Whatever happened to Mazinger Z?  Mazinger Z is an anime robot that is a contemporary of Voltes V and Daimos.  All these animated android TV programs were shown in the ‘70s.   If my memory serves me right, in the mid-90s the other two that I mentioned were re-released on Philippine TV but not Mazinger Z!

Maybe it’s because Mazinger Z is not as strong as that of the other two.  All I can remember that Mazinger Z can do was to use the laser beams emanating from its eyes plus the rocket punch attack.  It is unlike Voltes V with various ammunitions and Daimos having the superb martial arts skills that can no doubt eradicate the forces of evil into smithereens.

I can still recall that because of the limited power of Mazinger Z (he can’t even fly in the initial episodes), he had a number of robot allies.  One of which was Aphrodite A.  This robot had female features and is being run and operated by a girl named Sayaka.  The only ammunition of Aphrodite A is her breast that can be launched as missiles.

A couple of hilarious episodes need Mazinger Z to fly to exterminate a mechanical beast on midair.  For him to go up the air, Aphrodite A needs to release her missile breast and Mazinger Z needs to run after these breasts (I mean missiles) and hold on to it until he’s brought up the air.

Isn’t that silly? Or maybe sleazy!  No matter what, I miss Mazinger Z.

For more than a year now, everywhere you look, chic Pinoys are wearing the funky looking rubber thong sandals.  This fad has definitely hit the fashion world.  Hollywood celebrities are wearing Havaianas making it so cool to own one.  Other fashion designers would spunk up these sandals by putting beads, buttons and even rhinestones on the thong portion.  But before this silly craze, every rich and poor Flipino has some point in their life have owned and worn a pair of these sandals.

During my childhood days, cool people call it slippers.  Now, trendy dudes and dudettes call it flip-flops.  For me it remains to be called ‘tsinelas‘.  What is so ironic about this craze is if you are to wear tsinelas a couple of years back in malls, in church or go to school people will think that you are broke and can’t afford to buy shoes or sneakers.

Unlike me, I’m sure fashionable conyotics won’t use their expensive glorified tsinelas to whack occasional ipis that crosses their path.

Philippines being a tropical country only have dry and wet season.  It is so funny to see Pinoys immediately sporting their jackets and sweaters even with a slight drizzle.  Every time rain drops in the morning, people leaving their houses for school or office will pull out their jacktes or sweaters from their closet and will wear it the whole day even though after lunch the sun is angrily shining.  A heavy proof that Pinoys love to dress up!

I am not a fashion guru neither am I aspiring to be one.  But like any typical Pinoy, I also love to gussy up.  That is why, I abhor personalities who, no matter how expensive their clothing is, still look preposterous from my own personal valuation.  With this, listed below are my top 5 worst dressed men for the year.  They are…

• Top 5 – Lito Atienza.  I simply hate the floral short sleeved polo for this mayor.  He may have established an image that is not typical of a politician in "barong" through this attire.  His fashion statement may have brought him to Manila’s highest local government post, but he is totally stumpy and grumpy if you would compare him to the great Statesman and Senator Raul Roco who also has the same fashion campaign strategy.

• Top 4 – Mark Bautista.  This singer always wears winter clothes every time I would see him on TV.  Even during the hot summer season, Mark struts on stage wearing either a thick jacket or layered knitted shirts on top of each other and even a mufler around his neck.  I suggest he wears ear muffs for the total winter look all year round!

• Top 3 – Eagle Riggs.  He is a popular figure of Pinoy mornings for he is a part of the pack in Unang Hirit morning TV show.  He looks snaggy since this guy likes to wear over-sized t-shirts and baggy pants.  Eagle should learn from one of my fashion principles… "Wear baggy to look baggy, wear fit to look fit!"

• Top 2 – Tim Yap.  He may be the envy of all fashionistas but I plainly do not like his style.  It’s too outrageous for my taste.  But if you are the type of person who wants to be easily noticed (because of bizarre to outlandish taste) on gatherings, you can follow the footstep of this social climbing specialist.

• Top 1 – Boy Abunda.  Every time I got the chance to watch his TV show, his clothing simply look silly and ridiculous!  I am very surprised to know that his outfits would come from well known top designers.  (He thank them during each program.)  It’s not the garment, it’s not the design and definitely not the designer.  It’s simply Boy Abunda who regrettably cannot carry these pricey outfits.