Cravings

Healthy options.

One saturday late afternoon, a good friend of mine Noel Manapat brought this author to a Korean restaurant called Min Sok Saeng Deung Sim and since then there's this urge to keep on coming back.  How can one resist good food? Located somewhere in the labyrinth near Rockwell center is this gastronomic heaven of Korean cuisine.  Don't expect it to be something fancy,the old house converted into a restaurant is very simple, laid back and has no pretense (yes and no air conditioning as well).  This author came back with his associates a week after and was so excited to introduce food made in heaven.  As soon as one makes an order, the first thing that comes to the table is an assortment of kimchi as appetizers--major yummy!!! One has to try the different types and levels of spice that comes with it.  Next was the uber delicious tofu soup filled with veggies and meat slices so perfect to get you into the mood to pig out. For our main course we ordered the highly recommended Samgyeopsal (translated as three "sam" layered "gyeop" meat "sal") which is basically pre-cut pork belly.  As soon as they half-cook the belly, you can do two things:  first is either wrap it in lettuce leaves and stuff it with grilled garlic and onions which you then dip into two condiments (one of them is sesame seed oil with salt and pepper).  Or secondly, you can skip the wrapping and go straight to dipping into the condiments and eat the meat with rice (though the first step is a little healthier).  Of course we ended up ordering another one plus the beef and lengua ( ox tongue) cuts as well. Everything served is fresh( or freshly cut) and cooked in front of you.  At the end of the meal this author was on a food coma and officially declared being hooked to Min Sok.  Tried going there on another time with a different group and the place was super packed so we decided eat somewhere else and come back soon.  Parking in the area can be a bit of a pain coz the place is always packed.  One important note to tell is make sure you don't have any plans of going somewhere else after Min Sok, if you do, then you might have to go home first and take a good shower.  Min Sok is located at 5655 Don Pedro St. Poblacion, Makati City.

Helping hands.

Veggie delight.

Center stage.

Can't get enough of kimchi.

Condiments.

Soup for the soul.

Perfect combination of porkloin, onions and garlic.

Spicy noodles with vinegar and mustard dressing.

And since we are on the topic of food, do you have what it takes to cook up a masterpiece and take on the spotlight?  For more inquiries log on to www.asianfoodchannel.com/nextafcchef .  Who knows this could be your chance of a lifetime.

Sole Searching

The Philippine shoe industry is regaining back its high after more than a decade of sole searching.  After the glory days of Marikina (known for producing the best local shoes) which happened in the 60's-70's, the shoe-making business was at a halt as the influx and clamor for foreign brands took over the shoe stopping landscape.  Today, the local shoe retail industry in the last 5 years or so has gained back its popularity with fashion forward designs, contemporary materials and affordability.  Local brands such as Janilyn, Parisian, Solea, Sapato Manila, T and have stepped back into competition and paved the way to the rise of more brands in the market.  Their insightful success opened the door to a new avenue in the local fashion industry and given rise to what we call made to order.  

In Manila, pioneering the made to order business in the 21st century is one the most respectable local designers who has become a household name and successfully worked in the international fashion scene, master shoemaker Cesar Gaupo. Through the years, this was followed by young aspiring designers and one of them is the talented artist Maco Custodio.  Known in the inner circles of the fashion and entertainment industry, the young master has created a good reputation from his brilliant reinventions of form, play with color and fusion of textures.  His outstanding executions has caught the eye of stylesetters, industry insiders, celebrities and has countlessly appeared on the pages of top glossies and broadsheets in the country.  One can't help marvel at the young master's outstanding and distinct pieces that are truly a mark of his own. Below are images of Maco Custodio's latest creations and collaboration--the name to watch in local shoe fashion.

Reinventing forms.

Two become One.  Straps ingeniously transforms into a rosette.

Sculptural masterpiece made from calf and kidskin 6 inches high with 2 inches of platforms.

Bright moves. Maco Custudio's collaborative masterpiece with stylist Noel Manapat for Sebago is highlighted by electric blue lizard detailing.

For inquiries check out http://www.macocustodio.com/

Tribute to the Senses

One measure of a successful designer is one's name becomes a brand.  One of the most prominent and respected in Philippine fashion is no other than Randy Ortiz.  The former president of the Fashion Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has catapulted and spearheaded countless industry related movements to fashion forward the local design scene. A pillar who's regarded as one of the strong moving forces in the shape of things to come, he has astoundingly through the years established himself as a brand that has withstood the test of time.  Recently, he has launched his perfume line "Homage" under chic retail label for women --Kashieca ( sister company of Bench, Human etc.).  Alluring feminine notes exude extra stellar attraction for the Pinay femme fatale. Striking, seductive and sophisticated, a definite must-have for the modern woman. Wonder in amazement as "Homage" becomes the new scent-sation to capture the ever-evolving style in the local landscape.  A must-have scene for women of these times. Another mark of excellence from the iconic Randy Ortiz.

Photography by Mark Nicdao, fashion styling by Noel Manapat, makeup by Denise Go and Pia Reyes, hair styling by John Valle for Irish Ong and Sam Lewis; Nantey West for Coraline and Sam Gomez. HOMAGE by Randy Ortiz for KASHIECA is available in all Kashieca branches nationwide.

The Team: Singapore Menswear Fashion Week 2011

Team Joey Samson was there with all out support.  Flying in from Manila to Merlion city, everyone came in trickles but was in full force on the day of the show.  After all, having a 40 piece collection is no joke and Joey needed all the helping hands he can get.  There was a lot to think about but was able to do "bonding time" with the team.  My week long filled days in Singapore was full of walking, eating and laughter.  From fitting day until packing up after the show, it was really a lot of good fun. Despite the pressures that came up here and there, it was all worth it.  And those who were supposed to go (you know who you are), we knew you were there in spirit.  I forgot to mention in my earlier entries, Ariel Lozada directed a total of 7 shows for this event.  Aside from the director, designers and models, some of the press, production team and fashion personalities were Filipinos as well.  I guess one can't help but commend us for our "bayanihan" spirit. Am hoping that next year there will be more Filipino designers who'll be invited to Singapore Menswear Fashion Week.  Or maybe it would even be more exciting if Menswear Fashion Week will find its next staging Manila.  The talent we have in Manila is overwhelming and definitely without a doubt at par with other Asian countries.  

My kaharutan this entire trip JP wearing a top by Joey Samson, pants by Y3 and
shoes by Adidas.

Photographer Joan Bitagcol wearing a belt by Paul Smith, trousers, long sleeve
polo top and shoes all by Margiela. 

Joel Acebedo wearing a top Gino, printed jacket by Two Percent Homme, shorts by
Uniqlo, glasses by Gucci and shoes by Doc Martens.

Director Ariel Lozada wearing a green top by Anthology, jacket by Gian Romano,
pinstripe shorts by Joey Samson, shoes by Dries Van Noten.

Stylist John Paul wearing a black top by Oxygen, pants by Topman, shoes by Doc
Martens, gold watch by Casio and bag by Visvim.

Support from Garage EIC Rey Ilagan wearing a striped tee and cap both by H & M, 
jacket by Ziggy Savella, shorts by Urban Outfitters, sunglasses by Ray Ban.

Visiting Director Robbie Carmona wearing a white polo with red piping by Initials, 
jacket by Rajo Man, jeans by  D & G, laced up shoes from Thailand, glasses by 
Uniqlo and black bag by Balenciaga.

Premiere stylist Noel Manapat wearing a long sleeved polo by Joey Samson, suit by
Anthology, bowtie from Japan and high tops by Lanvin.  The author wearing top by
McQueen, linen trousers by Uniqlo, sunglasses by Balenciaga, vintage brogues from
Joey Samson and black bag by Miu Miu.

The incomplete team after the show (from L-R): Mica, the author, Joey, Joan, John Paul, Maia, Greek and JP(sitting down).  Missing in the picture are Noel(who flew back to Manila after the show), Ariel and Joel.

The return of Borgy Manotoc

After a long hiatus in the advertising world, Borgy Manotoc is back with a bang.  Not only is he back now as a full grown man with an impeccable godlike body, debonair looks and dusky appeal, but also a homecoming to a brand where it all began--Bench.  A decade ago, the 17 year old "IT" boy was known as the Bench Body Spray endorser. Fast forward to today, Borgy has remarkably transitioned from the typical boy-next-door to one of the hottest personalities in the Philippine entertainment and style landscape as the latest endorser of Bench Body. To date, this grandson of the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and son of re-elected Ilocos Norte representative Imee Marcos has resurfaced with a stunning comeback that give competitors a run for their money.  Borgy is blessed with a perfect physique, towering height, a stellar personality with a lot of sense in between his ears. And with this new ad campaign, watch out Manila, Borgy is definitely stylesetting sexy back!

Photography by Mark Nicdao and fashion styling by Noel Manapat.  Shot on location at the Rizal Memorial Stadium along Vito Cruz street in Manila.