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Showing posts from May, 2015

TRAVEL | Mayon overload in Legazpi City and Daraga, Albay

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A streak of gold illuminates the base of the Mayon Volcano, adding further drama to the already dramatic scenery. It's a sight I probably would never grow tired of. From the moment I first saw her from our bus's window more than a decade ago, and through the years up to now, the Mayon Volcano has always fascinated me. Yes, she's often referred to as a lady, as she is Daragang Magayon of legend. A few weeks ago I had another chance at beholding her sheer beauty. After two nights in Sorsogon City , we spent a third one in Legazpi City. There we hired a van to take us on a slightly freewheeling trip around town. And of course, seemingly everywhere we looked Mayon was there, standing mighty and proud with its near-perfect cone.

FASHION | Old-school cool

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I've always found a lot to love about vintage fashion. It's hard to put a finger on it but looking at all those old photos, it was all cool. And dignified, might I add. Very gentlemanly. This summer, channel that old-school cool with these vintage-inspired looks from East Dane and saunter your way through the season with dignified swag. Oh yeah! The might of white White -- okay, even cream -- is a color we guys shouldn't be afraid of. I think that because no one wants such immaculately clean clothes soiled, we become a bit more careful, behave better perhaps, like a true gentleman. Jacket by Fanmail . Theory T-shirt. AMI jeans. Bracelet and cuffs from Caputo & Co. Belt by Anderson's . Sunnies by Paul Smith Spectacles .

TRAVEL | The Oriental Legazpi: Beautiful hotel but showing early signs of aging

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The Oriental Legazpi's lobby as viewed from the stairwell between the 4th and 5th floors. Enamored by its bright and airy design, not to mention its fantastic view of the Mayon Volcano  -- at least from what I've seen in pictures -- I have long wanted to try The Oriental Legazpi . Our recent trip to Bicol finally allowed me to, as we decided to spend our third night closer to the airport. We thought it would be too much stress if we'd come all the way from Sorsogon City . So how was it? Here's the rundown.

FASHION | Summer style with East Dane

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We may already be wrapping up summer this side of the globe but it's just getting started in the U.S. and elsewhere. Take a look at some of these cool wardrobe pieces for the season, which are all available online for your convenience at East Dane . Looking all spiffy right there, aren't we? And who says you can't wear dark colors for summer? That YMC sweater's perforated anyway, so go ahead. Now pair it with joggers but one that looks a bit more... dignified, like this piece from Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen  and top it off with a cool hat from Bedwin and the Heartbreakers . And for a stroll on the beach, these Ancient Greek Sandals are just perfect. Tote by Garbstore ; bracelet from  WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie ; watch by Nixon .

TRAVEL | Island-hopping in Matnog, Sorsogon

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It may be a cloudy day but the sheer beauty of Matnog's sand and sea still shines through. On our recent trip to Sorsogon I was nearly bummed out when I woke up to the sound of rain on our second day. Rain may be a welcome relief to a hot and humid weather but no, not on my vacation! Especially on a vacation where I'm going to the beach! But we were still pushing through, of course, because everything was already arranged by the staff of the very chic Siama Hotel . At least the rain started letting up by the time we boarded our van. We were headed for Matnog .

DINING | A quick take on La Finca Tagaytay

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Stylish ceiling at newly opened La Finca. A little over a month ago, and while on a strategic planning session with colleagues in Tagaytay, we tried out a new restaurant called La Finca  for dinner. It's one of two restaurants at the very fab  Domicillo Tagaytay bed and breakfast , both of which weren't open yet when Kwittiegirl and I stayed there in January this year. I wouldn't call this a proper restaurant review because I had not taken any photos of the food. Well, except for dessert after the thought came to mind. I didn't bother checking the prices either because we were a big group and I wasn't the one ordering. I just ate. A lot. But anyway.

TRAVEL | A quick look around Sorsogon City

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The beauty of the sunset afterglow. We took to Sorsogon City over the recent Labor Day long weekend not for anything really but to stay at the lovely Siama Hotel . Well, we did book a little island-hopping trip in Matnog , which was several kilometers away but still part of Sorsogon province. Before that, though, we decided to have dinner at some place in the city and hired a tricycle to also take us around town.

FASHION | Sun's out, guns out

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It's summer. Enjoy! Let loose! It's the season for wearing less. Or in case you've been quietly toiling it out at the gym for weeks, or even months perhaps, it's the perfect time to show off those guns. Yes, wear a tank top. Here are a few ideas I've put together: Long and loose There are tanks and sleeveless shirts that are a bit lengthier than the usual. This type, especially the slimmer ones, go perfectly with joggers or pants with a more relaxed fit, or in this case trousers that rest mid-calf. I think even guys like me with really no guns to show can pull this look off. Torcy sleeveless t-shirt and Pheda 3/4 trousers, both from SILENT Damir Doma . Meshed up Mesh tank tops. But how about holding back a bit on the mesh? You know, a tank that's just partially in a mesh fabric. A white one like shown here can be worn with joggers. Choose ones with a relaxed upper half and a slimmer bottom that hug your legs a bit.

DINING | My Mother's Garden: Inside the home of a national artist

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The design of this tropical home reminds me of old movies from the glory days of Philippine cinema. This is a long overdue post but still, allow me. Last March while staycationing at the wonderful  The Henry Hotel Manila , we thought of venturing out of the compound for dinner on one occasion. We weren't sure where to go until Kwittiegirl stumbled upon an interesting place called My Mother's Garden online. Perfect, I thought, because it wasn't far from our hotel. My Mother's Garden is not exactly a restaurant per se but it is a restaurant nonetheless. Confused? It's actually a house -- the home of National Artist for Architecture Pablo S. Antonio, Sr. no less. Antonio was regarded as a pioneer of modern Philippine architecture during his time and is responsible for designing, among several other buildings, the Manila Polo Club and the main building of the Far Eastern University.

TRAVEL | Siama Hotel: A tasteful retreat in Sorsogon City

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Siama Hotel's elegantly designed pool. Siama Hotel had been on my radar ever since I saw it on Deal Grocer although the hotel has been around since 2013. Siama really appealed to me design-wise and it immediately became one of my target vacation spots. Finally over the long Labor Day weekend that longing came true. So was the whole wishing and hoping worth it? Here's a rundown:

LOOKBOOK | 02May2015: Checked out, checked in, and went around town

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Yes, my joy couldn't be contained after the Mayon Volcano showed up somehow on a very cloudy day, not to mention that that day began with really heavy rain. And yes, I did check out (of our hotel in Sorsogon City), traveled some 60km and checked in (at another hotel in Legazpi City), and went around town (still in Legazpi) -- all in one day.

LOOKBOOK | 01May2015: Off to the islands

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Because I brought almost nothing but tank tops for our little summer trip, what else would I wear to an island-hopping adventure but a tank top! I think I scored enough additional cash as a pedicab driver to afford such a trip.

LOOKBOOK | 30Apr2015: The pedicab driver

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So Mayweather won (although in lackluster fashion) and I'm back in town. What's the connection? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I'm just here for an outfit post. This was last Thursday at Siama Hotel in Sorsogon City (more on that in another post). It was particularly humid that day and we were waiting outside for our ride to go around the city. The spruced-up pedicabs looked very inviting.