halfwhiteboy

LOOKBOOK | Ninong duties: The ultimate sign of aging?

2025-12-22T17:17:00.000+08:00

I know I'm old and I don't deny it. And why should I? It's inevitable. From fine wrinkles to sagging skin and thinning hair, the signs of aging are aplenty. But one such sign I never expected to face is being asked to be a ninong (or principal sponsor) at a wedding. I was, like, are you for real? But my former colleague had already anticipated that reaction, so she prepared an impassioned and lengthy message why. I was touched.

That was back in April. Fast-forward to December and here I am clad in, as provided for in the invite, a black suit, white shirt, and midnight blue tie. I never bothered about the outfit since I have all three in my arsenal. However, as the wedding neared, I had this belated realization that the black suit that I own is a business suit. Just like my now inaanak (the bride), the maarte (fussy) in me thought it just wasn't right for a wedding, so I made a last-minute, off-the-rack purchase. I know the fit isn't ideal but I can live with it; nothing that a projection of confidence can't fix.

I wore the wrong wristwatch, though. It was too thick for my French cuffs, so it kept sliding out. In hindsight, maybe I should've just worn a bracelet. Oh well.

Once again, congratulations and best wishes to Gab and Kate! Have a wonderful married life together.

LOOKBOOK | One day in autumn in autumn colors

2025-12-07T21:03:00.003+08:00

Against the facade of Basilika Birnau in Germany

The sky was overcast and the day was occasionally marked by either mist or a drizzle; not an ideal time for a day tour zipping in and out of four countries. But since we would be spending most of the day in a car anyway, it didn't matter that much.

Needless to say, it was cold but layering is your friend. Since I wanted an outfit that ran against all the gloom, I started the day in color: thermal undershirt in some shade of blue, a long-sleeved shirt in a blue and mustard checkered pattern, and brown pants. They were practically the colors of autumn and I fit perfectly against the fall foliage.

But who am I kidding? No way a tropical boy like me could last the day just like that, so I had a navy wool trench coat in hand, along with a pair of gloves and a scarf. And so we went through our day in and out of Switzerland, the outskirts of Germany and Austria, and Liechtenstein.

Rhine Falls sans all the color (Schaffhausen, Switzerland)

Blending in (Basilika Birnau, Germany)

Gotta love these benches (Meersburg, Germany)

Emo moments (Meersburg, Germany)

Benches here just hit differently (Meersburg, Germany)

I love how the beige tiles act as a reflector for more balanced lighting in your photos (Vaduzer Städtle, Liechtenstein)

Somewhere along the freeway on our way back to Zurich, Switzerland.

I do miss these cold weather outfits, though, and of course, the cold weather itself.

LOOKBOOK | Village hiker or poser?

2025-11-30T22:39:00.000+08:00

Surreal view from right next to the Wengen train station.

Okay, so I asked ChatGPT what to wear on a daytrip from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen in November and what you see in these photos was practically what he told me to wear. Of course thermal inner clothing and layers were a given but since Novembers there are normally cold with a high chance of rain, a waterproof or water-repellant jacket was necessary; the same goes for pants. Footwear should likewise be waterproof to keep your feet dry from puddles and sloshy trails, preferably mid-height for better ankle support, with good enough traction, and as also suggested by a friend, insulated, because it can get really cold there.

I complied. I had everything down pat from the thermal undershirt and pants, the layers, the winter-ready jacket, fleece-lined trekking pants, down to the suggested mid-height, insulated, waterproof hiking shoes. And yes, it cost us a bit because I tend to be fussy about these things. Besides, I wanted to look good, too.

Once we got there, however, I thought I may have overdone it. For one, it didn't rain. It was a bit cold, yes, especially towards late afternoon, but the weather was fine. Even if it did rain, though, I don't think I'd be contending with puddles and sloshy trails because the roads were all concrete. I was literally trekking in a village, albeit a really picturesque one at that. Wait, no, it wasn't even a trek but a leisurely stroll. I guess it was all for the gram?

I guess this is the trail?

Really lovely place, Lauterbrunnen.

So much for my hiking gear.

Alright, I know my hiking getup would have probably been put to better use if I actually went forward to actual hiking trails. But no, I'm fine with the pavement.

FRAGRANCE | Oud Zarian EDP by Creed: Phenomenally complex yet approachable enough for every guy

2025-11-28T17:56:00.002+08:00

Creed Oud Zarian has been on my radar since it was announced a couple of months ago, and it’s frustrating to still not see it on our third-world shelves (although I don’t know if it’s still not available locally as of writing). So when I had the chance, I sought it out at the Dubai airport (but only after feasting my nose on Amouage fragrances and taking home Opus XVI Timber). Yes, it's priced a lot higher than Creed's other offerings but the moment I smelled the mist coming out of that dark, reddish purple bottle, I was hooked.

Real oud or not, Oud Zarian is very rounded, warm, and elegant. Unlike Amouage Opus XV King Blue and many other oud-centric frags, Creed's latest release is devoid of any animalic funk. Not that I dislike King Blue and funky oud in general but I can't help but admire how the perfumer approached this assignment and presented a cleaned-up oud without stripping it of its character. Compared to Maison Francis Kurkdjian's Oud Mood Collection, which all smell much cleaner, lighter, and uber-polished, presumably to cater more to Western tastes, Oud Zarian feels a lot warmer, denser, and bolder with its use of spices and sweet resins, something I surmise is more attuned to Middle Eastern preferences.

The opening has a pervading sweet and spicy warmth, lightly contrasted by a bitter ginger and citrus zing. I think I got carried away the first time because I noticed the ginger and citrus only upon closer inspection and after a couple of wears. I guess both notes weren't really powerful to begin with and weren't intended to last long either. However short their stay, they continue to project their combined essence for a few more minutes.

Moments later, a cold incense enters the picture, piercing through the warmth and density with its near-camphoraceous tone. While also not as strong, it manages to prolong the contrasting lightness even for just a few more minutes before the scent completely takes on a darker and heavier tone, which starts once the licorice kicks in. As the citrus and ginger fade, the licorice works its sweet and somewhat burnt flavor into the mix. And if you pay close attention, you might notice how splendid its momentary interaction with the cold incense is before the latter completely dissipates.

With the lighter elements of the opening gone, the increasing weight of the scent becomes more apparent. The resulting blend of spices, sweet resins, and licorice is nothing short of phenomenal, accentuating the oud's woody properties exquisitely. Just like in the fantastic Parfums de Nicolaï Cuir Cuba Intense, the addition of licorice simply works wonders in Oud Zarian. It just gives the scent a distinctly different flavor that works in perfect harmony with all other elements in the composition. Once everything settles, the scent takes on a linear direction that continues to enthrall with its nuclear projection and impressive lasting power.

Despite its Middle Eastern-leaning palate, I think Oud Zarian is a terrific introduction to oud, for men in particular. The spices are perfectly rounded and there's no animalic pungency to scare any novice or casual fragrance wearer away, having rid the scent of all perceived nastiness (that are perhaps pure bliss to hardcore fragrance aficionados) yet carefully preserving the oud's character to facilitate that introduction. Think how Wren Atelier Manila Oud made this prized ingredient more approachable while giving it a Filipino spin, only Creed went further East into the Arabian Peninsula with its treatment. Nevertheless, wherever you are in your fragrance journey, Creed Oud Zarian is something I highly recommend trying.

LOOKBOOK | Low-key Joker

2025-11-24T12:36:00.001+08:00

Had a taste of cold autumn weather from a recent short vacay. Already, I'm badly missing the way the chilly November breeze brushes my face and of course, the layered outfits that I can never wear here at home.

For this afternoon stroll around Old Town and the surrounding areas along the Limmat River in Zurich, I sported a purple coat over a pullover and dark jeans, accented by a blue plaid scarf for good measure. And since it would be a lot of walking, what better footwear to use than a pair of Swiss-engineered On sneakers! Simple, comfy, and kept me sufficiently warm till nightfall.

The pop of color from both the purple coat and plaid scarf somehow elevates what would have otherwise been another drab autumn look without necessarily screaming for attention. Not that wearing anything colorful is a bad thing—I'm all for it, by the way—but if you want to still keep things down somehow, then these darker shades are just about perfect.

However, I can't help but think of The Joker because of the purple. A low-key version maybe?

LOOKBOOK | Sauntering around town in an oversized trench

2025-11-21T17:24:00.000+08:00

It’s that time of year again when mercury levels start dropping and when people tend to wear clothing in layers—just not here in the Philippines. Nevertheless, some folks are fortunate enough to experience autumn elsewhere. This is me recalling that feeling from two years ago in Tokyo.

I’ve always wanted to wear trench coats, so this was one of those chances where I could. While most folks tend to go for dark and neutral hues, perhaps because they pair nicely with just about anything, I seized the chance to go for some color, hence this dark cornflower blue (or dark teal blue) number. It’s enough to stand out from the crowd but not to the point of sticking out like a sore thumb. I also went with an oversized over a slim silhouette just because.

Underneath the coat, which can be an inconvenience when indoors or when it gets a little warm, is a pullover with uni-style patches. It’s stylish enough without the coat but won’t clash with it either. My jeans are also baggy for a relaxed vibe and one that I can wear again with different pieces because I needed to manage our luggage for this trip.

What’s ironic, though, is why I went with leather shoes when I would be walking a lot. Worse, these bulky, square-toe leather shoes are really heavy. Crazy, right? Aesthetics over comfort? Maybe. Let’s just say that I took inspiration from those fitness buffs who would wear added weights while running. Ergo, it’s for fitness purposes.

Anyway, till the next chance I can wear this trench coat.

FRAGRANCE | Opus XVI Timber by Amouage: A more mainstream offering from the Omani house

2025-11-19T12:30:00.002+08:00

What’s there to do with a nine-hour layover in Dubai? Check out fragrances at the duty free shop of course! And since I’m deprived of the chance of trying out Amouage’s newer releases back home (Art of Scent hasn’t updated their Amouage catalog in years), my wife and I headed straight to where they kept bottles from this Omani house. After sniffing to our hearts’ content, I took with me Opus XVI Timber, the latest addition to The Library Collection.

As if it weren’t obvious from the name, furthered only by the earthy brown hues of its bottle and packaging, Opus XVI Timber promises a woody scent profile—and it delivers! There’s also an equally prominent incense that gives the composition added character and that I think helps steer the scent a little more into a masculine direction. While both accords are already perceptible from the start, the opening showcases a peppery freshness marked by pine, some spices, and an almost camphorous sliver cutting through. I’m usually wary of pepper because it tends to be too sharp in some fragrances but thankfully in this case, it hits the sweet spot with just the right dose. There’s also a particular bitterness to the scent and a dryness that’s quite pronounced.

After several minutes, however, a mild sweetness slowly creeps up, along with a hint of lavender. The lavender is easy to miss in the air but is fairly recognizable when sniffed up close. For me, it adds yet another layer of freshness, however subtle. The ensuing sweetness, on the other hand, lends the composition some semblance of moisture even if paradoxically, its profile remains generally dry. Also, the scent never really turns sweet, so you can still smell the bitterness underneath the pile of chopped wood and spruce, all while a beautiful, smoky incense swirls around.

From its initial fresh phase, Timber later transitions to something within the realm of warm and earthy, albeit not too much. I mean, it’s not warm enough like Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum, nor is it as earthy as, say, the opening of Tom Ford Patchouli Absolu but it is warm and earthy nonetheless. Slowly and steadily, whatever little sweetness this creation has has now coated the incense-smoked wood with all the warmth it could possibly afford. It’s beautiful, calming even, perhaps also because its projection is never monstrous. Even though it starts strong, it sits in moderate territory for the most part of its long life. I know it’s atypical of Amouage to release something that doesn’t go nuclear but not everything has to be. Besides, the house has done it before with, at least at the top of my mind right now, Amouage Beloved Man, a handsomely refined fragrance that’s also long-lasting but rather reserved in its projection. (Update: I could have gone nose-blind, though, because my Grab driver asked me what fragrance I was wearing right as I entered the car. Turns out it was still projecting mightily well into the evening.)

Despite its relative complexity, Opus XVI Timber appears rather simple when compared to other fragrances from the house, let alone from The Library Collection. It appears more approachable, which is why I feel like it’s one of their more “mainstream” releases. I don’t think it’s a bad thing at all although I would understand if some people would find it a letdown. Still, I love it and I’m happy I picked it up.

LOOKBOOK | Baby shark (doo doo doo doo doo doo)

2025-10-21T12:00:00.001+08:00

Got this top because it looks fun. Just unzip it and the sad shark now looks happy. And that’s it; simply injecting some fun amid this gloomy day. Paired it with blue pants and brown leather double monk straps.

Have a great week ahead!

FRAGRANCE | Bianco Latte EDP by Giardini Di Toscana: For the sweet tooth in you

2025-10-15T21:28:00.002+08:00

Since its release, Bianco Latte EDP by Giardini Di Toscana proved to be quite the hit among fragrance lovers, and it’s not difficult to understand why. It’s a sweet, lactonic gourmand that’s easy to like, perhaps because it’s a universally familiar scent, one that especially appeals to our sweet tooth, which certainly is a happy association. It radiates simplicity and as such, is more approachable instead of alienating. This “friendliness” is only projected further through its presentation by employing a predominantly clean, white motif with minimal accents of sky blue and gold.

What I don’t like, however, is its nose-stinging, synthetic opening; good thing it goes away after several minutes. Mind you, this stuff is strong and even after the initial astringent assault has lifted, the scent can still be overwhelming in the first hour, so careful on the sprayer. It can also be headache-inducing when smelled up close.

Bianco Latte is primarily a sweet, milky vanilla and caramel concoction with a nutty undertone. I also feel like there’s a mild, burnt accord but at the same time, I’m doubting whether my nose is simply playing tricks on me. The fragrance is almost like a study in irony because while it is sticky sweet—something that normally weighs a scent down—it’s not a particularly heavy scent to wear. Yes, to me it’s wearable even on moderately warm days, as there’s a certain degree of thinness to its structure. Even though its characteristic sweetness is deliciously milky, the viscosity is kept in check so it’s not uber-creamy.

Like I said, this fragrance’s straightforward simplicity renders it approachable; very easy to like. It has none of the complexities (and liqueur) of Xerjoff Casamorati Italica nor does it have a contrasting, grounding base like the dusty earthiness in Xerjoff Cruz del Sur II. It’s just pure, unadulterated, sweet, milky goodness that’s persistently strong and long-lasting—take it or leave it. Although Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte is a unisex frag, I reckon it appeals more to women. It’s not the be-all and end-all sweet gourmand but all things considered, it’s a good offering that caters to lovers of sweet, lactonic scents.

FRAGRANCE | Habit Rouge Parfum: A denser but still recognizable take on the original

2025-10-13T19:26:00.001+08:00

It’s been a little over a year since I got this, a little over a year since Guerlain released Habit Rouge Parfum. Naturally, I was curious because I adore the original Guerlain Habit Rouge EDT. It was love at first sniff and I regret not getting into fragrances sooner so I would have enjoyed that masterpiece longer. That said, I also missed the boat on its many flankers, which is why when I got wind of this 2024 parfum version, I got excited.

Habit Rouge Parfum is a sweet, dense, boozy vanilla with spritzes of bitter citrus on top. It’s really strong! Right off the bat, it proclaims itself in all its glory and proudly so. I know a lot of fragheads complain about projection and longevity issues with several fragrances, so at least this iteration can’t be faulted in that regard. The bitterness of the bergamot lends some contrasting sharpness that balances the sweetness off in the opening. While already present at the onset, the rum becomes a little more apparent after several minutes, when everything starts to settle.

Even though the parfum is thick and heavy, the Habit Rouge DNA is never lost in the composition. I find it curious because the original is a luminous, layered opus that seems to be the parfum’s direct opposite but is instead expertly preserved under all that syrup and booze. This creation also retains the original’s powdery facet, albeit hovering, somehow keeping its distance, instead of emanating from within—and I’m fine with it. What matters is that it’s still here.

As the prickly citrus slowly evaporates, the sweetness directly gains strength. Over time, the sharpness dissipates, leaving behind that magnificent Guerlain vanilla still radiating with impressive strength. It now leans against a mild—almost indistinguishable—woody backdrop, puffed with that same light powdery accord from earlier. In hindsight, the scent doesn’t really evolve much but its sheer beauty cannot be discounted, and I still can’t get over its excellent projection and lasting power.

While marketed as a men’s fragrance, in my opinion, Guerlain Habit Rouge Parfum can easily be worn by the opposite sex. Its scent profile exudes class and sophistication, making it ideal for formal or evening occasions. However, its dense structure can limit its wear to colder temperatures. Nevertheless, this is a flanker done absolutely right by building on the original’s DNA without losing its character. A must-try, if not a must-have!

LOOKBOOK | Relaxing in teal and blue

2025-10-11T23:52:00.000+08:00

Teal is such a nice color, don’t you think? It goes well with a lot of colors: orange, yellow, gray, black, and more. Here I’m going with blue, which works just fine. Both sweatshirt and jeans have a relaxed fit, which my chunky pair of Nike Offline 3.0 complements well.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

FRAGRANCE | Tonka EDP by Commodity: Another lovely scent marred by lackluster performance

2025-10-11T04:50:00.000+08:00

Our bottles of Commodity fragrances have unjustly suffered from neglect for so long. The brand has since folded up and has subsequently been revived yet we’ve still barely used ours, if at all. So today I’m bringing out Tonka EDP.

To me this is a sweet amber-vanilla fragrance, which is apparent right from the start. There’s also a noticeable almond in the mix although it’s not the smooth and lactonic kind you’d find in the likes of Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous or Xerjoff Casamorati Italica. Rather, there’s a certain rawness to it; a little rough around the edges, if you may. Perhaps it’s because of the bitter spices thrown in, which also renders the scent a little dry. This isn’t a bad thing, though. It’s just a different take with its own brand of beauty.

After several minutes, the nuttiness of the almond (or maybe the tonka beans?) comes through, providing an added facet to the fragrance. Several more minutes later, the scent becomes a little less dry, with the amber-vanilla slowly gaining strength. Interestingly, I also get a tobacco-like accord up close that lasts considerably for some time before everything else fades, leaving the amber-vanilla sweetness in the spotlight. The sweetness is never cloying and the scent remains light and pleasant, which is only reinforced by an ensuing powdery overtone.

I don’t know if the brand retained this fragrance when they relaunched but Commodity Tonka is a lovely creation that’s unisex, versatile, and easy to wear. My only gripe would have to be its rather dismal performance. It weakens easily after an hour or two and lasts for only a few hours, so resprays are a given to get you through the day. Nevertheless, it’s still worth a try—but only if Commodity kept it in its line. If not, don’t worry because all things considered—especially performance—you’ll be fine without it.

FRAGRANCE | Cowboy Grass EDP by D.S. & Durga: A ruggedly handsome cowboy in the desert

2025-10-05T18:02:00.003+08:00

Throughout my so-called fragrance journey, vetiver has become a note I've learned to recognize and love. Because of how multifaceted it is, I've been enamored by it. Aside from being primarily earthy, I also love how, depending on the type of vetiver or its extraction perhaps, it can also be grassy, rooty, dusty, lemony, or woody. In the case of D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass, it's a handsome combination of different traits.

The vetiver here is grassy but dry, dusty around the edges even. Unlike Carolina Herrera 212 Men or Memo Paris Irish Leather, both featuring a green, grassy accord, Cowboy Grass leans more like brown, dried grass. As the scent progresses, it only dries up even further into a more hay-like character, as if it was left to wilt under the unforgiving desert sun, its moisture all sucked up. However, a lemony citrus zing somehow makes up for the lack of precipitation, lending some degree of brightness in an otherwise harsh and dreary landscape.

A bitter, herbal flavor is also weaved into the composition, which helps steer the ship in an aromatic direction. There’s a faint smokiness far into the background, blocked by all the herbs but noticeable when smelled up close. A very mild sweetness is also added to balance things out but is carefully measured so the overall scent profile remains dry. This dryness makes Cowboy Grass apt for warm or even scorching hot weather.

After some time, the herbal facets and smokiness are played up as the core note vetiver continues its transformation from green to hay. The lemon likewise asserts its presence at certain points, that occasional pop of citrus a welcome surprise amid the fragrance’s prevalently dry aroma. Eventually, it settles. It no longer has that zing from the opening but its bright, lemony flavor, however toned down, has now spread and is infused into the herbs and the dry vetiver. Except for the rather nuanced development of its notes, the fragrance is practically linear.

Although Chantecaille Vetyver proves it can also be made more feminine, vetiver has long been associated with men’s fragrances. That said, D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass leans masculine, one that fits perfectly in outdoor, rugged settings but wouldn’t be out of place either in the office or some formal (preferably daytime) event. Projection is above average but its radius starts shrinking after two or three hours until it becomes a skin scent. It, however, springs back to life with heat or a little activity. While it can last you the whole day with enough sprays, I opt to touch up just so I can smell it on me more. All in all, this is something worth trying, especially for vetiver lovers. A potential drawback, though, is the brand’s price point.

FRAGRANCE | Montabaco Parfum by Ormonde Jayne: Tobacco made fresh, bright, and airy

2025-10-04T18:58:00.001+08:00

The first and last time I wrote about a fragrance from this house was more than four years ago. That frag was Ormonde Jayne Sampaquita. We have quite a few bottles from this British house, so I guess I should wear them more and as such, post more about them. Let me start then with Montabaco Parfum, which is part of their The Four Corners of the Earth Collection. I understand there’s an EDP version of this and then Montabaco Intensivo and a few other flankers but I haven’t tried any of those.

The presentation looks good: elegant-looking bottle with enough thickness and weight, and magnetic box made of thick cardboard. If I were to nitpick, though, I was disappointed to find out that the adhesive on the box’s outer sleeve is just a simple double-sided tape, which gave out due to age. Also, the bottle cap, while it snaps into position so it doesn’t come off easily, is rather loose that you can’t stop it from rotating out of place. But like I said, I was just nitpicking since their fragrances don’t necessarily come cheap.

What I cannot discount, however, is how amazing this fragrance is. I was naturally expecting tobacco because of the name but was pleasantly surprised by how it’s treated in the composition. It defies the usual dark but sweetened direction seen (er, smelled) in the likes of the masterfully crafted Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille or the handsomely rugged Slumberhouse Jeke. Instead, it treads more into lighter territory but isn’t exactly like the wispiness of Parfums Dusita Issara nor the earthy but ironically fresh vintage Aramis Havana either. Yes, Montabaco is fresh but also airy.

Crisp, bitter citruses and an invigorating tea open the show, providing both an uplifting and calming introduction. It’s a tad sharp because of the fresh spiciness of cardamom but not to the point of being annoying. I normally hate sharp scents but this one is just right. And then of course there’s the tobacco, presented as bitter, dried leaves in the background, intentionally untouched by any thick sweetening agent, its innate character entirely preserved. Some herbal undertones are slowly introduced, amplifying the scent’s dry—and occasionally dusty—general profile.

As the scent progresses, a soft, woody accord sits shyly far in the background, later joined by an equally shy leather that easily disappears into the mix. They may not be the main players but they provide depth to the composition. Meanwhile, the interplay among the freshness of the tea, herbs, and spices and the bitter dryness of the tobacco carry on, each one popping up and down at random. It’s just amazing how something as inherently dark as tobacco is expertly woven into a fragrance that’s as airy as this. The combination of tea and spices sure has worked its magic here and it’s a welcome change to not have anything sweet weighing the scent down.

Performance is good overall. The fragrance starts strong before easing into moderate territory at around the three-hour mark and gradually mellowing thereafter. However, as a scent that sits closer to the skin, Ormonde Jayne Montabaco Parfum affords you a nice, fresh and bitter scent bubble for several hours. I must note, though, that it’s not the tobacco but the tea that carries the scent through to the end. Should we call it Monteabaco instead? Nevertheless, this is one fragrance that’s well worth a try, if not having. Unisex but masculine-leaning, it can be worn in any weather, occasion, or setting.

LOOKBOOK | Keeping it young with coords from a young brand for the young

2025-10-03T00:10:00.000+08:00

My thing for coords doesn’t seem to end. Here I am again, this time in a dark olive, zipped pullover and pants set from MN+LA (Manila Meets LA) that I’ve had for a while now. The fabric’s really soft and comfy, you just feel instantly relaxed. Finished the look with white sneakers to break the monochrome.

This reminds me that it’s been so long since I last bought something from MN+LA. Never mind that I’m not supposedly their target market because of my age. I mean, who cares?

If you haven’t heard of them yet, go check them out online or drop by any of their physical stores across the Metro.

LOOKBOOK | Black and gray when there are clouds of gray

2025-09-30T12:54:00.001+08:00

The typhoons in succession may have since all left but it seems that cloudy and rainy days are here to stay. Why not complement the dreary weather with the same dreary shades of black and gray? But let's not keep it stiff. Here I go loosening it with a loose black pullover, loose gray pinstripe pants, and a pair of chunky leather footwear.

So long!

FRAGRANCE | Marvellous Star EDP by Shiro: A delicious scent of warmth and comfort

2025-09-29T12:30:00.002+08:00

I discovered Shiro fragrances while visiting heaven (a.k.a. the fragrance section) of a department store in the Shibuya district of Tokyo almost two years ago. I consciously sought out brands I haven’t heard of or simply hadn’t had the chance of trying. Japanese brand Shiro caught our interest; and being the fragheads that my wife and I are, we took our time. In the end, we brought home a bottle of Shiro Marvellous Star.

The bottle’s design echoed the simplicity of the general Japanese aesthetic. I was, however, a little disappointed that it didn’t even have a box. But anyway, that’s how the brand chooses to be.

The fragrance greets your olfactory senses with warm, creamy coconut and vanilla. I can’t make out exactly what else is there but the scent is redolent of fragrant sticky rice, much better than ELDO Fils de Dieu (which, to me, is marred by a stronger-than-necessary ginger and lime). Marvellous Star is also sweet but done just right, so it’s never cloying. It’s a very comforting scent, perfect for cold, rainy days when you just want to curl yourself up in bed, under the sheets, all day. At the same time, I feel like I want to eat it because it smells so delicious.

There’s a slightly sharp, dry woodiness in the background but it’s still the sweet lactonic coconut, vanilla, and rice wafting in the air. Several minutes later, everything becomes rounded, even when sniffed up close. It’s as if the wood has been generously coated with vanilla-laced coconut milk and rubbed with rice. It’s such a delectable and cozy scent that just makes me close my eyes and smile.

This unisex gourmand has very good projection and decent longevity. For most of the day, I’m surrounded by this lovely, gentle scent bubble that gradually settles into a soft vanilla after approximately five or six hours. I don’t know why the name but Shiro Marvellous Star is a marvelous treat for gourmand lovers. Although the notes would suggest something heavy, it’s surprisingly a light wear that you can use even on warmer days. Definitely a must-try!

FRAGRANCE | Versace L’Homme EDT: A modest masculine classic

2025-09-26T18:07:00.001+08:00

It’s always a joy getting my hands on vintage gems, let alone fragrances that I wasn’t even hunting down to begin with, just like this partial bottle of Versace L’Homme. If my interpretation of the Raiders of the Lost Scent’s article is correct, this is a second era, 1993 bottle. Even though newer batches still carry the old design, the atomizer's style is reflective of what was in vogue at the time. As for the bottle itself, it has its own character, aided by the frosted glass leaf accent on each side.

The fragrance opens with a lemony citrus, underscored by a green bitterness and a mild peppery-like spiciness. It's not as bitter as Rogue Perfumery Fougère L'Aube, however. It's still generally aromatic in an old school way, marked by a faint, sweaty accord that I suppose is due to musk. A few minutes in, it develops a very mild powdery nuance, reinforcing the fragrance's layered composition.

Before long, a nondescript sweetness awakens but remains rather shy, allowing the green bitterness free rein as it continues to swirl around and dominate the scent's flavor. It's actually a beautiful interplay among groups of notes; sometimes I get the powder, then it's the sweetness (mild but enough to temper the acidity of the citrus), then it's the bitter greenness. Later, oakmoss becomes noticeable, along with a hint of rose in the background.

More time passes and the powdery accord finally starts flexing its identity, perhaps inspiring the sweetness because the latter does the same. Meanwhile, the bitterness takes a hint and starts easing, affording each accord a more equitable opportunity to shine as they take turns in popping up and down. The cinnamon also becomes a little more perceptible to my nose, reminding me of how this ingredient is splendidly showcased in Boucheron Jaipur Homme. Then the scent slowly turns a tad sweeter and less bitter, but with that sweaty accord still lurking in the background.

As the fragrance settles further, the oakmoss base becomes most dominant, supported by a lightly sweetened, spicy-powdery aroma, and a mild, sweaty leather and musk, with the citrus and green bitterness now hardly noticeable.

Versace L’Homme is traditionally masculine, with a scent profile that’s reflective of its time. Not everyone today will like it but I do. Its relatively light character makes it a versatile wear in any weather. Projection-wise, it’s no monster but the scent itself can leg out for several hours. Overall, I’m happy to have it in my collection.

LOOKBOOK | Keeping myself warm in shades of brown

2025-09-26T12:37:00.002+08:00

Back-to-back typhoons mean persistent rainy days. Living in the tropics, this is probably the closest we can get to cold weather days. However, the office air conditioning knows no bounds, hence this comfy outfit of baggy pants, a pullover, and a fleece hoodie. And it doesn't hurt that the colors are coordinated, right?

Keep safe, everyone!

LOOKBOOK | It’s not a Barong!

2025-09-25T08:00:00.003+08:00

Every time I wear this shirt, people at the office mistake it for a Barong—save for the very first time I wore it, tucked in black pants. I guess it’s because the buttons don’t go all the way down, stopping just below the chest. But here, since it’s tucked in, no one would question if it’s a shirt.

The second time I wore this shirt, I left it untucked and paired with light gray pants. Then everyone thought it was a Barong, inviting close inspection, only to be befuddled by the abstract watercolor print. I think the fact that the fabric creases easily calls to mind the typical linen office Barong; hence, the confusion.

Just recently, I wore it again, untucked and paired with charcoal gray pants and clogs. By the way, I love these clogs because they add a couple of inches to my 5’10 frame. They look heavy yet they’re surprisingly really light; easily one of my favorite pairs of footwear.

Again, they mistook the shirt for a Barong. For the last time, it’s not.

FRAGRANCE | Revisiting Oud for Greatness EDP by Initio Parfums Privés when it no longer is talked about as much

2025-09-24T18:17:00.001+08:00

I don't know if it's just me but I no longer see much fuss over Oud for Greatness by Initio Parfums Privés nowadays. Yet just a few years ago when it was first released, it was quite the hit among fragheads, appearing frequently in posts in our Facebook fragrance groups. Somehow, that ubiquity made me lose interest in it, much like how I never cared for Creed Aventus at the height of its popularity. However, I was drawn to the bottle’s striking design. There's something about that flashy combination of black and gold that just appealed to my tastes, so eventually, I gave in.

Sadly, just like most frags in our stack, it's rarely used. But thanks to the recent string of rainy days, I made a conscious effort of browsing through our collection for options that suited the weather, and Oud for Greatness was one of the few that I plucked out of hiding. The actual bottle does look good; sturdy and moderately heavy. I can’t quite tell if the material used for the gold accents is aluminum or plastic although I feel it’s the latter. Nevertheless, the bottle looks really nice, nestled snugly in a cushioned, lift-top, hard box that comes with a thin outer sleeve. The inner box’s material, however, has developed a sort of sticky quality due to prolonged storage, so prying it out of the sleeve took some effort. Still, presentation is great overall.

Spraying it again, I'm reminded of why I never loved it in the first place. Oud announces itself immediately upon first spritz. It has a dry, woody character, brushed with a tinge of sweetness and loaded with a lot of sharp spiciness. The scent just tears through the air with its unapologetic, nuclear intensity. The sharpness can be headache-inducing, especially when oversprayed, more so when it’s hot and humid (in which case, it would be absolutely suffocating).

There’s a mild cooling sensation when sniffed up close but in the air, it's practically imperceptible. It's still the woody oud and sharp spiciness from saffron that dominate the scent. I usually adore oud but here it's almost devoid of its usual warmth, mainly due to the over-performing saffron, the very reason that's holding me back from loving this frag. The sweetness becomes less shy over time but is not enough for me to call OFG a sweet scent. If I were to isolate the sweetness and sharpness, this sweet and sharp combo has a remote resemblance to that of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540; not the entire scent, though, just to be clear, as that Kurkdjian opus is way sweeter with a touch of smokiness.

Oud for Greatness definitely leans masculine. While I'm still not a fan, I must admit that I like it more when it's cold because it's not as sharp and obnoxious. The lower mercury levels must have tamed this beast somehow, smoothening most of its otherwise rough edges. It gets even more pleasant as it dries down further, becoming softer as it stretches for hours on end. I may have kept it for the bottle but I guess I now have another reason: a reliable option for cold days.

LOOKBOOK | Diner server feels

2025-09-12T12:32:00.002+08:00

Was going through my photo gallery and saw these pictures from last year. When I wore this outfit, I took a chance on this boxy, cropped, short-sleeved shirt, not sure if I would look good in it. It’s from a local brand called ab clo. & lifestyle that I discovered through persistent Instagram ads. I do like their general aesthetic of vintage-inspired pieces of cropped shirts with boxy fits, really baggy jeans and trousers, and whatnot. This piece here alludes to uniforms of diner waitstaff, and I’m really digging the vibe. At the time, the blue striped ones were really popular, so I went against the flow and picked this red one instead.

I don’t have the abs to show, so I covered up with a plain white tee before throwing the shirt on. Besides, I was wearing it to work (on a Friday, though). However, I couldn’t decide whether to button it up or leave it unbuttoned, so throughout the day, I’ve been switching between keeping the shirt unbuttoned and all buttoned up. Khaki-colored pants are an easy bet for this shirt although I reckon it could also work with dark jeans. I need to wear this again so I can experiment with other pant colors. Finished the look with white sneakers. No soda jerk hat, though; that would be pushing it too far.

Now, may I take your order? Or perhaps you would like a cup of joe while you browse through our menu?

FRAGRANCE | Smoking Hot EDP by Kilian is smoking hot and delicious

2025-09-07T19:00:00.000+08:00

Smoking Hot by Kilian is yet another gorgeously crafted fragrance from the house. While I miss the elaborate presentations of yore (think Black Phantom's hefty and lacquered skull coffret), I do appreciate how the brand's current packaging occupies much less storage space because it's so thin.

Anyway, onto the scent. Upon first spray, I get a sweet, fruity tobacco. This scent profile may not sound unique but I daresay it's executed beautifully. The fruitiness, in this case characterized by apple and cinnamon, dominates for a few minutes before the darkness of the dried tobacco takes over, pushing the spiced apple a few steps backward. Before long, a burnt smokiness starts billowing, enveloping the scent with its dark nature. I’m partial to smoky scents, be it a burnt and “dirty” take like Orto Parisi Terroni, a light incense-y style like Roja Risqué pour Homme, or something comforting like Maison Margiela Replica By the Fireplace, so Smoking Hot is unsurprisingly smoking hot for me.

Despite its inherent burnt quality, the smokiness is made more appealing to most noses by the apple and cinnamon combo. The apple carries a brief hint of fresh fruit at the start but once the smoke spreads, it morphs into something cooked or baked, amplifying the sweetness and treading into gourmand territory. I know it sounds uncanny to think of a tobacco-forward frag as a gourmand but the way the tobacco’s inherently dark and dry nature is slowly drenched in this runny stew of apple and cinnamon is simply delicious, you can’t help but wonder if it could actually be edible. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating but it is gourmand-ish in scent profile; warm and comforting.

Over time, vanilla rises and pushes the apple and cinnamon to the background, leaving the tobacco still in the spotlight. It’s not Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille, though. Smoking Hot is different and has its own character and nuances. This stage carries on up until the scent fades.

Unisex with a masculine slant, the fragrance has an air of formality and confidence, making it ideal for formal gatherings and date nights in cold or temperature-controlled environments. However, the irony of it being an ideal cold weather frag is that it loses steam—er, smoke—faster than it should and requires a little nudge from heat. After starting with moderate projecting power, it mellows around the third hour mark. Nonetheless, it lasts for several albeit closer to the skin. Performance issues (and of course, price point) aside, I still love how Smoking Hot By Kilian smells and would recommend giving it a try.

FRAGRANCE | Écrin de Fumée EDP by Serge Lutens: A disadvantaged beauty

2025-09-01T12:30:00.002+08:00

Brought this out since we’ve been experiencing intermittent rains. Because of the word “fumée,” I was expecting something really smoky from Serge Lutens Écrin de Fumée. Well, simply put, I don’t get much smoke. It’s far from the deep and delicious smokiness of Clive Christian E Gourmande Oriental, let alone the photorealistic campfire vibe of Atelier des Ors Bois Sikar. But what is the scent then?

Écrin de Fumée is characterized by a sweet, boozy tobacco, with a hint of bitter cocoa underneath. The sweetness is not fruity, nor is it vanillic, caramel-like, or resinous but rather, it’s syrupy. It carries some thickness to it but thankfully not too much. The sweetness provides an overarching layer to the scent that tempers any untoward sharpness. Compared to Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club—which can be too loud and sharp—Écrin appears more balanced and rounded. However, it borders on being a little too sweet, especially when it’s hot and humid.

Rum is also prevalent but in a cocktail-like manner, where it’s mixed with syrup and chocolate. The cocoa retains its inherent bitter character despite the sweetness, perhaps also due to the tobacco’s influence. The tobacco’s essence is of dried tobacco leaves in nature, which lends the scent a bit of smokiness. As mentioned, however, there isn’t much smoke to begin with and its strength (or lack thereof) is akin to that in Tom Ford Cherry Smoke, way subtler than the name would have you believe.

The scent is practically linear, except that the booze mellows, then evaporates, over time. The fragrance then graduates to a sweetened tobacco—not exactly the same but in a similar vein as Slumberhouse Mond or Penhaligon’s Roaring Radcliff—only with a more pronounced chocolate. Projection is moderate for an hour or two but weakens considerably thereafter, so resprays are more than necessary. Its scent profile appears more suited to colder temperatures but the irony is that it often needs a little push from heat.

All said, Serge Lutens Écrin de Fumée is a beautiful fragrance on its own; not the most complex but beautiful nonetheless. However, with how vast the ocean of fragrances in the market is, it has little to offer in terms of uniqueness, a disadvantage compounded only by its dismal performance. Still, it’s worth a sniff.

LOOKBOOK | Playful and fun with appliqués

2025-08-28T21:34:00.002+08:00

With its playfully designed appliqués, this shirt is a joy to wear. Styling it is no problem, as it can go with practically anything, from jeans for a casual urban look, to shorts or perhaps linen pants for something more resort-like. In my case, since I wore it to the office on a normal workday, I paired it with charcoal gray office pants and leather monkstraps.

In case you’re wondering where the shirt is from, I got it from Rajo Man (by Rajo Laurel). At least one person thought it was custom-made but no, the famous Filipino designer also has ready-to-wear pieces at his shop at the Powerplant Mall. This design may no longer be available since I bought it months ago but you can count on Rajo for other stylish pieces. Good quality as well!

Ciao!