Hello, big spenders

MANILA, Philippines - Many of us living in Manila have come to accept that people go nuts every payday. Payday for the general population stuck in EDSA means there’s finally time for loved ones, cash to pay off some bills and, best of all, the time to reward oneself with the great timing of mall-wide sales. A reward can be a fancy dinner in the latest blogged-about restaurant, a new smartphone to update that 10-month-old dinosaur of a gadget or a designer bag that has been pinned numerous times on Pinterest.

But for the lucky ones with deep pockets, there is no such thing as a payday and the sky is the limit when it comes to treating the little decadent devil in them. For those who can afford all the finer things in life, there are certain things that seem finer than the rest and fall under their swag folder. Be it dancing purebred horses or solid gold sports cars, we should just respect how these big spenders choose to blow their hard-earned money (not talking about you, corrupt politicians) and quietly judge in the corner and hope they realize sharing is also caring. Here are some of the flashy big spenders that remind the public that if you work extra hard, you can go nuts too.


Brand central station: The fa$hionable walking seven figures

This is the most attainable and popular form of big spending since an “it” bag or gown costs as much as a middle manager’s salary, not to mention the abundance of online sales and Johnny Air Cargo. You can’t blame these people since Thomas Muller once said, “Good clothes open all doors.” Unfortunately, for many, the doors lead to the detention cell of fashion victims. People won’t break their backs for classic pieces with no branding. They need monogrammed luxury goods, gold-plated letters, red soles and tiny polo players to say, “This person has a ton of cash.” Respect, or take her photo for your blog. We hope their expensive choices in clothes are consistent with the quality of their homes, the structure that houses them longer.

Agenda: To look good, feel good and hopefully land on a best-dressed list that shows you have style and money (or a credit limit that allows installment)


Life peg: Red-carpet regulars desperate for attention, like any of The Real Housewives, or any fashion designer who hasn't filed for bankruptcy. So Lindsay Lohan and the Dolce & Gabanna boys are out.

Always seen at: Any place with intelligent sales associates, carpeted dressing rooms and a working cash register


Head over wheels: The golden gear heads

It seems like an international protocol that one must purchase a luxury car when he or she hits the big time. Having a fancy car, especially on this side of the planet, grabs everybody’s attention from the toddler who is old enough to say “Benz” to the over-aged slacker who still pimps his college cruiser. Besides, for those who are not blessed with Henry Cavill’s looks, the pain of waiting for a luxury car to pass through customs with a vanity plate from LTO is preferable to the pain of going through a total overhaul from a plastic surgeon. For those who can blow millions on a sports car but can’t afford a driver or valet parking, there is still a thrilling factor in showing off their remote car keys.

Agenda: Fulfill the need for speed, appreciate automotive wonders or, if we believe our elders, to compensate for another rod.


Life peg: Steve McQueen (press release), Ralph Lauren, the Sultan of Brunei or any rapper who just got a big, fat paycheck.


Always seen at: International Auto shows or around the gated community giving one of their four-wheeled babies a spin.

Wild at art: The art collector

Suddenly, everybody is talking about buying art or bragstagramming their art fair finds, thanks to a thriving art market across the globe. Buying art for many is like sending out a message that one has taste… or an art dealer who has taste. Some take it to another level like a controversial real estate scion’s private collection of the most expensive selfies. Other big spenders actively work on their art lover status and continue to insist that he knows more the usual suspects named after the streets of Corinthian Gardens. We just hope these spenders also take care of artists, hoard that results to high demand or lessen the value of artworks due to oversupply.

Agenda: To appreciate different works of art, to decorate space, to launder money or just have a reason to go to places like Miami for art fairs

Life peg: François Pinault, Charles Saatchi, Paulino Que

Always seen at: International art fairs, auction houses and gallery openings

Land, ahoy!: Surreal estate lovers

German poet Christian Morgenstern once said, “Home is not where you live but where they understand you,” and a lot of flashy spenders (especially women) want to be understood in numerous places from houses in the villages of Manila to apartments in big cities abroad. This separates the men from the boys since real estate is the most expensive and, often, the wisest investment among the rewards. For serious “house makers,” buying land in a prime area and hiring the media-shy power architect overseas is not enough. Decorating is the activity that suddenly brings out different personalities they never thought existed in them. Who cares if they don’t know how to fry an egg? Check out the Italian kitchen that can cost enough to eradicate malnutrition in Mindanao! And who knew this person had the attention span to listen to music with the spare room that houses expensive audio equipment and newly acquired vinyl jazz records?

Agenda: To create a home, to have an escape, to invest in something long-term or to be featured in a luxury magazine that needs to fill their section on country homes.

Life peg: The Kennedys


Always seen at: Their own homes where everything is there to entertain them and since people flock to them for parties anyway


Around the world in 80 currencies: The traveling monogram-luggage-toting jetsetter

For any human being, to travel is a luxury since it involves time, which is the most priceless thing in the world. For flashy spenders, not only can they afford the time to be away from responsibilities, but as well as ridiculous itineraries or reasons to hop on a plane. From glamping in an African nation, gambling in Asia or food tripping in Europe, one can’t help but envy not only their traveling outfits but travel memories that do not involve long, painful road trips, horrible cattle-class airplane food or lodging in disgusting motels.

Agenda: To have a life rich with experience, to find one’s self, to bond and educate the family or to update their social media accounts

Life peg: Any Discovery or NatGeo superstar

Always seen at: Airports or the less-traveled-road (Read: Not budget airline-friendly)