Always late?
Pinoys have been notorious for following the ever-notorious Filipino time– whether it’s starting an event an hour late than what was originally written on invitations, or showing up to a meeting or gathering from thirty minutes to an hour behind schedule, blaming it incessantly on constant factors such as traffic and what-have-you. But traffic, as horrible as it is, has always been part and parcel of the chaotic Manila life since time immemorial, and it’s not entirely uncommon to hear partygoers deliberately show up to an event about two hours late since “It’s going to start late anyway… Filipino time after all”.
Yet do we accept this as fact and unchangeable, or do we change the way we view time? It is after all, as they say, gold– as each second spent is precious.
Enter Ibarra Manila, a promising new brand that vows to change the way Filipinos think about time with their classic, elegant line of dress watches whose luxury doesn’t match its price tag! The watches, proudly locally designed, are named after Crisostomo Ibarra, the legendary hero of the Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo books by the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Indeed, in an era where throwbacks and vintage memories are in vogue with this millennial generation, the 1920s-inspired design reflects Ibarra Manila’s penchant for timeless style and keeping up with the admirable parts of our tradition, while reinventing those parts that can be improved for the better.
Nico Moreno and Migi Moreno – the guys behind Ibarra Manila
The whole team behind Ibarra Manila
Ibarra Manila’s Rizal Series, their first line of timepieces under the Ilustrado collection was launched at Pablo Restaurant in Benavidez St., Makati where guests such as Jericho Rosales and wife Kim Jones were present, as well as Youtube celebrity and Ibarra ambassador Wil Dasovich, TV host Andrei Felix and Parokya ni Edgar drummer Dindin Moreno. The Rizal series promise simple, understated elegance and sophistication, perfect as a statement watch and as a tool in dressing the modern Filipino for power and success.
What’s great about Ibarra watches is that they bring statement pieces such as dress watches and make them more accessible, without compromising on quality and sophistication. Like the best luxury timepieces on the market, the Ibarra watches use a Swiss Quartz movement, to assure accuracy and precision in measuring time, housed in the 7mm-thick case. Aside from leather straps, the surface of the watch is made from sapphire glass crystal to prevent any form of scratches on the face and a water resistance of as deep as 50 meters!
As statement watches are usually an investment, it’s the perfect holiday gift for your dad, your boyfriend, or even for yourself without putting so much a dent in your pocket at only P8,000 — a complete steal as opposed to the usual luxury timepieces we know!
Ibarra Manila watches are available online on their website, and on Zalora. You can also check them out on display at Talas Manileño Barbershop in Cubao Expo.
Filipino time? More like Filipino on time.
Ibarra Manila
Facebook/Instagram: /IbarraWatches
Also available at Talas Manileño Barbershop in Cubao Expo, Quezon City
