CAFE 1950

Quite unique from the outside exterior to the inside.

I am almost hopeless in going around Tin Shui Wai to find a different restaurant to dine into. The choices are so limited. Or so I thought. Because today, my daughter and I ran into Cafe 1950. And I thought it was worth a try. Located in Tin Shui, it was just a 10-15 minute walk from where I live, literally behind the building pass the park. And where I walked is totally safe and stroller friendly.

their menu

So as I was checking it out from the outside, they got this huge menu that was so appealing to me because of the serving, the presentation (totally different from the others since some dishes are plated on a wooden chopping board which I find to be the latest culinary trend lately) and most especially, the worth of each dish. As you can see, it ranges from HK$72 up to HK$200. Not bad right?

See how those lights (often can be seen in a green room as spotlights)
match the wall and the rustic ambiance. It seems like they
are the link to how the well decoded walls had got connected to the plain ceiling.

the hues carefully compliment
the interior of the place

I was decided. I went in and was surprised that there was just a couple sitting at the far end corner of the room and us who were there at nearly dinner time. In my mind, that says "it might not be good otherwise, it'll be packed." It didn't stop me from going for it though.

The restaurant's interior was quite rustic and spring-y in style. It looked fresh and laid back to me. It was very tidy, and every decor matches each other giving birth to a breathable atmosphere. The green plants stylised it into becoming unique and welcoming. Everything was simple and the shades used to compliment the bowls, plates, the drawers where the condiments are, were kept subtle. Green, white, teal, beige or nude and rust were hues that you may see in a beach house. Green for any plant, white, for the clouds, teal for the sea and rust and beige for the sand. The electric fans mimicked the blowing winds in a beach house. The high ceiling gave it enough space for a breezy feel.

Sad to say though, I got annoyed as soon as I was stopped to choose where to sit. I wanted to have a feel of their couched booth so, I went for it but they said, "You should make your baby sit on you." And added, "So that you can fold your stroller." So, I asked, "Do you have a baby seat?" They said no so I said, "Oh no, she'll just sit on the stroller then, it's safer." But they disagreed and was pointing me to a tacky area. I asked why I had to stay there because of the stroller and they said, "Because it's in the way." I tried to contain myself but I had just let go of a sarcasm, "By all these people?" There were none. So, they were caught speechless. My buttons were pushed right before I was about to try their food.

Literally, there were no people at that time to complain of my stroller. Anyways, I'm sure it was just lack of understanding on their side. Because I was trying to convince them that it won't take long for me to eat. So I ended up sitting on one of these tables. I initially would like to try that one at the far end but explaining to somebody who doesn't speak English well is hopeless. I didn't want to ruin the excitement I have so I had just conformed.

The menu was well presented. Individual choices come with a choice of soup, rice or noodles and drinks. There are also choices where lunch and dinner sets are available on a cheaper price. I think this depends on what is on season as per ingredient needed.

I was craving for something different yet fulfilling. For a price of HK$72, I got a satisfying grilled chicken on white curry sauce with a cup of steamy rice with cheesy scrambled egg on top. Garnished with some flaky seaweed, it had delivered an unexpected tactile sensation that I've been longing to have for quite a while now. Don't get me wrong, I love home cooked food but there comes a point that you long for something different. Along with my meal came a usual tasting creamy corn soup but with a delightful hot Lemon Tea. I swear this tea was so relish it made me ask if it's from Korea. Because some of their drinks like the lime soda are featured Korean.

as presented

as you open

Grilled Garlic Oyster - HK$1/piece

I also ordered a take out for my husband. Angus beef steak with rice, with a choice of pepper steak (from garlic and/or gravy) and soup. I got him the Korean Lime Soda for a price of HK$134. It didn't take them too long to bring my order and a little over 2 minutes, the water tried his best to speak in English to me in offering grilled garlic oysters for a dollar. Minimum order was 2 pcs. So I ordered for the sake of maximising my dining experience in Cafe 1950. I didn't trust it at first because I was worried that they may be giving out this deal just to finish up an "almost rotten" bunch. But no, I approve along with my husband that it was nicely done. All of their services were on time and was hot enough for perfect consumption. But if it would come a time that by the moment you decide to try this, and there are a lot of people already, you could log on to their wifi and for me this completes my 3 stars out of 5 for this dine-in newbie.

It was taped beside the cutlery box that gives out a very good message for the customers. 

These maybe unnoticeable to some but these are the little things that make this haven a trendy place to visit. I like how minimal it is, how rustic and warm and most of all, modern. Go and try it if you are around Tin Shui Wai. It sits near the Tin Shui Market. Happy Wine and Dine Wednesday!

Related posts:
1. MAMASAN - an Indonesian experience at the heart of Central's blissful city.
2. ALCHEMY - a lovely happy hour with oysters! haven nearby Mamasan, good to visit as you start a night of drinking
3. JOLLIBEE - a very famous fast-food pride of the Philippines also stands in World Wide Plaza, Central

10 IMPORTANT THINGS I LEARNED IN ATTAINING FINANCIAL KNOWLEDGE

This year marks my decision to be financially literate.

It all started when I had attended a seminar held here in Hong Kong called, "Rich Dad Poor Dad". Like any other free meet-ups made available in most countries wherein finance is the name of the game, it was the usual 2 hour motivational lecture by this woman who had been into the deepest, darkest hole as a result of her bad decision making, lax prioritization and irresponsible lifestyle. Needless to say, it leaves her penniless, hopeless and desperate until she mentions attending the very same thing we (the audience) are attending. Her story touches all the necessary buttons to set us all into an awakening. To sum it all up, the story telling part resonates to most of the middle class (which to my estimate composes 65% of the attendees): continuously in a situation of being overworked and underpaid. Dramatic as it may sound, it set us off to a mode of action in just an hour.

With an expert knowledge about these people who go to seminars, the staff knows that one way or another, this 65% is in need of enlightenment from their own current financial situation. While the rest were dragged to attend because of their curiosity, including me, its motive was quite established with a pang.

Through the rest of the seminar, the lady introduced methods that she followed on how to get out of the draining misfortune. The one I attended focused on real estate. It encouraged all the way to invest the money they are saving. The clue was to look at the rate of return on investment as to which tool you'll embrace and work on.

May I say that in the end there was selling of the "help" that you should need but it was enveloped as a form of investment on education. As a writer, I continuously research. Included in reading books and studying statistics, I consider reviews, comments and forums concerning a specific topic that I need to know about before I write my own input. Because of that, I know there are a lot of free information in the Internet that I can hold of. This convinced me that right before I entered the room, I was just after the satisfaction I would get and the refresher on the methods I stubbornly keep up with. I just wanted to be aware further more. So, I have set myself to hold my credit card very well and to let the information settle before I make a move... or a swipe.

I was successful in not doing so.

But I came out from that free seminar, rich in resources. Books, links, inspiration. And the one that I benefited from the most were the books, "The Rich Man in Babylon" and "Think and Grow Rich".

Now reading these books had kind of made me learn 10 very important things:

• Set a S.M.A.R.T. goal. I know some may have come across this abbreviation a thousand times but just for the sake of reiteration, let me give you what this effective acronym stands for: 

              S - specific; M - measurable; A - attainable; R - realistic; T - time-bound
       
         These meanings are pretty self-explanatory. But there's one thing you need to do after coming up with one, you write it down and recite it as often as you can, stating it as if it happened already, claiming it and considering it as done. Mine was to have Php50,000 within a year, even declared it in front of my husband (despite the book's advice to just make a commitment with yourself) just to give myself a sense of stronger responsibility to live up to my word. He challenged me why not 50,000 Hong Kong Dollars? And so, I added it up.

• Never lay all your eggs in one basket when it comes to investments. - There are different investment tools and the more you are well versed on them, the more you'd be able to calculate the risks that come along with each.
• Understanding the concept of the 8th wonder of the world called "compounding interest", you may think that time is not your ally anymore. But think about the present learning as a gift and consider "now" as the best time. Countless years may have been wasted before but there's no other best time to start than today.
• Learn from those who had gone the path already. Easily put, if you want to be rich, learn from the rich, the experienced. There are a series of steps that are usually presented in books but the most important is, if it's feasible and if it is actually doable. The only way to find out is if there's somebody who had tested and did it themselves. Follow that person.
• Keep the three laws of money (save, invest and re-invest) intact in every financial decision you will have to make. Saving may be in a way of assets, bit coins, saving plans and is not limited to just keeping an amount of money safe in a bank.
• Emergency fund is necessary as your safety net as you level up into investing. Establish this first before anything else so that come what may, you will have a fall back.
• Never ever neglect paying yourself first. This is not through material stuff like buying yourself a new gadget, clothes or shoes come every payday. It is putting aside money for your retirement in the future. Paying yourself first is paying yourself for every non-working day you need to live for after retirement, keeping the same lifestyle like when you still had a job.
• Habit forming will be your weapon in keeping up with your financial goals. 
• In every investment you have to make, see to it that you separate your emotions from the very beginning. Because if you do, you're already 50% short on your ROI.
• Anything that you do, integrity is the key. If you want to come up with a business, word of mouth will always pave the way to your success. If you're hard to work with and trust unworthy, chances are, people will talk negatively of you. Whether you're a boss or an employee, treating your subordinates right and respecting your bosses, having the appropriate work ethics can send you high rocketing into success. From there, you'd be able to give your goal a check, leading you to the road to financial freedom.

Right now, I have been awakened. Having a family had pushed me into planning for my own financial freedom. Let's see if it works.

Related posts:

1. GET INVESTED IN STOCKS FOR A RICHER LIFE - One of the many form of investments I've tried doing. Believe me, I was scared shit less of the term 'stocks' alone. But I had turned the risks into a calculated one, and slowly, it pays off. Read on why you should at least invest on a sturdy one like Facebook, Disney or Jollibee.

2. JOLLIBEE - why it's worth buying its stocks.

3. HOW FINANCIALLY HEALTHY ARE YOU? - Here are 6 steps on how to assess your financial status.

A Step by Step Guide to Successful Stock Investing with the EIP COL Easy Investment Program

(To those who wishes to read this in your preferred language, there's a pull down button on the upper left of the site that would cater to your understanding.)

Have you ever dreamed of owning a franchise of Jollibee?
Have you ever dreamed of spending 24/7 with your family
rather than getting employed 24/7?
Are you interested in making your money earn
while you sleep?
You've been wanting to invest but you don't know
with who? where? and how?

My friend, here's a solution if all of these
questions are applicable to you.

START INVESTING YOUR HARD
EARNED MONEY TODAY!
Because if not now, when?
And if not you, who?

One way is to invest in the stock market.

But before you dodge the bullet, fear not, for there's a guide

you could use in learning about stocks as you earn dividends along the way

SAFELY.

Why I emphasised on that?

The reaction of the majority of the people hearing
about investing on stocks? Super scared
with how it operates that they repel from the idea.

I was like that before. But I chose to roll up my sleeves and

know a little about it until I got hooked.

Afterwards, I was thinking that it's not that scary after all. In fact, I have never felt so driven
when it comes to "investing" until I learned
about the Basic Laws of money.
I agree with Edward Lee as he believes

that all of us need to be educated financially.
This way, we would have the advantage of combining

what we know with the single most important commodity in the universe,

TIME.

Last week, I was blessed to be able to attend a seminar that gave me an insight of what I should learn before entering any form of investment. They've taught about how Philippine Stock Market
could help overseas foreign workers to save a portion of their income and make it grow
over time. After understanding how stocks work,
a safe platform by COL Financial Philippines was offered.

"COL Financial Group, Inc. is the leading online stockbroker in the Philippines established in 1999. It aims to be the most trusted wealth-building partner of every Philippine investor by providing value driven, innovative solutions and easily accessible financial tools to help investors achieve their financial goals.

To date, COL is the fastest growing online stockbroker with over 100,000 customers and PHP 55 billion in customer assets. COL is committed to help you build genuine wealth by providing client-focused products and services."

www. colfinancial.com

I have a basic understanding of money that I would like to share to you. Money is a very powerful tool that may aid you in your pursuit of happiness. If you read it carefully, money should be considered the "means" to be happy. It is NOT, per se what will make you happy. Our reason for happiness differ greatly. Mine is to be "truly" rich. And when I say "truly" rich, this means, NOT being wealthy because of money but being wealthy in how many people I've actually helped and empowered to attain financial freedom. As inspired by Edward Lee himself when he gave the talk in the "free" seminar I went to, it's because of his advocacy to help Filipinos to be financially educated, that's why I'm as well, freely giving out this information. Call me a dreamer but I think if every Filipino would take the Basic Laws of Money seriously, the Philippines could also be saved, economically speaking. It's been a long time. I thought with all honesty, Philippine economy is hopeless because of the corruption. But this is our light at the end of the tunnel.

Why is the COL EIP for me?

The COL Easy Investment Program is a convenient and easy investment plan that allows you to build personal wealth in the stock market over a period of time. You no longer need to monitor your investments daily and you can take advantage of the ups and downs of the market by applying the simple strategy of peso-cost averaging.

What is PESO-COST AVERAGING?

PESO-COST Averaging is a time-tested and reliable method of investing that is easy to understand and apply. It is a personal wealth building strategy that involves investing a fixed amount of money to buy shares of stock at regular intervals over a period of time as a passive, long-term investment in the stock market.

When preparing to invest successfully with the COL EIP, ask yourself 4 questions:

1. HOW MUCH DO I WANT TO INVEST (on a regular basis)?

"Our recommended investment amount is 20% of your SAVINGS."

2. HOW OFTEN would I like to invest?

"Choose an interval that you can commit to regularly invest your fixed amount of money - weekly, monthly or quarterly."

Note: There are no penalties if you skip a date, but try to maintain the discipline to invest regularly.

3. HOW LONG would I like to continue my investment plan?

"Tip: The longer your investment plan, the greater your potential returns given the power of compounding."

4. WHAT DO I BUY?

The COL Advantage? Because Peso-Cost Averaging only works when you're invested in good companies, COL provides a Premium Growth Stock List, evaluated by our experienced analysts for you to choose from.

It is imperative to know that Filipino Overseas Workers were placed as the highest contributors to the Philippine's GNP funding it roughly around 21%. Sad to say though, only 1% of that entire 21% are investing. Presented with this data, could you imagine if the other 20% are also investing and are earning while they sleep? I believe there'll be abundance in funds both personally and economically. The investor would gain adequate amount of money (perhaps more) because of the shares bought and since the power of compounding interest is so great, you'd go for long term investing that the Philippines would benefit from its reserves as well. My own personal knowledge is limited that's why COL Financial are putting out youtube videos out there because they believe ignorance of this kind of information is hindering the Filipinos from realising the beauty of investing. Not only that, the beauty of investing EARLY is the key.

Benefits of the EIP:

1. No need to monitor the stock market. Have time for your more important priorities while enjoying the benefits of your COL EIP at the same time.

2. Minimize your risk by investing in the long-term and maximise your potential returns.

3. You only need a small amount of capital to get started. Open a COL EIP account for a minimum investment of P5,0000.

4. All these benefits of a simple and easy reliable investment strategy at the lowest-allowable commission rate of 0.25% of the stock amount purchased.

Get Started!

COL Financial Group, Inc. is the leading online stockbroker in the Philippines established in 1999. It aims to be the most trusted wealth-building partner of every Philippine investor by providing value driven, innovative solutions and easily accessible financial tools to help investors achieve their financial goals.

To date, COL is the fastest growing online stockbroker with over 100,000 customers and PHP 55 billion in customer assets. COL is committed to help you build genuine wealth by providing client-focused products and services.

I would be posting further development in terms of my own investment sans the figures (I claim) I would make. But, if there are stocks that is not worth buying, I'd freely give out the info as given to me as well. For now, I'll establish my COL account first, give it time to earn some and then prove to you readers that it's real. Truth be told, we can all be "truly" rich altogether.

Our Thank God for Financial Literacy Crew with Mr. Edward Lee himself.
Founder and Chairman of COL Financial Philippines
June 4, 2015, Hong Kong

You can leave your comments below if you need clarifications and if you need additional information. The purpose of this post is to educate. To those who know me personally, we have a group called "Thank God for Financial Literacy" that are willing to give effort on how to assist you with further financial education. A couple of our members have already started their accounts and has started trading. Experience wise, it's better to ask those who have it already. Please let us know. There's also a chance for non-Filipinos to join. The potential is limitless. Just have the right mind set and dream with a purpose. God had given us talents and he wants us to use it in its maximum. 

Related posts:
1. HOW FINANCIALLY HEALTHY ARE YOU? - Check your financial status following these 6 steps.


2. HAPPINESS PROJECT - Gretchen Rubin wrote about her journey in pursuing her happiness. Lessons about finances, relationships and self-treatment await.

3. HK Disney Auditions, June 2015 - "Find Your Light". Grab the opportunity.

ALCHEMY

For a year and a half, I have hibernated from going out for drinks with girlfriends.

As my baby had been weaning and is more into solid foods now,

I have indulged on a night at ALCHEMY

where Buddha tears mixed up with liquor

certainly gave me a different impact.

Remember this clip in Sex and the City 2 movie?

Yes, when you're a mom, "sips" may be needed

just to keep you sane and reconnected to yourself.

When you're a mom, you start to think not only of yourself. There's always something that needs your attention and you constantly are worried if you missed a thing in terms of nurturing, feeding, bonding time and future concerns. Needless to say, you somehow neglect yourself willingly that it may be too late for you to realise that you've lost yourself in the process. Having said this, I'd like to encourage you with a reminder, "You had a kid, yes. But you didn't die."

It's important that you have a handful of mommies as friends for you to be understood because the "single-no-kids" ones wouldn't get where you're coming from. At one point, you may be feeling a little aloof towards them because your priorities are different now. Let me tell you that to this account, you're not alone and so many mothers have been there. My good friend Jane, who had her daughter 2 years ago was asking me how I felt in going out, if I felt awkward since it doesn't feel the same way as before when didn't have kids yet. And I said, it's pretty much new to me again. I wasn't knowledgeable about the new trends in drinks, the place was new to me and I felt a stronger emotion than feeling awkward.... honestly, it was GUILT.

fresh Irish oysters with vinegar, tomato salsa
and extra virgin olive oil

But I'm a wide reader. I had a lot of questions so, I had to research. To counter my fear of intoxicating my baby thru the drinks, I read that I need to drink a barrel or 10 bottles of absinthe or any hard liquor before I would. That's good to know. So, I didn't hesitate on ordering the Buddha Tears where part liquor is mixed in with coconut juice, lemon drops and something else that it was like I was drinking the word "SPA" and everything about it.

There's a taste of lavender, lots of zen greens and kind of soil extract. You may think it's gross but, the after taste was rejuvenating. That was one of the highly recommended but I was trying to feel any hit, there was none. Until I ordered a mojito then a SAUVIGNON BLANC. On the side, my girlfriends and I ordered the fresh Irish oysters that were over-the-top good. We were just really supposed to be there for drinks but we got envious of the other table ordering the fabulously laid oysters so we got them. In addition, the home cooked spicy treats (popcorn, peanuts, raisins and almonds with pepper) were soooo delicious. I am not a fan of spicy food but I found myself digging for some and all 3 of us were popping them in because they were just irresistible.

It was an honour to know some people who were friends with the Chef (Chef Pascal) so we met him and had said our praises for how satisfying the oysters were. A little moment later, we were delivered these cranberry macaroons that were like no other. I never loved desserts. More so, if they are chocolatey. So I was eager to taste it right away and we had licked the syrup even because it was so tasty. In the end, our bill was around HK$1400+. 9 drinks all in all, the oysters, the dessert (free of charge) and loads and loads of treats (free of charge) to complete the bill. 

-the best Cranberry Macaroons I've ever tasted-
The macaroons were home made.

I wanted the night to be spent smoothly in a way that I would be able to go out again after this one. So I asked to tag team with my husband to whom I owed a good night from, by being selfless and just wishing me a good time. My girlfriends and I headed home unexpectedly sober because we thought there was not that much alcohol in our drinks. We aren't alcoholic but just for your information about how we would critic the drinks. Food was great, be ready with around HK$400 in your pocket. Service charge was billed and since it is secluded from the chaotic Lan Kwai Fong, you could be assured of seats. A reservation is recommended though Thursdays all the way 'til the weekend.

I love these gals

Trivia about the place since we have met some of the chef's friends and had given us a background of who owns the place, all the French lounges and fine restaurants are owned by the same person. I had the chance to experience Le Budoir with my closest friends and boyfriend then (husband now) I think a little over 5 years ago, which is located on the left side of the street going up to Lan Kwai Fong (where the Cotton On is beside 7-11 and so forth), and it didn't disappoint. Actually, I loved that place.

When we visited Alchemy, it was a cold night that I had to buy a sweater. So I was so relieved that it was very warm inside. The ambiance was relaxing, homey as a matter of fact and for those who would love to have a good chat with mellow music, try having a drink here or two. I highly recommend it since it leads a way too to a dark dining restaurant that my friends and I are aiming to experience before one leaves for Dubai for good.

Here's a movie that features one dark dining restaurant that may ignite the curious in you. 

Related posts:

1. D' TALIPAPA - a unique restaurant situated in Boracay that you should never miss

2. JOLLIBEE - Philippines own fast-food addiction

3. CHARLIE BROWN CAFE - a cute cafe located at Tsim Sha Tsui for all the Charlie Brown fans.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Just about a month ago, I gave birth to my unica hija and along with my close friends, we can't help but talk about how things are different when you have your own kids already. You can't help but worry everyday for their sake, your priorities take a huge turn about (always including them in every decision you make), not to mention, you will always be cleaning up after their mess, etc. But of course, it's wrapped up with a huge "BUT IT'S ALL WORTH IT" in the end.

But one thing that we had a long time talking about was, how today's kids compose the high-tech generation. One friend of mine mentioned that he was walking passed a restaurant when he saw a family with their toddler hooked on an iPad set upfront the kid while eating and the parents are all settled, going about a conversation. It's hard to keep up with a toddler, that's a given. There's a reason why they call it, "The Terrible Two's". And different parents come up with different strategies when it comes to rearing the little monkeys. Some find these gadgets educational, some think that it distracts the kids from playing outside and experiencing the real deal. My own opinion goes:

They are going to be
well-versed with computers
whether we like it or not. 

Come on! It's their generation and no matter how we criticise how some parents are alright that their kids are all hooked up on it, these parents' (that pertains to US, you and I) generation brought these android computers alive. Alright, I have to mention, the 80's and 90's era. 

So that night after putting my baby to sleep, I reminisced on some of the memories that made my childhood complete, including things, toys, gadgets, TV icons and events that I would never forget. And thought of researching on them to share to you fellow parents from the time when Michael Jackson had established MTV as a cult. I mean, it did recruit fans in a snap! It's fun for those who could relate (80's/90's kiddos). They might have their own additional to the list. But to those who didn't experience them, it could be an awakening that this is what's actually fun back then. Presented at random, here they are:

1. BARBIE DOLLS - I ain't a fan but because of her, I was actually challenged if I could actually do a split. Now, I get to dance for a living. My younger sister (born 1983), was able to complete Barbie's closet, car, and bathroom with that backdrop made of carton and all. When you had those in addition to your dolls and at least one season's fashion collection, you're "it"! It's an instant reason for parents to say "OK!" to a "Slumber Party" with your girl friends because Barbie and her friends are so into it. I hated sleepovers!

2. VIDEO GAMES - Alright, before the game that had been the reason and "inspiration" for some of the most hideous crimes committed by a teenager nowadays (with all the shoot out that's been happening in schools, malls and just in the town) called "Grand Theft Auto", there were the following that had just contained arguments between Player 1 and Player 2 which is plainly all about how many turns can you go for before surrendering the controller because King Koopa is just surprising the hell out of you and gets you dead in a snap.

Mario Bros.

 Pac Man

This is what I preferred back then than making friendship bracelets and having girly sleepovers. It's exciting, increases logic and very challenging. OK, I don't mean to hate. Let me rephrase, I would rather play these, there! Continuing....

There were family computers, Nintendo Game Boys and Sega Game Gears but the ultimate games that I would never forget were brought to us by Sony Playstation and XBOX 360. That would be the following:

This was the scariest ever that I played.
We finished it I think more than a week because
we had to take our time in recovering from the scare that lingers.

I remember I always choose the female
characters so I've chosen the one that uses the bow and arrow.
I think she's called the Demon Hunter. Hope I'm right.
This enhanced my fine motor skills
from toggling keys on our desktop.
My gosh, the challenge of not having a joystick!

I once hoped to be an animator or a programmer
to create games like these. It wasn't all action but it
was a mind game as well. Very very good at that time.

Came out together with Resident Evil.
A little bit confusing but it was a fun game to
play with my male cousins during Halloween.

Like I said, I didn't like beads, pearls and lace.
I loved adrenalin rush. I love colourful stuff too
but more of how it will distract and challenge an opponent in racing as I pimp my ride.
This game plus Fast and the Furioius are very memorable to me and my cousins...
the brothers I never had.

Street Fighter is one of the longest games that stayed available and Final Fantasy.
It kept on getting enhanced and more and more characters had come out
but my ultimate favourite is Chun Li. I even dressed up one halloween as her.

This was a long game but I love RPG so,
I'd say it was worth my time.

I played this since college up until 4 years of working
here in Hong Kong. Colleagues from work are hooked up to this too
so, birds of the same feather flocked together.
Again, female characters are most used by moi and
I loved its story line.

The story line is similar with that of the movie "Gladiator",
Wife and kid were killed and so the character's strength comes from there.

3. RAD SCHOOL SUPPLIES like the following instantly puts you to the list of coolest kids in school. I remember how other kids would try to befriend you if you have these. Nowadays, you got to have an iPad with cool apps for you to be cool. With that being said, I think, students tend to become introverts because of this. Yes, they acquire computer knowledge yet their social skills are more likely to go down the drain. Keeping it balanced is the key to counter that effect I guess.

I loved these.

The more buttons, the more compartments, the cooler!

The scented ones for me were the best!

These were scented as well. I had them when I was a kid.

Lunch boxes that time were such a hit too. So my mom had bought me one back when I was in grade school because she thought giving us money for lunch was so dangerous. My sisters and I would put our bags at a certain place after school while we play because it takes time for my Dad to pick us up sometimes. So one day, since lunch boxes are so in, I was ready to grab my bag to go home but the lunch box was nowhere to be found. I was so upset that day because I didn't get the chance to look for it. As my Dad summons us by his particular melody of blowing the horn, we should be ready and it's just a one way street in front of our building so it's a good 3 minute passing thru. If we won't be there in time, he'll leave us. Yes, he's that strict, yet we're that disciplined too. But then, I wasn't able to find my lunchbox that time. It was my first and last. But I remember one thing that is inside it that I don't see that often anymore. It's the jug and it looked like this.

Eventually, my mom didn't like this kind because
the very straw like mouth nozzle on the top,
was hard to clean and my mom couldn't take the risk
of making us sick because it couldn't be cleaned properly.

4. SIMPLE GAMES - In order to put the cool markers and colored pens to use, or just for you to be able to put them out and show them off, you would come up with these silly games. Most often than not, for you to keep the kids coming, you write something in the end that says something about a truth or dare consequence. The silly games continue from there. This is how first smooches from your crush happens back then.

This was a toy that me and my cousins drooled on
and made the lazy summer afternoons in the province go fast.

Back then, to make dull moments pumped up, you act as a teacher to your younger siblings and cousins, you play as a doctor, you schedule tea time with your imaginary friend (yes, it was just an imaginary but you probably don't believe so) and you play as a chef busy cooking for mom and dad the whole afternoon pretending that you are making dinner. But playing Cashier is probably the most achieved role playing game I have ever done in my childhood. It was fun. Involving fake money, credit cards and you could actually buy anything right? So it was handy and it was liberating in a way that you feel so smart. I don't know why but I think being fast on punching in the items somehow made me feel such an achiever. I remember whenever my mom is out shopping and it's time to pay for the stuff, I always look closely as to how the cashier does it so that I can re-enact everything all over again at home. We had a lumber so we had a real cashing machine like this that they seldom use so, I borrowed it and my younger sister and I had so much fun. My parents swiped a lot so we knew how to do that too with the use of carbon paper to make the fake receipts. I guess, the imagination of kids back then was overwhelmingly high realising how hooked we were with role playing games. Now, it's thru the computer and internet that you do role playing games.

Also, developing agility was helped out by playing "Jackstones". This is another way of making boring moments fun. My mom taught us how to play this. According to her, she was the champion during her time. I could pass the knowledge to my daughter too but I wonder who would sit down with her amongst today's kids to play this. They might think it's just a waste of time. A lot of games that may be shared with a number of players would be board games (Scrabble, Cluedo, Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly), Boggle, making star figures with rubber bands, playing the garter, playing "It", hide and seek and much more. I could go on and on about this. 

On the other hand, if you're an only child, you don't have a choice but to go solo. And the toys that you may play while you're alone:
There's the pink piano which comes along with an actual book of notes to play for everyday songs for kids like Happy Birthday, Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars; Tamagotchi, the first digital pet; other musical toys such as sax for kids, ukelele and percussion drum set. There was the infamous love test game called, FLAMES where you write down your name with your crush's then count all the vowels (some just count the A's) then when you get the total, you count it into each letter of the "FLAMES" which literally means F-riends, L-overs, A-Admiration, M-Marriage, E-Enemies, S-Sisterly/Brotherly Love. Whichever letter you ended up with tells about you and your crush's fate. Want to try? There's an "online" way, click here.

5. When I was young, I always looked forward to Saturdays because of a couple of things. One, there's no school. Two, our parents consider it our activity day. They bring us to biking, skating and of course, Jollibee! The time that the inline roller blades came out, my mom bought me and my younger sister a pair each because she loved seeing us getting active and she saw that we were very happy! When my friends had found out I had one, they asked me to bring it to school so that they can try it out. No matter how big my feet were back then, they managed to try it on still, and then ended up asking their parents about getting their own. 

In line roller blades

Roller skates

Roller skates were also one thing but in the Philippines, it wasn't sold nor was it a hit because the roller blades had sounded so cool beforehand. My mom being in the 50's era, she still wanted us to learn it so she with my dad exposed us in using it as much. When I was a child too, the first and only ice skating rink in the Philippines opened up. That was another choice but as far as lessons were concerned, my mom didn't push us there anymore because there were too many people every time, it was very far from home and my mom encouraged us more to be outdoors. The rink was in a mall.

6. Mode of communication back then may be treated as belonging to "Flinstones age" if youngsters nowadays would compare them with their android phones at hand. I've experienced holding a pager, a Nokia 5110 (my first cell phone) and my first handset in the room is this one on the left that was shown in a SWATCH commercial before. That's the ultimate reason why I, together with my sisters requested we get this. It was pretty awesome at that time. One thing that makes me crack up as I remember how it served me was how my crush that time would sneak a call at around midnight for a longer time to talk but we would get caught by my mom as she picks up from the main line (ours was the extension). And all of these that I'm talking about is out of comprehension of the teenagers nowadays. They would never be experiencing what I had just shared. Gosh! Maybe they don't even grasp the idea of having an "extension line". Hahaha!

On pagers and/or beepers, what a fun experience about them was how I managed to memorise the NATO Phonetic Alphabet which is also known as Alpha Bravo Charlie Chart. For example, my nickname is Kyte. It is an uncommon nickname I must admit. So, in dealing with the operators as I send a message, I have to start it with "A message from Kilo, Yankee, Tango, Echo..." and so on and so forth. Reminiscing it now, yes! It was an awfully hard work. But, I think for almost 5 years, I sucked it up. And then, cellphones happened!

I had mine in yellow. It was embarrassing how my mom pays
the bills due every month. Gosh! Those days!
Reasoning out that it's for emergency purposes,
when reality was, it's just for you to have a press release that you
own one so that your crush would notice you being cool and accessible.

I believe my parents owned those 5 kilo-ones. It ended up becoming our role playing toys. Hehehe! It got a huge antenna and it was just a pain in the ass, what can I say!? Fast forward, the first cellphone I owned was the Nokia 5110. Sending SMS at first was free but when business tycoons felt that it was becoming a trend amongst youngsters, cellphone companies seized the opportunity and imposed necessary fees... PER TEXT.

Moreover, there was a time competitions on who got the highest score in the game, "SNAKE" which was made famous only by NOKIA had happened. Mobile phone customers preferred Nokia above all handphone models considering this as one of the reasons. It just got to have that SNAKE in it. By the way, some go dead always because they have used 2(up), 4(left), 8(down) and 6(right) to move the snake but the easiest way was to use 3(for right and up) and 7(for left and down). 

I have read that the 4 Most Important Words in the English Language include the word : "FREE". Eventually, people had resorted to MIRC chatrooms which I believe still exists up to now. And at one point in my life, my computer monitor looked like this. What a mess!

But like what I said, it's our generation that brought the internet and not the present one today. So, this is basically how it started I guess. People all over the world had found a convenient way of communicating at your own pace, character and mood... anytime, anywhere.


7. WITH RADIO & TELEVISION

The terms "download", "burn" as in "burning a cd", "shuffle", etc.,. Each has different definition back then or may have not even existed as how we understand it now. How to go about your favourite music nowadays are so much easier than back then. I remember I had loads of blank cassette tapes to record my favourite songs as I wait for it every day in the FM radio. Afterwards, I had to break a part at the bottom of the cassette tape to keep my songs. Otherwise, if I won't keep it intact, it still can be recorded of songs, erasing what I recorded beforehand. Sounds complicated? I know. This part here, only those music lovers who has the same age with me would understand. Speaking of FM radio, I do miss it. I listened to the radio more than watching TV when I was young. My radio is on as soon as I wake up until I go to school, the moment I come back in and until I am ready to sleep. Just listening to FM radio. If I'd watch TV, I'd tune in to MTV.

This discman had made me survive grade school all the way to high school. Cranberries, Aerosmith, Guns N' Roses, Alanis Morisette and TLC, there's just really too many to mention...

love, love, love them all. But now, no more cd's or cassette tapes serve anybody. Discmans, Walkmans, and boom boxes have become obsolete.

On the other hand, TV shows like the following made me and my cousins occupied every Friday night from 7-10pm, Saturdays 10-12am and 4-6pm and Sundays 10-11am.

Clockwise: She-Ra, my all time fave, Ghostbusters, Thundercats,
Voltes V, Princess Sarah, Cedie, the Little Prince

this was around High School

Clockwise: Shaider - my little sister and I had fought of who's going to be Annie in most of our role playing games,
Charmed, Beverly Hills 90210 (the original), Baywatch, The Uncanny Xmen, Bioman - I was Yellow 4!

MTV, Beavis and Butthead, Batibot, Looney Tunes

I must include Punk'd too because who could ever forget Ashton being such an ass yet stays so damn cute! I could go on and on about this and I'm sure I have missed a couple of TV shows that kids went crazy for. But in the Philippines, one show that was actually shown every 4:30pm, everyday that the country had running for the longest time I know is called "Ang TV". And I swear, my childhood won't be complete if it wasn't for this cute show. I believed I lined up to audition for this even. Such inclination to show business... hahaha!

8. KOOSH KINS - This rubber ball is simply the most sought after toy from the United States. It's good for playing dodgeball back in the days (grade school) because it's not too painful when it hits the body. It also served as a stress ball when exams happened and the students spent most of the time squeezing this with a dream of squeezing the terror professor's neck. Ha! The other bunch of kiddos had used this to pimp their backpacks by getting the keychain type. It came in different colours and was pretty much innovated into having a face and limbs. Weird but they surely were cute back then.

9. Ahhhh... the almighty power of a PERFUME! 

The brands that had made a name during our time was the CK One that had been sold due to the ever young looking fashion icon Kate Moss (who still remains "IT" nowadays with her newest My Burberry ad! Yes, another perfume.) Undeniably, her totality has that subliminal message to the young people calling them out to be daring and bold!

Also, Davidoff's Cool Water Eau De Toilette had made everybody crazy. The one for men came out first and I remember using it because of its subtle scent. CK One was too strong for me but I remember it so much because of my elder sister. I loved Cool Water and more so when the Cool Water for Women was released in the market. I'm sure majority of the students back then also did.  

Alongside United Colors of Benetton's HOT and COLD perfume, the students who went more for the name owned these. Personally, I owned the COLD one which I thought was too fast to evaporate making you spray more than 3x in a day. The HOT one stayed longer though but again, it was too strong of a scent.

10. To name more of the TOYS that had a special place in my heart are the following:

It had interactive games too.
I think I've played this so much that letters "A"
and "S" didn't function as much later on.

Who never played clay in their lives??? Hahaha!
I loved these. I hope my daughter could enjoy it too
but I highly doubt that.

This was passed on from my elder sister to me
to my younger sister and I think it was even passed on
to our little cousins because it was washable, it was
cuddly and it wasn't as complicated as the high tech dolls
nowadays that only functions with a battery.
There was a time, it was all our *"foofie" - my sisters and mine.

11. I was hooked to COLORING BOOKS during my time. My mom was so surprised one morning when I was around 7 when I woke up at 6:30am to start colouring? I got a bunch of colouring books to finish because my ultimate wish for every person who'd ask me what I wanted for my 7th birthday. I answered, a Coloring book or an activity book. Ending? It was a mountain of colouring books good enough for a year.... or more than.

This was the brand of the coloured pencils I got for my 7th birthday. it lasted more than a decade except the color yellow. Blonde Barbie ate it all up. My mom said, I would arrange the pencils in an orderly manner since I needed a set up for an artist's working mood. She said she even thought I was obsessive compulsive.

These are just a few of my favourite things when I was young. If you're an 80's/90's kids, I'm sure you have a collection of your own too that you might want to add up. Don't hesitate to share by commenting below. Have a great throwback Thursday!

Related Posts:
1. JOLLIBEE - My childhood days won't be the same without it.
2. MY FAVORITE 2007 PICTURES - a compilation of photos that gave an impact on me.
3. PHOENIX SEILEAFI BRAVE - what my daughter's name means

*foofie - This is what I meant by it.