MANILA, Philippines—TV host and short film director Pedro “Joaqui” Valdes says he prefers locally produced shirts and footwear to foreign brands.
Joaqui, 24, is an advocate of Yabang Pinoy, a movement that encourages Filipinos to patronize not only local products but also concepts and ideas.
A quick look at Joaquin’s closet showed tops from known Pinoy shops like Analog Soul, I Love You Store and tailored suits from Exclusively His. The award-winning filmmaker even owns a pair of abaca slippers from Liliw, the footwear capital of Laguna.
Collections
These are my all-time favorite DVDs: “Shakespeare in Love” by John Madden and “12 Monkeys” because I’m a Terry Gilliam fan. I’m also a fan of James McAvoy in “Atonement.”
There was also a phase in my life when I would go home early every Tuesday night to watch HBO’s “Band of Brothers” series. I followed the series and read the book by Stephen Ambrose.
I used to collect comic books when I was young. This issue of “The Ultimates,” which I borrowed from a friend, shows Wesley Snipe’s face copied for the character Nick Fury.
Gadgets
My HC1-HDV camera is one of Sony’s first releases. I like it because it’s small and unobtrusive. It’s great for making documentaries.
I also have my trusty point-and-shoot camera, a 7-megapixel Canon.
Memorabilia
For four years, I rowed with the UP dragon boat team. This is my baby. It’s a Grey Owl Paddle. It’s made in Canada.
This is a copy of the screenplay of my next film. It’s called “Hamog.” It’s a full-length aswang story shot in the Mt. Province.
Clothes
I like wearing locally made T-shirts, like this one from the I Love You Store. I also own a couple of shirts from Analog Soul.
I also bought some stuff during my recent Beijing trip (where he won the Golden Duck Award, Best Short Narrative for “Bulong” at the 2nd New Beijing International Movie Week). I got a shirt with the Olympics logo and another from the Beijing Film Academy.
This is a suit designed for me by my brother’s girlfriend who works for Exclusively His. It’s very tapered, not too conventional.
I love to wear board shorts when I travel with the show “100% Pinoy.” I wore this Billabong shirt when I climbed the tallest balete tree in Asia, It’s located in Baler, Quezon.
Footwear
My favorite pair of slippers is made from abaca, and it’s from Liliw, Laguna.
I’m a size 11. This Pumas work well for me. The other pair (Vaiernes) is hand-painted. The Merrell pair is made from asbestos.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph