The songs which help me get by

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I have often created playlists, as early as in High School. In many ways, I have convinced myself that if I lived in the USA, I would have been one of those people who would make mixtapes and share them with friends. Alas, I am just some guy living in the Philippines.

The past couple of weeks have been eventful, in many ways. On one hand, I have made life decisions due to  my “Quarter-Life Crisis Part 2”, more on that when I’ve definitely crossed the bridge. On the other, well, just more decisions to make this seemingly bleak life be more interesting. But, in between crossing roads, and the fine line moments between insanity and zen, I get by with a couple of private Spotify playlists I have created with songs which seem just perfect for those life scenes when you’re looking outside the window, or when you’re seated in a cafĂ©, or just lying down on your bed.

1. Yellow by Coldplay

“Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow.”

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The songs which help me get by

First Look: Passion by GĂ©rard Dubois in Manila

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During one of my Morning walks last week, I came across what seemed to be a new coffee shop named Passion by Gérard Dubois. I was curious, and I wanted to enter. However, I saw a sign which said that the restaurant was  still on some dry run, so I just took a video on Snapchat, then continued on with my walk. Gotta hit 10,000 steps a day after all! I was talking to my colleague about it, and we came back the day after.

Passion by GĂ©rard Dubois wasn’t just a coffee shop, as I had initially thought. It’s a full blown cafĂ© which offers a wide variety of savory and sweet food, ranging from pizza, casserole, salad, sandwiches, gelato, macarons, and so much more. A lot more! I haven’t been to Hong Kong in ages (I was supposed to last year for my birthday, but work prevented me from going. Still sad that I had to cancel my birthday trip. I digress.) so I wouldn’t have known that this is not a new concept whatsoever. This is the sixth branch of the brainchild of Dubois, the other five being located in Hong Kong and China.

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First Look: Passion by GĂ©rard Dubois in Manila

I’m Wide Awake

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I only had a 3-hour sleep last night. According to my Jawbone, it was purely light sleep, which explains why I can’t exactly remember what I dreamt. I mean, know I had a dream, but I couldn’t recall the details. Nothing. Nonetheless, it was a 3-hour sleep. It was a much needed three hours of pure bliss. Three hours of not worrying about anything. Three hours of being in an alternate world. No problems. No worries. No anxieties at all. It was what I was needed. It was peace.

The calm feeling reminded of the time I did a “day” trip to Lourdes, back in 2011. (You could see a few photos HERE) It was a long travel from Rennes to that city. If I could recall it well, it was a good 9 hours with around 3 city transfers. THREE. I did it all alone, and despite the loneliness in those 18 hours travelling (9 hours to go to Lourdes, another 9 hours back to Rennes), it was pretty much calming.

Basilica of our Lady of the Rosary of Lourdes

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I’m Wide Awake

Art in the Park Philippines 2016

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One of the things I secretly enjoy doing is go Behance-hopping. Behance? As in the online portfolio website? Yes, Behance. Why? Simply  because I enjoy looking at works of people, amateurs and professionals alike. It all started with DeviantArt, when I would look for nice new desktop wallpapers for my MacBook White. I always fancied the abstract designs. Triangles. Aztec Patterns. Dreamcatchers. Anything intriguing, bold, daring, demanding. And in case you were wondering, no, I don’t put stickers on my laptop. I’m not a hipster.

While clicking portfolios like crazy, and checking the social media accounts of the different local talents, I found out that this year’s Art in The Park was to take place on April 3. Of course the inner, faux-hipster in me was screaming. Jumping. Ecstatic. I have always loved design. Art was something I appreciated. It’s something that calms me. And just liked that, booked! I wrote on my planner that I have to go there no matter what. No matter what.

 

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Jap Mikel. Ultramar Leones Scout. Check him out at: Laging Handa.

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Art in the Park Philippines 2016

Coming Soon: Kiehl’s New Nature Powered Masques

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When I went to Singapore earlier this year, I told myself not to go anywhere near the big shopping mall areas. No to Takashimaya. No to Suntec. No to Funan, Vivo City, and the list goes on. I wanted to see the other places in the country. I know, I have been there countless times. But, I am convinced that even if you make me stay there for years, there would always be something new to discover.

Halfway through my 5-day trip, I wasn’t able to resist it; I ended up going to Bugis Junction because I was in the area anyway. While going around the mall, I happened to pass by a store of Kiehl’s. If you have never heard of it, it’s practically an “entry-level” luxury skincare brand. I consider it as such because while it’s more expensive than the typical products you might be using as a child or as a teenager (unless, you’ve been exposed to it early on), it’s not too costly compared to the likes of La Mer, and Perricone MD, among others.

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Coming Soon: Kiehl’s New Nature Powered Masques

this is my dot com

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In 2007, I was introduced to Chuvaness.com–well, back then, it was her LiveJournal. I am uncertain what drew me to the blog of Cecile Zamora van Straten, why I faithfully followed her life online (and even to this day, I still do), and why I joined her contests. Today, I still read her blog; I even follow her on Instagram and on Twitter. She remains influential, and even with the rise of different bloggers and social media influencers, she is still the only one who could truly, heavily influence me.

You want proof? She’s the reason why I am obsessed with COMMES des GARÇONS PLAY. Well, I only have two pieces for now.

COMME des GARCONS Play x Converse Polka Dot.

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this is my dot com

quarter-life crisis. of missed marks and peace.

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“How are you?” “Hey, I have been seeing a lot of your posts lately…are you ok?” “We miss you, why don’t you show up more?” “What have you been up to these days?” “Something bothering you these days?”

I smile. Throw a laugh, or perhaps a chuckle.

“Well. I don’t know. I think I’m going through quarter-life crisis [again]“

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quarter-life crisis. of missed marks and peace.