STYL Issue No. 1 | The Premier Issue | July 2015 ON THE COVER: Dexter Balita Photographed by: Pael Balbaboco Styled by: Dexter Balita
Happy reading!
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From featuring talented people in and out of Tumblr for Radar PH ( previously known as Tumblr Magazine PH), we cannot take away how its Mastermind deserves a spot, too.
Dexter Balita [dexternews]. This name created its own impact throughout the community of Tumblr because of 1) His wit and personal “feels” when it comes to his personal blog (dexternews.tumblr.com) and 2) his very own Radar PH.
Some typical teenagers would be [obsessed] with love & other stuff way back in Senior College. During Dexter’s reign [in Senior College], he was inspired by the magazine that he reads online, and he became/started to be [obsessed] with men’s fashion and started to style himself.  “Looking back at my old photos, I feel sick seeing myself wearing those baggy jeans and oversized shirts. But that’s a phase we all have to pass through. Glad I’m over it haha.” Who else here does not have that “haha” moments when we checked our old photos? Even I had mine, I’d say that almost-dying-kind of “haha” moments.
Talking about [obsession], Dexter is obsessed with plain black garments. No prints. Simple and universal. He’d go crazy with neoprene and elongated scoop back shirt and hunting like a hunter for one of those for a long time.
His reign never stops, rain or shine. As what he quoted “You’ll never know who will you come across on your way to the grocery. Your ex-lover? Your crush? Your favorite celebrity? Might as well get out in style. It’s actually a basic mantra for style-conscious people.”, this answers my question about him being at his best even if it’s raining. Come on, we all have our lazy asses when it rains. It’s a season where we tend to wear the simplest and that [most boring] style that we have inside our closet for 1) it is raining 2) and it’s really hard to have a dry clothes. 3) Let’s accept the fact that we don’t have that we are too lazy to wash a single shirt when it rains because 4) you’ll never know when the sun will show, again. But this thought never crossed Dexter’s mind. Most of us – including myself – finds it hard to dress during the rainy season, yet Dexter picks the rainy season as the best time for some style conscious guys to dress up and practice the layering skills. “Most men (and women) can relate to this.” He said.
We all have our [favorites] when it comes to dressing ourselves, “I wear scarf sometimes, whenever I feel fancy haha. But yeah, I always go for my sweater, skinny jeans so my boots would standout. “ is his pick. Only few can nail a scarf, sweater, skinny jeans and boots. Luckily, he’s one of the few.
Removing the middle ground when it comes to dressing, Dexter would either go on [full layers and dressed up] or [super laidback close to homeless hippie] kind of style. Casual wear? He’d pick either plain black or white tee and a comfty pair of jeans.
Aside from fashion and style, music is one of our partners in crime when it’s raining. It’s where our “pa-deep thoughts” and “personal hugot” comes to life, whilst drinking a cup of hot coffee, looking outside the window.
Dexter shared his [Top 5 Sweater Weather Playlist].
1.      You Give Me Something (James Morrison, “Undiscovered” album, 2006) I can listen to James Morrison all day. He’s got this distinct voice and timber with every words, every line, that gives the right emotion to everyone who listens to his songs. This song talks about someone who’s ready to risk everything and give everything he’s got even if all in their relationship’s a blur. But that’s what love can do. It brings out the courage we need to be with the people we love.
Favorite line: “For every piece of me that wants you, another piece backs away.”
2.      Daylight (Kelly Rowland, “Ms. Kelly” album, 2007) I literally first heard this song over the radio on a rainy morning. Like, around 4am. It was so cold and I’m wrapped up in my comforter. Kelly Rowland’s voice is way too sexy for a weather like this. But it really works. Gives me the after party feels with my friends as we watch and wait for the sunrise. Bed weather songs doesn’t have to be all slow and lazy.
Favorite line: “And it looks like daylight's gonna get me up again…Most people like getting up when I'm just getting in.”
3.      Paris Nights/New York Mornings (Corinne Bailey Rae, “Corinne Bailey Rae” 2010) I’ve always been a huge fan of Bailey Rae. She’s a goddess. It’s actually hard to pick a song from all her albums I’d like to include in this list. Corinne is actually the best choice to listen to during the gloomy season. Especially when you walk your way to a café to grab a cup of coffee, in your favorite stylish coat or sweater.
Favorite line: “We were young and we didn’t know.”
4.      The Walk (Mayer Hawthorne, “How Do You Do,” album, 2011) Well this one’s a break up song with a Motown arrangement which automatically brings you back to the good old days of the 70’s. Mayer Hawthorne is probably one of the best and most unique crooner I’ve heard. Also a perfect travel anthem, especially when you’re stuck on traffic.
Favorite Line: “So long you did me wrong.”
5.      Habits (Stay High) (Tove Lo, “Queen of the Clouds,” 2014). This is probably one of the saddest songs I’ve heard. The hardships of being the one ghosted out, left and broken, and the truth about heartbreak. It’s not that I can totally relate to ToveLo’s ill feelings towards her ex lover but her delivery, her voice, it’s just so transparent that it pricks you till you feel as numb as her, as drugged and drunk as her. This song is crazy addicting. It’s actually my drunk song. You know. Songs we sing in our most vulnerable hour haha.
Favorite line: Staying in my play pretend, where the fun ain’t got no end. Can’t go home alone again, need someone to numb the pain.”
How about more of Dexter?Â
Who/What is your fashion inspiration?
Young entrepreneur Mike Concepcion for the sleek and dapper look. Kanye West and A$AP Rocky for the street style men’s wear, Rihanna for the attitude. Like, I’d always ask myself whenever I can’t decide what to wear, “What would Rihanna wear?”
Do you consider yourself sensitive when it comes to (daily look) fashion? Why?
Sensitive is not the right term. There comes a time when you waste your time staring at your wardrobe. I can be very indecisive. I’d wear like a couple of ensemble and take it off right after simply because I can’t imagine myself walking on the street wearing those. It also depends on my mood siguroJ
What is your signature fashion style?
I actually have no idea. My friends would always tell me, “Hey I saw this cool shirt at the mall and ikawnaalalako. Ganunmgatipuhin mo eh.” I guess, I’m a layer slayer when it comes to styling. I love drapes. Dark shades. The darker, the better. It speaks sophistication to me.
Top 3 must have/should wear when it is raining?
1.      We all have that signature hoodie we always wear and never wash.
2.      Trench Coat, if you’re feeling extra dapper and have that New Yorker vibe in you.
3.      Boots. And a cool pair of printed socks.
 How far can you go with fashion?
I don’t wanna be called a fashionista. 2015 na. People don’t coin that term anymore. I just wanna be myself and obey my own taste when it comes to styling. I can’t see myself like those fashion personalities we see on magazines and tv. I can’t see myself wearing heels even if they call it men heels. Haha. No sir. Nope.
When it is raining, what do you prefer to:
Do? Go online. Sleep. Eat. Listen to music. Create a mixtape. The usual human cat.
Watch? Chick flicks. Sue me.
Eat/Drink?ANYTHING.Foodie knows no season when it comes to eating hahaha
Define your rainy season fashion statement?
If I were to define it in a week… I’d say, lazy Monday, lazy Tuesday, formal Wednesday, lazy Thursday, stylish Fridays, will-walk-the-runway Saturdays, homeless hippie Sunday.
“Cover up. But calm the f*ck down. Don’t dress as if winter is really coming.” - Dexter Balita
Such a good statement to end The Premier Issue.Â
