Five Times SB19 Shattered the Stereotype of Male Fashion

Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a moment to pause and celebrate the women who shaped our lives with unwavering love, strength, and care. Whether it’s your mom, a mother figure, or a new mom navigating her first year, finding a gift that captures your appreciation could be a challenging task. But don’t worry, that’s where this guide comes in. 

Here are some gifting tips to make Mother’s Day extra special this year, plus some of our meaningful recommendations that will help you say “thank you” in the most heartfelt way. 

Make it Thoughtful

There’s a saying that “it’s the thought that counts” when it comes to giving presents, and nothing is more thoughtful than a gorgeously arranged flower bouquet. Flower Chimp’s “Always There” (P1,799) bouquet lets you upload a photo, which will be printed out and displayed with the flowers upon delivery. Meanwhile, Designer Blooms is offering free delivery for flower orders made between May 8 to 10, and Bloomingails PH has a “Precious MoMents” collection featuring an array of beautiful bouquets for the occasion. 

If you want something a little different, why not try preserved flowers to show mom your everlasting love and give her a keepsake to cherish for years to come? Bloomiere has a selection perfect for Mother’s Day, such as the Bag of Blooms (P2,800) and the Queen of My Heart, which features a handcrafted Heart Rose inside a glass box that can be personalized with your mom’s name. 

A simple greeting card can also go a long way. Handwritten letters are sweet and sincere, making them the perfect heartfelt gift for mom. But why not level up those stationery cards by giving them a more personalized touch? Photobook Philippines has a ton of Mother’s Day templates (P119) to choose from, which can be customized with your own photos. They also have a special gift set (P2,560) that includes a personalized desktop plaque, blanket, and greeting card. And yes, the blanket can be printed with your photos!

Choose Useful Items

Practical might not be the sweetest word out there, but you have to admit that useful gifts last, and doesn’t it make you happy to see your gift being used every day? 

Give your mom a lovely coaster set (P198) for her morning coffee or afternoon tea, or perhaps a nice penholder (P259) for her work desk to always remind her how amazing she is and that you appreciate all her hard work. 

For the moms on the go, why not give their favorite tote or handbag an upgrade? SM Malls has a special 50% off promo for the Kimbel bags. If you have some cash to burn, why not give her a premium leather handbag from FINO Leatherware or The Tannery Manila?

Another suggestion is trendy sneakers. Puma's Speedcat (from P7,100) is the new Adidas Sambas, and is the perfect pair for the stylish moms on the go. They're available in different colors, but the new black and pink combo is our current favorite!

Go for Self-Care

Moms are the most hardworking people out there, and this Mother’s Day, she deserves a day of pampering. 

Get her a Wellness Gift Card from The Spa, where she can enjoy a variety of treatments from full-body massages to facials. You can also book her a relaxing Head Spa treatment. Jelly Skin Lab is offering a 15-Step Korean Hair Spa that will not only make for a rejuvenating treat but will help nourish her scalp and hair. Prices depend on hair length and start from P2,680. 

For self-care gift items, CeraVe — which is the 3rd most recommended brand by dermatologists worldwide! — has a range of gentle products from cleansers to moisturizers, perfect for mom. As we grow older, our skin naturally changes — often becoming drier and more delicate, partly due to a drop in key hormones that help keep it hydrated and resilient. That’s why CeraVe makes such a thoughtful gift for moms. Its dermatologist-developed formulas are packed with ceramides and hydrating ingredients that help strengthen the skin barrier, locking in moisture and protecting against everyday irritation.

The brand just launched in the country and is currently offering complimentary and trial packs on their official Shopee store. If you want to shop offline, their products are available at Watsons, SM Beauty, LOOK, Mercury Drug, and Southstar Drug.

If you're wondering about its efficacy in the Philippines (as a brand that's gained such a sterling reputation in Western countries), L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty's Head of Medical Visit Virginie Cardon confidently shared to The Beat Asia during the launch that their products have gone through rigorous testing for environments such as ours: "We have conducted different chemical studies published in dermatological journals, and we have also done studies in humid environments, like the Philippines and India, and the rest of Southeast Asia."

Anna Fujimori, L'Oréal International Distribution's Head of Marketing, also revealed to us their number one recommendation this summer: "For the Philippines, the recommended product is the Moisturizing Lotion. It's extremely hydrating, and it has such a lightweight texture that even in this hot, humid Philippine weather, you'll still be able to use it every day. And it's also usable for babies, as young as two months old, so it's really something that everybody [of nearly all ages] can use."

Another self-care gift idea is candles. Somewhere Candle Co. sells unique candles and diffusers with scents inspired by popular cities. Find your mom’s favorite city and remind her of fond travel memories, or simply choose a scent to remind her of this special day. You can order directly from their Lazada store.

Have it Custom-Made

Personalized gifts are the best simply because they say, “I’ve thought of you while I picked this out.”

For moms who love to cook and are superheroes in the kitchen, this wooden chopping board from Tugon is the perfect gift. The best part about it is that you can have it personalized and engraved!

For bags and accessories, why not add a little flair to them by surprising her with leather goodies stamped or painted with her initials? The Leather Studio Manila offers hand-painted monograms for as low as P200 per inch, as well as hand-painted pet portraits! You can get a quote here. 

Meanwhile, Straightforward is offering stamp services for as low as P50 (Free for a minimum spend of P3,000), which allows you to ‘make your own’ any bag from their personalized collection. 

Fine and Dine Mom

For Filipinos, celebrations revolve around food. So why not gather the whole family for a nice meal she’ll cherish?

Solaire Resort Entertainment City has a ton of dining offers across its six restaurants and cafes. You can book a table at Fresh for a diverse buffet selection, enjoy an authentic salu-salo over a boodle fight spread at Waterside, or have an Afternoon Tea session with mom at Oasis Garden Café.  

At Conrad Hotel, you can enjoy a lavish lunch and dinner buffet fit for a queen at Brasserie on 3 for only P3,800 per person on May 11, and enjoy their “Mom’s Day Decadence” collection of crafted cakes and pastries at the Bru Coffee Bar. Whole cakes start from P2,200 while themed pastries and confections start from P120. 

And speaking of cakes, M Bakery is pulling out all the stops for the most important woman in our families with their decadent chocolate Mother’s Day cake. Prices start from P1,950, and you can call your preferred branch for pre-orders. You can find their contact information here.

There are loads of options that could perfectly fit your mom's preferences this weekend. If you're at a loss, check out our guide with hotel dining offers for Mother's Day here!

What time is it? It’s summertime, and with the season comes vibrant and bold hues that perfectly encapsulate the season of sun and fun!

Renowned Filipino designer Sari Lazaro is showing us what summer is all about with the launch of her newest ready-to-wear collection. The designer returned to Rockwell Powerplant Mall where her second pop-up store is currently located, which will be showcasing various tropical pieces until Apr. 29, 2025. 

This new collection is inspired by the vibrant spirit and joyful demeanor of the Filipino people, with the designer making use of bright hues, fun patterns, and Filipino-made woven textiles in her designs. 

“To me, these textiles represent not just art, but a way of life and a deep part of our culture — something we as Filipinos can be incredibly proud of,” she shared. 

Whether you’re looking for the perfect summer OOTD look for your upcoming beach getaway or want to add some trendy tropical pieces to your closet this season, Sari Lazaro’s new collection is full of personality that embodies confidence, comfort, and adventure, adding that extra vibrance to every woman who wears them. 

“My collection reflects embracing life's beauty and finding light even in the darkest moments, just as the Filipino people do every day. Through these pieces, I aim to share that infectious, playful energy,” Sari said. She also shared how this project gave her more creative freedom in terms of designing and choosing fabrics and patterns, as she had always done made-to-order pieces — a process that thrives on collaboration with her clients. 

With this collection, she highlights designs that are more rooted in her personal style, describing it as a collection that will resonate with women who “want to explore different styles, who are learning about life, and want to learn more about themselves.” 

The Beat Manila checked out her charming pop-up store to peruse her latest offerings, and here are some of the standout pieces that we believe deserve a spot in your wardrobe. 

Elevated Summer Dresses

Summers call for lazy brunches and after-work drinks, so it’s best to have a dress that’s dual purpose. 

The Sari Lazaro Label offers a variety of her signature dress designs in different colors from deep blues and gentle whites to striking reds and playful oranges, which you can easily transition from day to night. These dresses are fun and full of life, but with lines that are still elegant and clean. The fabrics are light and comfortable on the skin, which makes it the ideal sundress in the heat. 

The blue dress with palm trees and rope-like shoulder straps has got to be one of our favorites because of its unique design and fun print, which can be the perfect daytime dress and, simultaneously, something you’d wear after sunset. The same goes for the dark blue asymmetrical dress, which gives a little bit of that sexy aura, perfect for after-work parties. Honestly, they give us Piper Ratliff in HBO's White Lotus vibes — talk about chic and trendy!

However, the dandelion dress with the leafy bouquet print is also quite lovely and looks as breezy as a walk out on the beach. Pair it with a wide-brimmed straw hat and some strappy straw heels, and embrace your inner summer darling.  

Flower Tops

The designer has named this as one of her favorite pieces, and we can totally see why. It’s unique and bold without being outrageous, which is like the season itself. We’ve seen some butterfly tops going around in concert and on red-carpet scenes, and this flower top is something similar to that, but more subdued and classy. Not to mention, its indigenous vibe, coupled with excellent craftsmanship, is just top-tier! 

We especially love the rope-like straps (a recurring design of the collection, it seems) and the color choices. You can get it in an elegant gray blue or a textured deep sage, which you can pair with some of their skirts or trousers. 

Cute Summer Co-ords

Who doesn’t love a good terno (matching set)? It’s just like wearing a dress, but edgier and easier to move around in. You don’t have to worry about finding a top or bottom to match because it comes in a set, so it’s definitely for the busy girlies who want something ready-to-wear while still being fashion-forward.

The new collection offers a few matching sets, such as the white and beige palm-tree prints with cute tassels and fabric accents on the skirt’s waistline. 

However, for a more elegant look, we’d recommend the matching sets in broderie anglaise tailoring. It’s a timeless design that screams coastal fashion. Not to mention, this kind of fabric is breathable and perfect to parade in on a hot summer’s day. You can get this matching set in either white or black. 

Palm-Tree Prints

Another recurring theme in the entire collection is the palm-tree printed pieces. Coconut Palm trees are native to the Philippines and are widely found in coastal destinations in the country. Many of the collection’s pieces are embroidered with them, showcasing its Filipino roots. 

Every dress, pants, or top exudes a tropical vibrance, and it’s clear that it was designed for women who want something easy and breathable but want to keep that certain edge to their looks. A subtle summer elegance in the heart of the city is how we would describe this collection.

For the girlies looking to dress to impress without sacrificing comfort or playfulness, this collection might just be for you. Visit The Sari Lazaro Label pop-up store at R2, Power Plant Mall in Makati City, to get your favorite pieces. 

For updates on new releases and for inquiries on custom pieces, you can contact the label via Facebook or Instagram. 

Not sure what to pack in your beach bag this summer? We’ve got you! This season we put the focus on protective self-care, bright colors, comfortable clothes, and happy scents to make this summer the best one yet. 

Summer-Friendly Makeup

Summer is the time to play around with bright, happy colors! Fortunately, the Philippines’ newest makeup and skincare line has you covered. Introducing Popique, an approachable new name that wants to make you pop. Inspired by vibrant beaches and colorful textures, Popique has since released a comprehensive collection of makeup and skincare that includes everything from sunscreen, cleansing balm, lippies, and blush. 

Our favorite must-have item remains to be their All-Over Multiuse Cream Palette, which can be used on eyes, lips, and cheeks. The formula is incredibly rich and creamy, highly pigmented, and easy to blend. Affordable and easy-to-carry, this palette comes in six different colors: from pinks, browns, plums, and peaches. Take it with you on your next summer adventure for a quick touchup or a fun, beachy, makeup look. 

Shop online 

Easy-to-Apply Sunscreen

Summer months are brutal in the Philippines. Not only is it incredibly hot, but the sun shines higher and brighter than usual. Protect your skin from damage and ageing with a reliable sunscreen that’s easy to apply. For this, we recommend a wonderful sunscreen spray that can be used on the entire body. 

Caudalie’s Vinosun Sun Water offers very high SPF50+ protection in a lightweight, non-sticky, and invisible formula. It’s also made to accommodate both face and body, making it an easy, portable option for all your summer, beach adventures. 

Shop online  

UV Umbrella

Beware: not all umbrellas are made equal. When shopping for the summer, always make sure to look for umbrellas with a special UV coating. This protects your skin from heat and UV rays more than rain umbrellas do, which are simply made to shield you from drizzles and storms. 

Uniqlo’s UV Protection Compact Umbrella is a no-fail choice for those looking to shield themselves this summer. Aside from being effective, it’s also lightweight and durable, making it easy to use during rain or shine. Coupled with good sunscreen, this umbrella will be your ultimate protection during the most sweltering of days, in the city or on the islands. 

Shop here 

Comfy Espadrilles

Flip-flops are so passe. If you want to be comfortable and put together this summer, opt for espadrilles. These fashionable footwear can be paired with shorts, skirts, or even a bikini. Opt for a high-quality pair to maximize your looks this season. For that effortless, summer, beachy vibe, shop at Toni Pons. 

This Spanish brand has perfected the art of shoemaking; aside from making comfortable footwear, they add a touch of zesty Mediterranean vibes unto their designs. Wear heels decorated in vibrant summer flowers, rustic weaves, and natural fibers to really embody the spirit of a European summer. 

Shop here

Fashionable Sunglasses

Aside from completing an outfit, sunglasses also protect its wearers eyes from harsh sunlight. Our favorite? Sunnies Studios of course. The OG in Manila sunglasses, Sunnies Studios creates fashionable and functional glasses that you can take with you anywhere you go.

Their Polarized Sunglasses line is a fantastic option, as it adds an extra layer of eye protection. They have many designs with polarized optics, from classic wayfarers to cat-eye glasses and wrap-around eyewear. All you have to do is choose which you like best! 

Shop here

Beachy Perfume

A signature scent really ties everything together. For summer, we suggest perfumes that are reminiscent of bright, happy days. Rustan’s summer collection of perfumes is a great place to start! For example, there is Bvlgari’s Riva Solare perfume, which blends notes of citrus and floral to create an olfactory delight reminiscent of the Italian Riviera. 

Another favorite is Rabanne’s Olympea Solar made with hints of mandarin peel, orange, ylang ylang, and white blossoms. Feminine and energizing, it is wakes the senses to remind one of bright days and youthful joie de vivre. 

Shop here