Back To Cool

MANILA, Philippines - It’s not an unlikely occurrence to hear a fair amount of grumbling from adults about today’s generation being spoiled by instant gratification — we’re alI about getting what we want, and getting it now. True, we need to re-learn that faster doesn’t always mean better, and perhaps it would do us some good to decelerate our growing up.

We’re weary, but there is an unmistakable enthusiasm for getting an education beyond the academe’s four walls, and chasing after our dreams. Young STAR selects the back-to-school essentials for the new student.

In-Demand Supplies

Eco memo reusable Post-It — This eco-friendly version proves that there’s still room for improvement for the classic Post-It. (Available at Rustan’s Department Store).

Softcal solar calculator — Probably one of the most useful gadgets is a calculator that runs on solar power, because college algebra is no joke. (Available at Rustan’s Department Store).

Yummy Pockets hotdog pencil case — Yes, we do still use pens and pencils. Stow them away in a case that looks good enough to eat. (Available at Quirks)

MUJI pens, papers, notebooks — Nobody does minimalist cool like the Japanese — their stuff definitely won’t distract you from the tasks at hand (and there are bound to be a lot).

Stone Paper notebooks — In case you accidentally drop your notebook in a puddle (not impossible, given the unpredictable weather) or even in the laundry, you’ll be surprised to find that your notes on stone paper are still readable. (availble at Fully Booked)

Colorpia 24-colored pens from FUNctional — Color-code your notes or doodles with a set of pens that provide more colors than the rainbow.

Student Lap Desk — Whether you’re lounging in bed or cramming a paper on the floor, a lap desk provides convenience for the busy student. Who needs an office setup when you can kick back with a perfectly-sized desk? (Available at Make Room)

Weekplanner Home and wall sticker — You can’t call yourself a real student until you’ve experienced your first-ever all-nighter — and the next morning, you’ll want to remember your day’s agenda. It also saves you from the weight of carrying around a planner. (Available at Make Room)

Tech Tools For School

Mobile Wonder Universal USB — To keep a student sane, the standard essentials are usually phones, laptops, and music players. Since those can’t run the entire day without charging, this universal USB allows any device with a mini USB port to recharge and transfer data. (Available at Rustan’s)

Undercover laptop sleeve — It’s not a perfect world out there, which means it’s important to have a stealth laptop sleeve such as this one — it could fool anyone into thinking you’re carrying just a tattered old envelope. (Available at Quirks)

Suck UK touch screen stylus — It takes time to get used to touch screen devices, and a stylus solves that problem. (Available at Quirks).

All-The-Rage Storage

POCH — Stuff scrunchies, coins, and anything that will fit into this colorful purse, and save your little trinkets from gathering dust at the bottom of your backpack. (Available at Rustan’s)

Lex n Go Lunchbox — An expandable silicone lunchbox that’s out of the box. Pops into shape for the stuff you’ll end up popping into your mouth. (Available at Dimensione)

School of Satchel satchel — Sure, your top priority will be finding a way to get to the top of your class. But it doesn’t hurt to dress well while you’re conquering that elusive A. (Available at Heima)

Crumpler Messenger Bag — The messenger bag fits more than just the bare essentials — and since you’ll be spending more time at school , you’ll need more than just the bare essentials.

YADU bags from Yadu at The Collective — Here’s a cool alternative to an old backpack — they offer nearly every kind of bag you can think of, minus the consumer guilt.

…And Some School Coping Mechanisms

The Face Shop Herb Day cleansing wipes — School equals running multiple errands throughout the day, and since Manila isn’t exactly a breath of fresh air, these facial wipes should come in handy.

Crowded Teeth lunchbox — It’s a fact: students live in the culinary fast lane with budget constraints to boot. You can’t be blamed for wanting to bring your own food to class, especially when you keep it in this. (Available at Rustan’s)

Etude House MiniMe perfume stick — Because it comes in solid form, you can be sure that you won’t be asphyxiating anyone within a five-meter radius, even when you get carried away.

Papelmeroti Fitness Journal — Academics isn’t the only issue these days — all these trips to the beach whenever school concludes the term make fitness necessary. It’s also a lot easier to choose your outfits when you’re not busy worrying about a belly bulge and love handles stealing the show.

Bodum coffee and tea travel mug — Coffee isn’t the only staple beverage these days. With the growing popularity of tea culture, you know you’ll find a good use for the two-in-one mug. (Available at Dimensione)

“Akala mo lang wall nag slumbook peer merino, merino, merino!” notebook/slumbook from Witty Will Save the World, Co. Come on, you secretly wished these would make a comeback, too. (Available at Skitzo at The Collective)

The Essential

Penguin Classics edition of Noli Me Tangere from National Bookstore — It might be a tad easier to understand the depth of Noli in English compared to classic Tagalog, given the world of slang we now live in. It’s notable, too, because it’s the first piece from Filipino literature translated by the publishing house.