Clothes to Bring December, January, February till March

by Charlene Bolanos

December is like spring of Italy in the Philippines.
Most Filipinos find the weather cold already,
just like me...

Honestly it is 22 degrees C!
Nice weather, cool,
and you can wear your favorite
 cotton sweater.  I think having
a pashmina and scarf is not advisable
 if you are in the tropics.

Manila is relatively pleasant weather, not too hot.

So here are some things which you need to wear for December till March.

Casual Wear

Ladies:

1. Skirts made of light cloth: cotton, polyester, mix fabrics.
We never wear woollen cloth in the Philippines. But lots of
cotton in colorful designs.

2. Smart blouse and smart tee shirt. I do not go for sleeveless,
my top priority is also to protect my arms from the pesky mosquitoes
which is always around in the Philippines.

Do not be afraid of mosquitoes,
as long as you have your insect repellent and malaria shot.

Do not stay near stagnant waters because there
will always be deadly mosquitoes flying around.
Make sure you always apply insect repellent.

Another tip is to bring a fan, which you can use to easily shoo
away any type of insects.

3. Smart Pants like slacks or maong in different colors. Maong is
available in the Philippines in different colors. Maong is commonly
known as "jeans" in the Philippines.

4. Wear appropriate shoes. When you are in the Philippines, even if
it is Christmas time, the weather is still tropical. Better to bring at least
three shoes. You may choose to shop here in the Philippines as
there are wide variety of shoes to choose from.

5. Make sure you always bring your toiletries to re-touch on make up.

6. If you easily get cold like me, better bring your cotton sweater
in different colors. Woolen  sweater is not advisable.

7. Bring colorful colors when you are in the Philippines. Wearing black
or pure white in the Philippines is super off.

Formal Attire

The ladies can wear a whole casual dress. Super mini or mini is not
advisable. Remember you are in the tropics, better wear skirts that are
just below the knee. Wearing stockings is always advisable.

Make sure that the cut of your dress exactly fits you.

Wearing high heels is always elegant, make sure your back
can carry you.

Wearing pants as a formal attire is acceptable, but not as elegant
when you wear a dress or a formal gown when the occasion calls
for it.

Gentlemen:

1. Casual Wear

Typical casual wear that I see in my father and my brother Charles, is always
smart jeans or maong pants. Since they are boys they usually like the color blue.
If you are more adventurous why not try a different color.

They look cool and elegant even in jeans. I suggest you buy the good kind.

2. Tee Shirt and Sport Shirts with collar

Men has a way of wearing this that looks elegant and good looking.

My father, brother and cousins usually wear a full t-shirt with collar
when meeting with friends. They typically wear shirts without collar
if they are with family.

You can wear a nice wholesome print in your t-shirt or sports shirt. Avoid
prints which can be very offensive.

3. Formal Attire

Barong Tagalog is the best formal attire to use when you are in the Philippines.
This Philippines formal attire are available in different colors. It is made of
fine thread called "jusi" which is very comfortable when you wear it.
My father usually says its "presko" to wear the right Barong Tagalog.
The under shirt is typically a cotton camiso.

You may also opt to wear your country's clothes like the batik if you are
an Indonesian or Malaysian, or the typical silk cloth clothes of the Chinese if you
want to impress a bit...or the acceptable "Americana". My suggestion is always
wear it elegantly.

Shoes are always leather when attending a formal gathering in my country.
Wearing other types of footwear is not only super off, but
 "off talaga" (not okay).

January is relatively cool, The Holy Father's coming is on January,
 best month to come over...it is just like spring in Italy.

First week of March typically brings with it warm air, summer time!

When March starts marching in, make sure you have extra
cotton shirt, bottled water all the time, fan and umbrella
 (for men and women), and your swim suits ready, as
the beach starts beckoning. Oh... and sunshades too.