JOXtapose

Women, Causes, and Ads: International Women’s Day

Jox — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:32:38 +0000

Advertising has come a long way when it comes to women empowerment. Ads have evolved with women as their roles changed, shifted, and escalated to new heights.

Women, Causes, and Ads: International Women’s Day.

Styles and Other Files

Jox — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:12:37 +0000

YSL said that fashion fades but style is eternal. Indeed, coming from being a child with tomboy aesthetics and could not even put a sense into fashion, I was a far cry from elegance. But I discovered that it is not enough to be intelligent. It gets your foot in the door but it takes guts, character, ethics, and even style and grace to get all the way through.

At the last year of my uni days or probably at the dawn of my budding career, I decided to change and align my ambition with my enablers. Clothing is an enabler but confidence is the main vehicle. Thus, I’ve decided that along with having a strong sense of self that I would develop a modest and interesting style.

It’s a work in progress of course but it’s fun.

I’ve decided to extend my blogging outlet into MOD MARION as I pin my looks as a work in progress, just like my well-being and my ambitions. I hope that you would take a peek at the least but it is really my aim to impart a little something to the world.

Why Brands Should Be Patient

Jox — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 06:16:09 +0000

People are averse towards hard sell advertising. Here’s a brilliant example as why patience may pay off for brands.

Why Brands Should Be Patient.

Suit Up: An Exclusive Party

Jox — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 02:00:11 +0000

The Earth gives you time to obtain what is best for you. We don’t enter and exit the stage at the same time. If I were to tell my 10-year old self something, “Wait, just wait. You will be in full bloom in mind, spirit, and elegance”.

But what shall encompass progress is humility and for that, you have to pursue greater growth from within.

I have always expressed my gratitude of and enthusiasm about my job. I have worked so hard to get into the corporate world, as how I dreamed of it watching Ally McBeal when I was young. Bright lights, big city, New York, corner-room office, dressed sharply whilst walking down the street… These are just manifestations of the job but it definitely goes far deeper into that as everyday dwells on intellectual decision-making and creative problem solving. I just love where I am now and optimistic about what the future holds.

Last night, I was invited to attend a party for a brilliant actor and star of the hit show, SUITS, Patrick J. Adams. I’ve started watching it last year and just finished Season 2. What a finale but I shall not spoil anything. I highly recommend you watch it if you want to witness witty legal exchanges, riveting depositions, and less of the courtroom drama.

I was so excited and fortunately, this is another item ticked off of my bucket list – to meet a Hollywood actor. He may not be an A-lister yet but he surely has made a mark with the increasing popularity of the show. A a bonus, the actor came with his girlfriend who happens to be Pretty Little Liars star, Troian Bellisario. I am not really a fan of the show but she did justify why she’s in the industry with her looks.

The crowd got excited when they arrived. My fangirl mode was on although I still had to contain it as the rest of the guests remained composed. Patrick greeted everyone briefly before going inside the interview room. Prior to his arrival, my friend and I took the opportunity to maximize the party. We even got interviewed!

SUITS is not only known for its clutter-breaking legal story lines but also for its characters who are dressed so sharply. My all time favorite , Gina Torres who plays Jessica Pearson is currently my style reference. I love women who embody their intelligence gracefully.

I definitely did my best to look the part with an all-black ensemble.

Jacket with graphic design,
Inner top with a ribbon band,
Stretchable pants,
Orange boho earrings
All from Forever 21
Black pumps from ALDO
Handbag, PRADA

The event was simple as it brought out the class of the show. Although I loved the hotdog stand that seemed to have randomly sprung from the cocktail convention of the venue. This experience is another one for the books!

The Cheesecake Case

Jox — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:50:17 +0000

I am an obsessed cheesecake fan. It all started with an Oreo cheesecake that my friend made. Whenever I have a slice, my fork tells me there is room for pleasure and selfishness. I never get to share it. Not that I intend to.

My go to place for a quick dessert is either Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or Secret Recipe. Both places always have delectable choices that make me dizzy out of sheer over thinking of what I may miss if I didn’t order the other one.

Alas, nothing can stop me from eating cheesecake almost everyday so I am fine with one at a time.

I bought a slice of Cappuccino cheesecake yesterday from Secret Recipe for about USD 3.00. They normally serve hot tea or coffee with it should you opt to dine in. However, I wanted to indulge at the comforts of my own place so I had it wrapped. I did make my own milk tea though (well, water + instant milk tea, that is).

The cake had three layers- a thin biscuit/graham crust with a slight bitter taste, a thick cappuccino with a subtle flavor and coffee bits with a punch, and a white marshmallow-y top that’s not too sweet.

Every bite was a delight and I couldn’t get enough of it because it’s not too sweet but it still gives you utter pleasure. I can’t wait to get my next cheesecake soon!

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Bakkwa Pasta

Jox — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:57:17 +0000

I had a festive week and had a fortunate opportunity to relax for four full days because of the Chinese New Year holiday. I have been in back to back celebrations since February started.

The best immersion I’ve had so far is the lou sang or the prosperity toss which is basically a platter of shredded vegetables and raw fish and tossed gloriously by everyone around the table to symbolize wealth and well wishes for the new year.

There was also an overflowing delivery of mandarin oranges which I’ve been taking home for my healthy dose of dessert. One tradition, they say, is on the 15th day of CNY, single girls are supposed to toss mandarin oranges to attract a good husband. Below is a hilarious take on the tradition from a telecom provider.

To celebrate prosperity, as it has been a great year indeed, I decided to make bakkwa pasta. It has been a long time since my last recipe. This one is very simple and I just substituted say, bacon, with a more traditional/local ingredient.

I ordered this bakkwa brand from a friend for around USD12 for a pack of 10 sheets. It’s like jerky with a salty-sweet distinct taste.

I prepared the ingredients below.

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 KILO SPAGHETTI, 2 ONION BULBS (CHOPPED), 5 CLOVES OF GARLIC (THINLY SLICED), 1/2 CAN OF BUTTON MUSHROOMS (SLICED), 5 TBSPS OF TOMATO SAUCE OR EVAPORATED MILK/CREAM IF YOU WANT A CREAM BASE, 2 EGGS, SALT & PEPPER, 3 SHEETS OF BAKKWA (OR AS MANY AS YOU LIKE)

Cook the pasta ahead. I added the mushroom liquid to enhance the flavor. Set the pasta aside in a contained pan so it remains hot but drain the water out so the pasta won’t be soggy.

Once all ingredients are sliced and prepared, everything is ready to be sautéed and mixed. Start first with the onions to sweat then the egg mixture, next are the mushrooms, and last the bakkwa sheets.Add salt and pepper to taste. You may also add some hot sauce or chili flakes if you want it hot.

Once all the ingredients are well incorporated, it’s time to add the pasta in and the sauce of your choice (red or white). Mix everything together on low heat. In my case, I wanted to add a sunny side up in my meal.

Add the rest of the bakkwa strips and crunchy garlic on top as garnish and it’s ready!

And with this, I wish everyone a prosperous Snake year. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Farms from Out of Town: Cameron Highlands

Jox — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 03:46:54 +0000

I had a close friend from kindergarten to high school. We were polar opposites in almost everything including our dreams. I’ve always wanted to be a corporate jet setter who wears pumps and be on top of everything. She equally had passion for nature, so she aimed to be a botanist.

I miss my friend and whenever I see a humble plant that unknowingly spreads beauty in the world, I remember her and her dreams. I wish my friend well. I really do.

ASH BLUE POLO FROM F.O.S.
WHITE TEE FROM A STREET MARKET
STRETCHABLE PANTS FROM FOREVER 21
ACCESSORIES FROM F21
BOOTS FROM H&M HK
HAT FROM A FLEA MARKET IN MELAKA
SCARF FROM H&M

In the last leg of my Cameron Highlands trip two weeks ago, my friends and I dropped by in several farms but the one I liked the most was the flower farm despite the budding season dragging behind. I am not really a nature-lover but I do appreciate aesthetics and the plants did not fail to impress.

PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERT V./ KEI C.

We made a detour at a Cactus shop that also sold sundry items aside from plants.The various cacti were enticing and the shapes maybe odd but they did make a statement around the area.

PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERT V./ KEI C.

Minutes later, everyone had potted plants being loaded in our rented van. I was the exception, of course. I knew I could not take care of a plant. I don’t have a green thumb. Right after lunch we headed to the Rose Center where we enjoyed a packed garden of real and artificial plants, statues, odd art, and fountains.

PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERT V./ KEI C.

The place was unpretentious and direct to the point. There were bare spots but the successful areas reminded me of tulip farms I want to see someday.

The flowers and plants were not uncommon but they were grown uncommonly well. At the heart of the garden was an artificial lagoon with a mermaid reminiscent of Copenhagen’s little mermaid. However, I dwelled more in unnoticed corners where herbs thrived.

But then I found one that embodied a particular identifier of mine, the high-heeled shoes flower. They had long elevated bases and broad petals that have narrow tips, like the shoes. But pardon the label as the gardener, or whoever, may not had been fully aware.

PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERT V./ KEI C.

It was a tedious day as we followed a packed itinerary to explore the tourist attraction in just two days. I sat on an abandoned rickety swing of a chair and sulked in how good of a break that was. I am filled with gratitude for people who could capture these moments.

And with this, I wrap up my Cameron Highlands trip. I can’t wait for the next one!

Hope’s Up: Sam Poh Temple, Brinchang

Jox — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 06:45:01 +0000

TOP BY MANGO| SHORTS BY COTTON ON| BOOTS FROM H&M| ACCESSORIES FROM F21

I grew up in a Catholic household where I was made to believe that my religion is the key source of redemption and that it shall define me more than what I could offer to myself. As I sought enlightenment within me, I have come to realize that it is not a matter of belonging to an organized religion but as long as my intrinsic humanity is aligned with how I practice my spirituality, I should not be bound and be defined by my religion alone. I remain to be a Catholic but I embrace it now with full consciousness of how it leads my life without blind obedience.

As I travel the world, I have come to fully explore other religions as well but Buddhism has always fascinated me for it advocates universal human truths and promotes inner peace. I have been to many temples, practically in every country I’ve been to. This time, my friends and I visited the Sam Poh Buddhist Temple in the busy town of Brinchang. It was part of our must-go to places during a weekend trip at Cameron Highlands.

PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERT VICENTE

We walked into a solemn ceremony as the monks and devotees say their prayers. I bought an auspicious lamp for RM10 (USD3) and said my prayers of gratitude and wishes whilst being placed in a calm state by the hymns of prayer.

I was just as impressed by the different statues and religious ornaments around that complete the interiors of the temple. Despite the grim atmosphere the weather brought upon us, the place was serene and inviting.

After a few brief explorations, the group resumed into cam-whoring session. But I must spare my friends from further humility and I will just unfold my own vain photo.

TOP BY MANGO
SUNNIES BY CHARLES & KEITH
NECKLACE FROM FOREVER 21
BLUE BRACELET FROM GREECE (GIFT FROM MY FRIEND)
GOLD BRACELET FROM MY MOM

BLACK LEATHER BOOTS FROM H&M HK

Natural High: Cameron Highlands Tea Farms

Jox — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:22:20 +0000

“I am the example of how the world should love me, and I have to give the best example ever. Don’t expect someone else to show your greatness. Greatness is letting unfold what is within you.” – Iyanla Vanzant

It was an early morning trip, a cold one too. Whilst I never conform to any dress code but to my own, I happily embraced nature with much exhilaration. I’ve been traveling alone for a while but this time, I came with company. It’s nice to be surrounded by jovial energy and optimistic disposition. Cameron Highlands was exactly the place of refuge after an infinite amount of work that resumed post New Year’s.

Cameron Highlands is a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. I was particularly excited about the tea plantations for I have been keeping track of the various farms that I’ve visited. This tea plantation by the Bharat Tea Group did not fail to stun. As my friend said, ”This is Middle Earth”.

PHOTO CREDIT: MAKO CHAVEZ

PHOTO CREDIT: KEI CENDREDA

We also visited the famous BOH Tea plantation and factory , the largest tea manufacturer in Malaysia. But the highlight of the visit was the delectable lemon cake and vanilla teacino that matched the gentle breeze atop the valleys of verdant tea plants.

It turned out to be an educational tour when we took a peek of the tea factory and learned about various tea grades and types.

PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERT VICENTE

There was no excuse to be unfashionable so please allow me to enjoy life with some style. We quickly dropped by Sam Poh Tong Temple before eating lunch but I shall talk about it later. We happily settled into our lovely room at Parkland Apartments and enjoyed the scenery reminiscent of Scandinavian cottages.

I can honestly say, I’m loving how 2013 is unfolding to be a year of gratitude and blessings.

PHOTO CREDIT: JAYDEN CHOW

Street Struttin’ Style: Melaka

Jox — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:29:02 +0000

DRESS BY MANGO
BELT FROM COTTON ON
HAT FROM A LOCAL STORE IN JONKER
BAG BY PRADA

Melaka (Malacca) is one of my go-to places this 2013. I know that the state is rich with culture, heritage, and definitely flavor as any place in Malaysia. Much to my delight after a massive hang over from my Hong Kong year-ender, I got to go to Melaka on a company trip. My 2013 resolutions list is still crisp and fresh and I’m already ticking a bunch of things off. What an auspicious start!

Declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site, Melaka is almost a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Everyone was excited about the food yet I looked forward most to the dainty imprints of Dutch and Portuguese colonization mixed with the ubiquitous local flare.

We arrived at Dutch Square with the excruciating heat and the remote breeze from somewhere. Tourists were around taking advantage of what their cameras could. Half of the group already headed to famous hawkers for rice balls and what-nots. I decided to be on my own for a while as I traversed the stretch of Jonker. The path was honest, visible, and welcoming. I started walking whilst my head was crying for shade.

A few minutes later, I reunited with my friends who seemed to be fully satisfied with the chendol they were slurping. We were in this vibrant museum cafe, Jonker 88. I loved how they mixed art and convention in every corner of the place. Soon enough, I had my photographer friend taking my photos.

We definitely got some work done on that day including another deck of vain photos from my friend. Off we went to lunch for some nyonya food. How can I ever stay in shape with all these delectable food?

And to top it all, I even bought a box of specialty chocolates. The trip was indeed very short and I will be back to visit other sites and probably stay overnight as they say the night market is awesome. I walked away from the steaming pavements as my thought drifted back to missed opportunities which I vowed to come back to. Next time, Melaka.