The Style Audit

Tell us about yourself and what you’re up to.
I’m Diet. I’m from the Philippines and I’m an accountant. My job is very boring and I need to have a good time once in a while, so I’m here for a holiday (laughs) I’m also going to be watching a concert by a Filipino artist named Maki. He actually dresses like this! (gestures at self).

I had already booked my trip here for a holiday, and it just so happened to coincide with his concert. I love supporting local Filipino artists, especially him, because he has a very good fashion sense that I take a lot of inspiration from.

What do you love doing to unwind outside of work?
I like reading, especially fiction! My all-time favourite book is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I actually have a huge poster of it, signed by the author Benjamin Alire Sáenz himself!

What else is on your itinerary for your trip here?
I want to check out the Merlion! To me, it’s like a requirement so people know that I was in Singapore, and that I took a photo with it. I’ll also be going to Universal Studios!

I’m not super familiar with the food here yet, but I went to Amoy Street Food Centre and tried some Chinese food there—this noodle dish with boiled eggs and pork. It’s actually very close to the local Filipino palate, so I loved it!

You mentioned that your style is inspired by Maki; where else do you get inspiration from?
It’s mostly him, but there’s also a booming P-pop industry in the Philippines right now that’s really inspired by K-pop. It’s slowly taking its own shape, so I take a lot of inspiration from P-pop as well.

Beyond that, I enjoy going to upcycle bazaars and thrift shops! I actually just went to a bazaar a week ago called Vintage Discoveries. I’ve noticed there’s a lot of streetwear here in Singapore, and it’s not very far from what I see back in Manila.