First of all, I just want to say that looking back at 2015 I have come to realize that a lot has happened last year. I resigned from my job to pursue this passion of mine. That is to create a brand that would house the coolest local (and hopefully international) brands and not only that but to also fulfill my dream of creating and designing items that I find interesting. 

People think it's pretty ballsy of me to stop my day job and rush into this. And yeah, it may be true but things happen for a reason and I would not have started this if these "things" didn't fall into place last year. Things happened last year that I never knew would happen and after everything, I am happy to say that people have stuck with me and even supported what I am doing now. I am grateful for these people. 

Secondly, last year I have been around the Metro meeting buyers, doing some sourcing, communicating with manufacturers and all that to launch my brand. Through those times I have always had my essentials with me where ever I go. I have decided to share with you guys a little bit about what I have on my back when I go around town to work. 

1. ) InCase Backpack- The City Compact Laptop Backpack is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It saved my laptop and belongings a gazillion times. With Manila's notorious stormy season, this backpack was handy to keep my valuables safe and dry. It may not be dirt proof (since its dark khaki) but it sure is waterproof. Worth every penny and it took me sometime to purchase this because IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO WAIT FOR MARKDOWN SEASON, folks. By the time I purchased it, the Manager already knew who I was so it was definitely a great investment. 

2.) Planner and Sketchbook- I'm very picky with my papers. I like it smooth and "strong enough" to handle ink and water. I always purchase a Muji Planner and I love the layout of their planner this year. I also always purchase the 3 Pack line-free notebooks of Moleskine. Perfect to sketch out my designs and illustrations. 

3.) JBL J22 In Ear Headphones (or earphones in general)- I can't live without them. 

4.) Wallet- I've had this wallet for 2 years.

5.) Pen Case- I design things that I believe I need and I always carry lots of pens and pencils. This is The Number 60 Pen Case in midnight blue.

6.) Coin Purse- The elephant coin purse was gifted to me by my boss. I use it daily whenever I commute. Appreciate the little things. :)

7.) TN60 x Lee Caces Pouch- I use the pouch to place my sunglasses in. I change sunglasses depending on my outfit or whenever I feel like it. 

8.) The Number 60 Leather Keychains- Yellow for my drawers and Blue for my cashbox. So it's easy and quick to determine which is which. 

9.) The Number 60 Kit- In Black. To keep it classy and organized. I am on-the-go so I bring all of my chargers with me and pack them in the kit so I won't confuse which wire is which. 

10.) Accessories- I never leave home without at least one of them.

Breaking down the accessories I've gathered throughout 2015: 

Back in my school days, I could never leave home without a watch until all of my watches' batteries died. I was gifted by my mother a Rolex but I could never risk my arm (or the watch itself) as I am always commuting. Truth be told I wore the Rolex one time when I went commuting and paranoia creeped up on me. So on the latter part of December, I decided to bring back the old days and start over with this old Casio watch that was gifted to me by my brother a few years back. After a few seconds or so, voila. The watch is alive. I now make it a habit not to leave home without it. 

The Miansai was also gifted to me by my brother as a Christmas present. I also want to keep it as a part of my essentials. I know the price of a Miansai, I like the style of it and I don't want it to gather dust.

These bracelets were bought on sale in Rockwell's Archaeology section. I was in my Yeezy phase of wearing monochrome outfits or tonal outfits and thought that I needed something to liven the outfits that I wear. Gold is best paired with them so I decided to "invest" on these accessories. 

On special occasions, I wear a necklace which I also bought in the same store in Rockwell's Archaeology section. That place always has something good in store. 

When I purchase things, I always want to make sure to make it my money's worth meaning I have to make it last for more than a year or two. If I don't then I am sure that I have wasted my money. I always think that purchasing something whether it be from H&M or a Miansai bracelet that I have to get my investment back. I'm very happy to say that I have items like a shorts from Topshop that I bought on SALE when I was still in high school that I still use up to this day. Now that's a GOOD investment. So there you have it. My 2015 Essentials in this post.