LIKE BRUCE WAYNE AND THE NEW COOL KID ON THE BLOCK

Because nobody out there does cool better than these guys

What makes a store great? Sure, it has got to be a handsome space packed with cool stuff. But that’s just the beginning.

And no, this isn’t in Sheung Wan nor Aberdeen Street.

The great ones have a unique point of view, a story to tell. When you walk in, it’s more like stepping onto a set of a perfectly art-directed movie.

Regiment, a brick and mortar clothing store rooted in history, heritage and the spirit of vintage Americana have all of your five senses checked - what music is on, what the sales staff are wearing and how the store smell (leather? sandalwood?).

To be clear, I am an everlasting devotee of men's stores that can painlessly solve my wardrobe problems: get you the paisley and red dress socks you need and get you out. Thank god for those places but Regiment is not that store. Regiment makes you rethink the way you dress entirely as to sell you some sweet vintage Momotaro jeans from Japan or a canvas briefcase from Filson . Just be forewarned: You're going to want to give yourself a clear budget before you even step INTO the store’s unassuming black door.

Not a cathedral but definitely a chapel of style—a place where the denim is just as holy as the Baracuta jacket, where service is sacred and the community is practiced and built. Honestly, gentlemen's stores like this were supposed to be extinct, but the guys behind Regiment (and SIGNET) resurrected the format and—just as crucially—updated it for us modern blokes.

Kelly See, Eddie Lim, Jason Qua and Tom Sing, the team of men behind Regiment (and SIGNET) have built a  whole culture of well-tailored cool in Manila (where there was none before), and if anyone can start a style movement in this part of the world, these are your guys.

And trust me, one trip here can change the way you dress for good. 

THE FUTUR IS HERE

Like Amir, I got pickpocketed and have fallen victim to skimming a few years back in Hong Kong. In the summer of 2014 while working in New York City, Amir had his credit card information stolen. Hundreds of dollars of fraudulent purchases were made using his personal information. After consulting his bank, they had informed him that credit cards were being skimmed all over the city using simple RFID technology and that he may have fallen victim to skimming.

Fast forward to 2016, Amir and his sister, Hanieh Sigari, meticulously designed and created FUTUR, the world’s first innovative & high-quality RFID blocking wallet, preventing scammers from stealing your information.

Sexy, safe, and built to last, the wallets come in wood, carbon fiber and aluminum.

"We were tired of minimalistic wallets that made it impossible to access cards and cash easily. We have obsessed over every single detail. This isn't just another wallet, it's the best wallet crafted for beauty and complete functionality,” added Hanieh & Amir Sigari.

You can choose from either cash strap or money clip for those who wish for some more carrying space, Cash Strap is like no other. With a built-in pocket, now you can carry extra gear without compromising the slick aesthetics of your Futur wallet

Every component of the Futur Wallet was meticulously designed. From the chamfered edges to the hidden screws, this wallet excels in clean design like no other. It wasn't an easy task, but through advanced manufacturing and assembling techniques, the aluminum and carbon fiber versions feature a seamless design that hides all hardware components out of sight.

For the wooden version, it is CNC machined from a block of pure black walnut or carbonized bamboo and are then hand sanded and varnished to bring out the natural beauty in the grains. The wood is supported by a metal core, a pivotal design feature which not only make the wallets stronger, but also added RFID protection. Also, the screws used to bind the wood body to the metal core is a custom made t3 Torx head screw with "CD" grains.

They say the devil is in the detail and trust me, they spared no expense perfecting these details. 

BECAUSE HOW YOU DECORATE YOUR HOME REALLY HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THE WAY YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE



Alessandro Squarzi, the Milan-based fashion entrepreneur and street-style regular shows restraint done right

Like fashion, your approach to how you decorate your home is an expression of one’s self, with the furniture and objects you chose directly reflecting your own experience, or a pursuit of a showplace, stocked with attractive yet impersonal objects. It’s definitely not the latter for me.

Frank Muytjens, Menswear Director of J. Crew in his dreamy upstate New York Cottage

I believe there’s a karma associated with decorating and that the people who pursue the first option are ultimately happier. Trust me, in some sense, the way you relate your love seat or a coffee table is, like it or not, the way you relate to the people in your life – because you are either being authentic or you are not.

Fashion regular, Nick Wooster and his tasteful and masculine West Village apartment

How you decorate your home really has everything to do with the way you live your life. When it comes to your own home, do not be afraid to keep it personal and less trendy, just because.

No pretense, definitely real – who knows, it might even make you a happier person.

COBBA | THE WORLD’S FIRST NON-STOP SHORTS FEATURING APTGRIP

Stylish Rannulu de Zoysa, the man behind Cobba

It is not always easy to find the perfect pair of shorts for stylish urban guys. Trust me, it is impossible! (Unless you aren’t too picky with the kind of fabric and how they fit you, then hop to your nerest trusted department store.)

For someone who wear  trousers whole week,  the perfect pair of shorts is always a good breather. Guess what, Sydney-based designers Cobba have changed the game with the launch of their brand new shorts range.

Designed in Australia, Cobba was created to cater to the lifestyles of busy “urban warriors”,who may be at CrossFit one moment and cocktails, the next. Thanks to some revolutionary high-tech features, Cobba enables wearers to go all day without an outfit change, no matter where the wind takes them. Best of all, they look good enough to get past even the pickiest bouncers. 

“Cobba shorts have a one-of-a-kind ‘AptGrip’ waistband designed to prevent plumbers crack, which is the result of 2 years research and development. They also feature silver infused fabric, which is proven to fight the bacteria that causes clothes to smell, and keep the shorts fresh for up to 3 weeks, no washing required,” explains Lulu and Rannulu De Zoysa, Cobba’s Creators (who previously designed for SABA). Plus, the shorts stain and liquid resistant, quick dry, have clever concealed pockets, and 360 degree stretch – all features that are essential for urban warriors!”

Of course, this is not to overlook Cobba’s classic tailoring and contemporary colour palette – both of which make the shorts ideal for the most fashion-conscious wearers. With his extensive menswear experience, De Zoysa has also ensured the shorts are available in two lengths the mid length and the knee grazer. While this is first product launched by Cobba, it won’t be the last. “We plan to continue expanding our range. It’s all about creating designs that fit with the urban lifestyle,” says De Zoysa. “Our philosophy is very Aussie – even the name ‘Cobba’ is Australian slang for ‘mate’.

Cobba will go live with a Kickstarter Campaign for its one-of-a-kind “AptGrip” shorts today, the 21st of November, 2016. Click HERE to know ore about the campaign.

Now, who’s excited? Because, I am!

RUGS, JARDIN MAJORELLE, THE BIG 3-5, IN SEARCH OF THE BIG 5

I always travel solo for business or for quick weekend trips somewhere near like Hong Kong, Bali and Singapore, but again, that doesn’t really count.

For my big 3-5, I have finally decided to get out of my comfort zone and celebrate my birthday 22 hours and two stopovers away from everyone else.

It may sound sad and lonely for most but I think it’s about time I treat myself to something great and really get away from all the craziness, that is – work and the city I live in.

The past few days, I have been going through my old issues of Monocle, Travel + Leisure and AFAR on Marrakech, Tangier and Cape Town, to get my excitement started and really get my groove on. Embarrassingly, I have already been stressing myself out on what to wear and what to take with me (hahaha slap me now!). 

I know it is still a year from now but I would really rather prepare in advance than cram a few months before my trip. To be honest, I have actually bookmarked a couple of sites to review this weekend for my itinerary.

Nothing touristy, I have always like to stay off the beaten path, exploring local neighborhoods that doesn’t scream, “hey, I’m a tourist, come take my money!” and spending a few days doing my own thing, sipping a mojito or a few glasses of shiraz, in a country where no one knows me.

I love traveling with friends and family and having experiences that we all will look back on and remember, but not this time. Not this trip. Definitely not jaded, as we grow older, I have learned to accept that liking solitude doesn't make us, strange. Solitude gives us the space to hear our own thoughts, which can feel like a rarity in our busy, appointment-laden lives. 

Excited to recharge and truly embrace myself. It’s about time I smile again and be really happy. Who knows, I might find it miles away from home.

This should be fun!

WHAT TO WATCH OUT: WONDEROUS, THE WORLD'S FIRST LIFETIME SIZE AND QUALITY GUARANTEED CHINO PANTS WITH ODOR, LIQUID AND STAIN RESISTANT TECHNOLOGY

I have always been picky with trousers. Most retailers don’t seem to get the details right, or probably, I just don’t have the right body for one. Thank god, I found a tailor who got my pattern right and yes, they fit me like a glove!

Apart from getting all the right details, making average guys like me appear less schlumpy, it has also upped my game, making me feel like Alessandro Squarzi with an added doze of sprezzatura.

Fast forward, and more good news later, Wonderous will go live next month, with a Kickstarter campaign for its Forever O.G. Pants. The company has invented the world’s first odor, liquid and stain resistant chino pants backed by a lifetime size and quality guarantee, perfect for us men who are always on the go.

“Our inspiration for The Forever O.G. Pants was simple. We saw how cheap pants don’t last and how expensive pants don’t fit for long.” asserted, Jeff Chang, Founder, Wonderous. “With our lifetime size exchange program you never have to worry about size again. Just exchange out your pair for a pair that fits. With transparent pricing, silver threading, Odor, Liquid and Stain Resistant fabric and a lifetime quality guarantee we intend to redefine what quality means.”

Wonderous prides itself on being manufactured in New York, with buttons from San Francisco, and custom fabric from Los Angeles. For decades, the company feels that fashion giants have trained consumers to accept inferior products, they plan to change all that by providing superior quality fit, at an affordable price.

Backed by 2 years of R&D and 12 rounds of prototypes, each pair of The Forever O.G. Pants outperforms all existing clothing standards by featuring; silver infused extremely flexible fabric, premium embroidery, a heavy duty YKK zipper, ultra strong 3-ply 4 way stretch twill, Italian gingham lining, tucked belt loops, extra strong inseam, a reinforced double crotch, and is made from odor, liquid and stain resistant fabric boasting state of the art liquid repellant nanotechnology. The pants come in a Classic Fit or Tailor Slim Fit and the company expects to ship in time for Christmas 2016.

What sets them apart from most retailers?

The Lifetime Size Exchange Program – A program where we exchange out your pair of Forever O.G. pants for the correct size you need, anytime, free of charge!

The Lifetime Guarantee – The Forever O.G. pants have a full warranty. Covers everything. No hassle. For Life.

The Odor, Liquid & Stain Repellent Fabric – Silver threads infused with nanotech make the pants protected from any external bacteria or liquid.

The Quality Design – The build is so strong that you can workout, run, or even squat in these pants and they won’t tear.

The company’s goals is to raise $20,000 for its first production run.

Think of it as the best slim-cut trousers that feels just as great as your tailored pair. With the Forever O.G. Pants by Wonderous, there’s no reason you should be wearing trousers that’s floppy and baggy, especially in the thigh area. Tighten it up! Uncool.

Now, who's excited? Because, I am!

Wonderous will go live with a Kickstarter Campaign for its Forever O.G Pants on Thursday, the 1st of September, 2016. Click HERE to know ore about the campaign.

ON THE SPOTLIGHT : WILLIAM MCLURE

I tend to appreciate anyone who display a strong sense of personal style and is emphatic with rules. Like designer William McLure, a  Birmingham, Alabama native, his eclectic, masculine spaces are masterfully designed.

Like myself, he is a big fan of blue and crisp white – he never tries too hard and is all about classic sophistication. He was never trendy, like in fashion, he knows what works for one won’t work for another.

Everything he beautifully creates, happens behind closed doors.

Ever since coming across him on Instagram, I always look forward to seeing his posts and see his career progress.

Like fashion, I believe you need to be yourself and be consistent with how you fix and decorate your space. There is really nothing worse than playing a part that you don’t identify with.

BIG BAG BOAT AND TOTE – DON’T CARE!

Friends and colleagues know  that my aesthetic has always been preppy.

A hallmark of any true prep, the L.L. Bean boat and tote has proven its versatility from city streets to points beyond. Trust me, I’ve had a couple for years and they’re still in good form.

BTW, I finally got myself a new one a few days ago and I couldn’t be happier!

If Chris Martin, Japanese men and East Coast preps carry one, it’s certainly good enough for me! 

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.