The dress is an LBD from SM Woman. The fabric is very substantial and holds it shape, which is great because it has a flared hem with a slit. What makes it even more interesting is that it has faux, covered buttons on the side.

The necklace - as mentioned - is from Forever 21. It's a chain necklace with 2 brooch-like details on the side.

If this ensemble was on display in the mall today, it would look very now. So, it's hard to imagine that they date back to 2017. 

Now, that's a true hallmark of a classic.

Balancing act

I really miss buying and wearing New Balance shoes!

Thankfully, Biboy sent over a new pair last month and i’ve been wearing it even if i’m not really going anywhere. Harhar!

Soon, these shoes will be out and about.

Keep Calm and Crayon

Call it a return to childhood, but I suddenly had the urge to buy crayons!

Maybe it’s because I also bought a coloring book on Lazada a few days back.

Even as a kid, coloring had a calming effect on me. It was very therapeutic to think of what color would best fit the visual. Then, i’d gently color the picture using just one uniform stroke, and having this beat and cadence while I did it.

The crayon set that I ordered is the same one that was my favourite during my grade school days - the 48 piece box.

Strangely, though, this looks very different from the box of my childhood. That one was a lot bigger, and had a built-in sharpener!

Maybe times have changed, but i’m hoping that the colors inside haven’t. I’d still like to find Gold, Silver, Cornflower, Periwinkle, Brick Red and Burnt Sienna in this box.

We’ll see that soon.

Seeing double

This is the first time I'm seeing this, but InStyle has a double issue!

Their December 2021 and January 2022 issues are now combined into one.

And a big issue deserves an equally big star on the cover.

Yup, Reese Witherspoon definitely fits that bill.

Gosh, if Emerald Magazines was still around, I'd probably still be subscribed to InStyle and would have this ish.

Childhood memories of the Child Jesus

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Sto. Nino.

My grandparents on both sides were very religious. That's why it was customary to see the Sto. Nino in their houses.

One of my fondest memories of the Sto. Nino is how Lola Dita had an image of the Sto. Ninn de Dormido - or the sleeping Sto. Nino. She had it in the altar of their room and it always caught my eye because it's so different from the image we're used to. 

While the traditional Sto. Nino is smiling, wearing a crown and an elegant robe, carrying a staff and a globe, the Sto. Nino de Dormido is peacefully sleeping. I'd always stare at his serene and smiling face, which would also make me smile.

In the Regalado's ancestral home in Malinao, the room that we'd usually sleep in also had a Sto. Nino which was perched on an altar, up on the wall. It's memorable because it had red, candle-like bulbs that would flicker. And when we'd close the lights to go to sleep, the altar would remain lit. That would be the light that would illuminate the room and would watch over us as we slept.

Two other notable Sto. Nino stories are right here at home, right now.

We have 2 images of the Sto. Nino in our altar, and both are heirlooms of sorts. The 1st one, a Sto. Nino made of either plaster or concrete - is a lot older than me. I think it's been there even before Kuya Marv was born, which makes it at least 60 years old. The 2nd one is at least 40 years old, because I remember it's been there since I was a kid.

It's such a blessing to look back at my childhood, especially when it's in honour of the Child Jesus.

Cheap (on-line) thrills

iIt’s so random and trivial, but this is what made my day today:

 

I got a P50 phone load for only P1!

Yes, just P1!

Amazing what you can get on Shopee.

FMM: Tracing Tracie

Back in High School, there was a very popular concept called "Interaction."

During "Interactions," students from an all-boys school like LSQC would "interact" with students from an all-girls school like SJQC. 

We would usually go to the girl's school, have a venue set up like an auditorium or a basketball court, and the boys would be sitting on one side and the girls on the other. Then, they would encourage both sides to socialize and talk, and they would also encourage us to dance by playing upbeat music in the venue.

In one of our "interactions, " the thing that stuck to my mind wasn't the experience, but the song that they were playing. It was an upbeat, happy and danceable tune sung by a very peppy female singer. Weeks after the interaction, the song would still play in my head, to the point that I had to look for the song on cassette, or wait for it to play on-air.

Eventually, I was able to trace both the song title and the singer. And that ditty has been in my head ever since.

Ever since 1988!

And I'll go back to that song today as my Friday Magic Madness song!

Tracie Spencer! She's one of the more popular singer in the late 80s with her combination of dance tracks and ballads. And undoubtedly, "Symptoms of True Love" was one of her biggest hits.

And listening to it today, it feels like it's still relevant and timely, even if it's been 34 years since the song dropped!

That's the symptom of a true hit!

Printed Matter: You Kente-ll

The traditional Kente fabric of Africa is something that i’ve always loved looking at.

From the first time I saw it in an African Shop in HKG, to the times I would see some of Mark’s classmates from that continent wearing their traditional clothing during events in IUJ, i’ve Always admired the colours, patterns and craftsmanship that goes into it.

That’s why this particular print caught my eye.

Although it’s not really a Kente fabric, it gives out that same vibe. Maybe it’s because if the deep, saturated color or the geometric prints. For me, it’s close enough.

It’s no wonder that this print is from Plains & Prints “Wonders of Africa” collection from 2020!

This is probably why I was so drawn to this. I could tell the inspiration behind it.

SnacKano

Back when Mark was living in IH2, we’d often drop by Nakano Broadway before going home.

Among our 2 constants in that mall are Donki, and a store that sells different kinds of chocolates and snacks.

Whenever we pass by, one of the things we always buy is the traditional Japanese rice and peanut snack - Kameda Kaki No Tane.

It’s the fierce snack that has a light soy sauce flavor, and plain, unsalted peanuts. It’s a very light and flavorful snack that is part of my Japanese experience and memories.

And today, I was able to find it here in Manila!

Hopefully they’ll restock soon so I can send some to Mark as well.