VOYAGER, ODYSSEY AND A COUPLE OF CIN CIN’S

My lack of posting is due to my lack of full brain function thanks to all the client and brand reports I have been busy working on. I swear, I can even hardly combine my sentences.  I have been swamped with work lately and my recent house move didn’t help at all – blame it on my freaking slipped disc.

Still looking like a zombie and a raccoon, I see myself distracted and frantic for the next few days until my parents arrive from the south and hoping I will be able to think in a straight line again and enjoy a glass or two of Cabernet Sauvignon or better, whiskey on the rocks. Make it 5 glasses, please!

(The Voyager at night)

Just recently, John Walker & Sons Voyager arrived in Manila after docking in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei. The luxury yacht gathered Manila’s crème de la crème to experience the pinnacle of luxury craftsmanship, heritage and modern innovation, and launch the new rare triple malt, John Walker & Sons Odyssey.

(Ingrid Chua Go and Paul Whelan)

(Jules Knight, Oliver Baines, Stephen Bowman, Humphrey Berney and Dominic Tighe of Blake)

(Celine Lopez and Chut Cuerva)

(Secil and Arif Esenc)

(Amelia Ablaza, Florence Ko, Sandie Castro-Poblador)

A literal reproduction of an epic journey, the Voyager will sail through Asia Pacific and 9 key ports of call including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and India.

(Indy Villanon, Janthina Fong, Kenji Ong Lao, Alfonso Tagliaferri, Veronica Mendez and Myself)

(Wig Tysmans, Liza Ilarde-Cuenca and Elbert Cuenca)

(Dennis and Tessa Prieto Valdes)

What still amazes me, an exquisitely crafted, crystal-grade glass decanter has been created to house John Walker & Sons Odyssey. This stunning work of art is a reflection of the nautical heritage and success of the Walker business that perfectly captures the motion and romance of the sea. When gently pushed, the bottle swings elegantly to and fro and as the case is turned, rotates fluidly 360 degrees. When at rest, it will always point up, paying homage to the steadfast and progressive direction shown by Sir Alexander Walker himself.

Tipsy? Not really!

Cin cin!

WHISKEY MONDAY ON BOARD VOYAGER

It’s impossible to capture just how lovely the weather was last Monday on board Voyager.



And with  Manila’s skyline framing the horizon,  it was a perfect treat from last week’s stress and downpour (blame it on Typhoon Son-tinh). I mean, on and off the yacht for almost 13 hours, I really didn’t mind the humidity ( getting an afternoon tan was an added treat though).

(A literal reproduction of an epic journey, John Walker & Sons Voyager  will journey through Asia Pacific, docking at eight key ports of call, capturing the essence of a true odyssey.)

I should have worn my new pair of Sebagos but again, it wouldn't look right with my bespoke navy suit.


(And it's down! The countdown begins!)

Fast Forward 

10:00 PM: John Walker & Sons Odyssey finally launched, a unique triple malt inspired by the golden era of sea travel.

1:05 AM: Still sober after a few glasses of whiskey – a big high five to everyone for a successful and well attended evening.

BASIC MATTER 21: THE PERFECT BAG

I feel naked if I leave the house without a bag. I am always on the move and it is important that I have my bag with me to hold my gear – a bag huge enough to fit anything and everything like my laptop, camera, moleskine, magazines, books and even a spare shirt in case I accidentally stain myself with coffee again.

Fossil 'Wagner Duffle Brown' Men's Holdall Bag and J-Fold 'Cargo' Brown Mens Messenger Bag

'Voyager' Brown Leather Mens Holdall Bag and Diesel 'Stronger' Men's Weekend Bag (all bags from Equip)

Bags are always a fantastic addition to any man’s closet. Being in a creative environment, I am lucky to have more leeway with regards to the originality of my bag (no boring suitcases for me, thank you). I have tons and I’m starting to get really bored. I like my bags unfussy as possible. No obvious logos or funky monograms, just something that is refined enough to wear to work or out of town.

Growing up, mum would always tell me that I should have at least a canvas tote for weekend errands, a good looking carryall for work and a sturdy weekender for traveling.