Table of contents for June - July 2015 in Da Man

Has anyone noticed the shows on TV these days? I sometimes marvel at how many marginal characters are now taking lead roles, which wasn’t the case, say, ten years ago. There is something progressively changing, and it seems to be going toward the right direction, to say the least. Take for instance the popular comedy series “Fresh Off the Boat” that recounts the childhood of chef Eddie Huang. Actor Randall Park, who played the character’s father, sat down and chatted with us about how some of the scenes in the show were all too real for him as an American-born Korean. For instance, just like Eddie in the show, he once showed up at school with a packed Korean lunch that, to his schoolmates, looked appalling. While scenes like this…

Ain’t No Sunshine With summer just right around the corner, it’s time to stock up on trusted sunscreens. Pick a moisturizer with high SPF content if you intend to stay in town throughout the warmer days. But for active travelers who are looking forward to long weekends in Bali or summer holidays elsewhere, make sure you’re well equipped with sweat-proof and, if possible, waterproof sunblock. Guys with sensitive skin shouldn’t fret, as plenty of products in the market will help protect your skin from unwanted UV rays sans unwanted side effects. Take the sting out of fun under the sun for the months ahead. 3Most RECOMMENDED 1 There are sunscreens and there are sunscreens for dry skin. Clinique for Men SPF 21 Moisturizer is a dual-purpose moisturizer that both hydrates…

Camera for the Savana Special edition cameras are sort of a Leica tradition, which continues this year with the Leica M-P 240 “Safari” Edition. Now, “limited edition” usually means “extremely expensive,” and while the Safari is by no means cheap, you’ll actually save money over buying the camera and lens separately at regular prices. Besides, the kit comes with a premium leather strap, matching leather SD card holders and a unique olive green color scheme for the camera itself along with exclusive engravings. Of course, interested photographers might have to literally hunt down the Safari as only 1,500 sets have been made available. Fourth Time’s a Charm Sony’s Xperia Z series is basically a long string of success stories, including its tablet line. The Xperia Z4 Tablet proudly continues this…

Being the only Indonesian artist featured in Art Basel Hong Kong’s “Discoveries” section this year, Bagus Pandega is definitely an emerging artist to watch. Just like an alchemist, he has mastered the art of assembling various, oftentimes unthinkable, objects to create complicated installations. Experimentation and the element of surprise are two elements that have consistently been present in his creative process, as the results always depart from his initial ideas. You studied sculpting, but you have been creating installations. What caused the shift? As a matter of fact, installation is another form of three-dimensional art and an extension of sculpting. I find totemlike items in sculpting unappealing, so I expand the dimension by adding movement, voice or light. By doing so, the variables are always changing, and the limitation in…

“WITH EVERY SECOND THAT PASSES, EVERY REPETITION I DO, I CAN FEEL MORE AND MORE BLOOD PUMPING INTO THE MUSCLES THAT I’M PUTTING TO WORK” After many years of training with free weights, I was never able to feel completely in control of my body and mind. After switching to an all calisthenics routine, I’ve felt many profound changes throughout my days. These are the biggest changes that I’ve noticed. Free weights used to zap my energy, but with calisthenics my energy seems to increase at a steady rate. I’m sure the energy levels will plateau eventually, but when would that be? The energy I have now is tremendous; any more energy and I may get misdiagnosed with ADHD. How can one contribute the increased energy levels to calisthenics? Think…

For many professional athletes, legends and benchwarmers alike, the end of their days on the field marks the start of a decline toward obscurity. Perhaps there’s an endorsement deal or two down the line, or maybe even a coaching job. But for most athletes past their prime, the clock of fame is ticking its last couple of tocks. Such is not the case, however, for Eric Cantona. Hailed as “the greatest center forward the world has ever seen” and still drawing passionate crowds wherever he goes, “The King” continues to reign supreme well past his glory days. He is now a permanent fixture of French cinema and has, more recently, become the brand ambassador of luxury watchmaker Hautlence. It needs to be pointed out, though, that he is more than…

Grooming Fidel Fernández Model isaac Weber/ new York Models Production DeeBee evolution (marcosdomingo.com)…

Maruli Tampubolon is not exactly a big guy, although he is definitely ripped. And while he does draw attention to himself when he walks into a room, he basically looks and sounds just like one of the guys. But then, he sings. Even when it was only a couple of lines sung in the middle of a busy photo-shoot set, you could feel that it came from the heart. For a brief couple of moments, he was lost in his own world. The way he grinned when he saw a grand piano on set was also a clear giveaway that music was in his soul. Of course, singing is what he does nowadays, along with a bit of acting. “My first appearance came from Mirwan Suwarso, director of the ‘Jakarta…

Once upon a time, there was a little boy who loved ballet. His friends mocked him, called him names, but he persisted. Then one day, he was chosen from among thousands of other boys to play the role of a boy very much like himself: A boy who fell in love with dance in a world where boys were supposed to play sports. That role, as Billy Elliot in “Billy Elliot,” won that young boy, Jamie Bell, almost a dozen movie awards and paved the way for a long and illustrious acting career. So far, he has appeared in blockbuster action movies like “King Kong” and “Jumper,” he’s lent his voice (and done motion-capture work) for animated features like “The Adventures of Tintin,” and now joins the ranks of A-list…

In recent years, Tudor has confidently grown from strength to strength—or, to be exact, from style to style. After reviving the wonderful Heritage lines, this year, the Swiss brand launched a brand new line that intertwines with an enchanting background story providing powerful visual imagery for the curious beholder. The North Flag is an expedition-inspired timepiece, one that could accompany daring adventurers scouring the frozen tundra of the North Pole. Tudor being a traditional Swiss watch house, the design remains easy on the eye with a 40mm stainless steel case and matt black finish dial. What the insiders raved about during this year's Baselworld, though, is the fact that this is the first Tudor timepiece that houses an in-house movement: MT5621 caliber. It is a self-winding mechanical movement that has…

As the weather gets warmer, stay cool and collected in a short suit. Together, shorts and a blazer can elevate a laidback summer look into something sleek, sharp but still comfortable. Admittedly, this unexpected pairing has fueled numerous debates. But don’t be hasty in ruling it out. Simply keep the two in different colors to make the whole look a little bit more casual. If you are still in doubt, take note of Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein Collection and 3.1 Phillip Lim’s spring/summer ’15 runways, or check out some stunningly stylish options from high-street brands like Zara and Topman.…

Spot-On Slip On Véronique Nichanian has been at the helm of Hermès for more than a decade, yet her casual luxury aesthetics has never been stronger. The creative director has been pairing suits with sandals before anyone else jumped on the bandwagon, and now she has subtly moved on to sporty—but still luxurious— styles. Case in point: Making quite a buzz after their appearance on the runway are the French brand’s sporty slip-ons. They are made from cotton canvas and complemented with leather trim. Thanks to the simple structure, the pair is utterly versatile and undoubtedly comfortable. Take a Bow Attention to detail is one of several virtues that can separate a master from the rest. Kean Etro definitely belongs to the former, as his fascination with food for Etro’s…

01 YOUR PHONE’S BFF Oh, sure, your trusty iPhone or Galaxy S4 does a perfectly decent job zooming in on distant objects and recording impromptu jam sessions. But if you’re looking to turn your phone into a more reliable photography/videography tool, then you might want to consider investing in a Phone PAAL. This frame allows phone-photographers to attach both zoom and wide lenses, high-gain microphones as well as a wide range of tripods and the ubiquitous selfie sticks. Even more accessories are currently in the works, including a lens hood and adapters for various commercial lenses. 02 POCKET-SIZE MOVIE CREW The problems with recording videos on an iPhone are, in no particular order, a permanently zoomed-in lens, an easily blocked mic and the fact that the slightest gust of wind…

“BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, DON'T WORRY TOO MUCH, THINK POSITIVELY" If your definition of an icon is “a star who pushes boundaries,” then look no further. Korean pop star G-Dragon has not only given a new flavor to the country’s pop music scene, he has also daringly experimented with his personal style. Having started his singing career since he was five, the singer-songwriter shot to fame as the leader of a boy band called Big Bang in 2006. The group spared no effort in their chart-topping performances and ushered in a new period of K-pop. G-Dragon eventually worked on his solo career and launched his first album in 2009. In 2013, he embarked on a world tour while collaborating with some of the music industry’s biggest names such as Skrillex, Missy…

1 The art of being a gentleman is one of nurture and not nature—at least, this is what John Bridges elusively conveys in “How to Be a Gentleman” (Thomas Nelson). Gentlemanliness is all in the details: the way one dresses, drinks, speaks, and, naturally, thinks. While not all points might seem relevant, this book can be quite an informative read. 2 Following the success of his muchlauded “The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails,” Alfred Tong gets downand-dirty with all things gentlemanly in “The Gentleman’s Handbook” (Hardie Grant Books). Good style and taste are two pertinent matters Tong scrutinizes in great detail, which are nicely accompanied by Jack Hughes’ artful illustrations. 3 “Original Man” (Gestalten) reiterates many leading examples of fashionable gentlemen. From Andy Warhol to Yves Saint-Laurent, these personalities become the…

“GERMAN CUISINE CAN EASILY BE IDENTIFIED FROM ACCENTS SUCH AS MUSTARD, ONION AND HORSERADISH IN THE COOKING” There is more to German food than sausages and beer. Not only is it the reality, but also a personal belief that Degan Septoadji, ex-head judge of “MasterChef Indonesia,” would share with any curious foodie he encounters. Having been brought up in Rheinland-Palatinate, western Germany, this chef knows German cuisine through and through. The ingredients, the cooking methods and the respect for food are three things he raves about when discussing about the basics of the cuisine. And it is not always Bavarian dishes, as he points out, since the country has adopted culinary touches from France, Turkey and many other influences—take, for example, the ubiquitous curry wurst. While reminiscing about growing up…

Liposuction is the surgical removal of excess fat, offering a better contour and shape to the body. As people gain and lose weight, certain areas of the body tend to develop deposits of unwanted fat that can be difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise. Liposuction can offer permanent removal of these fatty cells. Liposuction can be performed on patients of any age, but the best results are seen in patients who have skin that has not lost its elasticity—i.e. the younger the skin, the better the result. GOOD CANDIDATES To be a good candidate for liposuction surgery, you should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. Liposuction is not a substitute for overall weight loss, nor is it an effective treatment for cellulite—a…

Styling Assistant Triska Putri Styling Intern Cynthia Rosalin Grooming Ria Sambuaga Models Renato Freitas/Image Management and Samuele Francesconi/21mm Management…

Danielle Panabaker is a genius. As in, a genuine, no-nonsense genius who finished high school when she was only 14 years old and had a bachelor’s degree by 19. However, she fell in love with acting even earlier and has since appeared in a long list of movies spanning just about any genre. She’s also made it big on the small screen, particularly in 2005’s “Empire Falls” and now in the hit “The Flash” series. By the looks of it, though, what we’ve seen so far is only the start of a stellar showbiz career. DA MAN: Hi Danielle, a lot of viewers now know you as Dr. Caitlin Snow from “The Flash.” How did you end up joining the cast of these series? Danielle Panabaker: I met with the…

What comes to mind when you hear the words “training camp”? Military-styled boot camps? Survival training in the jungle? Well, apparently, there’s another kind of camp; one that John Stanton from Ninja Camp refers to as “experiential fitness holidays.” Ninja Camp, which is based in Bali and also operates as far as Guatemala and Iceland, is an apt illustration of this model. “Working out during a Ninja week is only a small part of the immersion,” Stanton explains. The fitness component at the camp focuses mostly on CrossFit workouts, but this is further supplanted by activities from surfing to free-diving and more. And food. In Ninja Camp, this means a private chef— Ninja Chef Josh Davies, to be exact—along with gourmet ingredients and exclusive food preparation classes. If that sounds…

Crème de la crème While all-white ensembles have been deemed the look of the season, cream shades can usher in a more polished feel to create splendid tonal attires. Designers have rolled out suits, sweaters, T-shirts and even trousers in cream, proving the versatility of the color for various styles. The best one, however, would be the pairing of rolled-up sleeves and cropped trousers, for just the right freshness under the summer sun. Flower Power When you think of summer, flowers in full blossom usually come to mind. In that sense, the fashion industry is no different. A myriad of floral shirts invaded the spring/summer ’15 runways, styled strikingly with bright-colored trousers and patterned pants. These daring moves are certainly influenced by the hippie trends from the ’70s. In 2015,…

HOW BIG, HOW BLUE, HOW BEAUTIFUL Florence + The Machine In the age of online streaming, good songs really come and go. Only those that are more than just aurally pleasing will remain on top of the game. In that light, Florence + The Machine’s latest album is a true masterpiece. The recording was conceived when singer Florence Welch went through a nervous breakdown, inspiring the deep, introspective lyrics resonating through powerful numbers such as “What Kind of Man” and “St Jude.” But the real beauty of this album is its coherence, as each song tells part of an unfinished story with missing dots that only another can complete. The artfully exquisite music videos also do the album justice and beautifully bring its evocative melodies to life. THE MAGIC WHIP…

This is one of those things that can be tough for even the closest of couples: the long distance relationship, where you have a partner but be lonely as heck. To make it through a short—or even long term—relationship, you have to be dedicated and persevering. Here are a few tips for making it. 1. PLAN THINGS OUT AHEAD OF TIME WITH YOUR PARTNER How are you going to keep in touch? How often will you contact each other? Do you want to talk during set days of the week, or just when your schedules permit it? Is there a plan for you to meet face-to-face? These are all key questions to ask, because you don’t want one person expecting daily contact, and the other expecting a quick chat once…

Creative Director Mitchell Nguyen McCormack Grooming Elie Maalouf at Jed Root using Kevyn Aucoin Styling Assistants Jaz Jenkins, Amber Blaufuss and Victor Brown Model Noah Teicher/LA Models…

There’s never a shortage of Asian-American stereotypes making the rounds in Hollywood—some funny, some not. Randall Park, however, has a penchant for taking on whatever clichés he can get his hands on, rolling with them and making them utterly hilarious. And that’s just him in the stand-up comedy circuits. In the realm of high-rating TV shows and blockbuster movies, Park is a force to be reckoned with. Even his earlier appearances in short films (“Dragon of Love,” for instance) are still fondly remembered by fans, while his more recent works (“The Interview,” as an example) have been nothing short of phenomenal. And it would seem that demand for his talent has been at an all-time high, as this year has been extremely busy for the father of one. Of course,…

Simplicity clearly shines in the design of Slim d’Hermès. Unlike most watches built on fictional background stories, this one doesn’t beat around the bush, that the watch inspiration comes from a new typeface created by Philippe Apeloig, one of foremost French graphic designers. The dial numerals are therefore the soul of this piece, which gets extended to various models, for women and men, quartz and automatic series, and more. Hermès also proves its watch-making prowess in the collection with an in-house ultrathin movement H1950 caliber set for the 39.5mm models. The automatic movement measures just 2.6mm slim, hence the apt moniker. The same movement is used on Slim d’Hermès Perpetual Calendar, which will remain accurate for decades since the calendar complication counts in days, months, years and even the leap…