THE EXPERIENCE ELEVATED
It was certainly a moment of jarring disconnect the moment an airplane was not only in plain sight, but within arms length one Saturday morning. As known of a fact as it is, one cannot contest that the absence of liberal travel is definitely something that hit us hard in this pandemic. So, in the continuing access to anything nostalgic, this fortunate interface in a repurposed vintage plane in the middle of the sprawling Palacio de Memoria complex in Manila was quite the experience, especially for the men who filled the space with a distilled but distinct energy.
The sun filtered through the windows of the airplane, casting a light on LA Aguinaldo and Marlon Stockinger that was both mysterious and illuminating, revealing only what was necessary—a spot on the face, a geometric slice on the body, and a glint on the Bvlgari Aluminium timepieces that wrapped quite so nicely on their wrists for the entire duration. Decked out in functional boiler suits and repurposed workwear, as well as of traditional and contemporary tailoring, this was a heightened approach to elevating an experience that for the time being is filed under what once was.
Tempered but with a tenacity of spirit, LA Aguinaldo and Marlon Stockinger clearly illustrate what it takes to not only succeed, but soar in their given fields. Known risk-takers who are on the constant pursuit of making things matter, this unlikely duo are bent to show us that working towards accomplishments and achievements is not a clear-cut and well-laid path as people might assume. But with a drive and passion that fuels them beyond what is expected, there is always something to go for, which in the end, makes for a fine and very worthy story to tell when the time comes.