MANILA, Philippines?(Thumbs up) Senators Manny Villar and Ping Lacson are having a face-off of a different kind. Two of the most manly lawmakers in the country show a concern for style and grooming that flies in the face of the country?s traditional machismo culture. As you see their photos splashed on the front page almost every day the past week, that much is obvious.

Close-ups show Villar?s near-frozen forehead. The Belo Medical Group says he has never availed himself of Botox, Thermage or any service from its clinics (in fact, it?s a politician with a much higher position who is a regular client.) A source attributes the 58-year-old senator?s still youthful looks to genes, proper grooming, clean living and regular maintenance of his hair (for sure, it?s not done in some hole-in-wall salon in Las Piñas).

He buys his toiletries, apparel and accessories whenever he travels. Like a true macho, he prefers fresh soap and water to fragrance.

Lacson is an image endorser of Facial Care Center (FCC) for Men?and is diligent when it comes to his looks, especially his skin. He undergoes non-invasive rejuvenation treatments such as Refirme, a machine that uses light and sound frequency to stimulate collagen growth. The sessions require a spacing of three to four weeks.

He also has the Skin-Tone Re-Energizer (STR), a protocol that uses low micro currents, to keep his wrinkles at bay. His testimony says it all?the treatments banished the furrows on his forehead. Despite his busy schedule, Lacson visits FCC regularly, sometimes thrice a month.

These senators also know how to dress right for their body type. Villar has a wide range of wardrobe, from polo shirts and jeans for outreach programs, to finely textured barongs for official duties. Although he?s not finicky about clothes, he seems to have innate good taste.

He favors strong colors, especially for his casual wear. His suits consist of Italian labels and classic American brands such as Brooks Brothers in dark colors, which de-emphasize his build. He favors sleek, slim ties in deep tones that complement his suits.

Villar is one believer that shoes make the man. He?s a got a whole range, from walking shoes to brogues?the kinds one sees in Esquire or GQ.

Lacson, who is trim, tends to wear lighter colors and polo barong to visually bulk him up a bit. He occasionally wears light-pattern suits or accentuates his solid-colored suit with a contrasting striped tie. He is usually styled by his wife Alice.

As the campaign season looms, style-watching in the news should be a wake-upper in the morning. At least it doesn?t spoil your breakfast.

Her Bench in US Cosmo Girl

(Thumbs up) Her Bench, the country?s fashion and lifestyle brand that carries chic women?s apparel, has landed on the radar of US teen magazine, Cosmo Girl.

With American actress Mila Kunis on the cover of Cosmo Girl USA October issue, Her Bench joins the ranks of global trendy brands in the section called JSYK (Just So You Know).

In this spread, the model dons a ruffled white short-sleeve top, a striking pearl necklace with a gold leaf and flower combination pendant, and Her Bench?s beige cotton short skirt with button details.

From a local favorite to now a globe brand, Her Bench should be landing in more international features.

From China, the Middle East to the US, Her Bench is certainly going places.

Noise pollution in restos

(Thumbs down) No doubt, the Philippine resto scene is getting more and more sophisticated?varied and innovative cuisine, what with the influx of young adventurous chefs, chic ambiance and greater competition.

But can you hear yourself talk, or your dining companion talk? More and more, you must be a lip reader to carry on a conversation in many restos, even fine dining places.

This is because many of today?s restos don?t seem to have factored in acoustics in their design. The minimalist style of the past decades did away with carpets, curtains, tablecloths, cushioned seats?elements that somehow absorb the sound. In their place came metal structures, industrial-style ceilings, concrete and glass. The noise bounces off these materials.

?It?s all hard surface, nothing to absorb the noise,? said a leading architect.

And walls have no insulation behind them.

?Lighting, acoustics, even the business side of design?these are not taught to some of today?s designers,? noted another architect.

And, said another, ?Acoustics features are the first to get cut off the budget because, anyway, they?re not visible. They?re not decorative.?

If the noise level in restos worsens, the restaurateurs might wake up one day to find that discriminating diners, who want good conversation to go with their meal are going some place else where they don?t have to scream to say sweet nothings to each other.

Interesting claim

(Thumbs down) In a chi-chi wedding, a well-dressed female guest was congratulated by another guest who mistakenly thought the woman was a relative of the groom, who happened to come from a rich, well-placed family?just because the woman guest had the same surname.

Surprise, instead of saying that she was no relation at all, the woman said, straight-faced, ?Thank you. He?s a cousin.? This must have shocked a few who overheard the false claim, which proves to what lengths some will go to establish blood ties to the Who?s Who list.

Add this to postmodern party etiquette: Don?t claim blood ties to the host.