Si Anna Larrucea at ang Ques-O

Your task: bilugan ang mukha ng batang Anna Larrucea.

Just kidding.

I'll let my (random) readers in on my little grade school secret: I had a big crush on Anna Larrucea, which was heightened to unusual puppy-love levels when she starred in the 90s kid flick Batang X (with John Prats, Janus del Prado and two other kids whose names escape me). I was such a stupid fan that I ended up buying Batang X comic books. Hahaha.

I think she was supposed to star in an indie flick about robots but was replaced by another actress for some reasons. I have no idea what happened to that movie. Anyway, here you go with the Ques-O print ad, featuring a young Anna. Also, it just occurred to me that the guy with the Mexican hat is still a functioning icon for the product. I should know--I'm eating slices of Ques-O right now. :D

 

Ad copy:

Sa amin, No.1 ito!

Ques-O Pasteurized Process Cheese Food

Another Quality Product of

New Zealand Creamery, Inc.

(Address)

Ocean's Best Tuna

Once upon a time, may dalawang *trivial* happenings sa buhay ko as a kid during the 90s...

1.) Nagkaroon ng tuna label na Ocean's Best, which tasted good, I think. And Ocean's Best was supposedly dolphin-friendly.
2.) I went through a stage where I would vandalize everything I could put my hands (and pens) on. Glaring example is this photo below. Sorry! So there, the captain looks all blinged out.

Nice! Acrostic ad copy! How 90s is that?

Ad Copy:


Ocean's Best
Spells out the big difference in tuna...

O - Outstanding for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
C - Champion sa barkada.
E - Excellent for the figure.
A - A-1 for merienda.
N - Number 1 for parties.
S - Sarap!

(Logo) We Care /  Dolphin Safe
(Product Shot) Ocean's Best
Ocean's Best for your family.

"Phyte" The Big C!

 This guy was the face of Del Monte's line of pineapple products back in the 90s. I just forgot the name of this character actor (hindi ba kasama siya sa series na Anna Karenina?). Anyway, looking at him, don na don ang itsura niya, so it all kind of adds up...you know, pineapples grown in farms, hacienderos, the woven hat to shield hacienderos from the harsh sunlight, the shirt with stripes in arresting tropical colours, the tan skin. Boom.

And yeah, Del Monte used the "phyte" word, referencing phytochemicals and how it fights cancer. Yup, wordplay. I think that was iconic, in its own little way.

Also, I love pineapple juice (Del Monte man o Dole), but I am beginning to think this love for this citrus juice is what triggered acid reflux in me, which kind of opened a disappointing pandora's box of foods that are absolutely no-nos until I get this acid reflux out of my system. Shet.

Ad copy:

"PHYTE" THE BIG C THE NATURAL WAY WITH (logo) DEL MONTE


The good news from science is that there is a natural way to fight CANCER -- phytochemicals! These amazing substances work against the "Big C" by preventing the formation of harmful elements in the body during digestion! We can get these fantastic phytochemicals by taking fruits and 100% natural juices (they can't be added to powdered drinks).


The good news from Del Monte is you can conveniently get your phytochemicals by eating Del Monte pineapple or drinking Del Monte 100% Pineapple Juice.


So "Phyte" the "Big C" the natural way with your friend, Del Monte!

The Shape Of Things To Come

 

Guys--if you know what Wacoal is, then mahusay kayong boyfriend/asawa/manliligaw/kuya/pinsan/atbp. Kayo na! :)

Ad Copy:

The Shape Of Things To Come

Through continuous research, Wacoal knows exactly what every woman needs--to shape-up without slip-ups.

That's why each Wacoal product is meticulously designed to flatter each shape and curve. Making sure that only the finest quality materials are used, quality-tested for durability and comfort that lasts.

From bras, panties, support wear to swim wear...

No one knows your body better than Wacoal.

Wacoal (logo)

Born and made in Japan,  under the strict quality standards of Wacoal Corp.

The Special Seasoning For Everything

...says Knorr Seasoning, circa 90s. I honestly think their old packaging was better.

Where does one use Knorr Seasoning? As said in the title, "for everything"--save for desserts, of course. I even use this to flavour my bland rice porridge during those sick days when my taste buds are failing my brain.


Ad copy:


Do your cooking a lot of flavor.
Do your eating a lot of flavor.
The Special Seasoning For Everything
A few drops add a lot of excitement to any dish...everyone will ask for more!
[Proudly Philippine Made insignia]

Who Is Sarah Jane Paez?

While other people got worked up with different digital conventions (some of which I actually attended haha), I got busy writing and finding new old stuff to share with the anonymous world.

So as my title asks, who is Sarah Jane Paez? Well, she is one of the more famous women who won a title in Binibining Pilipinas (yes, the beauty pageant!). After winning the 1989 BP tiara and sash, she went on to become a fashion model throughout the early 90s. It was during this time that she became an endorser for Wranco jeans, the proof being this minimalistic print ad that unfortunately went through my scissor-cutting craze when I was seven years old (hence the cut-up piece of Wranco's logo).

Sarah Jane Paez is currently living a private life--she's now enjoying motherhood in her early 40s and is also a proud spa business owner. And in case you're curious, this is how she looks like now (now being 9 years ago. Haha):

I think Sarah Jane has aged gracefully. Incidentally, Wranco is still a surviving apparel brand in the Philippines. Where to find Wranco jeans? Sa SM department stores (probably nationwide).

Knorr Pork Cubes

Apparently in mid 90's "pork cubes" was a new thing. Now we have tamarind, shrimp, and beef. Ayos! So many broths to choose from hehe.



Ad copy:

Siksik sa linamnam!

Ito na ang sarap na matagal niyo nang hinahanap-hanap! Mula ngayon, may bagong sarap na sisiksik sa inyong mga lutuin! Alay ng inyong paboritong Knorr Cubes, bagong Knorr Real Pork Cubes. Siksik sa linamnam ng tunay na pork dahil mayroon itong real pork meat.