It's the holidays and for sure you're looking for a nice outfit to wear that exactly matches your personality. Urban streetwear brand BUM Black Army and their new sister corp BUM G just came out with their holiday collection called "I Found the Perfect Gift" which embodies more colors, the now in fashion, being creative, playful, and having lots of versatility.
This season wouldn't be just for red and green, they want you in different colors that would look good in Tactical Pants, with fun prints in Graphic Tees, sporty Baseball Shirts, and tons of Caps, Bags and other accessories. Imagine the things you can do to spruce up your looks without going too clunky or feel hot in this kind of weather.
Over at BUM G, the ladies won't be bored at all because of the colors available for the new line. They've got Denim Jumpers, Denim Skirts, Soft and Elegant Blouses (which you can use for classy days or fun times with friends and family). Aside from that, they've got Cropped Tees which you can put inside layered ensembles like Varsity Jackets and more.
If you are shopping inside boutiques, there exists a Spin and Style wheel which you can use to plan your outfits with especially with a busy schedule like yours, right?
Now if you're getting your whole wardrobe replaced, and spend 2000 pesos or more, you'll get a quilted Moon Bag, or other merch if you qualify for it. You may also get these items in various online platforms like Shopee, Lazada and Tiktok, so really, there's no excuse in copping that outfit that brings out his/her personality.
Visit BUM Black Army stores nationwide or their kiosks around leading malls today because I'm sure, some of the specials and promos would run out fast!
There's always a reason to go to a coffee shop in Quezon City, and there's a new one that opened in Maginhawa Street. It's called DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE and we got first dibs on what they're offering.
This coffee shop is a passion project amongst friends. All of them were into into diving initially, but their bond was forged by their love for the dark roasted brew. Knowing their tastes, they want it different but couldn't get what they want from big coffee shops they frequent to. They want strong bold flavors, but less acidic. Hence, the dark roasted coffee beans. This is where they got their name from.
We got there during their soft opening (still is so you can already go there). The place is pretty homey. It's got bits of wood and metal, signifying a more industrial interior. They also have a loft where they have a couch, and two tables which I love. It's a perfect spot for people watching and a little privacy (for you).
Jianne, one of the owners shares "This is the first branch, but by the end of this year we want to open up a second one. Our near future plans include partnering up with resorts, or function as a commissary. We studied foot traffic in different places and Maginhawa was just something we loved. We're just lucky coffee shops here have lower rent, reasonable prices (which makes their products affordable) and we felt the universe was just telling us to do it here."
Meet Eli, Krista, Jianne and John, owners of DARK ROAST COFFEE HOUSE
Jianne adds "Dark Roast Coffee House is built on passion and love. We want to serve coffee without compromising quality. We are on soft opening today but will have our grand opening on the 13th. We hope you could visit us and have Dark Roast Coffee."
Spanish Latte and Strawberry Latte
They have a few items on their menu, but their top recommendations include Salted Caramel and Spanish Latte. They also have Creme Brulee which the owners stand by. For non coffee drinks, they have Matcha Latte and Strawberry Latte.
They have pastries, breads, cakes, crinkles, cupcakes and others. They also have sandwiches, customized cakes (but ask).
Krista who's in charge of the baked goodies told us "Red
Velvet Cupcakes were already served in coffee shops, a lot of people love it. We want to do a variety, so we simply brought it back and made it part of the food served at Dark Roast. We also have breads, Beef and Cheese Turnover, Korean
Cream Cheese Buns, Almond Croissant (topped), but made sure we toned down on sugar, and have a balance
of savory and sweet products. We converted part of our house into a commissary, so we hope you get to try them all when you visit Dark Roast Coffee House in Maginhawa."
Dark roasted coffee gives a deep and more robust flavor profile. It's got a bold, smoky notes. They also source their coffee locally from Baguio which was quite nice to know. If you're looking for a coffee fix while you're in this side of Quezon City, just head on the Ground Floor of TKC Building at 107 Maginhawa Street at Teachers Village in Quezon City (or simply search Dark Roast Coffee House on Google Maps).
It's this building here! Just walk inside a bit and you'll see it! (see red arrow)
Make sure you try the Peach Fizz on a hot day and my personal favorite, the Beef Turnover. Just have it toasted and it's a done deal!
Visited this place a couple weeks ago and the good news is that they never stopped putting art in this 6.6 hectare property. This community is just so vibrant, quite promising and the developments are just amazing because just as soon as we saw murals in January, there's new 3D paintings unveiled this month.
Who knew that it was possible to see art in a residential area, together with nature too. The artwork was made by John Mark Saycon, Neil Defeo and Melanio Bulauitan III of Guhit Sudlungan, a group of visual artists who joined Avida's 3D Street Painting competition back in 2011. They got the help of co-artists Brian Defeo, Emil Aldrine Alarcon, Didier Marc Alarcon, Jefferson Malong and Jervin Ferrer to finish this new project this year.
Avida Land Marketing Head Ms. Tess Tatco says "I'm excited about these new attractions we have in the South Park District so people would see how talented our young local Filipino artists are. I hope people would come and see this in person and feel how much joy this brings. This says a lot about how we want to have the part city, part nature, pure south dream a reality in this location."
If you want to see this new piece and other art installations in the property, just visit the Avida Towers Ardane Showroom and ask for it. Take lots of photos and make sure to show your friends and family. Might as well try to live in this district, because the south is definitely a livable area. A change of ambiance would be fun!
Visit their official website at AvidaLand.com or their social channels @AvidaLandPH
Do you have a specific memory of your interaction with Alden Richards? I do, let me tell you about it before I start this story.
He was already popular at that time, and as a blogger covering his events, it was doubly hard for me to separate work and being a fanboy of sorts. I was also super shy to ask for photos with him as some part of my brain think it's unethical (in some way, I think it still is).
Security was tight, and I've wanted to ask him for a simple video greet for my twin cousins in the US who were even more die hard fans of this boy. I quickly asked him and he obliged, but he got called to go out for photos.
Since this is was an event, he was asked to go outside for more pictures. He went out and I thought, oh... it's not gonna happen anymore because he was being asked to go out too after the event. He stopped mid way and went back inside because he remembered that I asked for a favor. He gave me a short smile, and did the video greeting I asked for, I never forgot that moment. My cousins and I were so happy of course!
See, there are tons of these small things happening in between press conferences and fan meets, but I can tell from the times I've been able to talk to him.. that he is genuinely a very nice and kind person. I'm sure a LOT of people would say the same. Why is he blessed? Why is he so successful? I think his kindness and selflessness plays a BIG part of it.
Alden's personal friend Father Jeff officiated the thanksgiving mass at his new bar, STARDUST
The successful shows and subsequent movies tells how much he's adored by many. He's also got a film this month for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 with the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta called "FAMILY OF TWO" and we're all raring to watch it. It'll be shown in theaters on Christmas Day, make sure you support him by watching the film. It's got lots of scenes where you'll find comfort, as it talks more about FAMILY, relationships, and you won't have a dry eye in sight.
A few days ago, he invited us for lunch at STARDUST (located at 58 Jupiter Street in Makati). This is a thanksgiving event, a thing he does annually. It's an opportunity to talk to him, so of course I went. He's always done this for different people, and a lot of fans think we're not worthy, I understand, but he really wanted to do this for us (I felt that). We didn't even know that HE owned the place... yes, this is Alden Richards very own bar. He's got some private partners, but bares they are somehow his mentors who wants to teach him the ropes in running businesses. In a way, he's diversifying his portfolio... and we're certain, this will be a good place to go and have fun in the evenings.
STARDUST is pretty nice. It's got comfy velvet laden seats, bar stools and tables where you can park a few drinks on a single night. The bar is huge, and the variety of drinks they serve is equally humongous. They have specials (which your bartender can serve), and food is marvelous. The display reminds me of a galaxy, with lit LED's in a dark sky, you'll feel like you're in space after a drink or two. It definitely feels cozy, I could reckon it being like a speakeasy and perhaps, a little bougie. The lights reflect much on the wall, the lobby laden mirrors and the disco balls in different sizes. It was monochrome heaven, and the glistening lights are not bothersome, you just feel relaxed, and be in the opportune time to listen to music.
Speaking of which, Alden shares how they have spent much of their capital with sound equipment. The bar can actually project sound quite loud, but not bother any of your conversations. So if you're amongst friends, peers or family in this place, you don't have to shout. That's some technology applied in acoustics, and that's something they wanted to do in this place. It's a plus in my dictionary.
Here's our full interview with Alden Richards which happened right after the thanksgiving event he held for the press:
I'd like to take this bit and say THANK YOU to Alden Richards for always being so nice whenever we see each other. Same goes to Sam, Ms. Roche and the entire SPARKLE Artist Center fam who welcomed us there. For those who would want to experience STARDUST, you can get in touch with them via 0917-167 5800 or email them at reservations@stardust.ph so you can hold your parties there.
Congratulations on the milestones Alden! I'm sure you'll be achieving more in 2024. Watch out for his international projects, his upcoming directorial debut, and the project with Anne Curtis. Sub to my YouTube channel if you feel like it :)
Think of this as a treat to a shoeholic that amidst the pandemic, my thirst for shoe has been quenched. I'm a firm believer in shop therapy and since Shopee is carrying them, I felt it was okay to have this iconic PONY Shooter Low to keep myself sane this holiday season.
For those who don't know, this stemmed from New York city's Bronx, a borough. In the 1970's it was a very dangerous hood and the city was actually in a bit of a slump, but street fashion was something that gave them that courage, that hope, that never say die spirit. If you're a fan of a local basketball team, you must have felt that exact same feeling it exudes because as soon as the odds are against you, you still have that extra umph to weather the storms of your life, and triumph over it.
The shoes also came with care instructions, so you get to have it for a long time.
For those who don't know. the Shooter Low was initially intended to be basketball shoes. It's light, clean and has been regarded as an all American symbol of NYC street culture. It also comes in different colorways, and PONY has so much more on their official Shopee store here https://shopee.ph/ponyofficialph.
This particular style is also selling fast so if you want one, get it from here
You can pair this up with comfy jeans and shirts, or you could opt for jersey and shorts, if you feel a little sporty or street, both would actually work.
This pair is also tough as it is stitched quite nicely. You should also take a look at the black one because it's quite nice to see it in that shade. The official store also carries other nice pairs like high cut shoes, low cut ones, plus more urban ones that also have gum soles, which is a bit different from this one. They also have leather ones, which would be perfect for those who dance and need it for a bit of movement. They also have colorful ones like the PONY Topstar Dandelion Cloud Dancer, which I absolutely love.
So if you're looking for a pair for you or your friends, PONY is a click away on Shopee. Go get those fresh kicks today!
I don't like fanny packs, let's get that out there because I don't like things that mean to actually store stuff but never does. I need a bigger one especially these days when I need to do errands and I'm glad I found one in Jansport. They call it a Jansport Way Out Waistpack available on the Jansport Official Store in the Shopee app.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who has owned a Jansport bag all these years. It's a bit pricey but the quality is unquestionable. I personally bought one that lasted my whole college years (5 years for Engineering) and it's still in good shape even after all that daily abuse, and the designs are absolutely cray!
This one is gonna be something that I would use for going to and from errands this pandemic. It can handle masks, wallets, phones which I need to have while riding a bike. What's even better is that they are offering this now for only Php 1494 from the previous price of Php 2490. They will offer this at an even crazier price of Php 1370 during the Shopee 11.11 Big Christmas Sale.
The material is nice and tough, larger than those weird trendy fanny packs that doesn't do anything. Best of all, I know this will last for years because it is a Jansport. Material is made of mesh and soft lined pockets. The zippers are tough and premium, and the straps are comfy, I like how it fits me.
Go download the Shopee app now and see why millions of Filipinos are using it for their online shopping needs. Use a voucher to save and use free shipping too while you wait at the comforts of your home. It's available on Google Play, you're interested of course so go get it!
Serenitea has been a hit in my books. With their Brown Sugar Taho becoming a staple every visit, I’ve also convinced my whole family to love it too. Not that they needed convincing but pretty much, you can expect we’re going back. Their other milkteas and fruit tea blends are also best sellers, but the brand has since launched several food items to go with your drink. They’ve done a remarkable job and take pride in these Taiwan inspired snacks. Though just recently, they have launched the Jumbo Snacks size of the Pepper Corn, Wings, Pepper Tofu, Thai Tofu, Fries and Dip and Chicken Chops. It’s basically double the size but you get it cheaper versus ordering two of the regular sizes ones. Isn’t that neat?
Plus a new activity is popping up on several Serenitea stores. It’s called SERENITEA TRIBIA NIGHTS which will happen in selected Mega Manila branches. If you’re a couple, or going with barkadas, just get about 5 people in your team to join. Just pay 300 bucks and you’ll get 300 GC consumable for the night, a Serenitea x Sesame Street Giveaway and Serenitea merch. We tried it out for fun and winning was just in our dna hahaha!
If you win like we did, you get to take home Serenitea merchandise, 300 Serenitea GC’s with no expiry and legit Sesame Street Merchandise. It’s like really paying for your usual bill, but enjoying the game and the chance to win fun Sesame Street items! Just look at my awesome bedroom slippers!
This will happen in Serenitea branches in UP Town Center on August 22, Robinsons Gamma on August 29, Resorts World on September 5, Banawe on September 12, San Juan on September 19, Congressional on September 26, Exchange Regency on October 3, Greenfield on October 10 and Festival Mall on October 17. Make sure you register your team early (2 weeks) on branches mentioned because this will be an awesome way to have fun with friends, and your family! I think I’ll join the one in Banawe which is kinda near me. You should brush up on General Info, Hollywood Movies, Tech, Fashion, Local Showbiz, Music, Pop Culture, Food and your School Subjects. I mean, who doesn’t wanna have Big Bird, or Elmo, or Cookie Monster. I love it!
It's another day, another reason to love UNIQLO. The well loved Japanese brand has been bringing nostalgia via their super awesome UT brand which has done partnerships with different animation studios from DBZ to Naruto to ASEAN art pieces, designers, tons of other minds that contributed to it's success. I loved the Mickey Mouse Blue collection that it became my staple for everyday wear but this time, they're bringing to life another favorite robo anime, GUNDAM. This is in celebration of their 40th year!
For men who didn't grow up, this is the best news as they could get to choose from 8 different designs containing different collages of the show's scenes.
At the Glorietta 5 branch (biggest in the Philippines), they even got the Gundam bust on display. Of course I didn't let this pass without a selfie.
I like this design the most but you'll probably like the unicorn (which most had that day), though I felt this one was special because it was monochrome and had some of my favorite battle scenes. The shirt also had this Mobile Suit Gundam line on the bottom left side of the shirt and the back is filled with Gundam jargon (first generation robots) and a unique patch. It was the coolest!
I am now ready for matured roles and definitely, I'll get the other designs as soon as I get the money to pay for it figured out. Thanks to the UT line and people from UNIQLO who value our love for everything GUNDAM.
Now go give yourself a favor and head on to your nearest UNIQLO branch because this is so popular, they may just run out of stock! Oh my gawd!
We've known BUM for a couple of years now. They've done remarkable collections, unbelievable shows and had the cream of the crop as far as endorsers go. They've been the authority as far as teen street fashion is concerned, and they're showing how they've been leading the pack in this show.
Worldwide soft drink brand Pepsi partnered with them in this capsule collection. What does this mean? They're becoming one, imagine how this would look like in merchandise. The logo, things that represent the Pepsi brand will be immortalized in shirts, caps, jackets, pants made for and by BUM.
I bring you the whole show in photos. Thank me later!
The first hour was all about this gorgeous lady DJ - they did this to put us on the mood first. On to the show!
Then the first lineup of models came out. The clothes were just so promising!
Independence Day of the Philippines couldn't be more apt than ever. With the way things are going now, a sense of nationalism would be good to instill on any avenue. NEW ERA has been here for a few years now, and they have changed the fashion landscape for caps in the Philippines as they present high quality premium products right on their shelves.
To do the Philippines some good old history, they came out with this Pilipinas collection, signifying the Pilipinas insignia in 2 versions and one indicating the year of our independence with 1898.
They have this in snapback and plain sized versions. You simply have to drop by their stores and try it on so you could get your proper size. I don't usually wear caps unless I have to make a statement and this does even more than that. It instils pride I guess.
Then we have famous rapper GLOC 9 collaborating with NEW ERA Philippines to come out with 3 designs. One has a cartoon version of GLOC9, the other two has his songs titles on it. I personally like the one with the toon on it and the Simpleng Tao inscription, I dig it.
Daniel Broderick of NEW ERA says "Thanks for spending your holiday with us, spending 3 years with us and this collaboration with a local artist is just as timely. We did the warriors JayZ, J.Lo, and the reason we chose Gloc9 is because he's getting some play internationally, so please get one as I know they're going fast. Gloc9 will be our first, but we will have a lot more soon. Happy Independence day!"
GLOC 9 also performed in front of the stage and gave VIP shoppers a taste of freedom at Trinoma, admission was free and this guy didn't hold back. His mouth almost caught fire!
They have a lot of branches in major malls in the country, go grab them now before stocks run out! It's pretty good merch!
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