FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo to everyone from Buddha Banana and no, I'm not in Tijuana - just south of the border haha



Little Christmas Tree
Promise you will be
Nobody else's little Christmas tree
I'll make you sparkle, just you wait and see
My little Christmas tree

BASIC MATTER 16: BESPOKE SHIRTS

I have never imagined myself working lazily on a Wednesday at a seaside café down south tucked in one corner enjoying the view of the pink sand of Sta. Cruz across playing footsies with myself as I write this – luxury has always been my greatest enemy.



Two weeks and 15 yards later, I finally got the dress shirts I had my tailor make from the sketches that I have been working on. A couple of plaid, gingham and tartan with contrasting club collars and plain ones in country club colors like walking down shaded streets in Nantucket. I’m happy with the results.

BASIC MATTER 15: THE SUEDE LOAFERS

Here’s what I got myself last week for Christmas. I always like the preppy classic suede loafers or what dad would call, the 'old man' shoes.


‘A man may wear his heart on his sleeve, but his shoes will tell you what condition it’s in´ from the book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers.

Probably I’m an old guy at heart but definitely not conservative and stodgy.

GIFT IDEAS FROM PAUL SMITH

Start you Christmas shopping with gift ideas from Paul Smith starting with Paul Smith Story for Men and London and Paris Directory.

Hurry,rush to Paul Smith at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City +632.729.9898//+63.920.916.8906 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City +632.636.0488//+63.920.952.6525 or email them at paulsmithmanila@triomarketingventures.com

BASIC MATTER 14: THE NEEDLE SHIRT

I always like to wear my shirts un-tucked with my basic shorts and sleeves rolled up twice.

(Photos from Steven Alan photographed by Hanuk)

Damien Nunes, Fashion Editor at GQ Magazine wears it best - Agree? Cool and stylish, but not like he takes himself way too seriously.

GREEN WITH IVY

Take Ivy
Photos by T. Hayashida

SEEING PAUL NEWMAN

The folks over J.Crew men did it again!

If you have been following my blog, you’d noticed I totally dig plaid shirts.



In the US, they’re usually reserved for fall but again, who cares? I live in the tropics.




I always get eaten up by a dose of Americana – think loafers, boat shoes (which looks great with everything) and a dash of dandy in brightly colored tube socks thanks to Paul Smith.



I also enjoy combining basic pieces like the classic chambray (there's that chambray shirt again), gingham, plaids, white , blue and pink cotton oxfords with my shorts that are cut slim and worn as they should be: just above the knee.

Accessories are also great like wearing a belt that's a shade lighter than your shoes — it's a move that makes you look like you aren't trying too hard, and it'll get you tons of compliments

9 DAYS TO CHRISTMASLAND

Living in the metro, where the weather is fairly humid most of the year and extremely chilly on December, I could wear almost anything.

I have to admit that it was easy to fall into the casualness of shorts, loafers and my basic oxfords. For many years, that was mostly what I wore, adding dark trousers, pullovers, gingham, plaids and crisp white dress shirts to work.

Being home for the holiday is always a good thing. Last year was my first time in 5 years.

(Perfect December : flannel shirts from Gitman vintage, oxford and pullovers from from apc, pea coat from Steven Alan, JS boarskin luggage tug and nano universe tote)

Back home, our family would dress more formally during Christmas dinner and my parents and aunts expect us to always dress nicely.

Mum would always tell us, way back in Negros (Bacolod) where she’ is from, people wore clothes that was not only appropriate to their activities but were also made from the fibers native and appropriate to the place.

I can’t wait to see my family again – counting the days till’ the afternoon of the 18th.

Now, what clothes to bring? I only have 18 kilos.

THE GIFT: SODASTEAM HOME SODA MAKER

First on the list, granted! I’m not a fan of any kitchen appliance but being a soda junkie that I am, SodaStream is definitely the ultimate kitchen appliance that everyone should have!

With SodaStream, you can transform water into soda in 30 seconds and makes up to 60 liters of soda (woohoo).

Guess what, it requires no electricity and no batteries, SodaStream is economical and earth-friendly, making it a highly energy efficient small appliance. By using Sodastream, you can cut the waste and travel emissions that come with every sparkling water and soda bottle or can. About 70% of soda and water bottles do not get recycled and most of the waste end up in landfills or in the ocean. The entire process is quick, easy and affordable while having minimal impact on the environment.

Go get one now! SodaStream home soda maker is available at all SM Snack exchange nationwide, Metro Gaisano Ayala (Cebu), specialty stores like Hobbes & Landes Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 5 and Powerplant Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Festival Mall, Sta. Lucia Department Store, Automatic Center Cubao, Gourdo’s Trinoma, Promenade Greenhills, The Fort, Alabang Town Center, Gourdo’s World Market Greenbelt 2 and at Living Well Homestore at the Podium and Mall of Asia.

THE MIDNIGHT LULLABY

Luis Lorenzana's
'The Midnight Lullaby'
by Cathy Paras-Lara

Silverlens Gallery proudly presents 'The Midnight Lullaby,' a solo exhibit at SLab's 20Square Gallery by Luis Lorenzana named after the largest exhibition piece included in the show that Lorenzana has completed in three years.

"This particular work is larger in scale, which means that I really needed the time to finish it. I turned down solo exhibit offers from galleries abroad in the process, explaining to them that I owe my beloved country this exhibit," says Lorenzana.

Seen largely as a preview to a grander solo show in September 2010, 'The Midnight Lullaby' combines the artist's technical application of the play between light and shadow, while staying true to his pop art, animation and surreal imagery influences.

"I'm fascinated with clowns - so deep, tragic, mysterious, and alone. So many different emotions can be expressed just by using a clown's face."

'The Midnight Lullaby' opens at 6 pm on Friday, December 11, 2009, and runs until January 09 at SLab's 20Square Gallery.

'The Midnight Lullaby' will be shown alongside Singapore International Photography Festival at Silverlens Gallery and Indivisibilis by Gary-Ross Pastrana at SLab.

For inquiries, contact Silverlens Gallery at 2/F YMC Bldg. II, 2320 Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati, 816-0044, 0917-5874011, or manage@silverlensphoto.com. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 10am–7pm and Saturdays 1-6pm. www.silverlensphoto.com / slab.silverlensphoto.com.

+ DRINK MORE MILK

Me and my friend decided to drop by the emporium of super cupcakes, awesome goodies and not so serious art in Petaling Jaya during our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur.

It was love at first sight. Quirky, unconventional and almost whimsical, +Wondermilk cupcakes definitely entails a combination of design and pastry arts.



(In +Wondermilk, everything is D.I.Y happy! Let's blow bubbles together!)

They also have boxes and pails filled with stationery designed by their in-house graphic artist, lomo cameras and shirts by badger – I even ended up buying a vintage looking Paris side table clock for MYR 68.00 and a shirt for MYR 45.00.


(hide me from the cupcake monster)

Visit +Wondermilk at 39 & 41 Jalan ss 21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400Petaling jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Store hours: 9am to 10pm daily

CARDIAC ORANGE

Ok, I think my heart just skipped a beat.

This unbelievably beautiful Leica M7 Film Camera Hermes edition is a perfect stocking stuffer. It also comes in silver chrome with calfskin leather accents in two colors, orange and the mysteriously named “etoupe”.

And yes, it’s coming out this month - ME LIKEY!

DANDY MINUS THE BOW-TIE

I may not be dandy but there are a couple of items that just scream dandy in me minus the bow-tie.

A few pairs of bright and bold colored socks , they brighten-up my day. I love wearing loud socks with a more traditional suit and dark jeans – think Paul Smith, Ted Baker and my favorite pair of unbranded red socks. Sometimes socks make the man.


(Gentlemen Of Bacongo: The Dandies Of Sub-Saharan Africa. Photos from Daniele Tamagni)

When dreaming, I always make sure to check Kwannam Chu’s blog – we could grow up together. His photography and the beauty he captures in his photos is pure love.

I have also collected a couple of journals. Yes, you guys all know I own four – thank god for Moleskine! It’s a great venue to scribble and doodle, take notes and collect thoughts.

On lazy weekends, I make sure to visit Sonja’s for coffee and cupcakes (I particularly love Vanilla Sunshine), Apartment 1B in Salcedo right after the Saturday market and +Canteen for Eggs Benedict in Legaspi Village. I have always been a supporter of local businesses and love creating relationships with the people around the area. I have also gotten to know the owners and it makes going out to eat so much more of an enjoyable experience rather than just eating a meal.

I miss my pink trousers! Now, what to do during the holidays?

THAT VERY NIGHT A FOREST GREW

The 1963 classic, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, winner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal as the "Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year was an integral part of my childhood.

(Max wore his wolf suit and made mischief of one kind and another and his mother called him "Wild Thing!" and he said "I'll eat you up!" and he was sent to bed without eating anything....that very night in Max's room a forest grew)

Flipping through pages of my first copy mom and dad got me when I was three had this really vivid imagery that seeped into my subconscious at an early age and has stayed close to my heart all these years. It was the best illustration book I have ever seen, better than the classics (think Peter Pan, Little red riding hood, etc.)

I wanted to take a wild leap back into my childhood but I couldn’t seem to locate my first copy so I decided to get a new one at fully booked over the weekend.

SEVEN FOR CHRISTMAS

Every year I compile one long Christmas gift wish list and end up having only half of the items on my list under my own Christmas tree.

This year, I only managed to pick out a handful. I can’t seem to think of anything to get myself. Is Christmas getting more boring each year?

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
1.Mismo heavy duty, plain-woven canvas and detailing in full grain and
vegetable tanned leather Canvas.

2.Tan Miller Washed Brogue by Paul Smith
3.Call me boring but yes, more flannel, plaids and madras
4.Opening Ceremony desert suede boots in black
5.Magazine subscriptions ( Monocle and Wallpaper)
6.New Moleskine
7.And a box of cupcakes from +wondermilk haha someone has got to courier me a box from Kuala Lumpur

BOAT RIDES AND ESPADRILLES IN LITTLE SPAIN

Sometimes you don’t really need a passport or a visa to get to one of the most secluded places on earth.

I grew up down south, and to me , el pueblo de Zamboanga was more like Seville in Espana than crazy Tokyo – as far away, secluded, and steeped in nature as any place could possibly be.

There is beauty and calmness in the pueblo that the metropolis has long forgotten, and I adore that.

Why Zamboanga? The hours are definitely longer down south – a dreamy golden hour quality. In that light, you end up having coffee with an older relative and in my case, it’s definitely my mom or my favorite aunt Nela and telling them all my secrets.

It may be a little farther away from everywhere else but the smell down south is what I always think of – a combination of freshly grown grass, the mountains, the sea and of course an 80 percent chance of running into someone you know when you step out of your car.

My favorite food? No surprise : crabs, prawns and curacha, a very popular deep-sea crustacean found only in the waters of Zamboanga, where spectacular seafood abound. I wont eat it anywhere else but in Zamboanga. We buy them right off the boats and have crab bake with mussels, oysters, sausages and tuna belly thrown into a fire pit against the rock. Oh how I miss the luxury down south.

(Don’t forget to bring out your floppy sun hats and espadrilles. See you all next month! Photo from The Sartorialist)

PAUL SMITH FOR EVIAN

In Paul Smith’s own words, ‘It is a nice glass bottle with colourful stripes around the top, printed with organic ink!’

Limited Edition Paul Smith Evian bottles will be available in stores tomorrow, November 18, 2009.

visit Paul Smith Manila at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City +632.729.9898//+63.920.916.8906 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City +632.636.0488//+63.920.952.6525 or email them at paulsmithmanila@triomarketingventures.com

BASIC MATTER 14: PAPER BAGS

Japanese brand “siwa” has recently collaborated with Japanese industrial designer Naoto Fukasawa to create a range of products using Naoron.


(Soft yet strong and highly water-resistant, Naoron is a totally new kind of paper that doesn’t really tear easily and can load up to 10kg.)

ZERO HANDCARRY AND A BROKEN LUGGAGE

Selamat petang! As a frequent traveler, I know how difficult it is to pack. Mum would obsessively do all the packing for us when we were younger, neatly rolling and folding our shirts, trousers, etc just to make it all fit in one luggage.

(Downtown Kuala Lumpur's Petaling St. is a bustling night market serving as a bargain hunter's paradise and one of the premier shopping areas in the city)

My experience during my last trip to Indonesia from Singapore was horrible, carrying 2 huge luggages from terminal 1 to 3 at Changi was a nightmare and learning that most of the airlines right now are charging as much as $25.00 or Php 1,175.00 per check-in is another big thing and it makes packing light more sense than ever.

Thank god my 6 year old Samsonite luggage finally gave up on me during my big move last week. Anyway, I won't be able to pack as much into a bag that is heavy to begin with.

One should always get a lighter luggage – I actually got mine in leather that I really like last Christmas at +AC 632 (Thank you Ricky and Chito!). It’s always important to travel in style haha.

(Style Guide : Perfect downtown wear in the tropics. Amir Toos of NYC in White pique shirt and seersucker shorts. Photo from The Sartorialist)

WHAT TO BRING:
1.5 to 6 pairs of shorts
2.A pair of dark blue jeans
3.My favorite loafers and tussled moccasins I got from Dad
4.Crisp white oxford shirt
5.Lightweight pullover
6.My trusted iXus
7.Moleskine
8.Ray-ban aviators I got from Dad
9.And my Fred Perry Canvas tote

Always choose the right Clothes depending on the weather and since I’m traveling to another tropical country near the equator, gather all the lightweight clothes you can possibly wear.

COTTON SHEETS AND SEPARATATION ANXIETY

I just moved in my new pad yesterday. Done un-boxing 3 out of the 6 boxes, exhausted, lying in my bed on a new clean 500-thread count khaki Egyptian cotton sheet and white duvet.

Listening to Toro Y Moi, windows open, the sound of the elevator, a bottle of cold beer on my makeshift nightstand along with a framed watercolor painting I did 6 years ago.

(Photos from chillhiro and Toro y Moi)

I haven’t shopped in months, I haven’t blogged in weeks, I have a lot running through my head, I need a breather.

Counting the days till my first official 5 day leave from work.

10,9,8…..

PAUL SMITH EARLY CHRISTMAS CHEERS

30% OFF on all items except stripes, swirls, minicooper and novelty items.

Visit Paul Smith Manila at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City +632.729.9898//+63.920.916.8906 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City +632.636.0488//+63.920.952.6525 or email them at paulsmithmanila@triomarketingventures.com

FABRIC SHOPPING

(photos from Burkman Bros)

Yesterday was a good fabric buying day for me and my mom! We never leave Fanbi or any fabric shop empty handed. Yesterday was no exception, two and a half yards of purple,red, yellow and green plaid, red tartan fabric all in pure Japanese cotton and mom ended up buying little snippets of polka dots and paisley.




Obviously mom paid for everything – I’ll definitely be buying more next weekend.



Above is a preview of what I was designing last night.

MOVING ACROSS HIGHWAY 54

How many more boxes?

The past four weeks after tropical storm Ketsana has been very transitional for me. I am finally moving in to my new space on the 1st of next month and yes, I still have four huge boxes full of crap to complete the job.



Some design inspirations from Apartment Therapy

My new space is absolutely amazing though bare and not as posh as my old location but trust me, I feel like I will be moving into a beachfront hotel in Siam after living in a space I did not at all love for five years.

I still have not found the right furniture for my space (beddings, curtains, a side table, a closet and a floor lamp) – Buddha needs help!

CLICKING NOSTALGIA

I have always been a sucker for really old photos and Polaroid despite the advent of digital photography. I make a point of saving them, the pleasure of snapping a few shots from a Polaroid, watching it spit the film out and smelling that addicting scent – yes, it makes me smile every time I smell it, and so does the wedding photos below which reminds me, I'm attending one next month.



Who cares if you have to impatiently shake the film for five minutes – Ta-dah! Instant nostalgia - framed and faded, a picture that already looked decades old.



Photos from Once Wed

DAILY MOLESKINERIE

I always like to take my own sweet time, working on an idea until I believe is done. I sometimes don't know where I will be without my Moleskine for jotting down observations and doodles. It is the analogue tool I couldn’t live without!


(A page from my Moleskine)