the IT list #8

Tags

awkward, bao bao, issey miyake, mall of asia, mall of asia arena, maroon 5, music, pentatonix, personal countdown, Shopping, television, the it list, tv: comedy

“the IT list” A series of posts that highlight the various stuff, old or new, that I’ve been doing… reading, watching, eating or simply obsessing over recently. It’s my personal countdown.

the IT list #8

#ONE
Pentatonix, the recent champions of The Sing-Off, has finally released an EP. Entitled Pentatonix Volume 1, this EP has six tracks, two of which are original songs. Let me remind you, all of the songs were arranged with just their voices (aka a cappella). I’ve been listening to it for the past couple of days, and I never lose the thrill of hearing their voices blend into varied and beautiful arrangements. Whether it’s Somebody That I Used to Know by Gotye or Starships by Nicki Minaj… These guys are the real deal.

Here’s a sampling and you may purchase their EP via www.ptxofficial.com:

#TWO
In addition to the recently opened Mall of Asia Arena, which hosted the phenomenal concerts of Lady Gaga and NKOTBSB (both of which I witnessed, and they were AWESOME!), the first Philippine branch of Uniqlo just opened in MOA a few weeks ago and Forever 21 is about to open by the end of July. With cinemas, a department store, a bowling alley, an ice skating rink, a convention center (SMX) and an IMAX cinema, not to mention the other shops and restaurants it has to offer, SM Mall of Asia is pretty much the most complete shopping mall and entertainment complex in Metro Manila. It certainly has got it all, and there might not be a need to go anywhere else. Wonderful.

#THREE
My favorite new show last year is definitely Awkward. It is a smart and witty series that never ran out of funny stories to tell with great characters that you can’t help but love. The show is back for a second year; and from the first two episodes, I’m feeling good about this season. My favorite part so far? The introduction of Becca, the scary (and hella funny) Asian. I can’t wait to see what Ming will get involved in with that crowd. Of course, there’s also the major love triangle between Jake, Jenna and Matty… That’s not going to end well. Lastly, there is the family conflict that will ensue because of the revelation of Jenna’s mother as the one who wrote the letter. I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is going to be interesting…

#FOUR
I missed all their previous shows here in the Philippines, so it’s absolutely vital that I not miss this one. Maroon 5 has just released their latest album, Overexposed, and with it comes a tour that is the hottest concert this year. Their September 18, 2012 show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is currently sold out except for the General Admission section… And that’s less than three weeks since they started selling tickets. As an added bonus, they’re touring with The Cab, the breakthrough group behind the beautiful song “Endlessly.” I only bought my tickets last week, so I had to settle for Upper Box B. Still, I’m watching and that’s what matters!

#FIVE
It hasn’t exactly reached the Philippine shores and I just had someone buy it for me from Japan. To put it simply, I love this bag. I can’t explain what it’s made of; but almost everyone who’s seen it is fascinated by it. Bao Bao Issey Miyake is a line of bags that are both stylish and functional. I love using it. I love putting stuff in it. I am especially mesmerized by the smart and simple design. Currently the “it” bag in Thailand… It will only be a matter of time before it makes its way here in the country.

pretty bags in different colors

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Shopping Diary #5

Tags

awkward, bench, dorothy perkins, forever 21, red dress, Shopping, shorts, style, varsity jacket

Here are some of my purchases the past week… Yes, some is the key word. This is one of the consequences of not keeping busy with projects. There’s nothing else to do but shop and spend my hard-earned money. Still, I promise that I’m keeping expenses in check and living within my means. Besides, some of what I bought are just TMI (too much information) if shared, and others are products subject to trial or testing before I (may or may not) write about them.

 (counter-clockwise from left: red dress from DP, shorts from Bench, and jacket from F21)

DOROTHY PERKINS
red dress
Php2,395

I have between 3-4 dresses in my closet. I rarely buy them. I barely have a need to wear them. I fit this dress in black at first; but being Fil-Chi, I might not be able to use it as much for appropriate occasions. I went with this dark red dress instead. The color is bold, I know; but the style and fit is great for me. It’s also got a classic look. I think it could go with black leggings and boots, or it may be worn with a pair of simple heels. Plus, I won’t have a problem looking for something to wear to a birthday celebration!

Anyway, it wasn’t my intention at first; but looking at it again this morning, it reminded me of Jenna’s dress for the formal in Awkward‘s season finale (inset photos above). Cute!

BENCH
shorts
Php599.75

Having enough jeans in my wardrobe, I’m now looking for more shorts. It’s only now that I’m getting used to wearing them in public. This one’s loose and comfortable, great for casual everyday wear.

FOREVER 21
black varsity jacket
Php1,600++

I wanted to order a personalized varsity jacket online at first; but buying this off the rack is so much more convenient. There are a lot of stores selling varsity jackets now. What I like about this one is that it’s simple. The material’s not too thick, just right for Philippine weather. It doesn’t have those huge, bold letters in front (because I’m not that young anymore); and it’s really comfortable to wear (fabric inside is silky).

Awkward and Loving It

Tags

awkward, tv, tv: comedy

Six episodes in… I can now honestly say that Awkward is my new favorite show.

The show is about social outcast Jenna Hamilton and her trials and tribulations being a teenage girl.

Jenna starts off her story with how she lost her virginity to her long-time crush Matty. After doing the deed, he tells her nobody can know he likes her. To make things worse, she receives a letter that basically highlights how no one would even notice if she fell off the face of the earth. Contemplating on the contents of the letter, she then falls into an accident that was misconstrued as a suicide attempt by her parents. Word spread on what happened; and after being invisible most of her high school life, she starts being noticed by all the students at her school. Letter in hand, she turns it into a guide to living her life. She starts to break out of her shell… the invisible girl is now in everyone’s radar: guidance counselors, peers, popular boys and rich queen bees.

The script is smartly written; and the lead is brilliantly played by Ashley Rickards. There’s teen angst; but it’s not over the top. There are colorful characters, such as her friend Tamara and guidance counselor Valerie; but they’re very likable. There’s a lot of laughs; but it’s grounded with heart and charm.

It’s one of the rare times when MTV successfully churns out a product that is simple and clever. The series gets better and more interesting with each episode. I know the show already got picked up for a second season; so I can’t wait to see what else happens.