Masculinity or the possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men have been changing rapidly lately. So much so, that it was only recently that I found out that it is becoming acceptable for men to have a manicure and pedicure or a mani-pedi. This resulted to a new concern for men who wanted the traditional manly grooming experience at their local barbershops that also wanted to get a foot spa or a pedicure for that matter to get that relaxation that before only women could understand with complete privacy.

The Men's Room at Oracle Hotel Katipunan seeks to solve the concern and we were lucky enough to be invited to check their place out!

New York Industrial District Theme!

The Ambiance

One of the partners of the shop has a background in interior design which resulted in a pristine recreation of a warehouse in the industrial period in New York. Bricks, pipes, hinges and concrete are used sparingly to give off that industrial vibe.

The shop is at the second floor of the Oracle Hotel on the door to your left. Once inside you will find the reception to your right, the secret door to your left and the hidden bathroom at the end of the hallway. After the reception you will be greeted by the barber chairs on the right and the Spa couches on the left.

The attention to detail is immense with almost no upholstery or accent felt out of place. Even the facial and spa instruments felt right at home.

The Cut and Facial

I decided to have the usual Haircut and the unusual facial to experience the traditional and the innovation.

I asked my barber to give me a barber's cut but with a mid fade to see how he can handle the classic barbers with the modern fade, and he did very well. He began by wrapping this disposable collar around my neck which was followed by the folding of my oxford shirt's collar. He then pulled out the apron that protects your clothes from the falling hair around my body. He then preceded with the cut.

The quality is slightly below the fades of Felipe & Sons but most people won't even notice. I was just being nit-picky. After that he moistened my hair and applied their resident pomade and combed it to his design.

The Beautician

The facial was a little different from what I was used to. I frequented 'dermas' a lot in my teenage years because of my pimple breakouts and I would visit the dermatologists every month. It would be great at first because the doctor's would help you relax with facial massages and warm tea but would be followed by an hour of painful pricking and topped with an itchy cream that makes your skin peel. This did not happen.

I was asked to laid down on the couch that transformed into a flat bed where I could lie on. I was asked to relax and then the beautician would then proceed with cleaning my face which was followed by a variety of massages and organic facial creams/ointments.  There was no pricking at all!

The tool that extracted my comedones!

The tool used to extract those comedones (black or whtie heads) had a flat surface that vibrates that ejects the comedones while the metal surface is in contact with your face.  It was like having a flat spoon on your face. It was gentle but you could feel the slight vibrations. The beautician was kind enough to show me how effective it was by showing me how much comedones were extracted! It was amazing! She ended the session with an organic facial mask that was air dried for 15 minutes.

It was surprisingly relaxing and it made me realise how some men would feel pampered and relaxed by this.

Tools of Trade!

The Price

The haircut starts at a fair Php 200.00 while their facial hair shaving starts at Php 150.00. They have a full body spa that costs Php 600.00 that can be bundled with a Php 300.00 Massage or a Php 450.00 extra ordinary massage. Most of their services average around Php 150.00 to Php 350.00 so their prices are very student friendly as compared to other establishment with similar quality of service and experience.

The Conclusion

Clearly with the prices these cheap for the experience, the Men's room is not just for the hard working men but also for the young students who want to get the best grooming experience may it be traditional or not. I highly recommend this place if you can and tell me what you think!

Do you want to Contact 'The Men's Room?'

317 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Philippines

Contact number: (02) 285 3554

Facebook: The Men's Room Facebook Page

Operating Hours: 10AM to 9PM

Change is a difficult reality that is inevitable yet people seek it. A good example was the 2016 Philippine Presidential race where huge change was voted by the people. Some on the other hand want a change where they can bring back some of the lost arts. One of them are the people behind 'Talas Manileño' where they seek to bring back the elegance of male Manileño grooming.

Knick-knacks from the passions of the owner of the shop!

The Ambiance

Talas Manileño can be found along the Cubao expo arcade. It is distinct because of its dark blue color with a folding chalk board outside that  proudly reads their services.

The inside is reminiscent of an 80's style apartment complex where wood and cement are used extensively.

The beverage bar at the second floor!

As you enter the ground floor you see the three barber-chairs on the right and the reception desk on the left. The hair was sink and the stair case at the back. On the second floor are two more barber-chairs, a seating area and the beverage bar where they serve your chosen drink along side your chosen service.

Classics are unbeatable!

The Cut and Shave

The Haircut and the shaving services is a step above most because of the owners and the barbers adherence to the classics of simple, elegant cuts, shaves and styles. All the barbers listen to your requests and to your preferences that you will feel at home immediately.

The shave follows their same adherence to the classics. It was slow and meticulous as I could feel the sensation of each strand of hair on my jawline being chipped one by one. It was an amazing feeling knowing that your barber is carefully trimming and massaging your beard.

In fact, the barber themselves will recommend and will teach you tips on how to shave or how to maintain your beard/moustache.

I enjoyed their services quite well and I couldn't help but notice their spray bottles were used from recycled Ginebra Gin bottles! I was so sold by this that I said 'Iyan ang tunay na Manileño!'

'Iyan ang tunay na Manileño!'

The Price

Haircut and wash starts at Php 280.00 but is priced at Php 570.00 together with the shave. Their Signature service, the Manileño is a haircut and wash with your chosen drink which is priced at Php 450.00. While the Talas Batangas is a shave with your chosen beverage priced at Php 470.00

The Conclusion

Talas Manileño is the place to be if you want that classic Filipino grooming made famous by our national heroes like Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo and the Luna Siblings. They are the best at bringing those classic styles to the modern Manileño and I highly recommend their services!

Do you want to Contact 'Talas Manileño?'

Cubao Expo, 38 Gen. Romulo Ave. Brgy. Socorro, Cubao Quezon City

Contact number: (+63)917 503 1842

Facebook: Talas Manileño Facebook Page

Instagram: @Talasmanilenyo

Operating Hours: 1PM to 9PM

Diversity in choices is a great thing for consumers because it gives them a choice to find the service that caters to their specific needs. With the rise of different concepts for salons and barbershops, it is only right to give each one a try to see where your needs are met.

Felipe and Sons prides itself as a 'Barberdashery' which I figured meant a one stop shop for Men's grooming! A barbershop component paired with a tailoring and merchandise component. This particular combination of concepts intrigued me and urged me to pay them a visit.

El Pueblo's vintage Spanish aesthetics compliments the goal of Felipe and Sons to Bring back Manila Swagger!

The Ambiance

From the outside, you will notice that El Pueblo screams vintage grand spanish aesthetics which compliments the goal of Felipe and Sons to bring back the old Manila Swagger which are rooted in the mixture of Filipino and Spanish traditions.

Huge mirrors and huge chandeliers make it feel like you're in a hacienda from early days of Manila.

Inside, the same Filipino-Spanish aesthetics rings true with some modern rustic aesthetics to increase the utility of the space for the barbershop services. An example would be the rustic construction of the counters and of the shelves for the haircutting tools like the scissors, shavers, mirrors and the like. You can feel the old blend with the new in this space.

Modern Rustic mixed with Grand Vintage!

The Cut and Shave

The Haircut and the shaving services is a step above the rest because this is one of the FEW barbershops I've been to in the metro that meticulously follows the four-run process when doing the skin fade. The usual tapered haircut goes for around thirty minutes while the skin fades can set you back to forty-five minutes because of the four step process. This takes a little more than half of the hair cutting time.

You will appreciate the patience and effort your barber offers when he is cutting your hair into a skin fade. The rest of the hair cutting process is mostly standard but with refinements like cleaning your fade with cotton balls and performing a blow dry at the end of the hair cut.

The shave on the other hand is a step by step process involving hot and cold towel compresses, with cream application and the actually shaving. The cream is somewhat different to what I am used to. It isn't bad, it's good but not the best I've ever had.

I enjoyed the hot and cold towel compresses and the feeling you get when the barber shaves your facial hair inch by square inch. You can feel each hair strand tingle when the razer touches and cuts each strand. It's amazing.

This wasn't even their luxury shave, and I was already pretty relaxed after it!

Their bar offers a select number of beverages while you are enjoying their services!

The Price

Haircut starts at Php 360.00 but is priced at Php 700.00 together with the shave. The shave itself is Php 450.00 while their Luxury shave costs Php 800.00. They also offer grooming packages like the cut, shave and drink for Php 690.00! Don't forget to the tip to your barber!

The Conclusion

The strengths of Felipe is the attention to the process and the details as seen from the time and the effort put in perfecting the skin fade I experienced, and to the dipping of instruments in bactericidal blue liquid at an affordable price that starts at Php 360.00! Although I have yet to try all of their products, butI found that I've experienced better shampoo and shaving cream elsewhere. This is however remedied by the wonderful service I got from the cut and shave!

So if you are okay with decent shampoo and shaving cream paired with excellent haircut, shave and massage then Felipe and Sons maybe for you!

Do you want to Contact 'Felipe and Sons?'

Makati Address: Mezzanine A, LPL Mansion, 122 San Agustin St., 1227 Makati, Philippines

Makati Contact number: (+63) 02-625-57-35

Ortigas Address: El Pueblo Real de Manila, J. Vargas Ave., cor. ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines

Makati Contact number: (+63)915-454-4551

Facebook: Felipe and Sons Facebook Page

Instagram: @Felipeandsons

Makati Operating Hours: 10AM to 9PM

Ortigas Operating Hours: 12NN to 9PM

As of this writing, it has almost been a year since I became a patron at the Back Alley Barbershop in Salcedo, and when I found out that they were introducing a new concept at the Burgos Circle of BGC, I couldn't be happier. So when they invited me to visit, I jumped ship as soon as my hair grew three weeks later.

A wonderful view of the Golf Course while you wait!

The Ambiance

The Eight Forbes Town Road building where the barbershop is situated is the towering structure right across the Tipsy Pig at BGC. The J.CO donuts will be your marker to where the main entrance of the commercial space of the structure. As you go past the security check are two escalators that will lead you to the second floor, and conveniently where The Village Barber and Supply Shop is located.

The Design language and vibe of Village is on the minimal side. They primarily chose brown, copper and white colors that are mostly from a variety of wood and metals that compliment the thick glass that seperates the space from the outside. As a result, Village feels more relaxed and more refined. This is obvious because the space is smaller than Back Alley, but you never feel claustrophobic.

The attention to detail is what I find most appealing about this breed of Barbers!

The Haircut and The Other Services

For as long as I can remember, I was having my haircut at neighbourhood barbershops that were hole in the walls where a haircut was priced from Php 30.00 in the nineties and went up to Php 50.00 in recent years. In contrast, there are barbershops in Beverly Hills, California that offer haircuts that could cost up to a USD 1000.00 and I could never comprehend how this is so.

The haircut, the massage, the shave, the Fonzie and the Hungover Treament are the same top notch service that Back-Alley has bred through its run. The Barbers and the receptionists are open, you can make suggestions or changes to your trim depending on your preference.

So if you love Back-Alley and are nearer to Village then you now have an option that is more convenient to get to.

Complimentary Fresh Hand-Crafted Coffee!

The Price

Haircut starts at Php 350.00 but is priced at Php 700.00 together with the shave. The shave itself is Php 450.00. while the Hungover Treatment (HT) is priced at Php 750.00 individually but is priced at Php 950.00 with the haircut. If you want an HT and a shave, it will set you back Php 1000.00, and You can have all three for the price of Php 1200.00.

I personally tip my barber of the day and it is up to you if you would and how much you will be willing to give these fine gentlemen.

This is your Throne.

The Conclusion

This reminds me of the feeling I got when I first had my trim at Back-Alley, the feeling where I feel so manly pampered that I finally understood why the ladies love going to their salon for whatever reason. If I lived nearer to Village I would come back here every month for my trim, but I live near Back-Alley so I will remain there.

If you've never tried to have a real old-school haircut, I highly suggest you do. You do not know what you are missing. After all, we only like what we know.

Do you want to Contact 'Village Barber and Supply?'

Address: 2/F Eight Forbestown Road, Forbestown Center, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact number: (+63) 906 451 4554

Facebook: The Village Barber and Supply Facebook Page

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM to 9PM

Sat-Sun: 10AM to 9PM

Two-thousand fourteen (2014) was the year where the disconnected undercut with a modern twist to the Pompadour hit the Men Hairstyle trend like Football Fever during FIFA season. At the time, I didn't know what it was called that. Apparently, It was the haircut that Justin Timberlake, David Beckham, and several other celebrities wore that inspired Men and some Women to do the same.

Around May of that year, I was frustrated because the haircuts I was seeing on the street wasn't up to par to the online images I saw. One of my Best friends, Jed who was residing in Canada showed pictures of him with that style of haircut. He told me that you need a skilled barber and a good product to keep that hairstyle. It was then that I was introduced to the 'Pomade.' Specifically, the water-based one where it can be restyled just by wetting your hair again; moreover, it would easily come off with a simple rinse with shampoo and conditioner.

I made it my mission to look for that pomade brand my friend told me about. So like any start of a   journey today, I Googled it, and to my surprise, a local barbershop carried it which is conveniently laid out for me on Google Maps. 'Back Alley Barbershop' was the name and it is located near the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Salcedo Village, Makati. 

I texted them with the number posted on their Facebook page and asked to reserve a canister of the hair product. They replied promptly and did so as I requested.

This was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with being a better man and the beginning of a relapse of a dysfunctional relationship with my wallet since STEAM sales were created. (Steams sales are the PC Gamer's dream sales where games can get discounts of up to 80% off in huge batches) My wallet never truly forgave me for all those Sales I plowed through. I kept telling myself that at least I would look good. Oh, well.

A Wonderful Semi-Industrial turned New York Apartment Style Aesthetic

The Ambiance

So I followed the map and found this lovely place with a wonderful semi-industrial turned New York Apartment style aesthetic. It was a scene to behold.  Right away you see the reception desk with all the products they carry, a lounge area where you can sit down and enjoy a drink and listen to high quality Vinyl on their turntable and right across are the Barber chairs and the Mirrors above the desk full of metal and leather utensils.

The dashing young man at the reception desk welcomed me warmly and asked me if it was my first time there. Yes it was. I mentioned my reservation for a canister of the pomade. They showed it to me and I paid for it. 

He then decided to show us around and tell me about their services. They offer the old school style of haircut and shave. The third thing is the hungover treatment. I then decided to have my haircut here.

Observe the myriad of ways the barber snips your hair strands to achieve your desired style

The Haircut

For as long as I can remember, I was having my haircut at neighbourhood barbershops that were hole in the walls where a haircut was priced from Php 30.00 in the nineties and went up to Php 50.00 in recent years. In contrast, there are barbershops in Beverly Hills, California that offer haircuts that could cost up to a USD 1000.00 and I could never comprehend how this is so.

What I had known for years where in I go in, sit down, instruct the barber of the cut I so desired and then wait and let the magic happen wasn't the complete barbershop experience. Apparently, aside from the haircut itself, there would be a massage, multiple applications of several hair products at different points of the cut. In addition, after your cut you are given a complimentary beverage of choice of either fresh brewed coffee from an AeroPress or a bottle of the Craft Beer. (which is different every month)

The haircut process itself is more tamed and more elegant

The haircut process itself is more tamed and more elegant than what I was accustomed to. If you decide to try Back Alley's Haircut, I encourage you to watch how your barber strokes the clippers/trimmers (the white and black handheld machine they use to shave your hair) and the myriad of ways and angles the barber snips your hair strands. Of course, at any time, you can talk to him and converse about adjustments to the style you asked prior. At the near end of it, you will be given a simple but effective massage on your upper body and extremities coupled with a warm towel to give you your much deserved relaxation. Before he does the final combing of your hairstyle, you are given an option to try out one of their hair products to keep your hairstyle in place even through the most active lifestyle.

Here is a video that will show you the typical haircut (some parts are sped-up because I know your time is precious) you will enjoy at Back Alley:

The result is not just a haircut but a labor of love! The labor where the little details matter! In fact, as you look closely, you will marvel at how the strands of hair blend together especially the ones with different lengths and at how finer this is than your normal haircut. The over all experience is why I have this service every month. (Yes, even the beer.)

The result is not just a haircut but a labor of love!

The Shave

After coming back to this place for months, I decided to try their shave. I specifically stopped shaving for two weeks before to time it with my next haircut. At the end of the cut, I could feel that that time has come as the tension rises slowly as the barbers chair started to recline. A towel was placed on my upper body and I started to grin from ear to ear even though I was trying so hard to keep calm and be cool. Alas, I failed.

he started with an application of cream on your face

My barber at the time was 'Edwin' and he started with an application of cream on my face, followed by a relaxing face massage that ends with a warm towel that wraps your whole head. He continued with the shaving cream itself and starts to precisely and carefully shave the facial hairs that I asked to be shaven. He repeats the massage and the towel wrap but adding several after shave creams in between and finishes of with a final towel wipe.

"he starts to precisely and carefully shave the facial hairs I asked to be shaven" 

 The Hungover Treatment

The Hungover treatment is a little more complex.  It is a sequence of hot and cold towel applications with facial scrub, clay mask, moisturizer and other creams. I could never really understood when it was explained for the first time but I highly recommend having it! It is one of those things that is best experienced than spoken of.

In fact, a lot of their patrons come for this service alone even though this is the service with the most premium. Let it be; I mean all you have to do is lie down and let the magic happen.

with different creams in between every application

In fact, the owners tested it themselves. They got themselves hungover and had this treatment on themselves. The list of creams is a long one and it is best explained by gentleman at the reception desk. In fact when he explained it in theory, I could only grasp it by so much.

with the barber massaging you more extensively than in the one in the haircut

As I was experiencing it first hand, I was confused because the barber was just doing the same thing over and over, with only the temperature of the towel and the cream changing each time, yet slowly with each sequence I felt my relaxation rising significantly. Near the end of it I just wanted to sleep while I was being massaged because it was just so good that when I was awaken I could only scream 'ANG SARAP!' Even after a couple of hours after the treatment I noticed that my skin was glowing and that it had softer and better texture to it!

Ang Sarap!

Here is the video of the typical Shave and Hungover Treatment (Again, some parts are sped-up for your convenience):

The Price

Haircut starts at Php 250.00 - Php 400.00 but is priced at Php 700.00 together with the shave. The shave itself is Php 450.00. while the Hungover Treatment (HT) is priced at Php 750.00 individually but is priced at Php 950.00 with the haircut. If you want an HT and a shave, it will set you back Php 1000.00, and You can have all three for the price of Php 1200.00.

I personally tip my barber of the day and it is up to you if you would and how much you will be willing to give these fine gentlemen. 

The Conclusion

It was because of the whole top-notch experience did I truly understand women and their salon time. In fact, I come back here every month for my haircut. I will reserve the hungover treatment for special occasions or when I really need a better pick-me-up than brewed coffee.

The premium price for their service may not be justified to some but I think you should at least try it once to see if this type of thing is for you. I for one love the experience and of course the beer.
It is also a good place to bond with your buddies and children.

After coming here for a while, you may develop a preferred barber and I have personally tried the services of JR, Edwin and Jonas. They each add their own personal style and flare to their haircuts and it will show as they start snipping your hair down, yet they are all the best at what they do. I encourage you to support their profession and let us all work together to bring old school back!

Do you want to Contact 'Back Alley Barbershop?'

Address: Unit 1D, Alpha Salcedo Condominium, Bautista St. corner Sanchez St., Salcedo Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines

Contact number: (+63) 947 518 5736

Facebook: Back Alley Barbershop Official Facebook Page

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM to 9PM

Sat-Sun: 10AM to 9PM

Special Thank You Kenzo Ortiz and the team of Red Models and Talents !