Hello, Uniqlo!

Finally, I had the chance to visit Uniqlo several weeks after the pandemonium has died down. MOA is not really my scene because it's so far and crowded but I do like that it has the shops that I want to check out and this Japanese brand has been added to that list.

Before it came to the Philippines, the first and last time I got to visit a Uniqlo store was in Hong Kong. I was excited because the brand was ubiquitous in street style blogs but walking around the aisles, I remember being disappointed. Piles and piles of ruffled clothing filled the shelves and even spilled to the floor but walked away empty-handed.

I don't know if it's my newfound appreciation for basics but yesterday, I saw Uniqlo in a different light. The simple items suddenly seemed so appealing and oozing with potential. You have to hand it to the Japanese, they really have mastered pambahay chic.

I especially love the denim pants selection.

And I like that they even offer alteration services.

But some items come with a warning.

 These shorts are not so bad either at around P590.

I actually got try on the pants and they fit really well--and since it's Uniqlo, the price point is not bad either.

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A Bright Future

The future is bright and not in a Ke$ha-goes-wild-in-Forever-21 kind of way. Vibrant hues are having a moment outside of street style territory. I'm particularly drawn towards chartreuse and lemon, or even neon, yellow. Based on these pictures from Milan fashion week and the 2012 Primetime Emmys, I'm not alone.

From the Gucci Spring/Summer 2012 show.

Julianne Moore stuns in an unexpected Christian Dior number.

Julie Bowen in Monique Lhuillier.

Hugh Dancy! So hot! I mean, Claire Danes, so haute! Lanvin! And she's pregnant! 

I sure hope the rather risque shade continues to pop out more in the future. It's one good way to brighten up a dreary day or even a boring red carpet.

Photos: The Cut

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Cotton On in Manila

The last time I was in Hong Kong, I saw these striped, drawstring shorts that I imagined to fall mid-thigh--perfect for the beach! But alas, I was on a tight budget so I got something else instead. Big mistake. I regret not getting at least one pair up to this day.

DJ Callum David at the Megamall Cotton On store today.

When I heard Cotton On has arrived in Manila, I was excited. The same shorts may no longer be available but judging from my visit at the newly opened Megamall store earlier, I have to come back (preferably when there's less people). I'm not so crazy about the other items but the pants and the shorts look good and inexpensive. I hope they would steam the clothes though. The space already looks messy as it is. The store isn't that big either which explains why there was a long line for the fitting room. But I think Filipinos are getting used to these brands setting up shop here. I wonder if H&M will ever follow suit.

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What It's Been Like To Be Me

I know I've bitched and moaned several times already about how busy I am but this circus is about to get more insane as school starts. Tomorrow is the first day of the new term but I'm not even officially enrolled yet. Last term was deceivingly hectic, the last part being excruciatingly taxing. This time, I don't know. I'm hoping it's going to be a kinder time. Before things get even crazier though, let me share some moments from the last three weeks or so. Blame my old Blackberry for the poor resolution.

This is from the last week of August when Pops arrived from the US.

My sister also came home last month. I tagged along with her and her boyfriend the afternoon my father and I flew in. Can you believe this is just 20-30 minutes from our house? It was my first time there and I want to go back the next time I come home.

The school project I painstakingly finished in a little over 3 days to make time for work.

How I spent my birthday.

That night when we sat on a reclining coconut tree by the beach.

Last weekend in Borough when Erin and I finally got to catch up.

Yesterday I finally got to try Melona (Love!)  when my colleagues and I got locked out of the office. My treat because I was supposed to bring the key.

That's it for now. Wish me luck. Good night!

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Tenacious Twists

Hello, I'm still alive.

So much has happened and believe me when I say I barely get to take a break. Even when I tried to celebrate my birthday in Boracay last weekend, I wasn't completely free to forget and be frivolous. It was a fun out-of-town trip nonetheless. I was supposed to spend two extra days at home but due to unforeseen circumstances, I had to buy a new ticket and came back to Manila on the 4th.

See, I recently got a new job... as a writer. It's pretty unbelievable, especially how everything happened but yeah, it has been draining me mentally and physically. I was also neck-deep in school work for a time and then there's that time when my father came home from the US. Crazy. I've been too busy I actually kept forgetting about my own birthday. Loved ones and friends didn't though which was touching.

More details and I'll catching up on real life soon.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

26

Greetings from Boracay!

It's my birthday yesterday and I'm here with friends. This trip has been booked since May but because of the many unforeseen circumstances almost, it almost didn't push through for me. I'm spending my special day here for the second consecutive year. Honestly, after all this time, I don't find the place as exciting as I did before. It almost feels like going home; not much surprises but still pleasant. Maybe it's me getting old.

The hotel gifted me two bottles of wine! Sweet.

I've been so busy lately I haven't really had the time to reflect or contemplate on the past year. The future, more than ever, is just so bright at the moment. I actually plan on working while on the island but good luck with that.

By the way, this is supposed to be what I dub as my 'twentysexy' celebration but since I've had no time to go to the gym or even do a quick run, my body does not justify the term right now.

That's it for now. Viva!

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The Fast Lane

Ohmigod, you guys! I am soooo busy! There's just so much I need to do I'm about to lose my mind. I don't get to bitch and have a meltdown though. There's a lot on the line and frankly, I'm really thankful. It's just fascinating, surprising, amazing how fast everything is changing and how there's so much going on at the moment. Every second counts more than ever.

Anyway, I lost weight and my hair is a mess. Until the next time I surface out of this pool of craziness. Be good.

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Ribs and Realizations

Today was surreal. The cosmos have a way of conspiring that will really surprise you--and thankfully in this case, pleasantly.

The coming days are bound to be hectic. There's a lot on my plate at the moment especially since it's finals season so to relish the remaining free time I have and not necessarily because it's Julia Child's birthday, I decided to play around in the kitchen.

Pork Ribs with Beer Barbecue Sauce and Buttered Broccoli

It's always a challenge for me to do ribs because I find it hard to cook the portions evenly. It doesn't help that I forgot to take it out of the freezer this morning before I left for work. That could have really saved me some time and would have made it more tender I think. It's not bad at all though; it's juicy and flavorful. I just have to remember to thaw the meat way before cooking time.

I can't help but think that maybe the universe has been waiting for me to thaw all this time. After a while of being frozen, finally, I'm ready--that or it's just the leftover beer talking.

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The Bourne Legacy in the Eyes of A Manila Resident

My friends Nikki and Angel, both straight and female, must have more testosterone than me. They wanted to watch 'The Bourne Legacy' while I was leaning towards 'Brave'. Outnumbered and curious, I caved in and decided on the action flick.

I never paid attention to the Bourne movies until this one. Yes, it's only because they shot some scenes here in the Philippines. It's interesting how I actually enjoyed this action flick despite the its extremely butch theme. It's like they were speaking in codes. I mean, nobody in the movie even said "Oh my god". Not once.

Anyway, during an intense conversation, when Rachel Weisz said "Manila, Philippines" in my head, I was like, "Fuck yeah!"

Perhaps the most exciting part though is the car chase. It's thrilling but I think the producers could have saved money if they just taped EDSA on a Monday.

On a more serious note, some people are not very happy about the way Manila appeared in the movie because it only showed the slums/depressed areas.  Well, I think it's cinematic and they should shut up and go make their own movie and shoot it in Greenbelt 5.

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Random Rants

Aftermath

Needless to say, the past few days have been crazy; no work, no school. I should have been feeling warm and fuzzy but I'm worried about the latter one. This term is supposed to end by the fourth week of the month and I already made plans. Now, I'm afraid finals may be moved. That's going to suck so much.

Enough of my first world problems though. It's bad out there. I've been meaning to help out but have shamefully failed to actually go to the relief operations in school. I've been either working or staying in for my own safety.

This is happening way too often. It's the new normal unfortunately. But you know us, we'll get through this; we're badass like that.

Globe Asiatique Scandal

By now, you're probably already aware of the Globe Asiatique scam. Apparently, it has been years since shit hit the fan but I personally only knew about it a few days ago. I think I first got wind about it on Twitter.

Last night, I stayed up to watch 'Krusada' on ABS-CBN and learned the massive scale of damage GA has caused. The issue has rocked the real estate industry and has caused Pag-ibig to tighten its policies. It's certainly very controversial but half the time I was wondering what goes through Divine Lee's mind right now. Her dad, Delfin Lee, the president of the company, and brother are both wanted by the law and have since been missing. GA being a family business, she also was a part of the company's marketing team before. It's just amusing how she manages to keep it together even recently leading a charity drive for the victims of the monsoon.

The scandal is pretty shocking considering how active GA was before in marketing its properties. Xevera was featured several times on TV, even on Urban Zone if I'm not mistaken.

While the accused are MIA, more incriminating tales are surfacing. I wonder how it's all going to turn out. Is Divine Lee going to get dragged into this considering she is the daughter of the company president and she once was involved with the company? What's going to happen to the fake buyers and the supposedly real ones?

Gaga on Vogue's September Issue

Gaga channeling RuPaul

Clad in a stunning, purple Marc Jacobs dress, Lady Gaga is Vogue's cover girl for the coveted September issue. What do you think?

I personally love the dress with the patchwork design and the mermaid silhouette which is very apt . The hair, on the hand, takes some time to warm up to but it wouldn't be her if all the elements are agreeable. The restraint is what I admire most about this cover.

Photo: fashionologie

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When It Rains

What the fuck is up with all this rain? It's been going on and on for a good three weeks or so. Almost three years ago we had Ondoy. Now, this phenomenon we can only call the August 7 monsoon.

Yesterday, on my way to school, I was mentally bitching about how I got my shoes soaked. I don't think that's what Sebago had in mind when they came up with boat shoes. Earlier, I didn't even mind getting wet on the way home.

I left the office before lunchtime since work was already suspended. I headed to the supermarket hoping to get food and supplies. It looks like everyone had the same plan because the line was insane. I've never seen anything like it there. One of the lines was actually snaking around half of the place with easily 50 people queueing. There were only four cashiers that made it to work.

I gave up my goal of getting rice and meat and headed to Pan de Manila which unfortunately had already run out of pandesal by then. I was ready to go home with my pesto bread, Betadine gargle and microwavable lasagna when it started pouring really hard again. It was alarming but I knew I was better off than a lot of other folks out there so I'm not one to complain. Besides, I got home in one piece albeit wet. I was more worried about my sister though who was flying out to Boracay with her boyfriend. Thank God they landed safely.

It's surprising how private companies were advised to suspend work today. You know it's bad when even BPO companies are asked to allow their employees not to go to work. That's unheard of. I was in the office coaching newbies during Ondoy.

Monitoring the updates on TV and online, it's impressive how compassionate people are during such harsh times. Tim Yap and Divine Lee were very quick to pool resources and take action. ABS-CBN has cancelled their shows for the  day to make way for news broadcast. GMA, on the other hand, has 'Eat Bulaga' (recorded?) on.

Meanwhile, Marian Tan is the new Jacque Bermejo.

Also, here's Bench's bad attempt at CSR.

According to news reports, it's bound to continue raining in Manila and surrounding areas up to tomorrow. Can you imagine how some people are going to spend their time tonight? I hope that guy manning the Burger Machine alone near our office was allowed to close and go home.

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Bad Momma

I feel horrible for not updating my little, online baby. I've just been going though torrential times very much like how the weather has been lately.

My insecurities are at a peak. Even my libido has been very, very low. Seriously. I've been depressed and I'm definitely not at my prime health-wise. The thing about situations like this is you may be damaged but you still have to function. There will be aspects of your life that's surely to suffer though.

For days now, I've been intending to post an update but never really came up with anything interesting enough. I wonder if it's time for my first ever official hiatus; that leave of absence that a lot of other bloggers have taken. Then again, what kind of parent would that make me?! *sigh* Hang on?

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Reuniting with 'Jeffrey'

I was a curious, elementary school boy when I first chanced upon this gem on TV. Since then, I've longed to see it again but only got to do so once more many years back. Good thing I remembered the title, and since I've been on a YouTube viewing spree lately, voila!

Until  re-watching it recently, all I could honestly remember about 'Jeffrey' aside from the title, is the gym scene where Jeffrey is being confronted by another guy's crotch while he's on the bench press. That was surely enough to make me want to see it again. That image has embedded in my little, almost innocent mind since.


It turns out the film is actually more socially relevant --and less sexually explicit--than I thought. It's wonderful nonetheless. I can totally relate to the paranoia that HIV has caused and its implications on someone's dating life (read: it sucks).

Set in New York City, the treatment is very reminiscent of Sex and the City--season 1, that is. It's not teeming with scenes that make blood rush to the nether regions but it certainly offers important inputs for the mind and the heart which a lot of folks in the gay community should consider. Also, Patrick Stewart is in it and he is fantasticles.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Movies Other Than Batman

For some reason, I've been watching more movies than usual recently. It's may be because I've run out of Kathy Griffin videos to entertain myself with, Video City still exists in my neighborhood, and I've recently discovered a part of YouTube with full-length movies that are hard to find.

I don't know about you but I lose my patience very easily which is why I consider it an accomplishment whenever I finish an entire movie in one sitting. It's like a mild ADHD that has resulted in me favoring short films and TV series over full-length features, and essays and anecdotes over novels.

There's really nothing like staying in during a stormy afternoon, in bed cloaked in a thick comforter and curiously following the plot of a movie you've never really heard about before.

Here's a few titles I enjoyed and you might also want to check out.

Emir - It's a tale of an Ilocana forced to try her luck in the Middle East as a nanny to a crowned prince. She experiences what every OFW does and more as war breaks out confusing her priorities.

Had I known this was a musical, I don't think I would have given it the time of day but I'm glad I did and patiently waited even through less than stellar song numbers. It's a touching story and I can't believe I haven't heard about this Filipino movie before.

Hot Boy Noi Loan - This gay-themed, Vietnamese flick is a strange love story revolving around three characters in a messy entanglement. Unlike most films with a similar theme, this one is far from being a snuff fest (sorry?) and actually has an interesting story to tell.

3 Idiots - Another subtitled movie, this one, which I have heard about before, took me more patience; the movie is almost 3 hours long! As with many Indian movies, this one features a few song and dance numbers, one of which is still stuck in my head. It's a story of three friends going through life in engineering school and beyond. It's funny but it also made me tear up.

Ah, to be able to soak up some culture and escape for a little bit. I think we can all use more of such movies.

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Magic Meh

When I walked into that theater in Glorietta, which is one of the very few that still shows Magic Mike, I didn't expect to see a dick dangling in front of my face. Perhaps I was hoping for it but I wasn't holding my breath (pun not intended). Still, I was anticipating some shock value what with such a provocative theme. I don't know if I'm just jaded but it barely got me hot and bothered.

The plot was interesting enough but the execution fell flat. It's like a sex romp with no climax which is such a big irony given the kind of hype it has made. In the sex appeal department, the movie offers a smorgasbord of  panty creamers in the form of Alex Pettyfer and Joe Manganiello (my top two picks) among others. Still though, I expected more than just dry humping and perky ass cheeks. Is there something wrong with me?

In the beginning of the movie, when Channing Tatum first appeared on the screen, at least two girls in the theater gasped loud enough for other people to hear. This is before his buns made their appearance. It has led me to a hunch that the movie, perhaps, is not really for me and instead, for girls who appreciate some naughty, good time; the type who secretly fantasizes about having a man's fleshy appendage dangling in front of her face and not admit it.

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Turn Up The Radio

Madonna's latest music video off MDNA is out. In 'Turn Up the Radio', Madge takes the party on the road somewhere in Europe and picks up several strangers to join her. Typically, hunky men are in the mix plus a couple of transgenders. 

Her wardrobe, consisting of only one outfit (insert gay gasp here), is straight out of 'Girl Gone Wild' therefore a letdown since it's nothing new. She looks good though (30s good). The song, on the other hand, is a catchy and uplifting dance track that's begging to be remixed.

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The End of My Life As I Know It

At 25, I feel like my life is over. I'm over. I wish I could say it's just a rut that I'll get out of soon but I just can't bring myself to think that. From a different angle, what I'm going through may be trivial and shallow compared to the difficulties others are subjected to but we're all made differently and I don't think I'm well-equipped for this type of torture.

I badly need my mom. Seriously. My insecurities are at a peak and I tend to be the worst to myself so I need her to assure me everything's going to be alright. Then again, I don't like my folks worrying.

literarybulimia@gmail.com

Alessandra De Rossi the Musician

Well, this is surprising. Critically acclaimed Alessandra de Rossi now sings! It's not the kind that tries so hard but good music nonetheless--at least for me it is. It's ambient so the emphasis is more on the instrumentals and it's basically a free pass for unlimited auto-tune. Clever.

I've always liked her because not only is she a good actress, she also dresses effortlessly cool, plus she's a riot. Now, this. Thank goodness she took the more experimental route.

Aside from the underwater parts where she's obviously struggling, this video looks very well-made.

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An Open Letter to Anderson Cooper

It's the dawn of a new era. It may not come as a surprise but confirming what everyone has been thinking still makes a lot of difference. It brings pride to a community that is very slowly, and hopefully surely, coming out of a dark age littered with prejudice and discrimination.

With that, I would like to say a few words to Mr. Cooper.

Dear Anderson (We're totally on a first-name basis, yes.),

The truth is, all this time, we've been actually soul mates in my head. But you coming out like this, confirming that you are indeed gay, "always has been, always will be" is such a huge leap for the community. Not all of us are as brave as you are but each of us will have our own time. When it feels right, it will happen.

I want you to know how I appreciate you representing the gay community with so much dignity and sophistication. I don't know if this has always been your plan but I do feel like to be able to be taken seriously, especially in journalism, as a gay person, you have to achieve an incredible level of success first. It rarely goes the other way around. You must have also felt that tremendous pressure; that you have to prove yourself first before affirming your sexuality in front of the world for fear of never getting to have a chance to prove anything at all. Such is my case.

Your mother must be so proud of you. My parents are lovely but I don't know how they will take it once I do my own confirmation. It makes me think I, too, must have CNN under my belt just to be able to justify the way I am. Isn't that sad?

When you were young, did you also feel that you're different? Or that you didn't belong, even? Did you also have that struggle within yourself like you're in a battle and you're fighting it on your own? Did you also have those countless questions but had no one to ask because you're afraid you might get ostracized? Did you have to find yourself in other people too?

In any case, it's people like you that inspire the rest of us to be a lot better than the misconceptions of this society. You, who has rightfully earned an important platform that could influence public perception, do not only remind us of what we could be but also show the rest what we are capable of. You're right. It is extremely important to be counted and you acknowledging your sexuality hopefully makes it better for the rest of us to do the same thing; to claim what we deserve with pride, without second guessing ourselves and without having the need to defend our cause.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you not only for being gorgeous and smart but also for your courage because in one way or another, when you get out there being Mr. CNN in your bespoke Ralph Lauren suits and all, a part of us thrives with you.

Here's a to a time when coming out is unnecessary and being us, whoever we may be, is the norm.

Sincerely, 

This Blogger

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Catfish

When I found this movie (among several others) in my computer at the office, I had no idea what it's about which is actually always a good thing. Having no expectations almost always ends up in pleasant surprises. Such is the case with 'Catfish', a gem I found in a clutter of office files and programs.

Yaniv is a photographer based in New York City. Together with his friend and his brother, he goes on a haphazard journey determined to find the truth involving a family of strangers he had met online. After months of anticipation, Yaniv is finally about to meet the people he has known only through the Internet, phone calls and packages.

What I like about the movie is it made me laugh but it also creeped me out until the plot takes a shocking turn that left me astounded and intrigued. That may be mainly because I did think at some point that it's a documentary with actual footage of real events but a little Google search later confirmed otherwise. In any case, Catfish is definitely something worth watching.

P.S.
Now I'm confused. The makers claim it's a real documentary but some people are saying it's all planned. Gawd, it seems like there was just as much drama behind the camera as in front.

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