#table lamp Philippines

[mariammagsi]

A dive into the archives

Image 1: My maternal family at a wedding Dawat in post-partition Lahore, Pakistan (1977) The groom, who happens to be my Mamoo (maternal uncle) is adorned with shiny headwear and garlands sewn with cash notes. The colourful, patterned shamiana tent veiling the Dawat is a common occurrence in banquet halls even today. Dawats also serve as the ideal opportunity to get multiple family members and kin together for a group portrait, a crucial and vital method of documenting a visual record of humans that are often overlooked and erased from history and whose lived experiences have been minimized and rendered invisible by colonial hegemonies.

Image 2: My maternal grandfather, F.D Chaudhry, a soldier in the British Army, hosting his British and German friends at a small Dawat in post-partition Lahore, Pakistan (1950) These are foreign families that chose to remain in Pakistan after the partition of the country from India, but have since returned to their respective homelands.

Image 3: My mother, Mohtarma Rubina Magsi, celebrating Shab-e-Barat, a major Dawat for the global Muslim community, honoured in the month of Sha'ban in the Islamic calendar (1980s) After finishing our prayers in new clothes, we would head outside into the garden to play with sparklers and light little diyas (oil lamps made from clay) all around the boundary walls of our home. The deceased are honoured on this day and the festival is celebrated in unique ways in Muslim countries around the world, depending on the country and culture.

Image 4: Mohtarma Rubina Magsi surrounded by her singing and clapping women friends ( Late 1970s) They are taking turns playing the dhol (drum). Often a sturdy, silver spoon is also hit onto the center of the dhol to add depth to the music. Some guests may even reach for a dufflee (tambourine) and clap it against their henna stained palms. The music can range from orally transmitted folk songs to Bollywood hits from across the border. Healthy competition is fostered as guests attempt to outdo one another with an impressively long array of memorized songs.

Image 5: A duo collage of community elders veiling my hair and face with heavy garlands of vibrant, red rose flowers to mark the Rasm-e-Ameen, a Dawat hosted to honour the completion of formal Quranic education. The customary prayers are followed by a large buffet style banquet feast. (1993)

Image 6: Guests enjoying their banquet dinner on a round table after the Rasm-e-Ameen. A waiter holding a tray with glasses watches over the banquet tables to ensure the guests are looked after. (1993)

Image 7: A women prioritized Dawat-e-Milad in praise of Prophet Muhammad, hosted at our home in Karachi, Pakistan. Though veiling of the hair is not an imposition in Pakistan, even at women prioritized religious, cultural and spiritual events such as these, both Muslims and non-Muslims loosely cover their hair momentarily, out of respect. (1995)

Image 8: A birthday banquet to honour the day I was born. It is interesting to note, that while traditional, cultural garments are prioritized for certain events, like the Dawat-e-Milad, Rasm-e-Ameen or a wedding Dawat, western clothing, games and food is often engaged at Dawats such as birthdays and graduations. (1994)

Image 9: Generation after generation, the visibility of women in documentations of family life has increased. This is a family photograph taken on my birthday Dawat (1993) with my mother at the center, surrounded by children, and caregivers from the Philippines and our ancestral lands, Jhal Magsi, Balochistan. I was truly raised by a multi-generational, diverse village of people from all corners of the world. While some members of our family are wearing western clothing, others are dressed in traditional, cultural garments and have chosen to veil their hair.

Image 9: A spiritual, Sufi Dawat at the Taji Shrine in Meva Shah, Karachi. My mother is adorning our family's Sufi saint (Baba Anwar Shah Taji) with heavy garlands of red roses. (1980) While flowers are given feminine traits in various cultures around the world, in many South and Central Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan and Nepal, flowers are a gender neutral way of showing love and adoration through the art of ornamentation. After the customary Sufi rituals are complete, the congregation gathers side by side on the floor to consumer Langar, a meal that is served to everyone in attendance, at no cost. The Langar menu can vary from week to week, consisting of curries, rice dishes, naans and sweets, and no one is turned away from the doors of the shrines when Langar is served. Whether cis or trans, male or female, able or disabled, rich or poor, local or foreign, everyone is welcome here. In some shrines the genders are segregated.

Most Dawats in Pakistan mark important life milestones, like births, birthdays, weddings, graduations and are also influenced by cultural traditions and religious rituals, varying from household to household, depending on cast, clan, socioeconomic standing, province and religion.

There are some motifs and symbols that make a recurring appearance, era after era, such as rose petals and night blooming jasmine flowers, shamiana tents, cauldrons of Biryani, unisex garlands and head coverings made with either cash or flowers (or both), various forms of veiling (with both textiles and flowers), the dhol (drum) and of course, endless cups of Chai. Of the various significant Dawats that take place throughout the year, apart from events like birthdays and weddings, certain religious Dawats like Shab-e-Baraat (a major festival for Muslims celebrated in the month of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar) Rasm-e-Ameen (formal completion of Quranic education), Urs (death anniversaries of Saints and Mystics), Milad (events fostered in praise of Prophet Muhammad) and Niyaz (Meditative chanting and prayers followed by distribution of food amongst the needy) also encompass specific rituals and customs. As visible in the archives, there was also a healthy mix of retaining local, familial customs and traditions, while also engaging with clothing, games, food and rituals from cultures outside of Pakistan.

For example, every New Year’s Eve, it was customary in our home to consume a large feast of purely Filipino food, made by our caregiver, Flordeliza Sauza. Right as the clock would strike midnight, you best believe, we would be shoving Siopao, Pansit and Chicken Adobo with garlic rice into our excited, hungry mouths. Similarly, Chinese food was also a staple, especially at birthday parties and weddings. My wedding Dawat feast in Karachi included several desi Kababs, Curries and Puloas originally devised in the royal kitchens of India, but many Chinese dishes were also served, such as Chicken Manchurian, Beef Chilli, Shrimp Dumplings and Vegetable Fried Rice. This is reflective of a society that is open to global influences.

Women have been at the forefront of cultural continuity in Pakistan, as well as in the diaspora. Religiously inclined Dawats, such as the Milad and the Rasm-e-Ameen often take place in women prioritized spaces, with multi-generational guests in attendance, fostering community and togetherness. One of my favourite moments from the Milad Dawat has to do with guests being showered with delicate, soft sprinkles of rose water, while standing side by side, singing and praying in a unique moment of women's solidarity. In some Milad Dawats, guests are not only showered with droplets of Rose Water, they are also covered with petals from red roses, making the experience truly immersive and embodied.

[marwahstudios]

8th Global Fashion and Design Week Noida 2024: A Spectacular Showcase of International Talent

Noida, India – The 8th Global Fashion and Design Week Noida 2024, under the visionary leadership of Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, has been hailed as one of the most impressive fashion events in India and the largest ever conducted at any fashion institution worldwide. The event was a grand celebration of creativity, culture, and couture, bringing together talent from across the globe in an unparalleled display of fashion and design excellence.

Over the course of three days, the event featured: 600 Dresses, 100 Designers, 72 Countries Participations, 90 Rounds, 9 Major Shows, 4 Exhibitions, 700 Participants including models, makeup artists, and backstage crews, 7 Coffee Table Books launched

Sandeep Marwah expressed his pride and excitement to a full house of attendees eagerly awaiting the commencement of the 7th show on the third day, stating, “Achieving such a monumental event with three months of preparation is no small feat, but the creativity and dedication displayed here make it all worthwhile.”

The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent personalities including filmmaker and broadcaster Anoop Bose, Col. J.S Bindra, Hema Paul (Founder of Ehmiyat Foundation), Gaurav Arora (Co-Founder & Director of Market Craft), and Rekha Jha (Social Worker and Poet), who collectively lighted the ceremonial lamp, marking the official start of the event.

The talented designers of AAFT presented a wide array of garments that beautifully encapsulated the cultural essence of various countries:

Lesotho: Garments by Vaishnavi Bharadwaj

Georgia: Cultural projections by Priyanka Bharti

Cyprus: Designs by Ishika Garg

Ukraine: Influences in the range by Pallavi Singh

Mauritius: Creations by Nishant and Sakshi Singh

Philippines: Designs by Anuradha

Afghanistan: Dresses by Bibi Saira Khan

Israel: Colorful attire by Kanan and Pranja

In addition to the stunning fashion displays, the event also saw the launch of two significant coffee table books designed by students of fashion communication at AAFT: “Jatin Malik Couture” by Muskan Jain, “Workers Fashion” by Neha Singh These books capture the essence of contemporary fashion and the dynamic creativity of young designers.

The 8th Global Fashion and Design Week Noida 2024 was indeed an international show, setting new benchmarks in the world of fashion and design education. The event not only highlighted the rich tapestry of global cultures but also demonstrated the immense potential and innovation of budding designers from AAFT. This spectacular convergence of art, culture, and fashion will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the fashion industry. The event was supported by International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry.

[thehungrykat1]

The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen in Tagaytay Launches New Menu Items

I first visited The Fatted Calf at their original branch in Silang, Cavite. This location was just a little bit off from the main Tagaytay ridge but foodies still trooped regularly to this hidden gem. Last year, I heard some sad news that they were about to permanently close their restaurant because of problems with the landlord and the rent. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they eventually found a new bigger and better location where even more new diners can discover their farm-to-table specialties.

The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen is proud to present its new home in Tagaytay, bringing with it old favorites together with some new dishes for its loyal clientele. The Hungry Kat was invited a few weeks ago to revisit this charming restaurant and it was much easier to find them at their new location right along the Tagaytay ridge, just after the street leading to Antonio's Restaurant and right before reaching the Residence Inn Zoo.

You really can't miss them with their big sign along the main highway. The Fatted Calf closed its doors last January 2023 to prepare for the big move and they reopened later that year. The Fatted Calf now stands poised to embark on an exciting new chapter in its culinary journey, and eagerly waiting to welcome loyal patrons and curious newcomers alike to its fresh abode in Tagaytay.

There's more than enough parking available at the street level and down below at the main parking lot, a much-needed commodity here in busy Tagaytay. I was excited to meet up with the owners of The Fatted Calf, the husband and wife team of Jayjay and Rhea SyCip who have been our friends since we met them a few years ago.

Entering the restaurant is like a breath of fresh air. Would you believe that this was all designed by the landlady herself, Senator Loren Legarda? This was previously just a farm lot owned by the Senator but a fateful meeting between her and the SyCips at their previous restaurant turned into a beautiful new development.

I was met by another long-time friend, PR specialist Gwen Jacinto. The new restaurant greets diners with the familiar warmth of hardwood tables, all sourced locally with some coming from its previous location. The ambiance is further accentuated by the soft glow of hanging rattan lamps from Cebu. This homey yet sophisticated atmosphere sets the stage for a dining experience that is both relaxed and refined, making The Fatted Calf the perfect "fine casual" destination.

Helmed by the husband and wife tandem of chefs Jayjay and Rhea SyCip, The Fatted Calf was founded in 2019 and built on pure heart. Its name draws inspiration from the biblical parable of The Prodigal Son, where a father celebrates the return of his wayward son by slaughtering a fatted calf. The touching story of forgiveness, redemption, and love is at the heart of The Fatted Calfs philosophy, which believes that every meal is an opportunity to bring people together and create a sense of community.

This sense of community goes far beyond the dining tables and extends to the local farms and markets where the chef-owners source their ingredients. Jayjay and Rhea have forged strong relationships with farmers and local suppliers who share their dedication to social impact and giving back to the community and to the environment. Its farm-to-table approach not only guarantees the finest and freshest produce served in meticulously concocted ways, but it is also able to foster a sustainable and fair community through gastronomy. Tatler Dining Philippines recently awarded The Fatted Calf again as one of the best restaurants in the country for the third year in a row for 2024.

The restaurant also comes with an al fresco dining area embracing the cool Tagaytay breeze. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword thrown around at The Fatted Calf - it's completely integrated. They use whatever is around them. This ethos permeates every aspect of the restaurant's operations. The flowers from the coffee tree, when in bloom, are ingeniously transformed into a drink. The tiles were repurposed from an old building and now find new life as decorative elements within the restaurant.

A thriving oasis of greenhouses also sit in the backyard where Jayjay and Rhea pick the most succulent tomatoes at the peak of ripeness and a medley of farm-fresh vegetables and herbs brimming with vibrant colors, ensuring that every dish bursts with unrivaled flavors and the goodness of nature's bounty.

Chefs Jay Jay and Rhea told us the long and happy story of how they ended up with a new restaurant at this property, but while the designs and even Senator Loren's paintings can be seen on the walls, the menu and restaurant operations are totally theirs alone. They were excited to share with us 14 new items on the menu along with old favorites.

We started with their house rolls which are some of the softest and most enjoyable rolls I have ever had. Adding a touch of homemade butter makes it even more delightful. The refreshing Tarragon Iced Tea was also served.

For our Stirrings or appetizers, Chef Jayjay brought out this Grilled Ox Tongue. This version is a different way of serving ox tongue which some people may be hesitant to eat. He cooked it in Gojuchang sauce, giving it a Korean element to enhance or actually mask the ox tongue flavor.

The dish is then topped with radish puree, carrot curry puree, and edamame. Chef Jayjay has tweaked his cuisine a bit from its original Thai influences to more Japanese and Korean flavors.

Our next appetizer is the Edamame Hummus with Feta. The edamame puree is combined with olive oil and topped with malagos feta cheese. This was a really surprising dish that I was not sure of at first, but I ended up really liking it. You can use the ciabatta bread to scoop up the hummus.

We also had the Crab Croquettes which uses mud crab meat, crab fat, and kesong puti as ingredients. There's no way you can go wrong with aligue so this was truly an explosion of flavors in my mouth.

Everything looks fresh and healthy at The Fatted Calf because they really are. The Kale and Potato Soup comes with farm fresh kale and highland potato then topped with lump fish caviar to give it a salty flavor.

The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen also takes pride in their salads, getting their ingredients from Lucciole Farms in Amadeo and Grandfarmer's Farm in Alfonso, Cavite which follow the natural way of farming methods. The Crab and Potato Salad is a great addition to the lineup with its mud crab meat, crab fat, potato, and pickled kangkong. I was really impressed with the kangkong which had a unique fermented taste.

The Fatted Calf offers some new main dishes as well. The Steak Sandwich is a exciting option as it comes with Black Onyx Angus Flank Steak topped with malagos borracho and grilled mushroom teryaki. These are all wrapped in their housemade ciabatta bread.

The Duck Confit Bao has EDL Farms Duck topped with hoisin sauce, cucumber, and wrapped inside a homemade mantou bun. It's a new way of enjoying duck meat.

The Spaghetti Uni was one of my favorites that afternoon with its fresh uni on top of a creamy malagos borracho spaghetti. I could eat this any time of the day.

I also loved the Grilled Prawns with Adlai and Mushroom Pilaf. These are huge pieces of Bataan prawns cooked with lemongrass chimichuri and served with roasted vegetables. The Adlai and mushroom pilaf then offers a healthier alternative compared to your usual garlic rice.

The highlight of the new menu would definitely be the Thick-Cut Pork Chop from Jodini Farms. This organically raised pork from Tarlac is cooked to perfection and served with braised red cabbage, seared corn, Cebu corn grits and apple curry sauce.

Our Culmination menu comes with desserts from Flour Pot Manila by Chef Rhea SyCip. This colorful combination comes with Ubi Kinampay Cake, Banana Tatin, PS ILY, Buko Pie, and Apple Cake.

We would like to thank chefs Jayjay and Rhea for hosting our refreshing Tagaytay lunch at The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen. It's been a while since our last visit to the restaurant but we enjoyed this so much that we actually came back just four days later for the benefit dinner for Spanky Enriquez which was also held here. I'm sure The Fatted Calf Farmhouse Kitchen will soon become the next dining hotspot in Tagaytay city.

The Fatted Calf

Tagaytay Nasugbu Road, Tagaytay City

(0917) 789-2352

www.facebook.com/fattedcalfph

[zongyiwang]

Week 3: This Is How You Connect Practise With Society: Can I be a social agent if I am an artist/ designer?

What is social agent? According to"IGI GLOBAL”,Social agent is an agent that interacts with other agents (and humans) by communication. Can I be a social agent if I am an artist/ designer? Yes. As a designer and artist, it is important to use our style and our voice to engage in society. In today’s lecture, we looked at some examples of artists and designers using their own style to communicate an issue in today’s society. An example is Verboom’s Fan Lamps. He uses the second-hand lamp with traditional natural rattan hand-weaving techniques by local craftsmen to form an original table and hanging lamps. The idea behind this product is to counter the large waste problem in Cebu, Philippines. 

For our activity, we need to form a group of four to make a documentary about the social issue that we think is important. Our group decided to solve the gum problem in Singapore, because we realised that a lot of foreigners didn’t know that chewing gum or selling gum are illegal in Singapore when they first came, so this documentary is to help the foreigners understand the laws and restrictions in Singapore, and prevent them from doing illegal acts and get punished. Our team collaborates well in this project, because everyone have a role and everyone is so active throwing their thoughts into the documentary. What I will do differently next time is to indicate the word “gum” in the beginning of the documentary, because after watching our video, the lecturer didn’t really know that we were talking about gum restriction, he thought our documentary was about “drugs”. 

How this topic can help with my future design is that I can incorporate more social issues in my works, to use my own voice to speak out for those who need help, and I can also use my own voice to make people aware of the serious issues happening in the society. For example, for my final project, I can do something related to anti war.

What Is Social Agent | IGI Global. www.igi-global.com/dictionary/social-agent/27265#:~:text=Social%20agent%20is%20an%20agent,Science%20and%20Technology%2C%20Second%20Edition.

(336)

[verniece13]

Calle Crisologo 

(Vigan City, Ilocos Sur)

The Spanish colonial heritage village of Calle Crisologo will transport you back in time to Vigan's vibrant Manila-Acapulco large-scale history. In the Philippines, Calle Crisologo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, is one of the most attractive streets. It is home to beautiful tungsten lighting, centuries-old cobblestone, and stone houses. Kalesas or horse-drawn carriages are still utilized for transportation. In actuality, the street is a pedestrian-only area, with the exception of kalesas that are popular for viewing the local historical monuments. A few of the ancestral homes have been transformed into eateries that serve the renowned Ilocos bagnet (deep-fried pork belly) and empanadas. Yet others have been transformed into hotels and gift stores selling authentic Inabel bedding. 

Most of the Calle Crisologo (or Mena Crisologo) beautifully preserved homes are the former residences of well-known historical figures. They belonged to the wealthier families who thrived during the era of active Filipino-Chinese trade (products like abel cloth, gold, indigo, tobacco). Strong foundations and attentive maintenance have kept each of these homes in good condition. The photographic aspirations will be greatly aided by the thick walls, enormous doors, red-tiled roofs, and staircases leading to chambers with high ceilings, all of which are stunning and worthy of admiration. The majority of these residences have been transformed into stores, restaurants, museums, and lodgings, ensuring that your day in the Calle Crisologo neighborhood will be exciting, vibrant, and pleasurable.

The Crisologos, one of Vigan's most well-known political families, converted their ancestral home into the Crisologo Museum. The Vigan Cathedral is a short distance from the museum. It is well-known not only for the family name associated with it but also for the variety of memorabilia it contains, including historical and political artifacts that have shaped both the Ilocos region and the Philippines as a whole.

Calle Crisologo transforms into a lovely place as night falls. You'll hear from many people that visiting Mena Crisologo at night is even more worthwhile than doing so during the day. Aesthetic lamps will be installed all throughout the region, illuminating the area's already lovely cobblestone streets—truly a sight to behold.   At that point, it will also be time to settle in and enjoy a wonderful supper at one of the chic restaurants on Calle Crisologo. Many people would choose Café Leona since they frequently set up several tables outdoors so that their customers may enjoy dining outside.

[mcegdj-deshis]

Keeth Escaño

Module 1 (Visual Communication - Typography)

Keeth’s objective when creating the logo is to communicate ideas in which the logo is simple but the typography is distinct and specific to each heading, which is her attempt to convey to the audience. She also wanted to capture the perspectives of children and teenagers, ages 6 to 18, as these are the primary audiences. to fully understand the slogan of our logo. "The futuristic of all esoteric on Earth". the modern technology that we established in the theme park is only appreciated by esoteric-- someone who has specialized knowledge around the world -- our children.

Module 2 (Fashion Wear - Accessories)

Keeth named her earrings; the Earchanika. It is made of crystal in a shell design and features colors that represent the Philippine national flag: red, blue, and yellow. The three stars before the hoop earring represent the three Philippine islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The Philippines' fashion jewelry has a crystal shell feature and is made from indigenous materials such as pearls, wood, shells, coco, and others. These jewels were frequently used as a symbol of wealth and to mark peace treaties among native Filipinos. The spiky arrow on the outside of the hoop earrings represents the Ifugao Boaya traditions; only successful head hunters were allowed to wear these 'Boaya pieces of jewelry.' to pay tribute to Ifugaos who respect their most high-position individuals. the chain at the outmost layer is what symbolizes steampunk. The exterior design is a mechanic chain with the color pistachio green and golden brown for contrast. Inside the chain, there are Boaya jewels made by Ifugao way back historically.

Module 3 (Product Innovation - Lamp Design)

Keeth named her lampshade ‘Filliprika’ to express the words of Fillipyne and Aprika in the African and Tagalog language of each other. Tattoos were interpreted as more than just body decorations during the pre-colonial and early Spanish colonial periods in the Philippines’ history. Tattoos were viewed as a sign of bravery, a symbol of social standing, and a rite of passage, depending on the region. African heritage colors symbolize the cosmos including when rich and vibrant colors are used in African fabrics and clothing.

Module 4 (Interior & Public Spaces - Workspace)

Keeth chose to stick with her idea of "Africa with pre-colonial era concept" with her previous lampshade design. She shared her room with her sister, which is why she opted for her workspace rather than the entire bedroom. She understands that her younger sister has a different style because it would be disrespectful to design the entire space. She opts not to add all that much except for a long table mat with Filipino symbolism patterns. She merely wished to enhance a few of the objects on her tables, such as the bookshelf, pencil case, and paintbrush holder. She refinished her pencil stand with an animal hide print, with a cheetah print.

Favorite Output: Module 2 (Fashion Wear - Accessories)

I chose her Earchanika as my favorite output of hers because it’s something I would purchase and wear if it was an actual product. I’m very into wacky funky statement earrings that gets a lot of attention from passersby’s and I think the earring she made could turn into one of those. I also love the symbolisms behind the designs and the harmonious combination of the Steampunk theme and our Philippine culture

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Beautifully decorated 17th century building was in a state of total abandonment when the owner found it. The place was the settlement of Hieronymite monks in XVII. There are no two identical seats in the living area, in which an Elizabethan and a French armchair stand out in the background to make a dramatic and colorful setting.

The living area is bright and warm.

In the space formerly occupied by the barns, the living room was located, with a set of arches that make it optically independent. Behind the sofa, a rustic Spanish table and an 18th century church armchair create an office area. 

A mat extends the perspective to the end of the corridor, in which a precious armoire from the 16th century stands out.

A mix of exquisite pieces raises the decorative level with a refined simplicity,

Kitchen in green and white framed by beautiful tiles from the 19th century accentuate a bright rustic aesthetic.

In the dining room, French and Argentine fabrics warmly dress the table & floor. The wicker armchairs are handmade; the lamp, Moroccan; and the ceramic tableware is vintage.

The niche that houses the washbasin is lined with an exuberant mosaic of Valencian and Moroccan tiles. A Japanese print, an Indian mirror and a Philippine pith chair complete the scene.

To highlight the height of the gabled ceiling, the beams in the master bedroom were painted green. There is a profusion of textiles that enrich the environment: The draped headboard, the antique toile de Jouy trunk, & the Moroccan carpet.

A classic strip curtain divides the bathroom into two zones.

Red stars in the guest room, with two Chinese lacquer beds, nineteenth-century Goya drawings and French chairs.

When demolishing the partitions that made up the gallery that adjoins the lower courtyard, it made a natural cave, and some marble and stone columns with their arches appeared. 

The patio on the ground floor is one of the most beautiful places in the house. White, calm, cool ... And a pool.

Dwarf orange trees were planted on the trellis attached to the wall and, next to them, a cypress. The lemon tree was already there. Simple iron furniture decorates the space.

https://www.elledecor.com/es/casas/a34479497/casa-campo-senorial-patio/

[tinvillamora]

Black Hints

Small amount and details can be applied through the use of furniture wire frames like in this photo. With the right hint and pinch of black it can match with almost any neutral colored room.

“We want to keep the BLACK+WHITE theme very interesting. So, our client and design team decided to use textured vinyl wallpapers as accent wall, geometric metal framed side table and…

[pekurino]

tokyo rev spoiler

.

.

.

.

.

random tokyo rev headcanons i came up with during dinner (bonten edition)

rating: kinda sfw (no smut), slight angst

warnings: slightly suggestive, alchohol, drug, guns and knives mention

characters: mikey, sanzu, rindo, ran, kokonoi, akashi, kakucho, mochizuku

• koko likes wearing skirts and high heels

• ran likes to poke fun at rindou for having a "yee yee ass haircut". he retaliates by calling ran a "lamp pole manwhore"

• sanzu has nipple piercings

• akashi got offered a job as a gigolo before joining bonten but he rejected it

• mikey managed to scrap enough money to travel to the philippines in honour of izana

• every month, they all gather in the meeting room for an intense game of monopoly. the loser buys them drinks and weed

• mikey's hair is constantly greasy

• kaku had to drop out of school at 11 because everyone kept calling him a monster because of his facial scar :(

• koko has a metal barbie coin box sitting in his office where he secretly keeps bonten's spare change for himself (akane gave it to him)

• mochi used to be a country boy

• mikey's allergic to dogs but if he wasn't, he has plans on getting one and making it bonten's official member and guard dog

• sanzu accidentally cut his mouth once after eating soup using a cheap plastic spoon

• when no one's looking, sanzu likes to role play and act out telenovela scenes using his guns and knives

• ran bought rindou a fidget cube but the sound it made when they were having meetings drove everyone insane, so ran confiscated it

• akashi used to be a teacher's pet in elementary school

• when koko counts the dough, he listens to his playlist while doing so

• eventhough mikey allowed his dark impulsivity to take over, deep down, he still cares for all of ex-toman. he even kept their first picture together in the drawer of his bedside table

• kaku is good at visual arts and has an art corner in his room

[mwcowan]

Mark & Georgia’s Big Trip

Chapter Seven – Miscellaneous Ramblings II

Another busy week, but that’s become the norm. At least this week we saw good progress towards getting everything together that we’ve been trying to get together. But not much of a theme so just some thoughts on the important events of the week.

Caretakers

The biggest milestone this week was that we selected and hired our housekeeper and caretaker. Plus their two boys – we will soon have a new family in our home, and we’re very excited. You’ll soon meet Ranny and Pina, and their boys Prince Denver and Ethan, who will take up residence in our caretaker’s apartment.

Ranny (pronounced “Ronny” – remember that the vowels AEIOU are pronounced here, without exception, Ah, Eh, Ee, Oh, Oo) for the previous seven years has worked as a groundskeeper for Kawayan Cove so he comes with excellent gardening and tree maintenance chops. Pina has been a homemaker, is a great cleaner and a good cook; Georgia says she’s a good student and will quickly learn our favorite dishes. She already knows that I like fresh fruit every morning – half the battle’s won already! Prince Denver (8 yrs) and Ethan (4 yrs) are just normal boys, though very polite. I think it’s going to be fun having them around.

Capiz

Capiz is both a province in the Philippines, on Panay Island, as well as an oyster from the area known for its special shell. A capiz oyster is on the left, the harvested and cleaned shell on the right. One shell of the oyster is flat, growing to 3-5 inches in diameter, and importantly, translucent.

You find all sorts of items here made from capiz – Christmas ornaments, outdoor lights, ashtrays, you name it. When we lived in the Bay Area, Georgia always said you could tell a Filipino’s house because of the capiz lights in the trees. Harvesting and producing craft items from the shells is today the principal livelihood of the people of Capiz. Historically, capiz is important in Philippines heritage and culture, one that’s given away by the Capiz oyster’s Western name: windowpane oyster. For thousands of years the shell served as the “glass” in Filipino windows; many older homes still feature these windows today.

So why this story about capiz? On this week’s trip to Manila, we were wandering around a mall and walked into an antique store. Stacked against the back wall we found a number of dusty old capiz windows. The shop owner had no hard information about their provenance but said they were likely from the 1800’s. They looked it; the Narra and Molave wood was weathered but the craftsmanship was still evident and not of this century. No nails or screws, the window frames are joined with hand-made mortise and tenons, held with wooden pegs. The capiz was dirty, but almost 100% intact – it looks fragile but is actually pretty sturdy stuff. We’re not sure yet what we’ll do with them, but we now have three panels. After an afternoon spent cleaning them we have a treasure we’ll proudly display.

Calamansi

I don’t think Calamansi has been featured in my Strange Fruit of the Day series; it’s really not that strange anyway. Calamansi is the citrus fruit of the Philippines. About ¾ to one inch in size, they look a lot like a key lime but aren’t limes. The insides and juice are orange, but they’re not oranges. They aren’t lemons either, they’re just Calamansi. They flavor many Filipino dishes: you’ll typically squeeze one onto your Pancit before eating, or onto your grilled fish, and they’re often an ingredient in the dipping sauces served with many dishes.

There are no limes here, so I had a dilemma: how to make a proper Gin and Tonic. Finding decent gin was easy (S&R/Costco), and after searching a few stores I found tonic water. But no limes. Calamansi to the rescue! I’m now able to enjoy my favorite summer cocktail. And it’s always summer here! Cheers!

The Massage Table

Massage is a way of life in the Philippines. Go to almost any beach and there will be massage tents set up, in the city there are plenty of establishments, or just call for home service. My only complaint, actually my neck’s complaint, is that the traditional Filipino massage is performed on a flat bed, not a massage table. You’ll sometimes find a real massage table but it’s rare. Fast forward to our weekly trip to S&R, and there it was! My neck had a sudden seizure as I tried to walk past, so into the cart it went! We set it up on the “meditation deck” and brought in a masseuse that Hervé and Lett turned us on to. She’s expensive, about $12 an hour, but good. Very good. Ahhhhhhhh, heaven!

Friends with Furniture

Our friends from Manila, Noel and Michelle Tanada, who have been mentioned before in my blogs (they’re the members at the Balesin Island Club with whom we’ve had some memorable trips) visited us yesterday. I don’t think I’ve ever said much about them. Michelle is a former local TV star/singer; after that career a serial entrepreneur, starting and running businesses in the advertising field. Noel was originally headed for a career in law, but left that world for his art, which encompasses traditional forms such as painting and sculpture, but his real passion lies with interior design and furniture design. In all they do they only use native and sustainable materials, or recycled materials, and always local labor. You can learn more and view some of their products at www.ecohomeart.com. They are also both active environmentalists, deeply involved with coral rehabilitation (www.coralmovement.org). This shot is with them at Balesin Island last year.

Today’s visit was more than a social call as they delivered a van full of furniture, some of the last items for our living room. We’d asked Noel to create some custom bar chairs, a breakfast table and chairs, and a credenza. Since we live in Kawayan Cove he chose a bamboo theme (kawayan is the Tagalog word for bamboo). He also brought a special floor lamp for us. All beautiful and unique pieces we’re proud to have.

House Tour

Finally all the major furniture is here and the house is feeling pretty livable (though we did fine with just a plastic card table and a mattress on the floor for the first 2 weeks…). So, I’ll wrap this up with a photo tour of our newly furnished rooms.

First up is the living room. The coffee and end tables from the acacia slab have arrived, we’re very happy with them and like the way they go with the sofa and love seat. The turtle on the coffee table is from Puerto Vallarta and has a special connection with Kawayan Cove – every fall Olive Ridley sea turtles arrive at Kawayan Cove to lay their eggs.

These are two of the barstools Noel designed for us. Using 100% native and sustainable materials, the backs feature split bamboo and the upholstery is hand-woven Tikog grass from Leyte. Besides a warm an inviting look, Tikog is durable and has a very nice, soft feel. It’s woven into many items here, historically the Banig which is the traditional Filipno sleeping mat.

Also in the same style and materials are this breakfast table and chairs. Noel feels the table design is sexy, resembling a woman’s curves. You decide!

One of Noel’s more creative pieces is this dramatic floor lamp, reflected in our corner windows. The lamp is made of water hyacinth reeds. Beyond being a sustainable material, the use of water hyacinth has an additional benefit as it’s a nuisance here, growing quickly and clogging rivers and harbors.

New in our master bedroom is this computer desk, made of mahogany from our design by Boyet, one of the construction foremen for our contractor. Boyet also made all of the cabinets in the house.

Our small guest bedroom, the one with the great view, has two new side tables of acacia, which we picked up pre-made at the same place where we got our slab. Note the baskets on the wall, which made their way here from the White Sulphur Springs Ranch rummage sale!

Last up is our second guest bedroom. In trade for the lack of a view you get a larger room, with a sofa and coffee table, which is the final piece of our acacia slab. Any of you who visited the Mokawk Community Resource Center last fall will recognize two paintings by Tyler Jacobsen, and a woven wall hanging by Salli Wise. Sorry the bed’s not made, we’ll make sure that’s done before you arrive!

[tilly19761012-blog]

1 million policy to send homeless to distant family members

1 million policy to send homeless to distant family members Designed for only one thing: kicking Phil's ass.". Pet owners often do not recognize this oncoming crisis because it is gradual in onset, but serious at its peak.. We have a wide selection of training programs available for different age groups and skill levels. This phone is still, in my opinion, the best phone out there. The React Presto is back this week with a colorway that pays homage to lava lamps (hence the name). One of the other firsts on the bike includes the all digital LCD instrument cluster that provides all the necessary information required by the rider.2156 mm813 mm1112 mm.. But it would answer that nagging question: When shopping for food, did I have to choose between my budget and my beliefs?. The original watch does a fine job of latching onto your phone's GPS if you're running with the phone, but with built in GPS, you can leave the phone behind. Before I pressed finish workout it reflected this and the time. Credit: Laurel Chor/IPSStanding in front of the famous Victoria Harbor on Aug. Last season we did the double and this season we can do it again.. Officers at the crash scene noticed a third person was inside cheap yeezy shoes the vehicle Potts was driving. He has chosen to remain in Europe at least for next season and showed the Suns what they will be missing when he had 26 points and eight assists in the championship game of the Olympic qualifying tournament the Serbians won last month.. The other day I saw a funny meme with a picture of that clown Donald Trump spewing hate about America not being great and receiving love from the same people ripping you for being brave, in our nation of double standards and that the problem.. Avoid masks for babies. The lowest prices recorded for Dining Tables last year was on Black Friday (November 24, 2017) Hair Straighteners: prices dropped by 13% last week. By the time Warner Bros.' sensationally marketed antihero get together Suicide Squad rolled out at the start of August, movie fans had experienced a terrible "summer" in 2016. It enters its fourth year, the High School Mile has become a staple of the weekend as a showcase that runs the day before the signature TD Beach to Beacon 10K. Yes, there is a certain pressure that comes with success. Examples have included "Gardening", "The Refugee Crisis" and "Your Home".. These are sneakers that do cover the ankle (1 2). The response has been so overwhelming that the agency warned recipients will get near $125. The man known for bringing titles to Titletown was being remembered for much more than just his accomplishments on the field. It appears to have skidded off the airport runway while trying to land and ended up in the river,WJXTreported.. To take all his prize money I think is outrageous. The degree gave me a good grounding in oral history as a method. Williamson was responsible for the biggest sneaker news of the year when a pair of his Nikes blew out and caused him to sprain his knee, and those shoes are now reportedly valued at $250,000. And he knows that he'll fall substantially short of what might have been without that personal application.. Sansa Media Converter SoftwareUnfortunately, electronics do burn out. He lives in Newton, Massachusetts with his wife, Melissa, and twin sons, Elliot and Luca.. Lt Cmdr Matthew Kroll of the US Coast Guard said the bodies were found close to the wreckage of the Conception, which caught fire in the early hours while 33 passengers were asleep below deck. But this will sure beat another night screaming at Wolf Blitzer on the television screen.. So, if you are planning to buy a mobile phone that's trendy and efficient, is laden with exciting features and falls within your budget, then you should pay a fake yeezys for kids visit to a nearby Samsung store. They claimed he was in a dead heat with Martinez and the race was too close to call. She won in 2005, finished second at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, and finished third in 2007 and 2008. Trump says don know how map was altered to show Alabama in Hurricane Dorian pathDuring a briefing on Hurricane Dorian in the Oval Office Wednesday, President Trump showed reporters an enlarged map displaying what he said was the initial forecasted path of the storm. Cody Johns is a social media star who takes over Coca Cola's Snapchat from time to time. Hard for Vanderjagt to take rejection on any level. Fireworks are also prohibited on the Cape Hatteras Cheap Fake Yeezys National Seashore, said Michael Barber, public information officer for the National Park Service Outer Banks Group.. (formerly Joseph P. The animals, which had a total worth of 4.5 million Philippine pesos ($87,000), were probably set to be sold, the country Bureau of Customs agency said in aFacebook post.Someone smuggled them onto a flight from Hong Kong, and theywere found in four unclaimed pieces of luggage at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport.Three of the species discovered the star, redfoot and African spurred tortoises are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) but are frequently sold as part of the illegal exotic pet trade.The fourth species, the red eared slider turtle, is commonly kept as a pet around the world.Alucrative black market for rare turtles exists in Hong Kong, where poachers frequently set traps for the animals, despite all wild turtles being protected by law.The Hong Kong government says anyone found with an endangered species faces a maximum fine of 10 million Hong Kong dollars (US$1.3 million) and 10 years in jail, and the Philippines has similar laws.passenger may have been informed of the vigilance of Bureau of Customs against illegal wildlife trade and its penalties, the Philippine Bureau of Customs agency said, explaining why the luggage might have been abandoned.Last year, the agency said, it seized a total of560 different exotic species that were packed into parcels, luggage and shipments.

[purplesurveys]

437

How many...

... pets do you have? I have one that I count as mine, my dog. We also have a cat but it’s my sister’s. ... years have you been alive? It just turned to 21. ... bedrooms are in your house? Four. We used to have three but we renovated a part of the house to include a bedroom for my brother, who used to sleep in my parents’ room till he got too old to continue staying there. ... jobs have you had? Zero. ... jobs have you had at the same time? Also zero.

... times have you moved? I can’t tell you the real amount of times we moved because I was an infant for most of it. The times I was conscious, though, we moved twice. ... relationships have you been in? Two times, but it’s an on-off thing with the same person. ... times have you dumped someone? Haven’t done it. Zero. ... times have you been dumped? Hahahahahaha yeah I was the dumpee once. ... years of schooling do you have? I’ve been in school for 17 years so far. That’s like...almost illegal lmao...I have one year to go so that’ll be a total of 18 years, unless I decide to get my masters. ... sisters do you have? One. She’s younger than me. ... brothers do you have? One, also younger than me but I don’t talk to him anymore. ... cousins do you have? I have nine first-degree cousins. Four from my mom’s side and five from my dad’s. The number just grows exponentially from there; in the Philippines, anyone can be your cousin hahaha. ... cars have you owned? My family has owned five cars through the years. I have one but it was a gift from my dad so I don’t really count it as mine. ... pillows are on your bed? Two extra fluffy pillows.

... different colors of nail polish do you own? I don’t own any. ... kids do you want? I’ll probably keep it to three, but I’d be happy to have just one.  ... cabinets are in your kitchen? (both upper&lower) Six. ... minutes away is the closest store? 10 minutes. ... minutes was the shortest commute to work you've ever had? 15 minutes, and this was because I overslept for something I had to be ABSOLUTELY ON TIME for. Promised myself I was never going to drive like a murderer again. ... minutes was the longest commute to work you've ever had? Probably two hours? There was one time I left the house at 8:30 for my 10-11:30 class, ended up arriving at 11:45 and missed the class anyway. It was my first cut in university ever. ... different towns/cities have you lived in? I’ve only ever lived in Manila before settling in Antipolo. ... other people do you live with? Four. ... texts do you send on an average day? Too many. I mainly use text to talk to people so. ... piercings do you have? Two, but I damaged the other one so I don’t really...~use my piercings anymore. ... tattoos do you have? None. ... times have you been pulled over? Twice. Both times I changed lanes when I wasn’t supposed to, but thankfully the officers were also nice both times and just let me go. ... houseplants do you have? I don’t take care of plants. ... chairs are at your kitchen/dining room table? It’s a six-seater. ... different colors are you wearing right now? Two. Black and white. ... keys are on your keychain? Car key and house key makes two. ... living grandparents do you have? Three. I wish I still had four. ... lamps are in your bedroom? I have one super small night lamp but I never use it since I prefer it to be completely dark when I sleep. ... hours of sleep did you get last night? Ugh, long night last night. Gab and I had to work overtime and ended up sleeping at 3:30 AM, but we had to wake up at 8 since I needed to take her to her friend’s house to do more work. I passed out when I got back home from driving her. ... times have you been to a restaurant in the past month? Oh pretty often I would think. Gab and I eat out several times a week. ... bills do you pay? None...yet. ... different colors have you dyed your hair? Zero. ... best friends do you have? Two. ... coats do you own? I don’t need coats. ... times have you been admitted into the hospital? Other than when I was born, two I think? One when I had a diarrhea emergency as an infant and the other when I had a dengue scare. ... analog clocks are in your house? One, in the dining room. ... cell phones have you had? Seven. I had two classic Nokia phones, a Sony Ericsson flip phone; an emergency phone when the flip phone started to give up; two iPhone 5S and my current iPhone 8. Obviously phones don’t last with me haha. ... TVs are in your house? Four. ... dresses do you own? Too many; I love wearing dresses casually. ... countries have you been to? Six, all around Asia. ... times has your car broken down? Thankfully, zero. ... hours do you work per week? No work. ... pairs of shoes do you own? I’d say a little more than ten? I have several pairs of sneakers and flats but I don’t really count how many I have. ... times have you been drunk? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA ... weddings have you been to? Four that I remember.

[thehungrykat1]

Raffles Makati Launches Sansó Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar

Raffles Makati is offering another new luxurious afternoon tea to keep us company during these rainy months. From July 6 to September 6, 2023, you can experience the Sansó Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar from 2:30pm to 5:30pm every day. The Sansó Afternoon Tea is a visual delight inspired by the artistic creations of renowned Filipino painter, Juvenal Sansó, one of the country's most distinguished living painters and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Merit given by Republic of the Philippines.

Juvenal Sansó is among the last remaining figures of the Philippine Modernist movement. The trajectory of his artistic practice mirrors his iconic life, spanning through different movements across Europe and Asia. His vibrant works have inspired Raffles Makati to create an afternoon tea set that pays homage to Sansó's origins and talent, creating a colorful feast for the senses. We visited Raffles Makati last Friday to savor this limited-edition afternoon tea for ourselves and to see the colorful displays and exhibits firsthand.

The Writers Bar is open from 2:00pm to 11:00pm daily at the ground floor of Raffles Makati. A revered institution at all Raffles locations, the Writers Bar pays tribute to all the iconic writers who have found inspiration at Raffles over the years. Designed to resemble a library and bathed in natural sunlight, it is an oasis of calm and tranquility, surrounded by soothing music, exquisite art, and the written legacies of literary luminaries.

During this special two-month period, the Writers Bar will feature vignettes of Sansó’s works throughout the decades, including an exhibition of an actual Moderno work, Sansó giclees, art plates, posters, and books about the artist. This is in partnership with Modern and Contemporary Art Festival or MoCAF 2023 and Fundacion Sanso.

The Moderno painting is the centerpiece of the Sansó Afternoon Tea at the Writers Bar. Sansó was an avid photographer and took many photos of the places he traveled to in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These photographs eventually became sources of inspiration for his Moderno Series. As recounted by Fundacion Sanso's Ricky Francisco, in the late 1990s, Sansó set up a studio in Iran and was inspired by the country's breathtaking mountain ranges and sun-kissed valleys. This inspired him to create the Moderno Series, which is characterized by sharp and incredibly detailed pictorial realism. This is in contrast to his earlier works, which were more floral and imagined.

Afternoon tea at the Writers Bar is always accompanied with live music and entertainment to match the elegance and charm of this luxury five-star hotel.

Afternoon tea is an elegant pre-evening tête-à-tête popularized in Europe with its own history and traditional ceremonies. Raffles has been serving afternoon tea for more than 100 years so you can always get the best high tea experience in the country here. This is available at the Writers Bar by reservations only with two seatings daily from 2:00pm until 3:30pm and 4:00pm until 5:30pm.

Each tier of canapès and confections is a tantalising treat that pays homage to Sansó’s origins and talents, creating an array of visual and gastronomic delights.

Guests can enjoy a special menu inspired by Sanso's art, while dining by the light of the artist's delightful Breton House Series of lamps.

But before that, you can have your choice of premium tea or coffee from Raffles Makati’s finest selection of flavors courtesy of TWG Tea. The server will bring their tea cart to your table and you can choose two flavors good for two persons.

We chose the Raffles Makati Blend which comes with sweet and fruity notes and the Pink Garden with its floral accents. Optional upgrades for mocktail, cocktails and champagne are also available.

Each afternoon tea set come with a plate of baked Olive Scones and Classic Scones accompanied by traditional clotted cream and strawberry jam. Slice your scones in half horizontally and place the cream or jam on top, depending on your preference.

The sumptuous three-tier medley features savoury Culinary Art delights on the bottom plate such as Fresh Tomato Bruschetta, Filipino Fresh Lumpia with Peanut Sauce, Ham & Cheese Puffs, and Tortilla Squares with Spiced Chorizo. It also includes Gazpacho Shots which is a nod to Sansó's Spanish roots.

In the middle of the set you can find Sweet Temptations such as Churro Bites with Cinnamon and Chocolate, Leche Flan, and Mango Tartlets. These sweet desserts are also inspired by Sanso's colorful artworks.

We get even more sweet surprises on top like the Turron de Chocolate, Tres Leches Cake Bites, and the Ube Macapuno Cupcakes. All of these delightful items are meticulously prepared like a work of art by the Raffles Makati culinary team.

The Sansó Afternoon Tea is available for P2,900 nett and is another great addition to the lineup at the Writers Bar. Book your Sansó Afternoon Tea now by calling Raffles Makati or through their online reservations page at https://bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar.

Sanso Afternoon Tea

1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati City

8555-9840 (https://bit.ly/BookTheWritersBar)

www.raffles.com/makati

www.facebook.com/RafflesMakati

[edikdolotina]

Shhh, I was invited to this huge house here in Calbayog and wanted to take pictures but it looks like it would involve security concerns. Instead, I secretly took one pic of their Nordic lamps since I could not resists at the sight of them. They hang directly at the dinner table. (at Calbayog, Philippines) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci64c7Chuxq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mcegdj-deshis]

Sheen Dalanon

Module 1 (Visual Communication - Signs and Wayfindings)

It was Sheen’s first-time designing theme park signage. She was definitely challenged but with her groupmates and their professor’s guidance she was able to form ideas. She designed a frame or signboard by using steampunk elements that the Canva offered for free. It was Sheen’s first-time designing theme park signage. She was definitely challenged but with her groupmates and their professor’s guidance she was able to form ideas. Sining Gang named their theme park MECHANIKA.

Module 2 (Fashion Wear - Formal Wear)

Sheen describes the Steampunk styled formal wear as excessive because the dresses have layers of fabrics. She designed a Victorian dress with Piña and Jusi, the Philippines’ traditional fabrics partnering it with the traditional Filipiniana scarf made out of the same fabrics. The boxes beside the sketch of the dress are samples of the textures and patterns as the design of the dress. She was challenged as mixing the Victorian and the Philippines’ style was new to her. 

Module 3 (Product Innovation - Lamp Design)

Sheen decided to design a lampshade inspired by the Philippine’s old style of housing, Kubo, which is made of bamboo and Nipa but for this lampshade she uses bamboo and wood. Her final design looked a bit different from her previous sketch, however, she was still able to make it by only using left over materials she has at home.

Module 4 (Interior & Public Spaces - Workspace)

Sheen designed her interior space as minimalistic and aesthetically as she wanted it to be. She actually dreamed of having her own workspace wood table and chairs with some stuff made out of bamboo such as her kubo lampshade. Sheen wants a spacious and peaceful vibe like nature, workspace.

Favorite Output: Module 3 (Product Innovation - Lamp Design)

I chose her Bahay Kubo Lamp as my favorite output of hers because I can see myself buying it if I had the money. I’m reminded of the lamps in summer houses or beach resorts. Its design is simple yet classic. It showcases the beauty of our Philippine culture and aesthetic.

[the-breakfast-club-blogspot]

The child continues to dream

They say that as a child grows older, the preference to adult books grows as well. But the light of an inner child peeks shamelessly through skin as Gwyn Seloria, 20, sits beside her study lamp across my screen, a crooked grin on her face, thrilled to share who her favourite Disney princess is. “Mulan,” she says with a jab of a finger. “Definitely Mulan. Not to discredit other Disney princesses, but I generally like princesses or main characters who can fight for themselves without expecting aid from a man. I wasn’t sold with the idea of romance and “prince charmings riding on a shining white horse ready to sweep their princesses off their feet” trope before.”

Gwyn Seloria, 20, University of the Philippines AB English student.

In many cases, when I am posed with the question about my number one pick among the Disney heroines, I find myself stunned at the variety of options. In the end, I choose the one closest to heart, the princess that speaks my ideal character. I suppose it’s the same for everyone; I know someone out there who wants to be like Elsa, the strong-willed Queen of Arendelle, and another who I think may be a Belle in the making. For Gwyn, she likes her princess to be someone who can stand for herself, someone who can help other people in the process, and someone who doesn’t need a prince charming or a love interest to be relevant.

Two years of studying under AB English in University of the Philippines Mindanao has backed her up with boxes of books read and to be read, each one a different genre than the other. Even as her mind is crowded by loads of literature in quite a wide spectrum, Gwyn doesn’t forget her favourite novel for kids. Dr. Seuss’ books are enjoyable for the university student; they are funny and they have a lot of illustrations in between pages.

“Although, honestly, I just skimmed through the text, stared at the pictures, and decided to call it a day,” she adds, her eight-year-old self in the picture. “As for children’s movie, my favorite is Alice in Wonderland—the one with Mia Wasikowska and Anne Hathaway. It taught me that being weird doesn’t mean you have nowhere else to belong to; you just haven’t found the right people to be with.”

Gwyn Seloria with her favourite book, The Cerulean.

There is a deeper meaning to the magic food and the talking animals in the story, and it is a lesson Gwyn has found in a masterpiece aimed for, supposedly, children. Beyond the fantastical elements to novels (and movies) for kids is a reality that teaches Gwyn all she needs to know of the world.

“Fairy-tale books and movies, at least, would let children dream and imagine and learn about the world bit by bit,” Gwyn says.

Discover some novels for kids: The Breakfast Readlist: Five children’s novels to read for Christmas

With several writing workshops, classes in Creative Writing, Fiction I, and English Literature I & II, and a mentorship from a Gawad Palanca Awardee, I wondered if Gwyn had ever written a fairy-tale piece before or would be up to make one. She shakes her head ‘no,’ in that she might go off on a tangent if she ever wrote one. “I’d probably start with a very dreamy fairy-tale world with imaginary characters having imaginary abilities before abruptly inserting gruesome, horror stuff, effectively scarring kids for life.” A laugh resonates and she emphasizes, “In creating fairy-tale pieces, you need loads of imagination and the ability to compress said imagination in the simplest words possible. Of course, you also have to keep it interesting since kids are easily distracted.”

But what makes fairy tales so popular? They hold a great amount of weight enough to keep themselves cemented in souls even as souls grow older. They appeal not only to children learning their multiplication tables in elementary school, but to adults making ends meet as well. The question continues to bug me, but Gwyn suffices with an answer: children’s novels appeal to the inner child in us—a memory, our childhood, or the lack thereof. I thought about it and I ultimately agree. There is barely any break for busy bodies that have already seen how cold reality can be, that when a rewind to the freeness of being a child is granted, it is chased relentlessly.

“As we get older, the urge to escape somewhere also grows in volumes. Perhaps children’s novels offer such place where reality isn’t an immediate concern or generally just someplace where a problem actually gets solutions and we could rest easy on that fact. It’s the comforting security brought by the idea of holing up in another world without worrying about your problems catching up on you.”

They say that as a child grows older, the preference to adult books grows as well. But to Gwyn Seloria, just because she gets older, doesn’t mean she has to read old people literature too. Even as the days age, the child in her remains, and that child will continue to dream as the world carries on spinning.