Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The Sartorialist

One of the dreams of anyone in the fashion industry or fashion lovers for that matter is to be stopped while walking down the streets of New York and be asked to be taken a photograph by the one and only Mr Scott Shuman of the The Sartorialist. Here is a funny step-by-step guide that I saw from pipeline.com for your quest to being shot by The Sartorialist.
By: Christene Barberich and Piera Gelardi, Design by Joshua Covarrubias

Asides from New York, he also takes pictures in the streets of other fashion capitals in world such as Paris, Milan, London, Stockholm, and recently in Sydney. I hope that he soon visits Tokyo because that would really be a sight to see or *wishful thinking* Manila. He also seems to be fascinated with bicycles since most of his shots especially the ones in Paris consist of people riding the bicycle and looking effortlessly chic at the same time. His subjects does not only limit to prominent people in the fashion industry. His subjects ranges from designers, models, and most of the time to unidentified regular people that you would usually see walking down the street. Here is how he describes his philosophy when it comes to photographing street style:

"I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process. My only strategy when I began The Sartorialist was to try and shoot style in a way that I knew most designers hunted for inspiration."
Scott Shuman, The Sartorialist

Monday, June 29, 2009

Style Essential: The Little Black Dress

Without a doubt, you can never go wrong with the Little Black Dress or LBD. Every woman should have the little black dress in her closet. It is definitely a wardrobe staple and the answer to every fashion dilemma especially when it comes to parties, dinners, and cocktails.
Popularized by french designer Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the classic black dress is considered by many women as one of the most important elements in a female wardrobe. Back then, black was reserved for mourning, and considered indescent if worn in any other circumstances. The LBD is further glorified by Audrey Hepburn in her movie Breakfast at Tiffany's and is probably the most famous little black dress of all time. It never goes out of style and can be worn from day to night. It can be worn in all seasons and comes in all shapes and sizes. Dress it up or dress it down, the Little Black Dress can be both casual or elegant depending on where you are going to wear it. It can be styled in various waysand every designer has their own take on this classic piece. Accesorize it with pearls and black pumps for the classic look or pair it with colored heels and chunks of accessories if you're going for an edgier look. Either way you will never go wrong with the Little Black Dress.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Celebrity Style: Clémence Poésy

We've all known her as "Fleur Delacour " from Harry Potter which by the way is premiering this week. But one of the other things that this French actress and model is known for is definitely her sense of style.
Actress. Model. Style Icon

The second picture is my all-time favorite outfit of hers. Simple yet elegant which she perfectly captured. Clémence Poésy is the epitome of the effortless-yet-chic look which is one the hardest things to pull off when it comes to fashion. She has grace the covers of numerous fashion magazine from Vogue to Nylon and is currently one of the spokeperson of Chloe's perfume line alongside actress Chloe Sevigny and model Anja Rubik. Poesy’s approach to style never seems fussy or complicated, but her take on simplicity is always intriguing. She tends to stick to a neutral color palette and favors designers who have a bit of edge, like Isabel Marant. Unlike her stateside peers who gobble up accessories like chickens on corn, Poesy exercises restraint in this department too.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Balmain

If there is one designer that truly outshone the others in this year's Spring/Summer 09 and Fall/Winter 09, Fashion Week it will definitely be Balmain. Praises from here and there were flooding in fashion blogs up to magazine articles. When his now iconic marching band jackets ala Micheal Jackson, ripped jeans, and studded heels hit the runway, everybody was dying to have it.
Spring and Summer 2009 in Paris

Balmain brought back the rock and roll look with a more modern and chic approach but still reminiscent of the 80s when shoulder pads and acid washed jeans were the latest styles in fashion. Balmain's design have been very influential in the fashion industry over the past months. His designs have spawned numerous DIYs with fashion bloggers trying to recreate his ripped jeans and studded/sequined jackets. Famous brands such as Zara and Topshop have also recreated some of his looks as their designs are very much inspired by the studded pieces, shoulder padded jackets, and acid-washed jeans that were prominent in his shows.
Fall and Winter 2009 in Paris

With Spring and Summer 2010 Fashion week just a couple of weeks away, I'm sure everybody is now at the edge of their seats for what Balmain has in store for us.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Topshop

This 7-letter boutique is where I usually find myself ending up in and my go-to store whenever I am in the mall. It's no other than Topshop, the famous high street brand from London which have captured the hearts of the Filipinas and Filipinos ever since it hit the Philippines. Topshop remains as one of my favorite stores because of its various and extensive designs. Its wide range of style is what kept me interested with what this store has to offer. It is also the 'go-to' store for a lot of people for it carries everything from basics and party dresses up to shoes and accessories.



Topshop Spring/Summer 2009 Lookbook

What sets Topshop apart from other brands and why it still continues to be successful is because of its eclectic and diverse pieces. As mentioned earlier, it does not only limits itself to one style which is why this store always has something for everybody. The brand also gives us a glimpse on what British fashion is all about for Topshop has redefine British style. They also have a lot of interesting and unique pieces that looks like it came straight from the runways. What also keep people going back to Topshop is because of the quality of their clothing. Although it may seem a bit pricy especially for those who only live by a student's budget, you are assured that you are getting your money's worth. Another thing that I love about this store are its campaigns and advertisements. Their ads are just simple but clearly showcase the kinds of clothing they offer. It also sets a mood depending on the style of the items which makes people like me be drawn to what Topshop has instore for us.

Topshop Spring/Summer 2008 Campaign

"The High Street has never looked so haute and it's all down to Topshop"
- The Sunday Times

Thursday, June 25, 2009

For the love of Fashion

Unlike others, I don't have the exact details on how and when I fell in love with the world of fashion. All that I can remember was that when I was a little kid I was always fascinated with my mom's closet and those high heels that I would see my sister was obsessed with (I guess that's where I get my shoe fetish). It was only in High School that I really started discovering more about the industry and decided that this is where I really want to end up and build my career in no matter how vicious they say the industry is.
Fashion for me has always evoked that euphoric sensation. I guess I consider it as my form of escape from life's hurdles Whenever I'm tired, stressed, or even sad, I just confront myself with anything that is related to fashion and it immediately lightens me up. So for the remaining weeks of this blog, all of the entries will be a toast to the only love of my life (well for now), the world of Fashion.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

First Generation vs Second Generation

First Generation (L-R): Sid, Chris, Cassie, Jal, Anwar, Maxxie, Tony, and Michelle

First or second generation? Definitely the first one. My answer may be biased on this one since I have grown to love the first one and also since they are the "original" one. But there are also other reasons why the I prefer the first generation over the second

I don't hate or dislike the second generation, it's just that series 3 didn't really live up to my expectations. I was disappointed with it because the season felt like 's0-s0' and was really unimpressed with the season finale which didn't felt like a finale in the first place. Series 3 also forgot one major element which Skins in the first place is really known for especially in Series 1: Comedy. I was really disappointed that series 3 hugely lack in this because that was one of the reasons why I fell in love with the show. Instead it focused more on the relationships in the second generation showing how each couple can't be together because of this and that. It followed the love triangle/s all throughout the season which I dind't find effective and found it draggy instead. I also find it a bit weird how all of them are suddenly friends and formed this tight-knit group as early as episode 2 or 3 when they only met each other for the first time in the first episode.

Hopefully series 4 will be better this time and will focus on the other aspects of the show and not just on one thing. Lastly, I hope that it will not forget to make me laugh. See you in January.

Second Generation (L-R): Thomas, Cook, Pandora, Katie and Emily, Jj,
Effy, Freddie, and Naomi

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Unseen Skins

One of the other things that I love about Skins are its video specials that are seen on their website (www.e4.com/skins). They have three video specials that are only seen online and these three are: Unseen Skins, Lost Weeks, and Video Diary.

1. Unseen Skins

Unseen Skins are mini episodes that interweave with the aired episodes. Here you get to see reasons behind why such things happened to the characters during the episode. Like in this case, we get to see how the gang was able to help Chris by finding him clothes since he was walking around the streets butt naked after being "thrown out" of his own house.

2. The Lost Weeks

The Lost Weeks took place during the gap between series 1 and 2. They are video diaries by the cast to fill us in with how they are doing ever since Tony's accident. We see how they are adapting and coping with Tony's accident.

3. Video Diaries

Video diaries are intimate videos filmed by the cast. Here they introduce us to their lives, tells us what they are thinking about right now, and even give us some tips and advices.

Monday, June 22, 2009

The Stonems

Tony and Effy Stonem are known to be the lead characters of Skins in their respective generation. In the first series, we are introduced to Tony, an overconfident seventeen year old who likes to be in control of everything from his girlfriend up to his friends and family. I really didn't like Tony in the first series because of his manipulative ways which normally results to hurting the people around him. But because of his accident (which I believe is his karma for his manipulative ways), we see a different Tony in series 2 as he relearns how to live his all life all over again.
Through Tony, we meet his little sister Effy. In the first series, Effy remained silent all throught out except for this one line she uttered in her episode. I think that is one of the main reasons why I was drawn to her and that we are somehow similar in the way we view emotions/feelings until she met Freddie. Just like Tony, Effy also likes to be in control (I guess it runs in the Stonem family) and manipulate people around her as seen in the way she was toying both Freddie and Cook. I was really dissapointed with her in series 3 because of how she was emotionally and mentally abusing herself because of her parents splitting up and the fact that Tony is not anymore there by her side to "save and stabilize" her.
Somehow I've always been fascinated with the relationship between these two characters. They both have the tendencies to be dependent on one another with Effy, who is described to be the only one that Tony truly cares about, always being saved by Tony. While in series 2 it was Effy this time who was saving Tony and helped him in the process of rebuilding his life. Even though both were manipulative, they did have good intentions for that reason. I think there is a Tony and Effy in all of us. Although we deny it, we all secretly want to be in control in every situation we are faced with.

images: google

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Oh wow, lovely

It's hard for me to choose a favorite character from Skins because I really like all of them. From the main casts even down to their parents/sibling and the extras like Josie the guidance councilor. But there are some that really stood out for me and caught my attention.

1. Cassie Ainsworth (Hannah Murray)
"She's thin, and blonde. She says 'Wow' a lot" - Tony

In Skins, Cassie appears to be a very insecure and complex character as depicted by her mental disorders. She suffers most notably from an eating disorder (anorexia nervosia) as seen in her episode in series 1. The show also focused on her complicated relationship with Sid as they go through a series of ups and downs throughout series 1 and 2. I was really drawn to Cassie out of the other characters probably because she is the most insecure person out of the group. Her insecurities is what made me find her interesting and she somehow evokes this mysterious-eccentric-and euphoric aura which is why I think many people are also fascinated with her. The last picture above is probably Cassie's famous scene and 'one of the most loved scenes' from Skins' fans. In this scene, Cassie tries to commit suicide by mixing alcohol using a vodka-injected water gun with one of her medicines after Sid stood her up.

3. Chris Miles (Joe Dempsie)
"Like Chris, he said f--- it, I'll do it my way and the people that love me
will understand why I'm doing it because they love me" - Michelle

Chris is most likely the most loved character out of everyone in Skins. In the show he appears to be the "party animal" of the group and the poster boy the for the hedonistic lifestyle. As the show progresses, we then get to see that there are a lot of "layers" underneath his "party animal" image. Many people love Chris because his character always made people laugh and have a good time. Yet, he also made people cry especially in Series 2 while apologizing to Jal after screwing up and in his last moments before dying from subarachnoid hemorrhage which he inherited from his brother. Just like everyone I was really sad and upset when he died. No one can ever made us laugh the way Chris did.

3. JJ Jones (Ollie Barbieri)
JJ: Just care OK?
Cook: About what?
JJ: About me!

JJ's episode in series 3 is probably my favorite out of the bunch. I really liked it because the episode was consistently played out and it is what I would call 'simple and yet elegant at the same time'. Part of the three musketeers (Cook, JJ, Freddie), JJ is like the kid of the group because of his child-like behaviour and yet also the matured one compared to the other two. He is very good when it comes to magic and always has trick ready up on his sleeve, yet lacks skills in the social department due to his autism. JJ is the only characted that I really liked in series 3. After watching his episode, you can't help but just fall in love with his character and wished that you have a friend just like him.

images: google, skins e4

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Tony and Michelle

I was never really keen on Tony and Michelle's relationship nor did I really pay much attention to it compared to the other ships (mainly Jal&Chris and Sid&Cassie). I find their relationship to be very routine-ish especially during Series 1. They would flirt, Tony cheats, Michelle finds out about it, they fight, they make up, flirt again, Tony cheats with a boy this time, and it just goes on and on. However, their last scene in the final episode of Series 2 as they were reflecting their relationship (which was also the final episode for the second generation) made me see them in a different light.

Skins: Everyone (2.10)
While in the car after dropping Sid off in the airport
Michelle: We were good weren't we?
Tony: We were better than that

I really like their final scene and is actually one of my favorite scenes even though I wasn't really a fan of them together. It was a really good ending to both of their characters and their relationship. Somehow it showed that regardless how dramatic and turbulent their relationship was, I'm sure they had a lot of good times that definitely surpassed all the problems they encountered. Series 2 really tested their relationship especially with Michelle coping with Tony's "amnesia" after the bus accident we saw in the final episode of series 1. Even if they left us hanging if they are still together since they're going to different universities, Tony and Michelle still shared something special and had a relationship like no other in spite of everything they've been through.

images: disparue.org

Friday, June 19, 2009

Skins in reel and real life

"You were the Cassie to my Sid. You could be the Jal to my Chris. But alas, I left because I wanted a Michelle for my Tony." - Jordan, 2009

Me and my fellow skinsmates have this tendency of relating and injecting the characters into our own lives. I guess the show just really have a huge impact on us that it somehow colored some aspects on the way we view our lives. The other night we were discussing about the complications that comes in relationships and our own opinions regarding it. While in the midst of all the debating and analyzing, one of my friends then described the way she views the whole thing:

" I feel like I'm Effy you know. Never really paying attention in the
whole romantic scene. That is until I met a Freddie."
And just like most people who are also huge followers of skins, we also try to see who among the characters do we see ourselves in. May it be from those "Who are you most likely in Skins?" quizzes in facebook, up to those deep and serious conversations regarding the series.

"I've always seen Chris in you...and Tony too. A manipulator but
with good intentions in the end."

images: couldtfindname

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Skins

Last summer, my friend Jordan introduced me to something that I would consider as a "life changing event". That something is called Skins. Skins is a BAFTA winning teen drama that revolves around a group of friends in Bristol dealing with the usual issues that teens go through. These issues ranges from drugs and alcohol to relationships and even finding what one would want out of his/her life. Think of it like The OC minus the 'glitz and glamour' and more explicit and risque.

The show currently has three series with the first two focusing on Tony Stonem and his group of friends while the latest one is about Effy Stonem, Tony's little sister and her group of friends. All of the characters in the first two series except for Effy and Pandora are not part of the third and soon to be fourth series because it is believed that Tony and the gang have now went on their "seperate ways"

Here is a brief description of the characters in the first two series:
The first generation of Skins comprises series 1 and 2. This generation's main characters include: a popular, but manipulative boy (Tony), a Muslim boy (Anwar), an openly gay boy (Maxxie), an overbearing and talented clarinet player (Jal), a party animal with family problems (Chris), a pushover who is in love with his best friend's girlfriend (Sid), a girl who is worried her boyfriend is only using her (Michelle), and a mentally unstable girl with an eating disorder (Cassie).

The second generation consists of: Effy who is the lead character throughout the series, Pandora who is Effy's innocent best friend, the twins Emily and Katie who are entirely different from one another, the three musketeers namely Cook, Freddie, and JJ, and Thomas who is a new transferee to Bristol from Congo

This week will be all about Skins from my favorite characters and scenes to random conversation with my friends who also watches Skins as we try to relate it in our lives.

images: Skins e4

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Love must be forgotten, life can always start up anew.

Me and my good friend Jordan are currently discussing our own thoughts and principles when it comes to whole law of attraction or feelings or simply love for that matter. I'll try to keep this entry short and simple as much as possible rather than ramble on about it. My principle about that whole thing right now (it is still subject to change later on) is actually pretty simple. Now that I am still young, I like to enjoy my own time as much as possible when I can still be carefree and not worry about being "attached" to someone. The night is still young, so I'd rather party the night away, be open to new and exciting things, and the enjoy the rest of it.

You don't get to be single forever (unless you plan on entering the monastery) so might as well make the most out of it.

This is our decision, to live fast and die young. We've got the vision, now let's have some fun.

Yeah, it's overwhelming, but what else can we do.

For the past two years or so, me and my "photography" friends who I mentioned in an earlier post have been working quite hard for our craft to be discovered. Well the time finally came last month when Mary told us that she got a text message from one the editors of this established newspaper who is interested in making a feature article about us and our works. We were really high with excitement with that news. It was like, "This is it! It is really happening!". From there we started getting invites to these social events featuring the country's top designers and the ones to watch out for as well.

It feels weird with these opportunities being presented to us because we used to be wishful thinkers dreaming of the day when we would finally get to experience these things. Now that they are here right in front of you, you somehow can't help but feel overwhelmed and even feel a little lost. I've been telling Mary how everything that is happening to me right now may it be about school, career, and "other stuff" is going way too fast that sometimes you just don't know where to begin with. She simply reminded me that we are still young and we should dive in to these things because we can still do it! According to her, it is not everyday that you are presented with opportunities like these especially when you are still young.

I guess I'm just still a wishful thinker which is why I think that everything that is happening around me is just overwhelming. However, it is something that I am grateful for and will always look back to by the time I get old.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling raw, I'm in the prime of my life.

Blame it on the booze

I'm sure everybody knows that hit song from Jamie Foxx and I'm sure that everybody can relate to it. So yeah we all have our own share of those drunk and wasted nights where you ended up having that nasty headache in the morning, not remembering those random hook ups, or worst, well for my part, a bad case of allergies. Yes I'm allergic to alcohol and it is something that I really despise. I found out about this during one intoxicated night in my blockmate's 18th birthday party. There were free flowing booze everywhere and I think I had way too much. She even had those vodka-injected jellos (that were really good) which I had no idea of and I think I had around 7 of those. I get red right away whenever I drink but for the next two days, I had rashes or hives that were burning all over my chest. It was really bad and when I saw my pictures from the party, I looked like a tomato next to my friends. After that night, I learned my lesson to never drink too much unless I want a repeat of those burning rashes.

Well I guess I forgot about that when I went to this party last term together with Bunny, Peyton, and Aleksander. I was hesitant at first to go since we had many homework particularly for our Majors (Nerd much). Anyway we decided to go since Bunny's friend who was one of the organizers included us already in the guest list and to take a much needed break from all the stress. Before going to the party, we decided to have some drinks at a nearby restaurant so that it would be cheaper. We ordered a pitcher of Margarita and after drinking two glasses of it, Peyton started giving me this weird look. When I was about to reach my third glass, she told me that I should stop since I was having hives all over my arms and it looked bad. So I drank lots and lots of water to flush out some of the alcohol but I could still feel the effect of it and my allerigies were starting to kick in. After a trip to the restroom, I was feeling a bit better so we decided to hit the party. However while we were there I was starting to really feel dizzy all over, my words were slurring, and I was starting to see these white dots. I asked Bunny to accompany me to the washroom since I couldn't walk straight anymore. While going down tthe stairs, I missed a step and landed on the floor! I was wearing four inch heels by the way when this happened. Bunny together with the bouncer helped me up and accompanied me to the restroom. While in the restroom, Bunny kept on splashing water in my face and was slapping me to keep me awake. Anyway after that trip to restroom, I was feeling better and sober and danced the night away with my friends. Again I learned my lesson to not drink too much and I have never appreaciated beer ever in my life after that night.

Although I suffered the consequences, I never regretted it because I had an awesome time in those nights. You know that feeling when time just stops and you're getting this natural high. Well that was how I felt and it was actually like this out-of-this-world-slash-euphoria feeling from the combination of the booze and the music blasting. For me, those two night captured the whole "live fast and die young" mantra. Personally I think it is better when you've experience a very drunk and wasted night. You get to learn your lesson from that experience and now you are more than aware of your limits whenever there is booze around. Who knew that things like these can teach you something both helpful and practical.

Monday, June 15, 2009

We've got the vision, now let's have some fun

When I was a little kid, I've always been intrigued by the camera and thought that it works like magic with just one click. But it was only in High School that I got acquainted with the world of photography through my love for fashion and my friend Mary who happens to be an aspiring photographer. Since High School, I've always been fascinated with the fashion editorials and photo shoots I would see in the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, etc. Me and my friends then would try to recreate our own photo shoots with the editorials we see in the glossy magazines serving as our inspiration. At first it started out as a hobby. Something to do in our free time to let our creative juices flow through. However once college started, we started treating it more seriously and professionally due to lack of time and the fact that we all go to different schools.

Recently we haven't done any shoots for the past months since we really don't have the luxury of time compared to when we were still in High School. School and "other" stuff really took a toll in the lack of activity. There were even moments where we thought about quitting and simply forgetting about it. However one day one of Pearl's friends saw our photos and asked us this question: If there is one song that serves as an inspiration and captures the style of your shoots, what would it be? Mary simply stated MGMT's Time to Pretend to answer that question. We then realized that the song particularly our favorite line from it (which is also my life's motto) is what continually awakens our creative drive. It tells us that, 'hey we're still young and we can still do this'.

Even if many things are getting in the way, the fun shouldn't stop there and prohibit you in doing the things that you love

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Let's make some music, make some money, find some models for wives.

The other day, me and Bunny were talking how we both have the tendencies to think way ahead and concentrate more on the "what if's" and other stuff that is really not worth worrying or stressing about. My friends and my mom have already pinpoint this bad habit of mine which I know I need to stop. So yeah I do tend to worry and stress a lot when confronted with any situation and this would even include shopping.

Yes, I love to shop and it is one of my favorite activities when I have the spare time. When I shop, I don't just go out there and buy whatever it is that fancy my eyes. I like to be organized when I'm shopping which is why I always have a monthly shopping list that I regularly update so as to keep in line with the things that I only need to buy. Also, I like to have a "plan" of my route whenever I'm in the mall so that I know the stores that I will be only going to and to avoid distraction. Lastly, I prefer to shop alone so that I wouldn't have to stress out if you are: a) getting bored, b) itching to go some place else because of a), and c) just simply starting to annoy me. But there are times when I like to have a friend or two to accompany me and these are also "organized shoppers" themselves. This weekend though however is a different case.

Last Friday was a haven to all the loyal shoppers of Topshop since it was their annual private sale. Originally I didn't plan on going so as to prevent myself from spending since I am getting broke and my mom was out of the country and enjoying herself in the land of the Temples (Bangkok and Cambodia). But Bunny persuaded me to go with her and Darla so I eventually gave in and was curious to see the items. It was pure bliss for all Topshop lovers there regardless of the long lines and people frantically going through racks and racks of clothing since a lot of the items were marked down even up to 70%! I was just planning on looking around until I stumbled into this top that reminded me of the 80's in a subtle way. I liked the design since it looked pretty rare and how it wasn't screaming 80s! all over. What's best about it is that it was marked down from 2500 to 500 bucks! But it wasn't one of the things that I "need" so I was going back and forth in my mind if I should keep or let go. I spent a lot of time thinking until Bunny told me that maybe the top is meant for me which is why it found its way in my hands and that I may just end up regretting if I let go of it (See, we take shopping very seriously). I really hate it when I find something that I really like and decided to let go of it only to find out that on the day I'm finally going to purchase it, somebody already took it. So I decided to buy it even if I didn't need it since it was a good deal and what the heck I like the way it looked on me. My supposedly-not-shopping-trip doesn't end there. The next day I decided to go to the mall and "look" for cocktail dresses for this fashion show I'm going. I was a bit hesitant at first if I wanted to go out since I still felt a bit tired after one stressful school week and two straight weekends of partying and going out. Anway while in one of stores I saw this Herve Leger inspired dress minus the Bondage effect and again what's good about it is that it was at a reasonable price. I decided to try it on and I was immediately drawn to it. As usual I was debating inside my head until my friend Mary called me to discuss the details of the fashion show we were going. I asked Mary for some advice if I should get the dress. She told to me buy it especially after I mentioned Herve Leger. To cut it short, I decided to buy the dress in the end especially when the sales guy told me that it was the last piece since they only have limited stocks of it.

Now I'm really broke and should really refrain from spending or better yet going to shopping malls. Nevertheless, I'm still on a high with my purchases and saved myself from having regrets.

Friday, June 12, 2009

I'll miss the playgrounds and the animals and digging up worms

During the summer, me together with Bunny, Peyton, and Aleksander went on a trip to Puerto right after our finals to hit the beach and officially welcome the much awaited summer season. Subic was the original plan since it was near Aleksander's province but we somehow ended up going to Puerto since Aleksander's brother was also going there with his friends. It was actually a very last minute trip since we only planned it like two or three days prior the day of departure. Because of that, I was a bit hesistant since I had doubts that I would be allowed. But then I thought to myself, "What the heck! I deserve this especially after one helluva of a school year of blood, sweat, and tears! It's not everyday that you get to go on a trip with your friends!". I was allowed to go however just a day before leaving, me and my mom had a major argument. Our argument was basically concerning about "trust issues" and all that stuff. I admit that part of it was my fault since I was being sarcastic to her when she wanted to know the contact details of my friends. I guess she got sick of it and gave me the silent treatment for the whole night. But in the end I still got to go regardless of that drama.

While in Puerto, Aleksander and his brother told us that it is a must to experience the Banana Boat and that we cannot leave the place without riding it. I was actually very excited but also terrified at the same time since it was my first time and I was still iffy if I could really trust the life vest. (I tend to worry a lot on every situation). I know how to swim but I'm not really good at it. Bunny on the other hand was scared to death and was on the verge of tears since she does not know how to swim so she opted to be in the speed boat instead. While in the midst of debating if I should continue with it, MGMT's song somehow found its way in my head and I eventually told myself, "Screw worrying and let's just have some fun". At the beginning of the ride, the instructor told us that he will throw us 3 times ranging from what I would say 'easy-medium-hard'. Again I was still scared but somehow ready to face whatever happens. In the end I actually had a blast and I surprisingly loved the throwing part. I liked the feeling when it was just us in the middle of the sea and it was pure silent, well minus the OMG's, Wow, and Awesome we kept on saying. I felt like I was in paradise and it reminded me those idyllic scenes in 'The Beach' with Moby's "Porcelain" playing in the background. To top it all off, we got to watch the sunset while going back to the shore since we rode around 5:30 in the afternoon.

I think that everybody should go on out of town trips with their friends while they are still in their teen years and while you're in it, be open to adventures for you'll never know what you'll be missing out in life. Even if these would include numerous fights and arguments with your rents, it will be all worth it in the end for it is something that you would always look back to when you get old.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Time to Pretend

Remember the days when everyone just had to have a slum book or autograph book as we would like to call it. I remember having around 5 slum books and it was like the "hottest item" when we were still little kids and enjoying the simple life without having to constantly rely on the wonders of technology. On the way home in the midst of traffic, me and Bunny were discussing about autograph books and how we look silly with our answers back then. While chit-chatting about it we stumbled into this question which is basically mentioned in almost all autograph books: What is your motto in life?

Bunny and I then began having those serious talks which is almost like "philosophizing". I told her that my answer back then would go something like 'Try and try until you succeed' or those 'Practice makes Perfect' stuff. However, if I am confronted with that question right now, I would simply state this song lyric from MGMT's "Time to Pretend": This is our decision, to live fast and die young. We've got the vision, now lets have some fun. Somehow I realized that some of my experiences, decisions, and principles are influenced by those lyrics which is why for this week I will be sharing some of them.

Basically for me my motto is all about living life to fullest as much as possible because: a) you never know when your time will be up, in short anytime accounts for that matter; and b) I want to eliminate regrets as much as possible and do not want to end up old wishing and blaming myself that I should have done those things when I was still young.

So how about you, what is your motto in life?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

R.I.P. to the King of Pop and Master of Music Videos

This list of awesome music videos would of course not be completed without works from one of the pioneers of music vidoes, the King of Pop: Mr. Michael Jackson. With his sudden death that shocked the whole music industry (the whole world in fact), I would like to dedicate this entry to his groundbreaking and state-of-the-art videos that truly changed the world of music videos

9. Billie Jean (1982)
Directed by Steve Barron


10. Thriller (1982)
Directed by: John Landis


11. Bad Part 1 (1987)
Directed by: Martin Scorsese


12. Smooth Criminal (1987)
Directed by: Colin Chavers


13. Remember the Time (1991)
Directed by: John Singleton


An innovator himself, Michael Jackson treated music videos as an art form by transforming it into short films. He made use of complex story lines, ground breaking visual elements and effects, famous cameos, and choreography which resulted into a huge following as many people are trying to replicate it as seen in movies and in the famous youtube video of Filipino prisoners in Cebu dancing to 'Thriller'. His music videos is what also helped made MTV famous back when it was starting in the early 80s. His videos have serve as an inspiration and influenced many artists and directors. This is why some would call him as the 'Master of Music Videos' for no one can ever produce and create videos like the way he did.

Rest in Peace, Michael Jackson

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Science of Sleep

8. Her Morning Elegance (2009)
Directed by: Oren Lavie, Yuval & Merav Nathan
Featuring: Shir Shomron
Photography: Eyal Landesman
Color: Todd Iorio at Resolution



This has to be the one of the most beautiful videos I have ever seen. Words cannot simply explain how beautiful and amazing this video is. I remember stumbling upon this video while I was browsing around the internet and I was just in awe the whole time while watching this because it is just simply stunning.

The video for me is very reminiscent of Michel Gondry's 'Science of Sleep' because it reminds me of his dreamy and surreal scenes injected into realistic elements. The creative people responsible for this are all from Israel. Director Oren Lavie is also a songwriter and an award winning playwright. According to his MySpace, he likes to 'create dreamy visuals from realistic elements' and this is his first attempt into Moving Pictures. Yuval and Merav Nathan are an Israeli couple who are both skilled in the area of photography, design, 3d animation, stop motion, and 2d compositing. They have created numerous short films, commercials, and four animated music videos.

Some facts about the video from Oren Lavie's MySpace:
- It took them 2 days to shoot this video
- Before shooting, it took them 4 weeks to create an animated computer generated storyboard
- Some of the bedsheets used in are from Oren Lavie and are now considered as collectors item

I also suggest that whenever you are in a huge amount of stress and work just keeps on coming, take the time out to watch this video. Believe me it is a good way to relax and be inspired even just for 3:36 minutes.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Plain Jane no more

A music video about t-shirts, dice, and a milk carton. Sounds pretty boring right. Well wait til you feast your eyes in these music videos.

6. Fujiya & Miyagi: Ankle Injuries (2007)

A video simply made of thousands and thousands of dice can turn out into something innovative and creative. This is one of those videos that makes you ask yourself, "how in the world did they come up with that?". The song is pretty catchy and it actually fits well with the video.

7. Justice: D.A.N.C.E.
Directed by
Jonas & François
Animation by So Me

Nominated as "Video of the Year" for the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Justice's D.A.N.C.E. is very eye-catchy for the numerous shirt designs shown throughout the video I know a lot of people who are fascinated with this video mainly because of the shirt designs which makes them (including me) want to have these shirts. Very graphic oriented, this video serves as a good source of inspiration to designers and artists.

8. Blur: Coffee and TV (1999)
Directed by Hammer & Tongs

This video follows Milky, the cute little milk carton on his adventure to find the missing son (guitarist Graham Coxon) of a family. We see Milky going through a lot of ups and downs such as meeting the love of his life, a strawberry milk carton. However, she was 'killed' when a passer-by stomped on her. When Milky and Graham found each other, they both went home to their worried family. However, just when Graham is about to enter the house he drank the reamaining contents from the milk carton and threw it into the trash can which in effect means killing Milky. We then see Milky waving goodbye to us and flying up to the sky where he is reunited with the strawberry milk carton.

I think this video is very symbolic of us and the way we live our lives. Milky represents us humans and his encounters represents the different phases and events we undergo through. You can't help but just fall in love with Milky and even feel a little sad when he 'died'. Milky has become an icon when it comes to music videos that it even has its own website

It is always fascinating when ordinary, trivial, and everyday things or elements can result into something extraordinary. It is a great way to test one's creativity for it challenges one to go beyond and think outside of box. Who knew that things like t-shirts, dice, and a milk carton can turn into something groundbreaking.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

One more time Daft Punk

This brilliant and iconic French duo is one of my all-time favorite artists. I'm a huge fan of their music and part of my 'bucket list' is to hopefully catch them perform someday.

4. Around the World (1997)
Directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Science of Sleep)
Choreographed by Blanca Li

Michel Gondry stated that each of the characters or elements in the video represents a different instrument to clearly show the video as the visual representation of the song. Also, he considers this as his first attempt at bringing organized dancing at music videos which is now seen in the other videos he directed such as 'Come into My World' by Kylie Minogue. If you look and observe closely, you will notice that there is a consistent pattern played out that all of the characters follow.
5. One More Time(2000)


Colorful, animated, and visually organized are just some of the words to describe Daft Punk's music videos. They mostly make use of storytelling for their videos as seen in 'Da Funk' and notably in their hit singles in Discovery such as 'One More Time'. I like how their videos are very eye-catching, vivid, and very alive.

Simply technologic

Saturday, June 6, 2009

God save the Queen

Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at no.163 in their 500 Greastest Songs of all time. Many considered it as Queen's 'cream of the crop' and ranked no.15 in VH1: 100 Greatest Music Videos. Well it's no other than Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

3. Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody(1975)
Directed by Bruce Gowers


This promotional video is considered to be what helped establish visual language of modern video for record companies started producing promotional videos for music artists' single releases after this one. The video opens where we see the silhouette of the four band members singing the a Capella part. The spotlight is suddenly on their faces resembling the cover shot for their second album, Queen II. We then see clips of the band performing and various clips and effects playing with the shots of their faces just like the one in the opening scene during the opera part. The effects during the opera part is pretty impressive especially the ones in 3:27 and 3:56 and the honeycomb effect as well. I also get this godlike-vibe in the opera part especially with the whole Galileo! and Magnifico!

Favorite part: The whole opera part is just....Magnifico!

Probably not only one of the most awesome videos ever but also one of the most awesome songs ever made.

Friday, June 5, 2009

I'm on a hunt I'm after you

2. Duran Duran: Hungry Like The Wolf (1982)
Directed by Rusell Mulcahy
Duran Duran/ Hungry Like the Wolf


Everybody should know this classic hit by one of the pioneers of the 80's New Wave. With 'Hungry Like the Wolf', Duran Duran gained much exposure which made them an international sensation and now considered as one of the successful English rock bands. This safari-slash-jungle themed video was named by MTV as the 15th most played music video of the network and placed 11th in its '100 Greatest Video Ever Made'. It also landed in #31 on VH1: 100 Greatest Videos and won the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video at 26th Grammy Awards. Phew.

I have to admit that during the first time I watched this video, I wasn't really that amazed by it. But during the second time I watched it and playfully singing that 'do-do-do-do' line, I can now see why many consider it as one of the most awesome videos of all the time. The video shows Simon Le Bon (vocalist) on a hunt for a beautiful tiger-like lady as he find his way through the crowded and busy streets of Sri Lanka to the jungle where they finally 'confronted' each other. During that time, the other members of the band were also on a hunt to find Le Bon.

The video itself is actually like a very short film and some of the scenes is said to be likened from the film 'Raiders of the Lost Akr', the first of the Indiana Jones franchise. The video is very cinematic and rich with the shots of the jungle, safari animals, and the exotic location which is why it evoked the 'Indiana Jones' feel to it. I actually like how the video is perfectly in sync with the song which I find quite rare when it comes to music videos. I don't know if it just me but this video makes me want to go on a safari trip!

p.s. The little girl in the beginning is so cute and I love the 'tiger stripes' transitions.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Music sounds better with you

One of my friends told me back then that music makes up 80% of her life. I think most if not all would agree with me that they cannot imagine life without music. Each has its own reasons and explanations as to why they cannot live without it. Some would say that it is a great source of inspiration. For others they consider it as a form of escape from life's hurdles and a way to relax. While the rest (including me) cannot live without it simply because they just cannot live without it.

Just like the fashion industry, the music industry is also constantly changing and evolving. This is evident particularly when it come to music videos. Over the past decades you would see people persistently coming up with new ideas, pushing the boundaries, and thinking outside of the box.

For this week, I will be featuring some of my favorite music videos (which would be included if I ever made an "Awesome Music Videos Ever Made" list) Some are well-known and some you may have never stumbled upon. So to kick start on things, let's go back to the 80's!

1. A-Ha: Take on Me (1985)
Directed by Steve Barron


I noticed that a lot of awesome music videos (and songs) are created during the 80's and A-ha's 'Take On Me 'is simply one of them. I was born in the late 80's (1989 to be particular) so I didn't have the pleasure of experiencing all of that '80's New Wave'. However I'm sure that everyone knows this song and have seen this video. This is one of those music videos that you will see in every 'Greatest Music Videos' list ( it placed no.8 on VH1's 100 Greatest Music Video and no. 14 on MTV's) and there's no doubting on why it should. Still one of the most innovative videos I've seen, its rotroscopic style (comic book theme) continues to influence today's music videos such as Incubus' "Drive" and Kanye West's "Heartless". I actually like how the fantasy elements in this video does not appear... should I say scary compared to some that I've seen. I say that this is one of those videos that will always remain memorable and remarkable.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

What happens now?

“Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.”

Henry Fielding

Just when school was finally taking its flight, it looks we find ourselves right back into summer break. Well, with the campus being close for the next ten days, a lot of questions are now raised that are yet to be answer over the recent turnout of events.

Who will be the next one? Will it be me? Am i safe? Will I be able to keep up? Will he treat me better this time? Will it work out this time? Will we be able to survive this?

Hopefully from this short break, our lovers would be able to learn and get something from it. As for me, I'm off to my Safari trip and quarantine myself there. However, do keep in mind with what I said earlier which is to not have to much of a good thing. Just because I'm going to be on the other side of the planet does not mean that I'll be not up-to-date with all of the mess that your are all bounded for..well eventually. A lot can happen over the next ten especially in this city where drama does not take a leave of absence

Don't forget to take your vitamins. Especially to you B since you are now eating for two.

Til' the next drama

Don't you just love to hate me?

TTFN

The Biggest News. Ever.

Is there a difference between a gossip and scandal? Although most would say that these two are just the same, there is a fine line between distinguishing a gossip from a scandal. A gossip can happen to almost everybody. A scandal on the other hand would involve someone or a right person/s perhaps who we didn't expect to end up in the wrong place.

Hey everybody. I just have the biggest news ever. And no this is not about the swine flu paranoia which is so yesterday's news by the way. Anyway I bet your are all wondering why our happy couple have been MIA for the past couple of days. Well, one of my sources just informed me the real reason behind the "meet-the-parents session". Turns out meet-the-parents turned out to be meet-your-soon-to-be-grandchild. Who would expect that our young, innocent (well not anymore), happy couple are now parents in the making. I guess that explains why we haven't seen these two hitting the party scene (or anywhere) lately.

They say that true love conquers all. Lets just wait and see if this will be applicable to our expecting parents.

Don't you just love to hate me?

TTFN


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Round two

This just in from Bunny Perkins: Looks like we were all fooled when we thought that Desperate J is finally starting to become not so desperate. Spotted having coffee in the nearest Starbucks joint outside of the campus: M and J sipping coffee and being all chit-and-chatty.

Having coffee as friends perhaps? Or do I smell round two for our ex-lovers? Did M finally learned his lesson and tired of his old ways? Will he treat J better this time or will J just fall into M's old tricks that has always been up on his sleeve again? Will love be sweeter the second time around? I guess we will just have to wait and see if these two finally learned their lesson...or not (which is usually the case).

Don't you just love to hate me?

TTFN

Monday, June 1, 2009

Buckle up

Wakey wakey everbody! The weekend is officially over and I'm starving for a dish. As much as you all dread waking up at this godly hour and working your brain muscles, aren't you all excited to catch up and dish on all the dirt from the weekend. I bet you guys are already at the edge of your seats.

Spotted running late along the hallways, our single C arriving fashionably late for her class. Is her newfound fame in the fashion industry starting to become too much to handle for our It Girl? M not being so playful as he is trying to keep himself awake in his philosophy class. All that partying and girls starting to worn him out? Not so desperate J on the other hand who seems to be in good spirits as seen strolling along the campus. At least one of them learned their lesson. But wait a minute! I wonder where our happy couple is? Makes me wonder what really went down during the "meet-the-parents" session.

It's another week of hard work and hard partying so buckle up Bitches for another gossip-filled week awaits for us.

Don't you just love to hate me?

TTFN