Sugar Shocker

One of my favorite food blogs, Dessert Comes First, will celebrate its 6th anniversary with a party that's sure to cause a major rush and I was lucky enough to win an invite to this exclusive event. That's right, I had to enter and win a contest for this sweet spectacle.

Even with the invite, the fact that I would have to shell out Php500.00 at the venue threw me off a little. But I guess it's worth it considering there will be 11 bakers serving some of the best desserts in town. What worries me more now though is the idea of going alone. This would not be the first time for me to attend a blog event all by myself but I really wish I could bring MFG with me. I think pigging out to the point of a cardiac arrest would be more fun with him. Besides, between the two of us, he's more the munch master and he himself bakes.

Oh well. It seems like a really fun party. As long as there are no "parlor games", I'll be fine.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Tweet Tweet

It has only been about 3 weeks since I signed up so I still consider myself a Twitter newbie. I still get surprised every once in a while when exploring the site.

This, in particular, put a smile on my face. Oh, he never fails to amuse.

Meanwhile...

Hahahah... Today is Wednesday, tomorrow is Thursday and Friday comes afterwards so have a good day!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

LOVE

My life lately has been a series of expensive, fattening meetings that last for hours and hours. So let me take this moment to indulge in a little vanity, yeah? It's been a while since I last abused the self-timer you know.

We were at Bonifacio High Street the other day working on our paper when I decided to step out and take a breather. Then voila! Love at first sight!

I just had to have it. It's made of porcelain so it's quite fragile. Oh the irony.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Vilebrequin

When Hermes came to Manila, I began to doubt if the Philippines really is still a third-world country. This doubt increased when I chanced upon this store in Greenbelt 5 called 'Vilebrequin' last Saturday. I haven't heard of the brand before but it being where it is and seeing "St. Tropez" right under the name, I knew it's not your regular swimwear store. I got curious after seeing all the men's swim shorts neatly on display so I went in and inspected the items closely.

Fancy boxer shorts anyone?

The garments look very well-made and I like how these shorts look tailored to fit just right; not too tight, not too baggy. The prints are fun yet timeless. The materials used also look and feel very comfortable and lush  (read: expensive). I forgot the exact price the sales rep said when I asked her but it's around Php8,900 I believe. Steep I know. They're made in "Bulgarian French" according to her but whether they prevent shrinkage or not was not confirmed.

Without batting an eyelash, I whipped out the plastic and got a bag of shorts that I'll wear on my upcoming summer trip to Maldives. Not.

Anyhow, click here to know more about George Clooney's swimwear of choice when vacationing at the French Riviera.

Photo: forbes.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Honey and Tea

This post is going to make me appear either as a granny stuck in a guy's body or a domestic daddy wannabe.

If I can have it my way, I'd use the real, all-natural honey that's not sold in supermarkets. But this one is the closest I can get living in Manila. Back home, we'd occasionally get good honey as a pasalubong from an uncle who lives in Romblon.

I love honey because you can use it for so many different things---plus I like to believe it's healthy.

I was never really a tea person until a few months ago when I bought a box of Twinings. Does it come with age? It tastes exactly how I remembered it to be but I didn't hate it. In fact, I now ask for refills whenever I'm in a Chinese Restaurant. The strongest tea I've had is The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's version of genmaicha. It's so woodsy and a little nutty. Not exactly my type but it's perfect when you want to lose weight if you know what I mean.

Tea with honey and biscuits or cookies is a great midnight snack on a quiet night methinks. My friend Rica thinks it's very English of me. Hahah... I just like how it fills you up but still keeps you feeling light and not bloated. I'll try the iced version soon.

Good night!

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Rising Sun

When you woke up this morning, you probably thought this is going to be just another day in your life. That's what most people in Japan thought too last Friday. Then it happened.

Words can barely describe the devastation that struck the country. It's the strongest earthquake on record to hit Japan followed by a massive tsunami that wiped out towns and cities. But disaster doesn't stop there as nuclear power plant explosions wreak more havoc and a meltdown threatens to cause even more destruction not limited within the ailing nation.

While you're reading this, probably comfortably sheltered in your home or perhaps your office, our Japanese friends are struggling to survive. It has only been four days and the scale of damage already compares to that of World War II. The death toll is estimated to reach at least 10,000. It is very hard to imagine that such a powerful country, a strong force in the global economy, is experiencing food shortage. The ones spared may have the means to buy food but what do you do when there's no food to buy? People there, including the ones in cities, literally have nothing to eat or have no clean water to drink. Over 500,000 of them are housed in evacuation centers with no clear knowledge of their fate within the coming days.

How do you begin to recover when everything you have is gone? Think of it. Your food, your clothes and belongings, your home, the ground your house used to stand on, and unfortunately, perhaps even your loved ones, all gone, just like that.

Being aware is good. But it doesn't stop there. As much as I'd like to personally hand over goods or try to comfort shocked survivors, not all of us have the opportunity to do so. However, there's a force that we can channel our sincere thoughts to that will help avert this crisis and heal suffering. I'm not there physically but I am praying for each grieving victim, for each casualty, for the ones living in fear, living in danger and for those who are going out of their way to help out. I'm humbly asking you to take some time and do the same.

Tomorrow, when you wake up thinking it's going to be just another day, be thankful---and hope that, if it can't be a better one, it may as well indeed be a regular day in your life.

Meanwhile, click here, here, here, or here for more ways to help.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Just Always Pray At Night

The supposedly humorous acronym of J.A.P.A.N. has never been more appropriate. This is no laughing matter though which is why I find it utterly insensitive that people are tweeting jokes and spreading false reports about the recent catastrophe that has left a first world nation in shambles and the rest in fear, empathy and grief. (And yes, I'm on Twitter now.)

I'm never one to write about heavy current events and phenomena but this one hits home. The recent natural disasters are an issue of survival and cause of worldwide concern. I have a cousin who lives in Japan with his family and MFG just flew to Osaka the other day to check on something. It doesn't end there; threats of more damaging occurrences spread each day.

It doesn't help that school is sucking the life out of me. I have now developed an anger towards two ineffective professors.

Anyway, needless to say, I am very worried.

#fingerscrossed

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Paris S'il Vous Plait

I am very jealous. When I woke up this morning, I wish the only problem I had was what to wear to the Chanel show.

Left: Balmain Right: Lanvin; See, it even rhymes.

A few things about Paris fashion week:

• The devil wears Viktor and Rolf. Outstanding! The Swedish duo did it again.
• It just occurred to me. Lanvin is the evening wear of the girl who wears Balmain during the day. Emmanuelle Alt?
• Dior is finally without John Galliano. In my opinion, this is not a bad thing at all. He needs to sober up while the label needs a newer, fresher take on the Dior aesthetic. Also, don't fuck with them Jews.
• The other buzz in Paris around the fashion circle is the Mugler show where Lady Gaga reportedly upstaged the models. Is that even surprising? The show seems like a lot of fun and I do like most of the clothes but I feel like I've seen these looks before. By the way, 'Born This Way' doesn't sound like Madonna. It's more Pink to me.
• Riccardo Tisci got me all in a tizzy! The latest Givenchy womenswear collection comes across as a dark, dreamy fairytale to me with a biker twist which I like. But it's those men's thigh highs and mutt prints that leave me daydreaming of the possibilities. Fucking insane. I love it!

That's all for now. Au revoir!

Photos: nymag.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Breakfast Berries

How beautiful is this sight?

Best with pineapple juice or the like.

That's oatmeal topped with strawberries glazed with honey. You know how I love those fresh, juicy, vibrantly red, little ones. My friend H brought me home the strawberries from Baguio. They're so fresh they came with a live baby leech.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Becoming Lindsay Lohan

Thanks to the unreliable rail system of Manila, which is really supposed to be the fastest way to get to Greenbelt at 8pm, I was late so MFG and I missed the earlier screening of I Am Number Four.

We killed the time by having a quick dinner---but not before walking a couple of blocks while having a little argument. Then we decided to have drinks at Dillinger where the female bartenders/servers found it amusing how we downed shots like it's going out of style.

Great liquor selection at Dillinger.

The place looks like an upscale pub. No frills. No gimmicks.Very straightforward. I like it, even with the TVs. It's the kind of bar where people really go to drink and chat and not to be seen. I hope it stays that way.

Just like the place, I wanted my drink to be straightforward, no frills. That heat from the mouth down to the throat was what I was after so MFG got us shots of vodka. After half an hour or so, the score was MFG-4, moi-3.

Plain Vodka on the rocks over the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on TV.

I have to admit, by the time we went up to the cinema, I was a little buzzed. But definitely not too buzzed for frozen yogurt.

The movie was alright. I was expecting something more intelligent. It gets exciting towards the end though. Or was that just me dying to go pee?

Anyway, I've been consuming too much alcohol lately. Last night was not even a weekend. Is this the start of my downward spiral? What am I going to wear in court? This teenage drama queen had fun though. It was a new experience with MFG, thanks to alcohol.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Class Act

If I fail the midterms, blame it on 'To Catch A Predator'. Last week, instead of reading 10 chapters of school material, I spent more time on Youtube watching perverts try to do sexy times with minors. Come Saturday morning, not only was I late. I, along with pretty much the rest of the class, didn't have a clue for the most part of the damn exam.

We consoled ourselves by pigging out and boozing. After a very exquisite lunch at this small eatery near the school, we didn't waste any time and headed to Good Earth Roasts, Rockwell. We were downing beer and cocktails by 2pm.

Early evening, we decided to hit the launch of Mint footwear in South Forbes. My friend's brother is one of the guys that's importing the brand. I like how casual the atmosphere was like it's just another rich-kid house party but with more inflatables and expensive rides on display. The alcohol was free-flowing by the way.

Watch our for Mint!

We left the party around midnight and headed to Mercato Centrale at The Fort for some street food for rich people. Like alcoholics, some of us still had drinks in plastic cups in hand as we surveyed the gastronomic spectacle.

There's a plethora of eats to choose from.

The place is pretty small but there's no shortage of food choices. Pick from Chinese, American, Italian, Filipino cuisine and more.

As the venue was packed, no table was available so my friends and I decided to just sit on the pavement and happily inhaled our food like real, classy socialites.

Judging by the crowd, this place is a hit.

We had baked potatoes, burgers, ribs and sago-gulaman.

The ultra-luxurious pee-poop area.

Al fresco dining at midnight.

In case I do fail the midterms (which I surely hope I don't), at least I'd remember the rest of this day to be pretty awesome.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Mara Clara and My Gym

It has been almost half a year since I last sweated it out in the gym so last week, I finally decided to go despite the lack of enthusiasm. First of all, I don't go to any of those expensive ones where gay sluts are said to often cruise around. It's a rickety, hole-in-the-wall (literally) work out place where 90% of the patrons are in their slippers. It used to bother me but I figured it's actually good since it's cheap, it does the job, there's no pressure to dress up, it's very near my place, and there's rarely a cutie in sight to distract me.

Anyway, the soap opera Mara Clara was on the other night and it was amusing how the other gym-goers would pause to watch all the sappy drama go down on TV. I thought it was so funny looking at these grown macho guys getting carried away over a show starring tweens who blurt out the darndest lines. They would smile or laugh out loud or utter unsolicited comments every so often depending on the scenes. It worked to my advantage because the equipment would be free for me to use while they soak up on some tough-guy entertainment.

What is up with this show anyway? A friend once posted a Facebook status airing how he was so mad at Clara, the antagonist. Another friend sent a group text just this week with a similar content. He apparently just had to let everyone know that he was seething with anger over a TV drama character. He didn't reply when I asked him via text, "Seryoso? :)".

I intend to stick to my current gym schedule and this show better bring on the drama.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Random Rants

Home Cookin'

Lately I've been doing everything but my homework. I did the laundry, cooked several meals and slightly cleaned my room. But the paper I'm supposed to submit this weekend? Let's not talk about it.

My knowledge about cooking is still limited so last night I decided to make herbed chicken yet again. I paired it with garlic mushrooms topped with cheese. I usually eat it with rice but this this time I went for pan-grilled bread instead. It turned out pretty awesome.

White a Minute

My cabbie kicks your cabbie's ass because my cabbie is fucking white! No, he's not albino. I don't think so. But he speaks fluent Tagalog/Filipino. He was quite nice too.

Serious Fashion Matters

Altuzarra, Wang, Jacobs

New York Fashion Week just wrapped up and it's London's time to stomp the runways. Has anyone spotted any Filipina model working the NYFW shows? Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 winner Danica Magpantay? Charlene Almarvez? I haven't been paying that much attention lately.

Out of the few shows I've seen, Altuzarra, Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs are my top three (in that order) favorites. The first two seemed to have been inspired by outerwear style. The similarities of some of the clothes are quite striking but both did really outstanding, very modern, fashionable yet functional clothes. Each managed to mark his collection with his own, unique flair; Altuzarra with his feminine, fearless glamazons, and Wang with his ultra-cool, hip-hop friendly, urban girls. As for Marc, Scott Schuman said it best; the heightened glam factor of the show made it seem more appropriate for Louis Vuitton. In fact, it reminds me of his Fall 2008 show for the said high-end fashion house. But that's the thing about Marc, he keeps you guessing. He gets you intrigued (even shocked) each time. He's quite the fashion show man and more often than not, he pulls it off spectacularly.

On the other hand, I'm not so keen on Rodarte's collection while Christian Siriano's just disappoints. Their shows for this season are a far cry from their previous ones.

Color, in bright, solid forms, apparently, will be very big. It's evident at the Jeremy Scott show. It's not to say I particularly loved his collection but I'm pretty sure those 'Enjoy God' pieces will be all over the place.

The trend continues in London judging from the painfully chic, excellently tailored pieces that paraded down the runway of Burberry. It's interesting that even this fashion mega-brand has decided to incorporate very unexpected hues for the cold season. " Do me daily What have you been into lately, Christopher Bailey?"

Has the typical fashion mood that winter traditionally evokes totally changed? Is it a sign that things are finally looking up for business? This makes me wonder if Paris, which is usually bathed in black and other muted tones, is in the same state of mind.

Photos: nymag.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Burgoo and Burlesque

This evening was the first time I saw MFG after his surgery. Things are not exactly back to normal on his end but I'm glad he's recovering. This is really one of those events that remind you everything can vanish just like that, with a blink of an eye. It's crazy.

After dinner, we watched 'Burlesque'---yeah because we're butch like that. It's an entertaining movie. Nothing new about the plot. But I think we already know that. The musical numbers are worth watching though. Aside from that and Cher, other things in the film that are worth noting are; Christina Aguilera's boobs, Julianne Hough's hair color, the lead guy's abs and Stanley Tucci's charm.

It was a good night. I hope there's more of these, if not better, in the future.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

V Day 2011

If you're like me who has been dateless on Valentine's Day since, uhm, the beginning of time, this day shouldn't be any different than any other Monday. As tempting as it is to join couples and cliques to celebrate whatever the hell their point is in overcrowding the restaurants, the more sensible thing for me to do is do the groceries and sleep---if I didn't have to work today that is.

It's so easy, and even quite enjoyable, to be bitter and whine. Good thing I'm used to this by now.

Hey, just try to be happy---in a relationship or not, Valentine's day or otherwise. Let's try not to shoot anyone today.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Bryanboy: Bravo's New Reality Bitch?

It's New York Fashion Week season and yet again, I am not able to attend any of the shows as I am very busy here in the office doing the all-important, wonderful, wonderful minimum wage work that I do.

Anyway, according to nymag.com, Bryanboy is "reportedly shooting a pilot" during the said New York fashion spectacle working with the producers of America's Next Top Model (Bankable?). Bravo is said to be very interested in this project.

BB back in the day

So he has a seemingly sweet, loving boyfriend, a major, internationally recognized, money-making blog, a closet full of designer duds, he jets all over the world (probably for free most of the time), and he shows no signs of fading away anytime soon. Who's foaming in the mouth right now?

Can anyone out there also name a bag after me? Topman? No? Fino? Hawk? Secosana? Please?

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Bloom Bloom Pow

When you see someone walking around carrying a bouquet of flowers, how do you feel? Do you sigh longingly? Smile? Utter "Lucky bitch!"?

"Modelling" a bouquet from TF's "Me So Pretty" Designer Series (Shot by Darrel Pobre)

It's fascinating how a bunch of fauna that will eventually wilt can really affect someone's mood. Call me Martha Stewart but if I would have it my way, I'd put a fresh bunch of flowers on display in the house each day. They just add so much life to the place much like the way fresh fruits do. Fake ones just don't cut it.

If I can push it even further, I'd get my blooms from Tecson Flowers. Last night, I got invited to check out a few pieces from their designer collection. I was surprised to see how they incorporated fabrics like denim, gingham and satin into the charming arrangements. As you can see, these flowers are so pretty they make me look like the delivery boy! Hahah...

Tecson Flowers is a family venture which has been around since 1975. That's over 3 decades of expertise in the business. They offer a plethora of flower varieties (orchids, lilies, roses, etc.) and arrangements which can be ordered online and get delivered in no time. TF also rents out plants.

Here are some of my favorite arrangements:

"Office Space" $18.00 (Php792.00)

"Braveheart" $79.00 (Php3,476.00)

"The Devil Wears Prada" $108.00 (Php4,752.00)

What a perfect time to talk about flowers since it's the season of hearts. It doesn't matter if you're single. Just order yourself some Tecson Flowers and be that lucky bitch.

You can visit Tecson Flowers branches all over Manila, check out their blog or website or call 939-9019 / 0917-832-7663 for orders or inquiries.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Click! Click! Click!

My first photo shoot and I looked like a hot mess in my sneakers-jeans-shirt-unshaven, pedestrian appearance.

I was invited to the shoot an hour and a half before call time. I didn't want to be late so I went straight from work to the studio. Uhm, bad idea. I never really believed in that "Come as you are" bullshit. The shoot wasn't really about me but damn, I should have been fashionably late!

Oh well. It was a cool, interesting, spontaneous experience.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

This Sunday's Lunch: Cancelled

Hi. Do me a favor, will you? Kindly pray for the success of the operation of MFG and for his fast recovery, yeah? The major operation is at 9am tomorrow. I almost needed my own operation when I received his text this morning.

Thanks a lot.

Update as of Feb. 6, around 11AM:
Based on a text sent during a state of grogginess, MFG "thinks he's fine". Thank you to those who cared.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Yo Iloilo!

All I'm missing is pay Antique a visit and this would be a Panay Island tour. This January alone, I've flown into Iloilo, Kalibo and Roxas airports.

Today, I went on a day trip to Iloilo City to see a doctor. I was also hoping I'd meet some friends. Unfortunately, only one of them bitches was available.

What I like about Iloilo City is the fact that it's quite developed but there's less traffic and pollution. It's getting its very first Starbucks soon. Everything is just a few minutes away and it's not a very expensive place to get around in. What I don't like is there's really not much to do there but eat, go to the mall, and party at night. Nonetheless, this place has a special place in my cold, hard heart.

For lunch, I braved the afternoon heat to visit JD Bakery Cafe. You know, it's not the place, it's not even the taste of the food. It's the fun memories that I get to relive from dining here. I had their baked mac, chicken a la king, fried chicken, some baked sweets and juice. For only P123.75, that was an enjoyably filling meal. Too bad my old phone failed me so I didn't get to take pictures of my food...

Which is why I took the liberty to use some other people's photos. :)

The service was prompt and polite. The only disappointing part of today's trip to JD was the restroom. It was flooded. There's no excuse but I'm pretty sure today was an isolated case.

I was in SM City when my phone died. I couldn't find a place to charge so I was forced to go to this new place called Cafe Laguna. I only had hot tea and maja mais since I was still stuffed. The latter was actually not bad if not a tad too sweet for my taste. What threw me off is they charge P50 per hour for charging, and P20 if your order amounts to at least P200.

The service was not exemplary but the restroom was clean and appropriately lit---although they failed to replace the toilet paper. I paid P155.00 and you know what the P50.00 was for.

The rest of the afternoon was spent going around the mall waiting for some relatives to pick me up. I need to visit this place at least twice a year. I know I said there's not much to do here, but you know that saying about seeing with new eyes? Yeah, that.

Photos: flavoursofiloilo.blogspot.com, exploreiloilo.com

literarybulimia@gmail.com