CONTENTS VOLUME 5 2011 contents
Features
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New Releases
Creative Recreation CesarioLoXVI
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Event Recap
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Sounds
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JP Cuison
026
Paranoid City
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Oh, Hello...
For indie, free-spirited disco rock, Paranoid City is the place to go.
Toby’s Arena Shangri-La Plaza
Anticipated follow up albums, old artists in new projects, the turning point approaches in the generations music.
Bandilla. chukkawalla, granadilla, paella, sarsaparilla, umbrella, vanilla! JP Cuison is Popzilla!
A carefree rebel making it in the urban retail moshpit through self expression.
photo by eric fernandez
Cover Story
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In The Middle
Not too high. Not too low. It’s the Mid-top.
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Sneakers Dictate the Color Dress like a pro with your sneakers taking the lead.
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Kaching
Reebok Pump Fury “Lane Crawford”
Undefeated
One of L.A.'s most revered streetwear brand. They are UNDFTD.
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Monique Manuel X Reebok Pump Fury “Jun Watanabe”
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Sneaker Selection
Sneakers to satisfy the hunger in you. Eat up.
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Paraphernalia
These gears are as important as your lunch money. Rock ‘em right.
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The Parties You Missed
The Last Heat of Summer. Fete Dela Musique. FourHitCombo Homecoming. Wall Lords. Wyred Swimwear Fashion Show.
www.msclavel.com
2011 FIVE
Staff and Crew EDOUARD CANLAS editor-in-chief
HANIKO
associate editor
YENTOWNKID & CO. concept and design
DALEMATIC GARCIA design consultant
SAM KIYOUMARSI photographer
KEVIN CABANBAN
sales & marketing
MA AGNES AGUILAR
advertising account officer
BERNIE GONZALES
sales & distribution officer
contributors ARYAN MAGAT NIX PERNIA SEBASTIAN TAY MIKE MENDOZA HECTOR YUZON JOHN ESTOQUE CAMILLE BANZON ADOBORAT
MSCLAVEL 2011 BOYBRIGHTBOY MULTIMEDIA CORP. info@msclavel.com 703-2531
ARA VISTA VILLAGE A SEAMLESS BLEND OF NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY It may sound too good to be true. A developer committed to not just providing quality yet affordable homes but also committed to building these homes in progressive locations and within communities that are orderly, full of amenities and loaded with potential and opportunities. That’s exactly what Picar Development is offering with Ara Vista Village, a master-planned mixed use community covering a sprawling 50 hectare lot in General Trias, Cavite. Envisioned to be the very first Wi-Fi Town of its kind, it embraces the best of both worlds with its nature-inspired quality living amidst a technology-based setting.
Within the village, Ara Vista Village also includes a PEZA-accredited Information Technology Park The IT Park located on Phase 7 also shares a park-life atmosphere similar to that of the main road. Treelined I.T Park roads have a total width of two meters: one at each side. Everything is designed with the future homeowners in mind, set up so that residents will love coming back home after a tiring day in the office where they will be welcomed by a wide and fully-landscaped entrance gate as well as Acacia and Firewood Trees alternately adorning both sides of the road.
IDEAL LOCATION
The main road itself has a bicycle lane where residents, young and old, can go biking worry-free. The secondary roads, on the other hand, has a planting strip but narrower than the one at the main avenue providing trees that in turn can provide shade for hot days and cool breeze on colder weather.
Known for various developments located in key cities around the country including high-rise condominium projects in Makati and Mandaluyong, Picar is developing Ara Vista Village around an increasingly progressive town known for its close proximity to educational institutions like Lyceum of the Philippines, Philippine Christian University and De La Salle Medical School-Cavite, shopping complexes such as SM Dasmarinas, Robinsons Place and WalterMart and industrial attractions like the Cavite Export Processing Zone, First Cavite Industrial Estate and Gateway Business Park. What’s more? Ara Vista Village is just a few minutes drive away from Tagaytay City, considered as the country’s second summer capital. This also means that Gen. Trias enjoys a similar climate and is in fact also known as “the cooler side of Cavite.” As for Ara Vista Village itself, it is designed to be a self-contained park-life community filled with lush landscaped areas, commercial spaces, sports facilities, a theme park and playground and schools that specialize in IT-based learning—just about everything the entire family needs in this information age. It also doesn’t hurt that Ara Vista is also 160 feet above sea level, which also makes it “floodproof” by design.
MODEL HOMES Hectares of thoughtfully conceived and well laid-out bungalow and two-storey houses are big reasons for Ara Vista Village’s unique character. Phase 1 has a Georgian-themed housing units and a mixed used community development. Designed and intended for start-up families, the Classic House Collection consists of two bungalow varieties in Christine and Clara as well as a couple of twostory choices in Cielo and Angela. On the other hand, the Premier House Collection is specifically designed for those with growing up families. Offering more ample space, it has “Premier” versions of Christine, Clara, Cielo and Angela—all of which are accessible with Picar’s friendly payment terms. All in all, Ara Vista Village is an ideal park-life community where nature and technology blend seamlessly. It not only redefines the town of General Trias but also promises to be a landmark to watch out for in Cavite.
A WI-FI TOWN LIKE NO OTHER As a Wi-Fi enabled residential community, future homeowners will have ready access to the World Wide Web in Ara Vista Village. Anywhere they are in the area, they can surf the web, check their email and chat and send instant messages.
contact #: 519.6411 Picar Place, Kalayaan Ave., Makati city
Isuzu releases 2011 Crosswind with family-oriented drive Isuzu Philippines Corp. has introduced the 2011 model line of the best-selling and award-winning Crosswind AUV with a familythemed driving event for the media called “The Isuzu Crosswind Family Affair” held recently. With motoring journalists bringing along their families, Isuzu provided them with units of the new Crosswind to drive around Metro Manila while simulating typical family activities: dining out, shopping and relaxation. This is in line with the Crosswind’s market positioning as the ideal family vehicle. The families took off from Westgate Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa, and headed for the day’s first stop at SM Mall of Asia. They then proceeded to the second stop, Ortigas Home Depot, before breaking for lunch at El Pueblo Real de Manila in Pasig City. After lunch, the participants drove to Ali Mall in Cubao for the third stop, and then carried on to TriNoma in Quezon City for the fourth stop. The final destination was Ace Water Spa in San Francisco del Monte, also in Quezon City, for a relaxing hydrotherapy massage. “We organized this family-oriented event to demonstrate that the 2011 Crosswind is the perfect vehicle to meet the many lifestyle demands of the average Filipino family,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “We at Isuzu are very much aware that the Filipino family is fond of eating out, buying stuff, engaging in recreational activities, and even driving out of town. This event shows that the new Crosswind is comfortable, spacious,
versatile, entertaining and dependable— making it up for the task of serving as a family car.” New for the XUV and Sportivo variants of the 2011 Crosswind are a one-piece sporty rear bumper with built-in reflectors; new-design rear quarter molding; oval-shaped tailpipe finisher; black-finish sidestep board; clearlens turn signals on the side mirrors; projector headlamps with clear-lens signal lights and a black side outline; black-finish radiator grille base; black center console; and beige-andblack seat materials. The other variants (XL, XT and XTi) get new headlights with clear lens and black outline; black radiator grille base; and black center console. The XTi additionally sports clearlens turn signals on the side mirrors. For in-car entertainment, the Sportivo is equipped with a single in-dash DVD/WMA/ MP3 player that has a built-in three-inch LCD monitor and USB port. The XUV, meanwhile, has a single in-dash CD/WMA/MP3 player with front USB and auxiliary connectivity. The other variants, for their part, have the following audio head units: JVC KD-G206 for the XL; Sony CDX CT 300S for the XT; and JVC KD-R516 for the XTi. The colors available for the 2011 Crosswind lineup are Rich Red for the XTi and the Sportivo; Cyanine Green for the XTi and the XUV; Midnight Blue for the XT and the
Sportivo; Moroccan Gold for the XTi and the XUV; Glacial White for the XT, the XL and the XUV; Titanium Silver for the XT and the XL; and Ebony Black for the Sportivo. The 2011 Crosswind is still powered by the tried-and-tested 2.5-liter 4JA1 turbodiesel engine that’s already Euro 2-compliant. From its launch in 2001 up to 2010, the Crosswind sold a total of 59,582 units in the Philippines, with a peak of 8,907 units in 2003. This number is expected to further grow as Isuzu continues to improve its popular vehicle model. Last year, the Crosswind was the ninth-best-selling vehicle in the country with a total of 5,772 sold units. At the Isuzu Crosswind Family Affair event— which was sponsored by Ortigas Home Depot, Diadora and Reebok—IPC also announced that the Crosswind will have a new product tagline: “Drive with confidence.” This will be the unifying theme for all 2011 campaigns involving the Crosswind. Isuzu chose the tagline to emphasize the importance of confidence in everyday motoring, which the improved Crosswind offers. The 2011 Isuzu Crosswind is priced at P794,000 for the XL; P883,000 for the XT; P945,000 for the XTi; P1,042,000 for the XUV M/T P 1,102,000 for the XUV A/T; and P 1,155,000 for the Sportivo M/T and P1,220,000 for the Sportivo A/T. Visit your nearest Isuzu dealership for a test drive today.
“More is Less” with Nissan Sentra200 and X-TRAIL CVT Additional vehicle features minus the cost Offering customers a respite from the escalating prices of most commodities today, Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. (NMPI) launched a selection of attractive financing packages that include low down payment, low monthly amortization, free monthly amortization and zero percent interest terms for the all-new Sentra200 and X-TRAIL CVT. As an added bonus, the two vehicles are now equipped with new features. For only P99,000 downpayment, one can drive away in an all-new Sentra200 6MT, now fitted with alloy wheels. Indulge in the enhanced interiors of the Sentra200 CVT variant – now with leather seats – at a more affordable downpayment of P118,000. Enjoy mobility and entertainment in one with the new X-TRAIL CVT’s multimedia system with reverse camera. Long drives will never be a bore again – play DVDs or music with the iPod-ready multimedia system, featuring a 6.5” TFT LCD screen. Motorists will always be in touch with the hands-free calling and nationwide touch screen navigation system. What’s more, the multimedia system doubles as a reverse camera that features a safety CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) with night vision feature that can simplify parking, even in tight spaces. Customers can enjoy maximum value for money with the X-TRAIL’s low down payment scheme, offering as low as P160,000 for the X-TRAIL 2.0 AT 4x2, P220,000 for the X-TRAIL CVT 2.5 AT 4x2 and P260,000 for the X-TRAIL CVT 2.5 AT 4x4. Made even more
Contact: Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc. Karla Tecson Public Relations & Government Affairs Department Head (E) kbtecson@nissan.con.ph (T) (049)541-2201 loc 730 (M) 0918-9303216
exciting, this offer comes with an all-in package, entitling customers to free one-year comprehensive insurance, free three-year LTO registration, and free chattel mortgage fee. Practical and budget-conscious buyers can also experience the benefits of a light monthly plan for both models – as low as P7,900 for the Sentra200 6MT, P8,900 for the Sentra200 CVT, P10,500 for the X-TRAIL 2.0 AT 4x2, P13,500 for the X-TRAIL CVT 2.5 AT 4x2 and P15,500 for the X-TRAIL CVT 2.5 AT 4x4 – all for up to 60 months with 50% down payment. Another irresistible payment option is the free monthly amortization – get up to 10 months free out of the regular 60-month term, with just 30 percent downpayment for the Sentra200. Meanwhile, purchasing any X-TRAIL variant comes with free four monthly payments, also at 30 percent downpayment. Customers who will choose to avail the zero percent interest term can enjoy it for up to 24 months with 50 percent down payment for all variants of Sentra200 and X-TRAIL. All transactions under these payment schemes are subject to bank approval. Don’t get left behind – experience the Sentra200 and X-TRAIL CVT. For more information, visit www.nissan.com.ph, or inquire at any of the Nissan dealerships nationwide.
new release
Creative Recreation CesarioLoXVI
A NEW ARENA HAS RISEN In the world of sports, the arena serves as the ultimate theatre for displaying one’s athletic prowess. All throughout history, and even until today, every athlete of every sport, dreams of one day, walking into the halls of such an impressive structure in order to prove themselves worthy and to seek glory. And this year, a modern and revolutionary arena has been established to help athletes, and even fitness enthusiasts, achieve their own personal glories. This is the new Toby’s Arena.
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With a fresh surge of energy, Toby’s Sports has pushed itself to evolve into a truly worldclass sports and lifestyle brand with the launch of its two newest stores in Shangri-La Plaza and Abreeza Mall in Davao. Proudly emblazoned on the store front is Toby’s brand-spanking new logo, which bears a distinctive “T” and composed of 9 circles. The circles stand for the 9 distinctive sections that the store has, that cater to specific sports and lifestyles. These sections are composed of Running as represented by RUNNR, Basketball, Sports Fashion as represented by Urban Athletics, Outdoor, Fitness, Water Sports, Racket Sports, Team Sports and
Action Sports. Definitely the first store of its kind in the country! Leading the exciting line-up of shoppers who checked out the new Toby’s Arena are several of the country’s athletic elite from different sports and lifestyles. These include JC Intal of the Barangay Ginebra Kings, who headed straight for the Basketball section to check out its sweeping selection of signature gear and footwear, which includes Adidas, And1, Nike and Reebok. Meanwhile, Top runner Coach Rio de la Cruz went straight to Runnr to check out its impressive display of leading running brands
TOBY’S ARENA SHANGRILA from around the world such as Adidas, Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Nike, Fuelbelt, Mizuno, Newton and CW-X. Coach Rio also stocked up on new apparel and gear and tried out RUNNR’s unique Footworx Fitting process. Footworx is a combination of three state-of-the-art services that determine the exact needs of every runner such as footprint analysis, high-speed video gait analysis and ‘Flash Fit’ custom insoles, which creates the exact fit for a runner’s specific needs. Even celebrities, who have long trusted Toby’s for their sports and lifestyle needs, couldn’t help gearing up at the new Toby’s Arena. These include Velvet Channel VJ and blogger
Patty Laurel, Magic 89.9 DJ & TV Host Sam YG, Talk & Text team captain Jimmy Alapag and power-forward Kelly Williams, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters guard forward Gabe Norwood, Triathlete and editor and publisher of The Bull Runner website/ magazine, Jaymie Pizarro, and Coach Jim Saret of the Biggest Loser.
Toby’s Arena is proof of that hard work. By living the values of Passion, Innovativeness, Teamwork, Commitment, Purposefulness, Initiative and Service-Orientedness, Toby’s Sports remains to be unstoppable. Its relentless competitive spirit, never fails to engage us Pinoys to live an active lifestyle through sports.
Just as every athlete thinks that his greatest competition isn’t the other person, nor the other team, Toby’s Sports believes that its greatest opponent is itself. To be considered truly competitive, Toby’s commits itself to become better everyday; to be able to answer the needs of every active Filipino. And indeed
Check out the all-new Toby’s Sports Arena located at the ground level of Toby’s ShangriLa Plaza and 2nd level of Abreeza Mall in Davao. You can also visit their website at www.tobys.com for more information on Toby’s Sports.
JUNIOR BOYS It’s All True Domino At some point during the duration of their wearied previous effort Begone Dull Care, Jeremy Greenspan of the Junior Boys visited China for a couple of months. The journey permitted him to cut off from the pressure coming off the business side of things and was found to be recuperative. On their fourth offering, he and Matt Didemus dish out some of their most enthusiastic, most appealing studio work, flavored with violently shaking synthesizer fairies, slack rhythm-guitar twists and even some well-assigned Chinese harp. Adding to the grace is the approach in which the kick drums are utilized; they tend to behave less like pivots than styles. For all the aural sparkle, not much experience will be necessary to learn that the record is about a souring relationship. A powerful sign pops out less than a minute into the first track “Itchy Fingers,” the part where Greenspan sings “I’d rather crush you with a paper folded, just to see you die” with cantankerous exuberance. As always, the pair’s music is extraordinarily formless, baiting myriad references and perspective positions across a number of time frames and approaches. If you’ve been looking for a way to mix the cold post-punk minimalism of Gary Numan’s “Cry the Clock Said” to the fiery modern R&B of Trey Songz’s “Red Lipstick,” there is no beating “Playtime,” a mild-mannered and menacingly flickering ballad.
tUnE-yArds Whokill 4AD One of the most buzzed about releases of 2009was tUnE-yArDs’ first album BiRd-BrAiNs - and not just because of those mischievous capital letters. Done wholly on digital tape and & sorted out on a laptop, it seemed to re-imagine the idea of lo-fi recording. Synchronized drums, loop pedals, an overpowering sense of joy and the thrilling, melodramatic charisma of Merill Garbus which led her fan base to mutter words such as “religious experience” and “genius.” Two years later, and Garbus seem to have condensed that live atmosphere into the recording studio. For, as impressive as BiRd-BrAiNs was, whokill shows a colossal rise forward from a creative standpoint. There’s a vigor and impression to whokill that appears to just spill out off the album. In a universe of pop stars, it’s safe to state that you’ll not hear an album like this anytime soon. First track “My Country” dictates the exciting tone from the get-go – a whipping, pogo-ing monster of a track that’s virtually impossible to sit still to. The rhythm is alluring, the horns explode and there’s even the peculiar glockenspiel in there, while ruling over everything is Garbus’ incredible voice, which manages to insert unadulterated soul into each note. Spectacularly, the rest is of the same level of excellence. It’s hard to choose an outstanding track, but “Riotriot” is definitely in the discussion. A spare finger-picked ukulele sets the tone before strengthening gorgeously as dissonant drums and a saxophone follow, until a delightful tribal rhythm pops up. “Doorstep” is less frenzied if no less successful, an irresistible vocal line of “the policeman shot my baby as he crossed onto my doorstep” suggesting a sinister nuance below the festive melody.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. It’s a Corporate World Quite Scientific On It’s a Corporate World, Detroit duo Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. fulfill the promises sworn on 2010’s Horsepower EP with a record of bittersweet, electronic indie pop. Packed with coats of vocal harmonies, slow down drums and simple melodies, the pair’s full-length first album makes for a fascinating summer album, assuaging that lighthearted summer atmosphere with a fundamental desolation. This makes for an album that’s not so much for the seaside as it is for those weird rainy days where you’re just inside wishing that the weather goes back to normal. Contributing to this sentiment is how phenomenally unassuming the songwriting is. While the group is most absolutely a studio opus, they successfully were able to keep away from over-processing the record. The tracks are arranged in such a nominal way that everything seems to really count, with each element fondly placed with a flair for melody that’s reminiscent of Paul Simon and Paul McCartney, brushing the two icons’ methods magnificently on tracks like the brisk “Simple Girl” and the title track. This straightforward comprehension allows the particular building blocks of each song to sparkle through, providing elements like the calm, whipping drums and isolated synthesizers of “Nothing But Our Love” to endure on their own for the listener to grasp and understand rather than being buried in the mix under approximately sixty tracks of spinning electronic mastery. This form of subtlety has become progressively more extraordinary in electronic music, where the sum of layers that can be placed on a song is only narrowed by time and creativity, but it’s critical to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.’s attraction, which might have been misplaced in a busier record. With such a tremendous mix of profundity, melody and utter allure, It’s a Corporate World is the ideal summer jam for anyone who would rather spend more time in the library than the beach.
Gruff Rhys Hotel Shampoo Ovni/Turnstile No male in Britain has a more compelling and alluring voice than Rhys, and if you're seeking roundabout melodic psych-pop, you wouldn't turn to anyone else first. The third solo release from Super Furry Animal's frontman pulls out on influences from Arthur Lee to the Temptations, and is named for his inclination of stockpiling hotel toiletries, each of which sets off a different memory. Song topics ensuing from such dreams include imperialism, the environment and the more recognizable topics of love and yearning. Nobody seems to do it better. Receding from the Welsh experimentalism of Yr Atal Genhedlaeth (2005) and the indie twee of Candylion (2007), Rhys's third and best solo effort may be his most straightforward pop. Points of reference include Brian Wilson ("Honey All Over"), French-horn-fueled Bacharachisms ("Take a Sentence"), and Zombies chamber pop ("Vitamin K"). "Shark Ridden Waters" samples the Cyrkle's cover of "It Doesn't Matter Anymore," a Bacharach anecdote. Rhys has never been more contagious than he is on the horn-driven "Sensations in the Dark." "At the Heart of Love" has one of his most gorgeous melodies, and "Christopher Columbus" and "Patterns of Power" give acceptance to neo-go-go and neo-psych, respectively.
FUCKED UP David Comes to Life Matador When Toronto’s most popular and most impressive hardcore band decided to name themselves Fucked Up, it was to estrange potential listeners who in all likelihood weren’t going to appreciate its difficult, intense, politically militant music anyway. But neither Fucked Up nor pop culture is what it was when the band started in the early half of the last decade. Not only did 2008’s The Chemistry Of Common Life turn Fucked Up a legitimate critics’ choice, but the F-word now seems as treacherous as a Po after Cee-Lo Green used it as the title of the catchiest pop song in recent memory. We now dwell in a world where a band called Fucked Up really couldhit the big time; with David Comes To Life, an out of this world 18-track, 78-minute masterpiece that’s been evolving for much of the band’s career, it appears even Fucked Up now believes this, and is poised to make it happen. David Comes To Life is Fucked Up’s most mainstream ready record tangled up in its most bravely pompous and hands down most perplexing. A self-proclaimed rock opera, David Comes To Life revolves around a browbeaten factory laborer who swerves off on an existential trip into self that studies the significance and inevitability of losing love and its transformative power. Or something that sounds like that. Much like the tales that shape the backbone of The Who’s Quadrophenia, Hüsker Dü’s Zen Arcade and Green Day’s American Idiot - all divine ancestors of David Comes To Life - the particulars of the concept count less than the impressively executed musically distinctive rubs and evidently avowed big questions about character and the ways to realize self-empowerment. For Fucked Up, the plot of David Comes To Life is purely a substantial hook on which to hang a succession of stirring rock songs, like the powerful “Remember My Name,” the infatuated “Queen Of Hearts” (which has the most spellbinding psych-rock outro this side of Deerhunter) and “Ship Of Fools,” a horrid roar that concludes with a guitar solo that can be convincingly compared to U2. It’s true - what was then a punk band has grown into an arena rock giant. Damian Abraham still wails with the blood-drenched power of Fucked Up’s underground gig days, croakily spewing out uncertainties about the boundaries of political radicalism on “Running On Nothing.” But musical director Mike Haliechuk now dishes out the music in compressed, melodic, angst-ridden hammer ruptures that characteristically last about four minutes – ideal for radio stations that calls the band “F-ed Up.” For an ambitious concept album, the module parts of David Comes To Life are absolutely poppy. They’re also invigoratingly compelling and utterly essential; David Comes To Life is the handiwork of a group explicitly hoping to be enormous, and making it work.
Black Lips Arabia Mountain Vice Drinking water out of the well Mark Ronson created may be the smartest career move that the Black Lips have ever done. While the partnership may seem weird, it winded up being a cohesive pairing. For once, the Black Lips’ music really outdoes their clowning around - an imposing achievement for a group whose contentious performances have time and again surpassed their albums. In past occasions, the Atlanta-based punk band’s chaotic oomph came tied with an oft-speckled musical attitude that converted their works into haphazard affairs. That’s not a slam on the outfit’s previous discography - their releases have some of the finest garage rock over the past ten years. All too often, however, their almost-crazy conduct permitted for some latitude with their musical shortcomings. But if the course taken on Arabia Mountain signifies anything, it’s that the foursome of Cole Alexander, Joe Bradley, Ian St. Pé and Jared Swilley is game to let the music speak for itself - with or without the connected spectacle. Specifically, Ronson aided the Black Lips mold this album into an alert, tight-knit garage rock record, maintaining all the elements that the quartet does correctly while discarding the gratuitous embellishments. Despite being 16 songs long, the record punches through with hook after hook of infectious punk rock. “Modern Art” makes a museum tour visit feel like a happening more than meaningful (Sean Lennon’s guest theremin appearance definitely doesn’t hurt), while “Go Out and Get It” may be the pop-pest song the group has ever came up with. “Raw Meat” breaks down unprocessed food in the crudest of rockers, while “Mad Dog” puts out the sax with an uncanny poise. With Arabia Mountain, the Black Lips chose not to be bizarre merely for weirdness’ sake, but instead have created an unbelievable rock album that effortlessly succeeds without most of the blatantly eccentric stunts of the past. While there’s a tad less shingle and a little more shine on Arabia Mountain, the aesthetic that has made the Black Lips distinct all through their career is still the same. For an outfit that has constantly done the job in their own terms for better or worse (and before doing it with Ronson has never hired a producer), the quartet has now risen to the highest echelons of retro-rock revivalism, abandoning its baroque punk identity in lieu of a much higher calling. “Dumpster Dive” rings like an Exile on Main Street-era Rolling Stones jam, while “New Direction” comes off like An honest-to-goodness late ’70s power pop classic. It’s Ronson’s drop of throwback signature capped with the band’s trademark wild child inclinations that make this record a spotless union. It’s so picture perfect of a fit that Arabia Mountain not only surfaces as the Lips’ best-produced album, but perhaps their most superb record to date.
Paranoid City Is The Place For people who want indie, free-spirited disco rock, Paranoid City is the place to go. Paranoid City was originally formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Dax Balmeo, beat engineer Eric Strange and Japo “8-Bit the Synth Android” Anareta. Rommel “CD-ROM” Celespara (support synths/loops & fx scientist) soon joined the three during the band’s gigs and recording sessions. They just released their 11-track independently released debut album Viewfinder Dreams.
Are you guys paranoid by nature?
are riff-driven bands compared to PC but in conclusion, every band is unique, diverse and artistically influenced in every way.
our co-executive producer, Sir Mike Tagorda. In a way, it’s like a stage play- we’re just the actors, but we are not the stars.
What’s your take on musicians being part of multiple bands in the scene?
How does it feel when you do your thing onstage? 8-BIT: It feels like running a marathon while being chased by cute yet bloodthirsty cats.
If there actually was a Paranoid City, what do you think would it be like?
DAX: With all the possibilities and genres available, it’s a natural transition with any musician. With the case of PC, we just wanted to play gigs. We started with four songs and it snowballed to an album. In fact, Japo plays for a lot of local indie bands namely The PinUps, Domino, Pumping Pluto, Identikit, Mayo Baluyut, Stereodeal and acts as a sub for some mainstream bands in the music scene like Pedicab, Imago and even Tanya Markova.
8-BIT: It would be a city full of neon lights, girly bars and toy stores.
You seem to be in demand, Japo. Where do you get all the strength to do it?
You guys used to be a three-piece band, now you’re four. What’s the big difference now?
8-BIT: I believe that the music scene should be a more collaborative environment rather than a breeding ground for “crab mentality”.
DAX: We started out with just us three. We won’t say that it was easier nor harder at first but when we met Rommel, the chemistry got better, more raw and wilder. He played as support synthesizer for us for a few months then we invited him to be part of the band full time and that was it- us four lads playing around and having fun. It may be easier in some terms like disseminating the gigs and rehearsal schedule or asking each of the member’s availability. Having more than five members in a band and informing them about the schedules might be a pain in the neck.
How much invested into
ERIC: Collectively, we live in a time of greed and negativity. But we’re not letting it get the best of us, hence the positive outlook which reflects our music. Positive vibes, positive music. How did you guys get your band name? DAX: We got the name from an episode of Seinfeld. When the fat guy was paranoid that his girlfriend was cheating on him, Jerry then goes to say, “Get off Paranoid City!”.
Whom do you regard as influences, foreign and local?
musical
ERIC: The Killers is one major influence on us, especially their Sam’s Town album, but we wouldn’t go as far as to that they are our only influence. On a personal note, we’ve always been inclined to our local acts, as well as international acts. To cite a few: Turbogoth, Pedicab, Techy Romantics, Taken by Cars, Dayuhan, Bagetsafonik. On the international side: Bloc Party, the late Michael Jackson, Teslaboy, Foals, Phantogram, Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Glassjaw, Deftones, Nirvana, MGMT, Depeche Mode, OMD, Nine Inch Nails, Base Ball Bear, Supercar, 80’s New Wave and 8-BIT’s most important influence, Polysics. Each of you comes from different bands. How is Paranoid City’s sound different? DAX: 8-Bit and I come from a post new wave band called Valet Parking which is on semihiatus. There was a conscious effort to stray far away from the Valet Parking sound. One distinction is that in VP, most of the songs were written by me. With Paranoid City, it’s more of collaboration as far as songwriting goes. Arrangement is practically the same for both bands. ERIC: I come from an alternative rock band Pumping Pluto which is also on a semi-hiatus state as of the moment. ROMMEL: I come from the “sexy-metal-evilPop” band Faultline and “ambient Sundayish-synth pop” band Identikit. Both bands
has Paranoid City fashion & image?
8-BIT: I myself invested thousands of pesos just to look like a harmless human being. That’s why I am most trusted by girls who are just looking for a rebound relationship. Hehe... If somebody would put out a Paranoid City clothing and sneaker line, what will it look like? 8-BIT: Modern. Stylish. And a bit space-y. What kind of sneakers is in your collection right now? 8-BIT: I only have two pairs of worn-out black Chucks. I think they are both important in my life right now because that’s all I have! Hehe. How did you guys come up with the album title Viewfinder Dreams? DAX: Viewfinder Dreams is a line from our song “Hello Strange”. For us, it describes our journey from the beginning to end with the album. 8-Bit is a photographer and he came up with the line. From an idea to a tangible object. Who did the cover art? 8-BIT: The credit goes to our good friend Adrian Arcega from Stompworks Studios. He also did our teaser videos and I like to refer to him as our “silent fifth member”. You have a lot of guests in your album…. ERIC: Our album could not have been possible without the help of our friends. This album is way bigger than the four of us now. It’s about the people who believed in us enough to personally help in finishing the album. Credit goes to Adrian Arcega, Dondi Virrey of Techy Romantics, Shinji Tanaka and Hazel Pascua of Sound Creation, Paolo Peralta and Sarah Gaugler of Turbo Goth, Ivan Garcia of Hilera, Sandy Buladaco of Identikit, Butoy Lofranco of Valet Parking, Jeng Tan of The Pin-Ups and especially to
What do you guys do as your day job? DAX: I work as a bank writer. Boring, but it pays the bills. One reason why I need PC is for my sanity. I can’t imagine being stuck at a desk job and not play gigs. Some people play golf after work or go to strip clubs. I play gigs to relax. ERIC: I’m an account manager in a PR firm in Makati during weekdays and a part-time business management professor during Saturdays. I think I am the busiest member of the band. Too much stressed and very occupied. That’s why whenever I play on gigs, I make it a point to release all of the stress while playing the drums. Wild. Sexual. Intimate. 8-BIT: I live, thanks to the process of photosynthesis and dark energy radiating from Outer Space... ROMMEL: I work as a creative director/ marketing manager for WACOM, which is an interactive pen and tablet interface built for designers. I am also a part-time instructor for a multimedia class. So isang magandang outlet for my stress is playing sa banda. Katulad din ni Dax, maloloko ka kasi the whole day, I’m sitting and na-stuck sa desk ko. Gumagalaw lang ako pag may event and business meeting. At night, kapag walang gig, I also paint to feed my hunger sa arts. I also enjoy the company of my fellow painters, lalo na kapag may opening art exhibit. It’s tough balancing work and a music career. Do you plan to make music your full time job? DAX: We think that every person wants thatto be able to do what you love and get paid for it. Given the chance, why not? But at the end of the day, what is important is that we enjoy what we are doing and we are having fun. That’s wealth you can’t measure with money. What’s your affinity with Crazy Katsu? ERIC: Ah. Crazy Katsu is the soul behind Paranoid City. Without their infamous Chicken Katsu dish, we are just a bunch of useless individuals. Most of our songs were written after eating Iron Chef Acel’s Chicken Katsu. Crazy Katsu restaurant is located at Maginhawa St., Teachers Village, Quezon City. Brought to you by Shinji Tanaka and Bryan Kong. Shameless Plug! If you guys could open for any band, which would it be? 8-BIT: The Killers, of course! Hehe! But on the local circuit, we’ve been privileged enough to open for our heroes- we were personally invited by Raimund Marasigan to play with
Pedicab for a gig. Ely Buendia personally chose us to front for Pupil in one of the legs of their City Limits bar tour. But an achievement for us and my “Ultimate Fanboy Moment” would be when Raimund played the drums for us during an “Eraserheads Night” gig at Saguijo. We played “Torpedo” which totally blew us away. It has been my dream since I was a kid. I’m a die-hard Eraserheads Fan. What’s in store for us from Paranoid City? ERIC: Right now, we’re doing several gigs to promote the album. As of the moment, you
can buy Viewfinder Dreams by going to our gigs so get our gig sked on our Facebook account and find out where you can watch us. (http://www.facebook.com/paranoidcity) What do you want your fans and the listeners to get out of your music? DAX: We hope that PC can help in opening the minds of our fans and listeners. To realize that the norms can be ignored and that there is always something new and different out there. Never be contented with the present situation.
Advice for the young musicians who want to start a band of their own? DAX: Always stay hungry. Never be content with your present situation. And most important, keep your head high and your feet firmly planted on the ground. Our music scene isn’t about a “my-band-is-better-thanyours” attitude. It’s about having fun with your peers. Some will remember a great set, but everyone will remember you if you’re being a shmuck.
Oh Hello.. there, punks! A warm greeting from a zesty clothing brand that revolutionized the way people wear attitude.
photos by eric dc fernandez
It figures. Why would anyone not want a shirt with a compelling print of a tattooed bikini girl suggestively licking V-fingers? It’s toying on everyone’s wild fantasies and the “graphic print shirt” trend, only more visually appealing and a lot stimulating. No cutesy squirrels or worms with oversized puppy eyes, just hardcore, sexy and rebellious. Bundle up three art directors from prominent advertising agencies with a flair for creative brazenness and you’ll get Oh Hello.., a spunky shirt brand with a loud and tastefully lewd statement. Established in 2007 straight out of college by Wham Bacabal, Peewee Bisnon and Raizel Go, Oh Hello.. started with the line The Beginning featuring designs of inked rebels and clown-faced Our Lady of Guadalupe’s. Before entering the apparel industry, the trio’s work were displayed in a show called “Skins and Needles” featuring tattooed individuals in heroin chic, mustachioed hipster characters emblazoned on skate decks and framed canvas. These digital artists, whose styles somehow blend perfectly like piercings and
hardcore music, made the printed shirt business a channel to emanate their extraordinary talent and atypical design philosophy, and it wasn’t long until people took notice.
Oh Hello..’s designs stretch beyond tastes and preferences and it’s easy to imagine the youth enjoying their clothes, from pierced face rebels to clean cut saints.
In Oh Hello..’s online promotional write-up, presumably composed by the designers, blatantly describes the brand’s attitude. People say “break a leg” – we say break your bones, skin your knees, loose a tooth or two and still it’s all good. It instantly implies the personality of Oh Hello.. – a carefree rebel making it in the urban moshpit through self expression and sucking it up. Aside from heavily-tattooed figures and even a quote “If god dropped acid, would he see people?” printed on their creations, the designers play on titillating and unconventional concepts, resulting to eerie and gripping designs all would want to wear. Like in one of their designs featuring scantilyclad inked woman with swarms of maggots formed to skewer her almost naked body; it’s just the right amount of unusual imagery and attitude that will catch anyone’s attention. Usually in black and white or double tones,
What separates Oh Hello.. from the hundreds of independent t-shirt brands is their combined lust for good vibes and surprises – a free smile for anyone who buys any of their pieces. Called a “hidden licky”, all their shirts feature an upside down clown smile with a missing tooth printed on the lower part of the other side. An unexpected addition of sly taste, the “hidden licky” gives a menacing, fascinating smile when the shirt is pulled up – like a free face for graffiti artists or an interesting disguise to amp a saucier persona. After 4 years in the industry, Oh Hello.. has made custom shirts for bands Alex in Wonderland and Angulo. The brand has also collaborated with MEDISINA, another designer with a similar “urban punk” graphic kind of style for a series of shirts for Brgy. Tibay, a decade-long gig production group.
With a new shirt design coming next month and a huge following all over the metro, the future seems to remain wild and just like their tattooed designs, permanent for Oh Hello.. If you can’t get ink, why not wear one on your sleeve? Literally. Why Oh Hello..? Because we are happy-go-lucky people. We want to pass smiles and good vibes. What inspired you to get together and start your own line? Our Passion for art and music. What course did you take and where did you guys study? Multimedia-Arts in CSB (College of St. Benilde). Where’s your store located? We plan to have a store in the future. But for now you can order our shirts online, facebook.com/weareohhello or if see us in
places like Saguijo (Makati) or events (like First Fibs,etc). We usually bring shirts with us. Describe the look of OH HELLO.. Oh Hello.. is fun, happy, hardcore, reckless, and toothless.
We usually brainstorm themes for every release. Bestsellers and must haves from Oh Hello..?
Price range of Oh Hello shirts?
(Shirts from the) Babycakes line and The Beginning Raglan tees.
Php 400 to 500, and Php 40 for a pack of stickers.
Are you concentrating on clothes or do you also have other stuff?
If I had Php 2,000, what stuff would I be able to purchase from Oh Hello..?
For now we only have shirts but we plan to release other stuff soon.
Lots of shirts and stickers. For now we’re still starting to build our brand, so watch out kids!
When you say you have “so many plans for the brand and not just clothes”, what other items do you plan to release in the future?
What sets Oh Hello apart from other brands? Oh Hello.. is unique because of its “hidden licky” print. How do you choose which designs to print on shirts?
Skate decks, caps, pants, jackets, women’s line, books. Since the concept of your designs and collaborations are music-heavy, what are your favorite bands and do they inspire
photo by eric dc fernandez
your creations?
Medisina, which is a first where all three of us made the designs.
Raizel: Four Year Strong, Deftones Wham: Sevendust, Reel Big Fish
Why choose Oh Hello.. over other shirt brands?
Peewee: Refused, Ol’ Dirty Bastard
We’re the only ones with the hidden licky!
If OH HELLO!’s look can be translated to a genre of music, what would it be?
What is your cheapest and most expensive item?
Punk, happy hardcore.
Chepest: ordinary shirts so far; raglan shirts go for Php500. We also have tattooed artworks for sale on printed canvass for Php 2500.
Do you accept artwork from other people? Not yet, but we do have plans in collaborating with other brands. Do you have a dream collaboration/s? If yes, with whom? VANS, local and international bands. Do you have collaborations?
favorite
designs
or
So far we had fun with our collaboration with
How do you describe your personal style? Do they reflect on the shirts you sell? We don’t limit ourselves to a certain style when we do stuff for Oh Hello.. Oh Hello is like an outlet where we can explore and experiment on different styles. Raizel: punk rock, laid back, 90’s, and Aztec prints
Wham: Punk rock and rebellious Peewee: comfortable and classic Is it always your dream to have your own brand? Yes. It started when we were exposed to the design, art and street culture back when we’re still in college. We have so many plans for the brand, not just clothes. Who are your favorite designers/ brands? Raizel: CTRL Clothing, Dr. Martens, Vans Wham: Turbokolor and Vans Peewee: neighborhood, helmut lang, mystery
fuct,
wtcaps,
What’s in store for Oh Hello.. fans? More great designs and new renditions of the hidden licky.
JP Cuison
Gigzilla Cometh Advertising figure. Designer. Musician. Toy collector and maker. Comic book writer/ illustrator. Self-described frustrated gag writer. Adding to the list is Senior Art Director of advertising giant Leo Burnett Manila. He has been invited to and won Gold at the Cannes Advertising Festival. JP Cuison is a true multihyphenate. First coming to pop culture consciousness as co-lead vocalist of Kiko Machine (together with visual artists Manix Abrera and Dan Geromo), JP Cuison is all over the place with ventures such as Gigzilla (his collection of gig poster art), Punnx Comix (comic outfit putting a camp take on the classic Funny Komiks) and staunch supporter of literal rock monster Gorgoro, among many other undertakings.
What do you enjoy doing more, music or the visual arts? Then, it was music. But now it’s arts. What is the underlying theme in most of your artworks? Pop culture. It is basically a “bastardization” of pop culture and the things I grew up with. What is your role at the Ronac Art Center?
What inspired you to do Gigzilla?
Best concert you’ve ever been to.
I just need something where I’ll be in-charge. Sometimes at work, you’ll be frustrated with seeing things not happening your way. Gigzilla for me is a breather and a venue where I can express my art “unadulteratedly”.
Eraserheads Reunion Concert.
Who would be the ultimate Gigzilla client? In the Philippines,Eraserheads. Internationally, MTV Europe.
I am a resident artist of Ronac Art Center. They exclusively carry my gig posters and my other artworks.
Influences in gig posters?
Ikaw at si Gorgoro ay iisa daw?
Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein, Frank Kozik, Emek, Tara McPherson, Ron English, Obey.
It’s like asking Andy Kauffman if he is also Tony Clifton. Not true! How was your trip to Cannes? Well, I have been to Cannes twice and it is just great to meet advertising celebrities. But the highlight of the experience is meeting Charlie Sheen and Ben Stiller.
What’s it like doing your own art and at the same time making art as a day job? How do you balance satisfying your client and your own aesthetic preferences? Time management is key. I try to balance corporate art and “my art”. I do not believe in this paganistic hullabaloo but incidentally, I’m a Libran. Are you into sneakers? Yes! Sneakers are the most comfortable kind of shoes in this “We will cover your feet” business. What would be the most desirable pair of sneakers? I want to have the Puma Sta. Cruz tribute sneakers. If they were to name sneakers after you, what would it be? Thunder Boy!
with
The collaboration experience is really magical. Actually, it all started with an artwork that I had a hard time finishing. And perfect timing, Christian and I decided to do collaboration, (and) that artwork first came to mind. Christian is one of the artists that I really admire. Among your colleagues, who are the ones you look up to?
Jim Lee, R. Crumb, Johnny Ryan and Jack Chick.
Dina Gadia, I love her sensibility. Kiko Eskora, I love his artistic imagery. Louie Cordero, he always has this B-movie feel in his art. Charlie San Jose, Raizel Go, Epjey Pacheco... basta ang dami nun! Ang gagaling nilang lahat, eh.
For animation?
What will be your dream work?
Eric Fogel, Beavis and Butthead, Spongebob, He-Man and Marvel Comic Hour.
To create Gigzilland, a theme park where my gig poster characters are brought the life. It will be like Disneyland on steroids.
Influences in comic book art?
How did you get to Leo Burnett? I started as a freelance storyboard illustrator. And then the Creative Director of Leo Burnett, Badong Abesamis, was brave enough to gamble with my art directional skills. Currently, I am a Senior Art Director.
You had collaboration Christian Tamondong.
And the inspiration behind Mighty T? I am a fan of wazak animations like South Park, Simpsons and Family Guy. So I decided to create a parody of my favorite childhood cartoon series, Marvel Comic Hour. I also did it as a tribute to one of my favorite artist, Jack Kirby. Influences in music? The Beatles, Eraserheads, Phoenix, of Montreal and TVJ.
Your thoughts on Pinoy Art? I strongly believe that we have world-class talents. We just need international scene exposure. For instance, a Philippine issue featuring Pinoy artists of Juxtapose magazine would be great. Fill in the blank. The most annoying people are _____. Pretentious people. What are you up to now?
Any plans in doing music again? Honestly, I do not have any plans right now. Currently, I am stuck in this “goof ball, novelty-ish” musician image, perhaps because of my previous band. But this image is far from the music I really want and listen to. Being a part of another band would just bring the baggage of that image. My dream of making a career in music is over. Admittedly, I once dreamt of being a musician – but that dream is over. How did you feel when Oasis cancelled their Manila concert? Truly disappointing. It is said that they got scared of the “terrorism”. Other boy bands like Super Junior are more courageous than them.
Right now, I am preparing for my special show entitled Popzilla. Basically, it is channeling the energy of my gig poster ideas on canvas. Popzilla is like my own take on pop art. What’s the most valuable piece of advice you have? Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide whether it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they’re deciding, make even more art. -Andy Warhol
“ U N D I S P U T E D U N D E F E AT E D ” UNDEFEATED opened shop in Los Angeles in 2002 as a stand alone, self-run sneaker store. Established by Eddie Cruz and James Bond, UNDEFEATED was envisioned to be a non-mainstream sneaker store. They wanted to carry a different array of products, from the obscure to the rare prints – stuff that most would think doesn’t exist. Shortly after its opening, Undefeated expanded and released their own clothing line with significant success. They have collaborated with many prominent brands and artists including Nike, Kaws, Puma, Mister Cartoon and Visvim. Undefeated is now present in cities outside California, like Las Vegas and Tokyo.
How did it start out?
we draw inspiration from everywhere.
Which artists do you look up to?
James Bond: It started at our friend Paul Mittleman’s house. We knew about each other but we hadn’t formally met. We chilled together and realized we both needed each other to make this move. We each brought different things to the equation so it formed quite easily and organic.
EC: Music, old school movies and old school Polo samples. How does the design process go?
JB: There are so many. From personal relationships with Kaws and Futura and Geoff Mcfetridge to admiration of Raymond Pettibone and Barry McGee. We have been fortunate to work with some great artists on our Undefeated Billboard Project.
Eddie Cruz: Ditto.
EC: 100% team work. We have a great crew. No egos. Did you get a lot of support when you were starting out?
When did you guys say “F--k it, let’s do this (Undefeated)!” JB: On the golf course at Lost Canyons. It was the first time we got to chill away from our block and office and just chop it up. Individually, what do you bring to the table? JB: Ed really understood the daily grind needed to make retail work, which is very hard to do. It takes patience to run a daily cash flow business. I feel I brought more of a long-term approach and concept to what this potential partnership could turn into. We keep each other in check with the reality of day-to-day and long term planning. EC: Ditto. What is your philosophy as a design and creative brand? JB: Just do YOU. Don’t follow or worry about what everyone else is doing. EC: Sports. What sets Undefeated apart from other design collectives? JB: I think it helps that Ed and I grew up in the golden age of sports and music and the creation of the computer. We got to see Magic, Dr. Jay and Michael Jordan play, the birth of hip-hop and the start of street wear. It comes from a pure love of what it was to be from “back in the day”. We bring that with us every time we walk in the room. We play sports, we’re friends with those who do it at a professional level and we are very fortunate to have the business we have and the friends and supporters we have. It all adds up for us. EC: Ditto. What is your design inspiration then and now? JB: Colors, fabrics, music, outdoors...
JB: It starts with some many different things. We’ll leave it at that; don’t want to give away too much.
JB: Not really. It was a new idea on the West Coast so there was just a default comparison to Alife and Nort. We had to talk and show a lot of people what was up.
EC: Ditto. And Basquiat, Warhol and Herring. Who or which brand would you like to have collaboration with? EC: I would love to do a Ray Ban. Any collaboration we’ll watch out for?
Are you satisfied with your current market status?
JB: Right now, we are focused on the Undefeated brand. We currently have a Puma project and a Converse relationship slated for 2012.
JB: Me, personally, no. But I’m never satisfied. It’s a shortcoming of mine.
EC: Puma, Balance.
EC: No. We have a long way to go but are appreciative of what we currently have.
What is your dream project?
Who was the first celebrity that rocked your wares? JB: Mos Def, maybe? Mostly music heads as it went hand and hand, music and sneakers. DJ AM was a huge supporter of ours when we started. What kind of people do you want to see in Undefeated gear? JB: We want everyone to wear Undefeated gear. At some point in your life, you remember a moment where it all lined up perfect and you felt great. That is what it means to us. EC: As JB said, the brand is for everybody. Underground elite brand are played out. Have people’s tastes changed? JB: Yes, of course. So have the people trusted to bring us fresh sneakers and product from other brands we carry. EC: Yes, at the moment, people want simple wearable kicks, as well as clothing. However, this “simple” trend can’t last forever. In the end, it’s still fashion. You need to flex creativity and originality. Most major brands are doing the “simple” thing better than us. I think it’s possible to keep things wearable, as well as give it some of the “Oh, shit!” factor.
Converse
and
New
JB: A sports training center with Undefeated athletes. EC: A project with the NBA. When did you start looking at urban culture and street fashion differently? JB: I always have. Mixing and matching of genres brings out a creative element that makes our business special. EC: Since day one, son. What is your mindset when it comes to your personal style and swagger? JB: Comfort, color palette and quality. I never cut corners on shoes. They stand out the most when it comes to looking cheap. You get what you pay for and it shows. EC: I wear the same thing everyday. I treat what I choose to wear like a uniform to keep life simple. How do you go through deciding what to wear? JB: I’m pretty simple. I have been wearing the same denim, suit and shoe brands since I can remember. So, really it’s just what I’m drawn to in the AM. What my day will be like? If I’m in office all day, I’ll be in sweats and a tee. If I have meetings, I will give it a little more consideration depending
on the context. EC: I wear the same thing every day. I treat what I choose to wear like a uniform to keep life simple.
wear technical running shoes every now and then but I have no (sneaker) philosophy. Just enjoy the ability to wear shoes. EC: Air Jordan 1.
Who or what influenced personal sense of style?
your
EC: Dewitt Clinton High School in the early 80’s. Every kid was dressed fly. Except they did it with already existing authentic brands like North Face, Lee, Adidas, Kangol, etc. Kids just knew how to put it all together. JB: My Grandfather. What brands do you respect and stand by? JB: Undefeated, Visivim, A.P.C and Polo. EC: Levi’s, Converse, Rolex, Kangol, Polo, Ray Ban. Who would you consider an urban style icon? JB: In our business, Jean Totou and James Jebbia have led the way and inspired us all. Shawn Stussy has his fingerprints on a few pages, as well. From there, I would say corner boys in Paris, London, NYC and Philly. These boys wore urban survival gear with everything from bubble jackets, eanies and Timberland boots to Dickies, white tees and Chucks. Again, it’s how you wear it that (is) important. EC: RUN DMC, Eric B, LL Cool J... What do you think are common mistakes in putting together a proper outfit? JB: There are no mistakes. You wear the clothes. You don’t allow the clothes wear you. EC: Beware of the one brand kit. Can you tell us something that most cats usually don’t know about street style? JB: All that glitters ain’t gold. EC: It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it. When did your love affair with sneakers start? What is your alltime favorite sneaker? JB: My first shoe was Adidas Superstar. I still remember the smell. I stay in Superstars and Chucks. I
Has your taste in kicks changed over the years? JB: No, it’s always been about simple/ clean- not too much craze. EC: No. Chuck Taylors everyday. Now that sneakers are easily and more accessible to you, does it diminish how you regard sneakers? JB: Not at all. A fresh sneaker is a fresh sneaker. I think what has made us successful is (that) we were never sneaker snobs. We not only focus on the hype of sneakers, but the enjoyment of owning a business of selling sneakers. It doesn’t get any better. . EC: No way. Keep ‘em coming. If I like them, I’ll Tweet them. In your opinion, what continually shapes street culture?
Where do you think urban wear and street culture are headed? JB: As a whole, it’s a dying business and the strong, smart companies will adapt, focus and come up with something new. There is always an emerging young talent popping up. I think it will morph into something new and change again. It’s nature at its best. Besides urban style and art, what are your other passions? JB: Sports and raising my two kids. EC: My family and my cat, Papo. Fearless forecasts: Brands that will make waves in the near future. JB: C’mon now! Undefeated. EC: Bedwin. Designers we should look out for. JB: Hiroki Nakamura of Visvim is my favorite designer. He always amazes me with his eye for detail and continuity.
JB: Musicians and athletes. They are affluent and inspirational and have the power of the dollar. We have so much access and the Internet is so powerful. We can see what they eat, drink, wear and drive. Celebrity is an intoxicating media form.
EC: The dude that does Bedwin.
What do you think is the Asian contribution to international street style and global urban tastes?
Next big thing in urban culture.
JB: As great students of the culture, they are the master of denim and footwear. Shopping is more than just a hobby. EC: Nobody captured the essence of American Street Culture better than Nigo from A Bathing Ape. He is a genius. What are your thoughts on Philippine urban culture scene? JB: It’s become global, thanks to the World Wide Web. You have access just like everyone else, so it’s pretty much the same as it is here. It’s not as old so the excitement isn’t so jaded. EC: We’re all part of the same thing regardless of nationality.
And artists? JB: Scott Campbell. EC: Nosaj Thing.
JB: Don’t know, to be honest. It’s a fast moving business and very reactionary. If you try and pinpoint something, you could be fooling yourself… EC: Timbos are back, son. What can we expect in the next few years from urban style houses? JB: Faux high fashion and making something more out of it than it really is. EC: Hipsterville. Where will Undefeated be in the next ten years? EC: A cool sportswear and technical brand that is recognized as authentic and sold at solid retail shops. JB: Hopefully, in a city near you.
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THE PARTIES YOU MISSED PARTY SEASON.
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fete dela musique, the fort strip, taguig
fourhit combo home coming party, palladium, makati
wall lords 2011, riverbanks, marikina
wyred swimwear fashion show, fever luxe lounge, sofitel, manila
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