Magazines / Metro Him, Rogue, T3, Sense and Style—August 2008

Click photos to supersize

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It's already mid-September (time flies so fast!) and I have so many overdue posts. So here they are, the rest of the August 2008 mags.
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Metro Him:





The Good: I'm impressed how most of our local magazines are well designed. I just happened to have my magaholic awakening during the time when magazines where, let's just say not as good as today's. Good paper and printing too. The editorials, articles and features are worth checking out. Especially the last editorial (see photo: 4th row from top), Cruise Control (photographed by Jason Peñaloza) and the article of Lourd de Veyra about how he's sick with Pinoy's achievements big or small (as always, a fun LdV read). Cool fonts too!

The Bad: Cool fonts, great photography, there's nothing much to rant about. Maybe the almost omission of Rocky Salumbides (a Filipino model who has done great work here and abroad) in the list of the top male models. Well. The editor explained why—he (Rocky S) was abroad at the time of the cover shoot. Good thing he came later and was somehow included in this issue (a 10-page ed shot by Aldwin Aspillera). Why so big deal? because this is the Phlippine Top Model issue and basically, he's just exactly that (and probably more). I've seen him in i-D (UK) and Style: Men (Singapore). Another (super minor but still): the Pepper Lunch feature was too short! hehe

Buy or Bye: Buy! Cool fonts, nice editorials, good read, beautiful printing, good paper..all check. It all depends on what your preferences are but in general, this is a good buy. Plus—if I'm not mistaken, this is still the current issue so there, another reason.
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Rogue





The Good: Rogue is ultimate. No matter who or what they feature, it's just good (azzin!). The page limit of the cover feature always seems to be unlimited (25-super pages of honey-ed Amanda Griffin [photographed by Mark Nicdao]. Ok, not all of the 25 pages honeyed hehe). It stayed true to its appetite issue mode because, well, it was appetizing in more ways than one! (I'll let your imagination interpret that hehe) The model boat feature is cool too—I liked the wave design. Loved the photos of Neal Oshima (chefs feature) and the travelog of Gutsy Tuason (he followed the journey of the tuna from the ocean to the restaurants). And oh, do I have to say again that the printing/paper is really nice?

The Bad: If you can only eat those burgers... If there's any, maybe it's getting a copy—it's quite hard.  I don't know who's attention to call but Rogue usually arrives late at the stores.

Buy or Bye: If you're a super foodie, run, don't walk, because it's September already.

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T3



The Good: I'm still loving the layout/design. (I cannot get over it!) hehe Especially those frames and x-ray style pockets.

The Bad: It's too young to be thinning! hehe Maybe it's the paper they're using (w/c is great too btw)? T3 used to be heavier and thicker. And oh, I'm still waiting for the return of the "gadgets from Japan/Korea/whatever only" page. hehe

Buy or Bye: Just get the September issue (preview/review coming later, i hope!) and just wait for a back issue. But if you like what you're seeing (or happen to look for a good Wi-fi phone), then go, hurry!
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Sense and Style






The Good: I loved the setting of the cover/main feature. The kitchen, stove, etc—the shoot has that Wallpaper* feel. The moment I saw it, I thought it was Wallpaper* for, let's say about 10 seconds (Walppaper is just so different hehe). A feature of the international and local collections was ok too. Everywhereweshoot's works were really nice too—I liked it.

The Bad: It took a while before I appeciated the design (read: didn't appeal much). It just lacked punch I guess? Or it could be just me too. Plus that swim wear editorial (see photo: 4th row from top, left)—I don't know + I didn't get it = ?. The poses felt a bit awkward, the styling is not super super...let's just say it could be better. I loved the setting of the main/cover feature but not exactly the styling. Styling and make-up (the usual magic editorial effects) could be better.

Buy or Bye: Since the September issue is out now on the stands, you might want to just get the current one than pay full for this month old issue. But for those who want to check out what's up with Charo Ronquillo, this issue's covergirl, hurry! I see a few more copies left...