TANKED

To sleeve or not to sleeve? 

With the excruciating summer heat still taking its toll upon us, the tank tops are hitting it big time as every man's foremost beat-the-heat wardrobe essential. While the basic, humble tee can look casually good on almost anyone of us, the same can't be told on wearing tank tops unless you're gifted with muscular biceps. But summer heeds a massive call to arms, so go on, wear a sleeveless top, and look effortlessly cool. Just don't forget your deo/antiperspirant please!

Here are sexy-cool tank tops in a variety of prints and colors by COCO REPUBLIC available at SM Men's Fashion:

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Photography: Johann Bona (AtEastJedRoot)
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog
Grooming: Ria Aquino
Models: Rafael do Prado (Elite Manila) & Hideo Muraoka (Mercator)
Ad Agency: IXM

OF GREEK PILLARS AND MISADVENTURES

Immediately after our Bacolod assignment, my partner George and I hurried to Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas, for the summer ad campaign shoot of SM MEN'S FASHION. It was a 3-day pictorial where we toiled relentlessly under the scorching sun. Never mind the heat and the sweat, what's wonderful about working with these people is that we've become very good friends, allies and families, and even though there are "negative forces" to deal with, the results remain the same - simple yet excellent images without having to try too hard, and never looking too stereotyped.

On the third day, our team decided to shoot in a secluded island off the Balayan Bay since we've exhausted all the possible areas in Pico. We boarded two outrigger boats and crossed the sea with excitement flowing thru our veins, curious on how Fortune Island would look like when we get there.

The Calm Before the Storm: Our assistant Sheila Marie Danipog, makeup artist Ria Aquino and videographer Mau Aguasin were still all smiles when we started sailing... until we reached the open waters!

However, our anxious moment suddenly became a scary misadventure. Everybody was silenced (perhaps in prayers) as soon as we hit the open waters. We were all taken to a hellish roller coaster ride in the middle of the rough sea. Then I soon found myself being blamed, for it was my ambitious idea to use the island as another location for our shoot. And I felt even more frightened because there was no turning back, and every unrelenting splash of wave hitting us is a matter of life or death. 

Little did we know that passenger ferries like MV Princess of the Orient of Sulpicio Lines and MV Kimelody Cristy of Moreta Shipping lines, both sank off the Fortune Island in the 90's! After sailing roughly for more than 1 and a half dizzying hours, a majestic Greek-looking isle in the middle of nowhere finally revealed itself.

Greece in Batangas: Fortune Island looks like Mt. Olympus from afar.

Because of the strong current and traitorous waves, our boatmen decided to dock on the opposite side of the island instead of bringing us on the shore. However, there was another obstacle - we have to swim by ourselves to get to the ladder leading up to the rocky, steep hill. For a non-swimmer like me, I thought that this place could be renamed as Misfortune Island!

Do or die: Ayen Florendo (in purple life vest), AVP of SM Men's Fashion, leads the way as the first one who gutted splashing through the water. With Cheska Summer (left) and Daniel Matsunaga (right).

Since I didn't know how to swim, I was the last person to go off the boat - of course! This was such inconvenience for all of us because we have to cross the deep waters and it's quite difficult to prevent our things (clothes, food, equipments, etc.) from getting wet.

I also realized that this was a courageous, commendable moment for all - seeing everybody go on professionally and deal with the challenge (in high spirits) - knowing that our lives were at stake. As the leader of the pack, Ayen Florendo (AVP for Marketing  of SM Men's Fashion) exhibited no fear as she wore her life vest and took the plunge. Our foreign models, Fabio Ide, Swell Damas and Daniel Matsunaga dived seemingly without qualms, too. My styling partner George Palmiano and our assistant Sheila Danipog were both well-equipped, and instantly sealed all the necessary clothes with plastic bags. Makeup artist Ria Aquino took her brushes and followed, too. Videographer Mau Aguasin was pulled downward by the current and hit her head on a sharp rock, but managed to carry on. I also admire ace photographer Marc Nicdao, who was celebrating his birthday that day, but he, together with his assistants, braved the currents while bringing their priced equipments across. Buwis-buhay indeed - all of this for a nice shoot!

Scenic Splendor: A desolate place with a marvelous view.

All the troubles reaching this location were paid off as soon as we reached the top of the hill. What a breathtaking view of blue skies, white sand beach and azure waters! The island's main attraction is a mini version of the ancient Greek citadel Acropolis, with dilapidated pillars and statues majestically overlooking the sea.

The Acropolis: This looks like a lost, ancient city of a once-great civilization of eons past.

Pillars of Eternity. It seems like Zeus stroke his lightning here in the past, and resulted in these beautiful ruins.

Picture Perfect. Statues and ruins stand tenaciously against the elements.

Inviting. Check out the sparkling blue to emerald waters beaneath the rocky cliff.

Ivory Coast. The beautiful seascape is calling us to take a dip.

Beyond beautiful. A stretch of pristine white sand with pebbles, debris and sediments.

Ghost Town. A deserted resort, but still enchanting.

Based from my research, Fortune Island was once a luxury resort with fine amenities, owned and operated in the 1990's by Tony Leviste, a former governor of Batangas. All that was left was a deserted white sand beach, along with abandoned cabanas, a dilapidated helipad, broken glass window panels, an emptied pavillion, an outworn mini museum in a shape of a galleon, an outworn basketball court, unmaintained toilets - that in summation, leave a creepy, ghostly feel and impression. But in utmost honesty, all the rubbish did not diminish the raw splendor and beauty of the island. And we all had it for ourselves even for a single day!

Cam Whores. Mau Aguasin, George Palmiano and Ayen Florendo smile for a Kodak moment.

Clash of the Titans. Mau Aguasin and George Palmiano again - this time without Ayen Florendo.

The Hunger Games. Luckily, we brought packed food or else we died in the island!

Stand by Me. My corner of the island.

Say cheese! Our assistant Sheila does a photo op.

Windswept. Bikini babe Mau Aguasin with Madam Ayen Florendo.

On a Cliff's Edge. Highly in-demand photographer Marc Nicdao (leftmost, while being held by his assistant) does a series of clicks on Fabio Ide. Ria Aquino also checks out her makeup kit.

Here are some sizzling snapshots from our summer shoot which I took from my camera (meaning, these are not the actual campaign photos). Hope you all like these pics as much as we do.

Greek God. Model Swell Damas is a modern Adonis in skinny white jeans.

Red Hot. Fabio Ide is super handsome in a red pair of denim pants.

A sight to behold. Daniel Matsunaga is hotness overload in a pair of blue-colored denim.

Watch out for the complete series of summer ad campaign pictorials of SM MEN'S FASHION this April. We'd like to thank the whole team - models, photographers, stylists, makeup artist, videographer and ad agency for another awesome, kaloka experience. Thanks to the marketing duo of Rudolph Leonor and Ayen Florendo - just continue doing what you do best - and that is being the best from the rest. :-)

THE NEW ROYALS: PROM KINGS 2014

Am I posting this article very late? We're nearing the end of February, and I can picture in my mind that most promenade halls are going almost empty and sadly, gone... But I am pretty sure there are still those youngsters out there who are prepping up last-minute for this momentous event where they can dress to the nines and make their entrance with a grand, big bang. Actually, this blog feature is dedicated to those male teenagers out there - if you want to make killer porma to impress the girls and dream of becoming a prom king, then read on... THIS IS IT!

Rounding up different prom trends and aspirational formal looks (with emphasis on aspirational, mind you) for the young Romeos with forward and unquestionable fashion sense, SM MEN'S FASHION ditches the usual and conventional all top-to-bottom formal coat-and-tie prom looks (sorry to say, the "relatable" prom looks are already outdated, and hmmm... boring for my taste), by updating the classic suits and reinterpreting them to look younger, even slightly edgier with subtle styling that doesn't go fashionably overboard. 

Make way to the new royals: the SM Men's Fashion's Prom Kings of 2014 are here!

Of course, there are the ever-dependable black suits. But for SM MEN'S FASHION, they come in proportions that are slimmer, and more tapered. Gray suits also top the list of prom must-haves, but a tinge of bright color or printed inner would break all the monotonous shade. Furthermore, you may want to try touches of cool blue on your formal wardrobe for that distinct masculine vibe. Or better yet, why not push the envelope and try a top-to-bottom one-colored suit that looks very modern, very forward and absolutely dapper?

But hey, what are prom events for, if not for the bagets? An all-formal look would sometimes equate to dressing up for adult manhood. As stylists for this shoot, my partner George and I realized that times have changed and fashion continues to evolve that sometimes formal doesn't have to look too restricted and dictated, and if you're bagets, looking cool and breaking the norms are what the modern times are conveying to the youth. Therefore, we suggest you to experiment a bit (although if you're the classic type of guy, there's safety in all-formal sleek black suit with formal shoes), and since you're young, why not use sneakers with your formal attire (just as what music icons in the US are doing)? Or accessorize in minimum with caps and shades just like Givenchy in its latest runway showcase? Moreover, add some flavor to your suit with printed bowties or neckties, and perhaps, some quirky pocket squares or lapel pins? All these things because you are young, experimental, creative, and looking your best in a once-in-a-lifetime event doesn't have to mean to look too "relatable" to everyone at all!

Anyways, my MGP team is extremely proud of this pictorial that looks just as nice, just as clean, naturally fun and yet, so concurrent.  We believe that these are what ad images should be like - subtle images (with underlying trends that showcase what's hot right now) that are meant to be aspired for by ythose who clamor to make a statement as soon as they arrive within the promenade halls. 

Get cue from our pictorial below and see various styles that best suit your individualism, and hit the nearest SM Department Store now!

SLICK IN BLACK. Choose slim-fitting all-black blazer with pants and opt for inner white dress shirt for a classic look. Update your style with a quirky black bowtie or a necktie. Finish off with a pocket square or flower pin, or do it the edgier bagets way by donning a pair of dark shades or a sporty cap.

INTO THE BLUES. Add cool, masculine vibe to your black or gray formal ensemble by using a hint of something blue - whether as an inner shirt, a pair of pants, or accessories like bowtie or necktie.

COLORED SUITS. Dare to standout in a sea of black and gray formals by donning a slicked one-colored suit and pants combination that look fresh, dapper and style-savvy. Very Gucci S/S 2013!

SUBTLE PRINTS. Enliven your formal getup with a dash of prints. You may use a printed shirt underneath your suit, , or do pattern clash with bowties or neckties, or align your style with pinstriped pants or blazer.

Clothes from Main Street, Markus and Uberto Duranti - all available at SM MEN'S FASHION in SM Stores nationwide.



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Photographers: Frank Hoefsmit & Jo Ann Bitagcol
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Joel Ven Malazo & Sim Horato
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Francine Quirino & Kierlo Gosiengfiao
Models: Antoine (Ideal People), Tommy Esguerra (Elite Manila) & Sidney Du (Mercator)
Ad Agency: IXM

GRUNGE N' ROLL

With hipsters currently seen around the world trifling the 90's punk rock vibe onto their wardrobe, there's no mistaking that grunge is back with a vengeance.

Joining the bandwagon is @SM MEN'S FASHION - the retail giant ditches the sartorial style (for the meantime) this F/W 2013 season by bringing those retro iconic looks back into the 21st century. Think street art, impossibly long nightclub stints and endless booze, the latest collection for Boys Teens allows young individuals to get in touch with their inner punk rock star.

Combining both acid and street styles with influences that trace back from a decade of rock bands and indie music, get the look from SM Men's rendition of the modern-day grunge cool:
a) Start with slim-fit or skinny or straight-cut pants, the decision is yours depending on your body type. You may opt for something blue, maybe washed, distressed, or even ripped. Check out in-house brand TANK for a wide selection of denim pants.
b) Don rugged shirts with rock star-inspired prints. In SM Men's version, skull tops, anatomical shirts and even Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man lend an artsy but bad boy feel. Check out the collection by TEE CULTURE.
c) The checkered/plaid shirt is what makes grunge appear so cool. Wear it on or sling a flannel shirt around the waist for a devil-may-care attitude. Check out MARKUS for different plaid variations.
d) Layer on with a jean jacket, a chambray top or a denim vest for added rough edge. Check out TANK for enviable collection of jean tops and jackets.
e) Finish with tough-looking boots and cool spiked or leatherette accessories.

Take cue from the latest SM Style Manual Vol. 15 and get ready to grunge n' roll:

Check out @Tank, @Tee Culture and @Markus available at the Boys Teens Wear section of SM Men's Fashion nationwide.



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Photography: @Cenon Norial
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog, @Joel Ven Malazo & @Sim Horato
Hair & Makeup: @Archibald Tolentino, assisted by @Dave Grona
Models: @Kirk Bondad (Reco), @Jahd Cresval & @Renan Corbani (Elite Manila)

A SPORTING LIFE

Definitely, the sporty trend is the biggest fashion thing now, and many stylish souls are updating their wardrobes with chic sporty hybrids that look casual, cool, and very modern...

By drawing inspirations from gymnastics, football and baseball, @SM Men's Fashion stretches its way onto the season's obsession with the sporting life by fusing the aforementioned style elements with slim-fitting formal getups. With simple graphic lines, monochromatic colors (of black, white and gray) and streamlined proportions, the Sweater Boy Collection fits minimalist style and athleticism in one neat package.

As the name suggests, this collection revolves around sweater tops or hooded sweats with numeric patches (for that athletic finish). Get reference from our pictorial's styling (see photos from SM Style Manual Vol. 15 below) and score high in everybody's style card by layering with long-sleeved polo tops (with collar peeping out of the sweater), or even blazers, combined with flat-front trousers to create a streamlined sporty-dash-formal look. Finish off with a visor or cap (optional) for additional sporty feel, a pair of black or white lace-ups, but loose the sweat bands & gold foil instead (they were intentionally used to make the shoot look editorial).

All clothes by @MARKUS, available at the Boys Teens Wear Section of SM Men's Fashion, at The SM Store nationwide.




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Photography: @Cenon Norial
Art Direction & Styling: @Mike de Guzman & @George Palmiano (@MGP)
Assisted by: @Sheila Marie Danipog, @Joel Ven Malazo & @Sim Horato
Hair & Makeup: @Archibald Tolentino
Assisted by: @Dave Grona
Models: Kirk Bondad (Reco), Jahd Cresval & Renan Corbani (Elite Manila)