ME BUDDHA BANANA

JEAN HILL : PUNCTUATED BY KNOTS

2012-01-26T17:39:00.003+08:00

Jean Hill
Designer

Definitely breaking the mold, Jean Hill transforms the common jersey into a work of art, breaking fashion tradition. She finds beauty and inspiration in antiquated materials and the beauty of the natural human form, punctuated by knots yet carefree in her designs.

Her collection is a mix of unexpected pieces, perfectly draped as if the wearer were a sculpture and yes, women who wear her clothes aren’t force-fed into fashion.

Hill’s designs may not have great hanger appeal but hey, when worn, it looks divine.

BASIC MATTER 30: PORTER YOSHIDA

2012-01-25T20:19:00.003+08:00

I cannot get enough of these hypoallergenic striped socks I got for a bargain a few years back and my trusty navy gingham shirt from Thomas Pink.

I just love pairing them with my selvedge APCs which I have had for 5 years now, my 3 month old back cap toe Aldens and yes (yes, haters to the left) my newly purchased Porter Yoshida Freestyle bag for some added punch of color.

DEFINITELY NOT A STABLE BUT CLOSE ENOUGH

2012-01-12T15:43:00.001+08:00

I might have gone a bit (well, not really) overboard on dressing up for the farm.

(plaid shirt from Brooks Brothers, cut off navy shorts from Ralph Lauren, flip flops from Massimo Dutti and hat from my dads closet.)

I mean, I don't really get to country it up very often, so made the most of the occasion since I only fly down south once a year.

ON GETTING MY GROOVE BACK AND SOME LA LA LA'S

2012-01-12T10:53:00.004+08:00

They say, you are what you eat.

Men fall in love for food, not only for sex and yes, you make the best steak that I have had in ages!

(You and I by Ingrid Michaelson on repeat - Cheesy, Yes! Don't mind me)

Oh BTW, where’s my mimosa?!

RESOLUTIONS AND L'ARTE DI NON FARE NIENTE

2012-01-11T12:42:00.006+08:00

Aside from mastering the art of doing nothing (right, l'arte di non fare niente!) during my two week break down south, I have repeatedly watched Luca Guadagnino’s “Io sono l'amore (I am love)”, a tragic love story set at the turn of the millennium in Milan. Don’t blame me! Watching Tilda Swinton in Jil Sander is enough reason to make me melt.

(I am Love. Enough said!)

Tragic? Definitely not!

It has been almost three weeks since I last posted something on this blog ( yes, I have a lot of catching up to do at work ) and I am starting to hear blog posts in my head throughout the day.

Yesterday, I couldn’t stop but babble them to myself internally a few lines at a time like a retard who just downed four shots of Jägerbomb.

I embarrassingly crawled home in my navy trousers at 4 AM today and I am hopeful a few will make it into text.

I have grown disgustingly fat and floppy during the holidays hence me avoiding plaid for the meantime -My tummy, although more square than round has finally surfaced.

But hey, I’ve been trying my best to start the year right with dedicated and determined calorie restriction. Yes, I haven’t had a glass of soda since the holidays and been running a few kilometers each week to strengthen my leg and back muscles.

GOALS FOR 2012:

•Fit into my new pair of jeans
•Fit into the shirts I’ve had altered last July when I lost 40 lbs (unfortunately, I
gained it back)
•Stop myself from buying maternity pants (tempted!)
•Must not pretend I’m 3 sizes smaller my current size
•Get my groove back (if you know what I mean *wink*)
•A closet with inspirations from Ami’s Spring/Summer 2012

(Ami’s Spring/Summer 2012)

Anyway, I think it’s time to revamp my closet and replace the straps of my vintage wrist watch. Yes, I’m simple that way.

OUT WITH THE OLD. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T04:46:00.004+08:00

Last year went too fast, it’s amazing to see the calendar turn over to January again!

I am totally out with the old but grateful to everyone who has been a part of making my 2011 a blast ( Alfonso, Ingrid, Cheryl, Erika, Tessa, Janelle, Christina, Irene, Mario, Lester, Smiley, Carlo C., Carlo P., Carlo R., Carlotta, Ana, Ryan, Ivah, John, Monica, Alexei, Anton, Jacobo, Kristian, Karla, Kath, Sven, Finn, Jean, Michael, Christine, Anton, Gayette, Anna, etc) though midway turned out to be a bitch, I still managed to keep my head up.

Hoping 2012 will give me more reasons to smile and be a springboard for an explosion of more blessings in the next twelve months.

This year is all about looking to the future, having more balls and pursuing your dreams with fresh energy.

Excited? YES! Happy New year!

MUSIC : LOCKSLEY

2011-12-29T20:30:00.007+08:00

Listening to Locksley’s music made it easy for me to stay smitten the entire day.

(Locksley perform "The Whip" for Brooklyn Bugle Sessions.)

Aside from being heavily influenced by early British Invasion bands with an instrumental style based more on early American punk bands and modern garage rock groups, their style’s just spot on landing them an 8-page fashion spread in ELLE.

Those pair of red socks and saddle shoes – totally sick!

Watch Locksley’s full interview here:

B IS BANANAS, B-O-N-O-B-O-S!

2011-12-28T01:46:00.006+08:00

Who said you can’t be impeccably well-dressed at the office?

The guys behind Bonobos. a New York-based online menswear company known for providing clothes with an amazing fit since 2007 have been good examples of the saying, “if you're going to talk the talk, you've got to walk the walk".

Just like myself, the Bonobos guy is all about having a great fit that is tailored, stylish but totally not over the top – I think that makes a lot of sense.

Learn from them:

“Every outfit should have one unexpected thing, one conversation starter, one beachhead for a casual compliment, one thing that says you care. When in doubt, wear a blazer.” - Andy Dunn, Co-Founder and CEO

“I am a big believer that it's all in the fit. My advice is to find a great tailor.” - David Fudge, Head of Social Marketing

“My personal style is modern preppy, and typically pretty comfortable.” - Richard Mumby, Vice President of Marketing

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y BON NADAL

2011-12-25T02:35:00.014+08:00

Next to shopping and a shot or two of Jeiger, there ain't nothing that packs up and tears out faster than the Christmas spirit.

Mi abuelito used to tell me and my hermana this when we were little, "Esta noche es Noche-Buena, Y no Es noche de dormir" which means "Tonight is the good night and it is not meant for sleeping!"

Natural high, YES! I couldn’t stop myself from singing, “cascabel cascabel, suena cascabel, este dia en trineo vamos a pasear, Navidad Navidad hoy es Navidad, es un dia de Alegria Y felicidad!!!!”

DELAYED FLIGHT AND OCCASIONAL FREE THROWS

2011-12-20T00:58:00.010+08:00

Last night was dripping with humidity and heat, and it is supposed to feel crisp and cool. Tonight surprisingly gave in and I just can’t help but enjoy the smell of newly cut grass.

I have taken my holiday break a few days earlier and it feels like I am centuries away down south. Yes, this sudden shift makes me feel like I am in celebrity rehab but thank god I was able to grab a copy of Rafe Bartholomew's basketball diary to the Philippines, where most men here are 5'4, and everyman's Air Jordans are a pair of flip-flops.

(Rafe Bartholomew, currently an editor of Harper’s Magazine, obtained a Fulbright grant to study the phenomenon of basketball in the Philippines.)

Rafe’s wonderfully written journey in my side of the pond kept me giggling non-stop the whole three hours at the airport, that I almost missed my flight.

“Basketball fever in the Philippines ran so hot that the government once rescheduled a voter registration drive after learning that it conflicted with the telecast of an NBA finals game.” – Rafe Bartholomew

I was hooked and the wrigglers inside my stomach skipped a beat as I continue to flip each page – I mean, who would have thought my country was so hoops obsessed.

Now, what to wear tomorrow?

GUILTY PLEASURE: MONOCLE MAGAZINE

2011-12-12T17:14:00.005+08:00

Just got my copy of this month’s Monocle Magazine. Yes, Monocle Magazine is the definition of a guilty pleasure.

(Photo from Marc of That is just Awesome.)

Now, let us not hate Tyler Brûlé for doing a fantastic job.

(Tyler Brûlé, Editor in Chief of Monocle Magazine and The Monocle Shop in St. Francis Yard, Hong-Kong)

BASIC MATTER 29: ALL THINGS TAILORED

2011-12-05T17:02:00.004+08:00

I have a deep relationship with my tailor – not that it’s a bad thing. Bespoke really is not about fashion, It is about individual style and elevated quality. I’ve always had my clothes hand-finished to the exact shape of my body.

(every tailor's guide to anything bespoke)

For the ignorant douche next to me, bespoke means having clothes hand-finished because anything mass produced won’t fit me – yes, consider yourself stupid!

(A trip to my tailor is always a joy!)

I admit, I am just as vain as Italian men even if they won’t admit it HAHA!

(My good friend, Mario in his usual Friday night party get-up!)

Right, Mario?

I mean, nobody really wants to look sloppy, right?

BLACK AND BLUE

2011-12-05T12:25:00.002+08:00

Call me boring but yeah, I am the kind of guy who wears denim with everything from pique polo shirts to bespoke. Since some jeans are inherently dressier than some and will therefore look better with my bespoke dress shirts in my closet.

(ACNE max cash slim jeans in black and Rag and Bone straight leg denim jeans)

A good pair of jeans should always enhance your body and not hide it. Almost all my jeans are cut slim (I was never used to super baggy blue jeans dad used to get me in high school) but not skinny but hey, I look good in them despite me having almost the same body type as Jack Black.

Sometimes, when I see a nice pair with the right wash in a different cut, I grab them without even thinking twice. A quick trip to my tailor usually does the trick.

I mean, you just don’t want to wear your jeans – you also want to look great in them.

Note: the darker the blue, the dressier the jeans and please, no studs. You can also try black.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE: ON WHAT TO PACK AND GETTING THE PERFECT TAN

2011-12-05T10:43:00.006+08:00

Packing for the province always isn’t too easy for me especially when it’s sweltering hot down south (yes, double the humidity compared to Manila).

What I have considered packing with me:

1.Espadrilles. Who cares about them being a big trend, I’ve had my pair even before
it became a trend in this part of the world. My Abuelito (grandfather) would
always wear them walking around the terraza and lanai.
2.My pink beach shorts. I’d rather be easily spotted in the middle of the sea than be
bitten by barracudas.
3.Sun tan lotion (yes, not sun block!).
4.Slim shorts in red, khaki, navy and seersucker.
5.My go-to cotton plaid shirts
6.My trusty perfectly beaten-up tan Gucci loafers
7.A pair of white dress shirts in cotton and oxford.
8.And a pair of selvedge denim for than unexpected after party.

It is always important to head down south or whichever destination you’re going for
the holidays with a simple but sophisticated capsule wardrobe. And please, no fur!

I have also been looking forward to the following:

1.An early morning drive to the farm.
2.House-hopping from lunch to dinner ( plus a few
bottles of wine).
3.Afternoon merienda (knickerbocker) at uncle
Greg’s restaurant, Palmeras.
4.The usual Hawaiian dinner at my aunt’s place overlooking the city.
5.Lazy afternoons at our Lanai.
6.A trip to pink sand Santa Cruz Island (yes, I need
to get toasted!)
7.Gift shopping in Barter and Yakan Village.
At the same time, I am also looking forward to getting back on the first of next
year to start working on a big project.

Note to self: have those golf clubs cleaned before hitting the fairway.

BRIGHT IDEAS POP

2011-11-24T14:53:00.001+08:00

Unlike standard black and brown silk tube socks, a colorful pair ( I got 4 pairs in red, pink, old rose and aquamarine) of statement socks need not be matchy-matchy. Trust me, it goes with anything.

(A good pair of socks can be that needed detailing to help add personal touches to your fashion style, and separate yourselves from the masses. At Brighterman, they aim to provide you with a great range of men's socks from Gene Meyer to Gabicci.)

And oh, two and one fourth yards of plaid lime green 100% Japanese cotton wouldn’t hurt too. Must drop by my tailor soon.

BACK TO WHITE

2011-11-24T11:58:00.001+08:00

My sister and I are currently on the process of renovating our flat and Lucy Chadwick’s flat in New York just inspired us to paint it crisp white all over again.

Now, how to hoard some of the paintings I did way back from my friend’s gallery?

SHOOTING TOKYO

2011-11-17T10:25:00.003+08:00

Watch more HERE

POCKET HIDE AND SEEK AND STEVEN ALAN

2011-11-14T11:36:00.003+08:00

One thing I hate about myself when shopping and yes, I know this isn’t the healthiest thing to do but hey, if you wake up in the middle of the night and you’re still thinking about that shirt you saw earlier at the store, then you should probably come back and buy it the first thing next day, which exactly what I did!

(This Steven Alan reverse seam blue gingham shirt is made out of 100% Cotton and proudly made in the USA)

This Steven Alan shirt blue gingham reversed seam shirt has an interesting twist on the placket and features a hidden breast pocket (I really thought the pocket was accidentally sewn inside) sewn on the inside instead of outside.

And to make things weirder, the shirt I got myself is the exact same shirt Izzy of The Dandy Project bought a few years back. Haha!

STEVEN ALAN: FROM TRIBECA TO PARIS

2011-11-10T15:08:00.002+08:00

(The collection, which represents the Manhattan based designer’s French debut, provides an introduction to his unique fusion style.)

Recognized for his contemporary take on all-American classic design, Steven Alan - yes, the guy famous for his iconic plaid shirts with reverse stitching, emblematic of his distinctive fusion style is now available in France and is exclusively available at Centre Commercial.

STARS, STRIPES AND MANNY PAQUIAO

2011-11-09T14:22:00.005+08:00

Great style means having a new voice and not being a copycat.

My mom once told me that, “one is not born with style but can be born with good taste. With style, you learn.”

Growing up with a mom who had a lifelong affair with fashion is inspiring and seeing her through many transformations from her days in Assumption convent, which has kept her image fresh at 60 is pure class.

Like my mom (and yes, my dad too), my approach to fashion is simple and pretty much a work in progress just like my collection of silk and knit ties from all over.

(VITTORIO J is an elite accessory line, specializing in ties, scarves, and pocket squares. This very limited tie is available exclusively through VJNY and retails at a modest $69.00 (plus shipping and handling))

Yes, nothing excites me more than Vittorio J’s limited edition Philippine flag inspired tie. The tie is 100% pure Italian silk and is a variation of VJNY’s Varick King Skull pattern.

"Being born and raised in the Philippines until the age of 12, I've always had a special feeling towards the Filipino people and their culture. So it was pretty natural for me to design something with their flair". - Jesse Chao (Founder)

With Manny Paquiao's big fight against Juan Manuel Marquez this coming Saturday ( November 12 and no, it isn’t a national holiday haha! ), this is a great item to pick up and step out in style.

AIRPORT READING

2011-11-08T10:43:00.004+08:00

I always get extremely bored at airports (I mean, who doesn’t?).

Solution? I make sure I grab a good material hours before boarding.

(Last week was no exception and thank god for Page One and Bookazine, I got myself a copy of this month’s Monocle and The Rake.)

I should have bought more!

BASIC MATTER 28: PACKING LIGHT AND A COUPLE OF HIGH FIVES

2011-11-04T16:41:00.012+08:00

I know a lot of business travelers often have the luxury of dropping off a few shirts at the dry cleaners and having them ready within hours, but not me.

I still seem not to understand the value of packing light for short trips until recently and for someone who takes forever in front of the mirror before deciding what to wear for the day, it can be fairly difficult.

(Sartorial wet dreams at Ascot Chang,Hong-Kong!)

Yes, we all know it is easier said than done but hey, I finally did leave for the first time without checking-in my luggage.

Here’s what I packed with me:

1. Dress shirts from Brooks Brothers and Charles Tyrwhitt
2. Basic black leather-soled cap toes from Alden
3. Pair of red, black and purple socks from Uniqlo
4. Bespoke gray and black suit pants
5. Knit tie from Paul Smith, thrifted Japanese rep tie and vintage silk Armani tie in
paisley
6. And my go to preppy navy blazer

And oh, aside from the great view up at the meeting room, I still got the chance to go out and reward myself with more shirts from Brooks Brothers, Ascot Chang and Moustache!

Ok, still drooling over that pale blue shirt I saw last night at Kiton.

PICASSO AT THE MET

2011-10-25T17:32:00.003+08:00

I have always been making art since I was a kid. I remember dabbling with oil and acrylic, pretending as if I was Picasso, Malang, Pacita Abad or Gauguin as young as 9 and dad would buy me yards and yards of canvas to work on.

My room was a mess and I always had coloured pencils, watercolour from Prang and paper around. Yes, I was that kid minus the tie-dye shirt and fro.

Although my parents aren't artists, they were incredibly supportive of me.

(Picasso's SeatedModel, Suite Vollard)

Speaking of Picasso, he created one hundred copper etchings commissioned by the art dealer and editor Ambroise Vollard, between September 13, 1930, and march 1937 that have come to be known in art history as the Suite Vollard. Amazing, right?

(Picasso's Blind Minotaur Led by a Girl through the Night, Vollard Suit and Faun Revealing a Sleeping Woman, Suite Vollard)

Today, the small format is found spread out as single prints in different private and public collections, and only some of these sets, such as the FUNDACION MAPFRE’s are preserved in their entirety.

(Model Contemplating Sculture, Vollard Suit and Embrace, Suite Vollard)

Next month, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila will host Pablo Picasso’s Suite Vollard, opening to the public on November 10, 2011 up to January 8, 2012.

Now guess who’s excited!

DOES SNOW FALL IN THE TROPICS?

2011-10-21T19:42:00.005+08:00

Living in the tropics where it is summer year-round has always been fun for someone who has more than a couple of crisp white cotton dress shirts as his go to staple. Boring huh!

Brighterman , an online retailer specializing in accessories for men, recently launched their AW range from popular retailers Asos, Topman, River Island and a lot more.

While a lot of brands have established themselves as one of the season’s prep fashion go-tos, Brighterman have kept things preppy and neutral.

I know, my closet isn’t one of the most interesting with half of it devoted to plaids and gingham but hey, it has been proven that combing two seasonal trends equals you not looking like a slave for fashion.

This year, Brighterman combined accessories like pocket squares to bring color with well-structured, tailored pieces, keeping the preppy look from seeming dull and yes, it’s doable.

And guess what, Brighterman has also flashed a glimpse of their new range of knitted socks from Gene Meyer – fun!

Just remember not to overdo it. I mean, the combination of loafers, a satchel, blazer and a bow tie may seem like a good idea, but you don’t want to take a page out of the book.

Don't get me wrong, one can still look stylish living in the tropics.

Now, what do I want to get myself for Christmas?

UP CLOSE AND A FEW COMMANDMENTS

2011-10-17T18:56:00.003+08:00

Watch and learn!