More Orchard Road shenanigans

Orchard Road will always have a special place in my heart. It's where Jake and I constantly met up last 2011 so we can have quick dates (he was there with family, and I was with officemates) at Ben & Jerry's and Cotton On. Also, for a shopaholic like me, Orchard Road will always be a shopping mecca with all my favorite brands!

316@Somerset has always been my favorite mall. It's where Jake and I initially met up for a quick hi and hello before heading to Clarke Quay on our first time here. Aside from Cotton On, it also has Forever 21, Zara, and Cold Storage where I like to buy giant Hello Panda cans and OWL kopitiam roast instant coffee packs for pasalubongs.

Now, it's even better because H&M has decided to set up shop right beside 313@Somerset! I went crazy inside.

It's best to walk down the whole stretch of Orchard to go mall-hopping. There are nice mini-parks on the side street for cooling down if window-shopping ain't your thang.

I also love Takashimaya mall since it reminds me of Times Square in Hong Kong. My cousin Inah, who has been working at MBS, went with us that day and was a huge help since it rained and she was our expert guide at the underground mall loops and passes. 

She also treated us to this amazing mudpie ice cream cake at Kinokuniya! Heaven on earth, I tell ya.

My sister and I mainly enjoyed Takashimaya since its Kinokuniya bookstore branch was way bigger than the one we visited at the Paragon mall in Bangkok. We also found the elusive original novel of The Phantom of the Opera here! We literally had to drag the heave metal ladder to this corner just so we can get the book before anyone else did (yes, we're THAT obsessed with it).

I also went to Tangs to get Jake's Happy Socks pasalubong. I would totally wear these funky socks if I were into sneakers! There is currently no store in Manila which carries the Happy Socks brand so I was happy to get some for my fashion-conscious boyfriend.

Since it was raining, we didn't get to take a photo of the ION Mall facade. We DID get to enjoy the crazy sale at Rubi Shoes, though! Ah, I wish I lived here if only for the shoes. The Cotton On branches here in Manila only carry a limited style range. Inah even helped mom with her shopping and directed the mudra to her favorite Nine West and Charles & Keith shops.

This really is the place for shopaholics.

Tsim Sha Tsui love affair

We loved Tsim Sha Tsui so much that we went there twice--during our first and fifth days to properly explore the area. Mong Kok was a bit overrated so we didn't spend that much time shopping there except when Jake explored Sneaker Street and we had a blast at H&M over at Langham Place. (Okay, Jake and I came back so he can get his limited edition kicks). But most of the time, we went over to TST to shop and dine when we were in the Kowloon side.

I had no idea what BEA stood for but I'm assuming it's a bank. I posed with every sign I saw. It's pretty cool to have a bank named after you. Haha.

Our favorite parts of TST were Nathan Road, Granville Road, Chatham, and Mody Road. These roads housed the unique shops and eateries. Tsim Sha Tsui is more urban compared to Causeway. Here, it's purely all about the fashion and style experience. We fell in love with Granville Road where most college students shop and where fashion students at the nearby art institute sell their designs. It was pretty amazing to walk up and down the roads and walk in and out of the shops.

There's a shop called Chocoolate! Cute!

I lost Jake for a bit while I was engrossed looking for clothes. I found him here, on the second floor of a shop called Loading. It's his kind of place--all cool graphic tees, caps, and accessories.

We also went to Knutsford Terraces where we had a break at Ben & Jerry's! Jake and I unintentionally shared two scoops of Chocolate Therapy and Cookie Dough, only to find out there's a pint called half baked which combines the exact flavors! I'm really hoping this combination is available at S&R!

Up the stairs going to Knutsford Terraces. It's a whole strip of restaurants and bars with a chic, urban vibe. I can just picture ourselves sitting there, people-watching while sipping on beers and cocktails. Ah, I love this place.

On our fifth day, we ended up at iSquare which was right at the MTR exit. These three had a blast looking for CDs at hmv. I, on the other hand, bought One Direction souvenirs for my cousin. (Ick, I know)

Here's us walking towards Chatham Road from Nathan! It's never boring 'cause there are a lot of shops to look at. However, you have to go here after lunch since all the shops open late.

 

I looked up and spied a building with a roof made of crystal drops! It was dazzling under the sun! Fancy shmancy.

 

We popped inside a 7/11 for drinks and found that they still have Coke Slurpee! I really do wish the 7/11 in Manila still offers this, it's my favorite drink! I hate their strawberry and blue flavors. I only want Coke!

Some interesting shops and bars we passed along the way to Stussy. TST is a haven for cool brands!

Hair of the Dog bar!

Haha.

We spent an hour or so inside Cotton On, which is still cheaper in HK compared to the newly opened branch here in Manila. I was able to get a peplum top for my sister at $49 (Php 270)! The TST branch at Granville was also four floors huge so there was a wide selection of styles. The nearest H&M was a couple of blocks away so we were happy to stay here.

wearing H&M collared top, F21 skirt, cherry keds

TST is the place to be if you want up and coming/hipster-ish brands. You can also get your trusted brands there if you want the mainstream fix. Argh. I can't wait to blog about our Tsim Sha Tsui foodie finds!

Cotton On in Manila confirmed?!

My office mate Mitch, who lives in Binondo, just informed me that Cotton On is about to open at Lucky Chinatown mall. There's apparently a shop window with the logo and everything. Lucky Chinatown mall is this new upscale premier mall in Binondo that recently opened this week. But enough of that, my brain is short-circuiting right now trying to process this piece of information. COTTON ON IN MANILA??? I cannot process this. I don't know how to feel, honestly. I'm happy 'cause finally I can buy the clothes here without going abroad but on the other had I feel sad 'cause it might turn out to be another Forever 21 scenario. You know, where you can't buy a single piece of clothing without spotting someone wearing the same item. Also, I have a Hong Kong trip lined up and I've been looking forward to hoarding Cotton On clothes again.

I'm heading on over to Binondo later or this week to verify this piece of information for myself. If H&M opens here before my trip and if (God forbid) SM turns it into another jeje brand, I am going to throw a bitch fit. 

My heart is still palpitating. Jesus.

On another note, happy memories of our Singapore shopping/hoarding trip almost convince me I can be happy they're bringing Cotton On here. Still bittersweet, though:

Singapore-lah Day 5

To wrap up my Singapore vacation series, here are the pictures from our last full day at the lovely Singapura:

It was Easter Sunday so I went to mass with Maan, and because my mom would kill me. I had to take pictures inside the church as proof for my lovely mother. St. Joseph's was a short walk from our hotel. Their version of a Catholic mass was slightly more formal and a bit shorter compared to our drawn-out masses here in Manila where you can walk in or walk out at any point. They have ushers at every aisle so you can't just sit anywhere.

On our way back to the hotel, we passed by the National Public Library and because we were both book worms, Maan and I were sorely tempted to skip breakfast and read books all day. The place is a mecca for book lovers. Plus, the architecture was just awesome. It's Benilde's SDA meets RCBC Plaza. Our own National Public Library does not stand a chance.

 wearing Dorothy Perkins top, Zara skirt, Kickers loafers, Longchamp Le Pliage

And for brekky, we headed over to the hawker center in front of our hotel and I had my last authentic Hainanese and Milo dinosaur. I also ordered spring rolls that come in a fried shell, yummy! I'm getting all hungry reminiscing about chicken rice and Milo. 

There was also a snake charmer outside our place and a man with a flock of trained African lovebirds walking out and about the ground. I love where we stayed, Bugis area is a cultural melting pot.

After a quick stop at the awesome Iluma mall for shoe shopping, we headed straight for the Singapore Flyer. The view was amazing but you can barely feel the thing move.

 

After a final shopping stop at Cotton On (sob!), I met up with Jake at Orchard for the Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration of his grandparents. The whole clan went to Singapore to celebrate! It was such an awesome feeling meeting all his uncles, aunts, and cousins from Bacolod--they were such a happy, loving, and inspiring family.

Waiting for the others at his hotel lounge.

Dinner at No Signboard Seafood restaurant at the colorful and vibrant Clarke Quay!

 wearing Topshop tube top, Due cardigan, Forever 21 skirt, D&C ribbon flats, Le Pliage

Cereal crayfish FTW!

It was great seeing Manong Jake with his little cousins. He truly is a little kid at heart.

After dinner, we set off for Park Hotel at Clarke Quay for the surprise celebration. Thing is, Papa Quining spotted this tell-tale sign at the hotel lobby before we went up to the function room. :-)

Inspiring, touching messages and tributes kept us laughing and smiling all night. I felt so lucky to have been invited to celebrate with such a warm and loving family. This was really the perfect way to end my Singapore trip. I was wide awake with memories for our 6am flight the next morning. :-)