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Originally published in Zee Digital Vol. 1
With a blog and brand named after the province’s dial code, Carlo Villarica is one who appreciates our local cultural identity. Here, he names five brands to check out, each representing a different facet of what Cebu has to offer.
As a means of expression, the clothes you wear can say plenty. What is important to you? What are your interests? What are you passionate about? What community do you belong to? A good brand is more than just clothes, it represents a way of living, a lifestyle.
When you buy from brand that represent a culture—not only will you feel good for purchasing, you acknowledge who you are. You aren’t a soulless zombie trudging along to the latest sale looking for deals. You aren’t out looking for trends. You care about what you put on your body. You care about what it represents. You care about the people A behind the brand. You care because you are a real person with real interests and real passions—and you want the clothes you wear to show that.
Cebu has always had local brands born out of strong communities. They represent a culture and lifestyle that is not for everybody, and thatís exactly how they like it.

photography GIA MAYOLA
Cebu is home to one of the premier surf brands in the Philippines, Aframe Surf Company. Not only do they produce premium apparel, accessories and bamboo glasses, but they also handcraft beautiful surfboards. If youíve every surfed in Siargao, chances are you have come
across one of their boards.
Talamban, Mandaue City
Open from 9:00 Am to 5:00 AM everyday

photography KYLA ESTOYA
Every city needs a brand that represents the streets. Fortunately, Cebu has that in the form of Deadways. But it is more than just grit and grime that sets this lifestyle brand apart. Mantras like “dream chasers,” “fear is the enemy,” “death will kill you once, fear will kill over and over,” these all embody a hustle that any urban dweller can relate to.
271-A Rahmann Ext., Gorordo Avenue,
Cebu City
Open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM everyday

photography GIA MAYOLA
Take a drive in the wee hours of the evening, take a look at the dark corners illuminated by just a street light—you’ll see skaters everywhere. It makes sense that Cebu has its very own skate brand in Strap. Rooted in skate culture, Strap is the brand of choice for skaters all around
Cebu.
69 V. Ranudo St., Cebu City
Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM everyday

I’ll acknowledge a little bias here. I own Zerothreetwo, but to write a list that features local brands without mentioning our little brand seems like a huge oversight.
For those who have spent time on our shores, organized countless afternoons island hopping, driven up Busay for late night drinking sessions, hung out with friends at the mall because air conditioning—you have every right to call Cebu your home. Zerothreetwo is for those who truly know Cebu.
zerothreetwo.com

photography GIA MAYOLA
Last on the list isn’t a clothing brand. The Good Neighborhood is a store that features many other brands that deserve a spot on this list. Cebu is home to many brands trying to make a name for themselves. Visit the store, you never know what you might discover.
91-C Esmero St., Capitol Site, Cebu City
Open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM from
Mondays to Saturdays
As a means of expression, the clothes you wear can say plenty. What is important to you? What are your interests? What are you passionate about? What community do you belong to? A good brand is more than just clothes, it represents a way of living, a lifestyle.
When you buy from brand that represent a culture—not only will you feel good for purchasing, you acknowledge who you are. You aren’t a soulless zombie trudging along to the latest sale looking for deals. You aren’t out looking for trends. You care about what you put on your body. You care about what it represents. You care about the people behind the brand. You care because you are a real person with real interests and real passions—and you want the clothes you wear to show that.
Cebu has always had local brands born out of strong communities. They represent a culture and lifestyle that is not for everybody, and that’s exactly how they like it.
Click the Gallery to know more!
]]>It’s going to be one crazy day, so make sure you live to tell the tale with these tips from those who’ve been there before.
“Don’t start drinking in the morning, because by 4:00 p.m., you’ll most likely be passed out while your friends are dancing around and partying!” – JAMAECA NELMIDA, executive officer, Ardent ActiveLife
“Rehydrate. Go with the flow. Where the crowd is… follow. And wear your most comfortable outfit.” – JANNE SALINANA, production assistant, Spectrum Philippines
“Get a waterproof case for your phone. Hydrate. Make sure your feet are comfortable. Wear loose clothing. Don’t be afraid to get dirty!” – JOHN LUIS MAHUSAY, student
“Don’t bring expensive things. Chances are you’ll lose them because of dancing, walking through the crowd, stumbling, or all of the above.” – CIARA MENDOZA, marketing executive, KKA Productions
While you’re not supposed to bring a lot of stuff, make sure you’ve stowed away these essentials before hitting the streets.
Break down those big bills so you can give the exact amount (or close to it) for your purchases. A lot of places—especially on the streets—might not have enough change.
… and we mean the isopropyl type (or ethyl). Washrooms might be hard to come by, so best to have a tiny bottle to sanitize your hands and clean minor wounds.
Similarly, clean bathrooms may be far and few in between along the street party scene. Have a small pack of baby wipes that can also be used to clean surfaces if you’re fussy.
WATERPROOF PROTECTION FOR YOUR GADGETS
Beer showers are inevitable, as is being smeared on by paint. Protect your precious phones and cameras with a waterproof case, or #lifehack one with a Ziploc bag.
We all know the importance of looking your festive best this Sinulog, yet take it one step further and choose accessories that are not only stylish, but practical as well.
HAT
There won’t be any shortage of headgear during Sinulog, but our top pick goes to hats. It’ll protect you from extreme heat or sudden rain. Queen City cap by ZeroThreeTwo
BIKINI TOPS
For the ladies, switch your bras with swimwear instead. With all the beer showers and possible rain, getting wet during Sinulog is an inevitability.
PRACTICAL SHOES
Trust us: There’s more standing than drinking! Wear your most comfortable shoes—preferably closed, so you don’t have to worry about puddles and other ways your feet can get dirty.
MORE ON #ZEENULOG

Shaira Kaye Berame, Christina Santos, Yumny Mariot and Pia Danica Tenchavez (Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, July 2016)
Writer at ZeroThreeTwo
Intelligence is really attractive because even if he looks like Chris Evans but he doesn’t know anything about the current events, how would he be with you? It is important to know something about the world.
On no-labels relationships?
“I think right from the very start you should be clear on your goals, personal goals, and where do you see yourself because that’ll be the hindrance with the progress of the relationship. It’s not like I’m demanding to be in a relationship by next week, but it’s good to know where I stand.”
Law student and theater arts performer
Even if the world has turned around and men and women are equal, we still want to have the best of both worlds. We still want to be pampered and at the same time, focus on our careers.
On juggling relationships and careers?
“Girls will always find and have time for both relationships and careers because we are multitaskers. There is no problem for girls to actually be in relationships and at the same time, progress in their careers and be successful.”
Social media manager at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
I don’t believe in age. I can date a 20-year-old or someone 20 years older than me as long as there is chemistry.
The one who likes you, or the one you like?
“I want reciprocation. I cannot want someone who doesn’t want me back. Reciprocity is the key”
Executive assistant to the regional vice-president at Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Region VII
Dear guys who are planning on dating women, especially women who have work: Please don’t date her if you don’t have money in your pockets! If you can’t provide for us then just don’t.
Is it important to care less?
“In love, you shouldn’t settle, there should be no rules. It really doesn’t matter who cares less or more.”
What they think about:
The man bun?
I think it is really, really hot especially on Kit Harington!” – Pia
Guys who wear BB cream?
As long as he takes it off before going to bed with me, I think that’s fine.” – Yumny
Guys who carry girls’ purses?
If it’s heavy, yes, please carry it but if it just a tiny purse, no!” – Christina
Guys who wear pink?
Real men wear pink.” – Shaira
Dating someone really hot?
One word: mine.” – Yumny
Dating someone younger than you?
I wouldn’t date someone ten years younger than I am. What, I’m going to pay for his baon?” – Pia
An ideal first date?
Breakfast. If it turns out well, we could go on to having coffee, then lunch, then merienda and then dinner. If it turns out bad then just go home, sleep and forget about it.” – Christina
Size?
Performance definitely matters the most, but when choosing between Incredible Hulk and Ant-Man, would you choose Ant-Man?” – Shaira
Read more on Zee Lifestyle’s July 2016 Men’s Issue. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
sittings editor Patty Taboada photography Toni Marie Despojo makeup Janice Barillo and Raisa Bercede hair Cris Villarta Canoy and Shyra Qyumbi styling Blaq Mafia production assistant Cloise Mae Abordo clothes Forever 21 locale Wish Cebu
It’s a one-day music conference and workshop designed for the Cebuano music creator. It aims to gather songwriters/composers, singer-songwriters, bands, music producers, sound engineers, instrumentalists and music advocates alike for valuable conversations, tips and talks about working and being involved in the music community.
Before speaking of new trends and platforms in the music industry, it’s best to look within and focus on the individual artist. We start with encouraging each artist to be culturally and professionally aware and inspiring them to have a pro-active entrepreneurial spirit.
The summit will include carefully curated sessions that range from songwriting to music merchandising, crowdfunding for music and the visual side of an indie artist — sessions that discuss practical and action-oriented ideas that can be incorporated in live performances, music production and promotion. Among those who will lead the workshops and talks are members and advocates of the local music community like Jude Gitamondoc, visionary of Vispop Music; Cattski Espina of 22 Tango Records; Jad Bantug of 1032 Recording Studios; Carlo Villarica of Zerothreetwo.com; Justin Alfafara of Spectrum Philippines; Kaloy Uypuanco of Above The Line Productions; and Patch Dulay of The Spark Project, to name a few.
The summit aims to impart the main message that local music creators are capable of creating their own opportunities and paving their own creative journey. However, with that capability and freedom comes the responsibility of ensuring that the end result will be professionally sound, economically sustainable and creatively inspiring.
The Cebu Music Creators Growth Summit will culminate in an after-summit party – an open jam and artist showcase from today’s noteworthy homegrown artists.
To register, visit www.22tangorecords.com or grab your tickets at A SPACE Cebu. Registration fee is Php 1,000. Follow 22 Tango Records on Facebook for the latest news and event updates!
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Zee Lifestyle’s July 2016 Men’s Issue: Mandani Bay (Photography by Jan Gonzales/grooming by Arnauld/model: Christopher Pfeffer of IM Agency/clothes by Yvonne Quisumbing and Filippo/styled by Clint Holton Potestas/shot on location at the Mandani Bay Showroom)
Helmed by editor-at-large Melo Esguerra, this month’s cover puts the spotlight on Mandani Bay. An exciting collaboration between Hongkong Land and Taft Properties, this visionary development is set to reinvent Cebu into a world-class lifestyle destination.
The Men’s Issue introduces key male players involved in Cebu’s various industries, from politics to fashion, music and nightlife. Tommy Osmeña and Luigi Quisumbing disclose their future plans for the cities of Cebu and Mandaue respectively, while the polarizing charm that catapulted Rodrigo Duterte into the highest position in the country is dissected. Meanwhile, LIV Superclub’s Kenneth Dong, Brian del Solo and Raymond Go; Morals & Malice’s Paco Rodriguez and Michael Yu, musicians John Bosque and Genes Tapales, and Elated Industries’ Michael Walls, Ralph Lapus, Carlos Canga and Don Frasco share their passion for what they do.

The Bachelorettes of 2016: Shaira Berame, Christina Santos, Yumny Mariot and Pia Tenchavez (Photography by Toni Marie Despojo/makeup by Raisa Bercede and Janice Barillo/hair by Shyra Qyumbi and Cris Villacorta/clothes from Forever 21/shot on location at Wish Cebu)
Alongside the dashing gentlemen are the beautiful and whip-smart ladies heralded as this year’s most eligible women in Cebu. Shaira Berame, Christina Santos, Yumny Mariot and Pia Tenchavez get together for happy hour and dish on relationships, men, and which political son they’d love to date.
Menswear also takes center stage, as this issue goes behind the scenes of the Michael Kors, Coach, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger fashion shows in New York City.
Read all these and more on Zee Lifestyle’s Men’s Issue, out next month. Grab your copies at National Bookstore and Fully Booked. For subscriptions, click here or download Magzter on your mobile device.
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“Do not underestimate the power of the cap. It functions both as a fashion accessory and protection against sudden rain while you’re stuck in open areas.”
CHING SADAYA
chingsadaya.com | @chingsadaya
[Sinulog t-shirt and Queen City snapback by ZEROTHREETWO]
DOYZKIE BUENAVIAJE
iluvcebu.com | @doyzkie
[Sinulog t-shirt by GREATER THAN GOLD; Queen City snapback by ZEROTHREETWO]
“Wear swimwear instead of a bra under your shirt. If you’re going to a place that splashes water and beer everywhere, you won’t regret making this decision!”
ISSA PEREZ
issaplease.com | @issaplease
[Sinulog t-shirt by KULAS; pompom shorts from MINE, Rustan’s Department Store]
JESSE JAKE DAAN
jessejake.com | @jessejakedaan
“Think festival fashion but practical. Come in light clothes because it can get really really hot and humid. Find something you can move in, dance in, get wet in, get stuck in.”
KATHRYNN DAWN SY
kdawnsy.blogspot.com | @kdawnsy
[Crop top from GLAMOROUS; tulip skirt from JEALOUS. All available at Rustan’s Department Store]
KRISTINE ROA
thestylecebu.com | @KristineRoa
[Printed kimono with fringe detail from GLAMOROUS, Rustan’s Department Store]
MICHAEL KARLO LIM
pornografeed.wordpress.com | @thehamburgero
“Always wear the most comfortable footwear, preferably closed shoes that will prevent your feet from getting wet. Trust me, there’s more walking than drinking!”RABSIN DE LA CRUZ
burnthosefats.com | @rabsin_d
SOPHIA SANCHEZ
iamsophiasanchez.com | @iamsophiasanchez
[Sinulog t-shirt by GREATER THAN GOLD]
“Sinulog doesn’t have to be cut and ripped everything. You can always keep it clean and stay festive with colors and textures.”VANESSA EAST
vanessaeast.blogspot.com | @beingmisseast
[High waist shorts from FLYING TOMATO; lace kimono from BLU PEPPER, all available at Rustan’s Department Store; Queen City snapback by ZEROTHREETWO]
Your Sinulog shirt serves as a souvenir. With so many colorful and festive designs, you’re bound to find one that you’ll like spending the day in, and love even more when it’s splattered with paint! Check out Zee Lifestyle’s recommendations to the best t-shirts in the city.
KULAS specializes in brightly printed t-shirts that you can wear as is, or cut to your heart’s desire. They accept customized designs as well.
Blogger @issaplease looks chic in a black ensemble that lets the bright colors of her KULAS shirt stand out.
Available in Metro Gaisano, Metro Colon, SM Department Store and Kultura
e-mail
ZEROTHREETWO opts to stick to the basics with simpler designs that’ll let the paint stand out more.
@chingsadaya is ready to tackle the crowds with her ZeroThreeTwo t-shirt and matching Queen City snapback.
The Assembly, JY Square Mall
website
GREATER THAN GOLD makes sure all eyes are on you, with simple prints in eye-catching metallic gold.
@iamsophiasanchez sticks to the basics, letting the metallic print of her Greater Than Gold t-shirt stand out.
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ISLANDS SOUVENIRS lets you customize your own t-shirt with Cut & Style. This year, go crazy with their funky pop art designs and matching iron-on stickers, along with other embellishments.
Musician @yengconstantino is bright and colorful in her personalized Islands Souvenirs t-shirt.
The Northwing, SM City Cebu
photography Mark Philip Dales locale Golden Cowrie and Salinas Restaurant
Originally published in the Zee Lifestyle Directory, December-January 2016 issue.
Featured image from EverythingCebu
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