VOLUME 7 2011

CONTENTS VOLUME 7 2011

031

Limited Edt. Queensway

034

Artstrong

038

Spin City

One of south east asias top sneaker meccas limited edition gets reborn & flies higher.

contents

Features

024

New Releases

026

Event Recap

New Balance 998 + New Balance 991

Sole Slam At ronac Art center

028

Sounds

042

Jeona Zoleta

The hiphop superstar talks about his music, Nas and Francis M and why Paramount Pictures owes him money.

Anticipated follow up albums, old artists in new projects, the turning point approaches in the generations music.

Quirky, awkward, whimsical art.

The best DJ’s in the country put up an Academy of Cool.

Cover Story

064

Logo Rhythms

Some of the most recognizable logo designs and the story behind them.

070

Sneakers Dictate the Color Dress like a pro with your sneakers taking the lead.

076

Kaching

Converse Sea Star Hi X Staple “pigeon”

Sup

046

The retail mavericks from Haji Lane, Singapore tell us what’s up.

Goldie X Converce Jack Purcell “polka dot”

054

080

Sneaker Selection

Sneakers to satisfy the hunger in you.

Eat up.

086

Paraphernalia

These gears are as important as your lunch money.

Rock ‘em right.

103

The Parties You Missed Moonfire.

ADHOC UPJMA. Skechers Streetdance Battle 7.

Soul And Sole.

www.msclavel.com

2011 SEVEN

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

NHEZ 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 HANS PIMENTEL TANYA TIOSECO JULIAN LOH

MSCLAVEL 2011 BOYBRIGHTBOY MULTIMEDIA CORP. info@msclavel.com 703-2531

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

1 venice piazza, mckinley hill, fort bonifacio

2 the clubhouse, temple drive, corinthians hills

3 eastwood mall, eastwood city, quezon city

4 forbes town center, fort bonifacio

5 newport mall, resorts world, manila

Premier real estate developer Megaworld expands its properties with commercial developments recognized as the country’s most admired lifestyle malls.

These signature developments are now all part of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, a collective brand of commercial entities that encompasses urban living all created and developed by Megaworld Corporation.

Carrying the Megaworld name in the label gives the guarantee of quality and class unique only to these developments.

The Megaworld Lifestyle Malls are Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill and Forbes Town Center in Fort Bonifacio, Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila, The Clubhouse at Temple Drive in Corinthian Hills, Paseo Center in Makati, and the three malls in Eastwood City in Quezon City namely Eastwood Cyber and Fashion Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, and Eastwood Mall.

Each of the malls is a varied realization of the “play” component in the live-work-play concept pioneered and popularized by Megaworld.

Two of these are located in Quezon City.

Eastwood City, along C-5, is the 24/7 community surrounded by residential highrise buildings and a cyberpark. This place is popular for adapting well to the lifestyles of its residents and resident professionals. It has 3 different malls in one bustling community namely Eastwood Cyber and Fashion Mall for techie and trendy budget finds, Eastwood Citywalk for hip shops and hot parties, and Eastwood Mall for stylish shopping and chefdriven dining. The Clubhouse at Temple Drive in Corinthian Hills is the laid-back community center that is adjacent to a high-end village and a temple, which includes Santi’s Deli, Rustan’s, and Indigo Salon, among others.

South of the Metro, Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio offers a world-class dining experience that’s Italian-inspired. It is a restaurant hub that will soon be a full-scale mall, complete with retail shops, cinemas, and its own Italian Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge.

Forbes Town Center, also in Fort Bonifacio, is the family-oriented neighborhood that’s reminiscent of suburban towns. Tucked away in a residential and business community, it’s a strip lined with unique concept stores and high-end hole in the wall restaurants. Paseo Center offers a varied mix of fast foods, restaurants, and service shops for the suitclad men and businesswomen. Newport Mall

in Resorts World Manila, across NAIA Terminal 3, is Manila’s destination for luxury shopping and the socialites’ party scene.

International fast food favorite McDonald’s can be found in a majority of these Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. Eastwood is, in fact, the first to have the 24/7 McDonald’s in the country.

Evidently, the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls are reinventing the entertainment and lifestyle industry in the country.

Expect more top caliber developments under Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in the near future.

Among them are Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo which is set to open in the last quarter of 2011 and another one in Iloilo which will open in 2012.

The country’s most admired lifestyle malls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, are evidently bringing positive economic change into the country with the property expansion of premier real estate developer Megaworld.

For inquiries, call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Concierge at 709-0888 or 709-9888 or 0917-8380111. You can also like facebook. com/eastwoodcity or follow twitter.com/ eastwoodmall.

Resorts World Manila The First Integrated Lifestyle Center In The Philippines

Newport City, Pasay - The Philippines is one of Asia’s most desirable destinations due to its wonderful tourist spots. However, the country’s most prized quality is the warmth of its people immediately extended to visitors upon arrival. Tourists and locals alike now have more to celebrate with the arrival of the first integrated lifestyle hub in the Philippines, Resorts World Manila (RWM).

RWM is the latest addition to the Resorts World franchise known for its premium entertainment and lifestyle offerings. Guests of RWM now have the opportunity to experience the best of the good life combined with Filipinos’ signature hospitality. Whether a guest is a world-traveler, thrill-seeker, gourmet, shopaholic, or an art and music lover, RWM has something to offer those seeking world-class leisure and entertainment.

Play the World-Traveler Come home to luxury at RWM’s Maxims Tower. This six-star hotel is the first in the country to offer all-suite accommodations, totaling 172 suites.

Each suite is sumptuously furnished and equipped with state-of-theart facilities. Guests will experience the Filipino trademark hospitality in world-class standards with the hotel’s celebrated personal butler services.

Moreover, experience luxe accommodations at Marriott Hotel Manila.

Nestled in RWM, this five-star lodging brand offers first-class amenities and services known all over the world. Coming soon is the Remington Hotel, targeted to open in the third quarter of 2011. Remington will offer basic services and amenities for an affordable and comfortable stay within everyone’s reach.

Play the Gourmet Highlight the good life with good food in any of the wide array of dining establishments in RWM. Among these are Passion which serves mouthwatering Cantonese and Southeast Asian cuisine; Ginzadon with its sumptuous offerings of Japanese and Korean dishes; Noodle Works which offers the best Asian noodles; and Mercado with its buffet of exquisite Filipino cuisine, to name a few. As RWM unveils more dining destinations, gourmets will have more to celebrate and explore.

Play the Shopaholic Find the best of luxury brands in one place at RWM’s The Newport Mall.

The four-level mall offers premium entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Its iconic design and indoor piazza with a glass skyline promote an open space concept for a relaxed atmosphere. The Newport Mall is the latest fashion hotspot for fashionistas and amusement destination for families Play the Art and Music Lover RWM has various options to entertain. Bar 360 regularly features aweinspiring acts and performances as well as thematic events to party the night away.

Moreover, enjoy blockbuster flicks and well-loved classics at The Newport Mall’s premium cinemas with a total seating capacity of 1,200. Meanwhile, plays, concerts, and more are featured in a grand stage at RWM’s Performing Arts Theater.

Play the Thrill-seeker Test your luck at RWM’s gaming facilities at par with gaming capitals all over the world. RWM’s casino is the largest in the country with 1,000 slot machines and 300 table games to date. Moreover, RWM is also home to the country’s most exclusive lifestyle club, The Genting Club.

Behind RWM are veterans from the fields of leisure and entertainment.

RWM is the flagship integrated project of Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc. (TIHGI). The innovative group is a joint venture between two of Asia’s most dynamic companies, Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI), and Genting Hong Kong (GHK).

When it comes to leisure and entertainment, RWM makes sure that each guest’s expectation is met and exceeded.

Resorts World Manila – the place to play.

CONTACT ARCHIE NICASIO Public Relations Manager Mobile 0917.8728737 Telephone 836.6061 Email archie.nicasio@rwmanila.com 10th floor NECC Building Newport Boulevard, Newport City Pasay 1309, Metro Manila, Phippines

A/O 2-EYE CANVAS--DARK GRAY PHp. 3,795.00

A/O 2-EYE-OATMEAL PHp. 3,995.00

A/O 2-EYE-CLASSIC BROWN PHp. 3,995.00

A/O LOAFER PENNY-PEANUT PHp. 4,295.00

A/O CHUKKA SUEDE-DARK GRAY PHp. 4,495.00

A/O CHUKKA SUEDE-CHOCOLATE PHp. 4,495.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-BLACK PLAID PHp. 3,495.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE--BLACK PHp. 3,195.00

A/O LOAFER VENETIAN-PEANUT PHp. 4,495.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-NAVY/KHAKI PHp. 3,295.00

A/O 2-EYE--ICE PHp. 3,995.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-WHITE PHp. 3,195.00

MAKO 2-EYE CANOE-OYSTER/TAUPE PHp. 4,495.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-KHAKI/OYSTER PHp. 3,295.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-OLIVE PLAID PHp. 3,495.00

BILLFISH 3-EYE-TAN/BEIGE PHp. 4,595.00

A/0 2-EYE OIL-TAN PHp. 3,995.00

A/O 2-EYE-BLACK PHp. 4,295.00

A/O 2-EYE-BLACK AMARETTO PHp. 3,995.00

A/O 2-EYE SUEDE-GRAY PHp. 4,495.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-GREY WOOL PHp. 3,295.00

A/O 2-EYE CANVAS-BURGUNDY PHp. 3,795.00

BAHAMA 2-EYE-NAVY/WHITE PLAID 3,495.00 PHp.

A/O 2-EYE SUEDE-BLACK SUEDE PHp. 4,495.00

BILLFISH 3-EYE-DARK TAN PHp. 4,595.00

A/O 2-EYE CANVAS-FOREST GREEN PHp. 3,795.00

The feet are one of the most used parts of the body. In fact it is said that the average person walks about 10, 000 steps a day.

So, during a lifetime, a person would have walked enough steps to have traveled around the planet 4 times.

Let your feet feel loved. Pamper them by wearing great footwear every day. Res|Toe|Run, a shoe store with a unique concept of a restaurant promises to satisfy your apetite for shoes. It offers a variety of footwear brands from different parts of the globe.

The name represents the variety of footwear offered in the store menu. RES represents the comfortable casual wear. TOE represents the slippers and the sandals that flaunt one’s beloved toes. And, RUN represents the athletics shoes for active people.

The store gives you a taste of both rare and popular finds, all of which are specially selected for their quality and “wow-factor”.

Some of the more familiar brands are DC, Kickers, Tretorn,

Sanuk, The North Face and FitFlop. Among the rare finds are brands like Ellesse, Gourmet, Boxfresh, KruZin, Native and Flipsters. These are only some of the names that you can find in the store. New ones are continuously being sought out to bring the best and freshest brands here in the Phlippines.

Not only will your feet get the comfort and support that they need, they wil also get the style that everyone wants to have.

Walk around the world with a statement. Let your feet feel loved and visit a Res|Toe|Run branch nearest you. Res|Toe|Run stores are located nationwide -- Trinoma, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, Market! Market!, Glorietta 4, Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Shangri-la, Gateway, Marquee Mall, Ayala Center Cebu, Abreeza Davao, Robinsons Place Dumaguete, Robisons Place Gensan, Avenue Square in Naga and Embarcadero, Solendad 2 Nuvali, Baguio, and The Podium.

Gourmet brings something new to the table to satisfy the insatiable hunger of ‘heads for the freshest and dopest kicks and apparel to boot.

The brand blends the laid back but luxurious Italian culture with the ruggedness and relaxed American culture into their designs.

Gourmet is the fusion of the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary with the comfort and luxury of fashion. It represents Old World Italy and its grand tradition of exclusive custom-fitted clothing for men with the use of only superior fabric and materials.

“Gourmet is all of the above.”

Greg Lucci, Greg Johnsen and Jon Buscemi founded Gourmet in December 2005.

All three are respected veterans in the footwear industry: Lucci worked for Zoo York as Vice President and was responsible for its overall business, marketing and creatives. He also played a creative key role in the Mark Ecko Enterprises, such as Complex Magazine, G-Unit Apparel, and ME collections. He also has his own jewelry line called Ends.

Johnsen was the Creative Director for Lotto North America and Lotto Legenda lifestyle collection. He also opened Hall of Fame his own exclusive headwear boutique that sells limited edition caps and headwear from fashion to street wear brands from around the world.

If you are someone who puts importance on fashion and comfort, KruZin has you covered.

Two seasoned experts in the footwear business, Hans Cheng and Ming Shih, founded the company.

Cheng has been constantly designing for companies such as Diesel, DKNY and Converse, among others. Shih has served as International Sales and Operations Manager for Cosmoda and GBMI. The two put their heads together to create a brand that combines strong visual aesthetic design with unique comfort features that makes the ultimate trendy comfort shoe.

KruZin will have you breaking necks for all the right reasons with its sleek, edgy and funky look. It offers numerous designs with more than 15 colors and patterns to choose from.

The men’s footwear line provides a fresh look for casual athletic shoes. It combines bold colors and unique textures that can be easily paired with a laid-back style- perfect for men who want to stand out and who are constantly on the go.

Their lady’s footwear collection hand embraces the feminine soul and strength. It would make any woman feel empowered with its unconventional designs.

KruZin partnered with Alessandra Gold, the founder and designer of Goka Design. Gold’s design can be described as distinctive, original and avant-garde.

KruZin’s fresh approach to the casual athletic shoe and Gold’s unique perspective on shoe design conceived the Sharon Line and the Oxford Line. Both designs display a modern taste and youthful spunk.

KruZin also promises durability, support and utmost comfort with

its advanced comfort features. It is extremely lightweight, has heel padding with shock absorption and uses high density EVA midsole and TPE insole and non-slippage rubber bottom. Wearers can be assured of only ultimate comfort and with the assurance that KruZin footwear can keep up with them and their activities.

A quick run-through of the technology of the Kruzin sneaker: -Recycled EVA Midsole with flex grooves provides better cushioning and enhances shoe flexibility to experience an effortless stride -Thermo Plastic Elastomers (TPE) Insole. The removable foot bed provides efficient cushioning and excellent comfort to prevent impact from reaching the legs -Latex Sponge provides extra padding support to help you stand at ease even after hours of walking -Air Cruiser is the low pressure unit in the heel compresses easily when your foot hits the ground providing support and stability -Non-slippage Rubber Bottom is made out of non-marking natural gum rubber outsole that provides durability, flexibility, excellent footing, non-slippage and a smooth stride -BumpZer is the overlay adds sustainability and stability to give a snug fit and for better toe support The KruZin technology ensures comfort and foot support needed for an active and hip lifestyle. With its youthful and modern design, you will definitely stand out.

KruZin is exclusively distributed by Primer Group of Companies and is now being sold in selected Res|Toe|Run branches: Glorietta 4, Robinsons Ermita, Trinoma, Festival Mall and Ayala Center – Cebu City.

GOURMET footwear and KRUZIN fashion athletic shoe is available at all ResToeRun branches.

Providence

PHp3,795.00

Domination

PHp4,995.00

Burn

Providence

PHp3795.00

Domination

PHp4,995.00

Pegasus

PHp2,795.00

PHp3,895.00

Wheeler

Rogoza

PHp2,795.00

Egor

PHp2,795.00

PHp2,795.00

Vitaly

PHp2,795.00

Hex

PHp2,795.00

RPM

PHp5,795.00

Pegasus

PHp3,895.00

Zabulon

PHp2,795.00

Vitaly

PHp2,795.00

Beyond the Box

3rd floor shop 6, Resorts World Manila, Andrews Ave. Newport Mall, Pasay City 1309. Tel. no.: 846-2390

Beyond the Box Opens New Apple Premium Reseller Store in Pasay City Beyond the Box launched its new Apple Premium Reseller store at the Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila last August 26, 2011. The new store offered shoppers in Pasay City the opportunity to learn and experience Apple’s innovative products and solutions in a welcoming environment. The new store offered a complete range of Macbook Pro, iMac, Macbook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro, iPad, iPod, iPhone along with a wide range of accessories.

On the grand launching day, the event was hosted by Lifestyle Channel’s VJ Janeena Chan and Philmug chairman Elbert Cuenca and entertainment was provided by a band that uses the “Cajon” which is a box of wood with strings inside as their instrument, this showed everyone how small things

can be transformed into extraordinary things. Guests won instant prizes such as Headphones, Hard Drives, USB, Thumb Drives and many more. The event was graced with food catered by Caffé Firenzo and there was a special twist to the presentation that added to the quirky and fun atmosphere of the launch.

“We’re very excited to open a new Apple Premium Reseller store,” said Gerald C. Senolos, General Manager for Sales, Marketing and Services of Beyond the Box. “Customers can now visit one store to try and purchase the full range of Apple products and accessories. We offer amazing personal service for home and business users that includes installation and training.”

At Beyond the Box, a new Apple Premium Reseller in Pasay City, knowledgeable experts were available

to help visitors learn about all the latest products from Apple including the magical iPad 2™ which let users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos and much more. The all-new iPod touch® featured a stunning Retina™ display, FaceTime® video calling, HD video recording and Game Center. Visitors of Beyond the Box also tried the new MacBook Air®, Apple’s lightest and most portable notebook ever, and the revolutionary iPhone® 4, the world’s thinnest smartphone with the highest resolution display ever built into a phone.

Offering service and advice from experts for both consumer and professional customers, Apple Premium Resellers also offered regular in-store demonstrations and training to help customers get the most out of their purchases.

EVENT RECAP

It was a big day for all sneaker aficionados.

Sole Slam Manila 2011, the first ever Sneaker Convention in the Philippines, powered by Sole Haven Sneaker Community and Checkpoint Productions was a huge success.

Filipino sneaker heads were all in for a treat!

With long lines from the street leading up to Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan City, it was un-imaginable how the event had close to 4, 000 attendees flocking to visit the convention to view the different sneaker brands. With over 30 participating vendors, including sponsors and partners, it was a cult-like madness that was truly very interesting.

Made possible by sneaker collector and businessman Antonio Aguirre Jr., together with the help of other well respected sneaker heads in the Philippines, the Sole Slam Manila Team created the event primarily for everyone to buy, sell, and trade the most sought after sneakers and lifestyle apparel in the market today.

“This event has been long overdue for us sneaker heads in the Philippines who have

028

been craving for an event such as this to just rock their best kicks with the same people that appreciate it the most.” –Antonio Aguirre, Jr. Hosted by Magic 89.9 DJ’s Tyler and Suzy, they raffled off prizes courtesy of Primer, New Balance, Monster Cable, Beats by Dr. Dre and other up and coming brands, which kept everyone waiting for their names to be called!

Music was provided by one of the best local DJ’s in the country today, Ace Ramos, Markie Madness and Jet Boado. Special performances were provided by Orange Dance Studio, A.N.E., D.R.P. and the legendary Legit Misfitz!

“One word to describe this event, Epic!” says Bigboy Cheng, owner of the Ronac Art Center and Secret Fresh Manila. “I’m definitely looking forward to the next one already!”

Sole Slam Manila 2011 was co-presented by Res-Toe-Run and Clavel Sneaker Magazine in cooperation with New Balance. Powered

by Sole Haven Sneaker Community and Checkpoint Productions.

Sole Slam Manila would like to thank our premium sponsors Eleksis Marketing, New Balance, Res-Toe-Run, Bratpack, LACINC Inc., A. Aguirre Pawnshop and Money Services, Secret Fresh Manila, Midas Hotel and Casino.

As well as Oh, Shoot! Photo Booth, Orange Dance Studio, Zafra Motors, 6G Swagger, Autobot Autoworks and Gabby’s Closet.

Media partners: Basketball TV, Magic 89.9, Clavel Sneaker Magazine and Chinoy TV. Sole Slam Manila invites sneaker aficionados, sneakerheads, families, and friends to the next biggest sneaker convention on December 10 for Christmas Sole Slam Manila 2011 and Summer Sole Slam Manila 2012 on April 2012, both at the Ronac Art Center.

For further information on Sole Slam Manila (SSM), visit facebook.com/soleslammanila and for Twitter Updates, follow @SoleSlamManila.

SOLE SLAM

WILD FLAG Wild Flag Merge

THE RAPTURE In the Grace of Your Love DFA In The Grace of Your Love is not a makeover of The Rapture’s sound, not even sketchily. The New York-based dance-punk progenitors are still dishing out heavy bangers; Luke Jenner’s doddering bark is still an acquired taste; their album cover still suggests an entirely natural polish, and of course, they’re still signed to DFA. The Rapture’s vocal-heavy, post-disco reversals could be among the most geek-y merges in modern music, but against all odds they’ve maintained their unfailing and distinctive poise, and that’s likely got to do with the strength of supreme grooves. Take the title track; the words could’ve been written by Donna Summer, but its appealingly catlike beat and Jenner’s knack for making meaningless lyrics about nothing sound like meaningful lyrics about everything raises it up into a definitive anthem. That brazen dedication takes balls, but it’s not like The Rapture haven’t done this before; In The Grace of Your Love has the group sounding unemotionally undisturbed with hope, they blow up their forte, songwriting squashes into something that makes “House of Jealous Lovers” sounds ingenious. That means colliding a rave-piano hook and a ostentatiously disco sax solo into an epoch-defying conquest of dance music historiography (“How Deep is Your Love”) or exploding large chunks of smudged synthesizers that Lady Gaga would kill minus any posturing (“Sail Away”) or having the gall to allow a totally un-danceable, Beatlesesque ballad slip into one of the tracks (“Roller Coaster”). For all of those possible catastrophes, it’s remarkable how the group keeps themselves sounding so proficient. Their fervor resounds off this album.

There’s no uncertainty that these tracks will sound their best live - it’s much more a record for you to dance to than to contemplate about, and there’s truly nothing wrong with that. But In The Grace of Your Love makes the last five years without The Rapture seem a lot more barren.

So-called “superbands” – known musicians from different bands who get together to jam - are more often than not super on premise alone, a n assembly of characters unified in the name of capitalism. But Wild Flag is entirely an exception. The foursome’s eponymous first album debut is a combustive hybrid of indie rock veterans: two-thirds of Sleater-Kinney (guitarist Carrie Brownstein, drummer Janet Weiss), the integral mind behind Helium (Mary Timony) and a significant member of the Minders (keyboardist Rebecca Cole). They’ve created one of the 2011’s best albums.

Whereas Sleater-Kinney was renowned for its power and sincerity, persistently criticizing what they observe, Wild Flag directs a dissimilar kind of farvor. The record is about getting loose and getting spontaneous. Dancing, yearning and deserting restraint. Emotion supplants intelligence. Or as Wild Flag sings in “Romance”: “Shake, shimmy, shake!”

That whim is expressed most vehemently in the music. The firmly composed songs overflow with vocal harmonies reminiscent of the girl groups of the ‘60s (“Something Came Over Me”) or the new wave fixations of the Cars (“Endless Talk”). Yet the melodies never come across as mainly steady or stationary, as the band ecstatically yanks them apart and thrashes them around the dance floor. The guitars of Brownstein and Timony interweave, break apart and at times – as in prolonged tracks such as “Glass Tambourine” and “Racehorse” – speed off for space. Cole’s aggressive keyboards give weight, while Weiss’ drums – colossal and yet alert – often play fills and rolls so crucial they work like hooks or guitar riffs. Whether making a barging entrance to open “Romance” and “Electric Band” or dishing out resounding kickdrum inflections on “Black Tiles,” Weiss molds the songs even as she terrorizes to destroying them into limbo. That sensation of shaking on the edge of bedlam, of chaos wrestling melody for domination, makes “Wild Flag” an impressive debut.

ST. VINCENT Strange Mercy 4AD Album number three from Texan singer and Bon Iver cohort Annie Clark is a perfect exercise in imaginative pop insurrection. Clark messes up the mind of the listener, captivating with honeyed and effortless melodies, before letting loose spurts of guitar static or a turbulent synthesizer outro. Her line of attack is poised and thought provoking, but not haughty – a number of straightforward, poignant ballads are as tender and moving as any Adele showstopper.

This record is a divergence of sorts from 2007’s Marry Me and 2009’s Actor. The strings and woodwind have been downplayed in lieu of a heavier sound, subjugated by off-kilter drums and quirky keyboards, with Clark’s electric guitar stuffing the gaps with elaborate runs, riffs and fills. The modulations and sudden shifts in pace remain as courageous as ever, and Clark has a flair for a catchy melody and an appealing voice reminiscent of Kate Bush and Leslie Feist. Highlight tracks include “Cheerleader,” the synth-pop flavored “Cruel” and fiercely intense tracks such as “Surgeon” and “Neutered Fruit.”

GIRLS Holy Father, Son, Holy Ghost True Panther What made Girls a cut above their San Francisco garage-pop contemporaries on their 2009 debut Album was the warmth. Christopher Owens’ vocals were so affectionate, expectant, yet broken as he sung about different women (“Laura,” “Lauren Marie”), and his collaborator and producer Chet “JR” White cared for the songs with just as much caring anxiety. A couple of years later, the duo has formed a supporting cast and acquired oodles of poise for Girls’ sophomore effort, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. On the opening track, “Honey Bunny,” Girls go to the beach searching for love, with Owens doing his best Brian Wilson impression over voluble surf guitar and jangling tambourines. With “Die,” Girls give a minute and a half of scorching psych-rock that finishes with Owens screaming, “We’re all gonna die!” along with a King Crimson-worthy Mellotron solo. “Vomit” is a comprehensive epic driven by buzzing organ, Mogwai-style guitar doom and honest-to-goodness gospel wails. “Just A Song” indulges in folksy sadness, while “Magic” moves forth with unrestricting new wave composure.

LAURA MARLING A Creature I Don’t Know Ribbon This singer/songwriter’s third record is so selfassured in its sinister achievement that you will have to check and doublecheck how old she is.

But yes, the Hampshire-hailing Laura Marling, who won the British female solo artist award at this year’s Brits and already comes off like a mid-period Joni Mitchell, is only 21 years old.

Marling started out as part of a new folk scene that includes Mumford & Sons and Noah & the Whale but has more and more stood out alone into a plainer, more alien and more jazz-flavored soundscape. She wagers her right to this terrain with well-built, erudite lyrics and eccentric guitar tunings.

She’s continually distrusting this urge to walk away from contented states of affairs: “Gotta leave you alone, gotta hand on my back/ Why can’t I live and just be?/ I’m full of guilt.” A Creature I Don’t Know begins with a perplexing account called “The Muse,” in which the song’ main persona comes across: “a man who talked to me so candidly/ more than I’d choose… I feel again the bruise/ of longing ever longing to be confused”. He turns out to be “the beast.”

A sprightly, barnyard banjo maintains a plucky pace while an adamant cello hook escalates threateningly out of control.

The track jumpstarts the album’s compelling feeling of moving forward, of a woman fraught to grapple free from anticipation, relationships and religious convention. While her phrasing –particularly its tedious, downward lows – is pure Mitchell, her referential lyrical universe of demons and knights of shining armor, trickery and bad behaviors is more beholden to Bob Dylan. As is her capability to steer an arduous, ethical plot into a convincing requiem.

At the center of album is a wide giant of a song called “The Beast,” which devours close to six minutes of livid electric guitar. There are beautiful, acoustic moments too, as Marling works her way through what she has described as “the difficult balance between wanting and needing.”

LIMITED EDT and L. E WAY

SINGAPORE – Limited Edt celebrates the opening of the newly refurbished Limited Edt store and the L.E Way. They give every shopper a unique experience as the shoppers navigate through the “streets” within the store, as they are offered a wider range of products, a wider selection of limited edition pieces.

Limited Edt first opened its doors in January of 2003 in Queensway Shopping Centre as a first-of-its-kind sneaker-dedicated boutique in Singapore. It stood out with its minimalist displays and lifestyle offerings amidst the numerous sports stores that the mall is famous for.

Having overseen the growth of the sneaker culture in Singapore, Limited Edt has grown into a chain of unique stores, carving out a niche for sneaker enthusiasts in this region of Asia.

They have opened two more stores, Vault at Somerset 313 and Chamber at Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

The Limited Edt store gets a new and unique look that distinguishes it from any other store in Queensway Shopping Centre. Upon stepping inside the store, ne is brought “to the streets”. A streetcourt fence divides the store into two sides: one side is the lifestyle sneakers lined up against a white brick wall and on the other is the Limited Edt sneaker-and-basketball lockerroom-slashplayer’s lounge, which houses the merchandise of Michael Jordan.

Also sharing the “locker room” are product lines from Kobe Byant and LeBron James.

This store exclusively stocks limited editions of the newest, most technologically advanced basketball models plus the older retro editions of some of the iconic basketball footwear.

Right next to the Limited Edt store is the all-new authentic skate store renamed L.E. WAY. To give a true street or alley experience, well-known designer Mark Ong aka SBTG was commissioned to create the effects and the props like the hand-painted signs and the weathered brick effect. A custom-made manhole and unique store configurations completes the look that make one feel that they are walking through an alleyway but is lined with skate footwear from Nike SB and other brands.

Artstrong Artstrong, in his own words, is a record producer-musicianslash-everything. He sees himself as an ageless artist that hails from everywhere. Claiming to be a hybrid rather than a “high breed� hip-hop artist.

After nabbing the 2005 Awit Awards Best Jazz Recording and Best Rap for his single Jazzy Mondays, Artstrong quickly became a sensation in the mainstream scene.

With credentials that include fronting for Nas, forming a band with local guitar legend Sammy Asuncion, Artstrong is truly a hard-hitting force in music.

ARTSTRONG The multihyphenate force in hiphop How did you get started in music?

My dad is a jazz musician so I’m musically oriented in a way, but I wasn’t really interested in music yet. I just incidentally started playing guitars without really knowing that I can actually play. So, by the time I started playing, it just built up. It just happened: I started playing bass, then drums, then keyboards, piano and a bunch of other instruments. I got involved into forming a band, joining a rap group. After learning instruments, I got involved in music production. That was approximately around 1995 with the True Asiatik Tribe for the Mastaplann album.

Tell us about the band Third World Project.

I became a part of this band called Third World Project after True Asiatik. We were really becoming something already by that time, but the band didn’t make it because of the rockstar complex in each of us. But, you know, that happens. The band didn’t work out but we became friends. We still know each other but nobody is a team player. After Third Word Project broke up, that’s the time people started to notice me as a solo artist.

Then after that, I released my solo record with Warner Music Philippines and that turned me into a legend in myself. I didn’t expect that I’d be able to finish a record all by myself. It’s hard to do that.

How was the creation and development of that first solo record?

Actually, I was stuck in a dorm. They (Warner) didn’t put me in a room or a real studio. They rented me a dorm and set up a system like this (pointing to his recording equipments) and I had to work 24/7 for 2 months and I had to finish it all by myself. The dorm was in Pearl Drive, in front of this school, UA&P. My neighbors were constantly complaining because I’m really noisy, but I said “Don’t complain! Complain to the label. They put me here!” That was worth it though. It helped me win awards and stuff. But it still got me into a whole new level.

How do you write your pieces?

I got three ways of writing songs. One is the freestyle writing that I do on the spot. There’s no thought process, just freestyle. Then the second one is what I call “the preparation”. I wake up in the morning and I prepare myself to write. I eat right, I have to think of a topic right and in the afternoon I start drafting. So that’s the thought process. I listen to some references, get some inspiration then write some more. The third one is when I have to write for someone. Like the jingles I did for Nestea and stuff, I have to adapt to what the client wants, not necessarily to what I want.

Which sound describes Artstrong best?

You gotta find ways to formulate new sounds and that’s what the other crews that came out have done and have conquered (doing it).

They got to the top and they got appreciated.

Even if we survive in being pure, this is what

the record companies are looking for. You can adapt and make it crazy. You can use the beats with the house music but make it jazzy then it becomes you. That’s what I do. I don’t limit myself to just being a purist. I explore. I think that’s what Artstrong is about.

Which genres are your favorites to work on?

Reggae, drum and bass, funk, R & B, soul.

And jazz, my second nature. When they’re all fused together, it becomes hiphop. When Black Eyed Peas came out, it’s all about disco. So you can’t do anything, you have to adapt. That’s what we do. We adapt and become something else. But, of course, the purists ain’t up for it. “Forget disco, forget the drum and bass, forget the new sound and let’s go back to old school”, which is alright.

When you go back to the roots, the roots ain’t gonna leave you.

How’s it feel to win ‘Best Jazz’ in the 2005 Awit Awards?

It got me scared, actually, because I felt like, man! Now, people are expecting something else. But I feel blessed, now all the struggles and the pain all paid off. All these learning processes, staying up 24/7- it was emotional.

I just felt like I am committed into something bigger.

How was it fronting for Nas? Nas is like the bomb! He made us step into a whole new level because performing in the Asian Hip Hop Music Festival was something else. This was back in March of 2008 in

Bangkok, Thailand. When we opened up for Nas, he was with Kelis. I got to meet her. We spoke for a few minutes then I gave her some tracks, some of my works (for them) to listen to. I was hoping they’d listen. Nas was like, “Yeah, sure, we’ll listen (to it).” So I left them CDs but I don’t know if they listened to ‘em! (laughs) And working with Francis M…?

Working with him was crazy! He’s a very serious guy who just loves to write and write and write. Sometimes we’d hang in the studio and just write and jam. He doesn’t stop on one concept. He always has these amazing ideas that always work. I was like, “Wow! This man is a visionary!”. Everytime he writes, we couldn’t understand it at first but when we start recording it, the vision comes out. He’s one of the heroes, seriously.

Favorite collaborations?

My biggest collaboration would be the soundtrack I did for Step Up, the dance movie. When I was watching the movie, I got goose bumps because I heard my music. The voice wasn’t mine though, it was the leading actress’, but I was like, “That’s my song!”.

I just can’t believe that my song is good enough to be in a Hollywood movie. So I was sitting there waiting for my name to pop out in the credits but my name wasn’t there! We filed a lawsuit and all but karma came back.

They apologized and all. To cut the story short, Paramount pictures owes me money and I hope they give it soon! (laughs)

How did you get into the whole b-boy thing?

really cool shoes called Red Nose.

I was b-boying in the late 80’s. My dad put me on the spot. They had a gig in Quiapo, at Plaza Miranda. He kinda found out that I could do handstands and stuff, so he put me on the spot and made me perform. I could barely move! Then I legitimately b-boyed around 1992 to 1993. My crew formed a group, around Novaliches in Quezon City. We called it “the underground crew”.

I’ve been in the industry so long as an underground (artist) and I always keep my feet on the ground. Even if I’m already there, I still gotta take my shoes off to feel the ground. That’s what I always keep in mind.

Until this time, I still go to the hood, work with my people and that’s the best thing. They’re getting the love back and it’s important to do that. I’ve been to the worst of the worst.

Which shoe do you wear b-boying?

Worst of the worst?

Back then, we were kicking out using Puma shoes. We were like b-boying with Puma shoes then Nike’s. Adidas, of course. We were big fans of Adidas. There’s this local shoe brand, I just can’t remember the name but it was known then in the early 90’s.

The quality’s good and it’s great for break dancing. It’s the tennis shoe with the inverted V-sign…

I’ve been to the hell bound of situation. I’m talking about nasty things. I got broke, totally broke. Not once, but twice. I got broke once, then I flew. I became rich then I got broke again. This is like my second time of flying and I know that this is gonna last. Nobody makes it in the first jump, you know? Second time around, you already know the situation.

You’re already in control of things.

Tretorn?

Is there anything else on your to-do list?

Yes, Tretorn! It’s lighter so all the b-boys at that time used Tretorn. We got a lot of colors to choose from. We got addicted to Tretorn shoes because when it’s torn, it’s actually better. You can do whatever with it and it’s pretty cool to use.

My goal is to work with a lot more artists from different genres. My goal is to finish a lot of music, too. Sammy Asuncion is one of the legendary guitarists in the Philippines and I get to work with him. He’s a legend and I’m like, “Man! This guy is my guitarist?”.

I couldn’t believe it at first, especially when he volunteered to be a part of Third World Project. It’s a surreal feeling that I would like to experience more.

Which shoe is your favorite right now?

I kick with Vans. That’s my favorite brand. I’m wearing 5cm right now. I discovered these

How do you stay grounded?

SPINCITY The Academy of Cool Started as a college thesis of buddies Jessie Suaco and Chase Ocier-Hui, it turned into the real thing- Spincity has been putting back the cool in school since 2005 by making an education on the art and discipline of DJ’ing.

Joined by Wesley Villarica and Travis Monsod, the academy was established.

Spincity used to be just an informal weekend tutorial among friends. This soon grew to become as the country’s first and only Professional DJ Academy. At their current studio in Greenhills in San Juan, they welcome all novices to have a go at their courses with the dopest local DJ as mentors who, needless to say, are all well respected stars in their fields.

Spin City’s Academix head is Travis Monsod, who also teaches the Production Course. For Hiphop and R&B, DJ Aryan Magat and DJ Mars Miranda. For House and Techno, DJ Mike Bolante and DJ Funk Avy are in charge. On board with them is Brian Cua.

We caught up with SPIN CITYS DJ MENTORS to get up close & personal: TWhat made you decide to pursue the path of the professional Disc Jockey?

MIKE BOLANTE: Currently, I am a full-time DJ / producer and entrepreneur. I remix and produce tracks for artists and DJ’s. I also do consulting (work) for some businesses and corporations. I have been DJ-ing for 20 years but professionally, for only seven. (I) Got discovered by Ray Roc AKA The ROC Project while I was in grad school back in 2005. The greatest influence that probably got me into this were living and DJ-ing in Chicago. I got to meet and work with people like Maurice Joshua, Cz Mirani, Gene Farris, Scott K., Andy Caldwell, Julius The Mad Thinker, Bill Basil, Diz, Jeff Craven, Derrick Carter, Mark Farina, Michael Serafini, Santiago & Bushido, Dino G, Paco Osuna to name a very few.

ARYAN MAGAT: My older brother got me into DJ-ing in 1991. All self-taught. He started with cassette decks then with turntables and mixer setup as a combined birthday gift. But a new hobby came up in college. (I) Got back into it when I joined a band called Wildwaters as their DJ in `99. I met DJ Ace Ramos in 2000 (thru MIRC. LOL!) and hooked up for a gig. I got better exposure when I started working with Steve Mills and Ms. Day Cabuhat in 2002. I never thought about pursuing this path. It’s just the continuous opportunities that keep me inspired to be in this industry for more than a decade now.

TRAVIS MONSOD: I started to become a DJ after watching Roger Sanchez live. I fell in love with the beats and from there, I started to practice and immerse myself in the DJ culture. I was influenced by discovering new forms of electronic music. I used to work for a record store and that opportunity helped open my eyes and ears to a lot of new stuff. Before you had a lot of genres to choose from and I liked stuff from House to Drum n’ Bass!

What should students expect from their course?

Mike: That they will have to put in the work to do well. I will not spoon-feed my students.

Aryan: The basics, the tech stuff and some tricks if I think they have what it takes.

Travis: To learn something.

What equipment is required in class?

Mike: Nothing much, but maybe their own headphones. The school will basically provide everything.

What do you enjoy most about teaching / mentoring?

Mike: Simply seeing them learn how to (DJ) and some of them (do) really well are the greatest satisfaction one can get.

Aryan: I enjoy sharing the secrets and gig experiences I had, good and bad. It feels great to see and hear them play in clubs after their course.

Travis: I enjoy sharing the knowledge.

Are you strict?

Mike: Reasonably and to a fault, maybe lenient. I do, however, let them have it when I see no progress.

Aryan: Not really. The students should enjoy the sessions.

Travis: A bit.

What’s your musical background?

like any other major city, it can be equally diverse.

Aryan: Getting bigger. But not a lot are really serious about it. It’s not just about having the equipment and a really fast Internet connection. I only know a handful of those who know their music and still develop their skills every day. DJ-ing is an art.

Travis: Manila, as of this interview, is very commercial but it has its little underground thumps here and there.

What has been the most memorable gig for you?

Mike: My last gig in the US at Spy Bar Chicago. It was a holiday and other clubs had headliners, while it was Kalendr (ULTRA) vs. me held in the Fort! We ended up packing the club and having a long line going even around the corner. That was a sick night! A lot of my DJ friends came to see me. I love and thank them for that!

Mike: COMMERCIAL! Very mainstream driven but I do however believe that just

Mike: Teaching, studio work, production and consultation meetings. Gigs and time with family and friends. That’s what takes up my time!

Aryan: I teach at Spin City in the afternoon three to five times a week. DJ at night, three to four times a week. On my off nights, I ride my fixed gear bike.

Advice for those wanting to break into the DJ scene.

How do you keep yourself updated with the rhythm?

Mike: Try to approach DJ-ing just like any other profession. You got to work hard and pay your dues. There are no shortcuts, only opportunities. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM!

Mike: Checking out the charts in Beatport and Traxsource. Talking to some of my friends and colleagues. That’s basically it.

Aryan: Non-stop research and practice. Be wise on whom to idolize, there are a lot more DJ’s out there to look up to.

Aryan: I check tons of websites everyday plus email alerts from record pools.

Travis: Practice, practice and practice. Oh, and respect the people before you. You don’t have to be like them, just respect them!

Travis: The music! Cliché, but true!

Describe the DJ scene in Manila and in the Philippines.

What is a normal week for you?

Travis: Every gig is a memorable gig. One of the best was when I played in KL. I knew no one and got `em jumping in a matter of minutes!

Travis: I used to play drums for a couple of bands.

Travis: Right now, I play Electro, Mash Up, House, Techno and Break beat.

Travis: All of the new products of Spin City.

Travis: Day job, DJ School and then gigs. I try to play basketball and badminton when I get the time. I’m also a full time dad!

Travis: Internet, MTV and Beatport.

Mike: I am very eclectic and I let it show when I play. I try to think out of the box rather than be confined in it.

Aryan: Spontaneous and more technical.

Beat-matching and mixing are just the first steps. There has to be a story in my sets. It’s more of like musical scoring in a movie.

Aryan: Jessica Milner, Paul Guzman and Paolo Canlas.

Aryan: NYE parties. Galactic Riot when I played alongside J-hoon (DJ set + live drums). 4 Hit Combo Philippine tour.

Mike: I have a classical music background, started when I was 4 years old. Next thing I knew, I’m playing multiple instruments and now DJ-ing. Got my mom to thank for!

Thanks, Mom!

Aryan: Before DJ-ing, none. It was actually my background when I started playing different instruments.

How do you describe your musical style?

up the skills to do it. Saf works as a model and like Ian, kicked ass immediately. She got it on Day two! Jaime is probably the most versatile. The guy can go from house to electro to dubstep, and this guy only took the basic course. He is now on the way back to the US to attend Georgetown University. I see a lot myself in Jaime.

Where do we catch you spin?

The most collection.

important

thing

in

your Mike: Scarlet and Amber. With a couple of monthly gigs here and there…

Mike: Collection of music? EVERYTHING!!!

Aryan: My music, analog and digital. The music videos, too.

Aryan: Opus, Attica, Limbo, Amber, The Establishment. My schedule usually changes monthly. I recently had my third stint in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Mike: Best: “Thank you.” Worst: “I know”and “I’m listening” but they’re not.

Travis: As of this interview, I play Time, Manila during Tuesdays, The Establishment during Fridays and Limbo on Saturdays. I also have some events here and there and I have some upcoming nights in the works soon!

Aryan: “OMG! I can finally do it! High five!” and “I wanna cry.”

Which shoes can we see you rocking?

The best and worst things a student has told you.

Travis: Best thing would be,”Prof, kayang kaya ko na i-beatmatch!”. Worst thing is when I get the silent stare!

Who are the students that you are most proud of?

Mike: My best students are probably Ian Reyno, Saf and Jaime Jimenez. Ian works for a TV station and has patiently gone in the mornings and has immediately picked

Mike: Rocking my Chuck Taylors a lot!!!!

Aryan: Classic Vans and New Balance, Air Max, Puma Clydes.

Travis: I’m a Sneakerhead! At the moment, I’m into collecting re-issued Reebok Pumps and Adidas Star Wars apparel. I have a couple of Nikes and Onitsukas, too!

Whimsical Peculiarit y

MARIA JEONA ZOLETA What makes Maria Jeona unlike other artists is her innate awkwardness that makes her who she is. There’s no “I-ama n - a r t i s t- s o - I - h ave -to be-weird” gimmicks.

Her awkwardness is a collection of natural gestures.

With inspirations from Kiki Smith and Robert Trecartin to fuel her tank of whimsical inspirations, Maria Jeona shows us one of her favorite creations, a small photo album filled with inserts of photos, drawings and words- “her diary”.

She aims to prolong the childhood she treasures with every stroke of color or with every pinch of glitter in her creations, thinking about Lisa Frank and honesty, without doing it just for the aesthetic.

There’s more to the juvenile portrayal of her work. The deep strikes of truthfulness and nostalgia in the titles make her craft even more unusual. Her works are like swift, recurring flashes a person has when seeing something that reminds them of their days as a kid.

With titles “Di Ako Deep, Bobo Ka Lang” and “Monogamist Kultur at si Sexy at Maraming Stretchmarks”, it’s apparent Maria Jeona doesn’t funnel her work to market sophistication.

A striking and memorable creation called “If I Were a Fish” is an installation of kiddie pool filled and floating with her used feminine pads.

“Sure Sure, Happy Happy Picture Picture” nabbed a 2011 Ateneo Art Award nomination. It is a wacky, idiosyncratic dreamlike collection of pastel hues and mixed media that jumps viewers into the world of slam books, secrets, and tween fantasies- the Maria Jeona way.

There are a lot of weird-looking, naked females in your work.

Kasi parang dati, si Kiki Smith, ginawa na niya yung paggamit ng menstruation. Gumawa siya ng poetry sa vagina. Feeling ko na bata ako, sinasadya ko na itodo, gawin na parang “kaya-ko-gawin-lahat-ito” ngayon.

Channeling your childhood through your art?

Dahil sa aware ako na bata ako, sa awareness ko, na ganoon. Ang iba, sinasadya na gumawa ng mga bagay na hindi talaga nila gusto. Ang parents ko kasi noon, medyo conservative.

Madami akong hindi ko nagagawa noong bata ako. Lahat naman ng parents ganun, kaya tinotodo ko.

You were shortlisted in the 2011 Ateneo Art Awards.

Ayun! (laughs) Ang nakuhang entry, “Sure Sure Happy Happy Picture Picture”. Parang gusto kasi ng tao, naiintindihan nila lahat.

Kasi yung show na iyon, para siyang studio ko. Parang medyo, “Ugh! Gross girl’s bedroom!”. Parang dinadala mo doon sa time and place na ganun. Parang teenager ka ulit.

Or nine to twelve years old ulit.

Tell us about your childhood toys.

Ang mga Barbie doll ko, putol-putol. Feeling ko kailangan ko silang paliguan lagi, i-dye yung buhok. Yung mga ganung bagay ang nag-stick sakin na kita pa rin ngayon.

Did you start drawing at a young age?

Yeah. Around 9 years old ako, gumagawa lang ako. Hindi naman ako pinapansin ng mga tao. I didn’t really have a lot of friends.

Pag nakakakita ako ng artist, napapaisip ako kung paano sila nag-eexperiment. Tapos pumasa ako ng FA (Fine Arts) in UP Diliman.

Pagdating ko ng FA (2007), sabi ko “My gosh!

Eto pala yun!”.

What made you want to create art?

Ngayon, mas nag-iisip na ako. Unlike before.

Parang ewan lang. Natatawa lang talaga ako kasi parang dati ganun lang. Para sa akin, yung art, ikaw talaga yun. Kung wala ‘yung artist, wala ‘yung art. Kaya ‘yung art, hindi siya tinuturo, natututunan sa school, na kahit nasa klase ka ng 5 hours, feeling ko, searching pa rin ako. Dapat totoo lang. Ako, hindi ako gumagawa ng porket maganda lang. Ako talaga yun.

When did you realize that you wanted to go to art school?

Nag-aral ako sa Manila Science High School.

Before doon, galing ako sa San Agustin,

tapos galing ako sa St. Paul tapos yung nursery thing lang na ewan. Ang dami kong pinanggalingan, wala lang din nag-stuck sa lahat. Kunyari yung friends, kunyari may “thing” kayo. Pero alam mong na-trap lang rin sila time na yun. Parang ganun yung work ko, trapped in time that I never let go. Tapos nagtuloy-tuloy na.

Which piece of art that you saw that stuck to you?

Yung “Mollusk” (96-page illustration book by various artists) ng Bongout. Dapat ganun ang art. Hindi pinipigilan. Parang yung song na “I can’t get no satisfaction.” (laughs) Favorite artists?

I like Ryan Trecartin kasi yung works niya sobrang basurang trashy and funny. Sobrang absurd and parang gay. Locally, gusto ko si Manuel Ocampo. Si Romeo Lee. Gusto ko si Pow Martinez. Gusto ko lang yung mga totoong tao na totoo sa craft nila. Respect lang sa ginagawa nila. Ang hirap din magsabi ng favorite eh. Naisip ko, favorite artist ko…? Si Lisa Frank! Kasi hindi ako binibili ng mommy ko noon. Parang iba yung Lisa Frank dati. Iniisip ko, kung yung mundo parang Lisa Frank, parang “F*ck!”.

Music?

Spice Girls! Air! I love Air. Do you lean on a certain style?

Siguro. Hindi ko alam. Most of the time when I do something, I don’t really think about it.

Pag di ko siya iniisip talaga, nawawala lang ako sa kanya (art). Nung nasa FA ako, second year ako noon, walang gumagawa ng mga work na parang abnormal lang. Kasi parang lahat sa school nagpapagalingan. Ako, lagi ko lang gusto, fun siya. O kaya funny para sa situation. So, ayun. Nagsimula akong gumawa ng mga ganun kasi inisip ko, “Bakit hindi?”.

Is there a favorite among your works?

Nasa laptop siya na nasa loob ng kiddie pool (“Laptop”). Tsaka yung dildo na nasa loob ng slinky na naka-stretch. Pero gusto ko yung diary-ish thing ko. Nilalagyan ko siya ng mga gawa ko parati. Blank photo album tapos naglalagay ako ng kung anu-ano- favorite images, drawings, blah blah. Hindi ko kasi alam kung saan ko ilalagay ang mga stuff (na) I find interesting. Dito sa photo album, pwede ka mag-insert, magtanggal, tapos may mga hidden treasures pa. I feel like I have to remember these images. Para siyang memory pocket.

Do you think it’s kitsch?

I don’t think it’s kitsch. Ano lang siya, pieces of generation. Totoo lang ako sa generation

kung saan ako. Siguro, iba-iba naman ang definition ng “kitsch” para sa mga tao. I guess it’s positive, but I don’t like the word “kitsch”.

It’s like “kissy- kitschy”. Ewan! (laughs) Does your art affect your personality?

Ewan. I’m really awkward. People say it’s an “act”, but it’s really not! I don’t really talk unless someone talks to me. When someone talks to me and I don’t understand it for the first time, I’ll spend the rest of the night thinking about the things na dapat sinagot ko.

Baliw ako talaga, as in. Kasi nung high school ako, wala akong friends. I only had a friend and she is still my friend. She is just 20 tapos parang nag-graduate na siya ng college.

Kaya ko siya naging friend kasi siya yung nakatagal sakin. I think I’m hard to be with.

What do you think of the local art scene?

I think it’s very weird. Parang okay rin. Kasi parang sila (referring to other artists) lang ‘yun, eh. Nakakatawa. Ang liit lang ng art scene sa Pilipinas na parang nagkakaron na ng bagong generation.

You still ask people to write in slam books.

Oh, yeah. Sanay ako gumawa nun kasi ganoon naman talaga, eh. Di ba noong high school? Why would you forget about it?

That’s what I am thinking. The excitement of answering the questions, di ba?

Which mediums are your favorites to work with?

Nagkakaroon nga ako ng problema sa ganyan eh. Wala kasi akong “style-style”. Siguro, oil at ballpen. Mali, mali!!! Ang favorite medium ko, regla. Regla and poop. Nung high school, may nag-graffiti ng poop sa CR tapos letter J ang shape ng poop. Naisip ko, astig ‘yun a! Tapos ako pa ang bine-blame kasi letter J! Naisip ko na yun ang art talaga.

In your work where you used feminine pads…

Dati kasi, naglagay ako ng mga napkins sa wall and placed it with stickers. Parang remembrance. Tapos nabulok na sobrang kadiri, sobrang baho! Pinlastik ko siya, nakalipas ng isang taon, tapos nandun pa rin.

Yung plastic sobrang bumaho na. Naka-ilang plastic na siya, naka-lima na! Sobrang kadiri siya pero ginawa ko talaga! (laughs). Tapos ang nangyari, nilagay ko siya sa plastic box, pero naka-plastic na siya ng tight. Nilipat ko sa house naming, tinapon na ng mommy ko.

Those were your own used feminine pads?!

Yes. Ang art sa akin, para siyang ganun.

Funny. Ewan ko. Mang-gago lang. (laughs)

Greetings from 34 Haji Lane

SUP From a random chap that yelled out, “Wassup, guys!”, Sup became and is the embodiment of that greetingcool, hip, young, approachable and welcoming.

Located in Singapore’s Haji Lane, Sup is a habitual trip by locals and a frequent haunt for tourists from around the world. Loyal followers are those who want to get a hold of the latest and unique items, like from New Balance HS77s to Capital Jakarta Apparel.

Certainly, they have their own Sup line, created through exclusive collaboration with the finest up-and-coming designers, one of whom is Killer Gerbil.

Street culture retail is not rocket science but it helps when you have someone with Aeronautical Engineering credentials like one of Sup’s co-founder Jacky Chia who graciously granted us an interview.

Sup is…

Sup was started by a group of like-minded people who shared the same background while growing up and wanted to do something different, as opposed to our education system which steers most people to be lawyers, engineers, doctors…

Why Sup? We had a list of names we wanted the store and brand to be, but there was this customer that came to our storefront and greeted us, “Wassup, guys!” while we were smoking outside. Right away, we knew it had to be SUP. It’s an informal way of saying hello, which was in line with the direction we wanted.

Sup is made up of close friends “from different backgrounds, culture and upbringing”, as written in your site.

It was started by me, together with my brother Jackson. And Aaron, who was like the mascot of Sup store and brand. Of course there are more, but the list would be too long!

I started a store when I was 19. There was a module that required me to start up a business or anything that is related to business. As I was really young, I had zero knowledge as my background was in Aeronautical Engineering.

But I was really interested in doing retail, and that was the easiest way out for me because back then, I was really interested in clothing and making things that I want to wear or to sell to consumers. With less than five figures from my pathetic bank account, I just rented a space, did our own renovations and opened up our store. Because I was young at that time, there was no planning. And I just barge my way through, until now.

What made you decide to go through with the store at a young age?

I would say the turning point was mainly because I was only 19 at that time. All I think was that if I ever fail, I could always do something else. However, I would say that I am really glad I made that choice because the setbacks and (being) without any financial backings made us more creative and hungry in finding ways to build our own following.

When did it all start?

Did you get a lot of support when you started out?

In February of 2006, we started a store, Niche, selling imported brands, mostly from USA. In 2007, we started our own clothing brand Niche. By 2008 until now, Sup- as we recognize how fast Haji Lane has changed ever since we started the store.

Honestly, when we first started out, we were just like any other store that does not exist today anymore. Too much hatred due to not enough support. But we turn them into strength to prove to ourselves, not so much to (the) people in the same industry.

You said that you guys don’t come from a privileged background but you find solutions to get things done.

What is the general concept of Sup? The whole idea of the store and brand was to

do something that has no political prints or aggressive taglines. Something friendly, that people can relate to.

Who came up with the concept for the brand?

The whole concept was by conceptualized by Jackson, Aaron and me. We just wanted to create something that people can relate to, not so much of our clothing, but (of) our service, the kind of events we throw. There were too many stores that were fronting themselves to be real snobbish, real etcetera etcetera...

What is Sup’s design inspiration?

Our inspiration remains unchanged to our initial direction when we first set out to be.

Who do you want to see wearing Sup? The only kind of people I hope that would really use our products is people that see t-shirts and jeans as “STAPLE” in your daily life. You grow up wearing that, you will wear that until you die.

We had many customers who have outgrown themselves by changing their style to preppy.

These are the kind of people that makes us realize we would not want them to rep our products or any brands that we represent in Singapore.

Which Sup items are you most proud of?

I would say the first time when we did our cut and sewn shirts that sold out within 3 days.

What sets Sup apart from the others?

I would say the way we relate and account to our customers that sets us apart from other lifestyle brands. I think the thing that sets us apart from them is we do not give a fuck about it. As for being better than them, we are not looking to outdo anyone other than ourselves.

events and forgets you the next day. And backstabbers. I believe it’s the same in any country, in any business. However, it is also in this scene that I met many true friends from all over the world. It’s a love/hate relationship, I guess. There’s nothing we can do other than to just keep believing in what you do. Here, it’s no right or wrong if you want to do your own business. You have to make it right.

what most people are doing right now. There were also family issues that were driving me nuts. But I guess all these add up that makes me stronger as a person.

Who has been in your stores and has been wearing your threads? Any celebs?

What should we look out for in street wear?

What do you do on your down time?

Haji Lane has become a tourist-y place as compared to way back when we started. We get different tourists in Haji Lane every week from all over the world. We see a rise in (the number of) Indonesians visiting our store often. As for celebs or stars, we have no idea and it’s not that important.

I think it will all be back to basics. And a little bit of vintage that will last for a lifetime.

How far is your marketing reach?

I think we are still pretty old school up until now. More of by word of mouth, referrals and social media where people would definitely visit our store, if ever they come to Singapore.

With the large number of brands from all over the world, how is the street wear market treating you?

I think most brands in North America are mainly not doing so well. But because of the media and Internet, everything seems too perfect for people to understand. We chose to be oblivious (of course, not totally.) of what’s happening on the other side of the world, but mainly focusing on our own market/ customers, and hopefully, Southeast Asia. I think because we have been in Haji Lane for 6 years, most people who come to Singapore, in Haji Lane, our store would be where most people would come and visit.

Are you satisfied with Sup’s current market status?

We are satisfied with our current market status. Of course, there would be rooms for further reaching out to more people regionally and globally.

What do you hope to achieve with Sup? I hope customers are able to see that we could work with different kinds of brands on any projects. Something that we are able to conceptualize and make it our own collectively with any brand. I do not want people to see Sup as just another clothing brand. Before I started bringing more brands into the store other than our own in-house brand Sup, I was really skeptical about it. But it’s not only about selling apparels. We make sure people understand the whole story of anything they buy in the store. Every product has a story. I’m glad it’s all shaping towards the right direction.

What do you feel about the current street wear scene?

Honestly, I fucking hate this scene where people give you name cards during

Is there a brand, apart from Sup, that we should look out for?

What gets you out of bed every morning?

Every morning when my Father wakes me up for breakfast!

I would just pack my bag and go to an island alone.

Say you’re stranded in a deserted island, what are the five things that should be with you?

I really have no idea what are the brands that will make waves. I am still waiting for a brand that does really good products at affordable prices and not sell to some corporation with loads of cash but at the same time, keeping it tight with all the retailers that stood by them when they first started out. Until I can find a brand that fulfils everything I mentioned above, I think it’s a brand that people should look out for.

Alcohol. Alcohol. Alcohol. Alcohol. Alcohol.

Your thoughts on someone imitating a fashion plate?

I would like us to be well represented in at least one country in the whole of South East Asia. Having the same concept and direction as the current one in Haji Lane in Singapore now.

I think people should stop trying to emulate anyone/brands/icons. Too much reference would affect the way you dress and behave.

What do you think will be the next big thing in urban culture?

Things changed and moved too fast for people to even decide who they are, let alone any style or culture. Therefore, I think it’s really hard to know what’s the next big thing. As long as anything that gets featured a billion times on the Internet and all major magazines, TV, Radio, etc. would be the next big thing. For sneakers, I think shoes that are cleaner with really good shape would last for the longest time.

Tell us something that most usually doesn’t know about street style and street culture?

This is a tough question. I think most sneakerheads don’t even understand anything about street style or street culture because there is no such classification of style or culture. To me, street style and street culture is about being casual, not so much about the classification you want to be in.

Who cares, anyway?

In your point of view, what shapes street culture?

Music and art.

How was life before Sup? Life before Sup was a massive struggle. I was lost, didn’t know what to do. All I wanted to do was to further my studies so that I could buy time to decide what I want. I think that’s

What is a dream project for you?

My dream project would be to work with a sneaker/shoe company to produce a release pair for Sup. Where do you see Sup in 5 years?

What’s next for Sup? We hope to be able to work with more brands, to do something different other than the retail side of our brand. Expansion in the range for our own clothing line, mainly towards more lifestyle where you can buy anything, in Sup from head to toe.

Do you know where the Philippines is?

Of course! I have yet to visit Philippines but I would definitely do so in the near future.

As we are a sneaker magazine, we have to know about your shoes.

I would not say that I’m a sneaker head. I just buy sneakers that are in black and that could fit my outfit for my daily life. I guess the only Holy Grail I have would be the Nike SB Forbes.

What sneakers do you rock?

Vans. New Balance.

What sneakers did you yearn for the most?

Nike Supreme Dunk.

What is that one item every sneakerhead should have?

I would say the right kind of socks for different kind of sneakers.

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CHILL SESSION.

THE PARTIES YOU MISSED PARTY SEASON.

moonfire, the collective, malugay

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upjma adhoc, nbc tent

Ask anybody. It was so truly magical. You enter a floor-lit chamber-maze with flashing colors playing with your adrenalin. At the end of it, a wall of proclamation by the creators and innovators of the biggest and the best college event in the Metro. A sign of pride? More of a reminder that they’ve all taken the step to be better, and it’s your turn. Finally, you - almost lost in the beats of those crazy DJs - step out to the open area, filled with X number of mobile bars and photo booths, with 4,000+ moving hips and hands and, with so many significant beautiful souls.

And in that moment you realize, you’re not so alone.

Thousands of strangers were present on September 3, 2011, filling the World Trade Center with millions of different auras. Yet somehow our differences became irrelevant, for we united, had one thought throughout that remarkable night: We Live For This.

Thankful: the sole feeling that overcame the ADHOC Team and the entire UP JMA family hours, days and weeks after. For the 4,000+ people turnout, for the insane and epic success of the Midnight Reveal, for all the UP JMA ADHOC records broken, for the peace and safety that was kept until the wee hours of the morning, for the smiles and hugs and bewitching energy that seemed to suspend every living being in a state of perfect existence. The greatest thank you, though, is for your acknowledgment of our cause. To find superb purpose in living. To impact you to make every day of your life a majestic heart-tugging adventure, the way ADHOC was. “UPJMA ADHOC: We Live For This” was an amazing Day 1, and the rest of your life should be lived beyond whatever greatness was felt, forgotten and achieved that night.

For the moments that you don’t remember. For the feelings you can’t forget. For everything, and nothing less.

Live.

UP JMA ADHOC promises you one thing: we will never stop living for and giving you greatness.

The biggest and the best will be back in Feb 2012.

The ultimate battle is on Skechers Streetdance Battle 7

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The ultimate battle is on. The Skechers Streetdance Battle is back for its 7th year with more high school and college dance crews, from all over the Philippines, risking it all for a shot at streetdance supremacy and a P100,000 grand prize.

The first Skechers Streetdance Battle molded the Philippines’ streetdance scene. Now seven years later, the Skechers Streetdance Battle—the biggest, toughest and hottest streetdance battle—just keeps getting better.

Hours before the Skechers Streetdance Battle 7 kick-off party started, streetdance enthusiasts and participants were already huddled around the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall for the first ever Skechers One-on-One Battle Pit--a head-to-head tournament-style dance off for aspiring streetdancers. Even the pouring rain was unable to suppress the intensity of the start of this year’s Streetdance Battle.

Fans, schoolmates and friends of participating schools’ showed their support by posing at their respective school banners. Unity, school spirit, and the chance to win big bucks are all thrown into the mix as Skechers is offering Php10,000 to the school with the best mob photo.

These “mobs” also get to participate some more for their beloved crews with the addition the Skechers Streetdance Battle 7 Online Voting Component. The Online Voting will decide this year’s People’s Choice winner. In order to vote, visit www.juice.ph/ skechersstreetdance

Skechers Time, in cooperation with ETC, media partners Clavel Sneaker Magazine, Meg Magazine, Magic 89.9, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, and Juice.ph. Official event venues are Araneta Coliseum and SM Supermalls with special thanks to SM Department Stores.

Conceptualized and organized by Brainbox.

Everyone in the crowd got to learn the Skechers Streetdance Signature Wave Dance under the tutelage of Prince. It was definitely not your run-off-the-mill mass demonstration.

This time around the entire crowd did more than just watch the moves, they got to bring out their dance flair and rock the house down.

Check out Facebook so you too can groove to the Skechers Streetdance Signature Move.

For the latest photos, videos, news and results on the Skechers Streetdance Battle 7, visit www.skechers.com.ph or check them out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ skechersstreetdancebattle.

The crowd was just settling on their seats when the Philippine All Stars took the stage.

They opened the first elimination leg with an electrifying number that raised the bar and set a good pace for the rest of the program.

List of Winners last Sept 24 (high School) 1. La Greenhills ( Airforce) 2. Ateneo De Mla ( High School Indak...

Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan) 3. St Paul Pasig ( Terpsichore) 4. Ina Ng Buhay Catholic School ( Tedeum Crew)

And then the battle was on.

Twelve of the best dance crews in the country showed the crowd their dance prowess with some heart-stopping moves during the kickoff party and 1st elimination leg. Of the twelve, three rose to the spotlight and grabbed the first slots for the Final Battle happening on November 12 at the Araneta Coliseum Skechers Streetdance Battle – Year 7 is made possible by Skechers, Skechers Fitness and

Skechers Battle of The Street Dance 7 held at SM Megamall Music Activity Center , Mandaluyong City

List of Winners last Sept 25 ( College) 1. Adamson University ( Adamson CAST) 2. De La Salle University Manila (La Salle Dance Company Street) 3. Collegio De San Juan De Letran - Calamba ( Letran Street Beat Crew) 4. University Of Asia & The Pacific (UA&P) ( Squadra)

DISPATCH MAGAZINE LAUNCHES TRAVEL X THURSDAYS Dispatch, the magazine that brings you travel, adventure and advocacy stories recently launched its Travel X Thursdays series intended to provide an avenue for travelers, Filipino and foreign alike, to get in touch with one another and share their travel adventures, mishaps and whatnot.

The pilot for the Travel X Thursdays series entitled IMPRINTS is an art installation of the symbolic gear every traveler never leaves without—his footwear. Imprints is all about a traveler’s soul on sole: the places he go; the moments, his passions and the experiences herewith. The idea is that each traveler, wherever he may go, he opens his senses to every bit of sight, flavor and learning, and embraces it as much as he leaves a part of himself to the places and people he has encountered—shaping new perspectives, leaving indelible marks.

Dispatch’s roster of adventure and independent travelers include Romi Garduce, Pinoy Mt. Everest Summiteer; Team Travel Factor, a leading adventure travel tour group; Luke Landrigan, professional surfer who started

traveling at age 14; Jetro Rafael, seasoned backpacker and the man behind the Van Gogh is Bipolar fame; Pinoy Travel Bloggers Ferdz Decena of ironwulf.net, Nina Fuentes of justwandering.org and Monette Fernandez and Ron Cruz of fliptravels.com among others.

The night was filled with exchanges of stories among the bunch of travelers and strangers who came in spite of the slightly rainy weather. The travelers took time in scanning the exhibit, taking photo snaps of both the art installation and their fellow travelers. A quirky stop motion video was screened to cap off the night.

Imprints is just one among the many legs of the Dispatch Travel X Thursdays series. Be sure to check out their facebook page (Dispatch Media) and blogsite www.dispatchmagonline.com for updates on the coming legs.

This event is co-presented by R.O.X with the support of Sanuk, Olukai, Fitflop, 100 Plus, Tanduay Ice, Coors Light, Virgin Cola Beach Hut, Sole Project, Today x Future, JanSport, Columbia and Brushstrokes Creatives. soul and sole, cubao x

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