YVANISM: The Tragedy of a Ticket

Yesterday started out fine. Cho and I went to Bikram, then had lunch in this small deli in Serendra after. On our drive to cho’s pad, I thought, “I’m having a good day!” Maybe it was me getting ahead of myself, because at a little after lunch, my day wasn’t even half done. It was a good day, until a traffic enforcer decked in dark blue hailed us down and told cho to pull over. I rolled the window down and asked him what the matter was. “Sir, coding po kayo.” Huh? There’s coding window on McKinley. It’s only 2:30pm. I butted in, “Kuya, 2:30 palang. Diba may coding window hanggang 3? Nagtanong ako sa MMDA, may window daw dito.” To which he replied, “Sir, hindi po ‘to jurisdiction ng MMDA. Makati po dito.” WTF.

Not gonna lie, I was caught off-guard by his statement. What? I’m so sure there’s no coding here. A couple of months ago, I tweeted at MMDA (because really, how else do you contact MMDA anyway?), asking if there was coding window in McKinley. They said yes, and this information made us pass through the said road during window hours with confidence, over and over again. But apparently, on this lucky day, I learned that the stretch between EDSA and 5th Avenue in Global City is still under Makati traffic jurisdiction.

Yes, there was pleading, anger but still Officer Fernandez wouldn’t budge. The next parts of this scene are going to be censored–- let’s just say that we’re not very proud of how we handled the situation. At all. A ticket, a short sermon from Fernandez’s colleague on keeping my cool, cho’s confiscated license, and a (P4000) damaged hubcap later, we we’re on our way to cho’s house, still livid from the ordeal. And until now that I’m writing this, a day later, there’s some bitterness in there (obviously).

That three traffic enforcing bodies cover this tiny city of Makati is ridonkulus in itself, but that’s another story. (Also, three traffic enforcing groups, and they still can’t get the traffic problem right?) What really pissed me off is that we actually made the extra effort to ensure that we’re not violating anything before we acted. It wasn’t like when we’d try to sneak out knowing that we’re coding and really just hoping no enforcer would spot us. I actually thought were in the right this time because of the information given to me. Yeah, it was based on a tweet alright, but like I asked, how else do you reach MMDA anyway? Plus, when you think a reliable source is answering your question, I think it’s safe to say that the answer is reliable. It’s not like I was asking about rocket science or anything.

So basically, I feel slighted because I thought we were doing the right thing, only to be punished for it anyway. To be honest, it disturbs me that I would let something as small as a traffic ticket bother me like this. It seems petty, but I know some people who would get as upset, so maybe there’s just a bunch of car-issues-sensitive people, and we’re part of the club. When I think of the bigger picture though, it was really just my reaction that got me into most of the trouble. Sometimes, I just get too caught up in my tiny issues, I guess. Heavy Sigh.

On the brighter side, at least the traffic enforcers were doing their job? I don’t know if they would have accepted a bribe, because I’ve never tried giving those. (Plead, cry, smize haha!, play cute, just don’t bribe! Don’t add to the rotten system!) Fernandez confiscated cho’s license, “kasi ganito kami sa Makati,” he said.  I kid you not. Unlike MMDA, the claiming process for Makati (or any city, I think) is more tedious because you have to go to their office to actually get your license. Anyway, he explained what we’re supposed to do and remained calm despite my histrionics. Ugh, give credit where credit is due, even when you hate them.

And here I am, still feeling awful every time I see this damn ticket on my table, reminding me of “how things never go the way you plan them, even if so carefully done, so suck it up and get on with your life”. Very Heavy Sigh.

So guys, remember: There is no coding window on McKinley Road.

xo,
Jack

YVANISM: The Life Cycle of A Shoot (Mercator Shoot)

Since blogs are all about life-sharing and making yourself the center of the universe, I'm giving you guys a peek into what is the center of my universe (for now) five out of the seven days of a week—(Mercator campaign shoot)

The work week usually begins with a lot of texting and BBMing (not on my part since I’m not a crackberry anymore). Our head puts together the shoot-- booking the talent, the make-up artist, hairstylist, studio, me for the wardrobe and photographer.

We text back and forth--with Mercator founder Jonas Gaffud, of course--and decide on a concept. And, especially because he gave me 8 hours to search pegs. I worked on a very tight schedule (hello? overnight? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!) I used a lot of pegs to help communicate with our collaborators better.

For the Lovi Poe shoot, the main peg was Megan Fox's Wonderland shoot:

 

Using a peg, of course, doesn't mean we copy the photo exactly. It just serves as a sort of point of inspiration, a jump-off point, creatively, for the shoot. I was hit with the idea to portray Lovi as an Aztec goddess. I pulled-out (industry lingo for borrowing clothes from a store for shoots) from Charina Sarte, Glasnost, and SM accessories :

 

Now, the thing with shoots is there is a lot of waiting...

That's make-up artist Jake Galvez and hairstylist Buern Rodriguez working on Lovi.

From there, we shoot. For the Lovi Poe shoot, we worked with New York-based photog Lope Navo.

Most of the time, we shoot with Xander Angeles so we shoot at his studio in Makati. When we're not working with him though, we usually shoot at Pioneer studio. It's a nice studio, with interesting interiors and a cafe.

The page usually goes through a lot of changes-- Lope make edits and our head will change the layout etc etc etc.

 

The Mercator campaign mag will be launched next month (I guess)

I really look forward to work every week, which is, I guess, the point of it all. When you love what you're doing, nothing feels like work anyway.

xo,

Jack 

WALK THAT WALK: I keep forgetting this world is full of good people.

This morning, I went with Monica and Sam to Mercato Centrale at The Fort. If you didn't know, Mercato Centrale is a weekend market produced by RJ Ledesma, Anton Diaz, and company.

I had actually just come from Mercato Friday night, for a launch. It's a little strange because the regular Mercato was tons better. For some reason, they didn't have too many stalls Friday night, which I don't get. Don't they want good write-ups? Sigh. Anyway, the ones I tried weren't particularly impressive so I went back this morning not particularly enthusiastic.

One of the first few stalls I saw today was Risa Chocolates. I met the owner Pam Lim and had a quick interview about Risa Chocolates for my blog.

When nothing in Manila offered the kind of truffles she wanted, Pam decided to make her own. “These truffles, I shared with friends and family who also liked the way it tasted,” she says. “[They] asked me to make some for them.”

The idea has attracted a clientele of like-minded chocolate lovers. “Our usual customers are people who are very fond of chocolates and can tell a good quality chocolate from an average one,” she says. “They’re the types who go out of their way to buy delicious food to satisfy their cravings.”

Anyway, I had every intention of getting some of her bespoke chocolate as Valentine's gifts for my mom and cho. Pam, however, insisted on giving it to me for free, as a thank you for the this feature.

I was floored. I've never really desired any kind of thank you or anything, since this is my first store feature, but I guess I was just struck by Pam's gesture because it was sincere. She was getting nothing out of my giving me free chocolates.

                                          

And if you know me, you know how much food means to me.

It's nice to know people will still say "thank you" and mean "thank you" and not expecting anything in return. So yeah. Those little chocolate bars really give me hope for humanity, you guys.

Happy Valentine's Day folks! ♡

Like Risa Chocolates on Facebook: Risa Chocolates

YVANISM: Where did you want to be at 21?

I have less than a month until my birthday, and like how each year goes, it’s time to look back and see how far I’ve gotten in one year. To be honest, I feel like this was the slowest year ever. And the least… I don’t know, impressive of all? It seems like I was exactly where I was a year ago, and in these times of self-making, that’s not such great news.

But when I think about it, I can list a few milestones that I was quite proud of. Could it be that I just feel like the hype from those things have died down and are no longer enough? There’s so much pressure to always do better than your last, and within the smallest time interval possible, that I feel like we just don’t give ourselves enough credit sometimes.

While chatting with my friend the other night, she told me about an ex-officemate who, at 27, felt that her career in advertising was going downhill and decided to pack her bags and try her hand in the medical industry instead. Kind of a wild jump, but what got to me was how she felt kind of already doomed at that age.

Then again, this is the time when you’re supposed to get up every morning and change the world before the weekend. In the timeline of our lives, we’re at the point where you work your ass off for a few years until you finally understand how you want your life to go. If you think about it, 27 is the age when a lot of people think they should be settling down, feeling more secure about where they stand. It’s all just sinking in now, a few weeks before my birthday, and it’s kind of crazy!

I guess my point is, a lot of people feel so stressed about where they are, and where they’re going, and their five-year plans. Keep things in perspective. Step back a little, and ask yourself,

 

“Is this where I wanted to be at 21?”

I think a lot of you would be surprised to know that actually, you are.

Well, maybe some people are a few steps behind. It happens. It doesn’t mean you haven’t gotten anywhere. At the same time, we’re all probably still far from where we want to be eventually, but I think it’s important to at least pat yourself in the back for achieving what you have today, just to keep you sane. 

Relish that moment. And then, get back to work, because remember, there’s only a couple of years ’til you’re 27.

xo,

Jack

STYLES I LOVE: Trend Report! Spring/Summer 2012

The Spring/Summer campaigns are out! It's time to get some style inspirations!

Listen up ladies and gents, class is now in session. Our first subject is math...

 

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton = Layers of organza + English Embroidery + Lightness

Louis Vuitton Man = Sophisticated preppiness + Blazers, shirts and ties + Anything in red, white and blue

 

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana = Net and Mesh + Sheer Shorts + Intrepid Travel-ish

Balenciaga

  

Balenciaga = Suede dresses + High-waisted trousers + Boxier jacket

Yves Saint Laurent

 

Yves Saint Laurent = Cropped jackets + Funnel-necked shirts + Snakeskin bombers + Anything in sand, navy and khaki palette.

Mulberry = Messenger bags + Anything camel

Bottega Veneta

 

Bottega Veneta = sophisticated luxury + Bursts of bold sage and chestnut and blue +  Form-fitting suits

Versace

Versace = Bloomer-shaped shorts with matching bra tops and bomber jackets + Mini dresses in studded black + Full length gown with hip-high slit in summer colors (yellow, then grey, then turquoise) + Huge Perspex platforms

COOK IT UP #1:Tofu & Veggies In Ginger Sauce

'Cook It Up' is a new category on my blog. I'm going to share with you some of my favorite recipes with a makeover by adding vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and more.

 

oh, this post is dedicated to my truffle buddy, “chef” Richmond Timbol. He hates chicken, pork, and beef!(weird right?) ;D

As some of you may know, I love truffle oil but my cooking skills go beyond just pouring truffle oil on virtually everything. Haha! To prove to you that I'm Iron Chef, here's a healthy recipe (vegetarian too) without truffle oil that you can serve to your family and is super easy to make!

I have to admit that this is the first time I cooked this dish. It's a result of my meat cravings these days and whatever ingredients I found inside the ice box. I have to say, I even surprised myself on how this meal turned out! Yummy!

 

Tofu & Veggies In Ginger Sauce

What you need:

EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

Salt

Pepper

Parsley (for garnish, optional) 

Firm tofu (not soft or medium, OK?), sliced 1/2 an inch thick.

 

Baby Portobello mushrooms, sliced. You can use any mushrooms that is available.

Carrots, cut Julienne style. Again, you can use any vegetable that is in season. You can use cabbage, bell peppers, bean sprouts, broccoli or all!

Ginger sauce:

1/4 cup tamari or light soy sauce 

2 teaspoons minced ginger 

a pinch of white pepper 

sesame oil to taste (I used 1tbsp. for this recipe because I looove sesame oil!)

Preparation:

Combine all the ingredients. Serve as a dipping sauce or pour over tofu and veggies.   

 Step 1: Heat up the oil. Deep fry the tofu and season them with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Tip: Make sure that the oil is smoking hot before you add the tofu.

 Step 2: Set aside crispy tofu and drain the excess oil.

Step 3: In a separate pan, saute veggies in EVOO. Add 2 tbsp of the ginger sauce, salt, and pepper.

 

Step 5: Plate the tofu and veggies gourmet style. Drizzle the soy ginger sauce on top of the tofu.

 Happy cooking folks! :)

xo,

Jack

WALK THAT WALK: DIVI-RGINIZED! (divi adventure)

There are moments in my life when I feel proud that my parents didn’t spoil me as much as other kids. We didn’t have (and we still don’t, actually) a posh house, nor the biggest allowances. We had to wait a long time for stuff that we wanted, and made sure we can prove that we deserved those things.

But then there are other moments in my life when I’m all–”O SHI*. What the frak is happening?!” In short, there are times when I realize that hey, you’re sheltered, too. One such time I felt that was quite recently, when I ventured by myself to Manila’s local bargain deal mecca Divisoria. I’ve been to Divisoria many times before, and I’ve always found it fun. I learned I had to really dress down, wear no jewelry, and distribute my money in various hiding places. However, when I went alone, the vibe I felt was completely different.

I don’t understand why I had to go to Divisoria, so off I went. Honestly, I never bothered to memorize the route going there because we would always take different ones. (At least I think so.) So all the way to the market, I was texting my friend, asking if I was going the right way still, etc. (Haha, sheltered talaga. Pano kung wala akong cellphone?) During one stop while I was in a jeep, a taong grasa (homeless street dweller) came in and started crawling on the vehicle’s floor, wiping the passengers’ feet and shoes with a very filthy rug, then asking for alms. Now, I’m not new to commuting–I had seen people who tried to sell me dried mangoes, vendors who forced me to buy peanuts, and a thief who attempted to slash my bag, among others, but this shoe-wiping was new to me. I’ll admit that it freaked me out a bit.

Add to that, it was almost sunset when I left the house on this “emergency errand”. By the time I got there, it was dusk indeed. I think I was supposed to get off on Juan Luna street, where 168 Mall was, but the jeepney just sped through the dizzying alleys that I barely got a glimpse of the corner marker. “Whatever,” I thought. I’ll just go down a place that looks more familiar. The thing is, none of the places looked any more familiar. I stayed in the jeep until the driver said this is as far as he’ll go. A couple of seconds after I got out of the jeep was that moment—”O SHI*.”

The driver dropped us off at this very wide road–it looked like a 5-lane road, but it was impossibly crowded with people, wares, produce, trucks, trash, and other things. A car couldn’t pass through it unless they forced it. It was getting really dark, and there were barely any street lights. People were pushing, the ground was muddy. I think I saw Tutuban Mall, but I really wasn’t sure. I didn’t know where I was at all.

Knowing not to ask just random people for directions, I headed for Jollibee hoping to talk to a waiter or security guard, but it was closed. I went to Mang Inasal next to it, and asked the girl at the counter. She asked her manager then gave me a vague “doon” (there) with matching finger-pointing action. Okay, good enough. I didn’t want to take too long asking for directions lest she start asking everyone for directions, therefore attracting too much attention to this “tourist”. Paranoid much, yeah. But true enough, a handful of bystanders were already eyeing me on my way out.

I eventually found my way to 168 Mall, with the help of one more security guard whom I asked directions from while walking there. I got the umbrellas, and a couple of other things. There was a makeup stall, and being sort of a junkie, I poked around. I was a bit wary about their goods—v-neck shirts for P50 and watches for P25? I wonder what these things were made out of… But there were some worthy deals in other stalls, like a battery-less LED pocket flashlight for P50. Got a couple thinking they would come handy during a brownout or while fishing for my keys in the dark. Or a zombie apocalypse.

Moving on–the trip home wasn’t as eventful, except that I paid less fare, for a stop that was earlier than my intended stop. (Oops.) But heh, I was glad I got home in one piece, with all my stuff and my money intact. I hope this post doesn’t discourage people from going to Divisoria. I still maintain that it’s a great place to shop, especially if you plan to source things there. Maybe just don’t go alone on your first time, and don’t go too late like I did, because it can get scary if you’re a Divi-rgin (You see what I did there?). It doesn’t hurt to be cautious, especially in times like these.

It’s kind of shallow, I know. Some people go to Divi every month, every week, every day. Some people live in Divi, not because they actually want to but they have to, to work there. But like I said, these are the moments when I do feel sheltered still, despite knowing that I don’t have a life as privileged or restricted as some people I know.

But hey, at least I got through it, and I now know better. Another lesson learned, right?

Photos from various blogs on the net. I just used Google images because I don’t think bringing a digital camera to Divisoria is a good idea. 

xo,

Jack