MANILA, Philippines - In the recently beatified words of Lea Salonga, as effused on Facebook: “Don’t call me Tita.” But why not? Who wouldn’t RSVP to a weekly brunch at Apartment 1B? If you’re not up for 10 a. m. mimosas, how about high tea at The Peninsula? You may ask: is this scone made for eating? Honey, of course it is. It may be hard as a rock but all your Titas would agree — it tastes great with jam and clotted cream.
In the age of the maturing Millennial and the impending quarter life crisis, a welcome alternative has come to light. From the rise and fall of the Superclub, dusk ‘til dawn ragers, the hubadera, and the endurance of bodycon — we’re choosing to eschew the recent past and rediscover the simpler (yet finer) things in life. Through the rigors of planned obsolescence, we’ve learned to embrace the luxury of sleep,
the modern civility of lunch, DIY, day beds, Crate & Barrel, scarves, the chaise lounge, turbans, and the many, many merits of gainful non-employment.
Here at YStyle, we believe in progress and the advancement of humanity — not least of all, the advancement of style. Skip the niblings, the godchildren, and go full-tilt tita. Whether you’re 15 or 50, androgynous or preppy, for richer, for poorer — there’s always a way to update, upscale, and merchandize your look. What better way to cope (and to cop) than to observe our seasoned subjects in their natural habitats.
Youth fades, style is forever. Now, who fancies an education on distorted stereotypes?
You do, darling. You do.
The Stepford Tita
Known for the best hostess gifts and the chicest dinner parties, this Tita is the ultimate domestic goddess. In-between obsessing over HGTV and maintaining two Pinterest accounts (one public, one private; for decor copycats), the Stepford Tita keeps busy with DIY interior design projects and kitchen experiments. As it goes, the style of the Town&Country set makes an emphasis for ease and versatility. Day to night dressing at its finest. Think refurbished Mom jeans, sensible shoulder bags, mixed with dasters fit for pambahay — making a strong case for the denim on denim comeback.
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM? At by invitation only fetes; you’re probably not on the list.
WHAT COMPANY TO KEEP? Confirmed bachelors with impeccable taste and well-curated Instagrams.
The society Tita
The style of the doyenne proffers the dictum of excess; nothing succeeds quite like excess. Be it born from the fruits of their own labor or the largesse of a benefactor, this Tita lives for fashion and the thrill of peacocking for an audience. The look is madame, Jewelmer joaillerie, maximal adornment, statement shoes and current season everything. The pre-event ritual begins roughly at 2 p. m. with a massage, a mani-pedi, a Kérastase hair masque, the requisite blow out: all before being red carpet-ready at 8 p.m. The doyenne’s answer to day dressing? The maxi-dress, a chunky necklace, and a child (be it your own offspring or otherwise) to ground your statement pieces back to Earth.
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM? The salon, S&R, or shopping at your neighborhood Ace Hardware.
WHAT COMPANY TO KEEP? Jewelers and designers. What husband?
Park Ave. Tita
Today’s pressing engagement? Lunch. The peers of Rockwell Drive are comprised of chauffeured young mothers, would be philanthropists/eco-entrepreneurs, and the self-employed family business proprietor. When the health of your bank account is assured, the scarcity of time becomes the ultimate luxury — hardly a concern when 90 percent is under your control. The peerage look is that of business; dressing smartly as if you were to do a bit of work, but at the end of the day, you really won’t. Key pieces are day clutches (large enough to fit a cheque book), all manners of keep-alls and
carry-alls, louche button downs, and wholesome skirts.
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM? Power Plant Mall. One Rockwell. Santis at Joya.
WHAT COMPANY TO KEEP? Thirty-something Rockwell-adjacent career women who can afford to have three hour lunches.
The Village Tita
The style of the village resident is relaxed and resort; an emphasis on boho shapes, punchy prints and crisp linen lines. Looks that ring true at Country Club appearances; replete with a single Tory Burch acrylic cuff and matching Reva flats. The key is to exude nonchalance and ease in your dressing, keeping accessories to a minimum. Make like Amal Alamuddin and bag that silver fox who lives right around the block.
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM?
In gated communities, poolside.
WHAT COMPANY TO KEEP?
Lifeguards imported from Spain.
Master Class Tita
With all due respect to our elders, the true keepers of advanced style are those whose way of dressing transcended with age. With hair teased to the high heavens, with every manner of chapeau, scarf, and turban, the style of the Master Class is finding one’s bliss at every point in time — an expression of living life to the fullest. Reserved exclusively for the young at heart.
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM? In your neighborhood.
WHAT COMPANY TO KEEP? Your lessers.
Tai-Tai Tea Club Tita
Caught in-between flights, the jet-setting ayis of Manila are all about the business of leisure — with a subtle nuance of one-upmanship. The style is continental and informed, but the look is built around the requisite arm candy. The newly bought Escada dress you wore to the Ting Hun amounts to nothing without the It-bag of the season — a limited-edition Givenchy Antigona sold
exclusively at Lane Crawford. From a Valextra clutch to a YSL Muse, you’re reduced to a materialistic
nobody if you can’t compete
with your aunties.
WHERE WILL I FIND THEM? Bi-weekly mahjong session,
otherwise abroad.
WHAT COMPANY TO KEEP? Bag snob competition.