2017—You're on Notice!

Quite a few things have happened since I've last posted and I'm considering sharing a few "back log" entries from 2015 to 2017. Just a bit—Mainly highlights of the last two years.

A few of those include:

• My best friend's surprise bridal shower in Hong Kong
• Our family trip to Italy
• My trip to Korea with friends
• Our family trip to Vietnam
• My progress with calligraphy (which I need to start doing again)
• My growing obsession with Korean make up (and make up in general), no thanks to YouTube :|
• My other growing obsession with LUSH 
• My baking adventure and experiments thanks to my new little oven
• Misadventures with Nox
• Behind the scenes as Janeena's personal assistant/minion

I'm actually excited to write more about that last topic—It's like a sneak peek into how I help her out with her feed, how I feel #blessed with the swag she gets which I get borrow (or take without asking), and into what really goes behind the scenes in her shoots (lots of waiting), hosting gigs (must find the best seat with ample mobility for photos), and more! It's going to be like Stage Sister 101, which I'm, maybe, THE best at. (No joke. I've been doing this for seventeen years!) I'd also like to breathe new life into my Ten Terrific Things series! I'd like to share with you my discoveries on and offline—places to eat, things I obsess about, current events, things that make me happy... And hopefully, make you happy too! :D
It's Janeena who has actually been pushing me to revisit this dusty old blog again—Who knows how far this will go? 
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Adventure # 15 - Taipei April 2014 Part Four

The last leg of our quick Taiwan getaway was right at our hotel's backyard—Ximending. This colorful, bustling, urban maze was such a delight to get lost in. Ten out of ten, would definitely come back just to be able to see everything as the five or so hours we had in this district was too few!

As this was our final stop before heading to the airport, most of the NTD we had went to food, souvenirs, and more food! There were so many novelty themed restaurants there we would have loved to try if time permitted. 

And now, finally—nineteen months since the actual trip, here's part four of our Taipei adventure!

Cooling off, after our zoo escapade with green tea ice-cream. 

It took roughly an hour to get from the Taipei Zoo back to Ximending.

Hello, my dear friend. Cilantro—the answer everything.

Adventure # 14 - Taipei April 2014 Part Three

I decided to split our final day in Taipei into two posts—This part will be about our unplanned Zoo adventure and part four will be about our last few hours spent in Ximending. To be perfectly honest, I plan like crazy before going for a trip and that meant matrices, schedules, screenshots, pre-loaded maps, pages of research and notes all nicely printed out and stapled and ready to be referenced. Call me the prepared Adventurer. (Haha.)

Exhibit A

This trip, however, took an unprecedented turn when I lost my whole printed itinerary during our FIRST stop. Lesson learned: Always print multiple copies of the itinerary!! I had a slight panic attack and went into a minor fit before regaining my footing, found wifi and was able to download the pdf of the plans. Suffice it to say, it was very difficult to keep consulting a tiny screen to figure out where to go next. :\ Anyway, with that little hurdle over, I was able to calmly readjust half of our trip when both mom and my sister wanted to see the pandas. Taipei Zoo wasn't really a major part of our plans (more like a Plan B), and I didn't expect that we'd be spending most of our day there! I sadly had to say "see you next time" to some of the spots listed on our itinerary. :(  I guess I'll just have to go back to Taiwan!

A ten-minute walk from the hotel we stayed at is the Ximending Red House Theater—This was originally a market building that became a theater after. Now, aside from being a theater, it also houses shops from independent artists. Photos inside in Part Four!

May I humbly introduce my favorite donut—EVER. Mister Donut in Taiwan mostly carries the pon de ring, mochi variety and it was love at first bite. It was sweet and chewy and nibbling those cute spheres was such a delight! I've been trying several pon de ring donuts here in the country, our local Mister Donut included, and it just didn't taste or feel the same. (The search is still on!!)

This particular outlet was at the Ximending MRT station.

100 Days.

It has exactly been 100 days since my Dad passed away and not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about him. It's been hard to continue writing and updating during the first few months after his passing and I've decided to postpone it until today. 100 days after the death of a loved one means many different things to different religions—Some believed that the spirits are reborn after 3, 21, 49 or 100 days (or 7 years, even); some say that the family is in a state of sadness and mourning for 100 days after the burial or death. 
Whatever the case may be, if felt right to come back to this today. Besides, I got my documentation streak from Dad (he has stacks and stacks of video tapes of us somewhere in the house!) and I couldn't just stop writing and capturing moments and adventures.
I wrote this that night, in a flurry of tears and shallow breaths—I wanted to exhaust myself to sleep, hoping, wishing, praying that it was all a very, very bad, horrible, terrible dream. I thought I'd have a chance to read it during his wake but I never got to. Oddly, it didn't feel right at the time. 
To be honest, I don't quite know what to say anymore… I guess, if you're reading this,  kindly send a thought or a prayer to my Dad.
--------------------

Tony H. Chan

February 12, 1957 - June 18, 2014

Family, friends—we are gathered here today to celebrate the life of my Dad and to pay him our last respects. Thank you all for coming. This tragic loss fell upon us swiftly and suddenly—No one saw it coming. Not one of us would've thought that Dad will leave us so soon. Too soon
He's the coolest dad our family could ever have and have loved. His bigger-than-life presence at home will really, really be missed. And to tell you the truth, it's those little, everyday gestures and things that make me long to see him again. We'll miss the way he persistently calls on us every Sunday to come down for lunch in his loudest CAT Commander voice. We'll miss the way he keeps asking questions that have already been answered in the same conversation just to mess with us. He does this A LOT. (—so much, that it has become a running joke in our family) We'll miss our impromptu Tagaytay/ Santa Rosa trips just to get sushi from Ryuma. We'll miss those Korean ice creams, Yakult packs and squash cakes he brings home to us when he's feeling especially happy. We'll miss those back rubs and stretches he gives us when we're feeling under-the-weather, and the way he keeps scolding me to straighten my limbs when I sleep. We'll also super miss his amazingly diverse taste in music (that's sometimes a hit or a miss with the family).
Above all else though, we'll miss his warmth the most—his energy; his boy-like happiness; his friendliness and openness; his monster bone-crushing bear hugs. 
Dad, thank you for being the coolest father we could ever have. Thank you for being a patient driving instructor—for always reminding me to drive defensively. Thank you for always going the extra mile whenever you can. Thank you for the amazing and delicious anniversary dinner last week (June 11). Thank you for the constructive design critique whenever I ask your opinion on the project—Thank you for really speaking your mind and telling me that font is way to small. And Dad… Thank you for being half of the pair that raised my sister and I. I promise to strive to make you proud in every way. You're the best, Dad! We miss you! We love you!
I love you.

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Adventure # 13 - Taipei April 2014 Part Two

That was quite a hiatus in between this 3-parter post. My apologies—Work and life got a bit hectic. Actually, it still is. But I've been putting my updates on the back burner for faaar too long. So without further ado, might I, after a more than a month, present Taipei Part Two! :D

On our way to Yong Kang St., we passed by THE original Din Tai Fung. This was actually the first ever branch that opened and its fame was absolutely palpable. Just look at that queue!

Adventure # 12 - Taipei April 2014 Part One

Taipei, Taiwan was quite the adventure—In many ways, this trip wasn't like all the other trips I've planned (or micromanaged), seeing as I've had a relatively shorter time mapping everything out. This trip was more open-ended; more spontaneous; more susceptible to changes and spur-of-the-moment decisions (like suddenly visiting the zoo!).  It was kind of refreshing, not being bound by a physical to-do list I feel compelled to check off one by one. Of course, losing the actual physical copy of that list on the way to our first stop helped a lot. My trip to Taiwan will surely be the first of many—There's just simply too much things to see and do (night markets to cross off my list) that a few short days wouldn't be enough!

I guess visualisation really works! I drew these giraffes on the plane bound for Taipei (copied off the latest issue of Smile magazine) not really anticipating that I'll be actually meeting them on this trip.

Just look at the gorgeous architecture of the Taoyuan International Airport. Doesn't it take your breath away? I certainly paused and drank it all in before hurrying towards immigration.

Waiting for the 1819 Kuo Kuang Bus to take us to Taipei Main Station.

Adventure # 11 - Birthday Weekend Part 2

All it took was one suggestion and the next thing we knew, my sister was running back up from the car, grabbing scarves and jackets, and we were on our way to Tagaytay! With no absolute plan in mind, we managed to find our way to The Inn at The Cliffhouse Tagaytay. It was someplace we've always passed whenever we go there but never seemed to get a chance to stop by.

Were we glad that this (impromptu) opportunity came up!

Look at the gorgeous view! Too bad it was a bit hazy when we got there at around 5pm, but at least we were able to catch the last hour of daylight considering we left Manila close to 4 in the afternoon!

Adventure # 10 - Birthday Weekend Part 1

March 15, 2014 was quite a fun day! Chabeli and I both got our Saturdays off from our out of town shoot at Anvaya (Wednesday to Friday) so I get to enjoy a full weekend to celebrate with family and friends. 

First stop was Kimukatsu at Shangri-la East Wing. Their specialty is 25 layers of thinly sliced pork stacked together covered with fresh breadcrumbs. Their kimukatsu sets come in different flavors- plain, black pepper, garlic, cheese, negi shio (spring onion), yuzu kosho (yuzu fruits and green chilli pepper), and ume shisho (Japanese sour plum and shio leaf). Nox and I decided to try out the plain and black pepper flavors for our first foray. Couldn't wait to try out the more exotic flavors next time!

All kimukatsu's come with a rice set which includes unlimited rice, red or white miso soup, cabbage and Japanese pickles. The red miso soup has a stronger tangy taste to it than the white (which was your standard miso). Nox preferred the red while I still liked the white best.

I love the modern asian interiors—Especially that printed woodblock accent wall! I couldn't tell if the image was directly printed or stickered on though. I'll try sitting there next time.

I always love crushing the sesame seeds to be mixed with the katsu sauce. Its smell is so earthily good!

Adventure # 9 - Anvaya Cove Behind the Scenes

Just to be clear, when I say I go to shoots, I'm never in front of the camera (except to act as a stand-in for blocking). 

My sister already has the modelling side spectacularly covered! I'm usually found behind the camera, art directing or buzzing around the location or telling our actual models what to do.

Last week, we spent 3 days and 2 nights over at Anvaya Cove shooting for their image bank and video. 

Chabeli and I worked with Elle Decoration photographer, At Maculangan, Cinemaworks, Hexacam Media and our production and wardrobe stylists, Marta Lovina and Martin Masado—There were some bumps along the way but overall, 

it was a blast working with everybody!

10 Terrific Things # 2 - Birthday Edition!

My twenty-fourth birthday is just around the corner and I couldn't help but jump for joy at the amount of interesting things happening during that weekend! Last year was a day well-spent with breakfast food, ramen, board games and a lovely night at Art in the Park. This year, I seem to have even MORE events (not to mention brunch places) to choose from! But of course, as with all birthdays, let's start with cake:

1. New York Chocolate Chip Brown Cookie Dough Cheesecake I first spotted this gem of a cake as I was exiting Chelsea Market Cafe in Serendra from a meeting. I had to do a double-take after passing the pastry display to snap this quick photo for future reference.  LOOK AT IT. Look at the gooey, chewy little chocolate chip cookies peppering the top of that cheesecake! I could just imagine sinking my teeth into that gooey perfection. *insert sigh of happiness* This cake was featured in Spot's Top 10 Cheesecakes in Manila which it no doubt deserves—Can't wait to try it out!

2. Type Kita Exhibit Eeep! I am beyond excited to pop by 10a Alabama (Quezon City) for the Type Kita Exhibit! Type Kita is a typography exhibit featuring the country's top calligraphers, artists, letterers, and typographers. It's a 2-day event for the benefit of Yolanda survivors from March 15-16 with an entrance fee of P50 pesos. 
Designer friends, come with me!!! I need people to get giddy with about kerning and letters. I'm also super thrilled that Fozzy will be there for a casual calligraphy session—I'm in dire need of professional tips to keep me on the right track. 
Here's a list of their activities for day 1 (March 15) and day 2 (March 16). See you there!

3. Pasinaya 2014 Pasinaya goes the extra mile as it celebrates its 10th year anniversary on March 16 with an even wider range of art  and culture activities! It's a pay what you can and see all you can even—with a suggested donation price of P50.  There will be a host of activities and performances simultaneously happening in CCP  starting from 7:30 in the morning until 6 in the evening. 
On top of THAT, there will be Pasinaya Art Jeepneys plying the streets of Intramuros bringing you to participating museums and galleries. (National Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, 1335 Mabini, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila,  San Agustin Museum and the Museo Pambata) You can go museum-hopping to your heart's content  with no additional charge! 
Go check out their performance schedules right here, register online here.

4. Intramuros Pasyal Sunday Street Fair And since we're already 'in' Intramuros, here's another event happening there! Viva Manila's project, Pasyal Sunday is a car-free event featuring artisans, performers and businesses along General Luna Street, Intramuros from 3-9pm. The theme on the 16th is "Speak Out" where there will be workshops (Kiddie archeology workshop!), performances and an open poetry slam. 

5.  B& P Just Like Home I'm a sucker for breakfast food. Their pancakes look sooo good! They also serve their drinks in lovely mason jars.

6. Early Bird Breakfast Club The first time I tried Early Bird Breakfast Club was during my birthday last year and I don't see myself saying no to another round for this year. ;) That Katcino (Katsudon+Tocino mashup) pictured up there is definitely  something I'd like to try.

7. Stacy's   OH—the decor just makes me itch to put on an extra girly dress and hug all the puppies in the world. I was told that the milkshake here is one of the best. 

8. Hatch 22 Hatch 22 is one of the best breakfast places I've ever dined in. I love the bakery by the front door and the bar that runs along it's side. Nox and I had a nice brunch last January and we had all praises for the food we had. Those Not Your Ordinary Benedicts were sooooo yummy.

9. Revlon Matte 003 (Mauve It Over) I super love my Revlon Matte 003 lipstick—and I'm running out of it fast. D: I'm not sure why but most Revlon booths and shelves I look at don't seem to carry it. Resulting in me, asking people going abroad if they could pick one up for me if they find it. (Changi Airport, Singapore, specifically.) Help me out?

10. Nail Art 1- Minion nails | 2- Nails to an Ateneo Basketball game  (I was so damn proud of being able to replicate this on my right hand) | 3- Panda Nail Art | 4- Dalek Nails
And last but certainly not the least—Nail art! Back in college, I was a bit... over the moon with my nail art designs.  I had Despicable Me Minion nails before they were cool. Once, I had painstakingly embellished my nails with tiny silver beads that now look like daleks to me. More recently (a year ago), I had a fun and friendly nail art competition with an officemate with 'Animals' as a theme—I ended up with 10 little panda friends, while she told a story  of a mouse and its cheese. 
Now I wonder what I'll come up with for my birthday. The possibilities are endless!
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Adventure # 8 - Dipping into (Brush) Calligraphy

Let's say I was in a musical mood this afternoon. ;)

Oh! Fun fact about the backgrounds—these were created via brushing water over a thick paper stock and dropping food coloring on the page. It's super fun and produces amazing results!

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10 Terrific Things # 1

Happy first of March, everyone! To celebrate, I'm kicking off a new and hopefully regular section where I collect and curate 10 terrific things from all over that I find lovely, amazing, and inspiring. These could range from new hobbies I'd like to try; to clothes I want for myself; to things that caught my eye and to silly stuff I'd just like to share. Everything under the sun that makes me happy, really. 

1. Kate Spade x Keds sneakers

I'm normally your sandals and ballet-flats type of girl, but these sneakers are just too cool to refuse! It's the perfect combination of punchy and girly (your reliable Kate Spade aesthetic)—wonderful in giving a casual twist to any dress. That little gold spade detail at the back makes me giddy.

2. No-Bake Cheesecake Truffles by A Beautiful Mess

Nox and I both looove cheesecakes. We also both love eating. 

Baking... not so much. I can't wait to try this recipe out one day!

3. Paper Sculpture by Zim & Zou

Lucie Thomas and Thibault Zimmermann make up the team that is Zim & Zou, specialising in jaw-dropping, mind-boggling paper sculptures that simply look out of this world! I implore you to go check out their website and their Behance page and see all of their amazing works. Now. Click. That. Link. You won't regret it. 

Oh, the things you could do with paper! 

4. Mrs Pomeranz

Mrs. Pomeranz is an Etsy shop based in Russia that carries these gorgeous dresses with the 1950-1960's silhouette you see above. I love how prim and elegant the dresses all look and I really, really, really wish I could find something close to that in our local stores. The sleeves look on pointe, the length of the skirts look just right for me. <3 Point me in the right direction, and I'll be there first thing in the morning.

5. Megan Lara

I've been following Megan Lara for some time now, both on Tumblr and on her Facebook page. Actually, I first stumbled upon her when someone posted online about this girl who looks hauntingly like the British celebrity (and Doctor Who companion), Billie Piper. At first I was blown-away by how similar they looked. Then I was knocked off my feet by her amazing illustrations! Not only does she illustrate (and cosplay) Doctor Who, she even has art on a huge assortment of fandoms! Go check her out!

6. Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Seche Vite Top Coat is simply heaven sent. I couldn't stop raving about the practicality and usefulness of this powerful little solution as it dries your nails less than 5 minutes! It's being sold here for around 300 to 450 pesos (depending on where you buy) and every cent was worth it. Complicated nail art takes minutes to finish as every layer dries ten times as fast. Last-minute manicures become just a breeze as your nails have already dried before you even step out of the house. I also couldn't wait to try quick dry lacquer paints! 

I bought my latest bottle from Beauty Kingdom.

(It was 300php each for 3 bottles plus 60 delivery fee at the time I ordered it.)

7. Revlon Moon Candy Meteor

My sister recently hosted Belle du Jour's Start Smart with BDJ Rendezvous and was gifted with her very own BDJ Box—one of the items in it was Revlon's Moon Candy in Meteor. I love her to bits for handing me this marvellous nail polish with no hesitation! She might have remembered that one time I was ogling at Emma Stone's Revlon Moon Candy video at the mall. (haha!) I love how the solid base color isn't streaky at all—although with multiple use, the sparkle side tends to turn viscous. (But nothing a drop of solvent couldn't fix!)

8. Etsy Jewellery

1- Artemer | 2- Viartvi | 3- Kateszabone | 4- Kateszabone 

I have been obsessing over dainty jewellery—specially rings, for more than a year now and I still haven't found the perfect one locally that's within my budget. These are the kind of rings I'd love to get myself someday. It's a pity they're all from abroad... If only the customs in this country isn't so shifty, I'd have bought one (or five) a long time ago.

9. Sherlock Holmes

I've started reading Shelock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow it. I've already finished A Study in Scarlet and right now am in the middle of The Sign of Four. If you love detective stories, you really couldn't go wrong with some Sherlock.

10. Brush Calligraphy

Oh, calligraphy. This is my latest obsession, really (both pointed pen and brush calligraphy). The photos above are from Fozzy Book's nifty little guide for lettering with brushes. It was after reading her entry when I marched myself to Deovir Arts and bought myself a Pentel Brush Pen, a rounded brush (#7) and a new set of watercolor tubes. I've been practicing both my calligraphy and watercolors since!