Jipster Tees: Jologs Pero Hip? Hanep!
When in Manila and looking for shirts that would make a hilarious and unique #OOTD, check out Jipster Tees. Its creative designs have been shared and re-shared many times on social media, and for a good reason: it touches two emotions Pinoys are fond of: humor and nostalgia.
Its tagline alone is catchy as it is humorous: “Jologs pero hip? Hanep!”
For now, it has three designs that are sold in batches. This business is operated by a UP Diliman Fine Arts student, Bernard Gatus. I asked if he had a partner or a group behind Jipster. “Ako lang mag-isa may pakana ng lahat ng ito.”
Bernard shared how Jipster started. “Jipster started as joke. I usually post silly graphic things on my Facebook wall. Last summer I posted mock designs for a made-up brand then people really got into it and started asking me if I’m selling. I saw an opportunity to open a business then.”
These are three desings for the shirts:
As my friends and I tried out the shirts, we were all wondering what it took to pose as a Jipster, so I asked Bernard who his ideal celebrity endorser would be—both local and international.
“Being a Jipster is never being embarrassed of the things you like, kahit gaano pa to ka-baduy. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something.”
This is one of the three shirts currently being offered by Jipster. It drew inspiration from Mean Girls, one of the most quoted movies of all time.
“Since humor yung isa sa mga qualities ng Jipster brand, I’d like to see Michael V endorse our shirts. International endorser? That’s a bit difficult seeing as being baduy is a relatively Pinoy trait. I guess I’d have to go with Darren Criss. He is such a fanboy and isn’t afraid to show it . Case in point, A Very Potter Musical.”
Consistent with that definition of Jipster, Bernard proudly says he is a fan of Meteor Garden and Encantadia. “Oh yes! Naputulan kami ng cable nung mga panahong yan eh kaya local shows lang yung meron. No regrets, just love.”
This shirt came at a perfect time, because episodes of Meteor Garden have made a comeback! Does he see himself in any one of the F4 members? “Ang rich kids nung F4! Hindi ako makarelate! I think I’m more of a Shan Chai, just a grepa boy making his way through the world.”
The third shirt has made a legion of Encantadia fans very happy and reminiscent.
Through Jipster, Bernard is able to depict the Pinoy pop culture in such a humorous way, which is why I’m looking forward to the release of future designs. Bernard is already working on them!
My friends and I had so much fun being a Jipster for a day! (And for life!)
And because of Bernard’s description of what a Jipster is–never being embarrassed of the things you like, kahit gaano pa to ka-baduy–I’m happy to sport my very own Meteor Garden-inspired shirt. :>
If you want to order your very own Jipster Tees, check out the size chart, steps on how to order, and the order form.
All photos are with the WhenInManila.com watermark are by @nikkitiamlee, @patricedeocampo, @paaammartin, true friends and true Jipsters. <3
