Cebu’s 10 best-dressed men

People always say you are what you wear. But I have often wondered why several men undermine themselves from head to toe, from bad haircuts to rundown shoes, and even from poorly chosen clothes to the use of excessive jewelry of all sorts. They should realize that discrimination by appearance is a fact of life, for in our society the initial impression, that is created with the correct clothes, is influential in business and social success. Or is it because they think concern with the way they look would seem to be un-macho?

I beg to disagree. On the contrary, men who dress the way they appropriately should, often receive courtesies without having to ask for them. They get greater attention and usually get quicker service, from waiters to sales assistants, and more favorable looks, from friends, colleagues, clients and, above all, from women.

We have such gentlemen in Cebu. They express a unique personal style that suits the way they think and the life they lead.

Here’s my personal Top 10 list:

• Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama, a highly visible public figure, is a man who is constantly on the go. He does not fuss around but simply adheres to one basic rule. He abides by classic standards. The so-called neutral colors he adopts are always correct, and they harmonize excellently well no matter what the combination. His shirts are always lighter than the suit, while the ties are darker than the shirt.

• Style and a clean precise effect are essential considerations for lawyer Danny Deen. For elegant evenings, his preference is for a black double-breasted suit made of the finest material.

• As vice president of an international bank, Alex Pimentel makes every particular effort to coordinate perfectly well his suits with his shirts and ties. He keeps his personal appearance more than just neat as possible.

• A useful piece of clothing one can own for the world of leisure are denims. One can wear them with any non-matching pants and look smartly dressed for anything, from a basketball game to dining at casual restaurants. Take it from businessman Douglas Luym.

• The family of Michael Lhuillier is in the jewelry business, and he knows too well that the basic rule about men’s jewelry is that less is better. Too much of it or the wrong pieces elicit a negative response from most. To illustrate, this gentleman’s watch is thin and plain. No diver’s watches and cheap expansion bands for him.

• Casual, comfortable attires are entrepreneur Bunny Pages’ favorites. He dresses within the framework of classic muted colors that maintain his look of quiet strength and assurance.

• Another denim lover is travel expert Steve Alfafara. Well-organized and efficient, he takes the time to relax in style, in smart casual and the ever reliable classical white T-shirt.

• Many men feel happier in less intense clothing. Philip Rodriguez, Cebu’s top designer, manages to consistently look good all day and all night with the right choice. He looks for luxurious materials and high-key contrasts of colors. At other times he opts for one solid color, a linen black shirt with black trousers.

• Because his leisure time is spent in the most outdoors-y way, Michael Jordan, the general manager of Alegre Beach Resort, choo-ses plaid or striped fabrics with handsome texture and natural earthy colorings. Synonymous with his surroundings, he looks cool, casual and pleasant.

You have just met nine of my choices for the desired power look. You may be wondering who the tenth is. That’s for you to guess.