The Year in Songs

13 of the best acts and songs of 2013 and some of the oldies but goodies revisited this year.

2013 has been an interesting year for music...From mainstream pop revelations to newcomers on their way to stardom to dependable artists and their dependably good music, here is a rundown of 13 songs I've enjoyed, made memories to and most definitely will keep on replay even when 2013 is over. Enjoy!

J. Cole feat. Miguel Power Trip

 For Pete's sake, homie, pull it together

                  Just fuck her one time and be through it forever

But...

You can't sing, rap, write a song about love playing you like a game and make it sound, honestly sexy and effortlessly cool. J. Cole does just that. When Miguel starts singing in the chorus, followed immediately by J. Cole's persistent "we are, we are, we are...", you know you got yourself a song you'll be playing on those kinds of  nights, when all your broken heart could do is walk the streets and those orange lights alone and some drink in you. One of the-to borrow the term, sickest hip-hop, RnB hits this year. 

Sam Smith Nirvana

Oh you take me to Nirvana
I don't think this will last
But you're here in my arms

Listening to Sam Smith soar through  high notes and give justice to all the fantastic musical build-up of Nirvana's verses makes you want to cry. It's grand in terms of vocals, but humble because of its intimate, it's just-you-and-me lyrics. Definitely makes the perfect pair: handsome, dramatic vocals courtesy of Sam Smith and great, unbridled writing. It's one of 2013's little known gems of a sad love song. 

Lady Gaga feat. R. Kelly Do What U Want

Sometimes I'm scared I suppose
If you ever let me go
I would fall apart
If you break my heart
So just take my body
And don't stop the party

Regardless what people say about Gaga, she still had an awesome year. ART POP is a serious (dancey) contender in the musical arena and people ought to give her more credit for versatility AND keeping all things Gaga still intact. Teaming up with the smooth R. Kelly on this one-the way he sang his verse was just perfect, makes it an addicting song, you'll have to stop yourself from listening to it after a while. Who knew someone as hardcore Pop as Lady Gaga would make great music with a straight-up RnB singer like R. Kelly.? That's why I still anticipate Lady Gaga...

Phoenix Trying To Be Cool

Cool
I'm just trying to be cool
It's all because of you
Some fanatic attitude
We're both on

Phoenix has always been an intelligent band. They set the standard for what people should be listening to next. Up and coming bands that fall under good, are paying homage to the Phoenix sound, and you couldn't blame them. Trying To Be Cool is poetic, mellow but undeniably done up in true Phoenix fashion, never missing  out on the energetic beat. Plus you can't ignore the well orchestrated music video. Watch and repeat.

One Direction Little Black Dress

Little Black Dress 
just walked into the room
Makin' heads turn
Can't stop looking at you

To us Directioners (yes, late bloomer here), we're all quite aware how much the boys have grown up. One Direction is slowly peeling off the bubble gum trading it in for new spirits, borrowing from 80s rock n' roll. Little Black Dress is an example of their new sound. Simply written but catchy and still fun like most 1D songs, credits go to Louis and Liam who co-wrote the track and with credits to all their more mature, rugged voices combined, it's definitely one of the better songs off their new album. 

Miguel feat. Kendrick Lamar

How many drinks would it take you to leave with me?
Yeah, you look good and I got money 
but I don't wanna waste my time

Miguel had a great 2013. He's finally warming up under the spotlight he's long deserved and talent like his should never go unnoticed. How Many Drinks is just one of his many, growing hits, that reminds people how sexy should sound like in music. And what's so amusing about this song too is despite its honesty (the lyrics will help you understand), it doesn't sound trashy at all. So, how many drinks will it really take you to leave with me? Good job, good job.

Ariana Grande feat. Big Sean Right There

And if you never change,

I'm gonna stay right there

By now you'd think every whistling, high-hitting female singer has dried up the Mariah Carey comparison, right? Until Ariana Grande made it to the big leagues. The Nickelodeon star does have the chops (and courage) to cover a Mariah Carey hit like Emotions and make it sound like we're back to the early 90s, when Mariah had cute, curly hair. I'm a fan of Ariana because I'm a Mariah Carey fan and also because her timing is perfect. At a time crowded with Mileys, Gagas, Katys, Taylors and everyone else in between, Ariana's sound- the sweet fusion of RnB, Hip Hop and Pop, will take you back to the late 90s to early 2000s when this was the sound of choice. While it's not new, it's refreshing. She proves how timing is indeed everything. We're counting down Ariana. The skies real soon.

The Profile: Jasmine Curtis-Smith

Jasmine Curtis-Smith: At 1 am, this is how she looks like for a shoot...
An outtake. This photo by yours truly.

On her sure way up the ranks to super stardom, Jasmine Curtis-Smith stops for SALT to look at her life now: the award that changed her life, her love for the industry, her music and her interest in-of all genres, horror and mostly the woman behind her and her successes. An exclusive SALT profile. By Gerard Gotladera

Family First

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, did not have a magic moment. Contrary to popular belief and reportage, not all stars who make it big take root in that magic moment. You often read how actors are usually sparked by performances of famous actors and actresses, playing so terribly well on screen or on stage, that they too feel it's their own path to take. Quite the romantic touch, if you ask me, to any success story. But when my friend, award-winning actress, columnist, celebrity endorser and million-followed social media darling, confesses that there was "none whatsoever" of a magic moment for her, I was floored.

"It was the thought of helping my mama...Whenever I am given a role or project, she's always the primary inspiration to do well and give my best. The rest comes second. Along with that, I  owe it to myself to actually commit to something and be really good at it."

This is Jasmine Curtis-Smith in a quote. Despite her youth, beauty and stature, she plays the daughter role best. Decisions are strongly guided and grounded in family and this is one wonderful trait of the beauty. When asked why she chose the entertainment industry, her mother, the famous Tita Carmen, and her sister, needless of any introductions, the Anne Curtis, naturally spring out among the flurry of words she shares upon choosing show business.

"It just happened. I've always been exposed to this industry because of my older sister but I used to actually repel the idea of being an actress...because I badly wanted to be incredibly different from her. But one day an offer came along and I'd just started to enjoy acting in school, so I thought why say no when I can also help my mama financially."

Video Music Awards 2013

Barclay's Center was a perfect, perfect venue!
From Google 

Yes, I did watch the VMAs. Twice. And I've got plenty of things to say. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know I was too active, too noisy yesterday. I mean, who wouldn't? If you're a fan of celebrities, music and culture, the VMAs is something you should never pass for anything. This year made up for an incredibly forgettable VMAs last year and it's that forgettable that for every performance you could recall without reviewing on YouTube you'll be getting a free cookie...from me. But seriously, this year was something else. 

Midspiration

Nike fan for life. This video is genius, but probably could've been better with less talk.

Songs could definitely perk you up the same way coffee does for people like myself who swear the world by it. Other times, when you slide straight to the middle of the week, you search for other things to keep you motivated--and not just cause you want to head straight to Friday night. Here are some cool videos I've gathered from around the web that'll give you that extra inspiration and also keep you looking forward to, well, more inspiring days.

The Spectacular Now is a book. And it's one those book-to-silver screen cases where you learn of the film first before the book (for me). Believe me when I say, I haven't, in the 23 years I've been alive, have felt this "melty" and fuzzy over these two pairing up. Kilig is the Tagalog term for it, that probably won't ever find its counterpart in the English language. Miles Teller (one of the cool kids on Project X) reminds me of Shia LaBeouf-spell check, and Shailene Woodley, I've loved since The Descendants. When Miles tells Shailene she's "absolutely beautiful" and she just erupts in this candid laughter, it feels like they're not in a movie at all. It's actually like watching classmates fall in love. And that's adorable. It's reminiscent of many t-shirt-wearing, simple-town America love stories that just stay with you until you're spent. It also helps that it's a coming-of-age tale that runs the whole spectrum of life experiences from falling in love to finding ones identity, to enjoying youth, the works. I bet my non-existent ass on it, that this soundtrack will be good. If not, that's a shame. Watch this and watch these two rocket to the skies faster than you'd expect. PAY ATTENTION!



I haven't seen anything as flawlessly edited a YouTube series as Jacks Gap's. Had they been Filipinos, I'll be rallying outside their doors to sign exclusive to W, then again...But yes. It helps that the two-twins Jack and Finn Harries look boy band-ready, but they also have substance. They're funny and they edit their videos the way YouTube videos should be edited. They've got their young girls screaming for them and their early 20s as a market and when you have a platform such as Jacks Gap-which is basically a video blog of their life and things they're interested in, you could start competing with celebrities. At least, that's how we do it here in Manila. I'm not yet sure if there are Filipino YouTubers out there who could produce something as clean, as consistent and as focused as these guys.

In The Mood for Gosling

That face means business. From Esquire UK

Not surprising that after Drive's success-that moody, 80s fueled,Ryan Gosling movie, the same people who made it happen are the same names giving Only God Forgives the hot flesh and bone that it proudly has. Soul, is via Ryan Gosling who means business whether it'd be in style or in film, and the first time you catch the trailer you know it's bound to be good, downloaded a lot of times, preciously kept in your hard drive for viewing pleasure even past the film's glory days. Couldn't say it's a classic in the making, but it has all those elements that will be terribly difficult to brush off from memory.

Once the awesome music starts-how can you make such good music, the rarely and scarcely lit scenes are edited together and the two-three Ryan Gosling lines that make the cut for the trailer are already on its way to immortalization, Only God Forgives promises lots of Gosling-esque mood and feels. Trademarks of our modern day James Dean (yup, we're not yet tired from pulling out the references to the) that have given him that smarter, more grown-up edge over his pretty boy contemporaries. Exciting actually. And I'd pay to see that ALL those fighting, action scenes. 

Check it! Trailers should be good, all the time. Only God Forgives is of no exception. I just hope that the movie'll be as handsome as its star. Which reminds me, I need to catch two of his films, Drive and A Place Beyond The Pines... In for some serious Gosling treatment!

- Gerard

The Face

Photos from Pinterest. Cover art done by yours truly, c/o Phoster.

May for The Pool Collective is pretty exciting! While all my Diamond writers haven't sent in their works yet (boys and girls, I'm waiting hahaha.) I present to you the theme for May. Ladies & gentlemen, The Face: Dean, Hepburn, Brando and Kelly.

Well actually, I think it'd be better to call May 2013's theme, "Faces of Hollywood" but there's definitely more drama with less words on it. These are four of Hollywood's most iconic faces and even when there are still more beautiful people out there, these four, for me, have the most memorable and beautiful faces that have ever graced the screen. And I could never stress it enough, that for me, beauty especially the human face's, is definitely one of God's most precious gifts to mankind. Correct? 

And there is just something about the face that  summarizes almost everything of a person's, not to say that without a face we're less human, but this is pretty much the cover of a magazine, the cover that captures all of what's inside and gives the outside  an easily understandable material to look at, absorb and appreciate.

So for the writers out there, May 2013 is all about these faces, the faces of Old Hollywood and most definitely the faces the world, even generations from now will love, admire and always look back to as the standards of what stars on Earth ought to look like.

While it's still not May, please make sure to drop by The Pool Collective and read up on the stories published so far. I'm very very happy that I've got myself great writers, I hope this will attract many more talented writers out there! Send me an e-mail at thepoolcollectiveph@gmail.com.

- Gerard

Sunday Soul

You could never go wrong with great music. Music that just goes deep and cool and sounds terribly, terribly awesome. These songs will make you want to reach out at the top shelf and mix yourself a drink., yes, even when it's just a cold, cold glass of water. They're that good.

I highly recommend these songs. They suit lots of moods and still somehow play well into one playlist. It's Monday tomorrow, so better enjoy what you can and have. And maybe these songs get you by the work week too! Happy listening!

That brunette stunner, too beautiful. Plus the guys look all too well. And the song is amazing.
Nothing wrong here.

Nick Waterhouse is starting to shape up into one truly promising kid.
Can't wait to hear more from him. Gives you all that 50s-60s old school rock n' roll/R n' B vibe.

Miguel is pure talent. That's it. After I learned of him, there was no turning back.

Pull(ing) Me Down

Couldn't get enough of Mikky Ekko's Pull Me Down. Literally pulling me down here Mikky, you sound amazing it hurts. But really, I'm glad he has an official music video for this. Some of us mainstreamers have spotted the talent through Rihanna, which might be quite a long shot for other listeners--because you'll really find it hard to connect the two if you don't know what Rihanna's capable of aside from the party hits, but they sound well together AND have pulled out from each other, probably plenty of good thanks to their song Stay.

While you're figuring out who to listen to now if you're just like me, floating on a musical limbo, fill up your library with some Mikky Ekko (rhyming unintended). Personally this is a diamond. Like I've said before, it takes you somewhere, into some deep place and that sort of cross between the song's drag and beat does give off that impression of water, as if someone really is pulling you down. The lyrics is genius, I'll probably never get over I want you to know that I've got your back, Even when the whole foundation seems cracked just because it's so honest and candid and believable. And while it may sound like a truly sexy song--cause it is, there's a catch to it that there is always that chance that while he's offering herself to her completely, there's not one bit of assurance that she will pull him down. Hurts, I know, I know. But like most painful, beautiful songs, you'd just might want to take the risk cause if it sounds this delicious, I'm all in.

Check out Stay with Rihanna. Also Feels Like the End for something pretty (and) tragic. Sedated is more upbeat and could verge on some rocky vibe, but then it gets all cool and mellow, I couldn't even describe it properly anymore! He sounds like he could do a great bluesy record one day, I don't know. Just because I always like the challenge and the effect when singers get out of their element. I'm having my eyes on Mikky. While he sounds very familiar (Ryan Tedder), the overall feel to his songs combined with his high, soothing voice creates an atmospheric sound, like we're all always in slow motion, running through woods or swimming off in too far...And it's alll good. You'd like your music to take you away somewhere else, right?

- Gerard

Weekend Hits: Darker Now

Falling into the dark side...
Diego Fragoso for Slurp magazine @ models.com

Embrace the dark side...That's what I'll suggest to you right now. And no, we're not turning all evil and demonic here. It's just one of those phases you slip into when the things you've been liking fall under a certain mold or category and they all just work! For my Weekend Hits post I'm bringing together sight, sound and loads of sense on some things pretty sinister and while it's ironic, please enjoy!

>>> MIKKY EKKO's PULL ME DOWN

The video is like a spell, really. Keep watching.

My encounter with Mikky Ekko is thanks to Rihanna's new album, Unapologetic. Stay is my favorite track on her album and she sings it (pretty well) with Mikky Ekko. At first I thought it was Ryan Tedder, but then the song's credits obviously mentioned someone else. Then I went searching all over YouTube and landed possibly one of the coolest songs I've heard this month (definitely for the year too). Pull Me Down sounds like a long, night swim, the moon watching, stars hiding, and it's just you and this vast body of water. The video helps a lot with the song. The song itself is quite simple (he basically wants you to be his girl but sings it so damn good, you'd want to be a girl for him...) and it meets your expectations somehow, especially come chorus time, you'll find yourself smiling at how liquid and right it sounds. Mikky Ekko's songs all share that same, bittersweet quality about them, when you know love's not always loads of sparkles and sprinkles. He definitely puts you on that dark sink-and-swim feel you'll never want to rise from.

>>>> JERICH EUSEBIO DRAWS

Honoring & Overcoming by Jerich Eusebio
from his Facebook page

One of my best friends (since 5th grade) has been dabbling in the arts since I've known him: literature, theater, music, film, the fine arts, he's had some happy experience with. But as we've all grown old, it seems his forte lies heavily on the basic pen-and-paper, not as a writer yet, but as an illustrator. As a registered nurse, he's not 24-7 exposed to art and knowing him, he pretty much needs his dose of it at least once and a while. His solution? Draw with his trusty pens and pour it all out there. What he lacks in color, he makes up for in texture and detail, giving his images weight, depth and a sense that what he does, he wants to do well in his own terms. Honoring & Overcoming is my favorite. I'll have to talk to him first to know what it really means and who the image is, I'm thinking Jesus, but who knows...And what's most fascinating about his works, aside from his signature strokes and well-improved style, is his reference to so much of these dark elements and arts. The stories told behind the images, the references pulled out from the very best and cool of arts and fashion and literature and film, I mean, what he does has great potential. If only he had a space to share these images to others with...I'm quite lucky I have him on Facebook. So consider this, dear best friend, a baptism into the other side of the world. 

Magazine Moments

Sean on top of the world, literally and figuratively
for DSection

Coming clean here. Lately, I've been pretty dry on the magazine department. I still read and have the titles that I work for and they're good. But I'm not as excited over magazines and titles like before. I don't know what it is, but the some of titles I've been seeing lately haven't been as inspiring as they should be. For people like me, what gets printed ought to be magical, amazing, inspiring, relevant and should aim for an iconic, star-making moment for the people responsible in making an article, a photograph, a cover. And after growing up going through magazines and having invested myself in an appreciation for beauty, I've clung to the power of an image or a title and how, in a single issue, photograph, moment they successfully capture a feel, a mood, a piece of history. There are a few titles that are able to do this and I hope there were more.

I wish I could see more of these kinds of photos, people and magazines around. While the country already has its slew of great quality publications, I'll one day be sure that we could make more titles that are able to create, influence and hopefully change the landscape or add to the beauty that we already enjoy. Fingers crossed, I'd be able to contribute to this too. In the meantime, while we wait for this to come true, here are some of the greatest magazine moments I've seen this month.

Nathan Adrian

Olympian from Team America
Swimmer Nathan Adrian for AUGUST Man Malaysia
@ models.com

One of the more interesting covers I've come across this week. I never knew of Adrian until this cover. Seems like athletes/Olympians are having a ball this year, gliding by and through the fashion world like they own it. I must say, athletes do make great models too. Congratulations to both Nathan and AUGUST Man. This is a great pair-up. The candid black and white photo, medals round his neck, the glasses, the classic look and of course, Adrian's charm, this just does it for me. Well done.

P.S. AUGUST Man Malaysia, you have been churning out the best covers and cover stars. You are a smart magazine!

- Gerard

Weekend Hits

I have to admit, I miss writing magazine-style updates on my blogs. It's the thrill of collating things, seeing them together and being able to tell a story that has gotten me interested and excited for years since I learned that I was capable of doing it. And while I rarely make the rounds these days, I've made sure to spare time  to write tonight about the things that I'm obsessing over and of course, give you a few cool things to keep you inspired and in the know during the weekend. WEEKEND HITS, coming your way!

Frank Ocean in the season's coolest sports coats with Odd Future.
Story by Amy Wallace & Photographed by Peggy Sirota
GQ December 2012

>>> OF COURSE I'll be obsessing over Frank Ocean appearing on GQ, why wouldn't I? This is like two of my favorite things coming together, like peanut butter and jelly or a cigarette and an ice cold mojito. The feature on Ocean is pretty packed, Wallace covers much of the artist's plans for his career (third album coming soon, I believe and will definitely wait for), that controversial letter on Tumblr of course and it gives you a glimpse into Ocean himself. You combine that story with Sirota's humorous, light photography and GQ's no-fail styling and you get yourself a good, good deal. Grab your copies, read the story and if your weather permits, plug into lots of Ocean and sport those damn good-looking coats...

The ML574 Mojito: mita sneakers X OSHMAN's X New Balance
High Snobiety

>>> I'VE WORN THE HELL out of my New Balance sneakers and have since been my go to shoe for dressed-down days. New Balance just is a trusty brand. When I saw the Mojito (my favorite drink too), I felt that hard beating in the chest and I know I've found a great purchase. Three brands come together, marking the collaboration with tons of those super cool "X"s for the Mojito: mita sneakers, OSHAMAN's and New Balance. The color way, materials and that leaf lock present a sure hit pair of sneakers that's bound to go massive and viral in no time. Imagine a slim black jacket, buttoned-up white shirt, lean black jeans and these? I just collapsed. It's that cool.

Ulysses

Have I told you I have the biggest crush on Daniel Craig?
Not yet. the Bond for me.
@ FilmSchoolRejects

We are not now that strength  which in old days

Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are,

One equal-temper of heroic hearts,

Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

--- Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson

The Spotlight on the Wallflower

Watson, Lerman and Miller
The Perks of Being a Wallflower @ Collider

Finally got to catch The Perks of Being A Wallflower today with my sister and I must say this is one of the few movies that lived up to the hype. I've had my fair share of movies and stories that are about teenagers, but those I've seen and read before pretty much pale in comparison to what Stephen Chbosky has done. Both as a book and a film, Perks manages to strike a chord in a lot of people and I think that's the reason why it's such a success. 

I still wonder though how a book such as Perks that has the easy-to-bake recipe (complex yet simple enough characters, the musical choices that linger through the novel, teenage joys and troubles, etc.) took some 11-12 years before making it to the big screen, but  2012 is a great year to have Perks. When kids these days, including those of us who are a bit older, are into these old timey songs, vibes and moods, Perks is definitely a satisfying piece of literature and film (my book review). 

The film did the book much justice. I guess you could credit this to the fact that Chbosky is responsible for the screenplay and directing, allowing him to preserve and add just about enough to his material. You could still recount parts from the book on the film and actually match what you've visualize while reading the book to the ones you see on the movie. Couldn't picture a better Charlie than Logan Lerman. This film has made a star out of Lerman. Still couldn't put the finger on it as to who Lerman reminds me of, but I'm sure this one will go very, very far. He's easily likable, very charming and handsome and he effortlessly manages to balance the brooding, tortured side of Charlie with the character's desire to belong and understand himself. Ezra Miller is another breakout star. I know he's scared audiences with his performance in We Have To Talk About Kevin, and here, he makes Patrick, extra funny, realistic and exciting. Watching him makes you want to wish you had a real life Patrick as a friend. Miller's look, his talent and the movies he's done so far will put him high up on the A-Lists, possibly sooner than we think. Emma Watson is extra beautiful. Whenever she appears on screen, I couldn't help but see her rising up to the ranks of Anne Hathaway with a face like hers. Her Sam is expected: cool, quirky, funny, mature and always so understanding of everybody. But the story however made bigger stars out of Lerman and Miller.

It was an overall pleasing experience. You'd expect Perks to turn out this good. A chunk of the movie somehow took me back to a familiar place, somewhere in the not-so-distant past and it tugged at the heart as I watched (and while reading) Perks. Surely others could attest to this too. There are plenty of moments that will haunt and will continue on a loop in your head and while not everyone could relate to the same exact issues the characters go through, there is always a part of Charlie, Patrick or Sam in all of us that were put on film and on pages thanks to Perks. Grab the book, watch the film and it'll teach you a lesson about youth, life and the moments you should never take for granted. 

Gerard

Gray Areas

YES!
ROGUE Magazine September 2012
Facebook

September issues are all looking good and it seems the strongest hue of the moment is gray. From ROGUE's taut and glistening cover, VOGUE's historic Gaga to Skarsgard's GQ Style coolness and Michael Fassbender's Russian Esquire cover (pretty interesting), everyone's having it good in the gray areas and it's possibly, one of this year's best magazine color choices ever. Clean, simple, straight-forward and very smart, gray's never looked this good. Enjoy!

Phelps by Vuitton

Michael Phelps for Louis Vuitton
from Selectism

True to the business of show (well sort of), Olympians ought to take the "next move" as Selectism best describes and what other way to celebrate and start on that next move than to have a campaign that's as timeless as the ones shot by Annie Leibovitz for Louis Vuitton?

Shaking up the campaign trail and the start on to the next move is our most decorated Olympian, swimmer Michael Phelps. Shot by Leibovitz, Louis Vuitton puts Phelps in a tub in his usual suit with a slouchy, coolly styled Louis Vuitton duffle by his side, giving you that effortless, yet well thought-out look and feel. Pretty interesting how the entire photo leaves that impression on you. It's probably the relevance of today's sports and historic Olympic games and the long-lasting power of Vuitton that makes this an instant "iconic" coming-together of influencers. I like it a lot. Check out the other campaign featuring Phelps and another well-decorated Olympian, looking wonderful in her 70s.

I won't be surprised if Louis Vuitton launches a series of Olympians for their campaigns. Oscar Pistorius and Louis Vuitton would be just as important and beautiful too.

-Gerard

Games Beginning

Come prepared!
More athleticism, urban feel and sporty goods to come in fashion
photo: Tommy Ton

Style disciples from our shores (Manila) know pretty well that Preview magazine, one of the most revered fashion publications in the Philippines will be holding their annual Best Dressed Ball in some weeks, with one of their better (for me) themes in the years I've followed them: Athletic Chic. Having checked Spring 2013 so far, it's evident that athleticism and sporty clothes will be staying as one of the more exciting trends for fashion. Street style blogs the world over have those pops of Nikes competing for the many Pins that old school wingtips, boat shoes and monks currently have in spades. 

And yes, I have blogged days ago about the whole sporty thing going on for me and for some cool people I know as well like the Mike Concepcion and super friend Bryle Penamante, hey guys! Aside from the fact that Sporty is no more of a joke for the stylish set, it's a look at what the world of fashion and our culture is going through. I still don't know what it is exactly that summarizes the reason why this is happening, but I am liking it. So it's pretty obvious I am having a sweating style fest here, nursing a really bad hang over for things athletic.

Since I am obsessed about it as of the moment, I bring you some of the best athletic-inspired street style photos by famous street style blogs we know of. Check out the many appearances of Nike, the subtle yet strong presence of sneakers, beautiful ladies in chic, court-ready clothes and more. 

It seems like fashion is no longer sitting pretty on the benches and is, finally, going strong on the field. Fashion says let the games begin!

Work High

That's a line-up! Carlie De Murga (far left) of the Azkals.
I didn't get to go to this shoot, but I'm happy I got Carlie in there.
Thanks Eric Salta of MAVEN magazine. GRAB your copies guys, so much more inside!
MAVEN magazine June-July 2012 (my photo)

This will be a short one, I promise. So while I am just some weeks away from a year of working for W, I think this month has been an exciting one for us and for myself as well. We've been booking jobs and appearances and pages of and for the country's best and it's exciting to see our talents (as I like to call them "kids") working, moving and starting to grow. I'm happy for this month because I've done a lot of magazine bookings, something that I feel I do easily at the job and while it is tempting to take 100% of the credit, what my job has taught me is that working well means having guidance and having the right kind of people with you. Though these are some of my bookings, I thank the people who have made these possible as well because without them, it will be ten million times harder to work. 

And since it's a weekend, I urge you to grab a copy of these magazines that feature our wonderful kids from W Talent Management. When e-mails have been exchanged, talent profiles have been sent, zipped and unzipped and approved, and the shoot day comes and the pages come out, it's a rush really. Never tried drugs but maybe this is how a high feels...Seeing the finished product and knowing what kind of work, people and talent have gotten into producing it is rewarding. 

Pretty boy Carlie.
Photo from W Updates/MAVEN magazine

My very first cover and I'm forever grateful it's of the beautiful promise, Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
CANDY magazine June 2012
BIG thanks to Ms. Betchay Vidanes, Apple Maglinte, Marla Miniano of CANDY, Jaja of TV5

There are definitely more things that I've done for this June, but I'm saving them all up for my kinda lengthy One Year At Work post next month. hahaha. But do these great kids a favor and grab your copies. Take a break, enjoy the weekend and enjoy the weekend with these. Add on your list too CHALK magazine with Zac Efron on the cover, cause Jasmine's Blog (Jasmine Curtis-Smith's monthly column) has some perfect advise for those back-to-school friends who might've lost touch during the break...

It's not obvious that I love my job right? haha. One of the reasons why it's hard for me to just up and leave is because I've found a job that has great bosses, great workmates and great talents to work with, plus the job itself is a dream job. It's a rare chance to have almost a perfect first job, but I have to thank God for this, cause I believe this job is that close to being just that...a perfect, fresh-out-of-college job. Now, if only I could go beyond just magazine covers and putting faces on billboards, then, it'll be perfect. Real soon..

Enjoy the weekend everybody.

- Gerard

Salt Bites: Six For The Weekend

Mr. Neff and Mr. Bond at the background. Loving the bracelets on the stylist by the way.
amfAR 2012

How was the weekend everybody? Hope you all enjoyed the hot two days off. 

As for myself, I'm pretty drained this weekend, like I always am. Since I got a job, I reserve my nights out for Saturdays. So the drill will be something like, go out around 7 in the evening, get home at the latest at 5 in the morning, wake up at around 7 something in the morning for mass and then just get on with the day. So it's pretty normal for me to be all grumpy and unproductive on a Sunday. 

But anyway, I've been blessed with enough time this weekend so I've given myself a breather to discover some new things, things that I love occupying myself with. I'm making Salt Bites a permanent section and post for my blog so we're all updated on things that are inspiring, exciting and worth knowing. So click and read on to see what I'm happily sinking my teeth, time and thought in for this weekend.

Commercial Beauty

One of the best commercials. Glorious and cool.

It's a good ad, I admit and heavenly fitting shoe
but it's just not for me.

My sister once told me, after laying out for her my amazement over the stories I've heard from people I know, celebrities and their endorsements and things of the same caliber, how easily sold I am of what people tell me. She's never said though that what I've been hearing are complete lies, she's just keen on pointing out that it's not hard for me to believe things people say. It's not the first time I've been called gullible too or any other word to that affect, so maybe I am. Although the truth is, I could sense pretty well when people tell me bull, unless I am faced with a genius liar, then...

In my case, I may seem like I agree or believe in certain things, but I try to detach myself once I feel like I am biting into something that I still have doubts with. While this happens often, there are also those many times when I am just floored at the details that wrap either the wonderful truth or some awful lie. Sometimes, I believe in things because of presentation or anything that has to deal with the physical. It is shallow, I know. But I'm a bit hopeful that the reason why things are well presented, good to look at, or just basically pleasurable to the senses is because there is at least a pinch of something beautiful in it.