Are You A #Hipster?

I have borderline love affair with being a hipster and a skater boy. I sort of love the idea of being young wild and free (for long), and these genres are pretty much catering to that perversion of mine. But now let’s see if am really worthy the name #HIPSTER. And, say, are you too?

Let me quote form two sources, Urban Dictionary and WikiHow...

Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20's and 30's that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter.

 Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage and thrift store inspired fashions, tight-fitting jeans, old-school sneakers, and sometimes thick rimmed glasses. Both hipster men and women sport similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of messy shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs. Such styles are often associated with the work of creative stylists at urban salons, and are usually too "edgy" for the culturally-sheltered mainstream consumer.

The "effortless cool" urban bohemian look of a hipster is exemplified in Urban Outfitters and American Apparel ads which cater towards the hipster demographic. Despite misconceptions based on their aesthetic tastes, hipsters tend to be well educated and often have liberal arts degrees, or degrees in maths and sciences, which also require certain creative analytical thinking abilities. Consequently many hipsters tend to have jobs in the music, art, and fashion industries. It is a myth that most hipsters are unemployed and live off of their parent's trust funds.

Hipsters shun mainstream societal conventions that apply to dating preferences and traditional "rules" of physical attraction. It is part of the hipster central dogma not to be influenced by mainstream advertising and media, which tends to only promote ethnocentric ideals of beauty. The concepts of androgyny and feminism have influenced hipster culture, where hipster men are often as thin as the women they date. The muscular and athletic all-American male ideal is not seen as attractive by confident and culturally-empowered hipster women who instead view them as symbols of male oppression, sexism, and misogyny. Likewise, culturally-vapid sorority-type girls with fake blond hair, overly tanned skin, and "Britney Spears tube-tops" are not seen as attractive by cultured hipster males who instead see them as symbols of female insecurity, low self-esteem, and lack of cultural intelligence and independent thinking.

Although hipsters are technically conformists within their own subculture, in comparison to the much larger mainstream mass, they are pioneers and leaders of the latest cultural trends and ideals. For example, the surge of jeans made to look old and worn (i.e. "distressed"), that have become prevalent at stores such as The Gap, American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Hollister, were originally paraded by hipsters who shopped in thrift stores years before such clothing items were mass produced and sold to the mainstream consumer. The true irony here is that many of the detractors of hipster culture are in fact unknowingly following a path that hipsters have carved out years before them.

Hipsterism is often dismissed as just an image thing by some, but the culture as a whole is effecting changes in society, leading to feelings of insecurity and resentment in people who are no longer a part of the cultural ruling class. For example, a lot of anti-hipster sentiment evidently comes from culturally-clueless suburban frat boy types who feel that the more sensitive, intelligent, and culturally aware hipster ideal threatens their insecure sense of masculinity. Anti-hipster sentiment often comes from people who simply can't keep up with social change and are envious of those who can.

I am a #hipster. Are you?

Perks of Tipping

Tipping benefits you, more than you know.

Although this is not an uncommon practice to many Pinoys, many are still unaware of the amazing benefits that this does. Let me run them down to you.

  

Yesterday I was out for a haircut. Since I moved back down south for work, I have been coming back (my third time yesterday) to a single salon which has satisfied me. But it was only yesterday when I realized tipping was allowed. And so before I left, I made sure to drop a bill on my hairdresser’s pockets.

(Photo from: Restaurants: to tip or not to tip?)

Why did I do it?

Well it’s practically for her, for a job well done. But more than that, as a business major myself, I know it is more for me. It’s an investment, more than anything.

(photo via: http://www.timeout.com.hk)

Tipping is commonly viewed as a simple form of gratitude. Many simply take it as that. But looking more into it, the benefits the tipper derives from this simple act is far more than the amount given.

A tip given is an advantage gained. I won’t sugar quote this one. Thing is, we are placed at a privileged advantage the next time we drop by for another service. Your waiter, valet or hairdresser, like anyone one else, would grant you more attention and favors the next time you avail of their service. It’s a way of bribing them (in a good way) for a favorable service the next time.

A tip given is HAPINESS shared – and gained. Tipping is an expression of gratitude. Not only are you expressing gratitude to the service personnel that treated you well, you are also expressing gratitude towards yourself. It is an act of recognition (and an expression) that you are thankful of your current status – no matter how much you earn.  Because of this gratitude, one is able to share and gain in return a certain form of happiness. Gratitude is a key factor in attaining happiness as according to Martin Seligman and many other leading psychologists of our time. (Read on that topic here)

LASTLY, tipping opens us to a relationship that benefits both parties. It is not a matter of the amount (although it is advised to tip ‘accordingly’) but the mere act of recognizing a person’s service to you is an appreciation of his/her job well done. In return, you become a favored client with whom he or she is indebted for another good service the next time.  You become, sort of, a friend with whom only the best shall be served.

So the next time you’re out, make sure to fold a bill and tip away!

...

post script 

photography by: http://www.flickr.com/people/doneer4th/

TEEN WOLF // awoo!

So I have been doomed during the last few days of staying home and practically running through channels on the TV to at least afford the least of all possible distraction. I was bored, way bored. 

Fortunately, I stumbled upon some urban legend slash science fiction slash a-little-hot-for-TV show. Well, its MTV, what do I have to expect. 

Anyhow, I still have to score a copy, a DVD of this series or something before I can talk about the plot and stuffs like that. But for now, allow me, with my giglish tone, to share some pics I have found over the net as I went researching, err stalking its main stay casts!

I have just fallen for Tyler Posey! Who won't? lols

that smile, oh make that, sly smile :)

Put Colton Haynes in the picture, and I'd melt! 

Oh I just LOVE these two! haha

But am taking Tyler home, am sharing Colton with anyone :) lols 

So keep coming back for more about these guys, err, the show :) 

Check this link for more! 

http://thedisorderly.tumblr.com/post/26042386410/were-getting-married-in-a-week-because-carlos

BUSY, as a kid sees it

Earlier today, I while I was prepin’ up for work, we discovered that my sister’s laptop was left turned on after last night’s blackout. So I told Lance, my nephew, who turns 10 come the 24^th, to turn it off. Unfortunately the battery was drained so he’s got to plug it first so he’d be able to shut it down properly. He did follow.

It came to me that the battery might need some charging so I suggested; instead, he could plug it first and let it charge at least for the morning. His school is through so he’s gonna be at home all day with his lolo. But apparently he was busy.

To quote him, ‘I can’t do it, I am busy all day.’

Surprised of his ‘schedule’, I asked why.

He said; ‘I will be BUSY all day, because I would go to my friend’s house and we’re going to PLAY. I’d be here by lunch and then gone again for the afternoon (to play)’

Well, what do you expect with a kid like him? The world is but a big, big, big playground. And BUSY could mean being at school – or playing all day.

He (and that conversation) sort of made me think about how I see my BUSY life.

Over breakfast he was talking to his mom, my sister, who flew to and back from Manila the past weekend. And Lance was so concern why she was ‘late’ when they picked her up at the airport.

She said it was because the plane left Manila quite late as scheduled.

In my adult’s mind, that delay was a hindrance to my BUSY life, so it is to my sister’s. We are both adults living a BUSY life – apparently. This is how we view our BUSY lives; it’s a well scheduled routine that we have to accomplish. Our BUSY lives include lists, and deadlines and nagging bosses. BUSY, apparently means STRESS to most of us.

(photo from: http://abbie-turned-normal.blogspot.com)

But my nephew took it like a normal thing – and shouldn’t it be?

He was not concern about the delay, instead he went asking about how was the trip. From where did my sister enter the plane- was it from the big tube? Or was it from the tarmac? He was so engrossed with other things, he did not mind what we, adults, would have spent our time, and lost our temper with – the delay

Our BUSY lives are so systematic and planned, that delays aren’t even welcomed. We dread them – as much as we dread our BUSY lives.

But, behold, here is my nephew up about to ‘enjoy’ his BUSY life.

Apparently, it depends entirely on how we see our lives, our BUSY lives.

Mine might be filled with deadlines and editing, office politics and avoiding memos – but should I try to look at it differently, am pretty much living a BUSY life like that of him. He’s gonna be BUSY playing – and so would I, that is, if I look at it that way.    

(photo by: http://przerwiak.deviantart.com/)

I decided to be a writer because I love writing – ain’t that enough to be happy? No matter how BUSY it may ask me to be, am doing something I like (err LOVE) – and that should be enough of a consolation, shouldn’t it?

IKAW? How busy are you? Cheer up dude (and gal), it’s all about perspective.

TARA LARO TAYO! (Com’on let’s PLAY)      

Beach Wear for Men // SUMMER 2013

want one? read here

viva madrid

No more words needed! Viva Madrid!

and oh, for the record, 

although Ronaldo is really amazing,

Kaka is just my man! He just blows!

LOUD SUMMER NIGHTS // 10 Great Summer Songs

While the west is busy with the perks of spring, we here in the tropics are obviously anticipating for the heat! Summer is almost around the corner. That actually explains why I have been posting summer themed articles and style guides as early as now. Talk about the sand, the sea and yes, booze and parties!


 So as you plan for the next big weekend at Caramoan or Puerto Galera, here are some of my favorite jams to complement the hot summer nights and fun days under the sun.

10 Great Summer Songs

1.       Sun is Shining – Bob Marley

 Lazy after noon cocktail? This sets the mood!

2.       Three Little Birds –Bob Marley

Talk about driving to the country! 

Play this on, and the good time starts – coz every little thing would be alright!

3.       Good Life (Girl on the Run) –Kanye West Ft. T-pain

      Miami, LA, New York, Manila or Ibiza 

– good-lifers are sure to find this chill song a great ambient score.

4.       Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

PARTY! bow

5.       Reyna ng Quezon City - Juana

Prepin’ up for the a wild night at the metro? Run this track!

6.       First of Summer – Urbandub

Rock and edgy? This is just the one!

7.      Young Wild and Free –Mac and Devin (ft. Bruno Mars)

Early evening jams
– great starter for a chill night on the sand and under the stars

8.     Give Me Everything Tonight – Pittbull and Neyo

For what we know, we might not have tomorrow.
On the beach, the bar or that penthouse party, this is just a TURN ON!

9.      Turn Me On – 

David Guetta and Nikki M.

Boozed or not, this just know how to take the ‘wild’ notch turn.

10.   Sexy Bitch – David Guetta

Turn the lights low and let the sea see little secrets made

 – naughty and such a turn on, this track is really a must have on your summer playlist. 

7 Benefits Of Being Intimate

A blog repost, turned into men's perspective,

of the original article done by Meagan Morris for Cosmopolitan, published at Yahoo.ph. 

Click here for the original article.

...

Okay, we know sex is all about maxing out pleasure. But it turns out it's good for your health, too. Jennifer Landa, MD, chief medical officer of BodyLogicMD and author of The Sex Drive Solution for Women gives us the low-down on the health benefits of sex.

________________________________________________________________________________

1. It Boosts Your Brain

Sex increases your body's dopamine levels-the hormone that improves your memory and motivation. So basically climaxing is the gift that keeps on giving.

2. It Burns Calories

Don't feel like hitting the gym? Grab your gal and head to the bedroom. A 30-minute romp in the sheets can burn upwards of 150 calories. That's like running a mile on the treadmill!

3. It Destresses You

We're all stressed to the max-and all that worry releases the stress hormone cortisol. The problem with cortisol? Having too much of it in your blood stream can lead to everything from high blood sugar to weight gain. When you get your freak on, it helps you relax, lowering the stress levels in your body.

4. It Keeps You Healthy

Regular sex with your partner can actually prevent colds, thanks to the hormone prolactin. This hormone has an important role in strengthening the immune system by increasing the production of T and B lymphocytes (aka immune cells). We'll take that over chicken soup any day.

5. It Helps You Sleep

When you have sex, the cuddle hormone oxytocin is released. That increases your bond with your partner, but it also helps you sleep. How cool is that?

6. It Makes You Bendy

Think of sex like a good strength training session: You use a ton of muscle groups during a good ahhhhs. And it's a lot more fun than doing squats at the gym for an hour.

7. It's Good for Your Heart

The hormone testosterone is good for the heart. Sex helps increase the release of the hormone, which in turn improves your energy levels and strengthens vital body parts, like your muscles, bones, and heart.

It’s a RICH MAN’S WORLD

People might get a wrong impression if I say I am certain that the very title of this post is indeed a fact. It‘s a rich man’s world. Money makes our daily lives turn. It’s a fact. It’s real.

But don’t put me on the materialistic, ego centered dudes category. I am just trying to raise a point, that in this world, the heftier your cash is, the higher the chances for a happier life. It’s a tough world and most of the time, the thicker your wallet is, the better off you are.

Think about this. Successful (err rich) people tend to be around the best places, get to eat prime commodities, have access to top notch heath care services and pretty much are able to follow their heart’s desires. Should you have been politically affiliated too, you would know that money equates to power, and power to access to information. Whoever keeps information has the aces, take poker for example. So given the attributes of these two, anyone who posseses both pretty much has a good hold of his world, especially the society he is in. Nature has it that only the fittest survive. It’s a natural law. And in the modern times, money is an extension of one’s ability to support oneself. Coupled with man’s political tendencies; money, power and prime information creates an equation that equates fitness. It does not promise survival, but it augments the chances.

Let’s be more specific. 

Ateneo taught me, for one, that the world is unfair. That we have to follow our political nature (man’s natural tendency to get (and work for) what (or whom) we want. Others do it badly, though. Thus is the birth of schemes and evil plots. But in reality, it can actually be done. It can be done fairly or at least with the least possible complications. One has to ‘fight’ his way to life. Of all the sperms that our dads gave out that very moment we were made, we outwit all the rest, thus giving life to us. That’s one. As kids, we got to be educated in institutions and those who performed well made it to good colleges. We fought with others to get a better chance, didn’t we? That’s another. Following the logic; anyone with a good bank lock has a greater chance.

So enough with the colonial mentality that those who aspire for money aspire more than what they deserve. Sometimes, they, I mean, US, who aspire for financial independence simply aspires for a simpler, happier life.

As for my final note. Take me for one; I have got a medical condition that requires me to spend thousands a month for medications. With my medication (and money), I get to afford a longer life. Thus, does that put me on an evil, scheming guy category? Or is my innate thrust for financial independence an innate struggle to survive?

It’s a rich man’s world. Thus, watch me as I move my way to the top.    

Men who want to be THE MAN they OUGHT TO BE, are aware that money makes life easier. It’s a tool. And money should be used by man. Just don’t reverse the equation though.

STYLE GUIDE | a bachelor's pad essentials

So you have just moved into your new condo, or perhaps on a relatively smaller, room-for-rent around the metro. No matter the size, like we always say, it’s the performance that matters (chuckles). Yes, you have outperformed yourself! - That you are now ON YOUR OWN.

So how then do we turn our lofts into a bachelor’s pad? Then my man, bookmark my blog as I would soon make a post on that topic. For now, let’s focus on the part of the pad from where WE are the KINGs; our bedroom. Here’s a list of a few man essentials that every bachelor’s den should have. Your bedroom is your ultimate personal space, so make the most out of it without making it look like an old kid’s playroom. Just like I always say, keep it simple but significant.

BED. It’s your choice; talk about day beds, love beds, water beds, convertibles and so on and so forth. Take the most comfortable bed set up that you can get (and afford, as of the moment). Invest on good quality mattresses and bed linens. Also, get an extra ‘satin’ set always ready – for ‘emergency’ cases (wink). It sets the mood better.

Lamps. Yes, it’s an essential! One, for reading and secondly, for a warmer mood; try using lamps instead of the conventional on-the-ceiling lighting fixtures. You’d know the difference.

Closets and Hampers. These two goes together, but don’t keep them literally together. As closets are for clean clothes and hampers are for the soiled ones. Keep them both near your shower room though. Also, choose wooden ones over plastic. Good quality wood helps absorb moisture and retain a cool dry environ, keeping the clothes better tucked!

Table. This primarily should hold your ‘toys’. Stash your gadgets in one corner. You don’t want to sit on your iPad accidentally, or try borrowing your neighbor’s phone to ring yours. Trust me, I know :)

book nook. Now this is debatable, cos others like the bed as there reading venue. The choice is yours. Thing is, get a good organizer to pile your books at. Try Ikea for shelving ideas. Or, you can also get a bigger table so your toys and books could share space.

Vanity Wall. A full size mirror (meaning where you’d fit from head to toe) and an organizer for your essentials. This might not be something that others are comfortable having, but get into the private spaces of career oriented, powerful men and you’d see that this, is a MUST.

PERSONAL WALL. Men are not necessarily souvenirs keepers – that’s a statistical fact. But it’s also a fact that we take inspiration from something, or someone, as the cliché ‘behind every man’s success is a woman (or a partner at that, some men prefer men, get over it) Have a framed picture (big enough for you to see 1^st thing in the morning) of her/him. Or anything that represent that person, thing or aspiration that perks up your day. Hang it and wake up greeting it.

YoungMan's Rules for LIFE

 

This infographic I made a week ago has been posted in my wordpress account. 

I feel like sharing it again,