Thursday Thirteen #7
As an homage to my friend, Nostalgia Manila, I have decided on this topic for my TT. Growing up in Manila in the 1980's was cool. It was fun. It was a time to enjoy going out with friends and soak in the "culture" that prevailed post-EDSA. It was awful, often-times cringe-worthy, fashion-wise; yet somehow nothing else can seem to top the experiences I had then. Here are some memories that defined that rockin' era for me:
1. Street couture for men: Sperry Topsiders, K-Swiss, Espadrilles (that you would queue up for in Whistle Stop or Cash and Carry), Tretorn or Dragonfly sneakers, white Spartan sneakers, argyle socks, woven leather belts, Chaser, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Le Tigre, Giordano (with and without collar) and one-size-fits-all Hanes T-shirts printed with your favorite New Wave band, Chaps, Bowling Green, Gray Flannel or Kouros cologne, Denman brushes, Dippity Do or Dep hair gel, Bermuda shorts worn with plaid long- sleeves.
2. Street couture for women: Pencil-cut skirt (calf-length, three to four inches above the ankle), Nenuco or De Ne Nes cologne, permed hair a la Madonna or teased bangs held up by extra-strong Aquanet, shoulder pads ala-Joan Collins (Alexis Carrington in Dynasty), Benetton, Esprit or Giordano shirts with matching Benetton, Esprit or Giordano bags, outfits bought at Sari-Sari, Tokyo, Hannah,Tickles and Regina's in Shoppesville, Greenhills.
3. You were considered "cool" if you attended the concerts of Mike Francis, Swing Out Sister, Menudo, Earth,Wind and Fire, James Ingram, Genesis and the like when they first set foot on our shores during their heyday.
4. Places to hang out in were: Jazz Rhythms, Rhythm & Booze, Cafe Ysabel, Bistro Burgos, Dean Street Cafe, Angelino's, East St. Louis, Faces, Cosmo, Kudos and the Matabungkay Beach Club or Baguio Country Club.
5. You could buy a bagful of Tarzan, Jojo or Bazooka Joe gum, Orange Swits, Clover bits, Sugar Powder Milk cans you would sip through a straw, Jack & Jill pretzels and Tootsie Roll for just twenty-five centavos.
6. Watching your favorite rock band like Rage, Alamid, Wolfgang and Razorback in places like Club Dredd and Weekends Live was the usual weekend gimick. Meanwhile, DWXB was the station of choice for New Wavers like me. 99.5RT came a close second (yes, even when they had Robbie the Rabbit as mascot).
7. Someone came up with the idea of putting watch-guards on Swatch watches and everyone jumped on the bandwagon.
8. Almost everyone you knew listened to Johnny Midnight expound on the wonders toning and placing pyramids beside your head while sleeping did for your health.
9. It was always such a thrill to greet your crush over FM radio.
10. Amado Pineda was the only weatherman you'd believe.
11. Most of your friends learned how to drive along Ortigas Center. Back then, it was all grass and undeveloped land.
12. TV staples: That's Entertainment, Lotlot & Friends, GMA Supershow, Batibot, Penthouse Live. For kids, Saturday Fun Machine ruled. Kids could also rely on Funny Komiks to chase the blues away while "cheaper" entertainment could be had by borrowing your maid's latest issue of Flash Movie Magazine or Jingle Songhits.
13. The US Dollar was equivalent to P18.00 then compared to P50 today. (Had to put in something bank-related - hehehe).
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