Manila Ramen in Pictures.

With so many local and international ramen houses that have set up shop (and more to arrive), Manila's love for ramen has hit an all-time high. However, the sheer amount of places one can get a bowl can leave people spoiled for choice.

I don't keep a food blog, but this series of pictures below is dedicated to both seasoned ramen vets and folks looking to get in on the dish their hip friends keep clogging Instagram feeds with. Below, in no particular order, is a collection of ramen houses as seen by the broth-filled bowls I've had the fortune of eating. No descriptions of taste, just addresses and how to reach them on social media (if possible), because the last thing Manila needs is another ramen expert.

Ukokkei Ramen Ron -  Unit 1-2, Upper G/F, Tesoro Building, 822 A. Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road), Makati City.

Ramen Yushoken - Molito, Madrigal Avenue, Muntinlupa City
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Wrong Ramen - Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
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Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen - Level 5, East Wing, Shangri-La Mall/2nd floor, SM Aura Premier/Ground floor, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Makati (soon to open)
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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka - Ground floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati.

Mitsuyado Sei Men - #22 Jupiter St, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati City.
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Butao Ramen/Ramen Nagi  - Okay, this picture wasn't technically taken in Manila, but Ramen Nagi will be coming to SM Aura very, very soon.
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Again, I'm no expert, but they're all worth a try for different reasons. There's definitely more out there  , so go ahead, seek each place out, and savor each bowl before ramen goes the way of pearl shakes, frozen yogurt, and milk tea! I sincerely hope not though!

A Simple Guide to Stepping your Sock Game Up.

Sometimes, a killer pair of socks can make a bigger statement than a fancy pair of shoes. And most of the time, they're way cheaper too. Me and my girlfriend Dylan love socks, and we've amassed quite a collection between the two of us. In fact, we love them so much that we've decided to collect our thoughts and condense them into this little guide for anyone who wants to step their sock game up.

If you're still iffy about getting some attention-grabbing socks, start out with getting solid-colored pairs that aren't black or white. Get some pastels, some bright colors, and don't worry about them not matching with the rest of your clothes. After all, they're socks.

Once you're good with plain colors, try working pairs with stripes or simple patterns into the mix. I'll admit, I'm not too big on the idea of mixing patterns, so I leave it to patterned socks to provide a subtle, welcome break on the days where I'm in understated gear, and vice-versa. That's just my personal preference though.

Once you're past the plains and patterns, run wild! Mix and match, or get some even crazier patterns! Burger socks, snakeskin patterns, again, they're socks. There's absolutely nothing wrong with looking like you put on the first pair you managed to grab out of your drawer.

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Topman, Uniqlo, Stance, and Huf are the first brands I can recall that consistently put out some awesome socks. However, keep a good eye out when looking around the local department stores. You're almost always bound to luck out with some hidden gems at cheap prices. Happy hunting!

The Nike KD VI

Kobe Bryant will always be my favorite basketball player, but that doesn’t mean I’ll only be going after his shoes. Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant’s sneaker line first caught my attention back when the KD IV dropped. The colorways were crazy, but the shoes were pretty solid low-tops with cool mid-foot straps for a lock-down feel. Now I’m no basketball player, but I couldn’t pass up a chance to pick up a pair of his new shoes – The Nike KD VI.

Nicknamed the “Seat Pleasant”, the colorway is inspired by the recreational center where Kevin Durant honed his skills back in Maryland. The bright yellow is a sure eye-catcher that’s complemented with some cool teal color-blocking.

Looks-wise, I really like the KD VI’s sleek silhouette. While the design inspiration is said to have come from a wristwatch, I was really drawn to getting a pair because of how much they look like football/futsal shoes to me. From how low the shoes are cut, the tongue that veers to the side, all the way to the placement of the swoosh, there’s a part of me that thinks at least some design cues were taken from Nike’s football program.

Now while I’m not the person to ask in terms of on-court performance, I can say that the shoes are pretty lightweight thanks to Nike’s Flywire technology. And being loaded with both Max Air and Zoom Air units, the shoes are mighty comfy and great for all-day wear.

Going back to performance, now while I don’t play basketball, perhaps football design cues aren’t too far-fetched an idea. If low-top sneakers don’t restrict movement, thus allowing football players to come up with some dazzling dribbling on the pitch, then it makes sense for the design to be adapted towards basketball. The evolution of the Kobe Bryant line has prominently featured the benefits of having a low-top sneaker for dynamic on-court movement, and it would only make sense for the newest iteration of the Kevin Durant line to follow suit.

If you’re a baller who favors quick, flashy drives to the basket, or if you’re like me, a sneakerhead who appreciates an eye-catching low-top, give these a try. Great player, great sneakers, and great price point too! Check out Titan, Nike, and other sports stores for upcoming colorways! 

Pulso

The first time I got to listen to Pulso was when me and my girlfriend Dylan went to the opening of Heima's Brixton store in Kapitolyo. They were the first of many bands that played that night. I don't go to a lot of gigs, so I didn't really have an idea of who they were, aside from the fact that I recognized guitarist Robby Mananquil from his modeling gigs.

Having no previous idea of the band and what they sounded like, I was left to form my own presumptions. My mind had pretty much written off as some pogi-rock band (a horrible generalization, I know), up until they started playing. 

In the place of all the pilit pogi-rock posturing I was sort of expecting came some tight instrumental passages that were some parts dreamy, some parts heavy, and all parts fun to listen to. It was the kind of music that takes you places in your mind, no small feat for a band composed of only 3 members. I can imagine how tough it is for a band to achieve such a full sound with only a few members, but they certainly did that. Best of all, they were having fun just playing music. Needless to say, I immediately a became a fan  after their set. 

To my luck, I've managed to catch them at a few other gigs around Manila, and they've never failed to put on a good show. Below are some other pictures I managed to take from the Heima Brixton opening, Terno Inferno at 19 East, and the Dr. Martens flagship store opening in Bonifacio Global City. If you hear about a gig of theirs, go for it. They're a great live band that's definitely worth the watch and it won't be soon before long before they make it real big.

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Pulso is composed of Robby Mananquil, Franco Malaya, and Matt Warren.

Pulso on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pulsomusicph

Pulso on Twitter - https://twitter.com/pulsomusic

Terno Recordings on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TernoRecordings

Terno Recordings on Twitter - https://twitter.com/TernoRecordings

The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage

People say that backpacks only belong to schoolchildren. I beg to differ. I think if a backpack is made with simple, classic sensibilities in mind, it can hold its own no matter how old the wearer gets.

Below is a backpack that I believe embodies those sensibilities – a Navy Heritage Backpack from Herschel Supply Co. In the span of time since I've owned one, I've been using it day in and day out, bringing it to work and the occasional trips out of the country. And to reinforce how much I don't believe in backpacks belonging to the school-going set, I got it soon after I graduated college. 

No crazy features went into this backpack, just simple, straightforward design with a few tasteful deviations. The backpack itself is moderate in size, featuring a two-tone color scheme that mixes a canvas upper with faux-leather accents. Inside, this model of the Heritage sports a nice candy-striped inner lining seen in both the front pocket, and the inner compartment.

The Heritage is pretty generous in terms of space, with a front pocket to keep smaller things, an inner compartment to house others, and a dedicated laptop pocket as well! To give you a better idea of how spacious the Heritage is, below is what I normally bring with me to work, especially now that the rainy season's here. 

1. Lightweight Waterproof Parka - My folding sucks, but they're easy to stash once the rains die down.

2. Camera 

3. Laptop, laptop sleeve and charger

4. Headphones 

5. Umbrella

6. A book I'm currently reading

Certain variations of these items are pretty much what goes into my Heritage on a daily basis. Even once all that stuff is inside, the Heritage is far from bulky! The load may be considerable, but that's what the padded straps are for. 

All in all, The Herschel Supply Heritage is a backpack that's at home on campus, in the office, and the great outdoors as well. The design is simple, timeless, and most importantly functional. Wherever you're going, bring one with you and you'll sure enjoy your stay.

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Herschel Supply Co. Products are available at Bratpack stores, as well as The General inside Bonifacio High Street Central.

Herschel Supply is on Facebook 

Different Setting, Same Animal - The Nike Kobe 8 NSW Lifestyle "Gorge Green"

If you've known me long enough, you know that I'm a big fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and that Kobe Bryant is my favorite basketball player. I was heartbroken at the end of last season seeing Kobe go down with an achilles injury that set into motion a series of events that resulted in the Lakers getting swept out of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Kobe's my favorite player because he's the ultimate competitor. Countless times he's proven that adversity fuels his fire. And with that, I think the Los Angeles Lakers are going to come back strong next season.

My love for Kobe and the Lakers just falls under a greater love for the game of basketball. However, I haven't played in years, and to call my game "pretty rusty" is putting it lightly. However, when I heard that "lifestyle" editions of Kobe's eight signature Nike sneakers had released, the thought of copping them popped in my mind faster than it took Reggie Miller to score 8 points against the New York Knicks in 1995.

Kobe 8 NSW Lifestyle LE
(Gorge Green/Black-Sail) 

The Nike Kobe 8 NSW Lifestyle takes the low-cut silhouette of the Kobe 8 and retools it with an offcourt sensibility in mind. Gone are the fancy bits of technology needed to maximize basketball performance. In their place is a comfy cupsole and a stitched midsole in an nod to classic sneaker styling.

This pair retains the "snake" aesthetics which have been a running theme in Kobe's sneaker line. The gorge green "scales" are eye-catching enough without being obnoxious, while more subtle details like the waxed cotton laces and purple soles add to their premium feel. They also come in this sweet, retro Nike Sportswear box.

I got my pair at the Titan flagship store in Bonifacio Global City, where this and another Kobe 8 lifestyle release are exclusively available. If you love basketball (or at least sneakers) and haven't been to Titan, you're missing out! If you want to a cop a pair, or some other awesome sneakers, you know what they say. Don't sleep.

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The Titan Flagship store is located at the ground level of the Two Parkade Building, right beside Bonifacio High Street.

One Awesome Photographer to Follow on Instagram.

I owe a lot to Instagram because it got me into taking photos again. I first downloaded it on my iPod Touch and discovered it was a great way to show people what I'm passionate about - photography. I’m a firm believer in the idea that great photos don't just come from having awesome equipment. And if you take some time to explore past all the cute animal photos (not that there’s anything wrong with that), gratuitous food porn, and annoying #selfies (you know who you are), you’ll find that the platform’s a goldmine for some solid visual inspiration.

Below is one Instagram user that consistently puts out some amazing stuff. In one way or another, the photos he uploads never fail to make me wonder why I'm still scrolling down my feed instead of dropping everything to head outside and shoot! If you're a photographer looking for some fresh inspiration, or if you just like awesome photos in general, this guy is worth the follow.

 Timothy McGurr (aka 13^th Witness) - @13thwitness

I've been a huge fan of his work for so long, the day I got Instagram  (I was pretty late to the party), he was one of the first people I sought out to find. Aside from the crazy symmetry in most of his photos, his eye for amazing shots in settings that most people would deem commonplace is on another level. Could it be the artistic genes? Futura is his dad, after all.

A quick browse of his Instagram page will show you a litany of urban scenes captured with equal amounts of beauty and grit. There's snippets of projects here and there, but it's mostly shots taken while he's out traveling the world. It's hard not to be jealous of a setup like that.

To check out his work in more detail, you can check out his website as well as his Vimeo page!

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Know some other cool photographers worth a follow on Instagram? Tell me about them :) If you'd like to see some of my photography, you can follow me on Instagram as well @mykeemcfly :)

Uniqlo x Michael Bastian - My Picks.

Sometime about 2 months ago, Uniqlo released a collection done in collaboration with American menswear designer Michael Bastian. I tend to look forward to designer collaborations with big retail brands because I can get products of a certain vision at a more affordable price point - pretty much a nicer way to say those are the only "designer" items I can afford. Haha!

Though collaborations of this nature can be pretty hit-or-miss, I really took to this one because it centered on a classic menswear staple - the polo shirt.

The collection in itself is pretty diverse, with shirts ranging from plains, stripes, and prints that explore the American-Japanese connection the very collection is founded on. In the photo below are the shirts I got for myself during a trip to Hong Kong 2 months ago. Nothing too quirky, just simple color-blocked shirts that are wearable throughout the only 2 seasons we have in the Philippines - hot and rainy. The shirts' fabric is pretty breathable, the sleeve length isn't too long nor too short, and the fit is relaxed without looking too loose. I did mention the affordable price point, right?

In this country, each polo shirt costs P990, certainly more affordable than most things from either Michael Bastian's label or his collections for Gant. They're available in Uniqlo stores, so pick some up if you haven't already!

If you want to check out the entire Uniqlo x Michael Bastian collection, click HERE.

Got any favorites from the collection? Which ones did you pick up? Any other upcoming collabs to get excited about? Let me know! :)

5 Pairs of Sneakers To Rock Right Now.

When you get older, there are some habits you have to let go of. However, there are always a few that die hard.

I used to be a pretty big sneakerhead when I was younger. Day in and day out back then, that was pretty much all I had on my feet. I'll admit, the feeling of copping a new pair was pretty addicting. In the years that have passed since college, I've since learned to appreciate footwear that isn't a fresh pair of dunks, but I still try to keep myself updated with what's out there.   

If you're big on sneakers, this should pretty much be old news to you. But if you're not, or if you're looking for a cool new pair to show off, try these on for size: 

1.       Nike Roshe Run

I think it's safe to say that Nike's made themselves a modern classic. The Nike Roshe Run is an good example of winning over people not through innovation, but with effectivity. There's no ground-breaking technology in its construction, it's just a product of minimalist design with a clear intent for everyday use. The version I have is the one with the mesh upper, which really allows your feet to breathe. Couple that with a crazy level of comfort and you've got a shoe that makes for a great shoe to wear if ever you'll be walking a lot. 

2. Nike Flyknit One

If the previous shoe was an example of minimalist design, I think the Nike Flyknit One is a good example of the opposite. The revolutionary upper is intended to ensure a fit that really conforms to the wearer's feet, while Nike's Lunarlon technology brings the comfort whether you'll be running in them, or wearing them just to show off. 

3.       Converse All-Star

You can never go wrong with a pair of Chucks. You can wear them to dressier occasions as much as you can wear them into the ground. The pair in the picture has seen a good 2 years of use. They're relatively affordable, and they're one of the few sneakers that just looks better the more beat up they get. 

4.       Vans Authentic

I used to think Chucks and Vans had some sort of East Coast-West Coast thing between them. Regardless of where you're from, the Authentic is a timeless silhouette, one you don't have to be a skater to appreciate. Definitely my favorite style out of the whole Vans range. 

5.       New Balance 574

I'm pretty late to the New Balance party, but this silhouette reminded me so much of a pair of dream sneakers that I just can't seem to find now (Nike Air Stabs, bring them back). Retro styled, yet sleek enough to not look out of place in 2013. 

Do you have any other choice sneakers to wear right now? Don't hesitate to tell me about them! :) I'm always up for hearing your opinions :)