Isle Style—Rustans.com

INTERVIEW BY MARI SANTOS

Working in the metro requires you to have a fast-paced lifestyle of waking up, commuting, working, sleeping, and doing it all over again tomorrow. But the pandemic had other plans, as it initiated the onset of workers going back home to their provinces. The uncertainty—along with the stress on their finances made relocation a more conducive route—especially for young creatives.

26-year-old professional photographer JP Talapian is a creative with a degree of Fine Arts Major in Advertising from University of Santo Tomas. He has worked with publications such as Preen and Scout. He has also shot for brands such as Carl Jan Cruz, Colourette Cosmetics, and OXGN Clothing.

He has traded urban cityscapes for a less hectic beachfront, reuniting with his family and getting a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, he gives us a glimpse of his everyday life on the island by showcasing a mix of Rustans' well-loved brands and his very own clothes, a testament to his style evolution.

Before moving back to Boracay, I was based in Manila. I worked on creating and producing editorial videos for a local publication I was working for before the pandemic, at the same time I was also working as a freelance fashion and commercial photographer.

SHIRT Banana Republic, TANK TOP Model's own, SHORTS Marks & Spencer, SLIDES Kenneth Cole, SUNGLASSES Model's own, CAP Model's own

POLO SHIRT Lacoste, PANTS Model's own, SLIDES Kenneth Cole, SUNGLASSES Model's own, CAP Model's own

Boracay is actually my home province! Moving back to the island is a big decision I made when the ECQ (March 15, 2020) during the early days of the pandemic was implemented, I left the city right before they started the lockdown and right before the whole pandemic peaked. It was a last-minute decision, I booked my flights two days before all international and domestic travel was cancelled. I also thought that moving back home would be a good ground for me to reconnect back to my roots and spend more time with my family—a good break from all the hustle and bustle of the big city.

I like adapting new trends or pieces to my personal style but I usually wear oversized shirts with a nice pair of wide-fit pants, a nice hat, and a comfortable pair of sneakers to go with. My day-to-day style in the city really depends on my mood, sometimes I love a strong pop of color in a monochromatic look, sometimes I’m in a mood for a nice bold statement print, I also like to color block.

I’ve always been an island kid, growing up here on the island there’s always a sense of ease and comfortability in my everyday clothing. Moving back here, I just brought a few things with me since I already have my beach clothes back here at home.

Living by the beach you can wear anything you want to so there’s usually no difference whether it's a workday or weekends, but personally, for me, I like being comfortable here but active and swim-ready at the same time. So my whole closet is a good mix of comfortable tropical clothes, city summer clothes, and athleisure.

During the day, I would wear a ribbed or a printed tank top, swim shorts, sports sunglasses, and a nice cap to go with it. With these, I could just go and take a dip, a “beach break” after a long day from work, or go for a beach run along the shore. If I’m in the mood I’d wear a polo or a t-shirt if the wind is super breezy.

POLO SHIRT Lacoste, PANTS Model's own, SLIDES Kenneth Cole, SUNGLASSES Model's own, CAP Model's own

banana republic

MARKS & SPENCER

KENNETH COLE

LACOSTE

POLO RALPH LAUREN

A Beach mat, a nice pair of sunglasses, a bandana, and a go-to body bag that will fit everything you need for the day. Also, don’t forget your tanning oil and always put on sunscreen!

POLO SHIRT Polo Ralph Lauren, PANTS Model's own, SUNGLASSES Model's own, SCARF Model's own

Moving back to Boracay during the pandemic really toned my style, it evolved from being all clothed up in the city into a more stripped-down, relaxed yet stylish take on simple beach clothes and activewear. Creatively speaking, it truly refined the way I am artistically and creatively—reconnecting back to my roots and being around my people certainly changed my perspective of the island during the pandemic, it served as a studio for me to explore, the nature around me as my muse.

Shop the Edit

Photographer/Model: JP Talapian
Assisted by: Mara Ruiz
Sanriel Ajero
Creative Director: Mari Santos
Shot on location at Boracay

Isle Style

INTERVIEW BY MARI SANTOS

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