MUSIC : LOCKSLEY

Listening to Locksley’s music made it easy for me to stay smitten the entire day.


(Locksley perform "The Whip" for Brooklyn Bugle Sessions.)

Aside from being heavily influenced by early British Invasion bands with an instrumental style based more on early American punk bands and modern garage rock groups, their style’s just spot on landing them an 8-page fashion spread in ELLE.



Those pair of red socks and saddle shoes – totally sick!

Watch Locksley’s full interview here:

B IS BANANAS, B-O-N-O-B-O-S!

Who said you can’t be impeccably well-dressed at the office?

The guys behind Bonobos. a New York-based online menswear company known for providing clothes with an amazing fit since 2007 have been good examples of the saying, “if you're going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk".



Just like myself, the Bonobos guy is all about having a great fit that is tailored, stylish but totally not over the top – I think that makes a lot of sense.

Learn from them:

“Every outfit should have one unexpected thing, one conversation starter, one beachhead for a casual compliment, one thing that says you care. When in doubt, wear a blazer.” - Andy Dunn, Co-Founder and CEO


“I am a big believer that it's all in the fit. My advice is to find a great tailor.” - David Fudge, Head of Social Marketing


“My personal style is modern preppy, and typically pretty comfortable.” - Richard Mumby, Vice President of Marketing

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y BON NADAL

Next to shopping and a shot or two of Jeiger, there ain't nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit.



Mi abuelito used to tell me and my hermana this when we were little, "Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no Es noche de dormir" which means "Tonight is the good night and it is not meant for sleeping!"

Natural high, YES! I couldn’t stop myself from singing, “cascabel cascabel, suena cascabel, este dia en trineo vamos a pasear, Navidad Navidad hoy es Navidad, es un dia de Alegria Y felicidad!!!!”

DELAYED FLIGHT AND OCCASIONAL FREE THROWS

Last night was dripping with humidity and heat, and it is supposed to feel crisp and cool. Tonight surprisingly gave in and I just can’t help but enjoy the smell of newly cut grass.

I have taken my holiday break a few days earlier and it feels like I am centuries away down south. Yes, this sudden shift makes me feel like I am in celebrity rehab but thank god I was able to grab a copy of Rafe Bartholomew's basketball diary to the Philippines, where most men here are 5'4, and everyman's Air Jordans are a pair of flip-flops.


(Rafe Bartholomew, currently an editor of Harper’s Magazine, obtained a Fulbright grant to study the phenomenon of basketball in the Philippines.)

Rafe’s wonderfully written journey in my side of the pond kept me giggling non-stop the whole three hours at the airport, that I almost missed my flight.

“Basketball fever in the Philippines ran so hot that the government once rescheduled a voter registration drive after learning that it conflicted with the telecast of an NBA finals game.” – Rafe Bartholomew

I was hooked and the wrigglers inside my stomach skipped a beat as I continue to flip each page – I mean, who would have thought my country was so hoops obsessed.

Now, what to wear tomorrow?

GUILTY PLEASURE: MONOCLE MAGAZINE

Just got my copy of this month’s Monocle Magazine. Yes, Monocle Magazine is the definition of a guilty pleasure.


(Photo from Marc of That is just Awesome.)

Now, let us not hate Tyler Brûlé for doing a fantastic job.


(Tyler Brûlé, Editor in Chief of Monocle Magazine and The Monocle Shop in St. Francis Yard, Hong-Kong)

BASIC MATTER 29: ALL THINGS TAILORED

I have a deep relationship with my tailor – not that it’s a bad thing. Bespoke really is not about fashion, It is about individual style and elevated quality. I’ve always had my clothes hand-finished to the exact shape of my body.


(every tailor's guide to anything bespoke)

For the ignorant douche next to me, bespoke means having clothes hand-finished because anything mass produced won’t fit me – yes, consider yourself stupid!


(A trip to my tailor is always a joy!)

I admit, I am just as vain as Italian men even if they won’t admit it HAHA!


(My good friend, Mario in his usual Friday night party get-up!)

Right, Mario?

I mean, nobody really wants to look sloppy, right?

BLACK AND BLUE

Call me boring but yeah, I am the kind of guy who wears denim with everything from pique polo shirts to bespoke. Since some jeans are inherently dressier than some and will therefore look better with my bespoke dress shirts in my closet.

(ACNE max cash slim jeans in black and Rag and Bone straight leg denim jeans)

A good pair of jeans should always enhance your body and not hide it. Almost all my jeans are cut slim (I was never used to super baggy blue jeans dad used to get me in high school) but not skinny but hey, I look good in them despite me having almost the same body type as Jack Black.

Sometimes, when I see a nice pair with the right wash in a different cut, I grab them without even thinking twice. A quick trip to my tailor usually does the trick.

I mean, you just don’t want to wear your jeans – you also want to look great in them.

Note: the darker the blue, the dressier the jeans and please, no studs. You can also try black.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE: ON WHAT TO PACK AND GETTING THE PERFECT TAN

Packing for the province always isn’t too easy for me especially when it’s sweltering hot down south (yes, double the humidity compared to Manila).



What I have considered packing with me:

1.Espadrilles. Who cares about them being a big trend, I’ve had my pair even before
it became a trend in this part of the world. My Abuelito (grandfather) would
always wear them walking around the terraza and lanai.
2.My pink beach shorts. I’d rather be easily spotted in the middle of the sea than be
bitten by barracudas.
3.Sun tan lotion (yes, not sun block!).
4.Slim shorts in red, khaki, navy and seersucker.
5.My go-to cotton plaid shirts
6.My trusty perfectly beaten-up tan Gucci loafers
7.A pair of white dress shirts in cotton and oxford.
8.And a pair of selvedge denim for than unexpected after party.

It is always important to head down south or whichever destination you’re going for
the holidays with a simple but sophisticated capsule wardrobe. And please, no fur!

I have also been looking forward to the following:

1.An early morning drive to the farm.
2.House-hopping from lunch to dinner ( plus a few
bottles of wine).
3.Afternoon merienda (knickerbocker) at uncle
Greg’s restaurant, Palmeras.
4.The usual Hawaiian dinner at my aunt’s place overlooking the city.
5.Lazy afternoons at our Lanai.
6.A trip to pink sand Santa Cruz Island (yes, I need
to get toasted!)
7.Gift shopping in Barter and Yakan Village.
At the same time, I am also looking forward to getting back on the first of next
year to start working on a big project.

Note to self: have those golf clubs cleaned before hitting the fairway.

BRIGHT IDEAS POP

Unlike standard black and brown silk tube socks, a colorful pair ( I got 4 pairs in red, pink, old rose and aquamarine) of statement socks need not be matchy-matchy. Trust me, it goes with anything.


(A good pair of socks can be that needed detailing to help add personal touches to your fashion style, and separate yourselves from the masses. At Brighterman, they aim to provide you with a great range of men's socks from Gene Meyer to Gabicci.)


And oh, two and one fourth yards of plaid lime green 100% Japanese cotton wouldn’t hurt too. Must drop by my tailor soon.

BACK TO WHITE

My sister and I are currently on the process of renovating our flat and Lucy Chadwick’s flat in New York just inspired us to paint it crisp white all over again.



Now, how to hoard some of the paintings I did way back from my friend’s gallery?

SHOOTING TOKYO

Watch more HERE

POCKET HIDE AND SEEK AND STEVEN ALAN

One thing I hate about myself when shopping and yes, I know this isn’t the healthiest thing to do but hey, if you wake up in the middle of the night and you’re still thinking about that shirt you saw earlier at the store, then you should probably come back and buy it the first thing next day, which exactly what I did!


(This Steven Alan reverse seam blue gingham shirt is made out of 100% Cotton and proudly made in the USA)

This Steven Alan shirt blue gingham reversed seam shirt has an interesting twist on the placket and features a hidden breast pocket (I really thought the pocket was accidentally sewn inside) sewn on the inside instead of outside.

And to make things weirder, the shirt I got myself is the exact same shirt Izzy of The Dandy Project bought a few years back. Haha!

STEVEN ALAN: FROM TRIBECA TO PARIS

(The collection, which represents the Manhattan based designer’s French debut, provides an introduction to his unique fusion style.)

Recognized for his contemporary take on all-American classic design, Steven Alan - yes, the guy famous for his iconic plaid shirts with reverse stitching, emblematic of his distinctive fusion style is now available in France and is exclusively available at Centre Commercial.

STARS, STRIPES AND MANNY PAQUIAO

Great style means having a new voice and not being a copycat.

My mom once told me that, “one is not born with style but can be born with good taste. With style, you learn.”

Growing up with a mom who had a lifelong affair with fashion is inspiring and seeing her through many transformations from her days in Assumption convent, which has kept her image fresh at 60 is pure class.

Like my mom (and yes, my dad too), my approach to fashion is simple and pretty much a work in progress just like my collection of silk and knit ties from all over.



(VITTORIO J is an elite accessory line, specializing in ties, scarves, and pocket squares. This very limited tie is available exclusively through VJNY and retails at a modest $69.00 (plus shipping and handling))

Yes, nothing excites me more than Vittorio J’s limited edition Philippine flag inspired tie. The tie is 100% pure Italian silk and is a variation of VJNY’s Varick King Skull pattern.


"Being born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 12, I've always had a special feeling towards the Filipino people and their culture. So it was pretty natural for me to design something with their flair". - Jesse Chao (Founder)

With Manny Paquiao's big fight against Juan Manuel Marquez this coming Saturday ( November 12 and no, it isn’t a national holiday haha! ), this is a great item to pick up and step out in style.

AIRPORT READING

I always get extremely bored at airports (I mean, who doesn’t?).

Solution? I make sure I grab a good material hours before boarding.



(Last week was no exception and thank god for Page One and Bookazine, I got myself a copy of this month’s Monocle and The Rake.)

I should have bought more!

BASIC MATTER 28: PACKING LIGHT AND A COUPLE OF HIGH FIVES

I know a lot of business travelers often have the luxury of dropping off a few shirts at the dry cleaners and having them ready within hours, but not me.

I still seem not to understand the value of packing light for short trips until recently and for someone who takes forever in front of the mirror before deciding what to wear for the day, it can be fairly difficult.


(Sartorial wet dreams at Ascot Chang,Hong-Kong!)


Yes, we all know it is easier said than done but hey, I finally did leave for the first time without checking-in my luggage.

Here’s what I packed with me:



1. Dress shirts from Brooks Brothers and Charles Tyrwhitt
2. Basic black leather-soled cap toes from Alden
3. Pair of red, black and purple socks from Uniqlo
4. Bespoke gray and black suit pants
5. Knit tie from Paul Smith, thrifted Japanese rep tie and vintage silk Armani tie in
paisley
6. And my go to preppy navy blazer

And oh, aside from the great view up at the meeting room, I still got the chance to go out and reward myself with more shirts from Brooks Brothers, Ascot Chang and Moustache!

Ok, still drooling over that pale blue shirt I saw last night at Kiton.

PICASSO AT THE MET

I have always been making art since I was a kid. I remember dabbling with oil and acrylic, pretending as if I was Picasso, Malang, Pacita Abad or Gauguin as young as 9 and dad would buy me yards and yards of canvas to work on.

My room was a mess and I always had coloured pencils, watercolour from Prang and paper around. Yes, I was that kid minus the tie-dye shirt and fro.

Although my parents aren't artists, they were incredibly supportive of me.


(Picasso's SeatedModel, Suite Vollard)

Speaking of Picasso, he created one hundred copper etchings commissioned by the art dealer and editor Ambroise Vollard, between September 13, 1930, and march 1937 that have come to be known in art history as the Suite Vollard. Amazing, right?



(Picasso's Blind Minotaur Led by a Girl through the Night, Vollard Suit and Faun Revealing a Sleeping Woman, Suite Vollard)


Today, the small format is found spread out as single prints in different private and public collections, and only some of these sets, such as the FUNDACION MAPFRE’s are preserved in their entirety.


(Model Contemplating Sculture, Vollard Suit and Embrace, Suite Vollard)

Next month, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila will host Pablo Picasso’s Suite Vollard, opening to the public on November 10, 2011 up to January 8, 2012.

Now guess who’s excited!

DOES SNOW FALL IN THE TROPICS?

Living in the tropics where it is summer year-round has always been fun for someone who has more than a couple of crisp white cotton dress shirts as his go to staple. Boring huh!

Brighterman , an online retailer specializing in accessories for men, recently launched their AW range from popular retailers Asos, Topman, River Island and a lot more.



While a lot of brands have established themselves as one of the season’s prep fashion go-tos, Brighterman have kept things preppy and neutral.

I know, my closet isn’t one of the most interesting with half of it devoted to plaids and gingham but hey, it has been proven that combing two seasonal trends equals you not looking like a slave for fashion.

This year, Brighterman combined accessories like pocket squares to bring color with well-structured, tailored pieces, keeping the preppy look from seeming dull and yes, it’s doable.

And guess what, Brighterman has also flashed a glimpse of their new range of knitted socks from Gene Meyer – fun!




Just remember not to overdo it. I mean, the combination of loafers, a satchel, blazer and a bow tie may seem like a good idea, but you don’t want to take a page out of the book.

Don't get me wrong, one can still look stylish living in the tropics.

Now, what do I want to get myself for Christmas?

UP CLOSE AND A FEW COMMANDMENTS

Watch and learn!

INTO THE WOODS

As temperatures drop, fall fabrics get thicker, giving structured pale preppy looks a nonchalant country vacation vibration.






Traipsing through tangled vineyards and tree thicked woods? Regatta’s countryside collection is a punch of whimsy ablaze country home-tinged pallete, totally unspoilled just like an off the beaten path.

After all, making your great escape doesn’t have to mean disappearing entirely.

ON MENSWEAR AND 30 MODEL SET CARDS LATER

It has been a week since I last posted.

Friday, The unofficial end of my week. NOT! Three tropical typhoons, 30 model set cards and a stampede of workload after, I am still at my desk trying to figure out how this online time entry works.



On the brighter side, my day was punctuated by a copy of the broadsheet my friend sent via courier with the article I wrote a few weeks back on menswear and getting it right. Hah!

I still have another article due y mi día no ha terminado todavía! Can someone get me a glass of martini!

Anyone?

SCORED CANVAS: FOUR DOLLAR HAPPY AND A BOWL OF GYUDON

Things have been busy in my neck of the woods, right in the direct wake of Typhoon Nesat.


(A man bicycles in rain storm due to Typhoon Nesat. Photo from www.csmononitor.com)

We lost power early but that didn’t stop me from getting work done despite the 140 kph wind trying to rip my neighbors roof next door. Laptop eventually died, leaving my sister and I bored until 10 PM. We ventured out. Debris were strewn everywhere. Sofitel and Roxas Boulevard had seen better days. The waves had been tall enough to crash over the sea wall, parts of the US Embassy and the lined palm trees. Our neighbors flower arch was gone.

On a brighter side, I got myself a canvas tote from Hedi Slimane Homme for a bargain at the thrift shop right across my client’s building.


(The Hedi Slimane Homme canvas tote I scored at the thrift shop for $4.00 reminds me of the Teddyfish by Jack Spade)

The storm was dramatic to be sure but scoring an item for $4.00 , I escaped relatively unscathed.

DOWN UNDER PREPPY

A lot in the workforce do not need to dress up for the office but for us in public relations (PR), we just decide to.

There is something to be said for looking just right and James McNamara, a PR wiz from Brisbane, Australia sure does know how to work a strategic look built for multitasking while staying tune with his preppy basics from his bright red trousers, shirts in gingham and pullovers wrapped around his shoulders, whether in town or down under.



McNamara is always bursting with energy, and he expects his wardrobe – and the rest of the world – to keep up. He shops for versatility, clothes he can wear whether he is in the country for a few weeks, making his rounds down south or back in Queensland.



(T-B: James in Ralph Lauren and Cheap Monday, James with friend Amanda Stoker)

Smart fashion is timeless fashion. Being colleagues, I have never seen him in boring basics. Instead, he celebrates his bold preppy streak. Yes, he has always maintained a look that is clever and totally fuss-free. Besides, girls always love a hard man in soft colors.

RANDOM PLAYLIST: PUMPED UP KICKS

I am totally ready for October! Just dove into a pile of used Christmas lights and glow sticks.

Foster The People - Pumped Up Kicks from Foster The People on Vimeo.

JOHN AND PEREGRINE AND A DASH OF WINDSOR DANDYISM

Pale, wimpsy and mumsy just like Pewee Herman; banish these words from your mind and incorporate pastel in your regular wardrobe to add insouciant splash of flavor. Think clubhouse style with a dose of Windsor dandyism and here’s the important bit: girls love a hard man in soft colors.



(Design and business partners Juana Manahan Yupango (founder of Capolino, a new line of clothing “ for the little men in your life”. ) and Hanniel Fernandez of John and Peregrine use imported cotton, oxfords and linens suited to the tropical weather in the Philippines.)

Girls always make a point of attacking us guys for our lack of individuality, but not with John and Peregrine! Their well tailored shirts ( I particularly like the Kermit green gingham) are stylish basic alternatives and are just as versatile as your fail safe plaids and guess what, their shirts can actually make you look like you have dropped a few pounds. Trust me!

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WELL RED

Finally back from my four day trip down provincial south and guess what, a burst of the hottest hue can totally light up your look.


(Pale blue gingham shirt and red short trousers from Ralph Lauren, Ribbon belt from Wright Supply and Espadrilles from Legaspi weekend market.)

Also, studies have shown that sports team that wear red uniforms win more often than teams clad in other colors. Who knows, it may even pump you up enough to finish boring chores faster - Riiiight!

HERITAGE: SLAZENGER MILITARY CROSS GUNS POLO

The Military Cross polo forms part of the Military Black Label within the Slazenger Heritage Autumn/Winter 11 collection, paying tribute to the brand’s original war effort.


(Details include a Military Cross crest alongside the Slazenger Panther logo on a signal red body and contrast sleeves in black.)

A key piece with a story, the shirt is a nod to Slazenger’s military past and embodies a modern military vibe for Autumn/Winter 11.

TWO DAYS TO SUNSHINE

In an effort to seclude myself from all the stress in the big city (not that I am complaining), I am flying down laidback south in the afternoon of Wednesday and I could not stop myself from listening to this Jam – it has been 4 days.

Dirty Gold - California Sunrise from Panaframe on Vimeo.

I have quiet adjusted my body to accommodate less alcohol since the last four day long weekend, monitoring the general intake of ten million little things--- booze, caffeine, medications and more booze.

My body seems to be making the transition so much more quickly than my mind. I definitely need my fourth glass of Moët & Chandon.

BASIC MATTER 27: IT IS ALL ABOUT VERSATILITY

Selected by GQ for 2010 best new menswear designer in America, Billy Reid’s intense "Southern-bred luxury" is pure class.

His collection is all about American clothing, blending deep Southern roots with a tough downtown vibe yet very versatile.

Forget those baggy pedestrian pleated khakis and tacky button downs and let these fashionable professionals from Billy Reid take the office dress code to a whole new dimension.


Billy Reid, designer: "I like things that feel broken in, clothes that live and age well with you."

Just like Billy, I have always been very picky with the clothes I wear and the things I buy regardless the price point.


Ashley Prinzi, Production:"If you’re proud of something show it off because in the end if you don’t like how you look everyone else can tell and then what’s the point."

It has always been quality and versatility over quantity for me. Luxury is about being able to enjoy what you buy and big-ticket items like a good bespoke suit from a local designer, or a navy blazer from Paul Smith or Zegna is always worth its price tag and trust me, items that are made well will always last you a lifetime.



(T-B) Randy Little, Technical Director:"A few high-quality expertly tailored oxford shirts, a few pairs of dark-washed jeans, and wayfarers go a long way. An oxford with folded sleeves looks better if the sleeves stay up" and Savannah Yarborough, Senior Designer: "My personal style is simple, deconstructed, and mixed with soft layering and solid shoes."

I have noticed, the most common male fashion mistake is buying things that are uncomfortable to wear like a shirt three times smaller your usual ( No, It doesn't look sexy on you!) or trousers snug too tight ( Like, seriously?) hence multiple manginas - in other words, know your size!

Photos from Racked.