That was printed on the front of the notebook I gave my sister as a birthday gift. The notebook was a red hardbound, with blank white paper inside. The perfect notebook for plotting world domination writing down your inspired thoughts for making positive change in the world (yeah right).

Notebook from Team Manila

I saw the notebook while going through Team Manila’s spot at the Crossings Department store back in May, and right then and there, I knew I had to buy it. It was pretty pricey, actually (can’t remember how much it costs now, though), but for a unique idea, it’s worth the price. Other titles are How to survive the streets of Manila (perfect for a travel journal!), Mga kwento ni Lolo at Lola and one other that has something about chismis (gossip).

I’ve always loved Team Manila designs. They go beyond the usual and raised the bar in graphic design in Manila. Gone were the tacky souvenir shirts (well, not really), and in their place we have funky shirts that you’d be proud to wear, even if you’re not a tourist. Their iconic design would have to be their trademark Jose Rizal wearing aviators. Brilliant, just brilliant.

Tiny Manila shirt, Jose Rizal pins and passport holder, jeepney purse

Their shop is always in my list whenever I or a sibling is flying overseas to visit family. Aside from the Manila and Pinoy themed shirts, they also have bags, purses, keychains, lanyards, pencil holders, stickers, pins, passport holders and even clocks. The best thing about Team Manila is that they don’t mass produce — designs are on a limited run and usually only come in one color. It can get frustrating if you missed out on a design you like, but when you do get one, chances of running into someone wearing the same shirt is pretty slim.

Yesterday I found myself wandering around the nearby mall, ending up at the Team Manila store. I just wanted to see what they have in stock and as it turns out, all of the things I wanted from their latest release are available. Dang. Bye bye money.

Team Manila has branches in Jupiter Street (Bel-air, Makati), Powerplant Mall, SM Mall of Asia and Trinoma Mall.