Friday, January 31, 2014

Wicked!

I am a big theater fan so you know I wouldn't miss seeing Wicked. I have to admit though that I had no expectations for the musical. I think it was because I fell asleep watching Phantom of the Opera (and I was so excited for that) so I was half-expecting to fall asleep at Wicked too. But no-- sleep was not possible! I was hooked; enchanted; captivated!


I loved that the play was so simple and the song numbers well executed. It didn't have to have all the extravagant special effects, it was just what it was-- a beautiful musical play.

I won't spoil it for you but just trust me when I say that it really is worth every penny you'll spend for it. It is really beautiful, enough to make me want to see it one or two more times. Also, if you're fortunate enough to get orchestra seats, I hope you take time to notice the scent of the fog smoke. It was so addicting! At first I thought it was just my seatmate's perfume but as the show went on, I realized the smoke was coming from the fog machines. I can't describe its scent perfectly, the top notes are reminiscent of those in arabic shops but the longer you smell it, it turns ito this sweet musk that is just so addicting! I feel like I will forever associate that scent to Wicked-- and for some reason, I think it was the perfect scent to describe the musical. Wait for the scene when Elphaba and Fiyero sings As Long As You're Mine, the smoke machine on full blast and the scent, together with how magical that scene was is a memory that will be etched in my heart forever.
I really enjoyed the play. There's only one other musical I enjoyed a lot --Cats. I watched that three times because I loved every scene. Now, Wicked is becoming like Cats! I've lost count of the number of times I've replayed For Good on my Ipod the last couple of days. It's such a beautiful song! There are so many beautiful songs in the play, the  most famous I believe is Defying Gravity. Then there's also my favorite, "I'm Not That Girl" but I think "For Good" topped them all and just hit me right in the core! Such a beautiful, beautiful song! And of course that scene where it was sung-- just magical!
Little black dress: Oxygen | Pink oversized blazer: Forever21 | Black pointed pumps: Parisian | Rose gold clutch: Marc Jacobs
I hope you'd be able to catch the show. I hear the entire February is sold out, so you better book your tickets for March now! It will run only up to March 9 so hurry up!

To close, I leave you my favorite song from the musical :)

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Coats and Jackets 101

Manila's weather has been really bizarre as of late. It's been too cold! The temperature outside is pleasant but inside the office-- well that's another story!

We've been teasing one of our colleagues who brought her trench coat to work cause of the cold  but she defended herself saying it's actually just a wind breaker. Her reply got me thinking. There are so many types of coats out there and I think it's high time we Filipinos got educated on their proper terms so we'd stop referring to everything as mere coats and everything else trench coats.

1. The Trench Coat

The Trench Coat is actually an optional piece of clothing in the British Army. It is a double breasted raincoat with ten buttons. It has since been a staple for every woman's wardrobe and comes in the most flattering colors.

2. Pea coat
Pea coats were originally worn by sailors and navy seals. It is typically a double breasted coat that falls just below the hips. The female version of the pea coat is usually referred to as the Jackie O coat. Personally, I love pea coats because they look so chic.

3. Moto jacket
As its name implies, the moto jacket (motorcycle jacket) is a jacket typically worn by motorcycle riders. It falls right below the waist and most often has a zipper closure.

4. Down jacket
A down jacket is termed as so because it is a jacket filled with soft down feathers of duck or goose. The feathers give the jacket insulation properties which is perfect for extremely chilly weather.

5. Parka
A parka can be a down jacket or raincoat with a hood that is often lined with fur or feather. Having a furry hood is what distinguishes a parka from other coats.

6. Utility jacket
The utility jacket has long emerged from being a frumpy unfashionable jacket. This jacket is characterized as being a light weight waxed cotton jacket. IIt also has front pockets (for utility purposes) and closes with zippers. I personally love utility jackets because they are so comfortable and with the new styles coming out nowadays, they've become very fashionable as well.

7. Wrap coat
A wrap coat is akin to a robe that overlaps and is cinched at the waist with a belt. This is also one of my favorite styles because of how easy it is to use and I like how I can dress it up with a nice belt or down with a big bow depending on my mood.

8. Cape coat

The cape coat is one of my favorite styles ever. Perhaps it is because it lends a sort of medieval feel to any outfit. This however can be very tricky to wear especially for people with full figures because the coat is not structured.

9. Military Coat
Military coats are usually long, right above the knee but modern styles have versions that are shorter. The most identifying characteristic of military coats lies on its buttons. Military coats normally have two sets of brass buttons that run down the front.

10. Windbreaker
A windbreaker can be easily mistaken for a trench coat but what it really is a jacket made of light material. It can be made of synthetic fabric that resists water or a light cotton material with lining, depending on the style. It normally has a hood to protect for the rains.

There you go! Ten most common types of jackets/coats for your information! Even if we live in a tropical country, it is always nice to address items of clothing through their proper names. Here's to having fun this unusually chilly season!

// photo credit: google images. Sorry too many sites to mention.

Monday, January 13, 2014

The Little Princess

You know how I have this semi-obsession with the Little Prince. Well, for my first accomplishment this 2014, I decided to redecorate my mom's room (which I have been sleeping in for more than a year now) and make it my own by repainting it and  doing a simple mural.



DIY-ing has always been my thing not just because I am artsy but more of because I am a big cheapskate and if I can do it without having to hire someone else, I'll do it. I bought a gallon of midnight blue paint from the hardware store, some rollers, and paint brushes and voila! My own personal work of art :)


For the other side of my room, I decided to do a calligraphy of my favorite quote-- This too shall pass. I never thought it would be such a challenge! I now have better appreciation for those who do calligraphy on walls cause it is really hard! On paper, it as easy as merely writing in cursive, but on walls, it is challenge all on its own!

I am really pleased at how my (new) room turned out. I keep thinking of other art projects and decor to add. The room is really small but it is so cozy and so pretty I never want to leave it. It has also been very good for my creativity which lately I've been able to showcase more, I think maybe because my new room inspires me.



I can't wait to really be finished with my room. I still have a number of art+furniture projects lined up but I'm pacing myself and targetting that for summer. I am just so pleased at how well this "art project" of mine turned out. What a great way to welcome 2014 indeed :)

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Love hotcakes

I know this probably comes as dated news. Then again, I am a late bloomer anyway and it never made any difference so what the heck!-- I just have to say that I love IHop!

I didn't rush to iHop because from the feedback I've been hearing, it doesn't live up to the hype. But I am a big breakfast person so when their Mall of Asia branch opened, I decided to go visit.

It was particularly hard to pick an item out of the menu because I wanted to taste everything! I wanted pancakes of course, but they also offered hash browns, crepes, waffles, sandwiches, and even dinner items I almost couldn't decide! Good thing they have "meal sets" which allows you to have a side of pancakes with your savory meal. So I decided to pick the spinach and mushroom hash brown stack.
Golden hash browns topped with sauteed spinach and mushrooms, melted Provolone cheese, sliced tomato, an over-medium egg, rich hollandaise sauce and green onions.
OMG, this is really tasty! Normally when I order crepes/omelettes with vegetables, the vegetables come unseasoned so I was really surprised to bite into my spinach and find it well seasoned and actually really tasty. It's an understatement when I say that I enjoyed this dish a lot.

I also had two pancakes to go with my meal. You can choose toast or hash browns and I chose pancakes which is great because I really wanted to try the pancakes. The waitress suggested I get the New York Cheesecake pancake.
loaded with rich cheesecake pieces and crowned with cool strawberries, powdered sugar and whipped topping. 
The star of this dish is actually the maple syrup! My favorite (and my friend's too) is the butter pecan flavored one. It is sooooo good!

I really had a great time at IHop. It offered something new and I like new so this one is definitely up my alley! Now, it's not just a "Fifty Shades of Gray"/ over-hyped kind of restaurant for me, it has truly become a place to go for tasty meals! Yum!

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sherlocked

Anyone here watches Sherlock? Can I just say Episode 1 of Season 3 blew me away! I am so happy that Season 3 is back on air!
photo credit: sherlockian.wordpress.com
This is my favorite show because I am big fan of Sherlock Holmes. I grew up reading Sherlock Holmes and this series, is the closest depiction of Sherlock to what I imagined he was like when I was young.

photo credit: moviehole.net
See, most American films/shows depict Sherlock to be weird. To be overly-talkative, know-it-all and just overall a weird (funny) guy-- which is very easy to assume for someone who is so smart. But see, Sherlock is not all goofy smart. When I was young, I saw him as my hero. As someone so smart, handsome, well-dressed and basically someone you would admire and respect. And that is how BBC One depicted Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock. They depicted him the way I imagined that guy in my favorite book to be like. I grew up wanting to be like him. Wanting to be that smart, to be that classy, to be that confident-- then suddenly all these movies and tv shows about Sherlock came out and he wasn't how I imagined him to be. I felt angered and betrayed-- that is until, BBCs Sherlock came along :)


I am so in love with this show! This is my childhood fantasy brought to life. I will always be a Sherlock Holmes fan and now that there's this cool show, I could brag about him to anyone who hasn't read the books.

Right now, I watch the series online through popcornandcoke.ch, but I hear that AXN will be airing season one starting January 11 so if you're curious about the show, then check it out there next week!

I love you Sherlock! Thank you for making my fantasy real, BBC! :)

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Happy Birthday, beautiful!

What better way to start 2014 by greeting one of the coolest, kindest, lovable and beautiful friends I have a happy birthday! 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOAPIE!!!

We may not see each other as often, and this blog is the only direct link I have with you now, but you always prove that despite the physical distance, you always have my back!

I will always remember you fondly as my wing girl, the one I can count on during my dates (hehe); the one I can randomly text with just whatever and know can go along with any crazy thing I think of. We've been through a lot in college and I am just so grateful that God allowed me to meet you! 
On your birthday, I thank God doubly for bringing you into this world and allowing you to be a part of my life! I wish nothing but the best! I know you will go places and reach unbelievable heights while keeping your feet firmly on the ground. You are an amazing girl and I wish you remain an inspiration anywhere you go.

Happy birthday my dearie!!!

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