It pays to learn, especially when it's free.

Every now and then, I like doing other things aside from writing about the sneakers I can't buy, like taking my girlfriend Dylan out to The National Museum to take advantage of the free admission for the entire month. It's been years since I last checked out the museum, and given the lack of knowledge I have towards Philippine art, I figured a free trip to the museum would make a pretty good crash course and interesting date idea. Head's up to all the guys with artsy girlfriends out there, unless you know, you're both too cool for this stuff.

Given that some halls were getting renovated, getting to explore the whole place shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. There's a wide variety of art on display, from creepy religious statues, to work done by more contemporary artists. Me and Dylan had a great time getting to check everything out, with the both of us having our own sets of favorites. Overall, it was a great way to make use of a morning. Aside from the two of us getting to get to spend some time together, it was cool to learn about stuff together too. Learning can be fun, especially when it's free!

Check out the pictures below to get a better idea of what to expect. If they're enticing enough, book it to the National Museum because free admission only runs through this month!

On My Feet - Onitsuka Tiger X-Calibers

One of the museum's chill spots features a series of pieces done by Botong Francisco.

If you're a Filipino and don't know even in passing that this is Juan Luna's "Spoliarium", then I guess you didn't pay attention in history class. 

This hall full of old religious art was probably my favorite out of all the rooms. 

A hall of sculptures.

One of the more chilling pieces in a room filled with works done during the time of, or inspired by the Japanese occupation.

My lovely date. :)

Don't Touch.

Ang Kiukok

Rizal killing the #menswear game back in the day.

Product Misplacement - JP Cuison's Latest Art Exhibit.

Meta!

I try to get on that cultured tip every now and then, so me and Dylan checked out the opening of JP Cuison's new silkscreen poster exhibit, "MISPLACED!". What's it about? If you were thinking art always has something to do with these deep, high-brow concepts that speak volumes about underlying issues in society, well give those pretensions a break and head over to the Pocket Universe Art Collective with a mindset to check out some really awesome looking work.

JP Cuison is a living, breathing example of how advertising doesn't entirely kill off unfiltered creative endeavors. And I'm no art critic, so don't expect any socially relevant shit here aside from pointing out how cool it was to see some icons in popular culture suddenly finding themselves without an idea of where the hell it was they wandered into.

Check out the pictures if you want the virtual tour, but nothing beats all the little details you'll get to see when you check the pieces out up close! You'll be in store for a couple of meta-moments too. There was a girl who came in asking the wrong artist about the ideas behind the exhibit. If I answered her, she probably would have believed me. Real talk.

On My Feet - Nike Flyknit Lunar 1s. 

The Creature From The Black Lagoon - MISPLACED!

Mr. Peanut - MISPLACED!

Dracula MISPLACED!

The exhibit is running until October 21. And if you wanna impress any future house guests with how much you love art, limited quantities of each poster are on sale!

Dylan and Nemo

#2/55! 

Pocket Universe Art Collective - 2nd Floor, SaGuijo Cafe Bar, 7612 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, Makati.

Out Now: Vans x Liberty "Green Mountain" Era

Vans dropped these Eras as part of their collaboration with London's Liberty Art Fabrics. I got to chance upon them during a lunch break and I immediately knew this was the standout in the selection available locally.

I could've taken a better picture, but you can already see the intricate detail of the shoe's upper. Blending mountain patterns to form a solid "camo" pattern, and given the ubiquity of camo in the worlds of sneakers, streetwear, and menswear right now, this pair is a welcome new spin on a trend that everybody's hopping on.

Though I wish they could have come out with an Authentic instead, the Era is one of Vans' timeless silhouettes for a reason. If you love Vans, or love sneakers in general, these are definitely worth the look.

Check this and other styles in the Vans x Liberty Collection available in Vans stores!