Kick it like it's hot
First dibs. Definition: A claim to the share of something highly wanted or coveted — an expression rendered in slang. Used in sentence: “I got first dibs on your spaghetti.” Or possibly, “I got first dibs on genuine political change.” No?
Whether in the gastronomical or nationalistic sense of the word, the term has often been used to capture the burgeoning, in-your-face sentiments of most vanguards, frontrunners, heiresses, pathfinders and trendsetters in the highly evolving spectra of youth culture today.
In a realm where Generations X, Y and Z are no longer afraid to voice their opinions and stand up for their rights, expression has become the quintessential bargaining tool in contending one’s self against the metaphorical racetracks of our cutthroat society. Debate. Music. Theater. Advocacies. Fashion. These all come together to ignite the various episodes that define or redefine what it means to be a citizen of stylish Manila. Think “Juan Meets World” with so much to do, so much to choose from, and so much to experience, in so little time.
Fortunately for today’s clientele, independent and creative minds have banded together to channel passion in their fashion and alchemize those distinctive shots of culture straight into your bathroom closet.
The First Dibs team started as a group of friends who all happened to be owners of independent youth brands. Julo de Guzman, Christel Boncan, Pox Juban, Mikko Santos, Kian del Mundo, Ron Reyes and Miguel Encarnacion polarized to do what they loved most: propagating street/youth culture to the fashion-hungry and urban-ready Juan de la Cruz. “We all got First Dibs on buildin’ a community, sharin’ the love, and recognizing the Filipino’s game, talent and creativity,” relates Christel, adding, “We kick back, make friends, and have fun!”
Through music, fashion and the arts, the team synergized creative new ideas to birth the pioneering First Dibs event held last Sept. 27 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Il Ponticello. Participants included Amour Clothing from the SoFA, Unschooled, WearArthou, Doubletake Kicks, PaperAirplane, FilthyGrommet, and several other independent apparel or accessory labels. With live mash-up sets by DJ Euric, Joey Osmena and Diego Mapa of Pedicab, the event was jam-packed with people from all walks of life who read up on street/youth culture in a noteworthy magazine section, channeled their inner rockstar at an intriguing Rockband station, and bore witness to an urban spectacle that Manila had never seen before. Best of all, those who attended got First Dibs, generally speaking. I got that right!
