Reading Fashion

I used to thrive in reading fashion magazines. My month wouldn’t be complete if I hadn’t browsed through the latest trends of the season. Some people may have an expensive addicting vice like smoking, drinking, or gambling. Mine was smelling the newly printed glossy pages and drooling over the expensive clothes, shoes, and bags the models are donning.

Sure, I knew I couldn’t in any way swipe my Visa for an LV or a Prada, with the kakarampot sweldo that I was getting. Else, I would be kicked out of the house to smithereens by the Hubby. I also knew that I couldn’t afford to take a vacation to those wonderful locations in Paris, Milan, or New York like the backdrops of those waif-like mannequins. After all, these lifestyle magazines are there to put us in a dream state, in a ‘what-would-life-be-if’ delusion. Maybe that’s the reason why a lot of women read them, why I read them—to temporarily have an exodus from my ordinary, mundane life. At least until after I’m done with my PhP120++ mag.

Bayo knits
Guess jeans
Janilyn booties

Of course I gained insights on what’s hot, on what’s in and out. I was able to pick up hair, makeup, and fashion tips here and there. But it also deducted a portion of my retirement savings to give to the publishers of these glossies. It also made me always feel less satisfied, less beautiful, more wanting.

Now my three feet collection of magazines is in our bodega amassing dust. I don’t read them anymore, (syempre old season na e!), more importantly though, I don’t run to the suking magazine stand as soon as the calendar hits the first day of the month anymore. Have I turned my back from fashion? Not really. I got smart and turned to the fashion websites on the internet instead. What, a poor girl has to be creative!

Anyway, did you notice something familiar with the picture above? In that September 2008 issue of Preview Magazine, I was picked as the Letter of the Month. I emailed my letter to the editor, and luckily, it was chosen. I won that Burberry ‘The Beat’ Perfume featured on the left hand corner of that page. Can you read the letter? You can't? Okay, oldies. Let me get you a magnifying glass.

There…better?

Mother's Day

When we were young, there were three occasions the Wicked Alvarez Siblings used to prepare and save money for—June 3, my mom’s birthday; September 13, my parents’ wedding anniversary; and Mother’s Day. Never mind my father’s birthday. He really didn’t care much about gifts and stuff, but he always reminded us to cook up a surprise for Mama. And after all those years, Mama never failed to look surprised and happy to open our humble presents for her—be it a ceramic flower vase, a plastic picture frame, or even a do-it-yourself card. We children would be pleased with ourselves for making our mother laugh and cry at the same time.

Then we grew up. Then the cards and the gifts stopped coming.

Issa's creation at 7 years old: Glitters, shells, beads and colorful letters--ayluvett!

When I became a mother myself, I also experienced receiving artsy cards from my children on Mother’s Day. It was only then that I understood my mom’s reaction. Receiving these simple creations, I also felt elated especially when reading the innocent, funny, and honest dedications of my kids. At times, they said I was just pretending to be happy when I get ‘lame’ cards from them. But to a mother, these cards are special treasures to be cherished and kept forever. For I knew that when they reached a certain age, these touching moments would never come back.

I was right. They haven’t given me any card for the past two years or so. That’s why I'm thankful that I was able to collect all these cards in my baul. Let it be known that they have been corny and mushy and loving to their mom when they were kids, and they could never deny it. I have all the evidence at hand. When the Kiddos saw me scanning these cards, they had a laugh teasing each other how losers they were before. Ha! Wait till your children see them.

Yesterday, the Daughter proudly said she changed her profile picture to the one where we are together. So that's how she greets me now, huh, through FB. At least she still thought of me on this day. I'm still waiting what my boys will do. (Asa pa!)  

Happy Mother's Day, Mama. Know that I love you dearly. Just as I know my Kiddos also love me too. And Happy Mothers Day to all the great moms I know!!!

Ang Pinakamagandang Osang sa Balat ng Lupa

Rossana…                                                                                          Arlene...
 

             Roxanne…                                                                               Osang...

I remember her being a part of our Ghostly Gang group when we were in Grade 6-Rambutan. You know how little girls form silly cliques just to feel they belong. But somehow, she found another group in high school who were more matured and ligawin. In other words, maaga silang kumarengkeng (inggit lang kaming NBSB* noon!).  But although she caught the ‘boys fever’ earlier, I have always treasured our moments together: We were the first ones to join the Glee Club in our first year; we did drama presentations together like when she was Basilio and I was Portia in The Merchant of Venice; or when working on school projects. She was one of those uber talented and artistic people in our class who we could always rely on. That’s why when our batch had our 25^th reunion last December, 2009, I never doubted Osang’s capability to handle the event preparation. And delivered with a bang, she did!

To me, she will always be one of the most beautiful in our batch—noon at ngayon—walang kupas!!!

  Haberdey, Teh!!! Aiiyee, aahh, aiiyeh, aahh….!!!!**

*No Boyfriend Since Birth
**O hayan na ang R-rated dance mo!!!

Torture Room Xtravaganza;-)

Ever heard about TRX suspension training?

This was what the Daughter, my niece Trina and I are bonding over this summer. Since April 11 every MWF, we have been going to this cozy, little gym called the Mandala Centering Place. From the outside, the place looks like a Moslem mosque. Inside though, it‘s a haven for fitness enthusiasts who are looking for a different, but more effective way to be fit, and of course lose weight.

The Mandala Centering Place

Anyway, we enrolled in their TRX Program, and our muscles were not ready for the wicked jolt that hit us. You see, the TRX Suspension Training was an invention of a US Navy Seal that allows you to perform core strengthening exercises using your own body weight. So instead of the cumbersome dumbbells, you are actually lifting your own body against gravity. Mas astig, di ba?

On our first day, my Daughter got very pale on the lips after the session. I vomited when I reached home. You know the documentaries where soldiers throw up after a rigorous training? That’s how we felt. Our bodies sored like crazy--so popped Alaxan, we did. Our instructor, Ms. Kit Cooper, encouraged us to go back after a day of rest, to exercise the soreness away. (Ano raw?) We almost didn’t go back because I was thinking, why am I doing this to myself? Anong kasalanan ko, Lord? (Dramatics!) But we have already paid for 8 sessions (Php800), so we grudgingly came back.

The second session was much tolerable. We were slowly being convinced in Ms. Cooper’s promise that it will get better the next time. Over ha? Two sessions pa lang, feeling strong na kami? But who were we kidding? That night, I could barely move my hands up my head. But at least, there was no throwing up this time around.

The next ones were not a breeze, but our bodies have been accustomed to the torture, er, training, so it wasn’t that bad anymore.

On my 6th session: Sweat, baby, sweat!!!

So far, we are seeing (or imagining?) some results. The Daughter lost 5 pounds in just 2 weeks. Of course, she combined it with control in her diet, plus afternoon joggings with me on weekends. As for her ancient mother? I feel my batwing arms are getting tighter, and my legs are getting some definition (walang kokontra!). I don’t feel out of breath when I go up the 3^rd floor to my place of work; and I feel lighter than before.

Yup, we are convinced. We believe, Ms. Cooper. I’m definitely coming back.

My Aji-no-Moto Sister

Some people are blessed with good genes. Or have the money to have access to beauty. Or just plain lucky. Maybe my sister, Bernadette, is the last. When she was young, she looked like a Japanese doll—fair-skinned and chinky eyed.   If you had seen us four sisters together when we were young, you would definitely doubt that she was part of our clan. That’s why people used to wonder from what bunch could she have come from. Growing up, she was either praised for being cute, or teased for being an ampon.

There was this old Aji-no-moto commercial that featured a sweet, young Japanese girl when we were kids. The girl looked like little Midette, so we used to call her Aji-no-moto.

As years went by, her ‘prettiness’ DNA became more prominent. She was the tallest among us, and the thinnest. She could eat rice in a bandehado without feeling guilty about it--for not an inch would go to her arms, and waist, and hips. Even now that she has five (whoa!) adorable kids, would you believe that she could still pull off wearing a bikini? And a white one at that! She also has that ability to make an inexpensive dress look ten times more than what it's worth. Of course, the other wicked sisters would never accept that she’s the prettiest. Up to now, fierce competition still abounds in Casa Alvarez;-)

Her pride and joy

But since it’s your birthday, Midette, let me rest my scramble to the top and let you shine on this day (I speak on behalf of the other wicked sisters too!). You deserve all the love, happiness and blessings. Happy birthday, my dear beautiful sister!

Enjoy this day to the fullest. For tomorrow, My, Ben and I will be on the race for that elusive title again! Luv yah mmuch!!!



P.S. Happy birthday too to beautiful friends of mine:

Vicky Castillo-Mamanta--One of the the best friends I had in high school. She made me laugh and laugh without end...

Lowell Esguerra-Reyes--My beautiful UPCC batchmate. She had that refreshing glow in her, even after an overnight trip on the bus...

Monique Gatbonton--My GSMI friend. Her infectious laughter and positive aura despite the pressure of corporate life had been an inspiration...

Clarissa Perez, Pinky Cantuba-Castro, & John Kim...

Your presence in my life would always be considered a blessing.

Singapore Vacay Day 5: Goodbye, Fine City!

Day 5: Going Home

Goodbye is such sweet sorrow.

Whoever said that (okay, Shakespeare said ‘Parting’) was probably a lover of travelling. As we prepared to go back home, I looked back at the things I will remember forever.

Goodbye Strand Hotel. Your accommodation was well worth it. Your room was spacious. Your breakfast helpings were generous. I hope next time your door man would smile more?

Goodbye Kopitiam Food Court. You nourished us with  your Hainanese chicken rice and siomai. You’re open 24 hours, so there was an assurance that we wouldn’t be hungry during our stay. Now if I could duplicate that chicken rice in my kitchen.

Goodbye well-mannered people of Singapore. You were all so lovely hosts to visitors like us. We noticed that you appropriately say ‘Thank you’, ‘Excuse me’, and ‘I’m sorry’. I have never experienced a people so disciplined and laid back and gracious at the same time.

Goodbye Singapore streets. I never imagined I would actually enjoy blocks and blocks of walking. Your roads are pedestrian-friendly and meticulously clean. Your motorists actually follow the traffic rules. Your trains and buses are right on the dot. Your streetscape is full of interesting sights to see.

Goodbye Changi Airport. Your cleanliness and efficiency is admirable. We could only wish our very own airports lived up to your standards. And thanks for not asking for an airport fee. Oh, I almost forgot. Shopping there was awesome!

Nice couches to lounge on...

...free Internet for the technophiles... 

..and definitely a shopaholic mecca. Waiting for a flight has never been more fun!

Yes, Cuz Premz. The Daughter snatched a pair of sky blue floral Doc Martens...

...and the Boys got this Nintendo 3DS (later in Ayala Cebu).        

More alibi not to talk to their poor mother!

Although we missed the Merlion, the Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and the nature parks (and a date with former GSMI colleague Haide Guitarte--sorry, my Friend!), this trip helped us discover the world more and bonded my family tighter. It doesn't get any better than that.

Paalam, Singapore!



Singapore Vacay Day 4: Science and Shopping

Our plan for today was to go to the Science Centre Singapore, the Merlion, the Marina Bay Sands, and finally Orchard Road. Little did we know that the flesh, er, the feet, would always be not willing. (Sus, mga ambi kasi!)

Day 4: First Stop--The Science Centre Singapore

The Science Centre Singapore aims to inspire young people to be excited about science. With interactive exhibits and galleries to challenge young minds, no wonder it attracts over a million visitors a year. Admission  is at S$9 for adults (Php 306).

Count the five of us in.

Knowing that the Boys have not gotten their parents’ shopping genes, we planned this trip especially for them. Although Jurong East was quite far from where we were billeted in, we still pushed through with this.

After 40 minutes of train ride and about 500 meters of walking, we finally reached it. As with most Singapore tourist spots, the façade was very impressive—clean, modern, immense.

Double Trouble!

They have featured Imax movies

A fountain can be found by the entrance. Later, we saw kids frolicking and playing in the water.

So many things to see and do and experience. The Science Centre features over 1000 exhibits which are interactive and hands-on. 

An observation: While the girls were always showing their pearlie whites...

...the boys were always poker-faced. What's up with teenage boys?

Anyway, can you see two pairs of people facing each other?

 All things electric

No one wanted to try the electric chair, so I had to volunteer.

Hwag po! Wala akong kasalanan!!!

Trivia: Did you know that the electric chair was invented by a dentist?

Their cafe rocks!

Both extinct species --the dodo bird and a 16-year old baby!

Sound check!

Did you hear Dad calling you, boys?

Antique gramophones

Even robots know how to play the guitar!

Twilight zone...teeenee neeneen...

In the future, table games would be like this...

Issa had a field day teasing Paolo about his fear of heights.

He didn't even want to be near the railing. Pao, seriously!!!??

  

Be. Inspired. Kiddos.

Last stop: Gift shop. TG the Kiddos are not into toys anymore!

As we were eating at McDo Science Centre, the Hubby revealed to us how far we would be walking going to the Merlion and our next stop. None of the Kiddos were talking anymore because they were not so keen into more walking. The First Son even whispered to me, “We are going to walk miles and for what, a couple of pictures?” I then suggested that we scrap going to the Merlion, and go straight to Orchard Road instead. And I was beginning to have a headache too from all these trekking. The Hubby really wanted to go, but he was outvoted.

So the next stop: Orchard Road

Our main purpose of going to Orchard Road was not to shop till we drop. Lord knows how much I have always wanted to do that, but the Visa heaven has its limits! We just wanted to experience the enormous shopping centers Singapore is famous for. And it didn’t disappoint. Orchard Road assaults you with rows of high end stores and gigantic display windows—Paragon, Ngee Ann City, Somerset, Orchard Central… I felt I belong here. Ambilis ng kaba ng puso ko!!!

Kahit sa picture man lang, makatabi ko si LV.

We first went to Orchard Central for the Daughter. Her only wish was to buy a pair of Doc Martens boots. Can you guess which one she bought?

Then, it was my turn. 313@Somerset has four floors of Forever 21, three floors of Zara, the largest Uniqlo store in SE Asia, etc etc. so that was my destination. However, I was just kind of disappointed in F21 because almost all of their clothes were flowery—floral overload! I came out of the store not satisfied. I also visited my other fave stores, but it was all blah for me. What was happening to me? Panic, panic, panic! Two hours of going around and still I was not carrying any shopping bags. Ewan ko ba. Maybe it’s the Singapore dollars sign on the price tag. Maybe the clothes didn’t appeal to me. Maybe I was pressured for time knowing that the Boys were waiting for the Girls to finish raking through all the stores. Or maybe it was just too much shopping adrenaline. I ended up buying things for the sake of. Oh oh. Not good.

Anyway, later in the afternoon, we noticed an unusually thick crowd slowly gathering along the street. We found out that Redbull was hosting an F1 Speed Street, where a famous Formula One driver, David Coulthard (no idea who he is!), plowed the Orchard Street for some racing stunts. Sorry, I couldn’t care less. I still had to visit Topshop.

Meanwhile, the Boys scouted to buy a Nintendo 3DS there, but the Hubby advised them to buy it in Cebu instead. It would be better for after service guarantee, and it might come out cheaper. Although frustrated that they would be coming back empty-handed, they saw the logic in their Dad’s suggestion. So they agreed.

Just when we thought we had sated our shopping curiousity (at syempre ang sakit na ng mga paa namin!), we headed back to Strand Hotel. So that was how it felt like to shop till you drop!

Back to the hotel room, we bought takeout food from Kopitiam (ano pa e di Hainanese ulit!) and finally got ready for our flight the next day. Later, the Daughter had fever. The Hubby got scared. Never fear, Doctor Mom was there. And everything was okay.

To be continued. (Huling kabanata na--pramis!)