I go for comfort

Jethro stepped out of the kitchen wearing a blazer and a hat. Amused, I told him, “Wow, you cook wearing that?” He replied, “Life is short, so you should always be at your best…” Jethro owns a restaurant, Van Gogh is Bipolar. 

I appreciate how he sees life, like everything is one big production. The Japanese are particular about details, too, almost like it’s in their DNA — from their sushi to their bonsai. Going to Japan is an overwhelming experience. Our tour guide explained that one of the major religions in Japan, Shintoism, has some influence in their way of living, because they live in the present. It’s rather interesting to look at beauty and art in relation to one’s perception of life. To live is to express one’s uniqueness, or one’s style.

I’m homogenous. If not for the TV persona, I can easily blend in a crowd. You know, the kind of face that looks like everyone else’s. Style-wise, I’m always on the safe side. I try to be more practical about my choices — timeless. If you think I mean classic pieces, you’re right if you consider T-shirt and jeans classic. For a long, long time, until Donita Rose literally begged me to get a stylist, I was manang in TV standards. For the ordinary folks, I was OK.

Thanks to sponsors and friends who guide me, I’m getting there and learning what’s flattering and what’s not. Yes, I’m almost 40 and still learning and figuring out what’s an appropriate style for me. It’s crazy, isn’t it? I have not really given it much thought.

On the other hand, it’s good to savor and cultivate our own uniqueness and grow. We all have our artistic side embedded somewhere. Express yourself. Get stylized.

Weeks ago, I got a copy of Liz Uy’s much-coveted book, Stylized. Simply put, there are basic pieces that she recommends that we own — slacks, a white T-shirt, white long sleeves, little black dress, tank top, jeans, black blazer, leggings, etc., etc.

These are basic, practical items that can be worn depending on your personal style. I’m glad it was not all about branded pieces, but something that majority of us could relate to. Congrats to Liz and to the entire team who put the book together. Thank you, Bianca Gonzalez, for giving me a copy of the book and teaching me a little about “tiis ganda” shoes. Good luck to my bunions and bunionettes! But I did take a mental note of that “tiis ganda.” Make more effort. 

I’m still the person who goes for function over style, comfort over vanity... and in any given day, I’d rather be in my Fitflops, T-shirt and jeans.

Be yourself. But be a better version of yourself not only physically, but also beyond what is skin-deep.

Be unique because it’s YOU that makes you special.

(E-mail me at [email protected].)