The Happening: Brights on a Sunday Stroll

What better way to celebrate a leisurely Sunday than with sunny shades? Oh yeah, pancakes!

Vans Authentics + Uniqlo Jeans + Porter x Pointer Tote

Banana and Walnut Pancakes from Food for Thought. My favorite!

The Happening: Camo Craziness!

When it rains, it pours. This past few months, I've been gathering camo like it was nobody's business, and you know what? I'm not done! Not with this, this, and this on the loose! Soon!

Uniqlo Perfect Shape Camo Cargo Pants

Gap Nylon Camo Duffel Bag

American Tourister Camo Suitcase

The Sale: The Asylum at Ann Siang Hill

Seeing a store you love move is never easy. No matter the number of purchases, the nostalgia of first discovering the spot and going back will always be there. That said, The Asylum on Ann Siang Hill is making the transition as  joyous as it can be. They just slashed 50% off ALL ITEMS in store and some even going as high as 70% off. It's the perfect time to get your fix of Mark McNairy, Surface to Air, Commune de Paris, and Want Les Essentials De La Vie for a fraction of the price! A fitting going away present from one of the most well curated shops Singapore has to offer. Ann Siang Hill's loss will be the gain of some lucky location soon. Stay tuned. 

Bargains aplenty inside. Will definitely miss dropping by this spot though!

Surface to Air x Kid Cudi Leather Jackets. If only the weather permitted!

That Commune de Paris tote with the red base is staring at me. Only S$60!

Those brown Mark McNairy loafers will be the death of me. Half-priced!

The Store: Rockstar at Cineleisure

There are some stores that just get you, the kind that you always find yourself coming back to and loving everything inside. Well, ever since fellow menswear enthusiat Ant introduced me to it, that store for me has been Rockstar. I swear, the way it was curated, I would've thought that I wrote the stock list. From the simplistic shoe lineup (Chucks, Superga, Pointer), to its expansive portfolio of canvas bags (Baggu, William J. Mills), and even the books and magazines on hand, everything just spoke to me. Hell, I bought a bag there already, discovered Sifr, and I still keep going back again and again. Highly recommend you pay a visit, chaps. Might even see you there!

The new Pointer x Porter 3-way's looking mighty fine.

Look at the gum sole on them Pointer saddle shoes. Great touch.

You know the phrase "walking on clouds"? This. (Also from Pointer)

Timberlands all prepped out via the Abington heritage collection

Rockstar by Soon Lee
#3-08 Orchard Cineleisure
8 Grange Road, Singapore
T: +65 6836 8201

The Item: Herschel Supply Co. Camo Duffel

I've bought quite a few bags since arriving here in Singapore (far too many to be honest), but the one thing that has always alluded me is a rough-and-tumble camouflage sack that would make any Japanese street style subject blush. Well, after ten long months, the search is over, chaps! This limited edition camo duffel bag from Herschel Supply Co. hits the spot perfectly. Nothing fancy, just a modest, fairly priced carry-all that lets the classic army adornment do the talking. Rugged outdoors or concrete jungle, with this baby, phenomenal swag is a certainty.

Available at BratPack Orchard Cineleisure. Only 1 of 1; talk about limited!

The Store: The Asylum on Ann Siang Hill

The most common question I get asked is where to go when in Singapore. Well, in the nine months that I've been here, the one place I always recommend is Ann Siang Hill. Far from the chaos on Orchard Road, the area has a very laid back vibe to it, with quaint boutique hotels, cafes, and alternative shops surrounding the area. One particular store you shouldn't miss is Asylum. Once a full-fledged design store, it has turned its discerning eye to fashion, carrying pieces ranging from Mark McNairy loafers to Rick Owens sneaks to Surface to Air shirts. Yeah, not the place to go on a budget, but for oglers like me, it's a visual treat during every single visit!

I love storefronts like this. So minimal like they're hiding a secret!

The first thing that caught my eye - those sweet Mark McNairy tasseled shoes!

A classic, more sophisticated tote from Commune de Paris

The Asylum
22 Ann Siang Road, Singapore
T: +65 6325 3019

The Item: Head Porter Tanker Backpacks

Ever since I migrated to Singapore, I've only been home to Manila once - a short and unplanned overnight stay after our trip to Hong Kong that left much to be desired. Despite the briefness of it all, I managed to cram a lot of things in - meals out with my family, a haircut at Bruno's, a dinner date with my girlfriend, and oh, a little bit of catching up on the retail scene in the motherland too!

Dropped by Rockwell before I left to check out Univers, Homme et Femme's massive flagship at Rockwell One. In terms of offerings, the store simply has no peers and I don't just mean locally! Case in point, these Head Porter Tanker Backpacks which were nowhere in sight in Hong Kong. Man, if you're 24 like me and want to bring a backpack to work, this is exactly what it should look like - simple but with a not-so-subtle hint of cool. It's been three weeks since my visit and I'm still thinking about them. Definitely deserves a second look when I head back home soon!

Given my current military obsession, this is definitely the one I'm eyeing!

No trash-talking on the gray one, though. For all the minimalists out there.

I love the little pouch on the strap! Perfect for phones, wallets, and oft-misplaced MRT cards!

The Item: Porter x Pointer Canvas Tote

I've always dreamt of owning a Head Porter bag. More than LV, more than Prada, this is the brand I told myself I'd buy when I made myself some money. Funny thing though: I thought it would take me years before I get one (always wanted those expensive 3-way tanker bags), but as it turned out, I didn't have to wait that long. I bumped into this very reasonable Porter x Pointer canvas tote at Rockstar in Orchard Cineleisure and boom, daddy's home. If you wonder why it looks so familiar, the colors were based on one of Pointer's classic shoes which I wrote about here. My first Porter and a limited edition collaboration too? Man, I must've done something right.

First look: Ah, the navy and khaki combination always gets me.

A view from the top. Gotta love that classic orange lining. Very truly Porter!

How it looks when stuffed. I love how the function matches the form!

The Store: Supermama on Seah St.

What I love about Singapore is that there's no limit to the shopping surprises they have here. All you have to do is look, explore, and submit yourself to getting lost. Yup, because that's exactly how I found this lovely store called Supermama. I was just aimlessly walking around the Raffles Hotel area one night and I saw this sign pointing to an upstairs retail store. Intrigued, I went up to have my mind blown a few steps after. Tucked away in this old building along Seah St. was an-all Japanese goods store that would make every design lover's heart melt.

They had shirts, school supplies (brass pencil cases!), and even cutlery, but what stood out most to me were the bags. For one, they're the only store in Singapore to carry the Siwa bags designed by Naoto Fukasawa for paper company Onao. Imagine this: your tote, backpack, and laptop sleeve having an exterior made up of a brown paper bag, only it's tear-resistant and approximately 100 times more awesome. Clearly, these alone make the trip to the store worth it, but for a store as well-curated as this, every item whole-heartedly deserves your go-see!

This camel Siwa hold-all is my fave item from the store. Oh, those crumples!

The Siwa bag also comes in a white backpack model and red laptop sleeve!

My kind of school supplies. Those wooden rulers are the shiznit!

What the store lacks in size, it more than makes up for in offerings!

The Item: The Eastpak Two-tone Tote Bag

I don't know about you guys, but I'm totally digging Eastpak bags nowadays. I just love how they changed their game up by sticking to basic color combos and using better materials for their bags in recent years. Thankfully, they left all the kid stuff for Jansport and moved on to more grown things. You know, like this sweet two-tone tote bag I spotted at Tang's department store. No rocket science 'ere, folks; just a sturdy minimalistic bag which would give my other oft abused canvas number a break from my daily commutes. Seems like a fair deal for S$99 (P3,465). Check it: messenger strap option, roomy interior, and a secure zipped enclosure too? I'm sold!

I can see myself still using this years from now. A mark of a great buy, I'd say!

The Item: Fred Perry Tote-Messenger Bag

For the longest time, my girlfriend's been telling me to stop buying shoes. As much as I hate to admit it, she's right. I do have a lot, so much that I can't even wear some anymore. If I'll be truthful, what I need to start buying are bags. I currently don't have a decent everyday bag to speak of and I really need a fine one for the daily commutes I'll be doing as part of my new job (more on that soon). Of course, I happened to find said bag at Fred Perry. I love their take on the tote and messenger bag combo with the quality canvas body and sturdy leather handles. Yours for a shade under P7,000, but hurry, methinks I'll be getting one of the two pieces on sale!

The ever-versatile navy blue color's an emerging favorite around these parts!

The Happening: Porter by Yoshida Pops Up!

After the long wait, our Hypebeast dreams have finally come true! Porter by Yoshida is here in the Philippines, bringing with it its iconic Tanker collection consisting of mesmerizing messengers, briefcases, and wallets. Needless to say, seeing them for the first time was such a surreal moment, like being in the presence of a legend. The Tankers' trademark nylon-satin exterior is a sight to behold and a wonder to touch. Big ups to Homme et Femme for once again bringing these bustling brands to Manila. If I heard correctly from my source, this is but a taste of things to come too. So expect great things from this already great, great company! Visit them now Power Plant!

The pop-up shop was beautifully designed! Minimalistic yet camo-ed all over!

I was told that if you're going to get a Porter, get a three-way exactly like these

I, however, seem stuck at "just" getting this lovely wallet in the meantime

The Sale: Mulberry Man Bags for Less!

I don't endorse men's bags often in these parts (at least not as much as shoes or shirts), but when an acquaintance told me he was selling Mulberry and other quality bags at a discount, I was all ears. If you don't know, Mulberry has been one of my most admired bag brands because of its classic designs and luxurious make. How about soft natural buffalo leather exteriors, lovely suede interiors, and, just for fun, a friendlier price tag too? Count me in, sir!

Aside from these, they're also selling some exquisite ladies bags and wallets from brands like Michael Kors, Burberry, and Chloe that are sure to make your lady friend shriek when she opens this year's Christmas presents. They're from Prima Seleccione and all 100% authentic. Visit their albums here and holla at them (+639178220103). I don't talk about bags often, but it's good news like this that would make me consider doing bag posts more regularly!

That camel colored Mulberry messenger is killing me. So beautiful.

A deep chocolate brown number is as classic as it gets.

A look inside featuring the lovely suede interiors.

The Item: Vintage Samsonite Awesomeness

My girlfriend and I were on our way home after strolling around Glorietta when we stumbled onto this second-hand bazaar in the mall's activity center. It was mostly filled with uninteresting clothes, but what it lacked in style options, it sure made up for it with awesome vintage suitcases. My eyes were instantly drawn to this old Samsonite number because of its flesh tone and old-world (I'm thinking 70s) charm. Everything was still in order; the locks were easy to open and the key was still there too. Yeah, it's a bit dirty and damaged, but if I'm going to be honest, that's precisely why I wanted it. Sturdy, stylish, Samsonite. Consider it sold, sir!

What a bargain for only P50! Man, it's just like I ate a value meal!

It'll much easier to spot my suitcase in those conveyors now too!

Style I Love: The Grown Up Backpack

I've been pretty adamant about my stand on grown men and backpacks. Just so you know, I'm mostly against it, owing to the inherently juvenile nature of those grade school staples. (Hell, I didn't like 'em even when one of my icons, Kanye West, sported one).

However, this one particular backpack I spotted on a gentleman in the MTR subway in Hong Kong has been forcing me to reconsider. What else can I say besides, "Wow, what a beaute." The pairing of the navy blue body and caramel brown detailing drove it home for me. I say, if you're going to wear a backpack, get one like this and we won't have a problem. Well, not really. There's always me, probably scheming on how to steal your oh so precious pack.

The Sale: Homme et Femme Satellite Sale!

Many people ask me about the rationale of buying expensive brands. Well, for one, they're extremely well made. More often than not, if you pick the right brands to buy, you'll end up having them for years, decades even, good enough for your kids to inherit when they're grown like you. Another is because they make the best innovative and/or classic pieces that will make you stand out. Yeah, if only I had the money I would, but why all this love for pricey swag all of a sudden, you ask?

Well, Homme et Femme, my go-to shop to marvel at the works of Y-3, Commes des Garcons, and A.P.C., among others, is on the mother of all sales! I recently visited their satellite shop in Power Plant and was delighted to see shoes and bags at very generous discounts, some up to half the price off! Of course, if the base damage was huge to begin with, you're still going to have items with very hefty price tags, but if you're committed to the investment, there's no better time to get 'em than now!

The suede derby and desert boot are my two top picks!

The black Y-3 leather lace-ups are a close second

More discounted Y-3 sneakers to fulfill your heart's desire

The black Jil Sander lace-ups (non-patent!) would be great for the office!

Some fine bags for you to consider. The A.P.C. green tote is tops!

The Item: New TravelTeq "Trash" Bags

You've already seen how infinitely awesome TravelTeq's Trash Laptop Bags are. And yet, for some ungodly reason, its makers found some more things to upgrade in what I already regard to be the most glorious laptop bags I've ever seen in my life. Longer handles for the ladies? Check with the Trash Cougars! Shoulder strap for those tiresome arms? Done with the Trash Messengers! A bigger bag for those 17-inch Macs? Well, wham, bam, thank you, ma'am! Throw in a new "invisible" pocket at the back and a charger pocket for the 17-incher bag and what you have are simply the best bags, bettered. Get them here if you can, you moneyed bastard, you!

The Trash Messenger bags in artful action

The Trash Messengers up close with the well-placed shoulder strap

Photo courtesy of TravelTeq

The Item: TravelTeq "Trash" Laptop Bags

I love getting e-mails from people around the world. I especially loved this message I received last night which introduced me to this awesome brand called TravelTeq. Needless to say, when I opened the e-mail, I was blown away. TravelTeq is a just-launched premium brand that aims to release products that "enlighten the travelers journeys" and with their first release of their so-called "Trash" laptop bags, they may have done just that.

Dear lord, this is how refined all laptop bags should be. Nothing but the best Italian leather on the outside, high-quality water resistant nylon lining, 8 compartments inside, outside pockets for plane tickets/specs/mobile phones, a shock resistant laptop pocket, a strip to attach to your trolley; all hand made in Italy, bag by bag. Damn. The sleek minimalistic design and subtle hits of color on the outside pocket have me drooling endlessly.

A bag like this doesn't come cheap though. As can be expected with perfection, they charge a pretty penny, something to the tune of P25,000 to be exact. Seems about right for me, with all the detailing and the materials used. But still, that's the most expensive "Trash" I've ever seen in my life. (Find out more about TravelTeq here!)

I just love the minimalistic luxury the bag exudes!

The yellow accents are a fine touch

So convenient to have that strap at the back for trolleys!

In case you're not the brown bag type...

Photos courtesy of TravelTeq

The Happening: Bought One, Took One!

Remember when i told you all about the Buy 1, Take 1 weekend that Topman was going to have? Well, it happened, and I was not one to be left behind in all the action. I originally wanted to get slim fit slacks to add to my collection, but the styles I liked didn't have my size already. I looked at jeans too, but the only ones left were those "Spray On" skinnies, which I will never wear because I do want to bear offspring one day.

Anyhow, with jeans and slacks off the books, I wasn't really going to buy anything else. That was until I chanced upon the beautiful black canvas weekender you see below. Man, you don't know how long I've been looking for one of those babies! The canvas is the perfect material for a weekender bag, I think, because it can take all the rumbles and tumbles of travel and look even better after all the abuse. Finally, I can stop stuffing my Barba Eco-tote for all those out of town trips!

Now for the "take one" part. Left with a few options that were priced below the bag, I "settled" for this checkered button-down collar shirt without fitting (a cardinal sin in shopping!) since the store was closing down already. Thankfully, when I put it on at home, the fit was great and for something that was free, it felt oh so good! Needless to say, more stores should have schemes like this. Who cares if it's "last season's" stuff, if it looks good, it looks good!

A sturdy canvas weekender for P1,700. Not bad!

With this polo for free, I left the store a very happy camper!