Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Ondoy and Hermes

The death toll is up to 140. Jeezus.

Manila is in trauma right now.

Even my friend H was not spared. The water reached up to less than a foot from her ceiling. She lost everything in her apartment including her laptop, TV, fridge, her passport and other important documents. Good thing she was in the office when the catastrophe reached its peak.

Apparently, it's not just Richard Guttierez who got his Superman on during the typhoon. Jericho Rosales and Gerald Anderson did too. Amazing.

I wanted to help out in the outreach operations but I thought I should start from my own circle first by doing simple things to help. This includes some emotional support. So I dropped by the office yesterday to cheer H up with some donuts and laughter.

My Ayala movie pass was about to expire so I decided to go to Greenbelt afterward. I watched 'In My Life'. It's quite entertaining and touching. Ate V shines as usual.

Spotted: Veejay Floresca with Patrick of PRP Season 2.

Before getting a cab I saw this.


Yes love, that's Hermes... in the third world.

How does the irony make you feel?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Sunday, September 27, 2009

The 30-day Rainfall in 6 Hours

Greetings from the office--which is practically deserted. Thanks to typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana), about 80% of the people here cannot make it to work. But that's nothing compared to the large scale damage this very bad weather has caused all over Manila.

According to the news, approximately 40 people are dead or missing.

It has been raining relentlessly this past couple of days. When I went home yesterday morning, it was just drizzling. While I was sound asleep, little did I know that flood water almost drenched our living area downstairs if not for the efforts of my cousin and our helper.

I almost did not go to work tonight but thankfully, the rain and flood water subsided eventually. It took me ages to get a cab though.

But I consider myself one of the fortunate people in this time of calamity. Running water, DSL, electricity and even cable are still available in our household. Meanwhile, there are families stuck in rooftops as of the moment and some people are literally dying. It's really sad.

Photos: cbsnews.com, boston.com

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Project Runway Philippines: The Safe-garde Challenge

Gareth Pugh Spring 2009

Someone's clearly not doing his job as the pictures from the last episode are still not up on etc's Project Runway website. Hence the Gareth Pugh creation pictured above which gives away this week's challenge.

Yup. It's the avant-garde competition!

The designers were taken on a trip to Batangas for their inspiration which came in the form of architect Ed Calma's amazing house. It's modern, uber sophisticated, yet edgy.

One highlight of the episode though is the resurrection of Patrick. Yes, the bitch is back and it's not even the wild card challenge yet! The show justified his return with Teresa saying how they see so much potential in Patrick, yadda yadda yadda. It's kind of lame to only realize that now but I'm really glad he's back.

For this challenge, designers worked with a fellow contestant as a partner. It's hard to talk about the looks without the pictures but I'll continue ranting anyway.

Richie and Santi - It could've been just a textured white dress with an interesting hem if not for the Cobonpue inspired wire bolero and the plastic sheets. It actually looks interesting but I wish they experimented more with the silhoutte. Also, while Santi is quite articulate, bitch just talks too much.

Cherry and Meanne - This two clearly had problems communicating with each other. A cocktail dress with a weird, wired sleeve was all they could come up with.

Patrick and Russell - Gawd. Like the judges, I expected so much from this duo. But their dress was a let-down. They really should have just ditched the zippers and wrapped the wired sleeves with fabric instead. Not a very good comeback for Patrick.

Hanz and Manny - There's something annoying about Hanz but he's obviously one of the front runners in this competition. These two's interpretion was interesting; a catsuit with an exaggerated collar and circular wires around the bodice (another Cobonpue furniture inspiration). It was the most unique and the edgiest for this round so they deserve the win. I just wish they styled the look with different shoes instead of those boots.

By the way, no one got booted out.

Photo: nymag.com


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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Official Book Club Selection

National, Fully Booked or Powerbooks better have this soon because I want a copy dammit! I just checked the websites of the said bookstores and it looks like they don't have it available yet.

I like Kathy Griffin. This bitch is hilarious. I love her humor, and I love me some celebrity dirt. Can't wait to get my hands on Official Book Club Selection.

Photo: kathygriffin.net

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Monday, September 21, 2009

I Dream of NYC: Spring 2010 Fashion Week (Part 2)

New York Fashion Week may be over but the looks from the shows still linger in my mind from time to time as if I actually saw each fringe, each bow and each sequin from the front rows. Here's the last batch of shows that I think will influence next year's Spring wear the most.

Marc Jacobs

Ruffles much? The show started with a questionable aesthetic (for me) with frills exploding left and right. But as the show progresses, err as I click over to the next slides, the collection starts to mak
e sense. The luxurious clown-wear I deemed it to be became an appealing set of edgy, fun, if not frivolous, affairs worn during breezy summer days. I'm not sure about the saleability of the clothes but Marc Jacobs definitely has accomplished a solid presentation.

Not so relevant, but gawd, Marc is looking good. And I love his sandals.

Michael Kors

Sticking to his trademark clean, sleek, all-American fashion sensibilities, Michael Kors once again delivers the goods with just the right amount of sex and romance. Cut-outs are evidently one of the hottest trends to hit this season's runways as affirmed by this presentation.

I love how Michael Kors can spruce up a simple sweater with straightforward execution and impeccable sophistication. His line is my kind of preppy.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Jeezus how chic is Mr. Lim's shit? Sorry, I curse when I'm excited. He created sexy, elegant clothes that will sell. Some taste makers did express though that the collection is reminiscent of things which were already presented in the past. Well, I don't know about that. But I do know that a lot of girls will max out their credit cards on these lovely dresses. I admire the glamorous yet fun feel of this show.

threeASFOUR

If I'm not mistaken, this is a relatively new label. Apparently, they collaborated with Yoko Ono for this collection using some of her illustrations as prints. The shows compact with only 23 stunning looks. Take note of the magnificent tailoring and sexy, modern silhouettes. Wow.

Gawd. How I wish to attend these shows in the tents in the future. I wonder if Tim Garcia needs an assistant. lol


Photos: nymag.com


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Saturday, September 19, 2009

I Dream of NYC: Spring 2010 Fashion Week (Part 1)

As the major movers of the industry flock to New York for fashion week, I'm nothing but a corporate slave sneakily ogling over images and articles online in a little corner of the office, occasionally checking if any boss is around. That doesn't stop me from coming up with my own runway report though.

Too many shows, too little time. I'm certainly no fashion connoisseur but I'll put it out there anyway. Here are my thoughts about some of the notable shows this week.

Christian Siriano

The moment I saw the oversized hats, I knew it's Christian Siriano's collection. I'm trying not to use the word fierce here but the shoes (the non-runway version of which will be sold through Payless) make me defy this. I'm happy this Project Runway winner is gaining more success in this industry. This collection is justification of all the attention he's getting what with all the very well tailored jackets and the extravagant dresses that paraded down the runway. This bitch knows how to put on a show. I'm looking forward to more growth (and fine, more fierceness) from Christian.

Rodarte

Had I not seen some of the previous collections these two ladies came up with, I'd be all over this collection. The distressed, tribal warrior princesses charging down the runway of Rodarte's latest show is a great concept. But I'm torn (no pon intended). I like how raw the looks are and it will be very interesting to see how these risque pieces translate to ready-to-wear. But I'd also like to see something more than slashed and layered fabrics and uneven hemlines from these very talented girls. On a side note, is it just me or Eniko Mihalik looks a little "chunky" in this show?

Alexander Wang

The Wang (the younger one) is keeping the momentum of impressive collections. The critic favorite sent what seemed to be ultra stylish gymwear for next year's spring. I'm amazed by the surprising interplay of stretchy fabrics with tailored pieces and leatherwear. The styling, hair, makeup and accessories completed the puzzle which resulted to a sensible, chic and vision driven aesthetic. See the black, leather, diaper-like shorts look on Anna Selezneva? Stunning.

Proenza Schouler

Love the colors, the fringes and the textures! The cute, designing duo rubs the sartorial side of me the right way with this youthful collection. It's spring, it's summer, with touches of 80s and 90s aesthetics done with the slightest heroine chic and oozing with oomph. The gorgeous cocktail dresses are a mishmash of bright colors not for the faint of heart. I also love the thick, solid necklaces that complemented the frocks. I wish there were long gowns to complete this strong collection.

Photos: nymag.com

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Friday, September 18, 2009

Project Runway Philippines: The Future Isn't Very Bright

In the latest episode of Project Runway Philippines, the designers were asked to make a futuristic creation to be featured on Preview Magazine. This challenge excited me so much. It's so Lady Gaga, 2007 Baleciaga and vintage Thierry Mugler.

The more challenging part though was they had to use natural fabrics so thoughts of metal corsets and shoulder pads quickly vanished.

Cherry decided to make a paper mache bustier with a purple eco-friendly fabric which is very creative. But does it look futuristic? Not enough I think.

Richie's look was appropriately styled and his dress is not that bad at all. It could have been more flattering though if he gave the dress a better silhouette. An inverted triangle perhaps?

This dress is more 80s than futuristic. The zipper piping was a good idea but Manny needs to broaden his perspective.

Little Meanne surprised everyone with her garment. I love it although I think the length and volume of the skirt are a little awkard. Bitch is stepping it up though, so kudos to her.

Again, 80s. If Russell was thinking 'UFOs', I'm thinking 'pancakes'.

This dress by Santi could have won if not for the tragic dress. The judges were right. The bolero was already enough to carry the look so he should've toned down with the dress. And don't get me started about how he made a fool of his model by making her act like a stupid robot on national television. That was painful to watch. Shame on you Santi.

I don't know about you but even Hanz's winning dress doesn't seem too futuristic either. It's edgy and well made, and I love the straps and buckles but the pouffy sleeves are very off. He could've just removed those and worked with a more elaborate collar instead.

Meanwhile, Randy's bitch who got stuck in a giant vase prompted the judges to eliminate him. I didn't expect this because Randy seems to have so much potential--not to mention ambition. I'm looking at the bright side by thinking at least we no longer have to deal with Randy's weird manner of talking.

Next week, the designers are going on a field trip. I wonder if this is the photo inspiration challenge. Let's see.

Photos: etc.com.ph


literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Two Much Tuesday


The Painter

Upon exiting the elevator, I went looking for his unit among the doors lined along the wood tiled corridor. Then one opened a few feet behind me and he called out my name.

The whole space is adorned with what must be his paintings. He was wearing jeans and a shirt with no footwear on. The condo unit must have at least two bedrooms, one of which we went into quietly. The wall-to-ceiling glass window provided a nice view of the mess that is Mandaluyong.

I expected more from this little rendezvous. He was nice, but not really my type. It’s hard to focus when you’re thinking of someone else.

Not even 30 minutes later, we came sneaking out of the room. On his doorway, he attempte
d to kiss me. But I avoided it. He was puzzled.

"Not yet," I said. He had a hint of a smile on his face.

I never should have kissed him in the first place.

The walk of shame along EDSA was hot, exhausting, sweaty.

I didn't have anything to do so I headed to Robinson's Pioneer. I wandered for a couple of minutes before deciding to go grocery shopping.

At around 5 pm, I went home with toilet paper, detergent, canned goods, etc in tow.

The Chef (Yet Again)

Tired and uncertain about what to do next, I received a text message from The Chef which was surprising.

"Hey," it read.


I replied asking him what he's up to then continued to watch the TV from my bed.

About half an hour later, I was in a cab on the way to his place.

Fifteen minutes passed with me waiting outside the 7 Eleven across where he’s staying. I jumped into his truck and almost immediately thereafter, he squeezed my chest and asked how I’m doing. I love the naughtiness of this guy.

He’s been very busy (he’s opening up a new restaurant). He claimed it has been impossible for him to meet up with guys lately. I don’t know if I believe this.

There he was, in his snug jeans and button-down shirt, the sleeves of which bunched up because of his toned biceps. While waiting for the elevator, we looked at each other knowingly. I

wanted to go for the kill right then and there. But decency prevailed.

Just like the last time, he was eager and hungry. We had to hurry up though because his niece, who is temporarily staying with him, was on her way home.

Between the frenzy of getting dressed up as fast as possible, I kissed him by his doorway. “Gusto ko pa,” he groaned. I chuckled. Gawd, if only we had more time.

I went out first and waited for him at the lobby as he had instructed. I didn’t see the point, but I sat on the couch anyway observing the atmosphere of the posh, amber-lit receiving area.

Patiently and comfortably, I waited for a good thirty minutes. He didn’t pick up his phone nor answered my text so I decided to leave and walk to Powerplant Mall.

It was good seeing him again.

P.S.

I walked around the mall for a bit and was able to check out the shops with restraint. After buying a pore strip from Bench and dropping by the chapel, I scoured the damn mall for a copy of Plant Magazine. I'm glad to finally have a copy. It's very concise yet entertaining.

It's Cecile Zamora Van Struttin' on the cover!

Biyaheng Rockwell

Manila Makulay indeed.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Monday, September 14, 2009

Random Rants

Cubao X

Went to Cubao X with Jules today! Finally! I've been meaning to drop by for the longest time. I want to shoot myself for not bringing a camera.

I love the antique shops there and other stores that sell loads of trinkets from vintage alarm clocks to records and books.

But the main goal was actually the ukay-ukay (second hand clothes). We have this fashion decades competition at the office this week and our team will be doing the 80s. What a perfect excuse to scour through racks and racks of cheap clothes.

Anyway, I didn't buy anything 80s. They didn't have acid wash jeans or denim vests. I got 3 neat shirts though and the coolest dress for my sister.

The Chef (Again)

Just when I'm starting to forget this shmuck, I see him on TV.

New York Fashion Week

The queen bee went to Queens and everywhere else for Fashion's Night Out. Lohan caused a buzz within the fashion crowd as she gets appointed Artistic Advisor of Ungaro. Oscar de la Renta sang with Barbara Walters, Sarah Jessica Parker and Bette Midler. While the shows are in full swing.

So far, I'm loving Alexander Wang and Christian Siriano. Gawd, I wish I was in New York right now.

All the madness at nymag.com.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Friday, September 11, 2009

Project Runway Season 2: Resort Wear Competition

Patrick's out. That's right. Patrick got auf-ed! Or rather he's Chugie Alcasid!

Is it just me or did Richie got surprisingly saved again? Well, the first time he got his ass saved, that was surprising. But choosing Richie over Patrick? That's shocking.

I have nothing against Richie. He seems very nice and actually cute but his taste level is not at par with some of the remaining designers. His creation for this round was horrendous. Patrick's was so-so. But the latter has a better "track record" in this competition.

Gawd. And here I am thinking Patrick's the next Aries Lagat.

Meanwhile, I loved the winning creation by Cherry.

Richie better step it up and prove he's still in the competition because he has the potential to be the next top Filipino designer and not just because the powers that be think his cute face will pull in the audience.

By the way, did they change the director/editor(s)? I know Project Runway USA switched to Lifetime but it seems the local version made some changes as well. It's still on etc however the editing and scoring are now different (really bad). I hate it.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Politics + Economy + Bruno = Tuesday

This is where our taxes go.

Yesterday was one productive rainy Tuesday. I finally got the will to register for the 2010 elections. It would be my first time to vote.

I cannot stress enough how much I hate government offices, not to mention some of its employees. Despite this and the nonstop downpour, I found myself tip-toeing my way around the Mandaluyong Circle looking for the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) office.

There were not a lot of people. I was surprised the process was faster than I thought. Another surprise though was the fact that they didn't give me any proof of registration, number or receipt. I was already outside when I decided to go back and inquire.

The guy gave me a vague explanation about the forms not having stubs and instructed me to just take note of my registration date and come back a few weeks before the election to get my voter's ID. I don't understand this because a friend of mine got a stub with the precinct information when she registered weeks ago in Cubao.

I should've demanded for a better explanation but I was afraid the guy would get irritated and give me a nasty retort. Besides, I couldn't wait to get out of there so I just left and went straight to the bank to take care of my credit bill. I wonder where some of that money will go.

Speaking of money, I spent some of mine at Shangri-la Plaza once done with the bank. I had to buy re-chargeable batteries for our old, trusty digital camera, and had dinner at Secret Recipe (They have an ongoing promo. You have to try their cakes!).

I was planning to watch Up but unfortunately, it's no longer showing at t
he Shang Cineplex. It was a pleasant surprised though that Bruno was showing at 7PM!

"Dolce and Gabbana, hello?!"

The movie was hilarious but aren't we all expecting that? Borat was more fun to watch I guess because I didn't know what to expect then. I wish they didn't create so much hype with the second movie. Bruno still made me laugh though, as well as the other 8 people in the theater.

On that note, you have to watch it. You have to see how Bruno alienates everyone on his path with his overwhelming gayness.
Hilarity Clinton.

"Am I going to wake up to find you masturbating over me?"

"I'll be sure not to wake you."

I also met up with a guy just before going home. But it's so pathetic it would be better to talk about how much it has been raining lately. Jeezus, I had to line up for an hour last night just to get a cab! It's insane.

That's my day. How was yours?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Celebration

Madonna has joined the Balmain bandwagon as seen here on her latest music video for 'Celebration'. For a 50 year-old (how old is this bitch again?), she rocks it pretty well. The look is very "now".



But of course it's not a Madonna video if there's no crotch thrusting and sexually suggestive dancing. It's good to see her back with the dance anthems. Enough with the hip-hop collaborations.

Celebration is very "Confessions on a Dance Floor" which is why I love it.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Sunday, September 06, 2009

I'm No Buffet

It has been a week since my encounter with The Chef. During the past week, there was no day that I didn't think of him.

The last time I tried to get in touch was the night before my birthday, about a day and a half after we saw each other, when I asked him if we could meet up and have coffee. I didn't hear from him until this morning when I guess he was having morning wood. He wanted to meet up but it didn't happen due to lack of time.

It's very flattering that I please his discriminating palate but good gawd, I thought there was more than just taste testing going on.

*Sigh*

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

23

I just got from the church. Since I woke up at 5 am and could no longer go back to sleep, I decided to attend the 6 am mass to show gratitude and appreciation of my 23 years of life.

My parents called a few minutes ago. It was sweet and loving and all (especially when my father told me about plans of getting me a gift next month when they visit) until Papa asked me to get a girlfriend already. I just chuckled awkwardly and murmured things I no longer remember. Gawd.

Anywayyy, there's a long list of things to do for today and I only had 2.5 hours of sleep! Good luck to me.









Ohmigod, I'm 23!

Birthday Eve 2009

Tomorrow's my birthday so I decided to go out and have dinner and drinks with friends this evening.
Jules and H

Honestly, this birthday thing has been stressing me out lately. I couldn't figure out what to do. No, actually what I really want to do is go to Boracay all by myself and see my friend who works there and just enjoy the paradise island. However, budget and time constraints do not allow me to do that. The next best thing would be to go to Tagaytay but not alone. The Chef suggested we can go to Antonio's one of these days but I doubt that will ever happen. I haven't heard from him since yesterday morning.

Dinner was at Kitchen, Greenbelt with Jules, H, Jules' sister and brother-in-law.

Anyway, apres Greenbelt, we went to Greenhills for a few drinks and a few more food at Gerry's Grill.

Thanks to friends, growing old single isn't as bad as it could've been. These two girls are coming over tomorrow to help me cook. Happy birthday to me.