Red 082014

AUGUST 2014 www.inquirer.net/red

JAMES DEAKIN

THE MAN OF A MILLION GOOD

Editor’s Letter BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MAN There are three things my husband and I enjoy in consecutive order.

The first is dining out, the second is travel, and the third is shopping— the last he now enjoys because of me. And when I think of my friends who are also in relationships, these three would most probably be what they enjoy doing too.

August is Inquirer RED’s issue dedicated to the most exquisite lifestyle selections for men. Ponder on what you would bring to the outdoors with this issue’s attiRED (page 25), and see how it differes from that of a musician, a director, and an underwater photographer.

For devouRED (page 28), we celebrate the legacy of Manila’s most exquisite Japanese restaurant, Tsukiji. For the men who like to do things themselves, we deliver tips on preparing your own sushi.

The only reason I came to know James Deakin was because of Project Hatid, brought about by Typhoon Yolanda. I don’t know anyone who didn’t get touched by this tragedy, but I personally know only a few who actually went out there to help. I believe most of us gave old clothes to ease the guilt of having too much when most of our brothers and sisters have nothing. For those volunteers who actually sacrificed their personal time and even money, my respect goes out to you.

August is known as the ghost month; let’s make it our month to experience new things with out friends and loved ones. Eat out, travel, and shop now!

@riaprieto: Immigrations with Paolo before entering Tokyo #travel

Ria Prieto

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Want to see the other issues of Inquirer RED Magazine? Check out www.inquirer.net/red

Contents attiRED /20

Good Shepherd Photography Olivier Yoan

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acquiRED The new breed of men's

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desiRED Break tradition without

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squaRED In the throne room of

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inspiRED A female artist's space

wallets

compromising function

rock royalty

exudes inner peace

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art A thinking man's artistry

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admiRED Why James Deakin gave

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baRED Luxury grooming isn't just for

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exploRED Where the British

up everyone's dream job: Testing exotic cars

the ladies

gentlemen roam

attiRED

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Editor-in-chief Ria Prieto Art Director Ni単a Muallam Associate Editor Mara Santillan Miano Copy Editor September Grace Mahino Editorial Assistant Meg Manzano External Relations Officer Sophie Villanueva

Contributing writers Ren Aguila, Trina Razon, Margaux Salcedo, Yvette Tan Contributing photographers Sam Lim, Roy Macam, Artu Nepomuceno, Cyrus Panganiban, Sonny Thakur, Jake Verzosa, Olivier Yoan Interns Angela Go, Mikaela Pamatpat

The grass is greener this side of the field

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Leather, knives, and, everything nice

Board Chairperson Alexandra Prieto-Romualdez

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Get over your fear of the bow tie

Group Publisher Bea Ledesma

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SVP and Group Sales Head, Inquirer Group of Companies Pepito Olarte

devouRED Is it worth it to make your own sushi?

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empoweRED Mike Concepcion gives unsolicited advice

Sales Director Ma. Katrina Mae Garcia-Dalusong Business and Distribution Manager Rina Lareza

On The Cover:

James Deakin The Man of a Million Good Deeds Photography Roy Macam Styling Ria Prieto Grooming Don de Jesus

acquiRED

MORPHING MAN’S WALLET

complete without the excess features and bulk. Yet for a canvas so small, their capacity for aesthetic enhancement is endless. With newfangled leathers of different grains that are embossed, woven, and exotic, classic colors like black, gray, and brown are washed out no more. There’s also no shortage of designs and seasonal hues for those who prefer a bolder approach to the accessory. For a more streamlined construction, clasps made of sterling silver and precious metals like platinum or gold can put some women’s jewelry to shame.

From rustic and brawny billfolds of the old comes a model that is sleek, bold, and crafted from the finest materials.

It is smart with a touch of panache; a symbol of security, prosperity, and flair that fits in the palm of your hand. Most call it a necessity. I call it the modern man’s best friend. Through a formula of sophistication, simplicity, and just the right amount of finesse, a new breed of men’s wallets is born.

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The much-needed evolution has finally taken place WO RDS ANGELA GO

John Maeda’s First Law of Simplicity states, “The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction.” Refine, critique, and innovate until nothing more must be added or taken away. The transformation of the man’s wallet shows you exactly that: lessen the clutter, strip down to the essentials and you’ll be left with all you’ve needed from the start.

Choose from an array of designer cardholders, money clips, and slimmeddown classic styles that serve both function and fashion. Their layouts and functions are straightforward and

From top: Paul Smith, Tod's, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Porsche Design, Valextra

Excuse My French

Harvey Specter

Keep It Cool

Monogram

Cartier

Montblanc

Paul Smith

Louis Vuitton

desiRED

BRIGHT IDEAS

Form and function go hand in hand with these unconventional pieces W O R D S T RI N A R AZ O N

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Furniture and decorative pieces are indicative of the people living in a space, and choosing the right accent pieces can spell the difference between a house and a home. It’s easy to forgo form for function when you’re faced with something attractive, but really, practicality always wins in the end. After all, as they say, looks aren’t everything. More importantly, furniture is meant to compliment your lifestyle—and that includes your daily activities and needs. Sometimes, though, as in the case of good design, both of these aspects go hand in hand, as evidenced by these unique pieces.

• Moveable Mondrian

This time, it’s a case of design borrowing from art to create something aesthetically pleasing yet practical. The grid lines and the use of colors in this shelf might remind you of the famous works of the celebrated painter Piet Mondrian. The colorful storage units in the middle are moveable, providing you artistic license when it comes to revamping your space.

Minima 3.0 from MDF Italia

Mother Knows Best

Designed to represent a multifaceted gold nugget, this suspension light from Foscarini is the perfect example of art borrowing from nature. The play of light on the rough surface of the lamp, meant to represent the imperfect exterior of a rock, gives the piece a depth that you don’t get from your run-of-themill lighting fixtures.

Lamp by Foscarini Diesel Collection

Sculptural Solutions

For those who have tiny tots running around the house, this study desk—which is whimsically designed to look like a dog—provides an appealing alternative to the usual children’s table. The best part about this design? It can also function as a sculptural piece when junior becomes too big for Fido.

Chien Savant study desk by Philippe Starck for MAGIS

Waterworld

Two is usually better than one, especially if they come in one package. The Atlantis vase from Cappellini uses two regular materials— ceramic and glass—and connects them through the use of one space. The juxtaposition of the straight glass and the curves of the small ceramic pots inside, combined with the element of water, make for an interesting centerpiece.

Atlantis vase by Mist-o for Cappellini

squaRED

RHYME & REASON Basti Artadi grants backstage access to his art arsenal W O R D S M E G M AN Z AN O P HOTO G RAP HY ART U N E P O M UC E N O

“For two years, we would perform in my room—solely my room, we never even made it to the garage. We also never had a drummer.

Well, we had a friend whom we always claimed as the drummer, but the guy didn’t even have a set of drums,” shares Wolfgang frontman and newly christened solo artist Basti Artadi of his first band.

Two decades after those room-bound sessions, we find ourselves in the artist’s room (still, not the garage). Flanked by canvasses bearing his acrylic craft and admittedly intoxicated with the rhythmic insanity blaring

from his speakers, we survey the home office and its strange inhabitants. Almost ironically, a set of drums sits beside the vocalist’s desk.

To the right of the drum set is a library of his art pieces: a violent mix of acrylics, spray paint, and even oil pastels depicting profiles of curious characters such as Dr. Doom and Clint Eastwood. On the opposite side of the paintings are stacks and stacks of records decorated with little photographs of his wife and twin daughters, who make an adorable guest appearance and take a mischievous peek inside their dad’s home

office as he plays designated storyteller. Still somewhat consumed with Artadi’s art and industry tidbits, there exists a sense of quiet organization that dominates the subtle chaos in the room with each particular piece bearing an undercurrent of conversation.

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All rhythm and no blues: Artadi's space alternates as an illuminative archive of his years as one of the rock scene's mainstays

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inspiRED

IN RETROSPECT Artist Mariko Jacinto allows a glimpse into her life (and home) as an artist W O RD S T R I N A RAZ O N P HOTO G R AP HY S O N N Y T HAK UR

Providing an artful respite from the hustle and bustle of Manila is a restored 1950s home curated and inhabited by artist Mariko Jacinto. Filled with an eclectic mix of Western and Eastern antiques, the pieces easily complement Jacinto’s works of art decorating the walls. “I’ve had guests who claim that this place reminds them of a resort,” Jacinto shares.

Seven years ago, it was that same sense of escapism and tranquility that drew the artist into restoring the house. The moldings on the walls, glass jalousies, and flooring, including the kitchen’s machuca tiles, have

all been preserved. Looking around, the artist’s residence is anything but minimalist.

“All the antiques here are an accumulation of what I’ve collected throughout the years,” says Jacinto. There’s a gorgeous Persian rug in the living room made from young lamb pelt Jacinto acquired sometime in the ‘80s, and an antique dark wooden four-poster bed from Joliza that dominates the bedroom. “I like looking at older things because they give me a lot of ideas,” she says in a conversation involving craftsmanship. Several elements fill her space and allow visitors a glimpse of who the artist is: a corner where she keeps her

Buddhist altar (she’s been a Buddhist for the past three decades), a shelf of small porcelain trinkets called imari from her Japanese mother, who would gift her during every routine parent checkup, and a masterfully painted canvas couch. “Being half-Japanese is a big influence on how I choose colors and how I paint,” explains the artist as she sits on her masterpiece of a couch.

Apart from adopting furniture as canvas, Jacinto regularly paints on squares and rectangles of common canvas. A quick survey of her pieces suggests that the artist has undergone a number of transitions, and it

seems we’ve chanced upon her as she motions through another one. “My dream now is to build a house in Tagaytay that would be modern. It will be my new space for painting.”

From a decade of tireless nights that stretch out into mornings, intoxicated with the rhythm of clubs and social gatherings, Jacinto now seeks a calmer lifestyle. Rightfully so, her recent works exhibit an inner peace, “I don’t think we need to be reminded of the negative things around us. My paintings somehow speak of that.” Pointing to a canvas filled with dramatic whiteness, Jacinto explains, “Painting the Tibetan monks was really inspiring and brought out so much of my spirituality, but I was very much affected by the situation in Tibet and these paintings expressed my feelings exactly.” The seemingly idyllic sceneries of her “Monk” series, painted in shades of white, leave viewers in a quiet, contemplative mood. “I don’t have a particular

way of painting; what really matters to me is what I want to capture at that very moment,” adds Jacinto.

Inspiration presents itself as a fickle friend when it comes to artists but Mariko’s solution is simple: never let go of your childlike wonder. “I treat myself like a child, I don’t stop myself from playing and I don’t like to think of my art as a 9-to-5 job. I don’t force myself to be inspired by anything—it just comes.”

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Left: An energizing pop of red added for interest in the dining area; Below: Jacinto's series of paintings of monks, created while she was in Tibet, decorate the living room.

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“Cian vs. Fragonard” One of the pieces displayed in Dayrit's art sanctuary

art

THOUGHT PROCESS Cian Dayrit and his thrill in taking his time W O R D S R E N AG UI L A P HOTO G R AP HY AR T U N E P O M UC E N O

Visitors to the UP Vargas Museum may be wondering about a pair of concrete chicken legs on a pedestal right near its driveway. This was visual artist Cian Dayrit’s thesis project. “Basically, it was something like an experiment on how people perceive objects in the museum setting,” he says, “and how they are contextualized and de-contextualized depending on placement and presentation.”

For this work, Dayrit chose a very generic form—something familiar yet disconcerting in its context. It was a later show at Vargas, The Bla-Bla Archeological Complex, that placed him on the shortlist for the Ateneo Art Awards 2014. “I’ve been doing [art] since I was a kid,” Dayrit tells us. He did take some (extra-curricular) art classes in high school, where he notes that most of his classmates were older ladies from his neighborhood—his mom included. “I didn’t know that

I wanted to get into art until I got into UP,” he muses. After spending a year studying philosophy then applying for the College of Mass Communications, he ended up at the College of Fine Arts where he finished his BFA with honors in 2011. His thesis was cited as outstanding by the college, and it remains at the Vargas Museum to this day.

When Dayrit was asked why he wanted to pursue the visual arts, he admits that at first he was drawn to “the rockstar-ish stigma of being an artist.” As he went on, he says, he began to realize that art was more about being “creative and free,” as he puts it. After leaving university, he took part in several group shows. For him, one of the more memorable ones was held at Vargas Museum, The President’s Office, where he created a work entitled “Trophy Vests”: three vests, which featured the anting-anting, mounted on a pedestal and presented as trophies. The work evokes the idea of objects of power and quasi-religious revolutionary movements such as the Lapiang Malaya. What he finds memorable in general are the “properly curated” group shows. “As a group, you really have to sit down and discuss, and have several

Earthenware: Dayrit's chosen medium is a mix of terracotta and mud

rounds of that,” he says of the process of creating such shows.

Part of what made the Bla-Bla Archeological Complex show interesting was how much he prepared. It took him two years to prepare for it, and a year to produce it. He owes this in part to the fact that he is not necessarily a full-time artist; between doing odd jobs and helping out with the family business, he works on his art. “It took me two years of basic research,” he says. “It was not just an art project; it was like an obsession too.” He read up on archeology and much of what surrounded it, but his close inspiration for the show was the kind of reportage publications like the National Geographic did on archeological findings. “I learned the jargon and really became academic and scientific about it, but eventually I [made] it more like National Geographic, [a] narrativefriendly kind of literature,” he says. The show is a fictitious archeological treasure trove from a “lost kingdom” called Bla-Bla, and the “monument” outside Vargas was framed as that of remnants from a statue of an unknown deity.

When asked about his creative process,

Dayrit says, “Sometimes I just build from the details to the whole. Instead of coming up with sketches like most artists do, I just come up with lists, lists of lists, and lists of lists of lists of ideas.” For him, ideas come so fast that he couldn’t capture them in drawings, but in words. It is in the process of revisiting these notes, these lists, that he thinks about what to do next. For visual artists like him, he says, art is a way of translating one’s involvement in history and conveying its meaning.

Dayrit will be taking part in two group shows this month. One of these, Destroy 3000 Years of Culture, just opened at Cubao’s Post Gallery, and he is due to take part in one at Art Informal, where a second run of Bla-Bla took place earlier this year. As for bigger projects, he admits, “I’m still trying to get over the fact that I don’t know how to top my Bla-Bla show… you can’t just turn off [an obsession] exactly.” He adds that from the very start, he wanted to treat all his exhibitions like thesis projects, with careful research to prepare for it. It is this care that is making him one of the more interesting younger artists in the field, one whose rigor results in well-thought-out art.

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Shirt, Paul & Shark, Shangri-La Plaza Mall East Wing; suit jacket, Neil Barrett, Adora, Greenbelt 5

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admiRED

CLEARING THE ROAD James Deakin's love for cars has led him from auto journalism to auto activism W O R D S Y V E T T E TAN

Motoring journalist James Deakin is known beyond the auto circuit, mostly for his strong opinions on Philippine motoring culture that can be read on his website, jamesdeakin.ph. He will also start a new TV show on Solar. “It will be the only network-produced motoring show on local television and I'm very excited about it," admits Deakin.

Deakin has been a car enthusiast for as long as he can remember. “My earliest memory of loving cars was when I was four. I used to love sitting in the driver's seat and pretend I was driving,” he says. “One day, I sat in my uncle's Kombi van in Australia, which was parked on a hill outside their house in Sydney. I played around until I managed to release the handbrake and the van went rolling down the hill. I couldn't reach the pedals, so I jumped out and tried to stop it with my hands. Thankfully, the neighbor was watering his lawn across the street and jumped in and saved me from getting run over. But he couldn't save me from my uncle's belt!”

His tenure as a motoring journalist yielded opportunities to test-drive the best luxury and exotic cars in the market. The best car he's ever driven, he says, is “hands down, the Prost F1 car.

The Pagani Huayra is a close second, and then the Lexus LFA. There's no greater high than hearing these cars sing, especially when you're the conductor. The power, performance, and prestige are intoxicating.” As his experience as a journalist and columnist grew, James discovered another passion and realized that his work was the perfect

platform for it: an advocacy for Philippine traffic laws and safety. “I realized around July 2012 that after 10 years of traveling the world, driving exotic cars, I needed to give some of those blessings back to help the community I live in,” he explains.

James set up the country's first driver-on-call service with Lifeline Ambulance to help curb the amount of drunk drivers. “I've lost count of the times I've seen friends let friends drive home drunk—myself included. So I asked myself why people do that. It really came down to the fact that while most of them would have happily called a cab, the resistance usually comes from what to do with the person's car,” he says. “I heard of a similar service in Australia and figured that if there was some kind of a service that I could rely on that could take both my friend and their car home safely, I wouldn’t think twice [of calling it]. But there wasn’t one, so I approached Lifeline and we started our own. I knew that everything hinged on the fact that it had to be someone you could really trust; and who better than a paramedic or doctor? We trust them with our lives.” To date, the service has prevented over 600 accidents and is still used on a daily basis.

He’s also fought for the hybrid and alternative fuel incentive act and the speed limiters on trucks and buses, and has gotten involved with various causes, which, at one point, included chauffeuring celebrities in a Maserati Quattroporte for charity.

Last year, he helped organize Oplan Hatid, a volunteer program that offered free rides home for Yolanda survivors who had been brought to

Manila. He was one of the first people on the scene. “I drove about three families home in my personal car but stopped when I was told that I was more valuable behind a keyboard than a steering wheel. I was tasked with trying to encourage more volunteers to join while the rest of the core team did an exceptional job of managing the drivers and survivors,” he says.

“It was nothing short of miraculous. Within two weeks, we had over 2,000 volunteers and managed to drive 20,000 people home without a single incident.”

His advocacies, meanwhile, have gotten people talking and thinking about the way we commute and drive. “It all starts with a lack of driver education and poor testing standards.

Anyone can walk in and get a driver’s license.

Until we address those two main issues, we have no hope,” he says. “How can people follow the rules when they don't even know what they are? Most people are just learning from the bad habits of their father, older brother, family driver or whoever taught them. Then there's enforcement, or lack thereof. Just as a lie told enough times becomes the truth, a law that goes unenforced long enough eventually becomes legal. And lastly, leading by example. How many times do we see enforcers without seat belts, not wearing helmets, riding unregistered vehicles and confiscating licenses when there's a Republic Act that forbids it?”

However, Deakin believes that things can be turned around. “We need firstly, to raise the

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standards of licensing. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and if we are all serious about road safety and discipline, we must look at it in the same way as we do a firearm; in the wrong hands, both are deadly weapons,” he says. “Stricter licensing followed by better enforcement. But we cannot get better enforcement until we are willing to pay for better enforcers. I hear people complain all the time about how the enforcers don't even know how to drive, so how can they enforce? True. But how can we expect to attract people who are skilled enough to have driving experience on the salaries they are offered? If they were skilled enough and experienced enough, they would be applying that to a job that pays them twice as much. We cannot have it both ways.”

The clamor his newspaper column has raised has not been without naught. Some lawmakers have been seeking his advice on how to make Philippine roads safer. “Senator JV Ejercito picked up on my petition for the speed limiters on buses and trucks and asked me to help draft a bill, which he eventually filed last Feb 14. That is going for its second reading already. Ralph Recto and Miguel Zubiri both contacted me and we tried our hardest to get the hybrid bill passed. It went through its third and final reading in both houses but failed to make bicameral. Congressman Erwin Tieng contacted me about drafting a bill that regulates parking fees and makes establishments that charge for parking liable in cases of theft and damage to property, as well as the drunk driving act several years back,” he says. “It can be frustrating because it takes a lot of time, but there are some good people left in government; the trick is not to tailor your attitude to the bad ones.”

Despite the seriousness of his advocacies, Deakin will be the first to tell you that motoring

PHOTOGRAPHY ROY MACAM STYLING RIA PRIETO GROOMING DON DE JESUS OF MAC COSMETICS Embellished jacket, Gian Romano, gianromano.com; trousers, Paul & Shark, Shangri-la Plaza Mall East Wing

has its lighthearted moments as well: “I (was driving) solo from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and back in three days. I was so tired that I pulled over in a rest stop on the side of the highway. I left my window open just enough to let some air in while I slept. When I woke up, I drove off and noticed a dark shadow on the windscreen when the oncoming headlights approached. When I went to wipe it, it turned out to be a spider the size of my open hand on the inside of my windscreen that scurried across towards the driver's side. I swear I hit the brakes so hard that the spider probably passed out from the G forces. But I ran out of the car and was now stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere while a spider held an $80,000 BMW hostage.”

Deakin has managed to turn what is usually a niche in lifestyle journalism into a venue for information, a way to help those in need, and a

vehicle for change in our motoring culture, all while getting paid to drive fancy cars. “I would say (the best part of my job) is driving the exotic cars in even more exotic locations,” he says. “But honestly, that is secondary; it is being given the trust to be able to do (what I do) that I am truly grateful for.”

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baRED

HOMAGE TO THE PAST In the modern world’s revival of men’s old-fashioned grooming, experience is king W O RD S M AR A S AN T I L L I AN M I AN O

F ELI PE A N D SON S I MA GE S B Y S AM LI M

1. Felipe and Sons Barberdashery Mezzanine A, LPL Mansion, 122 San Agustin St., 1227 Makati “Men in Manila [are realizing] that they wish to and are willing to pamper themselves more,” says Bug Warren, one of the owners. Pampering, of course, does not mean just grooming but a complete offering of a gentleman’s needs. He, along with partners Marco Katigbak and Paulo Canivel, envisioned Felipe and Sons to be the ultimate man cave. The space exudes a retro

feel with polished wood furnishing, gray brick and vintage pop art, and is divided into three major areas: the haberdashery, the barbershop, and the lounge. Choose one of the nine stations for a luxury shave (P800), get fitted for a suit (starting at P18,000), order a pair of bespoke shoes (handmade by Sapatero Manila), relax at the lounge with a coffee or a single malt, or get your shoes shined in time for your next meeting.

For bookings, contact (02)949-7703.

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2 2. Hommage Atelier 605 Madison Ave, Penthouse New York, NY 10022 Hommage Atelier, located in a discreet penthouse on Madison and known to be visited only by New York’s uppercrust, is the barbershop of the future. Leather seats warm the sleek, minimalist interiors and flat screens alternate between fireplaces. Upon entering, customers are greeted with a hot towel, complimentary scotch, and an iPad. Enjoy their black diamond dust facial or their blacktie prep package (available only after 5pm).

3. The Mandarin Barber Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong One of Hong Kong’s most luxurious and popular barbershops, The Mandarin Barber has been around for decades in service of its loyal patrons. Reminiscent of a private gentleman’s club, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. They offer VIP rooms for those who prefer to be away from other clients, while lifestyle massages, waxing treatments, and

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4 facials are performed in a private treatment room and the hotel’s legendary Shanghainese pedicures can be enjoyed from the comforts of the dedicated pedicure room.

getting a haircut. Huckle the Barber puts a fun twist on social gatherings and getting a trim. Haircuts start at £35 while beard trims start at £12.

4. Huckle the Barber

5. Truefitt and Hill

340 Old St, Shoreditch, London EC1V 9DS

9 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069690

Huckle the Barber perfects old school techniques and new school concepts.

Taking pride in being a community-driven barbershop, it features on its walls different paintings from local artists and holds gigs for upcoming singers and bands. Before artists perform their set, they are first filmed

Founded by William Truefitt in London, Truefitt and Hill has been around for over two centuries and is known as the oldest running barbershop in the world. Known for excellent facilities and a line of grooming services, it has expanded globally to Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia. •

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exploRED

LONDON EYES

Rendered in black and white, the streets of London present nearly iconic images at every corner W O R DS TRI N A R AZ O N & M E G M AN Z AN O P HOTO G RAP HY JAK E V E R Z O S A

Perhaps the best thing about London is that it’s a city of contrasts: a momentary glimpse of sun is coupled with the gloomiest of atmospheres while modern skyscrapers tower over buildings more than a century old. One thing remains constant, though, and that’s the simple truth that the city is best processed through several aimless strolls.

A number of things can get lost in the hustle and bustle of London and the list of things to do and see can easily overwhelm any fresh pair of eyes. An acquired sage piece of advice? Don’t let it get to you. The usual things can be done: clotted cream and a scone during high tea, a side trip to Bath and the Stonehenge, and witnessing the ceremonial changing of guards at Buckingham are advisable, if not insanely encouraged. After all, those things are, to tourists and wanderers alike,

Eye from the sky: En route to cover the Eraserheads' London tour

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Coming of age: A haven of film cameras

Ace of place: Bikes, speed, and unquestionable rock n' roll reside here

Lonely souls: Wandering the streets from High Street Kensington to Stonebridge Park

Succinct sign: The city's commandment

Mid-flight: "Halfway home. London felt like a dream."

essentially British. However, in the middle of the must-sees and must-dos, it is even more essential to let your feet and instincts take you to back alleys and forgotten schoolyards, and somewhat surrender yourself to the cold misty dream that is London.

A city steeped in history is a city of ghosts.

Look around and you will encounter blue plaques on buildings announcing themselves as

the proud residence of storied characters, from Charles Darwin and Jimi Hendrix, to Charles Dickens. Another fateful survey and you may find master lens man Jake Verzosa consumed in the city he has stepped into. “Gloomy, vibrant, melancholic, exciting, historic, modern all at the same time,” says Verzosa, “I vividly remember the Tube, black taxis, red telephone booths, the long walks, and, of course, afternoon tea.” In the

middle of navigating through some personal trials, Verzosa traveled to London for two things: to get away and to cover the Eraserheads’ tour. “Why not?” he asks. “I grew up listening to them and I haven’t seen them play since college.”

The result is a breathtaking lack of color: blackand-white images portraying subjects kept in captivity, immersed in shadows, and bathed in glorified London light.

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A VISUAL TOUR 5 Places to Visit in London

BY MIKAELA PAMATPAT

Ace Café London

Motorcycles, cars, and rock n’ roll sums up the whole ambience of the café. Established in 1938, Ace Café London is a historical place for bikers.

British Boot Company in Camden Town

Located along Kentish Town Road, the British Boot Company is one of the oldest shoe shops in the world, tracing back to 1851 when their customers were predominantly Irish workers who lived in Camden at the time. But at present, it is most known for being one of the first shops to sell Dr. Martens.

Portobello Market

Portobello Market is the world’s largest street market located in Notting Hill, with over a thousand stalls offering everything from antiques (which it was originally known for when it first started) and clothes to vegetables, posters, and music.

Ye Old Cheshire Cheese Pub

A true testament to its name, get a feel of Old London found within the heart of the city in the setting of the Ye Old Cheshire Cheese Pub. Famous British literary figures were said to be regular customers—Oliver Goldsmith, Alfred Tennyson and Mark Twain, to name a humble few.

Tate Modern

Acclaimed as the mostvisited art gallery in the world with over 4.7 million visitors annually, Tate Modern is Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. Opening its doors during the turn of the century, a tour of London is not complete without dropping by here.

London mornings and their impeccable lighting

attiRED

GOOD SHEPHERD Leading the sweater herd to cool new heights P HOTO G R AP HY O L I V I E R YO AN

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THE SURVIVALIST What will these men bring when stranded in a cabin in the woods?

P H OTO GR A P H Y CYR U S P AN G AN I B AN S T Y L I N G M E G M AN Z AN O AS S I S T E D B Y M I K AE L A P AM AT PAT

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Gutsy Tuason 42, Underwater Wildlife Photographer Influenced by classic aesthetics first engineered for movement, these lightweight pieces make for the perfect lot to stow away in that getaway car, all too ready to raise a little hell Clcckwise from top: duffel bag, Louis Vuitton, Greenbelt 4; trousers, Jil Sander, Univers, One Rockwell; scarf, Burberrry, Greenbelt 4; Mr. Porter Paperback, blue Monocle speaker and headphone, and brown leather tray all from MY APT. by Heima, LRI Design Plaza, N. Garcia St., Makati; Magnum

by Boker pocket knife, Luminox 8815 men's Navy Seal watch, and Streamlight torch light, all from Squires Bingham Sports, 2nd Ave., Taguig; 4Motion sunglasses - Earth, Louis Vuitton, Greenbelt 4; sneakers, Visvim and jacket, Maison Martin Margiela both from Univers, One Rockwell

Basti Artadi 37, Musician Heralding a return to a more rugged version of utilitarianism are military-inspired sportswear staples in earthy hues Clcckwise from top: jacket, Hackett London, Rustan's Makati; Crosley turntable, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, and Marshall Major Brown headphones, all from MY APT. by Heima, LRI Design Plaza, N. Garcia St., Makati; trousers, Dr. Denim Jeansmaker, Adora, Greenbelt 5; Boker titanium pocket knife, Ecorox portable speakers both from Squires Bingham Sports, 2nd Ave., Taguig; leather convertible key keeper, MY APT. by Heima, LRI Design Plaza, N. Garcia St., Makati; suede desert boots, Louis Vuitton, Greenbelt 4; nylon backpack, Burberry, Greenbelt 4

Paul Soriano 32, Director Replace the common camo and don a number with a more polished appeal for a ridiculously sharp take on the outdoorsman ensemble Clcckwise from top: rain jacket, Missoni, Adora, Greenbelt 5; The Monocle Guide to Better Living, Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera and film, all from MY APT. by Heima, LRI Design Plaza, N. Garcia St., Makati; waist bag, Porter, Univers, One Rockwell; outdoor lace-up boots, Olukai, General, Bonifacio High Street Central; iPad mini leather case, MY APT. by Heima, LRI Design Plaza, N. Garcia St., Makati; Boker plus knife, Squires Bingham Sports, 2nd Ave., Taguig; cotton long-sleeved shirt, Victorinox, General, Bonifacio High Street Central

COME TO TIE LAND

Whether you prefer to stay in your comfort zone or go on a print trip, spot the right tie among our top picks:

Party Red printed bowtie, Façonnable

Red Carpet

attiRED accessories

Black bowtie, Dolce & Gabbana

WHY KNOT?

The trick to wearing men's fashion's more intimidating accessories

I LLUST R ATI ON S JA MMY N EPOMUC EN O

WO RD S AN G E L A G O

What started simply as a way for the European noble class to hold together their collars, bow ties have burgeoned into a symbol of charisma, wit, and sartorial elegance. It is a rather unknown fact that at one point in time, it was once popular for people to wear plain white bowties with their tailcoats. Then, with Pierre Lorillard V.’s invention of the tuxedo in 1886, the idea of the classic black style as an essential part of “black tie” attire was born.

The bow tie has withstood the test of time, maintaining its reputation as an integral part of any dapper man’s wardrobe. However, in recent years, it has been somewhat plagued by an identity crisis. Brought by an influx of creativity and changing styles, the bowtie has become a surefire way to add personality to both formal

Full Dress

wear and casual wear alike. Society seems to be rather uncertain about what to feel about this timeless accessory, and frankly, people seem to be scared of it.

In the words of Rick Kaplan, “Wearing a bow tie is a statement. Almost an act of defiance.” Formal wear is no longer just black and white with the addition of colorful hues and still-elegant fabrics like velvet and silk-satin.

Add quirk to your casual attire or even a business buttondown with unique patterns like gingham, polka dots, and camouflage. The possibilities are endless for those who have the courage to tie the knot. Resilient, confident, and determined to endure the changing times, the bowtie continues to prove that it is one of the most impactful parts of any ensemble.

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White bow tie, Hackett London, Rustan's Makati

Played Down Dot black bowtie, Brooks Brothers, Power Plant Mall

In the Details Crochet bowtie, Lanvin

HERE'S THE THEORY, NOW PRACTICE The science of tying the perfect bow tie

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Blue camouflage bowtie, Valentino

King Salmon and Tai (red snapper).

Tsukiji has their fish imported from the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo thrice a week for optimum freshness of ingredients.

devouRED

BLADES OF GLORY The dish on sushi-making revealed by the masters of Manila's best Japanese restaurants W O RD S M AR G AUX S AL C E D O P HOTO G R AP HY S AM L I M

Right: The Deba (fillet knife) is used to behead and fillet fish without damaging the meat.

Below: The Yanagiba is for slicing boneless fish into sashimi and sushi toppings. The long, thin blade cuts beautifully in one long, graceful stroke.

Both knife designs originate from Osaka.

When US President Barack Obama was given the honor of eating at Sukiyabashi Jiro and didn't finish his sushi, foodie-netizens the world over rallied ballistic. You don't eat at Jiro and leave the work of the sushi master Jiro Ono on your plate. Jiro is Japan’s number one sushi restaurant, immortalized by the movie Jiro Loves Sushi. I myself tried to make a reservation a while back before a trip to Japan and was told to call back the next month.

Singapore's renowned chef Willin Low flew to Japan to meet his reservation only to be turned away because of a mix up in the calls.

Obama dares leave some of that priceless culinary art on his plate? Sacrilege!

His thought bubble probably read: What is so special about this sushi anyway?

Eating at Jiro is eating a sushi master's art.

It is the perfect balance of yin and yang, and at Jiro-levels of sushi-making, I can only imagine that the consumer achieves satori (that zen point of enlightenment) after just one bite.

In fact, not just anyone can make sushi.

Chef Okajima of Tsukiji Makati started making sushi at 19; he is now 53. Chef Nobuyoshi of Wafu in Greenhills also has 35 years of experience in making sushi. Jiro is now 87 and stressed in the documentary that everyday, even in his old age, he still strives for perfection in the art.

“In Japan, in your first three years, you are allowed to do preparation only but no sushi,” Chef Okajima explains. “After five years, only then are you allowed to make sushi.” As an apprentice, you learn the basics. After a decade, you master the technique.

It begins with going to the market and picking out the fish yourself. “For hamachi, look for clean eyes, a hard stomach and shiny skin,” Chef Okajima shared. “For tuna, he stressed the importance of color. For otoro, it must be pink; for akami, wine red.”

“Go to market and make friends with the vendors so they give you the best parts,” Chef Okajima advises. True enough, that is what the documentary shows Master Jiro doing even in his ‘80s: visiting his favorite vendor and making sure he gets first dibs on the best parts of the best fish.

Rice is important as well. Chef Nobuyoshi takes into consideration the season of harvest, which determines moisture content. A good chef also adjusts the length of time in soaking rice. Chef Okajima recommends Japanese rice

but also says Philippine-harvested Japonica rice is a good alternative.

Cooking the rice with vinegar is also a craft in itself. At Tsukiji, Chef Okajima uses 2 kilos of rice, 400 cc vinegar, 250 grams of sugar, and 40 grams of salt to create their sushi rice.

Then, the technique in shaping the sushi comes in. Notice how the chefs' pointer and middle fingers are usually stretched out, as if creating sushi on air, like how a piano player sometimes air-pianos a Mozart. It is through years, decades of practice that they ensure that the shape and density of a sushi comes out perfect.

The final role though is with the customer.

In Japan, the chefs usually advise what condiments to have with your sushi. Master Jiro takes the participation of the customer out altogether by brushing the needed sauce on the sushi already. Here, the soysauce and wasabi are usually already laid out on the table, even at the risk of destroying the balance so painstakingly prepared by the chef. So use this guide from Chef Okajima: for squid, just use salt; for Wagyu sashimi, ponzu sauce; for white fish, ponzu sauce and salt; and for the oily fish like salmon and tuna, dab a bit of wasabi then shyly dip in soysauce.

Close your eyes, think zen and achieve sushi satori. And if it's an otoro, please don't do an Obama and let a bite go to waste. This belly is sacred!

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Left: Snapback from Been Trill and sunglasses from Native Sons. Native Sons is available at Ronnie & Joe, SM Aura and Power Plant Mall; Below: On a family trip in Ephesus, Turkey

FAMILY

BOOKS

His must-read list includes Outliers

by Malcolm Gladwell, The Luxury Alchemist by Ketty Pucci-Sisti Maisonrouge, and Spaces & Places

by Pharrell Williams.

IN GOOD HANDS

empoweRED

FROM STYLE COMES GOOD IDEAS Mike Concepcion on why staying true to oneself is a man's greatest asset I N TE R V I E W BY M A R A S AN T I L L AN M I AN O

When asked to give advice to young hustlers like him, Mike Concepcion paraphrased a saying by satirist and political commentator Gore Vidal,“Good ideas come from knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn. The original quote said “style” and not “good ideas,” but Concepcion, after Ronnie & Joe’s notable seven-month run so far, has nevertheless managed to put into practice these two entrepreneurial qualities.

The young gentleman of this day and age may be led to believe he has conquered both style and good ideas after reading a few issues of Monocle and GQ, but when belonging to an equally ambitious and motivated demographic, the real trick to getting ahead of the pack is becoming your own man. The secret to this, according to Concepcion, is to observe trends rather than swallowing them hook, line, and sinker. “I always manage to observe and try to understand trend patterns and people—from the early adopters to your laggards.” And more importantly, he tips to just keep it real. “Like what you like and get into it with no inhibitions whatsoever,” he says. “[Today’s man] can be a corporate beast in the day and an underground music junkie at night.”

• “As an entrepreneur, it's incredibly important to stay relevant and to manage a strong grasp of what is current and what is happening around you. You can only read so much before you need to experience inspiration firsthand. Seeing the world enriches and motivates you to go above and beyond what you see in your own everyday space.”

A Leica T-System camera, Pigalle x Nike Air Force 1s, a volcanicrock necklace acquired as a souvenir from Santorini, and an Italian leather pouch from Il Bisonte

TRAVEL