Hayden Kho: 'I am a survivor with a unique story to tell'

MANILA, Philippines - When a man enters a room, the first things that people will notice are his swagger, his charisma, and the subtle way the top buttons of his well-fitted shirt are casually unbuttoned or the elegant crinkling of his tailored pants as he places his hand inside his pocket. However, the scent of a man is what will leave a lasting impression on his charmed lady friends and silently impressed colleagues. Without a doubt, that is something 31-year-old doctor-turned-entrepreneur and fragrance connoisseur Hayden Kho would agree with. 

With his own fragrance empire, Hayden Fragrances, under his stylish belt, it makes perfect sense for him to represent the Maldita Man brand. After all, as an arbiter of good taste — for one must undoubtedly have good taste in order to become a purveyor of scents — being an ambassador of style comes with the territory. On the other hand, Maldita Man, like its feminine counterpart endorsed by Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, is mature, intelligent and self-assured — much like Hayden himself. After being officially launched as Maldita Man’s endorser last Oct. 6 at the Mango Tree Bistro in TriNoma, Hayden spoke with Philippine STAR about topics concerned with matters of good taste, along with his personal preferences when it comes to certain malditas and santitas.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What do you like best about endorsing the Maldita brand?

HAYDEN KHO: I like the idea that’s it’s a proudly Filipino brand and in that sense, Maldita Man and my brand Hayden Fragrances are the same. We’re Filipino brands aspiring to make a mark through quality offerings. 

Did you have a hand in the conceptualization of the current collection of Maldita Man?

With Vicki Belo, the love of his life: “I just want to be true to myself.”

Honestly, I didn’t have anything to do with the designs, but when they were creating the new collection, they already had me specifically in mind. That’s why when they asked me to be their endorser and when I saw their collection, it was very easy for me to say “yes.” Maldita Man is my style.

Maldita is a term commonly used to describe a sassy and strong woman. What, in your opinion, is the male version of being a maldita?

A Maldita Man is a man who’s self-assured and who says and does things as he pleases. He’s not out to be popular by pleasing everyone, but by being true to himself. That way, he is loved and accepted by those who are close to him.

What makes you a male maldita?

I am a survivor with a unique story to tell. And despite my not-so-pleasant past, I still stand with quiet self-confidence. Some people love me for my tenacity, while some people hate me for the same reason. I don’t care. That makes me a Maldita Man.

Being a maldita has a negative connotation, but what is good about being one?

No one is perfect. We all make right and wrong decisions, which makes us human. But the malditas of this world forgive themselves for their imperfections and accept themselves as they are, even if some people hate them for it. Malditas know it’s okay to stand out and not be loved for what you stand out for. The ordinary never makes a mark.

What about male malditas makes them attractive to women?

As I’ve said, a Maldita Man is self-assured. His self-confidence is his charm. 

Would you prefer a maldita or a santita?

I would prefer a maldita who’s real to a santita who’s pretentious.  

How would you describe your personal style?

In two words: hip classic. 

When did you start becoming more aware of how you dressed?

When I entered showbiz. 

What would we catch you wearing on a regular day?

A plain polo shirt, jeans, a bag, plus a dab of perfume.

What type of outfit would you throw together for a night out?

My favorite is a blazer on top of a shirt. I’m almost always in jeans, too.

Is there anything you’ve ever been embarrassed about wearing in the past?

Not really. I always make sure I’m comfortable with what I’m wearing. What embarrasses me though is when I wear a branded clothing article that “shouts” — those with very conspicuous brand names stamped all over.

If you could give Filipino men a few tips when it comes to dressing up, what would they be?

I always say that the most basic rule is to make sure your body is in shape. Anything you put on a fit body will almost always look better that what you put on a body that’s out of shape. Second tip is to develop a trademark get-up that reflects your personality. It always works.

What should be the essentials in a man’s wardrobe?

Plain T-shirts, a couple of neat and crisp white polos, a nicely fitting and modern cut black blazer, a set of blue and black jeans, white sneakers, and of course, black formal evening shoes. Oh, and don’t forget your perfume. 

Who do you admire in terms of style? 

With Maldita GM Gilbert Avendano, Jinkee Pacquiao, Maldita president Imelda Teng, marketing director Eric Teng and assistant GM Irene Teng: “Like Hayden Fragrances, Maldita is a proudly Filipino brand.”

Brad Pitt and Ryan Philippe.

What do you like seeing a woman wear?

I like women who dress up conservatively. I like using my imagination. 

What should a woman never wear?

I think a woman should never wear overly logoed stuff. Case in point, I’ve seen a woman wear a Burberry plaid shirt, matched with “shouting” D&G jeans, and a huge Hermes “H” belt. Oh, and she carried an LV monogram bag. Fashion victim. 

What is the best thing a woman has ever told you?

“If I had to go through all the pain and suffering I went through so that you could become as wonderful as you are now, then it was all worth it.”

What is the best thing you have ever told a woman?

“Will you marry me?”