I heart Manila
These photos are quite something else. An officemate forwarded me an e-mail that contains several photos of old Manila. I couldn’t believe my eyes these images were just a few decades ago. Like the photo above is Manila City wherein you can see the city hall, the National Museum, Intramuros and the stretch of Luneta park.
See how clean Ayala Avenue was during that time. Those trees along the sidewalk are refreshing–balancing the greens and concrete spaces. Where can you still find such urban planning today? As I have been told, people before used to dress up if they want to go out even just for a stroll in the park. That includes casual leather shoes and no slippers. Makes me wonder what would it be like to live in Manila during that time. I bet it was awesome.
Hare
Met James Jean at the recent Ad Congress in Subic. He was part of a panel discussion on one of the talks and he did mention he kinda hated disliked his work for the Prada fairies campaign during 2008. (I, on the other hand, loved it.) James continued on saying he went through several revisions as instructed by Miuccia. Towards the end of the discussion, James was asked by a delegate what he does when dealing with clients or what he would tell clients when his art is being compromised by commercialism. And without hesitation the illustrator goes, “Fuck off!”
Right after the talk, I lined up to have my book signed by James. The true artist that he is, his signature consisted of an on-the-spot illustration. Really talented guy. Above are two of his works I really adore–Fountain 2 and Hare.
Rise and 샤이니 (shinee)
Went to my very first KPop concert featuring Shinee & Mighty Mouth right here in Manila with my noona’s–that’s them wearing snakeskin pumps and Doc Martens. And if you must know, I’m not into KPop because of the Wonder Girls’ Nobody. I actually don’t like them that much compared to the others. Give me So Nyuh Shi Dae anytime! Here are some things I learned during the concert. One, we weren’t alone as fans. Who would have thought right? The concert hall was filled with screaming Filipino and Korean fans alike. Two, there are fanboys. But I think fanboys were entertained more by Mighty Mouth than Shinee. Three, Shinee has a big unofficial Filipino fansclub called Shinee World PH. And they have a shirt for their Shawol members. Four, there are a lot of Choi Minho fans in Manila. Hmp! Five, this is just the beginning. Hopefully YG, JYP and SM Entertainment will notice and bring their artists over.
And finally, I learned I’m a fan of 마이티 마우스 (Mighty Mouth). And their song 웃어 (Smile) is nice. It’s all about how we can change the world by smiling. Just watch their live performance and full mv featuring cameos from the likes of Brown Eyed Girls and 2AM on my NM Tube widget on the sidebar. Fighting!
Au naturale
Every time I’m in Bangkok, a trip to Jatujak is a must. Even if shopping during the day at the weekend market can lead to possible heat-related faints. But that versus el cheapo bargains? Come on. Just last month I had so much fun going around Thailand. I scored these handmade rattan slip-ons for only 350 baht in Jatujak. This would go very well with a Dries Van Noten Spring-Summer 2010 ensemble. Also, I got my fix of Thai folkloric merchandise from shorts to beltbags in Chiang Mai. Since it is an actual province (Chiang Mai is their version of Cebu), Chiang Mai is full of locally made stuff. After this trip, it seems that Thailand is ahead by a notch from Hong Kong as my favorite shopping destination.
Winter play
Shot an editorial inside a dirt-, sweat-, anything nasty-controlled factory somewhere in Pampanga. We were in white laboratory outfits with matching plastic boots and masks. Pretty clinical, I said. But shoot turned out fantastic. Models Arlan and Hugo did a nice job pretending actual snow play.
I wasn’t kidding about the protective gear. It’s quite mandatory. Say hello to Garage’s little helpers for the day Jigs and Alyanna. -RN
Stroke of genius
Last spring in Paris I admired this painting (The Young Beggar by Bartolome Esteban Murillo) at the Louvre. Seeing masterpieces up close is indescribable. Somehow I wish I was that boy.
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