Northern Living: 2017 June

June 2017 Volume 11 | Issue 10

RENAISSANCE

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CONT ENTS 06 NORTHERNER Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou roots his food in heritage

14 COVER STORY With ongoing restoration, the Metropolitan Theater will no longer be a ghost of the past

Cover photo by Miguel Nacianceno

JUNE 2017 03 FIXTURE The role of fiction in this day and age

26 RECIPE A hot bowl of porridge with tangy chicken

04 BEAUTY A skincare essential that boosts the immune system

28 THE GET Treat your feet better

22 EATS Sinful dishes for your cheat days

EDITOR’S NOTE Finally, a narrative After years of merely passing by the faded pink façade of this glorious building from the safe distance of the train, the opportunity was finally ripe for us to explore its inner workings. Eighty-five years of being overlooked, the iconic Manila Metropolitan Theater is finally getting the retrofitting it deserves. In this issue, we delve into “freedom” as a theme and go straight into the Met’s womb, discovering more as each layer of paint is peeled off. As Independence Day approaches, the theater that has seen the brightest days of local stars, witnessed the grandest of productions, and even withstood the Second World War’s cruel shelling stands as a symbol of authentic Filipino resilience.

From its throne, the Met watched

Manila fade from its former glory as the Paris of the Orient to becoming a war zone and subsequently succumb to urban decay. However, it’s also a story of hope: as it embarks on a major restoration project, the theater captures the imagination of a younger generation, most of whom were not even born yet during its heyday. With this revival comes a tinge of infectious optimism; having seen its insides, we confess that we’ve fallen in love with the structure. As for its stories, we hope that we’ve added another voice to its romantic narrative.

We also explore more narratives in this issue, including the fantasy ones we create for ourselves. While reality may keep us bound to our earth suits during the day, our creative freedom lets us brandish our fiction suits by night.

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ONLINE

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FIXT URE

WHAT WOULD JESUS, BATMAN, AND JON SNOW DO?

How fiction suits help us power through the hell of everyday living TEXT FERDZ PEÑA ILLUSTRATION WINCY AQUINO ONG

Welcome to the age of the avatar. While our ancestors had their spirit animals, we have our spirit book, TV, and movie characters.

Okay, about the title: You got me. Jesus is a historical figure, not a fictional one. But he is also the protagonist of the bestselling book of all time, and it’s his name that has sold a thousand WWJD T-shirts, all right?

It wasn’t that long ago when we sought wisdom from parents and teachers—real, actual, living, fleshand-blood people. But that’s all in the past now.

Now, things are different. Every form of fiction, from digital comics to PDF versions of bestselling novels to seasons upon seasons of TV shows, can be consumed from the light-emitting rectangles we keep in our pockets, and because of our proximity to these fantastical worlds, Jughead from Riverdale has become more real to us than our own family members.

We look up to these fictional characters. We tattoo the words they speak in our minds, on our skins.

During Halloween and cosplay parties, we even dress like them.

Comic book writer Grant Morrison first coined the term “fiction suit” to describe the mental costume one puts on to make the worlds of fantasy and reality indistinguishable from one another.

We all wear fiction suits now.

Most of the time, we have a whole wardrobe of characters to choose from, depending on the problem at hand. Someone stole your wallet? Put on your Sherlock Holmes suit and start investigating like a high-functioning sociopath. Mired in office politics?

Try that Frank Underwood suit for size and play the game dirtier than everyone else. Stressed out beyond belief and need a break? Hey, there’s a Garfield suit that lets you eat lasagna and sleep all day.

Why do we do this?

Fiction is simply a product of our survival instincts.

Our ancestors had gathered around bonfires to hear the tales of great hunters and how they had eluded danger and escaped death while hunting and foraging for food. In a way, fiction is just the instruction manual of the Greater Human inside us all, giving us examples of dire situations and how our brothers have survived them through courage, wisdom, or kindness.

That’s why we shouldn’t feel guilty if these fictional people become our surrogate parents or teachers, and perhaps in the end, our very own surrogates.

People change. People falter. Ideas persist. Ideas go on forever.

So go ahead. Ask yourself: What would Enteng Kabisote do?

Hey, everyone has their own hero.

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BEAUT Y

TOP COAT

An additional step to your daily skincare regimen does the body good, both inside and out TEXT KRISTELLE ANN BATCHELOR

The Korean skincare routine is basking in its warranted heyday. But in case you didn’t know, the immaculate complexion sported by Koreans is achieved only through the use of numerous products, from moisturizers to sheet masks. Now added to the ever growing loot are skin boosters, which beauty experts are swearing by.

Skin boosters boast a plethora of benefits, starting from pore unclogging. Most kinds contain vitamin C, which can address hyperpigmentation and prevent premature skin aging. Studies show that skin boosters make the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, more intact, which is crucial for the immune system. Boosting the said barrier prevents infection and dehydration and will result in a healthy glow.

Skin boosters are applied after cleansing and toning and before applying serums, because unlike the latter, which primarily retain the skin’s moisture and targets only certain problems, skin boosters nurture the overall skin surface.

Brands have been championing the product,

ILLUSTRATION GRACE DE LUNA

making use of probiotics along with integrating a healthy dose of surface hydrators in their formulas, like flaxseed and glasswort extracts. Elizabeth Arden’s national training manager David Whyte explains how boosters allow the skin to perform at its optimum state while still keeping enough bacteria around that skin cells need: ‘‘Just like we have good and bad bacteria in our gut flora, we have bacterial microflora on the surface of our skin, which is essential for maintaining the health of the skin.”

Ultimately, skin boosters make other skin products work more efficiently. It’s the essential top coat to protect skin from toxins.

Staying beautiful and healthy doesn’t come without a price tag, but with the inevitable pollution and other noxious substances we encounter on a daily basis, the best bet is to invest on the care of our first layer of defense. Just be cautious of the amount you apply as it would depend on your skin’s level of dryness. Results are visible shortly, evident in the three signs of healthy-looking skin: softness, evenness, and radiance.

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NORT HERNER

THE INHERITANCE OF FLAVOR

Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou continues to connect the past and the present of Filipino cuisine TEXT EDLAINE FLOR PHOTOGRAPHY MIGUEL NACIANCENO

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NORT HERNER “When I was five or six years old, I was already hanging out in the kitchen,” chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou recalls. “[Most of the time,] I was removing malunggay leaves from the stems or snapping off the ends of string beans.”

Raised in a Bisaya-Tagalog household during the era of “Tupperware parties,” Sarthou has always been passionate about Filipino food. From his signature burnt coconut to his renditions of Mindanao dishes—“We Filipinos have been disregarding those for the longest time”—he keeps the food he cooks grounded in heritage.

the context of what would serve this country well.

Let us not stop innovating because, ultimately, we should be able to create and be able to eat. It’s not just about creativity, but also about sensitivity and responsibility. Are we choosing sustainable and accessible ingredients?

And what are those ingredients?

It’s really going back to our land and seas because no matter how you prepare food, it should stay true to the environment. Food should be central in our relationships, and food should represent our environment. If you keep those values intact, How will modern Filipino cuisine evolve? it can somehow change forms. I have strong roots Filipino food can really evolve [further] if we continue in heritage and culture, but I still want to push to interact with each other: the chefs and anybody the discourse further because that’s how we keep else who eats. We could have a deeper discussion on, ourselves relevant. for example, the issue of rice. It will develop if we continue to find ways. Let’s not be caught up with Aside from working in the kitchen, you also share recipes; let’s be more concerned about sustainability. your knowledge through cookbooks. Can you tell Can we afford to eat this [on a regular basis]? We’re us more about your latest one? looking [at] the end product, but cuisine and I just released a book, and I’m finishing another one gastronomy are connected. right now. It’s called Rice to the Occasion, which features It’s also really about embracing the state of affairs rice recipes that kids can do. I’m promoting local in the Philippines. When you say modern Filipino, rice. Part of heritage is a real interaction [between] it’s not necessarily all about the technique, [but] ingredients. Rice is an accessible and versatile it’s about what’s available to Filipinos. We’ve seen ingredient, so [the book] is about continuously some developments in terms of agriculture. A lot elevating your craft [even when] you’re cooking of ingredients, which weren’t available at a certain something that’s simple. When you cook, you should point of time, are now being grown here, like kale strive to make a masterpiece. The next book I’m and French beans. [producing] is something for housewives. I’m trying I think modern Filipino chefs are having the to introduce ideas of sustainability, like how they can sensitivity to prepare and create Filipino food in introduce local ingredients into their recipes.

Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou was introduced to cooking as a young boy. He used to make and sell kakanin in grade school.

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NORT HERNER Clockwise from top: Agos salad features seared tuna slices atop dressed greens, paella negra, binagoongang pork belly, and Aklan oysters

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M ARKET

STAY IN

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Keep your room warm and cozy while the rain pours outside PHOTOGRAPHY RG MEDESTOMAS

1. Pillow, P925, Muji, Shangri-La Plaza Mall 2. Pillow case, P695, Muji, Shangri-La Plaza Mall 3. Slippers, P1,250, Muji, Shangri-La Plaza Mall 4. Bed sheet, P2,450, Muji, Shangri-La Plaza Mall 5. Jacket, P1,490, Uniqlo, U.P. Town Center 6. Pomegranate Noir room spray, P3,750, Jo Malone, SM Megamall 7. Dark Amber and Ginger Lily candle, P5,150, Jo Malone, SM Megamall 8. Portable espresso machine, P6,329, Wacaco, Crate and Barrel, SM Megamall 9. Espresso cup, P549, Crate and Barrel, SM Megamall 10. Watch, P6,750, Swatch, TriNoma Mall 11. Fleetwood Mac’s “Kiln House,” Satchmi, SM Megamall

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COV ER STORY

CURTAIN CALL Revisiting the forgotten Grand Old Dame of Manila TEXT OLIVER EMOCLING PHOTOGRAPHY MIGUEL NACIANCENO

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COV ER STORY The Metropolitan Theater in the ’30s. Designed by architect Juan Arellano (below), it was envisioned to become a national theater.

In 1978, a fortune-teller predicted Nora Aunor’s loss against her rival Vilma Santos in that year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. On Inday Badiday’s TV show Would You Believe?, the fortune teller declared Aunor’s role in Atsay as her “last card” in the entertainment industry. On the awards night at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, however, the superstar broke the prediction and rose as the best performer.

“Mamay, mali ang hula nila,” Aunor sobbed when she accepted her trophy.

Before the Nora-Vilma hullabaloo, the Met also witnessed the audacity of national artist for film Lino Brocka. When Celso Ad Castillo’s Burlesk Queen bagged most of the major awards in the 1977 MMFF, Brocka walked out from the ceremony as protest against the jury’s decision.

I wish I remembered the Met for those memories, or any particular show I’ve seen as a lad. However, I only remember the Met as a curious-looking abandoned pink building I’d pass by on my train route. Although its vicinity is supposedly part of Manila’s cultural zone, the area is stereotyped as a stronghold of snatchers and pickpockets.

The day of the shoot was my first close encounter

with the Met. Now undergoing restoration, the building is fenced with galvanized sheets. The façade bears a huge tarpaulin that tells its history. Its iconic pink paint has faded, while its windows are heavily dusted and broken. Wild plants have also grown in various nooks. “We actually [found] a tree inside. We had to kill it as it was already destroying the foundation,” says architect Timothy Ong of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. And if there are any remaining performers at the Met, it would be the birds dancing to the backdrop of the city rush and the endless call of a transport terminal’s barker.

A Fountainhead “The Met was a symbol of creating a national identity in a colonial social milieu,” consulting architect Gerard Lico says of the structure that was inaugurated in 1931.

Designed by architect Juan Arellano, with ornaments sculpted by Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti, the structure combines elements from both Art Noveau and Art Deco. However, the Art Deco qualities were appropriated to suit the culture at the time. “It was non-classical and it was Filipino Deco,” Lico says.

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COV ER STORY Although the Met is painted in pink, its original color has yet to be determined. However, records show that the structure was once painted in off-white and gold.

Monti and Arellano still used the usual elements of both art movements, including the golden ratio and nautilus shell. The ornaments found at the Met are said to be inspired by Heinrich Heine’s poem “On Wings of Song,” which, at its core, is a call to return to nature. And that’s where the wealthy Philippine imagery comes in.

Although its details are an amalgam of the original 1930s structure and of the reopened one in 1978, the ceremony spearheaded by then First Lady Imelda Marcos, the rich Art Deco details are still intact. In the main lobby of the theater, Monti’s sculpture of Adam and Eve are still in place. The marble flooring is also from the ’30s. The stained glass window exhibits holes and cracks, but its design is still visible. Inside the theater, popular Philippine produce like mangoes and bananas curiously adorn the ceiling. Various wall sculptures portray birds of paradise, a famous plant back in the day. On the topmost floor, poles signify bamboo shoots that resemble oriental elements.

Air-conditioning may have been difficult at that time, but the ambitious edifice was kept cold—almost freezing cold. Noticeable on the floor of the theater are holes where ducts used to emit cool air from the nearby Insular Ice Plant.

The structure is clearly decaying. Situated near the Pasig River, the orchestra pit has a crater filled with water. Some of the wooden doors have been eaten by termites. But despite its horrible state, it still emits the sanctity of a temple and the comeliness of a goddess.

Collective Memory “As an architectural work, it’s a testament to the ability of a structure to transmit cultural memories.

It’s a document of 20th-century popular history,” Lico says. Before Filipinos became acquainted with movie and television stars, our affinity was for theater, and the Met served as the stage for shows starring national artist for music Jovita Fuentes, who also played Ciocio-san in Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly in

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The Met’s ballroom was redesigned during the Marcos regime to look like a hall from Malacañang.

Former First Lady Imelda Marcos also had an office and a library at the Met.

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COV ER STORY

“The Met was a symbol of creating a national identity in a colonial social milieu”

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A peek into the Met’s womb.

The building was overdesigned and exceeded the usual standards, which attributes to its withstanding time’s wear and tear. Here, the internal structure of the theater is revealed, showcasing rivets in its beams.

COV ER STORY

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OLD MET PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATIONAL COMMISSION OF CULTURE AND THE ARTS

COV ER STORY

Europe, and zarzuela queen Atang de la Rama.

“Through the Met, we were able to host international stars of opera, of classical music. Manila became one of the destinations of international artists in the ’30s and ’40s,” Lico explains.

Beyond the magnificent bits and pieces of Philippine popular culture, the Met has also been shaped by political history. On the roof deck of the building, although some parts have faded, the original hand-painted tiles still adorn the walls of the deck; “70 Jim” is sculpted on one of the tiles, an unsolicited memory of decay. Ong points out another tile, this one bearing bullet scars from the Second World War. Then he makes a harrowing revelation: We had very nearly lost the Met. A bomb from the liberation of Manila battle was found at the orchestra section of the theater. Fortunately, it did not explode, or else the Met would have been just a distant memory.

culture. For instance, the original color of the structure has yet to be uncovered. A broken piece of the wall reveals that the current pinkish paint is apparently not the original color. Peeling off layers of paint shows that parts of the exterior used to be clad in off-white and even gold. “[The oldest reference we got was from an] old postcard from the ’50s,” Ong says.

For the theater seats, the team referred to the iconic 1985 film Bituing Walang Ningning. The final showdown between Sharon Cuneta’s Dorina Pineda and Cherie Gil’s Lavinia Arguelles was held at the Met, and from that scene, the team found out that the seats were all red.

In two to three years, the Met is expected to officially re-open its doors to the public. However, it will never be the same again. “It has to [thrive] in the 21st century, but theater-going is no longer a mode of entertainment now,” Lico acknowledges. In response to these changes, the new Met will have a black box theater for small productions and a cinematheque. It “I feel you always have to will also reserve spaces for exhibitions. “It won’t be change the approach. You commercialized, but it will be more of a cultural hub always have to balance and [a space where anyone the idea of modernizing can] appreciate the arts,” Lico describes.

Close Encounters “I had my first encounter with the Met when I was in fourth grade,” Lico recalls. “It was a Friday, and we went here to watch Vilma Santos’ Vilma in Person.” He even remembers watching a play starring Beverly Salviejo as a bold star when he was in first year high school. the structure while According to Ong, the last theater show at the Met was Cultural Renewal maintaining its identity.”

Jesus Christ Superstar.

We are people who easily There have been recent forget. And when we forget, attempts to use the Met again. In we forget the important 2011, the band Wolfgang held things. It took around 85 a concert here, then in 2016, years before the Met got its the Met exhibited “London well-deserved restoration. It Biennale Manila Pollination.” Beyond that, the youth saw the golden ages of Philippine cinema, the glory did not have any avenue for a personal encounter with days of theater, the rise of boxing, the lives of homeless the structure other than a project that had started families, the decay of heritage and culture, and now, in December 2015. Aptly called METamporphosis, the renewal of Manila’s splendor. “[The restoration] NCCA gathered students to interact with the theater will spark a cultural renaissance within this area,” Lico through a series of cleanup drives. “During the says with hope. process, we saw the interest of the public [in heritage],” To bring back the Met to its former heyday is almost Lico recalls. “Up until now, we still receive volunteer impossible. When it opens again, the shows it will requests. However, we have to refuse because we are exhibit won’t resemble its original acts. We no longer already in the process of construction.” have zarzuelas nor actresses like dela Rama; operas are “As we go through the process of surveying the rare. It’s difficult to predict what could possibly take building, we revealed layers of history. You always place at the Met. For now, at least, there is certainty have to change the approach. You always have to that it will not remain just a fading memory or a balance the idea of modernizing the structure while deteriorating structure. Soon, like in the final line of maintaining its identity,” Ong says.

Heine’s “On Wings of Song,” we would “dream our The restoration team takes cues from popular blissful dream” right here.

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EATS The secret behind the crispy skin and tender meat of Broken Oven's signature slowcooked pork belly is in the length of roasting.

DELICIOUS SERENDIPITY The Broken Oven doesn’t hide behind the sheepskin of healthy promises TEXT EDLAINE FLOR PHOTOGRAPHY NICCOLLO SANTOS

The Broken Oven’s Marco Olives perfected his signature slow-roasted pork belly and roasted chicken stuffed with Chorizo Rice during the rush of last year’s holiday season.

“The belly, [we got by] accident. We were parked in front of a meat shop and found the most affordable piece of meat we could buy, which was the pork belly, and then we cooked it at home,” says his sister Kyla.

It was also through another accident that the restaurant they now run found its name. Once people heard about Marco’s pork belly dish, orders started surging in. “Before Christmas Day, we were [cooking] so many orders that the oven broke,’’ Kyla says. ‘‘We chose The Broken Oven as our business’ name so we can look back on that experience.”

Why their slow-roasted pork belly became a hit was no surprise: Its crispy skin is usually something people used to have to fly to Cebu for. The Broken Oven also makes their own pork sisig, and their spaghetti is based on the same recipe they grew up with. Kyla admits, “We won’t pretend that we’re a healthy business because we’re not.

Our food isn’t healthy at all.”

Indeed, the menu that Marco has created for The Broken Oven is full of indulgent plates. The finger food sisig kanin balls is an instant hit. Its medley of panko coating and herbs providing the necessary crunch before its meaty, savory filling bursts with flavor.

Their signature roasted chicken is served shredded and loaded with cheese, and their dry-aged tapa fingers complement anything.

As sinful as their dishes are, The Broken Oven’s dishes appeal to both kids and adults because they aren’t intimidating. As their sign board says, “Nothing brings people together more than good food.” It’s a case of something broken getting fixed and making everything better.

“We won’t pretend that we’re a healthy business because we’re not. Our food isn’t healthy at all.”

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EATS

Clockwise from top: Broken Oven’s signboard, sisig kanin balls, chicken iberico

The Broken Oven, Industrie Food Loft, 2F City Golf Plaza, Julia Vargas Ave., Ugong, Pasig City. Facebook.com/thebrokenovenspecials.

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RECIPE

COMFORT BOWL Usher in the rainy season with a bowl of porridge and tangy chicken

TEXT, STYLING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ARROGANTE

RICE PORRIDGE WITH LEMONY CHICKEN INGREDIENTS

For rice porridge 1/4 kilo chicken 1/4 kilo malagkit rice 1 thumb-sized ginger, minced/grated 1 to 2 medium sized onions, sliced 1 to 2 chicken bouillon cubes 1 tbsp. fish sauce 1/4 cup chopped spring onions 4 to 7 medium sized calamansi For lemony chicken 4 pcs. chicken thighs 1 1/4 cup chicken stock (from porridge preparation) 2 tbsp. mustard 1 lemon, juiced 1 tbsp. lemon zest 1 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary 1/2 tsp. dried thyme A pinch of salt 4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tbsp. olive oil + 1 tbsp. salted butter 1 tbsp. olive oil 4 garlic cloves, smashed PROCEDURE

Rice porridge 1. Boil chicken until tender. Once tender, take out the chicken and set aside the broth. From that broth, set aside 1 1/4 cup for lemony chicken preparation later on. Remove chicken skin and shred meat into bite sizes.

2. Boil malagkit rice into the chicken broth then add water to desired thickness of the rice.

3. When rice is almost cooked, add the shredded chicken, ginger, and onions.

4. Once rice is cooked, add fish sauce and chicken boullion.

5. Garnish with sautĂŠed garlic and pepper.

Lemony chicken 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. In a bowl, combine mustard, 1 tsp. lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil, and butter.

3. Thoroughly coat chicken with the mustard rub.

4. In a measuring jug, mix together lemon juice, remaining lemon zest, and chicken stock. Set aside.

5. In a skillet or frying pan, heat oil.

Cook smashed garlic for a minute or just until golden brown.

Remove garlic.

6. Place chicken on the pan skinside down, into the garlic-infused oil for 2 to 3 minutes or until the skin turns golden brown.

7. Flip chicken onto an oven-safe container and pour what’s left from the pan. Add the lemon juice mixture. Place into the oven and cook for 25 to 35 minutes.

8. Serve with hot porridge.

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RECIPE

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T HE GET

ON YOUR TOES

Find relief for your tired feet with phylon TEXT OLIVER EMOCLING PHOTOGRAPHY NICCOLLO SANTOS

If there is a most abused part of the body, it would be the feet. With its 8,000 nerves, 107 ligaments and tendons, 33 joints, 26 bones, and 19 muscles, the feet support the whole weight of the body, much like how the titan Atlas carried the weight of the world on his back. Spending most of the day encased in a pair of shoes, our lowest extremities are always literally on their toes, making an average of 4,000 to 6,000 steps each day.

Whether you take a meager 4,000 steps daily or you’re on top of a fitness tracker’s leaderboard, there should always be space for comfort in your footwear. British footwear brand Ohw? pampers the

feet with the use of phylon, a material commonly found in the midsoles of sports shoes. Ohw?, however, uses the lightweight and flexible material in combination with rubber for their soles. The rest of the shoe is made with high quality suede, nubuck, and full-grain leather. Thus, style isn’t compromised for comfort.

Put some thought on your feet. As they carry you and help you get to places, go the extra step to keep them comfortable and relaxed. And when buying new footwear, here’s a pro-tip: Try them on in the afternoon when the feet have expanded to their biggest size.

Ohw? Rustan’s, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.

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