Manila Lookbook

Here you are, last entry for 2017. I was contemplating whether it should be a year-end round-up post where I look back at the best moments I had in 2017, but I feel like this whole year has been a whirlwind of emotions, and I can't recall a time when I was happy without being completely frustrated at the same time. So I might as well just end the year on a good note and remember the last few good days of the year.

Let's talk about Manila and the few outfit photos we managed. I don't know why, but I always find it so hard to take proper photos when we're in Manila. I feel like time just moves so fast when we're there; we're always in a rush, either avoiding traffic or, if not, wasting time stuck in traffic. Getting from one place to another is a pain, and that's all you think about; you barely have time to stop and appreciate the beautiful things around. Because honestly, Manila is beautiful in its chaotic way, but I only ever appreciate that when I'm not there, like when I've returned to Macau or before the trip when planning what to do or where to go (that never materialise or were never followed).

Anyway, in between waiting for our transportation, mall hopping, and eating (because all we ever did in Manila was eat), we managed to quickly snap a few #ootd photos and myself some #mirrorselfie. I noticed how pastel colours are becoming a trend in Manila, and there are plenty of little buildings and shop interiors with a pastel colour palette. I love it because they make for a great backdrop. It always gets me, and when I see a pastel coloured wall, I just have to stop and take a photo.

On our first free day, we went mall hopping with BGC's uptown mall, Makati's Greenbelt on the lineup, and of course, Mall of Asia because it's a walkaway from my apartment. When in Manila, Malls are where you need to be; that's where everybody goes, where you can find anything and everything.

We went to the newly opened Commonwealth PH flagship store, it's the one store that you must go to for streetwear in the Philippines - they carry brands such as Carhartt WIP, Stone Island, Comme des Garçons Play, Dime, etc., in addition to its own Commonwealth FTGG line. Then we also went to one of the Sunnies Studios' opticals, where Penguin got new prescription glasses. I honestly think Sunnies is doing so well; I remember how my mom used to just buy their products from airline duty free selections and it used to be called Sunnies by Charlie (or something like that), but now it has grown to such a huge brand with physical stores nationwide and they're now a legit optical but all the while keeping their young and vibrant aesthetic. I'm just amazed. Most of my sunglasses that I wear daily are from Sunnies (save for one or two), and the designs that I got from when they just started until the new ones that I recently acquired are still so relevant that I can use them anytime with any fashion trend.

At Uptown Mall, we had lunch at a place called Flat Iron, a restaurant serving fusion dishes with the concept being a modern kind of diner. Will tell you more about it in another post, as I'll be doing a foodie sort with where and what we ate in Manila, so stay tuned for that. But I have to say that I like the vibe of the restaurant (where the photo below was taken). I feel like it's more of a Bistro but less fancy and more young.

After Uptown Mall, we headed straight to Greenbelt. If you must know, Greenbelt is comprised of several buildings aptly named Greenbelt 1 - 5, the oldest, I assume, being Greenbelt 1, and the newest 5. And very much fitting, the oldest, as you can expect, is where all the low-end brands are. I can't even say low-end, but how I see the stores there are more like tiyangge, but in a mall setting, and most of the shops are local or no-name brands. The bigger numbered buildings are where you'll find the more upscale and luxurious brands. Commonwealth PH is located in Greenbelt 5, so that's where we made our way to. After looking around and doing what we came for, we decided to hit Bonifacio High Street for a stroll. We came upon Sunnies Cafe, the same Sunnies Studios brand, and just like the retail stores, it keeps to its aesthetics. More about it later on my foodie post, too.

On our third day in Manila, Penguin and I went with his relatives to visit his grandfather's grave somewhere in Quezon City. If you've ever been to Manila and stayed close by to the Airport, you'd know that going to QC in the middle of the day is a major hassle. But we had to, nonetheless, so a full day was reserved just for that. While we got our tummies ready for the long ride by way of Jollibee, I saw a jeepney parked nearby. Had to quickly go and take a photo because I'd never in my life, again, ride a jeepney in Manila. In the province, sure, why not? But in Manila, just thinking about all the bad stories I've heard scares me. I don't think it's that bad. I know I'm overthinking. But I'm just scared. So a photo-op is the closest I can get to in a jeepney.

The rest of the photos were taken on our last few days in Manila (can you believe we were there for 12 days and we barely took out the SLR for taking proper photos?). I was mainly on my phone and point and shoot, but mainly cos I was VLOG-ing and not necessarily taking pictures. Speaking of, I haven't had the chance to go through those clips, so it might take a while for me to get it together, but I'll try my best to upload to the YT channel as soon as possible.

I think it was a good thing, though. In the middle of the trip, I think I gave Instagram a break and didn't post for a good three days; I was able to just focus on other things and not my phone, and sometimes we all need that, so it's great that I got to do that.

Then on Christmas Eve, we spent some time just chilling on Penguin's tita's front yard, playing with his nephews while carolers came and went; it was just a nice, intimate moment and even though I missed my family because I always try and celebrate Christmas with them as much as I can, being away was a different experience.

Anyway, I'm spending the last day of the year with them and just making it count. As I type, I'm waiting for my BBQ ribs cooking in the oven and praying that they turn out good for tonight's dinner. I've also still got a few house chores to finish before we get into party mode to welcome 2018, so I'll have to stop this here now and get on with adult life. But before I end this here, just allow me to greet you all a Happy New Year! I hope ya'll have a fruitful year ahead and lots and lots of love!!!

Cheers!