Post it!

I’m probably one of the last, few holdouts of traditional mailing.

Whilst everyone is sending things via email or posting them on social media or doing it electronically, I still write letters and postcards, and send them via post.

So, it’s always a thrill when I receive letters or postcards by mail.

Just like this one:

Bebe sent this from Japan. She spent her New Year holiday there, and found time to write and send me a postcard. Sugoi ne!

It’s def something worth posting 

Happy moments

It took years and several plans before this get together pushed through.

It was worth it!

Happy, Lyli and I were teammates at DY&R-Alcantara, and we were also lunch mates, merienda mates, and we'd often hang out during shoots.

Even if we're with different agencies now, we still make it a point to get together and catch up, just like old times.

And it's great that even if years have passed, a lot of things haven't changed.

Getting receipts. Will edit this later.

No, this isn’t a Taylor Swift post. 

This is about how “receipt” should be an easy word to spell.

Apparently not.

Proofreader please.

Keller instinct

My decision to hold out on buying dresses from the Claire Waight-Keller collaboration was correct.

The dress that I wanted for Ate is now on sale!

This pretty, sunshine yellow dress is both free-spirited and elegant thanks to little detains like the micro-pleated skirt and drawstrings on the side.

Got this at around 70% off!

How’s that for a killer deal.

Overall Mood

For a lot of people, wearing and pulling off a jumpsuit or an overall is a challenge.

Luckily, it isn’t for my sister. Thus, every time there’s a nice jumpsuit or overall on sale, it’s easy to grab it.

Just like this one from Pull and Bear.

The material is like denim, albeit lighter, the pants are cargo pants, which Ate is a fan of. And the top has an interesting overlap design, and the sleeves are slightly extended. 

Overall, it’s a modern - and affordable - take on the jumpsuit.

FMM: You can do it!

From Milk Magic, we have another Magic.

Yes, today’s Friday Magic Madness song is inspired by my post on Milk Magic.

The word “Magic” reminded me of one of my fave songs from the 80s. It’s from the American folk band aptly named “America.”

With a song like this, you can definitely do magic.

Dream Collab

By this time, it's clearly established that I'm a fan of hopia, and I'm a fan of Choc-Nut.

So, you can imagine my thrill upon seeing this:

It has less Choc-Nut than it should have, but hey, this combination is a dream.

Trash Talk

As Mark would sometimes say: "This is why we don't deserve nice things."

Throwing trash isn't a difficult thing to do. Actually, not only is it correct, it's also the decent thing to do. That's why it irks me whenever people throw trash on streets and sidewalks. And when they do it nonchalantly and proudly, the level of "irkness" increases exponentially.

That said, these 2 things really got my goat.

Exhibit A:

This was at the Unionbank ATM near the office. Gosh! How can people just throw their receipts all over the place. People, there's an "no print out option." if you're just going to throw it, then don't print it.

Exhibit B:

This was at Serenitea in Megamall. The duo who sat on this table was a mother and daughter tandem. The daughter was gathering the trash when the Mom asked her to just leave it there. So much for leading by example.

Gosh! People who have that kind of attitude are just...

Hello Doll-y

And the Toni supremacy continues.

My niece is in another beauty campaign! 

Having her endorse a product like Cathy Doll is so apt for her. She’s really into all things girly and fab, so this is such a strategic fit.

Proud Tito here.

Magical

Here’s a recent discovery after a random grocery run:

The brand name is so apt because this milk is Magic!

The right amount of creaminess with that balance of sweetness from the brown sugar. And with the sea salt added, it has just a hint of saltiness.

And because it was limited edition, I just had to buy all the packs on the grocery shelves.

Now, I;m a believer of (Milk) Magic    

Calling Collins

Looking at her, it’s kinda hard to believe that Joan Collins is 92 years old.

Yes. She’s. 92. Years. Old!

She should be the poster child for ageless beauty.

Faith Flashback

Can’t believe that it’s been 9 years since this photo was taken

It was in 2015, during Pope Francis’ visit to Manila.

We all hung-out at Manila Yacht Club to wait for the Pope mobile to pass by. When it did, it was so close to us that we got a clear view of the Pope.

That was such a blessing, and it’s something that strengthens my faith until today.

FMM: Will you?

From "Marry Me" in 2023, we go back to 1991 for today's Friday Magic Madness song.

"Will you Marry Me?" seems like an apt song for today. This is one of Paula Abdul's hits from the 90s, and it would've been cool if they included this ditty in the "Marry Me" film.

Aside from sharing a bit of the title, they also both share the same effervescence and sweetness.  After all, they're both marriage-themed.

Sing(apore) along

Thanks to Jo and Kawei, I’m currently enjoying my SG faves, right here at the office.

Gardenia Fruit and Nut Loaf and Curry puffs!

They travelled a long way, and it was definitely worth the trip. 

Marry January

Finally!

"Marry Me" is coming to Netflix.

And it's showing today.

TODAY!

Evening schedule blocked off.

Sketchy Stories: Art and Science

In Advertising Production, there should be a meeting of creativity and reality. Based on the idea you created in your head, the back of your head should also consider if the idea is doable.

Same goes with fashion. While it's fun to sketch ideas, one thing to consider is the viability of the idea.

That's why whenever I do a sketch, there are 2 versions - the "art" version and the "science" version. 

The latter is what the dressmaker uses to bring the idea to life. It has to be a detailed sketch to make things easier for the person who will pattern, cut and sew the dress.

Just like this one:

I give Ofel a sketch like this so that she can properly execute every detail that I have in my head. With something like this as guide, it's easier to go from concept to execution.

Going back and forth

It’s been 2 weeks since the Plains & Prints Purple Sale started, and admittedly. There’s a haul that needs to be written about.

Let’s start with this silk dress from R.A.F. It has a nice length, 3/4 sleeves with a bit of puff, and a flattering silhouette.

And the back is gorgeous! You can tie it into a bow and have a bit of skin peeking out.

Bonus: you can wear the dress with the back in front!

The criss-cross top also reveals a bit of skin on the waist.

How’s that for a dress that looks good both from the back and the front.

Wing it!

When I was living in HKG, i’d often go to McDonald’s for their McSpicy Wings.

Now, after almost 2 decades, that product is finally here!

Better late than never!

Excuse me while I rush to McDonald’s.

On a Quest

It's been a few months since I discovered "Royal Match."

This is a game where you're supposed to complete challenges in different levels. 

One of the features that this game has is the "Lava Quest." Basically, you have to complete 7 levels consecutively, and when you do, you get the grand prize for the quest.

I've tried to complete the quest several times, but only went as far as 5 levels.

But that all changed today:

Yes! I've completed the Lava Quest!

The grand prize is 10,000 coins. But because you have to share it with other players who joined the quest, my coins amounted to just over 1,500. Not bad!

Now, it's off to the next quest!

FMM: Made in Manhattan

Manhattan Transfer was a favourite of mine, even as a kid.

My classmates actually found it odd. At the time that they were into Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet - both pop groups - my preference was this jazz band that was preferred by our parents.

They're known for a lot of hits, some of which have been featured here as FMMs.

Today, they're back with another famous song:

"Birdland" is their 1979 song which was so popular back then. It was so popular, there was even a jazz bar named after this song in Timog. It was this nondescript place that was popular among jazz enthusiasts - my Dad included.

Listening to this song again, I'm amazed at how beautifully their vocals blend together. It's one of the signature traits of Manhattan Transfer that makes them a classic.