Top 10 Must-Haves to Survive (& Look Good) in the Philippines

By: Jesse Pizarro Boga

It’s always summer in the Philippines! The lifestyle’s here is laid back and carefree, the people around are exceedingly friendly, and the beaches (oh yes!) remind you of paradise…always.

And while you make your way around the archipelago (preferable island hopping), it’s important to keep in mind that a sunny day will become your bestfriend. So ditch your trench coats, leather jacket, and boots! Arm yourself with tropical fashion must-haves and make your trip smooth sailing (with a glass of fresh fruit juice in your hand, of course).

In this feature, we list down 10 of the must-haves in your luggage when travelling to the Philippines.

Jun Rodino Artajo: Filippino Fashion Designer Steals the Show

By: Jesse Pizarro Boga

He’s a fashion blogger when he’s facing his computer. He’s an active Lookbook.nu user when he’s trigger happy with his camera. He’s a fashion design instructor when he’s at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao.

Jun Rodino Artajo seems to be doing to too much. And he doesn’t know when to stop.

And why should he? He’s definitely going places (in fabulous outfits, of course) now that his life in the fashion world has taken off after he waves in a design contest that’s said to be a gateway to the fashion industry.

His creation called Dreamweaver was selected as one of the top 50 (out of 2,500!) to strut the ramp of Meguro Gajoen Hotel for the Japan Fashion Design Contest. And being a finalist wasn’t just what he ended up with: Dreamweaver zoomed past the others as it won second place in the competition, beating designs of fashion students and designers from France, Russia, Belgium, and Germany.

Le Souq, C’est Chic

By: Angela Richardson, first published in Jakarta Expat

Literally translated as “Arabic Market”, Le Souq captures the young and vibrant spirit which is somewhat lacking in Jakarta’s interior design world. Fresh out of the oven, this interior decorating shop has the shelf age of one week but has won over the hearts of countless people already. What makes this shop so special? Three words - “Joie de vivre”.

Owned by Dutch national with an Egyptian father, Mira Noordhoek Hegt, Le Souq has filled a gap in the market. As soon as I entered, I squealed with delight at the colourful Buddha head candles amongst the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ rabbit print cushions, funky lamps and elegant French embroidered mirrors on display.