Service Charge 101 by Pepper

In this article from Pepper.ph, the author gives you an insight on what Service Charge is all about -- what it is, how it's computed, if all employees benefit from it, if it's included in an employee's wage, if tipping is mandatory in all establishments, and if tips are distributed among the employees in the same way as Pooled Service Charges. In a nutshell, tipping isn't exactly required in the Philippines but feel free to leave a few coins or a thank you note on an unused tissue to brighten up your server's day. To know more about the basics of Service Charge, click the link below.

Source: Pepper

SOUL_BRK - Dominique

Imagine a jet black night that's only lit by subtle street lights from afar, a mood that exudes a slight sense of sexiness, that's "Dominique". SOUL_BRK clearly has something to in his mind he wants to express with this new track. Though it is more steamy than melancholy, SOUL_BRK incorporates it with a rather noticeable hint of regret and unhappy moments. "Dominique" is perfect for a time alone, while either reminiscing or unwinding. 

Source: Vandals On The Wall

DBTK "Basics" 2015

Don't Blame The Kids kick off their new year with this 'Basics' collection. The brand consistently executes threads true to their style - and now they've fused brand new styling elements on their basic tees. Bold graphics, types and statements are done throughout, adding touches on sleeves and the bottom halves of the shirts. Dynamic and versatile prints permeate the collection, infusing a loud and youthful impression. The collection consists of tees, each having their own unique distinction - with several tees coming in a bunch of colors. These tees are perfect for anyone's everyday rotation. The 'DBTK Basics' 2015 collection is available online.

Adidas Originals x Mark Gonzales Superstar 80s

With Adidas Originals making a huge push to keep Superstars on the streets this year, one of the brand's latest releases to come down the pipeline is a collaboration with skate legend and artist Mark Gonzales. Instead of being treated to a loud execution, The Gonz keeps his Superstar 80s simple by employing a pure white premium leather upper with subtle details such as signature characters on the tongue, and debossed "Gonzales" tags on the lateral sides of each shoe. The intention was for the shoe to be a blank canvas, giving people a choice to redefine the shoes by customization, or to leave them as they are. Check an Adidas store near you for availability.

Eliz Marcelo Lookbook

There is a big number of female local brands out there, but there are not enough passionate ones and those who give extra attention to details. In 2014, we saw a rise in number of independent brands who understand it. As we're in the first few months of the new year, 2015, we are excited what these brands will bring. Eliz Marcelo is one of those who we are looking forward to see more of. She recently released a collection that marries monotone menswear-inspired pieces with technical clothing elements. It almost seems like it's an experiment of some sort, but she completely owned the look through a beautiful lookbook. Eliz Marcelo's self-named brand is now available at the SOMA Stores, shop the pieces here at her pop-up shop.

Native Apollo Launch

Native Philippines has recently launched the Native Apollo Moc and Chukka last week. We were there to check it out and here's what happened. The "Apollo Landing" event was held at the Sneak Peek store in Shangri-la Mall. They unveiled the shoes in a very theatrical manner. The three astronauts were the focal point of the launch who continuously showed the shoes to all the event-goers. The Native Apollo Moc and Chukka stays true to the brand's ethos of being "lite". It completely embodies the brand while also having a silhouette that's modern but has the looks of becoming a classic. They come in different colors and are available for both men and women. The spectacular "Madbury Club" approved design is now available in all Sneak Peek and Native stores nationwide.

Put On Local: Purveyr x SOMA Stores Lookbook February 2015

To cap off our partnership with SOMA stores, here is the last lookbook for the series. We worked with two young creatives for this artistic lookbook featuring pieces from the local brands that are available in SOMA stores now. This lookbook has an entirely different treatment and concept compared to the previous ones, the blend of monotone styling, playful poses and rich graphic design makes it really engaging. The tandem of Thurees Obenza as the photographer and Phus Nugraha as the graphic designer, with the help of Rik Rasos in styling and MV Isip and AC Santos as models, have made it possible. So if you're liking this as much as we do, better drop on by SOMA stores to check out all the pieces featured here and get a vibe of this fresh lookbook.