#linchee

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Love, Loss and What I Wore: A trip down fashion memory lane

Last Sunday, I caught the second to the last showing of Love, Loss and What I Wore at RCBC Theater in Makati (the last time I was here, I got asked to be a guest speller for the musical "Spelling Bee".  It was my first 15 seconds of fame on theater!).  It is an off-broadway show written by sisters Nora Ephron (When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle) and Delia Ephron (The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, Hanging Up) and features anecdotes and vignettes of women recalling certain moments in their lives with clothes or fashion accessories they wore.  

The show was staged by CTE Productions and it was the first time to have an Asian premiere with an all Asian cast (so yes, it's a bit sad that it only ran for week).  The Asian premiere cast included Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, Cathy Azanza-Dy, Teresa Herrera, Bituin Escalante and Jay Valencia-Glorioso.  It was directed by Michael Williams and Cathy Azanza-Dy. 

After watching the show, I cannot help but feel bad for the guys who were there.  I am uncertain if there ever exists a straight guy who can understand why for women clothing is never just utility.  There is always something more that women ascribe to clothes, to shoes, to an accessory, to a purse and so on.  Conversely, if a woman tries to shun fashion, again, there is that whole litany---or calvary, if I might add---of complaints and stories that go along with it.  There are vignettes wittily segmented as "The Closet", "The Dressing Room" and "Black" with lines that are so familiar it sounds like I've said it one too many times as well!  Lines such as, "I have nothing to wear!" or "Do I look 5 pounds heavier in this" or "Do you have this in black?"  Or even funnier for me though I do not remember verbatim is, "I will never get why they think this and this color will be the next black.  It will never be!"  And something I have always thought of but never really said out loud which coincidentally was said in the show: I never really figured out sleeveless turtlenecks.  Are you hot?  Are you cold?  Make up your mind!

When the focal narrator, Gingy, was narrating how she was skeptical that publishers would ever notice her fashion sketches and the stories they told, she shared that she thought it was too personal.  However, it turns out, the publishers loved her storytelling because it strikes a common chord for all women.  Other narrators then mentioned all these garment pieces, clothing items that held value to them.  At this point, it was as if you have been watching television and it turns out it was your story all along.  The narrator suddenly flipped the switch and said, okay, now it's your turn.  Fourth wall of the theater has been broken and it really opened all these memories for me.

 I started remembering my first running shoes and all the memories it contained: my first Fun run (Animo Run), my best 5K time (38 minutes in the Condura Fun Run '09. not bad for an amateur! haha), running during a rainshower (Earth Run '09), jogging dates and solitary reflective runs.  All of them worth remembering.  Of course, the list goes on and I won't drag you with everything else that I remembered.  

But how about you?  What's your favorite clothing piece and what memory does it hold?

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Hongkong Hangover

I have been meaning to post about my Hongkong trip if it weren't for the usual overfatigue I get after travelling to another country.  Anyway, here are the much-awaited photos of what I have done there. *drum roll*

To summarize, I ate, I shopped, then I ate some more.  My companions and I got lost (all thanks to me.  Yes, I take credit for poor navigational skills as I'm always lost, with glazed eyes and...did I just mention glazed? ooooh doughnuts!...oh right, glazed eyes and overactive random imagination) and when we finally found ourselves back in the train station, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Omygoodness! TRAINS!  I've never been happier to see a train!" then proceeded to hug the escalator rail (nope, don't expect photos of this scenario).

So here I am, still certain of our bus line. (Notice the arrogance and the conviction that we will reach our destination. Oh, for the first two photos, credits to Mea Torres and her trusty camera.)

And here we are, admitting that we're lost! (Notice the crestfallen face and the admittance that yes, I still have poor navigational skills despite me being able to figure out the train system there. A miracle a day was enough already, said the Universe.)

  On to better things: FOOD!  Below is the best lemon iced tea I have ever tasted in Hongkong.  You can buy it in Dragonbest in the Fu Tung Shopping Center (Tung Chung area).  It has the right amount of lemons and sugar (or is it honey? still not sure on that) mixed with black tea.

My steamed chicken and roasted pork lunch. YUMMY!

Takoyaki balls sold at Taste Supermarket in Citygate Outlet (still in Tung Chung area)

Misocool Japanese BBQ ramen.  Misocool is located at Stanley Street, Central.

This is what I loved the most from Misocool: Baked Spicy Oysters with Cheese. The oysters were fresh and the melted cheese was to die for.

Chocolate goodies!

Dessert Mochi in Mochi Sweets.  Mochi Sweets is located in Langham Place in Mongkok.  I was a bit sad that Mochi Cream in Sogo Causeway Bay no longer sells mochi individually.  You have to buy it by the box (minimum of 6 pieces).  Frankly, I still like Mochi Cream better.  Theirs is creamier and heavenly the moment you bite into it.  However, the lemon cream mochi in Mochi Sweets has a nice light refreshing taste considering it's a bit of a heavy dessert.

Itamae Sushi is my go-to happy sushi place in Hongkong.  They have several branches: Tsing Yi, Mongkok, Causeway Bay, Tsuen Wan, Kowloon Tong and HK International Airport. You can't miss it!  I love their salmon in soy sauce sushi and salmon head.  Don't underestimate the salmon head.  It does not look that palatable but that's one of the parts where the salmon is juiciest and tastiest.

It's beerfest at Lan Kwai Fong!

Lamb Biryani lunch at Ebenezer.  Ebenezer is located in Lan Kwai Fong, Central. They serve really good kebabs, biryani and samosas.  This serving is quite deceiving.  It may look small but it's really a lot.  I suggest sharing with someone if your appetite is not that huge anyway.  But the heck, the biryani is so aromatic and hearty.  I was able to finish mine all by myself! weee!

On our last day, we had dessert in a small nondescript eating place in Sheung Wan.  I'm a big fan of black sesame so I ordered the Hot Black Sesame Paste with Lotus Seeds.  It's not too sweet and the lotus seeds complemented the taste of the hot soup/paste.

My other companions got the Hot Almond Paste with Lotus Seeds.  It's a bit sweeter and almond fans are sure to delight in its nutty taste. (Note: everyone else got this so that made me the black sheep dessert taker that day.  I stand by my ground though. I still love the black sesame dessert!)

Oh, and I would not end this entry without including photos of my retail adventures!  

Funny that I mentioned that we got lost because when it comes to finding H&M, I'm never ever lost.  My companions called me the H&M detector as I can always sense if it's nearby already (well, it is a start for shaping up my navigational skills, huh?)

I have always associated Bershka with my sister Chichi since their collections always exuded the California Casual look which is her definitive style.  Bershka is part of the Zara Group of Companies and in terms of price points, it is quite forgiving on the pocket (not to mention that gigantic percentage sign that screamed SALE through and through).

And just a little something to end my entry.  When we were in Lan Kwai Fong, we saw the weather anchor of HK TVB.  My brother did not want to believe that I can approach him to ask for a photo and so I did. TA-DAH!

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Cute and happy song for the week!  The video is fun to watch.  

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I know it's July again when...

I'm back in Hongkong scurrying about for bargain finds and eating one too many dimsum!  Weeee!

And there's a reason why I always schedule it during July (it's the most pressing priority of women around the world): MID-YEAR SEASON SALE.  Yepyep, from Central to Causeway Bay to Mongkok all the way to Tung Chung, that's wall to wall to wall to Great Wall (oh wait, just Hongkong, not China) of retail ohmygoodness heaven.

BUT I have not forgotten my GO GREEN VOW this year so I promised to only buy what I need (detractors, cough if you must), like my future new running shoes since my old one is so worn out from me running amuck (read: nagkakalat. HAHA)

Below are the top ten brands I always check out when I'm in Hongkong:

1. H&M

2. Cotton On

3. IKEA

4. Uniqlo

5. Muji

6. FrancFranc

7. Sephora

8. Zara

9. Mango

10. Giordano

And just a disclaimer, these are my personal favorites.  Of course, you will probably like some brands better but my affinity with them stays the same. 

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2010: My Year in Travel

I love to travel.  I cannot sit still.  I always feel the need to explore.  

Last year, I contracted a serious wanderlust addiction (I blame my siblings. sort of).  It began with one seat sale purchase then eventually ballooned to 8 trips worth (domestic and international combined).  I explored the following places: Singapore, Hongkong (twice!), Shanghai, Bacolod, Guangzhou (also twice!) and La Union.  And every bit of adventure is worth telling.  I always tell people, What's the whole point of living if you can't feel alive?

Before I share the photos of my travel, I just want to share with you my no-fail stuff to pack list.  This never fails for me (but of course, you might find that you need to include other items) especially since I sometimes need to pack at the last minute.  And fine, the items are a no-brainer but we do have our senile moments so take note!

1. Boarding Pass

2. Passport

3. Pocket Money

4. Clothes

5. Sleepwear

6. Underwear

7. Chargers

8. Camera

9. Toiletries

10. Towels (optional)

On to my fabulous 2010:

  SINGAPORE. It's the Merlion spit! 

SINGAPORE. This is as close as we can get to a fashion editorial in Orchard Road.

HONGKONG. Protestors against the Lehman Brothers case in Causeway Bay.

HONGKONG. I just love the Sakura flavored Mochi Cream!  You can buy it in Sogo in Causeway Bay.

SHANGHAI.  At the Shanghai World Expo.  Outside the China Pavilion.  

SHANGHAI.  Inside the Italy Pavilion.  Yes, it's a life-sized D&G gown. *salivates*

BACOLOD.  Sunset ruminations by The Ruins.

GUANGZHOU. Morning walk by the Pearl River.

GUANGZHOU.  This was a week before the Asian Games so Yangjianglu was filled with a lot of flowers. And oh, public transportation during the weekdays were free!

GUANGZHOU.  In a fancy restaurant in Zhujiang Xincheng with my former officemates.  It felt like a high-roller MAFIA restaurant because of the ornate Baroque chairs and heavy curtains.

LA UNION.  Riding the wave!  I participated in the FLOW weekend retreat.  This retreat felt so liberating.  I'm thinking of going again! 

2011 promises to be more awesome!  Any willing sponsors? hahahaha

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FOUND! Patrick Starfish Resurfaces

After much concerted efforts in trailing the whereabouts of Patrick Starfish, rescue teams were able to track him down unconscious lying down in a ravine.

Investigation team concluded that after a night out of heavy drinking, the playful starfish went to the woods with some friends to continue the "fun" they felt alongside the buzz.  However, evidence points to Patrick being pushed from the edge thus leading to his 109 days of loss from the traces of starfish civilization.

Patrick all rescued and debriefed

Patrick together with the family again

Leader of rescue team: "It was nothing, really. I owe it all to my supportive team."

Suspected push-er

Note: All resemblances to persons, living or dead, is not purely coincidental.  The problem is YOU.  Go check yourself in a mental already. Cheers!

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Is it just me or does Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" sound a bit like Ace of Base's "All that she wants"?

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The Green Switch

Considering an alternative lifestyle is often a burden to us.  We become too comfortable with our familiar and set routines that we do not consider anymore its impact on others.  People sometimes ask what made me flip the green switch---how come all of a sudden I feel like I have to do something for the environment---so let me start with how it all began.

It began with vanity.

Yes, vanity.

*Exhales sharply*

I really just wanted a mild hair care and face care product that will not damage my hair and irritate my skin.  When I shared to my friend about it, I started lamenting that organic products cost way more and switching costs seem too high.  She recommended Human Heart Nature products and told me that her officemate was selling these.  I decided to give it a try and it was the best decision I have ever made.  Their products are really great.  They’re mild; they smell great; they’re good for the environment and they help sustain a community.  I got so obsessed with the products that I started collecting more information about them and the lifestyle it pushed for.  I read the whole of the Human Heart Nature website and learned about the toxic chemicals that are usually present in beauty products.  I also learned about their community programs and how patronizing their products is not only good for the environment but also good for the underprivileged Filipinos in their communities (since they are the ones whose livelihood the products are sustaining). 

Here's a sample of their facial care line.

And here’s a link to their website: http://www.humanheartnature.com/main.html

Just to clear the air, this is not a paid publicity for the brand.  I really love the philosophy of the brand and what it stands for.  I’m its brand advocate, through and through, and I’m quite proud to say that I have influenced my family and friends to also start using these products.

When I started using the brand, it also got me thinking about the externalities we often take for granted.  Just look at their company philosophy.  I am so amazed with the business model.  The source of the product is fair trade.  The manner by which it is made supports and sustains a community livelihood.  The end product is good for the consumer and the environment.  And if you happen to be an agent for the brand, I do not see any reason why it is difficult to sell it.  I do not see a loser in the equation!  Of course, the whole process is still not entirely green but I think the whole thing is already revolutionary in itself.

What are the externalities that I am referring to?  For one, there’s just too much consumerism nowadays.  A new shampoo product.  A repackaged shampoo product (but yeah, I’m a sucker for really cool packaging so sue me).  A new and improved formula.  And believe me, it gets us buying.  All. The.  Time.  Next is the waste this consumerism produces.  Third is pollution and the list goes on and on.

What I am trying to say is a small change is sometimes what it takes to see a bigger picture of things.  It might pose as a difficulty at first but once I got passed flipping the green switch, I am able to see things in a different light.

The Green Switch is a series of articles about going green, being green and living green.  It is a learning process and I’d love to hear your comments and feedback about it.