Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad smiled and looked at me when we were leaving the Roman Coliseum. I answered back,"Check!"
That was us ticking off the our bucket list of places to see together. I was so happy to see him so happy that day. I miss him terribly now that I live in Hong Kong.
Knowing him well, he's probably sitting in his little corner in our house enjoying a bottle of San Miguel while listening to Edith Piaf or Harry Belafonte. He's the simplest man I know; he enjoys little pleasures. I wish all men were like him.
To you Dad, cheers! I love you and miss you everyday. Gonna get you a pack of Leffe soon.

From Dull to Brooklyn

So much for my city guide to New York. I've only accomplished talking about one third of the whole trip. I'll get there somehow. Tonight though, I needed some bit of inspiration because my mind has gone humdrum. I hardly moved any piece of furniture or changed my study vignette the past week and the only creative activity I did was frame my Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind poster which just meant a trip to Ikea. So I thought, Brooklyn!

I have no accurate account about Brooklyn's history and how it came to be a creative neighborhood. All I know is it's full of fascinating objects and street art that all works together like a curated exhibit. So here's what I saw around Park Slopes and Williamsburg between 4:00 - 7:00 pm on the 19th of November, 2011. Hope enough to rouse my enthusiasm and yours.

Lamma Island

Something Groovy Going On

I have been carefully avoiding carbs these past couple weeks. With a weekend all by myself I thought it was going to be a easy.  But who could ever resist a heaping plate of beautiful golden brown crusted macaroni and cheese while listening to soul funk! 

This shop feels like a joint San Francisco though I've never been. There's a lot of things going on at the same time. Noise coming from the machine projecting Korean skiing holidays from the 80s, art from passerby artists on the wall. My goodness, there's even an Elton John pinball machine in the corner. Talk about groovy!

Saffron Cafe

Stanley, Hong Kong

Orla K

Everyone seems to be obsessed with Orla Kiely prints (including myself!).  I was thrilled to see scarves with her signature joyful patterns at Uniqlo. Thank goodness, they're done with monotone.

How do you like your coffee?

I find local, homegrown coffee places more fulfilling. I like to pay for the actual coffee. No frills.This particular coffee shop is as simple as you can get. Passed it going to the beach, didn't stop. We returned the next day. It's called Cafeño in San Juan city proper. I love how the place takes you back to another era. The black and white tiles, wrought iron chairs, hardwood tables and intricate carvings on the awnings. It's like a good old mom-and-pop operation. Even the biscoccho jars were charming. I ordered an iced barrakko, a deep flavored solid roast famous in this part of the Philippines. It's the Filipino version of the Italian espresso. I really do wish places like this live on.

Time Out

Woke up one day and decided to go to the nearest beach.

Taken at San Juan, Batangas

Philippines