Rose (gold) to the occasion

Metallic colors are usually difficult to pull. Especially the ones that are on the shiny side.

That's why when my Mom and sisters need to wear something gold or silver, my instinct is to go for the more matte and subtle versions of that hue.

But in a random shop in Cubao Expo, the exception presented itself.

It came in the form of this rose gold gown.

The colour - whilst metallic - isn't too shiny or garish. Maybe it's because of the material, but it's not blindingly shiny.

And of course, the design is so nice that you go past the colour to focus on it. The draping, the details, they all make the dress look super elegant.

We hit gold with this one.

Caught up

I'm from advertising.

Thus, I should be aware that posts like this are just a ploy for thumb-stopping and engagement.

Despite that, here I am, still playing and trying to catch the photo within the outline.

(In fairness, was able to do this on the 1st try.)

Sweet Start

It's the first day of Toni's bazaar in SM Megamall today.

And as the supportive Tito, being there was a non-negotiable.

Even before 10am, Toni and her team were busy setting up. And even as they were setting up, the people started to gather.

At 10:01am, this was the line!

Looks like another sweet and successful bazaar run for Toni! 

And we couldn't be prouder of her.

Super Shocked

But really, I shouldn't be.

I've seen the National Bookstore Superbranch go from 5 floors, to 4, to 3, to 2, and now, to just 1 floor.

And soon, that 1 floor will be gone, too.

They're finally saying goodbye to the Superbranch and moving it to Gateway 2. But as the sign says, an art and community center will be rising in its stead, so that's something to look forward to. 

So, thank you, National Bookstore Superbranch! Thanks for the memories!

Spaghet it!

This might be my "official meal" whenever I'm in Bicol.

For the past 4 trips, I'd always go to Bigg's to have their spaghetti and pizza bread combo.

The spaghetti is super good! 

Actually, this spaghetti is better than Jolly Spaghetti IMHO.

Bicol Beckons

Looks like 2026 is becoming my most Bicol year.

This weekend trip was my 4th for the year. And no matter how many trips I've made, I'll never get tired of this view.

Magayunon!

FMM: Times for a comeback

There's a common thread that connects the songs of the 90s.

Most of the songs in that area - the fast ones, at least - are all ear worm worthy.

Catchy beats, fun lyrics, repetitive portions - this was the formula that made bands like Aqua, Vengaboys, S Club 7 and their ilk so popular.

You can also add Ann Lee to the list.

Her 1988 hit, "Two Times" was all over, it was difficult to escape.

Then again, with a song that brings out the good times, why would you want to?

Around the bend

It's wild that "Legally Blonde" celebrates its 25th year this year.

Gosh! It's one of those moments when you just feel old.

That simply means it's been 25 years since we all bent and snapped.

To quote the guy in this clip:

"It works every time!"

Having a ball (and chain)

And the Japanese brand invasion in Manila continues.

Now, the much loved casual bag brand from Tokyo has arrived in Manila.

"Ball and Chain" is a quirky and utilitarian bag that's a favourite pasalubong from people traveling to Japan.

Now, you don't have to go far to actually get it.

Sugoi ne!

Entangled

With so many cup noodle brands and variants in MNL, it's easy to have noodle fatigue.

But trust Samyang to do something about it.

Tangle is one of their newer products, and it's a novel concept.

Instad of the suual noodles, it's instant pasta in a bowl!

They have 2 variants, but I've only tried the garlic oil. And it's actually good!

Can't wait to try their creamy mushroom next.

As a new week rolls along...

 ...this cute cat is rolling in his sleep.

This cat pretty much sums up everyone's sentiment this Monday.

Tech-cash

When we were about to pay for Dad's purchase at Shopwise, this greeted me at the counter.

Shopwise now has automated payment machines!

Yup, you can just enter your bills and coins, and you're done. No more giving your money to the cashier.

Can self checkout counters be next?

Curry up

Two weeks after blogging about that 1-2 Curry Puff punch during our trip to SG, this happens.

Hong Lim Curry Puff is opening in Trinoma.

The place where I bought the 2 Michelin starred curry puffs is called Hong Lim Hawker Center, and apparently, that's where this chain came from.

Now, it's easier to satisfy my cravings for real curry puffs.

FMM: It's her turn (around)

Gosh, this is such a shocker.

I've been doing Friday Magic Madness for decades, and it's just today that I discovered that Bonnie Tyler has never been featured!

Sacrilege.

But as they say, better late than never.

So, as a tribute to the iconic Bonnie Tyler, here's the song that she's best known for.

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" truly eclipsed many songs it was pitted against, and rightfully so. The song is well-written, beautifully sung, and is so memorable. In fact, it's so memorable that, 43 years later after its release, people still know and sing this song.

Bonnie and this song will never be eclipsed.

Eclipsed

Today, they delivered the sad news that the 80s singing icon has gone to that great music hall in the sky.

Yes, Bonnie Tyler has passed on at the age of 75.

Any kid of the 80s will know Bonnie Tyler. Her song, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" wasn't just popular, it's iconic!

She's truly one of a kind, and she, and her voice, will be sorely missed.

The Godfather

No, this isn't a post about the Marlon Brando film.

It's about...

Me!

Yup, after many, many outings as a godfather to my friends' kids, I'm now - and for the first time - a godfather at a wedding!

Last Sunday was my first foray as a wedding godfather, and the lovely couple is my art director - Kat, and her new hubby, Laurence!

It's a different feeling when you're now acting as a second parent to a married couple. While I'm not equipped to give them marriage advice, I'd probably give out sound and good relationship advice.

Better get ready for this new responsibility.

Herring Aid

"Golden Girls" was an iconic show in the 80s. 

While we were just young kids back then, we were able to appreciate the very adult - and super old - humour. The quips and quibbles of Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sofia would elicit giggles and laughs. My favourite would be Rose's St Olaf stories.

Just like her story about the Great Herring War in St Olaf.

What's great about this clip is seeing Dorothy and Blanche break character and just laugh at the silliness of Rose's story. It's this kind of comedy that's a joy to watch.

I've seen this clip more than a hundred tines, and I'm still laughing each time.

Werther's or not

When my parents came back from Bicol, aside from their usual pili pasalubongs, there was one thing they brought home that caught my eye.

Werthe'rs Original!

This caramel candy is a fave since we were kids. Among the many caramel candies, this one really has the rich, creamy caramel taste that feels indulgent, yet light. 

Apparently, Dad saw it at the Duty Free store at the airport and couldn't resist buying one. Good decision because not only did he bring home a bag of candy, he brought home decades worth of childhood memories.

That's sweetness in more ways than one.

It's a Homer-run!

As a grade school kid, my fascination with Greek Mythology and stories was prominent. 

I've written about this factoid on this blog before, but I'd spend hours in the library reading Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" and Homer's "The Odyssey."

That was decades ago, and it's been a while since I've held those 2 books.

So, it's exciting that one of those 2 pieces of Greek literature is now a film. By Christopher Nolan, no less.

Judging by the trailer, it looks like "The Odyssey" will be a must watch for me. 

I'm sure it'll bring me back to my childhood, and I'm all for it!

Lifting the Weil

While we were in Changi a few weeks ago, one of the duty free shops had the full collection of Byredo's "Night Veils" collection.

It's supposed to be a darker and richer iteration of a brand that's more known for brightness and effervescence. That's why it was interesting to see - and smell - the line.

Yup, it's a departure from the usual Byredo scents. Despite that, they work. My fave among the lot is the Vanille Antique, which I eventually bought for Ate.

You've got another hit here, Byredo.