Boracay in Maginhawa!

It was a sunny summer afternoon in Maginhawa. And a certain tea shop that goes by the name of Moonleaf held the summer party that ended all summer parties this year. Milk tea + bands + free photo booth and henna + TWO new tea flavors? What more can you ask for? OH YEAH — summer rain and dancing in it like nobody cares!

Our fiercest hosts Julianna Madeleine Force, Thysz Estrada, and Gelo Arucan

We set up a small pool in the middle of the parking lot and hosted pool games! Later on, it’lll serve other purposes *wink*

Some people just know how to werq it!

Summer rain came but nothing stopped the party! The rain was a welcome guest, after all those heat!

Happy May Day!

If you toil for eight hours everyday for survival, then let this one blogger be proud of you. Give yourself a pat in the back. Happy May Day everyone!

Shoot with the Probe Team

Day 1

These are the behind-the-scenes of the shoot I did with Probe last week. We were to reenact the accounts of Wachi participation in the war with Japan during World War II. It wasn’t a role I was really gunning for, for all you know I’d better be behind the camera. But I didn’t pass for the opportunity (maybe the last one I’ll get) to act in front of a camera.

I can’t hide though that I enjoyed watching the production set up instead of acting. Haha! Anyway, again I want to thank Probe for this experience and for the wonderful stay at BAE (pictures after the jump)!

BTS Photos by Dessa Jimenez

Moonleaf: My Summer Staycation BTS

Sasha, Justine, Rutherford, Gela, and Bruce

These are just some of the behind-the-scenes of our shoot for The Moonleaf Summer 2012 Campaign shot by Joseph Pascual and filmed by Judd Figuerres. The locations were Maginhawa street and the vast grassy area that is the University of the Philippines – Diliman. I had the honor to tag along and experience working with these amazing people… oh just look how much fun we are having.

Do you agree with me that it looks like  sundae cone?

Just as we were setting up for the second location at UP, we found ourselves playing around and had a shoot within a shoot. It was fun! With the beautiful sun and all. AND. THAT. DOLL. LOLz!

Make up and grooming c/o Ms. Kim Alcoreza

Jan - 1/2 of the Production and Set Design team

Dreps – Jan’s other half… of the Production and Set Design Team haha

Karla and Eunice joined us in our UP leg of the shoot. Karla brought Kuchay, yay!

Punchdrunk Panda x Analog Soul gulaman shirt, Oxygen reversible jeans, Reebok high cut dunks, Fedora hat

BTS video by Judd Figuerres

Watch out for our Summer Xie Xie Day!!! It’s a summer party you’ll never forget, so stay tuned at @moonleafteashop!

IMMAP Open Mic Night at Salon de Ning

I can still remember how fun the first IMMAP Open Mic Night is, and how I was very inspired as a guy who works in the social media industry; when all of a sudden, in a matter of months, here came the second round of industry stalwarts ready to inspire us all over again.

It was my first time at the Salon de Ning, and I must say that the photos do not do justice to how stunning it looks like. If it’s a woman, I’d describe her in a long black sequined gown. I can’t help to notice how this place shines!

And there was the room every girl dreamed to have – A WHOLE ROOM OF SHOES!

People from social media, blogging, advertising, government, design, and marketing among others attended the well-anticipated event hosted by none other than the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines or IMMAP. By now, I can already tell that IMMAP throws party like no other. With just the right touch of geekery and fun, I always expect to learn something new and get a little tipsy what with the overflowing booze!

I love the Twitter-themed hors d’oeuvres

The last one was Pecha Kucha, and now they take the form of a fishbowl format. You have to choose from #It’sMoreFunInThePhilippines, #WhatRocksYourSocks, or #Bawal. And one member of the audience can participate in the lineup of five speakers. You know me well enough if you know I joined #Bawal. Haha! I wasn’t chosen to be part of the lineup, but that’s good as well. I was tipsy (but comprehensible) before the talks even began

I love this Twitter ice whatnot

Met Lois Yasay of the Sole Sisters. I wish I can meet Chichi soon, too!

Speakers in #Bawal talked about plenty of stuff. But what I can summarize from that is that each of us have our own concept of what is wrong or prohibited. Truly, everything is subject in to discourse, and whatever bad is to me, may be not to another.

Taken By Cars who went to SXSW in the USA were there to perform after the fishbowl rounds. Filipino music, represent indeed!! They also shared their experience during the world renown music festival.

Cleavage… not! Haha, Nica took this photo

There were a lot of prizes given out to the audience. I wish I won the iPad from the raffle, hahaha, but I guess we haven’t shouted enough to the universe (Nica and I were actually shouting iPad the whole night, lol) but great for Thysz who won a bottle of Casa Noble Tequila for best dressed from her all-black number. Have I mentioned also that she’s in Young Star last week to represent Moonleaf Tea Shop? That’s my pretty boss!!! :)

I cannot tell you more how nice this event is — I learned, met old and new friends, and had time to party with people who pretty much tweet for a living as I do (community managers, represent!!!) It’s time to engage people offline though that’s pretty much a joke, as most of us were in Twitter for most of the time, haha!

I am so looking forward to the third Open Mic Night!

Moonleaf: My Summer Staycation 2012

Come to think of it, staycation isn’t a bad idea at all. Though I’d really love to be in the islands by now because of this heat staring down at us, the city isn’t that unbearable with my favorite milk tea in hand.

See you all at Moonleaf!

THE MOONLEAF 2012 SUMMER CAMPAIGN

Photography by Joseph Pascual
Videography by Judd Figuerres

With Sasha Palomares, Justine Aure, Rutherford Perez, Gela Abores and Bruce Venida

Make up & grooming by Kim Alcoreza
Production & Set Design by Dreps Tatad and Jan Pineda

I’ll post the whole campaign and BTS by moi soon! 

Of milk tea and deal breakers

If life has been any simpler than a twisted game of Monopoly Deal, I probably would have won with a deal breaker and a sly deal in hand. But it ain’t a friggin’ game, and I may need my daily does of milk tea to calm my all too frantic self.

Hello Tuesday!

ANTEROOM SESSIONS 2: Double the fun!

MARCH 31 — Exactly six months and 28 days ago, we held the very first Anteroom Sessions at Moonleaf Maginhawa. I was an intern at Punchdrunk Panda then, and we just wanted to launch some new kicks, with a couple of bands playing, while still making sales. It was just a simple, very simple, musing. Until after some meetings, we decided to take on five bands, a couple of DJs, six brands, and a video production team on board. To cut the story short, we were overwhelmed with the outcome of what we were able to come up with then. Up until now, I still feel kilig whenever I look back at the very first Anteroom Sessions. It was the highlight of my internship, and I can say with all confidence that it was my biggest project for PdP. (Sorry for the emotive tone, I can get very emotional with this, hehe)

AND NOW IT HAS GONE OUT OF PROPORTIONS! A month before I was surprised to know that the second Anteroom Sessions will be held at CUBAO X! It shocked me and it instantly brought me back to my internship days where I first envisioned PdP at — exactly at the SAME SPOT as I saw them last night. It was surreal, and PdP didn’t disappoint.

PdP’s Nomad Manager and the coaxed boyfriend

Blogger Arriane and Martha of Vesti

Last year’s crowd favorite Tarsius opened the night! I haven’t heard them with drum sets, and it was a whole different Tarsius last night!

This year, I really felt where Anteroom Sessions came from!!! Seven bands, two DJs, thirteen proudly Filipino brands, and a whole lot of FUN awaited people – indeed MORE FUN WITH PUNCHDRUNK PANDA! I think I’ll shut my mouth a bit, and let these photos speak for itself *giddy*

Dinner at Penpen’s

Gentle Universe were very gentle… lovely tunes!!! We were able to listen to their last set only because we were dinner-ing.

Last year, Slow Hello was only composed by Selena herself. Now she’s with her complete band set!

Also, Selena was celebrating her birthday last night! Happy birthday again, S!

Aside from the awesome, awesome lineup, 13 brands also participated and sold their proudly Filipino products! One of Punchdrunk Panda’s PdP-losophy is to, in any way possible, be proud of their Filipino roots – and here’s adhering to that value.

Mental note to get this from YUKI!

Artwork. They’ll be carrying PdP’s camera straps soon!

Vesti

Agos. They invited us to their Baler surfing event, but Hanna and I have other plans already :( NEXT TIME!

Cool shirt from Electromagnetic Tentacle

Junk Studio was a brand who participated with us last year also. Here’s to brand friends!

We collaborated with blogger Eunicena last year, and now she’s one of our collaborators also — Vnaltik

Kloi’s and Klay’s is as quirky as it can get!

MAPAPEL is one witty brand! I love their products!

Saab‘s Ukay Alalay for the benefit of Francis Magalona Foundation was also there.

What tripled my excitement for Anteroom Sessions is that SOPHIE’S MOM were also there!!! Perfect with Hakka milk tea from Moonleaf Tea Shop!

Loved these choco-dulce de leche cupcakes. Extra sinful!

With Tita Tonette, The real Sophie’s Mom, and daughter Sam

You bet there were a lot of goofing around last night! Pate, Hanna, Erika and I were playing with my Paradigm Shift noose neckpiece, taking pictures of them pulling it. THEN SUDDENLY A CRAZY THOUGHT. I took pictures with everyone doing it!!! It was so much fun!!!

My girlfriend from PdP, Nica

Haha, let’s not forget Love Never Dies were playing while I was going around looking for people to pull me :P

My lovely Ate and boss, Thysz…

…and his brother, Tim!

PdP designer Joseph

They were kinda enjoying it – Chris and Pate

OHGAWDIFORGOTHERNAMETHOUGHIREMEMBEREDIASKEDFORIT. But we wore the same shirt that day! Hurrah!

Loyola Film Circle

My mentor, former slave driver, nomad manager, Master Panda Jen Horn

This hurt the most!!! MUST YOU, ROB CHAM? Lolz, twas ok man!

Oh, I was enjoying too much and it was time to watch all five webisodes, featuring the design teams and their lovely skimmers. Too bad, I’m a guy. But for y’all lovely girls out there, check ‘em out here.

Birthday girl Selena Salang pulled my noose before she went stage to perform with Ang Bandang Shirley!

Lois Yasay of We are Sole Sisters. I love her blog, go visit!

Charls just can’t get enough pull, hehe

Oh!!! With Paradigm Shift’s very own – Mike Magallanes, pulling!

Junk Studio’s Nikki…

…and the best photo of the night! You really pulled a good S&M there, Nik!

With Saab Magalona, just right before she leaves! Miss you Saab!

By the time Ang Bandang Shirley played, I couldn’t take a photo near them already! But their set was fun!!!

Uh so lezz continue… Elyoo as Madamoiselle Eleanor Roosevelt. Loveleh outfit meym!

Bobet, with Mike’s perfect photobomb!

With Yuki’s Miguel!

And another ’cause we’re cool like dut!

Hanna’s friend, Yang from UPD! See you again soon!

The one and only STEFAN PUNONGBAYAN!!!

Saw Ping Medina and gulped and asked a photo from him. Love that face!

Again, forgive my inability to remember names. This lovely girl is wearing a Mich Dulce hat! So chica!

Today x Future’s Austin! His birthday this month… and Panty Monster’s anniversary!

And while we were in Future, I showed I Love You store to Hanna

Karla and THAT. SPIKED. HAKKA. Moonleaf prepared a special concoction last night – add rum and add even more happiness to your milk tea!

Pwedeng I love your hair, Ruther?! And oh, he’s wearing Paradigm Shift!

8mile-inspired photo of Pate, lolz

Os Accessories’ Paul with fenk hair

Salad Day’s Willar Mateo. I want that spiked cap! Oh hi there again, Karla!

Eunice was a bit shocked but did it nonetheless :P

Monday’s Bonnapart Indiebon Galeng

Curves a.k.a. Leatherengines with his latest hair color

Shinji Manlangit of The Strangeness, Nica’s BebeKo, was really funny!!! You da ultimate performer, man!

Took time to visit Heima, Anteroom’s co-presentor this year!

AND FINALLY TECHY ROMANTICS HAPPENED! With all fairness to this year’s lineup, they were all great, but there is really something unique about Techy Romantics! I just had to stop taking photos and go dance!

PdP’s girls (I was once a PdP girl, chos!) Stephanie, Pauline, Nica, and Jen. I wish Gail can be there if there will be a third installment!

Miss you girlfriend!!

Hanna’s #Swag look while ordering booze at Fred’s

Okay, back to being twelve, haha

Party wasn’t literally over as it was just starting at Today x Future! I love that *what you call that* from PdP!

I caught Techy Romantics’ Camyl before she left X and had a photo. She told me not to hang myself. I think PdP has thought me to love life enough to stay alive, hehe. CHARAUGHT!

And breakfast (yeah, that was breakfast already…) at Mister Kabab before going home.

Oxygen x Marcela Gutierrez graphic tee, Levi’s distressed denim pants, Thrifted military boots, Wrangler denim tote, Paradigm Shift noose neckpiece

Towards the end of the night, I was approached by someone and he happened to not know that I am no longer officially with PdP. He, all of a sudden, thanked me for bringing Cubao X back to life. In those few seconds, I felt a tear jerk. One, because I was once part of this. And two, because all that he said are true.

When I finally recovered last night, I think I spontaneously just smile at the thought of Anteroom Sessions. It was indeed a brainchild and I wish there will be more of this in the coming years. As it grows bigger, I hope more brands will become inspired of what PdP achieved in its smallness and greatness all at the same time. More than the fun, I think how Punchdrunk Panda seeks to advocate the arts is what really amazes me, above all.

Kudos, PdP and Heima, and to all who were involved in this huge endeavor! I will never tire of supporting these guys!

V-day thingamajigs

One cheesy student’s work. Who might be the lucky girl… or boy for that matter? HAHA!

We had special videos up at the Moonleaf Maginhawa branch and also online! Aren’t these couples the sweetest?!

So V-day came and I had work that lasted throughout the day. I hadn’t seen it any other way though, so it was fine. Believe me, the highlights of my day were receiving two cupcakes (thanks Jaja and Jen!); dating, errrrrrr…. eating Hainanese with Nica; and watching the 54th Grammy’s (I wish Bruno Mars dated me for Valentine’s lol!)

Nakakadalaga look!

Hump Day

Wednesdays are called Hump Day because of the assumption that the week is a hill, and Wednesday is the “hump” of the hill. It signifies the passing of another workweek and the approaching of the weekend.

It may also mean you’re dead tired and you can’t wait to rape your bed… or someone in your bed for that matter :P As for me, I just can’t wait for a hearty meal (pun intended.)

Pati ang Sola lady, talikogenic. LOL!

Maybe I should’ve titled this post Talikogenic instead. Plenty of backs, indeed.  Alright then, here are faces.

Meet my graphic designer friend, Jan Pineda. He’s responsible for the incredibly ultraminimalist designs at our favorite tea shop, Moonleaf (nuks!)

Also, meet Carlos Quijon, Jr. (or Jun-Jun. He’ll kill me if he’d read I called him that on my blog, haha!) He’s doing copywriting for us as of late. He’s a pretty good darn literary writer as well. Try googling him.

Our lovely sexy-tary Justine Aure is also with us! We’ve been officemates for 2 (or 3) days for now and she’s kinda responsible why I’m so “hungry” now. Head over to her blog!

Our hungry party of four marched along Masinsinan street to satisfy the need to engulf nutritive particles to nourish our flesh. Oh why is eating an evil need? I need to lose my lovehandles before beach season comes!

V-mar Kitchenette is ready for V-day. 

To start off, I ordered my poison. I’d never survive a busy day without my caffeine. This in my second helping already. And right now I’m half-decided to go get another half liter.

Regular sugar. I forgot how good this tastes already.

Jan with his Camaron Rebosado. It’s my first time to eat with these people and my camera in tote.  So I bet I kinda startled them when I started shooting away their food. I won’t ask them to share with me, but my grumbling tummy made me forget that.

Carlos likes Seafood Kare-Kare too much. Though you can’t see any seafood in the photo. It has mini-clams, shrimp, and more mini-clams. I love it the first try, so I understand why he ordered it again. Gawd, am I boring you already?

There is no way to make this photo beautiful but Crispy Dinuguan is definitely a bloody tasty dish. I’ve been eating lechon kawali for days already and I can’t see myself stopping. God save my arteries.

I’d love to share Justine’s Tocilog but I started devouring my food as soon as it got to me. V-mar was also very generous to let us taste their Dark Chocolate Crinkles, which btw is in my list of to-bring-home-but-not-share. Kidding! Or maybe I am not. Hahaha!

We’re back at Maginhawa, and we stopped for Ministop (now doesn’t that sound redundant?) I find it amusing to have taken a photo of the new and old Maginhawa street sign. I didn’t even notice before clicking the shutter. Oh how time flies.

Hipster photo? You judge.

Once again, I like light art + zoom + talikogenic photo.

Back at home base to work some more. Meeting ensued after a few hours.

That was a busy, happy hump day!!! Again, again!!!