Monthly Archives: July 2025

Raining Glitter, Nachos and Chika

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There are friends who come and go, like limited promo codes.  Then there are friends who stay through bad fashion trends, worse decisions, and decades of unsolicited advice.  Karen, Beth, Jing and I belong to that vintage category: pre-mobile, pre-social media, pre-carb consciousness.  We are living artifacts of an era when texting is called dialing and catching up involved landlines and a lot of waiting.

     Last weekend, we reunited with a planned full-day ahead.  The day began at Spectrum in Fairmont Hotel, where we attacked the lunch buffet with quiet focus and had storytelling that deserves its own Netflix limited series.

     Then, came Holy Mass at Greenbelt Chapel, because nothing balances indulgence like a little spiritual detox. Besides, only true Titos and Titas of Manila can pivot from lechon carving station to communion with elegance.

     The evening started or rather, sparkled with a Spanish dinner at Las Flores, where we raised our glasses, our voices, and our sodium levels.  The food was divine: Nachos, Calamares, and Mixto Platter. The stories were better.  I even have a clip of myself nodding attentively while chewing something dangerously crunchy, proving that one can listen and snack at the same time, a life skill they really should teach in school.

     So yes, I made a reel.  Not for the algorithm (although I wouldn’t mind a few hundred likes), but to capture the sparkle of the moment.  Set to Kylie Minogue’s Raining Glitter, which perfectly matches the energy of four souls who may be older, wiser, and better moisturized, but still refuse to dim their shine.  This was not a random night out.  This was full-course memory, curated by time, flavored with laughter, and seasoned with the kind of friendship that survives everything, even group selfies in public.

     Watch the reel.  Then message your oldest friends.  Take them out.  Feed them well. Attend Mass if you must.  Order the calamares.  Life is too short not to sparkle so always end the night with the right amount of glitter.

Masayang kasama ang mga bruha kong kaibigan!

The New Superman is My Kind of Superman

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Let’s be real it’s everywhere right now. Categorized as action sci-fi movie, Superman is a super hit.

Though I love Henry Cavill and I have nothing against him, in previous Superman editions, it did not give the best impression, for it was too dark, unsmiling, lacks fun and was too serious and too introspective. I did not like it also because I had to bring my brain inside the cinema to know and feel what message the movie wants to convey.

I love the new edition of Superman because he is not a god-like untouchable symbol of perfection.  He felt like he was human. And this is one of the reasons why it worked for me.

And in the latest edition, after learning David Corenswet is the new Superman, I was excited.  I knew him as River from the Netflix series The Politician.  He did look so much like Superman in that show that the character of Ben Platt could not resist saying it in the series.

Let’s talk about other things about this movie… This movie is bright and visually colorful which resonates joy, fun and happiness. One upsetting circumstance in the past was how people especially the American media mocked the costume of the new Superman.  But after seeing the movie, I love love love the costume especially the red trunks.  For me it symbolizes that Superman is not that serious and could really be sunny, campy and fun at times – thus, personifying a real person and not somebody who is so serious and above human.

I also like this movie because it doesn’t require you to be a DC expert.  I am definitely is a proof of that.  All I knew before watching the film is that Superman is not from earth and I actually am not familiar with other semi-popular and unpopular meta-humans, superhumans and superheroes of DC comics. 

You may want to ask me what is my favorite scene of the movie? No not the big action-packed scenes, not Superman kissing Louis Lane floating on air.  It was the scene when Superman was in his fortress and he is just surrounded by his childhood memories in Kansas.  I love this scene because there was no hifalutin speech but a series of simple adorable-ness.  It was so heartwarming, it confirmed that his endearing adoptive parents are the ones that planted his moral backbone, his beautiful persona and his being a kind human being.

I love the new Superman because it is heartwarming, it made me smile, it made me happy and made me feel like a seven-year-old by again.

A Peek Inside the French Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025

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Last month, I had the chance to explore the French Pavilion of the ongoing Osaka Expo 2025.  And after being in a one-and-a-half-hour queue, I just wanna say… France is showing up in style.

True to form, the pavilion is effortlessly chic.  It’s a sleek blend of modern art, sustainability, innovation plus the signature French flair for making even the future look fashionable.  That is why I was imploding (shouting inside) the moment I stepped into the mind-blowing technology and exhibits. I was particularly moved and was at awe at the jaw dropping Louis Vuitton exhibits. 

Whether it’s in the curated visuals, the eco-conscious design, or the immersive experience zones, France managed to say, “Oui, the future can be elegant.”

Of course, I couldn’t resist capturing some moments for a quick reel, a playful glimpse of what makes this pavilion so worth the visit.  Click below to watch and experience a little slice of the French vision!

Vive la France. Vive le futur.

Philippine Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025

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Inside and out, the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is a vibe. Fast clips, proud hearts, and one glowing reminder: It really is more fun in the Philippines. Taken during my recent trip to Osaka and was joined by my Osaka-based niece Erika.

#PhilippinePavilion #Expo2025 #ItsMoreFun #ProudlyPinoy #TitoChronicles”