Kanye West by The Sartorialist

Kanye West by The Sartorialist

Ok, it's either you love Ye or you hate Ye.

I kinda like the old Kanye, more dapper. Not the layer after layer after layer after layer. This is definitely one of my favorite looks of Yeezus.

Again, this look is not for all, and that is why I like it a lot! Rolled up sleeves, long back, crisp white shirt, so much win! I JUANT this shirt! Imma make this happen. I just need a sip of confidence and head over to my favorite tailor this weekend. If only I had done this a few weeks back, this could have been my halloween costume. Although, I don't have any parties to go to, I can still rock it any day.

Thank you Mr. West.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

Puma Disc Rendering

Puma Disc Rendering

I really really really enjoyed my manual rendering and freehand drawing classes. The students were super talented!

The freehand class were freshmen, straight from high school with minimal experience in drawing. They have God-given talent alright, but needed guidance and development.

The manual rendering class, on the other hand, was a mix of sophomores and juniors. A little stubborn but they so do have skills! 

So I was just rendering away (image above) as they were busy doing their plates when one student saw what I was doing and approached me, "Sir, what is that?!" With big, round, enthusiastic eyes, they all looked and wanted me to teach them how to use Kurecolor markers. This was the freehand class, by the way. I said, "Sure, if you finish your plates on time, I'd be glad to."

I asked both my classes before the term ended and asked them, "Did you ever think that you could do this and be this good?" They said in reply, "Umm... no sir. Thanks to you, now we can!"

I'm not here to brag but I'm glad I was able to encourage, develop, and guide my students in the most creative way I can. Oh, and that moment when they say "thank you, sir" before stepping out of the class room for the last time, was the best feeling ever.

Thank you God for making me an instrument of creativity, and using me to help and guide these students. Until the next opportunity.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

I'm Mr. Kamote, and I'm a frustrated sneaker designer.

A Rough Sketch of the Nike Cortez

I'm Mr. Kamote, and I'm a frustrated sneaker designer.

This was a sketch done a while back when I was teaching manual rendering and freehand drawing to future Industrial Designers at the De La Salle College of St. Benilde. I had a blast teaching young, driven, enthusiastic sponges with what I have learned as a student and experienced as a professional. I hope I could teach again someday. My students miss me. Aww.

This was the time when I was sneaker lusting for the Cortez. I couldn't find a decent pair anymore, anywhere in the Philippines, until my wife and I went to Rockwell Powerplant Mall. My wife was in the salon and I had nothing else to do. I wasn't really expecting anything from PROLINE sports store, it was more of a golf store than a sneaker store, although it has some new ones like Roshe Runs and Pegasus. So I happily went in.

Do you remember that moment when Jake Shuttlesworth came into the store to buy a fresh pair of Jordan XIs? That look on his face! I was like, sh*t, I'm never letting you go. You are mine. Best thing about it, it was on sale at Php 1,700+!!! So I ran back to my wife, politely asked for her permission (yes, you need to do that when you're married), and that sweet sound of "GO!" was just music to my ears.

Tried it. Bought it. Happy Kamote!

If it's meant for you, it will present itself to you. Just be ready to have cash.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

adidas SL Loop Runner Trail

adidas SL Loop Runner Trail

As per Sneakerpedia's definition, SL stands for Super Light. Well, mine stands for Sneaker Lust!

Demmet, this has taken over the place of my sneaker lust for the Nike Cortez! I think I may have decided too early to stick with subtle colors but this one is just too awesome!!! That sole, that speckled sole. That red, speckled awesomeness of a sole!!! Ugh. I. JUANT. YOU. RIGHT. NOW!!!

More on this beautiful creation at freshnessmag and is readily available online at adidas. Priced at $75, what more can you ask for?!

Dear Santa, I have been very good this year, I'd like to have a size 10 with both color ways please? Thank you.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: freshnessmag.com

Overkill x KangaROOS Coil R1 "Abyss Flip"

Overkill x KangaROOS Coil R1 "Abyss Flip"

It's a little weird if there's a kangaroo on your feet and not the usual swoosh, three stripes, N, etc. This one, definitely, is an exception.

Ok, why is it an exception? It's a collab with Overkill, it's aqua, the silhouette is classic and it's not for everybody, and the quantity is limited to 50 pairs individually numbered! Talk about exclusivity.

More on this online at Overkill's and hypebeast (my daily source of sneaker oxygen).

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: hypebeast

Native Shoes "Apollo Hand Dyed" Collection

Native Shoes "Apollo Hand Dyed" Collection

Native Shoes has finally caught my attention. The grey one just greeted me with "come and get me."

I like them all three. I JUANT them all!!! One for casual, another one for everyday use and the other for office. Yeah why not?! This limited edition will certainly be flying off the shelves at select retailers when it releases this coming November.

More on these Native awesomeness at hypebeast.com.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: hypebeast

Mr. Kamote's Top 10 Basketball Sneakers

Mr. Kamote's Top 10 Basketball Sneakers

Grade School and High School was the time when us kids wanted nothing but basketball sneakers. We wanted the freshest pair. We wanted the craziest. We wanted to look cool on and off the court. We wanted to be popular.

Gone are the days when I went crazy over them. I rarely get excited about basketball shoes now because there's no more MJ, CB, Pip, GP that ruled the hardwood floor. BUT, there are some exceptions like KB and KD, of course.

Talking about my own Top 10 basketball sneaks is kinda hard because I have a lot in mind. There are a lot of JUANTS but these 10 are sure fire my favorite pairs.

1. Nike Air Force Max - Worn by Sir Charles and the Michigan Fab5, this pair is no doubt my all time favorite. I used to be at the power forward position but then some kids woke up and decided to be taller all of a sudden. Pfft.

2. Nike Kobe 9 Elite Low Multicolor - Ok this pair certainly have the best of both worlds. Performance and style! With the flyknit upper, man, this pair is gorgeous! Too bad Nike pulled out the multicolor. Pfft NikeID. No doubt, it looks good on and off the court.

3. Jordan IX - I hated this when it first released. It looked like his airness suddenly wanted to become a boxer. Then I came to realise, stared at it a coupe of times, tried it on, oh man, I was definitely wrong! This is my favorite Jordans.

4. adidas Crazy 8 - Kobe wore this while sporting an afro. That dude looked cool! Do I want to be like him? Nah. I respect you, though.

5. Jordan XI - To me, this has the best design ever. Tinker Hatfield is definitely one of my heroes. I would like to meet him someday, oh and his airness too.

6. Nike Air Zoom Flight 95 - This shoe was like out of this world! Jason Kidd was fun to watch back then and he annoys me now especially what he did with the "Hit me" thing. Tss, class act, Mr. Kidd. Ok fine, I forgive you.

7. Reebok the Question - This was worn by Iverson when he made Jordan dance. Everybody remembers that. For me, that was when AI truly made a name for himself.

8. Reebok The Blast - Doesn't this look cool?! I'm such a fan of the black and white colorway. Nick the Quick wore it making treys and slashing through the lane.

9. adidas Superstar 2G - My taste in basketball sneakers gradually changed from flashy to subtle, and I wasn't looking up to the stars anymore. My heroes were the 6th man, or even the reserves. Mario Elie played a big role in winning the championship with Houston and with San Antonio.

10. Nike KD 6 - This was like something fresh for me with the yellow/teal colorway. Low cut with a big swoosh, it reminds me of a soccer boot. It's so simple, it works. Then they released the PB&J. Now that's wow.

If I were to have any of the pair mentioned, Imma go with the Kobe 9 Elite Multicolor.
Why? Just look at it!


Stay tuned for more Top 10s.


Mr. Kamote
Less Talk. More Juants.


Photo Credit: google

Vans Authentic Floral

Vans Authentic Floral

I miss wearing Vans. I used to rock them when I wanted to be different from the rest. I still do, though.

Before everybody started wearing all the hype, Vans was like the sh*t! The checkboards slip-ons, zapatos, authentics, eras, sk8-hi's, you name it, I had it. But then, of course, we all want something different from time to time. I wanted to try something else but that's a different story.

I saw this image when I was browsing through tumblr and instantly fell in love with the pair! Us men are no longer afraid of wild prints and bright colors. You can easily pair these with long sleeves to t-shirts, and jeans, slacks, shorts, anything (preferably plain because you don't want to over do it). So I liked it, reblogged it, now, I juant it!

More on this awesome pair at highsnobiety and Vans online, selling at $55!

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: tumblr and highsnobiety

fragment design x Nike Sock Dart

fragment design x Nike Sock Dart

Let's start the week right, again! Just look at this awesomeness. Wow.

My usual routine of internet window shopping is to go immediately straight to hypebeast and all the other sites that I go to, and fill in my imaginary shopping cart with everything that I juant with my imaginary money and sulk. Yup.

Aside from drooling over these juants, I also go deeper into the concept, design, or for whatever reason makes it interesting for me. Don't you just want to know what's on Hiroshi Fujiwara's mind?! Oh man, when he creates, he delivers! Just by looking at the Nike Sock Dart, it makes you wonder what's his design inspiration is, where does he get his ideas from, why this particular colorway, blah blah. All these questions come into mind but I can set that aside first and continue drooling over those pair.

I'm really hoping to see an all black upper with speckled soles (fingers crossed) colorway, now that's definitely a BIG JUANT or maybe a multi-colored kinda flyknit colorway! Gasp.

How about a 306 Shanghai colorway, oh sh*****t!!! Doesn't it look comfy? Doesn't it look awesome?! I'm pretty sure it's like butter and your feet will just slide in.

Oh Lord, please let me have one, or two, or the LD-1000 Roshe, too. Ugh. 

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: hypebeast

The adidas SL Loop Runner Munich Unboxing

The adidas SL Loop Runner Munich Unboxing

My first ever unboxing of awesomeness. Please click here for the video. Hopefully this won't be the only unboxing I'll be doing. I had fun making this video with the help of my iPhone 5 and Splice Video Editing app. Hope you like it!

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Nike Spring Flyknit Lunar 3

Nike Spring Flyknit Lunar 3

Why, Nike? Why? Why Women's only? Nah, I'm sure you're going to release for us too, right? Oh please do!

The colorway on this one is spot on! Definitely, a JUANT! Just wear your favorite joggers or pinrolled jeans, and a black shirt and you're ready to go. This would be crazier if it had the racer soles. Man, that would definitely take the cake.

Set to be released this coming February 2015, I'm pretty sure everybody can't wait that long. More on this feature at hypebeast.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: hypebeast.com

adidas SL Loop Runner Black/Black

adidas SL Loop Runner Black/Black

This pair just speaks to me and it says "buy me!" 

When a good friend of mine tagged me at Extra Butter NY's instagram post, I had nothing else to say but #thatssokamote. I JUANT this so bad! I never really liked the all black colorway on sneakers except this pair, the ZX Flux and my kamoteATBP project - SPATS. 

The adidas SL Loop is currently my favorite. With the simplicity and innovativeness of the design, the loop lace holes are just brilliant, not to mention the affordability of each pair, selling at $75.

I hope I can make you mine.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: Extra Butter NY

Ms. Edith Oliveros, (May 8, 1938 - October 14, 2014)

Ms. Edith Oliveros, (May 8, 1938 - October 14, 2014)

This time, I'm going to blog about a heroine of mine. No JUANTS, just praise and thanksgiving.

She is Edith Oliveros, a very creative, inspiring, I laugh with you kind of individual. She is my aunt. She has gone through a lot in her 76 years. She has brushed elbows with socialites, partied with politicians, shopped with royalties but she kept herself humble and simple. She just wanted to hear a joke and spend every peso in her available sms balance to everyone so that they could all laugh with her. She also has been through hard times but cancer couldn't put her down. She went through all of these and won because she was filled with positivity.

She doesn't like wearing shoes (a total opposite of me), she doesn't like wearing make up but she would make time and fix herself up for you. But what she likes is to share stories with you. Anything that interests you, she will listen while she flips through cable channels continuously.

She had an interior design studio where the staff was like a one big family. They would have costume parties, theme parties, out of town trips, you name it! Everybody had a great time at the studio. Some of the staff told me that if boss got mad or frustrated, she'd fly off to the US, and come back with pasalubong (treats) for everyone, forgetting the reason she fled was because of them. Haha! She is still boss to everybody because they respect and love her.

She was like a second mom to me. I'd run to her for creative related stuff, talk about life, money, and how to make life less complicated. I asked her if I should study interior design so I could continue her legacy. She politely said no and told me to pursue my dreams and make my own legacy. "You'll never know what's going to happen if you don't try new things, learn new things and make new things. Do good because you're really talented. You'll make your own name eventually." I learned a lot from her. I never thanked her enough for who I am and what I am now but because I'm here now, here you go Tita, thank you very much.

I love you, Tita Boss. May you rest in peace.

JAMMY

Menswear Dog

Menswear Dog

This dog is definitely richer than me.

Bodhi, the 5 year old Shiba Inu, is making a whopping $15,000 USD every month! With the help of his owners, Kim and Fung are just brilliant by making him wear all this clothes and take pictures of him. Well-known brands have been calling and booking him ever since they started in tumblr.

Now I seriously JUANT a dog. I miss having a dog. I just saw a fluffy puppy yesterday on the way to the office. I wanted to steal it, hug it, squeeze it, until it di... until it makes my day! HA!

More on this adorable pooch at HUH.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: HUH Magazine UK

fragment design x Nike Roshe LD-1000

fragment design x Nike Roshe LD-1000

Ang. Ganda. Wow.

Now this is what I'm talking about. Old school meets new school = classic!

Look at how beautiful it is. Perfectly worn with joggers to make it standout. But I have a problem with the tongue, though. The foam is going to wear out as time goes by. I had the same problem with my Montreal Racers. I still love 'em, and still my favorite!

Be sure to check it out at NikeLab real soon!

More on this awesomeness at hypebeast.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: hypebeast

Nike Air Pegasus 83/30 iD

Nike Air Pegasus 83/30 iD

Now this is super, ultra, most definitely a JUANT!

We all loved the Nike Air Pegasus 83/30 Flash Lime/Blue Hero when it was released last year for its 30th Anniversary. We all went bonkers for it! Resellers went crazy too with their prices online! Some of us were lucky enough to purchase this in retail for $100. I was one of them, ALMOST. I had it in my basket already then I checked a few seconds after, it was gone. OUCH. Now that we have to say farewell to that awesome colorway (please restock), thank you Nike for making this pair a part of the NikeID.

Yes, thank you Nike. Priced at $135, now we won't look like anyone else, but we must release our inner designer. This is what I came up with, I'm happy with it, I'm proud of it, I love it, I JUANT it!

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: NikeID

KITH x One Stroke "Genesis"

KITH x One Stroke "Genesis"

I knew it! The long shirts will be a hit real soon. Thank you Mr. Ronnie Fieg.

New York's KITH and Japan's One Stroke collaborated on a must-have collection. From shirts, bottoms, jackets, and other accessories, it sure is a "pretty enormous collection" as per highsnobiety's post.

I'm eyeing on the 2 shirts only. It's new, different, and not everyone will wear it. Set to launch this October 25 at Kith's store and online.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: highsnobiety.com

Club Monaco x Saucony

Club Monaco x Saucony Courageous

Club Monaco x Saucony Shadow Original

Why do I JUANT thee? Let me count the ways...

• It's Saucony, not everyone here wears the brand

• It's a classic

• Clean, simple, subtle but with lots of character

• It's different from what everybody is wearing

• It's a new collaboration

• The Courageous (top photo) is non-common model

• Oh the speckles!

• It's definitely a JUANT!!!

• There are other models to choose from

Too bad, you can't wear this if you're commuting. It will just be stepped on by cheap ugly shoes. Pfft.

The Courageous is selling at $129 and the Shadow Original is at $65. Not bad! Do visit Club Monaco's website and freshness for more info.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants. 

Photo Credit: freshnessmag.com and Club Monaco

size? x adidas Originals ZX Flux NPS Weave

size? x adidas Originals ZX Flux NPS Weave

Oh size?, you're at it again! Brilliant brilliant pair you got here.

Honestly, it looks like a banig (a Filipino woven mat) and I definitely JUANT it. If only the woven part is on the whole body of the shoe, I would go bonkers on this one! Not to mention the laser cut three-stripes, man, this shoe is just awesome! Also, I would swap the laces of the bright yellow to the black shoe to make it stand out.

Set to be released on October 24 exclusively at size?'s website so be sure to check it out.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juant.

Photo Credit: freshnessmag.com

INSTRMNT Kit Watch

INSTRMNT Kit Watch

They say, "Instead of buying all these different watches, buy an investment watch, it never depreciates."

That's not a problem. I have a few in mind and I would JUANT to own one. The problem is, where do I get the money? And that kind of watch costs like a second hand car already, or maybe a downpayment for an apartment. Oh, priorities.

Good thing these days, there are great, simple, cool watches that everyone can afford. That is if they can get past the G-Shock (no offense but you need a nice dress watch too).

INSTRMENT is not for everyone, though. DIY? "Ain't nobody got time fo' dat!" But for me, this is awesome! Something different, something simple, something unfamiliar, something to get my adult motor skills going.

More on the INSTRMNT Watch at selectism.com.

Mr. Kamote

Less Talk. More Juants.

Photo Credit: selectism.com