Saturday Surprise

Went to school on Saturday, and was supposed to ask where my trophy could be claimed.

But instead of me looking for the trophy, it was the trophy who came to me. Delivered by my students from both last semester and this semester.

It was such a pleasant surprise! And it came with a cake, too.

It just gets better and better.

FMM: Teacher's Special

Since we're talking about teaching, this classic 1984 song suddenly popped in my head.

It would make a great FMM song for today.

This song by "38 Special" was a song I'd hear back when I was still a kid. Back then, I didn't pay attention to the lyrics or the message. Was just hooked by the beat at the repetition of the title "Teacher, Teacher."

Watching it again now, I learned that this is from a film entitled "Teachers." Gosh, I didn't see that coming. Hahaha.

Now that I'm a teacher, this song hits different.

One of the best surprises

It began with a message from Vanie. She asked if I've been told about my nomination as Best Lecturer in the school's institutional awards for faculty. My reply was" "No, this is the first time I'm hearing this."

Cut to the next day. This happened.

Apparently, I'm the Best Lecturer! This is such a cool and awesome surprise!

Too bad I wasn't able to receive the award since there was a work meeting at that same time.

Actually, teaching and interacting with students, school faculty and our school administration is reward enough. So this award is icing on the cake.

Elements of a celebration: The Invite

When we finally decided to have a celebration for my parents' 60th wedding anniversary, one of the first things Dad asked me was if I'd do the invite.

Of course I'm doing their invite!

Using my advertising background, my parents suddenly became clients and my role went from being their son to being their creative director.

Dad and Mom had different visions for the invite. Dad wanted something casual and fun, and his mandatory was a moustache graphic. Mom said that it was still a wedding, so it had to look elegant.

So, the brief was clear. Casual, fun yet elegant.

And after 3 studies, this is what they both approved.

Compared to their 40th and 50th wedding invite, this one is a lot more fun! And it captured what Dad and Mom wanted. 

Client approved!

Color Story: Foxy Browns

Brown is a colour that always has a space in my shopping basket, and eventually, Ate Bullet's closet.

For me, it's just like black and white clothes - you can't have too much of it.

That said, here's another outfit inspired by this hue.

The top is an interesting piece. It's made of a suede-like material, and it has a boxy fit. Trust Zara to come up with something as fashionable as this. The skirt is from Landmark, and it has an interesting texture - it reminds me of those foldable Chinese lanterns. And the sneakers are also from Zara, a pair of brown sneakers that have a soccer vibe.

This mix of textures and shades make this brown ensemble a standout.

LFLTAT: Nylon is now!

From kids wear to teens wear to adult wear, it looks like the nylon-ish fabric is making its presence felt in fast fashion.

At first, this utilitarian fabric was used for streetwear essentials like parkas. Then, it transitioned to more every day wear, like the nylon dress at Uniqlo. Then, they started showing nylon coords for kids. Then, there was nylon everywhere.

Recently spotted this nylon skirt at The SM Store. It was a parachute style skirt made of nylon material. It had cargo details, and the bottom half was detachable. Very well-thought of details. 

The best part is, it was 50% off! So, even after pairing it with this muscle shirt from Human - also 50% off - the total outfit rand up to just around P700!

Further proof that a little nylon, and a thousand bucks, can go a long way in fashion.

Feeling great!

It's always great to go back to Bicol, even if it's for a very short, weekend trip.

It's also great to be able to hear mass at the church that holds a lot of history and memories for me.

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral is where we used to hear mass when we'd go to Legazpi as kids. This is also where my uncles and aunties got married. 

Another great thing? The officiant of today's mass was my classmate in UP! Fr. Raleigh was my classmate in MA, and our class was BC201 under the late Prof. David. Those were fun times.

Needless to say, it was a great weekend.

Aye, Aye, Admiral!

Mark had this week-long planning at The Admiral Hotel, and went there yesterday to have breakfast with him.

It's been ages since my last visit to this hotel, and was so surprised at how much it has changed!

Now called "The Admiral Hotel M Gallery," they've renovated and - true to their name - it's now like a gallery filled with art. 

The ceiling alone is a work of art - a stained glass masterpiece with different iconic Philippine scenes. And cascading down from the ceiling are paper pieces with the baybayin. Splended!

The rooms are super nice, too. Mark's room had this metal artwork of Sagada. 

We should go back and have a staycation here soon.

FMM: Ring the Alarm

My youtube feed has recently been suggesting a lot of 80s, new wave ditties. 

And I"m not complaining. I've said this before, the 80s is my golden decade of music.

One of the songs that recently popped up is this 1985 hit from this British Group called "The Alarm."

"Absolute Reality" was one of those songs that we'd wait for while watching "Video Hit Parade." Not only was the song very happy and uppity, the MTV was equally fun.

Will this song be playing on my Mac the whole day today?

Absolutely!

High School High

One of the friendships that I admire is the friendship of my Dad and  his high school barkada.

Imagine, their high school days were about 7 decades ago, and they still hang out and get together now as if they were in Letran.

They usually have their Sunday get togethers at Pancake House in E. Rodriguez, and Ninong Tino would usually call up Dad and Mom to have their random lunches at Gateway.

And of course, they had to be there during Mom and Dad's 60th wedding anniversary!

Dad's original Letran circle includes Ninong Tino, Danny and Bodjie, and their extended group includes Tito Boy and Bobby.

Now that's a high school friendship worth emulating.

The Seconds time around

If Gindaco isn't reason enough to go to Megamall more often, they're adding this:

Yup! This Korean fast-fashion brand which is one of my usual Seoul stops is going to be just a few minutes away. They're going to be on the 2nd floor of the Fashion Hall, where American Eagle used to stand.

After Top 10, now there's 8 Seconds!

And not a second too soon.

Tako-yummy

Do my eyes deceive me?

Will our fave Takoyaki chain in Japan finally open near me?

Here's the answer:

February is a few weeks away.

Let the countdown begin.

Cats know

For some strange reason, I always see cats like this every Monday:

Yup. They definitely know what Mondays feel like.

Six decades of Love

My parents' 60th wedding anniversary was such a festive, nostalgic and heartwarming event.

Festive because both Mom and Dad love to celebrate and party. Dad insisted on having the band to liven up the venue with retro music, line dancing and ballroom dancing. 

Nostalgic because of the videos done by Kurt. The video of their 1966 wedding in Malinao, with "We've only just begun" in the background was such a beautiful way to open the event. The videos of both the 40th and 50th anniversaries, as well as the old family photos were like time machines that brought us back to the past.

Heartwarming because of the family and friends who took like out to celebrate with us. Dad's high school friends were there. Our relatives who were there during the 50th anniversary also came. The Park Avenue group also came in full force. It just shows how much my parents are loved by the people around them.

So, yes, this was truly a celebration of love. Not just of my parents, not just of our family, but everyone who mattered.

Happy 60th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Sweet 60!

Today is the day!

Celebrating 60 years of marriage is such an amazing milestone. And we're super blessed that my parents have the privilege to celebrate theirs.

Needless to say, this party was in order.

FMM: I heard a rumour

No, this isn't a Bananarama post. Though I've featured their iconic song in this blog before.

This is about the other "Rumours."

Timex Social Club had this massive hit in 1986. It was such a big hit that it was difficult to replicate. And judging by the fact that this is the only hit under their name, it's probably true.

Yes, it wasn't a rumour.

Printed Matter: Glam Bot(anicals)

In the many times that Plains & Prints has done botanical prints, they've always done it well. 

Ate Bullet has a closetful of dresses, skirts and tops from the brand, and it's time to add another one to the collection. 

It features this print:

It's an array of flowers and leaves, all light and bright in colour, set against a backdrop of deep green that makes it pop. This pretty print is the canvas for this even prettier coords.

It's a crop top with a ribboned strap, plus a flowy skirt.

This is a perfect ensemble to make everyday a glamorous one.

Color Story: Sand just like that

Sand is one of the more underrated colours in my book.

Not as pristine as white, not as creamy as beige, not as strong as khaki.

But it has a touch of those qualities - pristine, creamy and strong.

Qualities that make it chic and effortless. Just like this outfit.

This sand duo - top from Mango and skirt from The Landmark - has that right balance of qualities. Add the Mary Janes from The SM Store, and you've got a look that can go from work to weekend.

Nothing rough about this sand.

Top (hot)dog

She started as a viral sensation.

Neneng's hotdog became a by-word because of TikTok.

She had this small table below Carriedo station, and she would sell her signature "hotdog overload." It was a hotdog sandwich that was literally overloaded with toppings. It was a good value product that gained traction on line, and IRL.

And it looks like that traction continued, because she now has this stall in front of Isetann Recto.

It's so gratifying to see success stories like these.

Never grows old: the marriage

Nope, not the marriage of Jul & Jen. But that's going to  hit a decade in a few months.

The wedding in this case is my parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary. 

Yes, that was already 10 years ago.

And this is still one of my favourite photos from that celebration.

It's Kevin's selfie. And I've said this before and I'll send it again, it's genius!

This moment - just like love - never grows old.