Gifts for the Classic and Modern Dads

Father's Day came and went and all throughout social media, there were greetings, stories, and also touching and creative expressions of love dedicatd to all the fathers out there. It is said that anybody can be a father but it takes a lot of effort to be a responsible one. My Dad is currently away from us because of work which allows him to come home only two weeks after every three months. However, the frequent phone calls and short messages can make it easier for us to catch up.

So what did you get for your dads? Early on I got him two bars of his favorite Theo and Philo Dark Chocolates, he likes his with the Barako Coffee because he is admittedly a coffee addict-now you see from which parent I got this trait from.

Image from Foodspotting

If your dad or if you know someone who deserves a treat this father's day from all the work, ferrying the kids from school to home, tutoring, cooking or just being an all-around dad or even granddaddy, he could definitely use some of this magic for inspiration. Whether or not your dad is a classic or modern dad, these picks could cheer him up.

When it comes to accessories, Dad could definitely use a watch to be stylishly on time. So all you have to do is choose which one he would prefer.

I think this one definitely spells classic Dad. It can also go well with most casual outfits for the weekend and don't be surprised if he will be reaching for this more often than his other watches. No numbers face bring back those old-world details thanks to Fossil. 

On the other hand, or wrist, if your Dad is the modern and active type, this modern version in all black is just the right edgy style from Marc Jacobs without being too overdone. 

As for scents, the same goes for both ends of the spectrum. 99 Perfume has a wide variety of scents that you can purchase to gift Dad whether he has a take on the classic indulgences or he leans towards the more modern take. 

Classic Dad would agree that this is the signature scent when it comes to special and various occasions. I think this is just one of the trademark scents that never get old from Drakkar Noir.

Modern Dad could use some invigorating scents that could help start his active day. For the adventurous spirited Dad, Adidas Dynamic Pulse Cologne for men by Adidas could be the right scent before he heads on out to do his thing in the real world. 

Both perfumes are available at 99 Perfume. 

Who could forget the aviator shades that conquered the world years ago? This style is as old school as the Wayfarer and the Gazelle. But one thing is for sure, Dad could use some extra stylish sun protection and he could use one like this too. 

Now there is for the modern Dad, and with sharp and crisp eyewear like this, it sends just the right message of  a man who can get the job done with speed and precision. The Rydon Polar 3FX from Rudy Project also looks dual purpose not just in business but also in sports. 

So what did you get your Dad? Until my Dad comes home later this month for a late get together with the family, I can hold on to those chocolate bars or even throw in a bottle of Adidas Dynamic Pulse for Men from 99 Perfume. 

Designing Your Own Reading Corner with Fab Rooms

If you want to know, the current second floor of our house is messy right now because we intend to enlarge the library to house all of our books. It's also another reason to organize. Good thing, there is an online tool that allows bookworms like me, as well as homeowners, on how to design and organize certain areas of their house.

Now I think this is one great idea because with Fab Rooms, not only do you get to make a creative collage and design inspiration that is truly your own but you can also mix and match the elements, furniture, add or remove items and most importantly, view and compare costs of the furniture that you want to see in your own space-and in my case, a reading room. It allows you to explore your own personal style and you can conveniently make you own collage depending on what you want.

This is the inspiration collage featured for Fab Rooms very own reading room. Isn't it comfortable and relaxing?

As for my own reading room, I would like to lean something towards the printed word. Even if it is just a part of my bedroom, I could still use a reading corner to identify it as a place to stretch and read and let the imagination run wild. Perhaps the scheme of vivid oranges, wood textures and some simple details and accessories could do for a comfortable and adventurous retreat. If you are curious as to what I came up with, here it is. You can also see that I added good lighting fixtures that comply with the orange-wooden theme. 

If you like it, I am sure you could do better and design your own spaces at Fab Rooms. You can design your wardrobe, garden, nursery and even your bedroom. If you have wondered what similar furniture and fixtures look like together, now is the time to put your design skills to work. You can now gain a step closer to your own space with color and style. 

How about you? Which room or private space would you want to design? What pieces and accessories would you want to have? Drop me a comment! 

Fab Rooms Germany 

Sta. Cruz with Family

I've been living in Zamboanga for already more than 20 years and I haven't set foot in Sta. Cruz Island. Poor me, I know. My Mom and her brothers used to go there a lot when they were teens. And now is the only time that I can do so. I even went to some beaches in Basilan, but I just got to see a glimpse of Santa Cruz. Even if it is a little late, I am still glad that I had a day to unwind with Mom and my cousins.

My cousin gave me a sea urchin shell and there were tiny hermit crabs inside. I released them back in the ocean before we left the island. 

Here is my collection of seashells that my cousins gave me. 

And these were the books that I brought along to read so I could enjoy an unplugged day. 

Our Flores De May @ Pamucutan

No, it's not me who attended Flores de Mayo in our barangay. To tell you honestly, I don't have a memory of attending Flores de Mayo except for one occasion where I just stood up to recite prayers in front of the kids who were my age. I think that's it. I just went for a single day and that's it. Lol what a memory. It must be because I attended a Protestant elementary school despite being Catholic because it was near our house and even if I had my first communion, I don't remember where it took place. Now talk about bad memory!

Flores de Mayo is an annual activity where Catholic children spend the afternoon learning prayers and listening to praise songs as well as bible stories. I think the bible stories really get their attention. The whole activity lasts from the first day of May, ongoing throughout the weekdays and until the last day of May where everybody else meets at church for the culmination. Now this is my favorite part. Even if I no longer attend Flores de Mayo, my family is always approached by the coordinators for a little help. In return, we share what we could give to the children. And this is what we always prepare for them.

We went to town and shopped for the school supplies that we were going to hand out to the children. We also added some treats like biscuits, small chocolate bars and also cakes. Why school supplies, you ask? School is just around the corner and we thought that the little contribution could help motivate the kids so that they would do well in school.

We showed up at exactly three o’clock in the afternoon to help distribute the goodies at the church. So each kid received a notebook, a one-foot ruler, pencil, sharpener and eraser as well as some treats. Even our aunt contributed for the children.

The only thing was that the letter arrived on the day of the distribution itself, even if we were already shopping for the supplies two days earlier. We prepared supplies only good for sixty children and nobody told us that there were more children. But at least we gave what we could. I felt sad for the children who went home without our goodie bags but we have already thought of ways to remedy that. 

How about you? Did you attend Flores de Mayo? What did you do during summer when you were kids? Share your thoughts with me! =D 

Book Review: The Venetian's Wife by Nick Bantock

What I thought would be a novel about a Victorian era turned out to be a quest to completing a collection of magnificent sculptures from Ancient India.

What really interested me about the book was the title as I was looking for something to break away from the usual reading that I did about my usual authors. This turned out to be a fusion of artworks and Indian myth, and the quest of a computer-ghost to complete the lost collection in order to be reunited with his beloved after a forced separation of five hundred years.

This is my first time to read Nick Bantock and I find his approach to Indian art and myth quite interesting, not to mention short. The story centers on Sara Wolfe who is a curator for a museum and how she is employed by a mysterious Mr. Conti to locate the remaining four sculptures of his vast collection. 

Highlights of the Book: Themes, Issues and Characterization

(Warning: May Contain Spoilers)

There are three things about The Venetian’s Wife that I find rather interesting to note. First, the book features collages of art works and captivating sculptures that introduce the beliefs of Indian myth. Here again are the customs of their gods and the concept of reincarnation, as well as the journey of life itself.

Second, one gets to meet interesting characters who have their own story to tell, their reverence and attachments to each of the sculptures. This is where the acquisition of ancient treasures and works of art of private individuals and collectors resurface, instead of returning them to their country or place of origin under the care of the people to carefully preserve them. 

The recurring themes are all about passion, love, religion and life. These are seen in Sara’s growth as she takes the first step in her freedom and the way she is able to take a firmer grasp of love. Likewise, Niccolo Conti does everything in his power to fulfil his wife’s wishes as well as his desire to be reunited with her again after a very, very long time. Both employer and employee have a deep reverence for life and the way the Indian deities have exercised their powers.

  

Who Could Enjoy This Book?

Seeing that the book is all about growth, Indian myth and art, Nick Bantock’s book may well be interesting for people who want to learn about the Indian deities, sculptures and about art collecting. It is a light read, sprinkled with beautiful collages, photographs and paintings, and it is only 130 pages. It makes for a good weekend read and gives a sense of what an art collector does whether for self-satisfaction or working for an employer, even for a mysterious one.

About The Author

Nick Bantock is the bestselling author of the illustrated trilogy Griffin and Sabine, Sabine’s Notebook and The Golden Mean and also Averse to Beasts all published under Chronicle Books. He has written and illustrated nine other books and he is currently residing on an island off Vancouver, British Columbia with his wife and children. 

What Other People are Saying About This Book

Curious as to what other people are saying about The Venetian's Wife? 

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