He’s the man

CEBU, Philippines - Thirty-eight-year-old Chris Aldeguer—president of Cebu-based fashion empire Loalde—wears colored pants to work. “Like this one,” he points at the electric blue trousers hanging on the clothes rack in his office. “I don’t mind wearing those. I am in between conservative and trendy—but I always desire to push the button in the future.”

Almost a year before he was born, the family-established clothing brand was introduced in department stores until it has grown into a boutique, which has now 13 branches nationwide. He and wife Nia Durano-Aldeguer, an architect and Loalde’s creative director, have also developed a youth-oriented fashion line, Fish 18, in Cebu and Manila.

“I have a future plan of pushing the button in men’s clothing. I want our collection to be trendier, adventurous, and edgy,” Chris goes on. “But I am always caught up in sales. The male consumers tend to buy the traditional designs we have. But in the last five years, I’ve noticed that men are adopting trends and enjoy dressing up. That’s a good sign.”

Chris is identified by his cool-casual dress code. No longer boxed in black blazer and tie, he goes for soft cardigans with a shirt underneath, dark or neon jeans, long-sleeved sweater, and button-down shirt. Ideas never run out in a fashion household.

“I am not in the extremes. What’s important is you’re dressing up for your personality. Even if you’re wearing traditional pieces, and they match your personality, then they’re the right choice for you.”

Sports, family

For the second time, Chris is signing up for this year’s Iron Man 70.3 in August while Nia debuts in the marathon. Diet is essential: brown rice, wheat bread, and a few bites of chocolates to reward (and invigorate?) the spirit. Years back, he joined triathlon competitions in Mexico, Australia, and all over Asia. Out of his devotion to the outdoors is Vellum: performance bicycles he owns since 2004.

“Most of the meaningful triathlon awards and races I’ve done were about 10 years ago when I was doing the sport competitively. Recently, they are just minor ones done locally. It’s now more of a lifestyle rather than a competition. I don’t have the same hunger as I had 10 years ago,” he says.

He has shifted priorities: a family man above all. On weekends, either he spends time with eight-year-old son Finn jogging around the lake in Maria Luisa, or they play a one-on-one basketball match.

Almost a year ago, Nia gave birth to Sabrina. For the first three months, she poured out most of the attention to the couple’s second child, leading to a major change in the father-son relationship.

“I felt there was a need to put more attention on Finn, so he won’t feel left out. It made us closer. We bonded even more. Although I must admit that I spoil him too much, but Nia is the disciplinarian.”

“Finn isn’t really into sports. That’s the challenge here. I know he enjoys playing outdoor games, but he still prefers to stay at home and play video games,” Chris tells. “But let’s give it a year—he’s still too young.” Photographed by Sherwin Ferolino (FREEMAN)