PROJECT SIMPLIFY

I have always been a fan of the color blue which has a longstanding pedigree in the canons of scripture and law. Some think it’s a uniform reserved solely for the upper classes, which I totally disagree.  

Prepping myself for next year, I am challenging myself to a self-project called, “simplify”. Yes, that only means I am getting rid of anything too busy from my closet and replacing it with shades of white, Indigo, powder blue and chambray with hints of gray. 

I don’t think it’s boring. It’s a matter of hitting all the right buttons, looking good and feeling great. And yes, I don't think there's a guy on the planet that doesn't have anything blue in his closet.

I’ve compiled a couple of images taken by Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist, who I believe, has achieved a polished look, and has brought the shade back into their everyday look.

HAVING A BALL AT THE 14TH TATLER BALL

(Just right before dinner. Heard the bell?)

Free-flowing Moët & Chandon and a boogie - the Tatler Ball has become a highly anticipated social event since its inception in 2002, promising a night of elegance, fine entertainment, and stately menu, mirroring “the spirit of high society.” At its 14th anniversary ball held over the weekend at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La.

All in high spirits, the charity ball was a huge success, capping the night with over 9 Million Pesos for Operation Smile.

(T Sandwiched between my girls - Malu, Ingrid and Lesley. BChristian and Stephanie Gonzalez)

Congratulations Anton, Irene, Mia and the team behind Philippine Tatler.

(Post Tatler Ball party at Revel Lesley, Malu, Ingrid, JM, Tim and Ana. Yes, we stayed until 4:30!)

With a full glass of moet and giggles, everyone hit the dance floor and danced the night away. And yes, we clean up nicely....even just for one night.

COZY UP FOR FALL

OK, I know I shouldn’t be stressing myself out for next month’s trip but I’m not the type who’d just throw whatever inside his luggage and buzzinga, “that perfect outfit” (insert ray of light).

Dressing for fall is easy when you’re the “hoodie” type of guy – not me! And yes, it isn’t as easy as rearranging your furniture daily.

Anyhoo, I don’t mind having my nippies frozen – I mean, your style shouldn't go limp as the temperature drops.

Fall offer us guys the chance to dress both stylishly and comfortably (and hopefully, not looking like the Michelin man. You don’t need that unnecessary bulk!). Think a broad range of muted tones, eye-catching patterns, and interesting textures.

It’s really all about color and texture and pairing your outfit with the right accessory. If you’re looking to upgrade your style this fall, but you’re not sure how to do it, the simplest way is through color and texture. As the months grow cooler, the colors grow richer, with deep reds, dark denim, olive, rich marsala, cypress greens, and royal blues leading the way. These shades have a rich and rugged, manly feel that also works well in the city. Choose a bold color to wear and then add some texture in the form of a nice alpaca scarf or a chunky cable-knit sweater (because nothing is cozier than a chunky sweater).Note to self - chunky doesn't mean baggy.

Here’s my fall cheat sheet that will not only make you feel good, they’ll make you look good too.

And please stop being clueless and dress appropriately. Being befuddled is only cute for like two minutes, then it’s just annoying and makes everyone want to murder you!

HOME CRAZY - CRATE AND BARREL OPENS ITS LARGEST STORE IN THE PHILIPPINES

It’s here!

Specializing in furniture, housewares and home accessories, international retail chain Crate and Barrel finally opened its flagship store in Makati. Apart from other home brands, Crate and Barrel has always been a source of inspiration worldwide for the contemporary design enthusiasts like myself. 

Expanding its global footprint worldwide with its stores in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UAE, Turkey and Singapore, the brand has evolved into a Lovebrand. 

Blending inspirational designs with practical home solutions, Crate and Barrel offers the highest quality of products at an affordable price.

HOME

There are parties that go on all night, every night, all night. If that’s the way you want to live, you never need to see the sun. Or you can be asleep at 10 every night and be up at 6, and never see the night life.

And each one is cool and everyone just does their own thing here. Manila has a way of becoming a real home. It can be the most messed-up place in the world but trust me, it can also be the most amazing.

SNOOP HAPPY AND GETTING BACK ON TRACK

I finally got my energy back after mom’s funeral last March and launching two stores the past six  months. I also have been working on a few projects in-between while taking care of an eight-month old spoiled schnauzer.

Enough about work! Yes, call me nosy (Thanks to Instagram!), but whether it’s seeking imaginative solutions for updating our own home, checking out how the other half live, or just taking pleasure in a good old snoop, obsessing about other people’s house style is one of the great pastime of modern life.

Today, we have plenty of space to ogle, from the pages of ELLE Decoration to Veranda, Domino and House Beautiful. There’s a modern riverside apartment, which layers pattern and color on to a blank canvas, creating  the ultimate in urban glamour to bungalows that are in perfect pitch with the owners’ lifestyle.

My parents always tells me to be myself and the same holds true in your home – be honest about what you love because it is always important to be charmed and seduced by where you live. I definitely agree!

(My apartment always smells good – eucalyptus and Frangipani are two of my favorite scents.)

Previously, I used to use colors quiet forcefully, but now, as I’ve grown up, I realize that less is more.

QUICK WEEKEND HIKE TO TAI PING SHAN

Back with no agenda, it really is all about finding the calm in the chaos.

Despite the fact that the city is usually ridiculed like the Gobi when it comes to arts and culture, there are in fact places where you can breathe art and savour culture in the city.

Fast forward. I’m skipping Art Basel this year for Maison Objet and I promise to update Buddha regularly. Stay tuned and yes, Gong Xi Fa Cai!