BUM Equipment Releases BLACK ARMY ACADEMY

There's certainly a huge change happening at BUM Equipment as they release a new line properly called BLACK ARMY ACADEMY. I'd reckon the changes actually come from the brand's knowledge of a generation growing with them, and along that the changes and street wear culture that developed over time. This new collection showcases how they get to innovate style wise, because it's not just going to just stay stale, but become cool and developing pieces that work for those who choose to wear it. 

Black Army Academy is for those who are rebellious, the free spirited ones, with an in campus lifestyle. These are the ones who choose to stand out, who look tough and won't be too shy to stand out while wearing them. It's still comfortable, whether it's a shirt, jacket, pants, even those that are filled with patches and prints.

Here's a glimpse of how BUM Equipment wants you to look like with the new BLACK ARMY ACADEMY line.

For those who adore the military look, utilitarian, which you can mix and match with your own existing BUM pieces, because it follows what you wear when it's trendy, and remains uniquely you if you choose to be one in a million/stand out.

The new BUM Black Army Academy Collection is now available at all BUM boutiques, even in huge department stores nationwide. If you want to stay home, don't fret as it's also in Shopee and Lazada, all you need to do is order and wait for it on your doorstep. It's fresh, it looks cool, and would definitely turn heads as you wear them with confidence, as the streets become your runway too.

KIM CHIU at the Hairfix PROfessional Line Launch

 

It's been a while since I've seen Kim, last time was a press conference before the pandemic. But I've always taken an interest in everything that she's doing especially with her relationship with Xian Lim who's also a warrior (we both are from UE). Kim has always had that bubbly disposition, something that you can't really find much in the industry. I wasn't surprised to see her land big roles in a few series in ABSCBN, and as of recent, Linlang on Prime Video. Kim has been long gone with those teeny bopper roles and has already been the apple of the eye of various brands that want her as an endorser. And now she's a part of the LifeStrong family, and is endorsing the new Hairfix PROfessional Line.

Before she arrived, there were a few people that Hairfix had on the event to tell their personal experience with the products being launched. I guess this was done so people could connect with ordinary people.

Mom Chris says "I truly love their products til now and I've been very experimental when it comes to my hair. My hair is aging and it gets damaged a lot, I need to take care. I love the Collagen Peptide and Castor Oil leave on hairspray. I don't use conditioners but these combo is effective for me especially with coarse hair. The difference is quality of ingredients, so I'm inviting you to try it because it smells good and perfect for humid weather. I have tried Korean products that often do good but now you don't have to go there to get the same results. It feels more natural."

Doc Bea a dermatologist says "For those who experience sudden hairfall, these collagen, peptide and castor oil must be consistently applied so it would nourish the scalp and help your hair recover from getting damaged. Check the ingredients, look for hydrolized keratin, it can also increase hair shine and gloss. Even if you don't have those problems, use the products to prevent it before it happens. Understand that it should be suitable for your hairstyle, you have to be particular and do research what product would work."

Content Creator Dion says "Only a few things work for me and my journey with curly hair. It boosted the moisture of my hair and I had less frizz because of the shea butter and hibiscus extract that prevents that. The power curl line doesn't have paraben, natural curls get really damaged if you style it too much, it's got natural oils so I only shampoo every now and then (3x or less a week). When you are curly, it just has a life of its own, and the leave in takes care of it without alcohol. They are very affordable with Hairfix."

Marge Lee of LifeStrong Hairfix says "With our line, it gives a lot of options for people. The ingredients give various effect that people look for if they want to take care of their hair. 4 in one bottle solutions and these complements different types of hair."

 

When Kim Chiu arrived, she had a meet and greet at the Watsons store in SM The Block. She then gave us a chance to ask a few questions via a press conference after the event.

Thank you to the men and women who worked so hard that day. Thank you to Hairfix for letting us experience a few hours with Kim Chiu!

BDO Insure and Pioneer Partner Up for Your Fur Babies!

Have you already insured your kids with 4 paws? If not, then here's good news from BDO Insure and Pioneer. See, they've managed to get more affordable but customizable plans for your cats/dogs. They teamed up just to make sure you get them the protection they need but give you the freedom to choose what you need in it.

The VP for BDO Insure Ed Ramirez says "This Pet Dog and Cat insurance will certainly give paw parents peace of mind when the unexpected happens to our fur babies. The Philippines remains the highest in terms of dog ownership in Asia while we place second in owning cats as pets. The love we have for them inspired us to come up with these insurance plans that can be personalized, easy and affordable too."  

They've got 4 different plans that you can get for as low as Php 560 and get you coverage for fractures, burns, drowning, bites and a couple more on the list. You can customize that and add in those for different illnesses, dental conditions, accidental death, pet travel (for emergencies), if they get abducted or owner's fault. They also welcome different breeds, even mixed ones as young as 3 months. If you've got an older one, they can still be insured as long as they don't go beyond 6 years. Then it can also be renewed til they get to 12 years. This was showcased during the SM Super Pets Club Caravan during weekends at SM Malls. Other activities were also enjoyed by furparents and furbabies like the Doggie Boot Camp, The Super Pet Fur Show, Meet and Greet with TikTok superstar Show Suzuki with his cute Gonta. So if you're around SM Malls, go there from August 12 to September 3 only on 8 pet friendly SM malls. If you want to know more about the BDO Insure Pet Dogs and Cats Insurance, it's all online at bdo.com.ph/bdo-insure/personal/pet so go get them covered!

PSID-Ahlen Institute Inc. Mounts PHUSION Exhibit

The Philippine School of Interior Design - Ahlen Institute Inc. just gave us a glimpse of this year's theme PHusion made by the class of 2023. In the past, they had a lot of these displayed at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Since it was the pandemic, they had a smaller number of spaces designed. Though there was certainly no shortage in talent, I loved what I saw during this batch. 

 PHusion is all about culture and how it influences design. With these spaces catering to Filipino and individuals from different countries, they were able to meld this together. Though just like the other times, it's in the "details" and the designer's interpretation of what they understand from the culture of the other country they are doing. I was assisted by Nicole and shown around the different displays this year.

FILIPINO x EGYPTIAN

 They call this space PER ANK which means Key of Life.

Their two countries were at opposite sides of the world, but they particularly thought of color as common ground to bring this together. The brown sand dune hues, the wood, the several pieces of furniture, the native baskets on the ceiling (as light treatments), the Malakas-Maganda figures etched on the cement wall, the pillars with Egyptian hieroglyphs (as accent wall) plus the Baybayin writings they customized was impressive to see. They knew one could overwhelm the other design and they were careful not to do that. This was certainly a good start.

FILIPINO x SOUTH AFRICA

They call this BAHAY UBUNTU. A term I'm quite familiar with because I'm a Computer Engineer, it's about compassion for others.

South Africa must be a little hard to put into design, but they've managed to concentrate on things that are common with the Philippines. The wood elements are present, they showed the glass table top that remained transparent to show the various wood underneath. What impressed me the most was the Nipa hut style on the ceiling, but it was made of a different material that can withstand years of abuse. It was efficient, virtually pleasing to the eyes, and the prints represented the South African flair.

 

FILIPINO x AMERICAN

 

This time, they used light to define two spaces. The couple they depicted here spend much time in the kitchen which is why the space had the large counter. This is also old 1930's themed which had more gold and geometric elements. The bar with the capiz window treatment and the iconic Kutsara Tinidor on the wall probably gives that Filipino touch. I get why they named it FILLENIUM.

 

FILIPINO x NICARAGUAN

One thing we have in common with Nicaragua is the tropics, which is why they used plants as part of the design in this space. It's a bath, vanity and closet, where you can take refuge and relax after a stressful day.

They didn't overwork the theme, they did it very simple. The natural elements like the weaving on the wall and ceiling plus a 70's style wall blocks has that Filipino stamp. It's very well executed, and didn't have to get too busy in the eyes to interpret their theme RELAJARSE.

FILIPINO x BRAZILIAN

This is called A DIVERSAO. Since the Philippines and Brazil enjoy tropical weather, that's where they have the theme combined. The wall on the shelves are from the Brazilian sunsets, also the curved lines which are common in Brazilian homes. They also had coconut on the face of the cabinets plus the solihiya weaving on the ceiling to make sure there's still Filipino in it. The design of the floor is also an interpretation of Brazilian black and white patterns.  They used it to separate the space between the play area and lounge.

 

 FILIPINO x FRENCH

This space was designed to mix the Filipino and French elements, but had more than what they bargained for. Think of it as a French space with a more worldly view because they also included the vibes of a well traveled individual who takes different pieces from different places and take them home.

I like the balcony, the wall treatments, and the carvings which are innately Filipino. They made it a tad lighter to see, not clunky and max which most Filipino spaces depict. They also had parts likened to "Bahay na Bato". The various things they placed on shelves were shabby chic, floral, to simply get the feel of the French homes with centuries worth of art. I like the artwork and chairs the most.

 

FILIPINO x SCANDINAVIAN

The designers of this space called LAGOM had one problem, it was to mix a more max design culture in the Philippines to the one minimalist style from Scandinavian countries. I loved that wall in the back that transitions into shelves on one side then disappears when you look at it from the other side. The light in the center also was a good choice, the shadows land on the different pieces of furniture and give it a more warm glow. They also had wood, employ a concentric design to have less corners from different views.

FILIPINO x BRITISH

One side of this had Chesterfield sofas which was apt for those who wouldn't want their suits get creases, a classic in every British space. I liked how they used wood mainly which was done to have that Filipino touch. The face of the cupboards and cabinets was also customized with a regional Lumban Barong Tagalog strip which made a statement, it is possible to mix the west and the East. I like how this was done, perfect for the Bachelor client they depicted who wanted this and all the natural elements he wanted from the Philippines.

FILIPINO x ITALIAN

This space reminds me of the bougie Gotti family (though not maximalist). There were gold elements on the recessed wall, fabulous light installation and also the curved arches on the lavatory with a twin waterfall faucets. It was fresh looking, light and airy despite having some big pieces on the wall and different spaces. The wall was a light pink, it didn't clash with the space despite it having a more ethnic design on the center. They did good.

FILIPINO x AUSTRALIAN

This was one impressive space. The work area with a Boomerang shaped table, the recessed wall shaped like the mountains in the outback, the beach dotted artwork (made by one of the members to depict the Great Barrier Reef), that's some of the items that are extremely OZ. The hammock, a place to take rest after a stressful day, with rhum in hand via the cart, it is like a vacation in the Philippines. I can see they used wood pretty much everywhere, which is something common with us too. The abaca fiber on top, plus how the spaces were separated was a good idea. It's a serious place for business, but comforting after that. 

FILIPINO x JAPANESE

This bedroom is a personal favorite. You can see why.

The capiz wall, the arches, the floor, they all depict the rising sun. It's an element both Japan and the Philippines share, which is why they wanted the 8 rays in the sun also included. They also mixed the home grown farmer hat salakot and bangasa which is mostly seen in Japanese festivals.  They also did night and day (sun and moon), as seen on the floors. The bamboo, the circular patterns, even the Kenneth Cobunpue chair in red just fit right in. With so many elements, it didn't look cluttered at all. Excellent work, they named it Pearl of the Orient Meets Prosperity.

FILIPINO x PERSIAN

Designed for a Filipino Iranian family, this wreaks blue royal homes in Iran with woodwork and intricate details from both countries. They have a space made for recreation, bonding on the floor because that's how they do it. They also have sliding doors for the television, as most want it kept. Look at the details on the green built-ins which they wanted to do because of extreme need for storage especially in Persian homes.  

If you want to see the exhibit, it's at the Greenfield Tower's 5th Floor. Thank you so much to the nice people we met from the 2023 Batch of PSID. Thank you also to the Batch Adviser IDr. Nicanor Jardenil whom we talked to later that morning. You guys did good this year!