Cubaw, Coobaw, Qbao, Kuhbaw, Cubao

I was brought, in a fit of spontaneity, to the wonderful world of Cubao. Minding my own business during my design class, desperately trying to finish my illustrations for a storybook, I get the wildest text I've received in days. Arabella and I were invited to accompany a friend to a photoshoot by a prominent figure behind the lens (yes, that's wild for me. things like that don't happen to me). As a natural born adventurer I said yes and I was whisked away to New Manila.

The shoot was...quiet. Unexpectedly so but still enriching.

After we decided to go to Cubao Ex which Arabella has been raving about ever since we met. Going through rows and rows of vinyl records made me think of the people that once owned them.

Was this their favorite record?

If so, why is it up for sale?

How many times a day did they listen to it?

Were they victims of bad 80's hair too?

Are they even still alive?

Surrounded by antiques makes you think what it would have been like to be a part of that era where it felt like the utmost triumph when you saved enough for a record. When you'd be sad because you can't take it with you to school but extremely excited to get back home because you know your favorite hymn is there waiting for you in your private chambers.

Before I get super pretentious and go on about how every little object had a deeper life fulfilling meaning to it then *insert sadness here and deep quote with no correlation whatsoever, let's just say after all of that rummaging, I was itching for a bath.

The cab ride home with Arabella was one of the more fun parts because we were talking in ways that only the two of us could comprehend. Lumabas ang pagka-hayop namin.

A day well spent.

You can have Arabella's photos:

Note to future self who will probably go back to Cubao Ex: BRING ALCOHOL.

             X from the girl who will from now on make titles as long as she can,

                                                                                     Aya

A few reasons why we concur with the mad liner "it's more fun in the Philippines", one or two reasons why.

There will always be the good side in everything. So forget all of the monotonous bad news from the tv about this country. Instead, grab your own copy of these things we've recently acquired.

1) WanderPH 

"Wander is about savoring the best of what cities can offer through the eyes of its locals" 

- It's one of those things we've been waiting for as we have always been planning to explore more of the city. Both coming from the south of MNL, we wanted to get to know more about the city we have inhabited ever since college, our dear darling that we all love and hate, Manila. Wander PH is the collaborative effort of a few of our local artists, a very novel idea of showcasing the best of the best in each city. Judging from the Manila map, by best we mean, a.) trips that do not take for granted historical sites that are rarely appreciated but can give you the most of the local scene b.) underrated museums c.) where to do your shopping, from clothing to art materials d.) events/ days to look out for in each month. The city guide deviates from your usual "touristy" agenda. Useful for 1.) foreigners who don't have enough hours in the metro, a way to skipping the prelude and hearing the good stuff right away. 2.) Locals who haven't experienced the most out of their own home.

our favorite section in this issue: 24 hours with 98B

We warn you, it's not your ordinary city map. It has a life of it's own. Imagine a friend revealing to you the key to living forever, or anything that you fancy. 

 Indeed this country has a lot more to offer than the usual, and we're convinced with this first issue. We need not say, it's graphic beauty as well, you have to see it for yourself! 

Where to get your city guide?

 Fullybooked: fort and Rockwell

Heima: LRI and Brixton

98b collaboratory

2.) The Best Contemporary Filipino Novelists 

When analog keeps up with the digital, this is what you get. An anthology written for your literary and visual pleasure. A lot cheaper than the ipad but works as good, at some point better. An anthology that one should not dare miss, if you want to get a good taste of the local literature we have these days and the wit we have, by far one of the best covers we've gotten our hands on. Plus the roster of writers in this issue, we assure you you're getting the best of the best in their own genres.

Goodluck hunting! Happy mAAnic monday!

xx,

Aya and Arabella

Chase Your Dreams

Most of you won't understand and might find it superficial because you don't know the back story but this isn't for you. It's for one of the bravest people I know. I've probably written 20 paragraphs unable to say the simplest thoughts. I've decided to settle on one little sentence.

It's never too late to do what you love.

EDIT: http://trishworethis.blogspot.com/