A time for firsts

It was already getting dark when we took these shots. Firecrackers could be heard in the neighbourhood and beyond.

There were many things I would never have thought I could do that I did in the past year. There is one thing I did not expect to bring with me to 2013.

Sweater, Gap

Short-sleeved shirt, Topman

Jeans, Bench

Sneakers, Acne for Tretorn

31 on '13, and it's starting to show. Together, we have a long way to go.

More than enough

Hello. Am dropping these lines just to say I'm still alive, and happy holidays! If you knew me, you'd know I'm not really a fan of bright twinkling lights, or of loud show music. I prefer soft and sparse, just enough for warmth.

I'm visibly thinner, hopefully wiser, after the six months since my last post on this blog. Don't worry, I'll tell you all about it soon enough. Let's just say I've learned to celebrate what needs celebrating.

Tuxedo jacket, Landmark

Tuxedo trousers and cummerbund, vintage

Pleated shirt, Zara

Shoes (not seen), Clarks, thrifted

This is a picture I took of my photographer, Ajay, who has ditched his black bow tie (I couldn't find my white one) and is in need of a haircut. As I do. But there is more than enough time for that.

A day before July

Today could be just like any other day, no different from a day before January or September. But today, I will be submitting English translations for my last posts on my Benetton blog — well at least for this year. Been writing for them for three years already. Now it may be time again to find my own voice, maybe through another blog. How does Bosquejo Viaje sound to you?


Today is also a few days before my colleague, friend, designer (Bosquejo website and calling card), and ever-reliable photographer Trish will be leaving the country to begin a new life. Remember all my cameos in random places in Makati? That was her.
Don't you love this silver t-shirt? They were made by my friends Karl and Mike of Paradigm Shift.

Tee, Paradigm Shift Jeans, TopmanBelt, Structure, thriftedBag, Fred PerrySteel Bard necklace, Bosquejo


So how am I this last day of June, a seemingly normal day before July? Was promoted at work, but just also settled part of a huge phone bill followed by a stressful argument with Globe agents. Enjoyed The Amazing Spider-man last night, but right now all I need is stillness and quiet. 
Things are a mix, just like this mismatched pair of Doc Martens. Only noticed when I got home that the faux croc patterns were different, but decided to keep the confused pair.
I'm still writing poetry, will make more accessories soon, and am very excited to plan travels around the country not only to take pictures but also to take everything in: to see with clear eyes and burn visions on paper.

Alpaca Sports: "She'll come back for Indian summer"

Here is another song from Alpaca Sports, Andreas Jonsson's second single "She'll come back for Indian summer". Perfect song to wake up to on a Saturday morning, don't you think?

 

Here is the link to Alpaca Sports' Sound Cloud page, and to the music video of their first single "Just for Fun".


Happy Saturday everyone!

5 days, 5 ways: Francis Libiran x Myth, part 1 day 5

Funny how people talk behind your back when they know you'll hear about it anyway. All these silly murmurings in the dark made by scared little animals.


Though I've been absent from many of the circles I used to move in, I still know what's happening.


But enough of that. Let's talk about this last shoot for the first part of my collaboration with Myth. Again the outfit is for the office (where rumors grow like mold, and loyalties have no real roots).


Sometimes I think office politics is as bad as the country's, but at least the former set-up allows for more grown-up experimentation with clothes, ie entering into roles. (What does "smart casual" say about you?)


The workplace can be dead boring, unless you find what's interesting in it, and you keep close to colleagues who are not only competent, but are also fun to be with.


Shirt, Francis Libiran for Myth, courtesy of MythTrousers, MujiShoes, Doc MartensBelt, Structure, thriftedScarf, SM Department StoreBag, Fred Perry


I've been in this job for five years already. Wouldn't stay if it weren't half as rewarding. And if I didn't meet kindred spirits.


Let this post be a toast to them: friends in toil, drink, and strife.

Photography by Ash Abalos