The UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Fall/Winter 2019 Collection is Inspired by Modern and Open British Outdoor Style

If you've ever gone on vacation to a colder-than-the-Philippines country, then you'll know the struggle of finding good fall and winter wear in Manila. I don't know about you, but my number one ultimate go-to for fall and winter wear has always been UNIQLO.

Because of this, hearing about the UNIQLO and JW ANDERSON Fall/Winter 2019 collection has gotten me super excited for my next out-of-the-country trip. The fourth collaboration line with the London-based JW ANDERSON brand is out now with the theme the Great British Outdoors.

Drawing inspiration from the town of St. Ives in Cornwall, England (which is known for its seamless blend of art and nature), this new LifeWear offering fuses traditional British elements with the modern designs of JW ANDERSON.

Inspired from his childhood memories, traditional British patterns such as tartans and warm Nordic designs are the main patterns for outerwear, skirts, innerwear, and accessories.

Once again, this collaboration also includes reversible items that have become a collaboration standard.New this season are down jackets and coats with splashes of vivid yellows and greens over an earthy base. Down jackets for both men and women feature neutral and classic tones on the outside with contrasting colors on the inside.

And my ultimate UNIQLO lifesaver: the HEATTECH line. The HEATTECH Warm Easy Pants of this collection are lined with HEATTECH fleece, and come with exceedingly practical features including a webbing belt that can be easily adjusted with one hand and side pockets accented with colorful bungee cords.

The women’s AIRism leggings and half-zip tees, on the other hand, prevent stuffiness and maintain comfort even in winter with striking triple color borderline designs that give edgy accents to traditional collection items. To check out the rest of the collection, visit the UNIQLO website today. :)

'Vagabond' is Constantly Keeping Me at the Edge of My Seat

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article on 6 Original Titles on Netflix that K-Drama Fans Will Love. And while I have already watched some of the titles on that show, this is the only time I felt the absolute need to write a review.

As much as I love K-Dramas, in general, my favorite Korean shows are the ones that involve a lot of action. I have always loved action movies and the like, after all; so this isn't really surprising. Some of my favorite Korean shows include 'W: Two Worlds Apart' (despite its confusing storyline) and 'Healer'. My current obsession? 'Vagabond'.

'Vagabond' is an action spy drama series starring Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy. The story revolves around stuntman Cha Dal-geon, who gets involved in a plane crash and ends up discovering a national corruption scandal in the process.

Watch the trailer here:

Honestly, though, the trailer hardly does it any justice. From Episode 1, I have been hooked to the series. Every single episode keeps me at the edge of my seat. I find myself screaming, cursing, and hating that I have to wait a day or a week to watch the next episode. The season hasn't ended yet and I am impatiently waiting for the next episode to show this week, but man. It. Is. So. Good. If you haven't started watching it yet, now is the time to do so.

And this is saying really something, too, coz I don't usually rave about K-Dramas unless I have a crush in an actor in them (hahaha sorry I'm shallow like that sometimes). I don't have a crush on Lee Seung-gi, but his acting really deserves tremendous applause.

I'm not a fan of Bae Suzy, either, or of Shin Sung-rok; but damn, do I love Sung-rok in this! And the action scenes? It'll make you jump up and want to enroll in a martial arts studio stat!

The setting of the show, which is partly set in Morocco, also lends a refreshing take to the K-Drama troupe. Despite considering myself a K-Drama fanatic, I know I have only scratched the K-Drama surface so far in terms of how many K-Dramas I have seen. But scenes in K-Dramas usually just make me want to go to Korea to explore the place. 'Descendants of the Sun' aside, this is the only K-Drama I've seen so far that made me wanna explore a country that isn't Korea.

Another thing that I love about 'Vagabond' is that the love story in it isn't in the forefront of the series. Although it is there, it is only introduced a bit later on, and usually lends a bit of comedy in the series. They add it in so casually, you won't mistake it for a love story. No, this is definitely an action series and I hope they stick to that for the rest of the season. I also hope that the season won't end abruptly in the middle of something important like 'Love Alarm' did.

Most importantly, though, the writing of 'Vagabond' is really well done. They know exactly how to hook you in with each episode and they keep adding new, literally unexpected twists to really make you go "WTF!" If you love action, I guarantee that 'Vagabond' will get you hooked.

Stream 'Vagabond' on Netflix today.

My Hela Cosplay Debut at Kontrabida Ball 2019

Despite most of my friends telling me that Valkyrie reminded them of me the most when they saw 'Thor: Ragnarok', my heart has always been with Hela. You see, underneath the alcoholic IDGAF facade that most people see, I am really so much more of a Hela.

Add to that the fact that she was portrayed by Galadriel - the wonderful Cate Blanchett - in the film, plus the fact that she gets to don an awesome headdress that she can simply tame down as she pleases... it was a cosplan just waiting to happen.

I had actually been planning to cosplay Hela for the longest ass time now. However, that cosplan was put on the shelf when both Defenders Iron Fist and Luke Cage came here for AsiaPOP Comicon last year. (Read my blog post on meeting Mike Colter aka Luke Cage here.) I ended up dressing up as Elektra that year to match the 'theme' of the visiting actors. I once again planned to cosplay Hela for comic con this year, but it was sadly cancelled and I thought, "Hey, maybe Hela and I simply weren't meant to be."

But lo and behold! After merely ogling at photos of the Kontrabida Ball last year, I actually got the best email invitation of the year in the form of this year's Kontrabida Ball. With just a few weeks left to prep a Hela cosplay, I took on the challenge (albeit with a lot of worrying about whether I would fit into it when the time comes and whether I would survive a night of drinking with a massive headdress on). Well, the dream has finally become a reality - and yes, I survived a night of drinking with a massive headdress on, in case you were wondering. :p

Naturally, the first order of business when we got to the KonBall was to take photos while the makeup was still fresh, the tummy was still decent, and the mind was still sober:

A massive shoutout and thank you goes out to my pretty friend / on the spot makeup artist / forever plus one Gizelle Caoile (subscribe to her YouTube channel here) for putting up with my indecisions, constantly offering to take photos, dancing like there's no tomorrow, unzipping my costume when I needed to pee, listening to me spazz when I saw Joffrey, hiding me from clowns, and even making pa-cute to the bartenders to give us extra shots when they were already packing up. :p

I'm sad we don't have a proper photo together coz we only took photos of each other. This will have to do:

Thank you also to our unexpected third wheel (yes, you're the third wheel :p) Stephen for keeping us drunk from beginning to end, putting on eye makeup just to be able to join us, and making sure we got home safe and sound. Buti pa tayo may picture.

Words can't really describe how epic the party was, to be honest. It was one of those "you had to be there" nights. Everyone dressed up for the theme. The food and drinks were free-flowing. Burlesque PH put on an amazing show. And people actually danced all night long. I've been to many parties where the booze and the company simply didn't cut it, and this party just proved and showed how close-knit the bonds of the PH cosplay community are. Everyone went to have a blast and they fucking did!

My favorite kontrabida of the night: Joffrey Baratheon.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of new people I met... and not because they wanted to hit on me, challenge me to a game of beer pong, or pick a fight with me; but simply because they wanted to ask about my costume or take a picture of it. It was refreshing!

Of course, the party wasn't perfect, though. Since I'm a coulrophobe (watch a video of me crying while watching the 'It' trailer here), there were far too many clowns at the party for my liking. In fact, I found myself moving around the room every few minutes as clowns came my way, and I even teared up a few times:

Still, it was nothing not wearing my glasses and drinking a lot of booze couldn't fix. In fact, nearing the end of my night, a pretty clown came up to me and asked for a picture, and I held it together long enough to take it without absolutely dying of fear. I did have to go close my eyes and compose myself afterwards, but it's a start.

It turns out alcohol seems to help my coulrophobia a little bit, so maybe I should take a few shots before watching the last season of 'Hunter x Hunter'? :p Maybe I can even survive an actual Halloween night out despite all of the Jokers and Pennywises roaming the city. What do you think? Should I give it a whirl?

What are your Halloween plans this year? Dressing up as anyone / anything cool? And what do you think of my Hela cosplay? Yay or nay? Would love to hear your thoughts! :)

Jollibee's New Buko Pie Lets You Satisfy Your Buko Pie Cravings Anytime

Hear ye, hear ye, all buko pie lovers! Jollibee has officially launched their latest delectable dessert offering: the Jollibee Buko Pie!

Now you can satisfy your coconut cravings anytime, anywhere without having to leave Manila. Your new favorite dessert pie is complete with chunky buko filling and a delicious sweet custard enveloped in that crispy pie crust you love. It’s real Buko Pie delight in every bite!

“We wanted to introduce a brand new but totally familiar local flavor to Jollibee’s selection of well-loved desserts and snacks,” shares Kay Segismundo, Jollibee Senior Marketing Manager for Complementary Products. “There’s no better treat to offer at Jollibee than the delightfully tasty Buko Pie, and we’re glad to make it easily accessible to anyone who craves it.”

Treat yourself to a Jollibee Buko Pie now for only Php30 (solo) or Php89 (3 Pies-to-Go).

For more updates and info, like Jollibee on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram: @jollibee

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles: Little Eggs Filled with Cute Hatchimals

If there's one thing that my daughter Syrena loves when it comes to her toys, it's when there are surprises involved. She loves LOL Surprise Balls (as seen here) and Cadbury Dairy Milk Lickables (as seen here), for example; so it's no surprise that she immediately fell in love with Hatchimals CollEGGtibles, as well.

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles are the cutest! How it works? Simply rub the purple heart in the middle of the egg to warm it up using your thumb or palm until it turns pink. Once you feel the egg get a little softer, gently press on the heart to hatch the egg and reveal a surprise Hatchimal inside! Keep peeling the extra egg pieces to get the egg base, which you may use as a nest for your Hatchimal.

If you're on a budget, you can get a single blind pack; or you can get a 2-pack or a 4-pack. Since I don't really spoil Syrena with toys that often, I got her a 4-pack the first time we got ourselves some CollEGGtibles, and here's what she got inside:

Now on Season 6 called 'The Royal Hatch', they're extra cute with crowns on their heads - some of them even sparkle! MAHGAHD! - and still looking as adorable as ever! To be honest, I wanna get some of them myself now. :p

Wanna win some Hatchimals CollEGGtibles of your own? Just fill up this Rafflecopter form:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To learn more about Hatchimals products, visit their website and like their official Facebook page.

'Insatiable' Season 2 is Even Crazier Than the First Season

I've always had a hard time answering the question, "Is Insatiable any good?" Coz honestly, I can't call it "good". To be honest, 'Insatiable' is pretty bad in the sense that they talk about pretty bothersome topics and don't seem to offer up any morals.

 

In the first season alone; they touched on fat-shaming, closet homosexuality, threesomes, murder, physical abuse, bad parenting, and a bunch of other topics that could really strike a chord in anyone who watches it and can relate to said topics. Instead, what I always answer now is that: "Insatiable is so bad, it's good" because like a car crash, I can't seem to look away. However, I can't say that the show sucks, either. After all, 'Insatiable' is one of those series that I binge-watched so quickly, I finished it in a day.

Season 2 isn't any different. In fact, it is even crazier than the first season. And again, I finished it in a day. There are more ganaps in Season 2 than I could keep track of. Almost every episode left me in shock and made me go "WTF" to myself. This time around, though, I already knew what I was getting into; so I didn't take it as seriously as I did the first season. Instead, I just dove headfirst into the craziness and the madness of their world, and I definitely enjoyed it more because of it.

We do get to see Patty binge-eat like there's no tomorrow so many times in it, though, that it took me back to the days when I was obese myself (I weighed around 180 pounds back in college). To be honest, it made me want to stuff my own face. I didn't... which is a good thing... but it could be a trigger for other binge-eaters out there, so be careful when watching.

Watch out for former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz' appearance in the show! She told us in an interview that she channeled her inner Miranda Priestly for the role, and she definitely nailed it!

Watch 'Insatiable' Season 2 on Netflix today.

Kontrabida Ball 2019: A Lights-Out Black Light Party You Shouldn't Miss

Kontrabida Ball is the premier Halloween party experience made especially for the local cosplay, anime, and e-sports community. It was conceptualized as a way of bringing the party to the people who usually describe themselves as shy or socially awkward introverts at least.

Since the commercial nightlife and clubbing scene can be quite daunting, Kontrabida Ball brings an enjoyable and unique experience to those who would otherwise be too intimidated or bogged down by social anxiety and pressure to even consider it. It is a safe space that encourages people who don't usually let loose to do so in the wildest and wickedest way possible.

Now on its third year, Kontrabida Ball kicks off the Halloween season with yet another kick-ass concept.

Kontrabida Ball 3: TOXIC is a mutation celebration for some of the most manic misfits in cosplay, alternative lifestyle, and entertainment.

Kontrabida Ball 3: TOXIC is a lights-out black light party, the first of its kind just for the local anime, cosplay, and e-sports community.

Are you ready to radiate? Get your glow on and taste the poison paradise at Kontrabida Ball 3: TOXIC on October 19, 2019, Saturday, 8PM onwards at One Cafe and Events Place, 6th Floor, One Corporate Center, Ortigas CBD, Pasig. Make sure to follow them on social media for updates: @KontrabidaBall

'Tall Girl' Reminded Me of All of My Favorite 80s Movies

If you know me, you'll know that I'm not a fan of romantic comedies or teen movies - at least not any recent ones. I stan 80s movies, like 'Pretty in Pink', 'Sixteen Candles', 'Say Anything', and 'The Breakfast Club'; and 90s movies also hold a special place in my heart, like 'She's All That', '10 Things I Hate About You', and 'Cruel Intentions'.

As much as I love Netflix original series, their original movies so far have failed to captivate me. I wasn't a fan of 'All the Boys I've Loved Before' (don't hate me!) and I hated 'Sierra Burgess is a Loser' with a passion. But 'Tall Girl'? 'Tall Girl' really got to me.

Although I can't relate to the title of the movie (I stand at 5'0" ehe), 'Tall Girl' had everything I missed about the teen movies of old.

For starters, right from the beginning, Griffin Gluck (Jack Dunkleman) reminded me so much of Anthony Michael Hall in 'Sixteen Candles'. And Luke Eisner (Stig Mohlin), despite his bad Swedish accent, was SOOOOO dreamy, it almost hurt.

The makeover near the middle of the movie was so reminiscent of any old school movie where the girl removes her ponytail and puts on some makeup and suddenly becomes a hot girl. The same goes for Jodi's speech at the homecoming dance.

My favorite parts, though? When Dunkers gives her Pleasers. They're basically a brand of high heels that we wear for pole dancing. The minute she opened them, I knew exactly what they were - and when he mentioned that he bought them at a drag queen store, it was definitely confirmed. :p Here's an old Instagram post of me wearing one of my own pairs of Pleaser shoes:

View this post on Instagram

Had a mini photo shoot to show off my @pleaserph shoes ❤

A post shared by Angeline Rodriguez (@lilmisswonderwoman) on Mar 2, 2017 at 8:05pm PST

On a deeper level, I like how 'Tall Girl' touched on bullying and the effects it has on a high school student's mind, while also showing how it can affect the student's parents. I know some people think the premise sounds a bit shallow, being bothered about something like height when there are so many bigger issues out there; but when you're in high school, things like that really matter.

I remember I was always bullied for having bad teeth and for not speaking Filipino and although it didn't really take a toll on me as much (growing up in a country where foreigners - Asians included - were bashed and bullied non-stop gave me pretty thick skin), we can't really decide how hard things like this may hit a kid's self-esteem or mental health.

I also love the emphasis on family relationships, in general, and that ending? I found myself crying so hard out of laughter and happiness... though that might also be coz I'm getting my period soon. :p

Overall, 'Tall Girl' is a light, fun, and entertaining movie to watch. It got a lot of backlash when the trailer came out, but I gotta admit I enjoyed it immensely. Have you seen it yet? What did you think of it? :)