#1: The blind leading the blind
#1: The blind leading the blind
Hello again!
Dear neighbor,
It’s that time of the year again when the beginning of summer inspires me to relaunch this newsletter. I’ve ultimately decided to pursue this little project, partly in an effort to wean off of the addictive dopamine spikes from other social media apps and prioritize ‘slower’ platforms that could help cultivate a regular writing practice. I love the immediacy of IG Stories and niche memes on Twitter (which I’ve given up calling X), for example, but communicating here always feels a bit more intimate and intentional.
Pulling from my editorial experience, this is (mainly) a lifestyle newsletter. Since moving to Paris from the comforts of Manila, one question has been on my mind: How does one build a home away from home? After a few years of living here, there are times when I feel like I am still playing house, attempting to make sense of modern living and growing up until things feel real, while also enjoying myself and what the city has to offer. Think of this weekly newsletter as an informal guide to building a home (and, by extension, a neighborhood), a list of practical recommendations, or simply, love letters from me to you. It can also be looked at as an alternative to Close Friends on Instagram. More about this on the About Page.
Some final notes: some of you are already aware that this is not my first time launching a newsletter. If you’re receiving this directly in your inbox, it means that either 1) you’ve subscribed because you’re a good friend/because you gave in to peer pressure, or 2) you’re an old subscriber whose email has been exported from my previous newsletter of the same name. If you don’t want to be here, I’d totally understand if you want to opt out (although I’d suggest giving it a post or two to feel things out)!
Last but not the least, if someone comes to mind who you think may appreciate this type of content, I’d be happy if you consider sharing this with them. Here is a subscribe button to make things easier:
P.S.
At the end of every letter, expect recommendations (either from me or from fellow city-dweller friends), short-form kwento, and links to things floating around the internet that I think are worth sharing. For example:
Earlier this week, a friend and I began a gym membership and then indulged in a light dinner and a glass of wine afterwards. (Baby steps.) Knowing that I am a fan of mediterranean cuisine, he introduced me to Mehmet in the 18th, pictured above.
In anticipation of the outcome of this weekend’s elections in France, here is an insightful article that delves deeper into Macron's decision-making amidst the political turmoil unfolding in the country. It cleared up a few things I found confusing.
Amy Odell on the age-old shoe etiquette debate, aka whether it is rude to ask guests to take off their shoes before entering your apartment. Personally, I don’t get why it has become a bit of a heated topic since it was mentioned on The New York Times; many friends and I would argue that it isn’t rude at all.
Are running clubs really the new dating apps? Ever since Paris started to show some sun again, a few people have brought this to my attention in the form of TikTok reels and now, this article. If anyone wants to test it out and report back to me, let me know.
I recently started rewatching The O.C. after nearly 10 years, and I seem to have forgotten that 1) season one knows how to properly entertain and 2) Marissa Cooper’s hair always looked amazing. Regarless of whether Marissa, played by a young Mischa Barton, was supposed to appear more polished or disheveled (like in that Tijuana episode lol iconic), I am in awe of how her blunt layers always seemed to perfectly angle her face. Another thought: this reminds me of a recent episode of the podcast After Work Drinks, where the hosts talked about how style seems to be a little homogeneous and less sincere these days. We’re always online and we seem to forget to look outside social media for inspiration! Sometimes, observing what people are wearing in your neighborhood or watching an old film is refreshing enough.
Lastly, here is an article I recently wrote about Technogym’s partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
See you next week!