9.4 The Traveler: EJ Trinidad

Edward Philip V. Trinidad, IV BS Management

EJ is one of those guys who definitely knows how to make the most out of the given moment. This traveler experienced a lot when he studied in SolBridge International School of Business in Daejeon, South Korea. At first, he was just enticed to pick the school for its amazing facilities and its international vibe, but he never expected that his life will radically change because of his choice of destination. He experienced a complete freedom in an another country, not to mention, making a lot of friends coming from all over the world. 

From beatboxing to skillfully criticizing food, EJ's well-rounded personality can be summed up in a style that can be described as just chill. He adds that his style maybe simple and plain but he spices things up with his 'swagga'. Coming from a country where everyday is a party, EJ mentioned that he was able to cope up with the whole skinny-jeans-spikey-hair-skinny-tie-rocker-type look for guys and everyday-wearing-heels look for girls by revamping his wardrobe with clothes that can be used for casual layering like cardigans and sweaters to make his look more versatile.

What is he wearing?

The photo above exhibits one of those winter days that EJ experienced while he was in Korea. EJ learned to do layering especially in the winter, which he eventually still uses as a technique in dressing up.  Other than layering, EJ also liked the whole thick "bubble" jacket idea for comfort and style during the winter. He elaborates that fashion is not all about the clothes, it's also about the 'swagga'. 

Catch more of EJ in Beauty and the Beats (Philippines):

http://www.facebook.com/BeautyAndTheBeatsPH

Advice from the Bluebook: Fashion is not all about the clothes, it's also about the 'swagga'

9.3 The Traveler: Edward Villarosa

Edward Vincent D. Villarosa, IV BS Communications Technology Management


You might have seen him dance with his killer moves during the RIB, but who would have thought that this boy-next-door also became a member of the Xi Chi Sigma, a fraternity in University of the Pacific? Yep, that's right. This is one of his memorable experience when he went abroad for JTA. He experienced the solid brotherhood among his fellow fraternity brothers, without forgetting to manage priorities, engage in philanthropic endeavors and of course, have fun.

Edward traveled across the globe for his JTA destination last 2010 in a land where wearing loose shirts and pants is truly acceptable. He mentioned that with his interest in dancing, he easily adapted to how the Americans wear their pants, loose. It became easy for him to practice dance with such style. Exhibiting a pretty laid back style, Edward also adapted into wearing flannel shirt which he wasn't truly a fan of before JTA. He confessed that after his JTA trip, he became more open to some changes in his style and always try out new stuff.

What is he wearing?

He is wearing a plain green V-neck shirt which embodies his boy-next-door/ laid back style. He is also wearing a yellow Nike shoes which he bought while he was abroad. This is one of the rare occasions that you will see Edward wear pants. He would mostly wear loose shorts and shirt or flannel shirt to school. 

Edward noticed that in the Philippines, the more fitted the outfit, the better. But he mentioned in our interview that fashion/style really varies from person to person. It just really depends on the personality that you have. He also mentioned that it's important that we are always open to changes and not be afraid to try out new stuff because we don't want to limit ourselves to one style only. We just have to be ourselves.

Advice from the Bluebook: Always be open to changes.

9.2 The Traveler: Panjee Lim

Panjee Lim, IV BS Management

Having chosen Ingolstadt, Germany as her JTA destination, Pajee was able experience the ultimate Euro trip by immersing herself in different cultures, falling in love with the places she visits, and making friends from all over the globe. She shares that four of her friends actually came to the Philippines for a visit. After travelling around 12 countries in the span of four and a half months, she definitely has enough memories to last her a lifetime. Still hung-over, she intends to go back after graduation to pursue further studies or take internships.

What is she wearing?

Playful yet put together, Panjee loves mixing and matching her wardrobe. She shares that one of the things she enjoyed about Europe was the colder climate that allowed her to layer clothes and try out different looks. For this particular photo shoot, you will see that she did play around with colors using them as accents to spruce up her outfit. She even sported a pair of zebra print flats.

Overall, it might seem that she has a lot going on in one look but it actually looks very put together if you do the right combination.Whether it be style (preppy, casual, etc), colors, or where you got the items (high-end brands or vintage) don’t be afraid to experiment and mix things up every now and then. Your style need not be homogenous everytime.

She cites Rachel Zoe and Audrey Hepburn as her two top style icons. Drawing from their contrasting styles, Panjee tries to emulate Rachel’s exciting eccentricity and Audrey’s classic style to create a look that definitely has the best of both worlds.

Advice from the Bluebook: Draw from inspiration to truly be a fashion sensation.

9.1 The Traveler: Randz Manucom

John Randolph "Randz" Manucom, IV BS Management Information Systems

Girls Generation, Super Junior and 2ne1 are only some of the many Kpop sensation that we love and probably the only thing we know about Korea (other than kimchi, bibimbap and korean ice cream). What we don't know beyond the talented Kpop stars and the spicy korean food, is the creative and unique Korean fashion. Having Korea as his JTA destination, Randz had an opportunity to experience the korean fashion for four months.

Aside from his mom wanting him only to stay in Asia, Randz chose to study in Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea because of his fascination with Kpop culture. Kpop doesn't only makes us hold our breath because of their unique choreography and how Sandara is now a singing sensation, they have been also setting up trends in terms of fashion and style. Randz narrated to us that he actually had to step up his game in terms of blending in with the crowd in dressing up. With an environment that prioritizes their outfits and their looks, Randz was able to learn the skill of layering, the art of putting on accessories and the mix-matching of colors.

 

What is he wearing?

In this look, Randz embodied the skills that he learned while he was still in JTA. He is wearing what is considered a simple yet expressive style that characterizes his creative personality. As he had mentioned in his interview, his style evolved after JTA. "My style is urban streetwear meets playful accents. By streetwear I mean the grungy, unkempt look while mixing it with playful[ness] which is usually composed of dashing colors, patterns and socks! It's an interesting mix! :)" Randz, inspired by the korean fashion, advices the Bluebook readers that , "It's not what you wear, it's how you wear it. AND! Dress up as how you want to be acknowledged."

To get to know Randz more and to see his JTA adventure, follow his blog. 

Advice from the Bluebook: Dress up as how you want to be acknowledged.