I hesitate in telling this story, partly because my limited story telling ability can’t do it any justice. But mostly because I lack the dates and timeline that my uncle had when he told it to me. That said, its a war story, the story of my grandparents, and worth sharing on a day like today.
My grandpa Geronimo was one of many Filipinos that joined the US Navy in search of a better life. He was married soon before he shipped out and was stationed on the USS Arizona up until December 6th, 1941. He left the Arizona hours before the attack for barracks on land. I haven’t heard the details on how he was able to escape, but I that was just the beginning.
Around the same time as the attack on Pearl, my grandma Natividad and the rest of her family fled their village in the northern most island of the Philippines to avoid being captured and killed by invading japanese soldiers. They ran and they hid, saw family members killed, again my details are cloudy on how she actually escaped.
This was 1941, the beginning of the war my grandparents and had completely lost touch with one and other. Neither knew of the others where abouts or if they were even alive, and it stayed like that for the next five years of their marriage. My grandpa continued to serve in the Navy, my grandma continued to find ways avoid capture until 1945. The war in the Pacific finally came to an end, my grandpa began to make his way home. In a chance encounter, he was able to find an old friend of his in a market. The friend asked if he had seen his wife yet, of course my grandpa had no clue she was even alive or where to find her. She was there, the friend explained, I’ll take you to her.
This story was told to me by an uncle, my first and only trip to my Dad’s town in the Zambalas province of the Philippines. My grandpa passed some years back, my grandma still lives in the same house they built and raised their family in. Remember the past, remember what people did to get you here. Mostly, and in my case, remember it and pass it on.
SELVAGE TOTE BAG
Photo Credit: L.Ruano
The Co. has always been a fan of the underdog. Perhaps because it’s a role we’ve played since we started on this path 6 years ago. We’ve gotten good at it, it suits us. The idea that despite your history, greatness could still come from meager beginnings or failure. Jyumoku has a knack for making something out of what most see as nothing. It seems like our latest project together was only a matter of time…
Jyumoku has been quietly building some the most amazing reclaimed/repurposed products in the market. There is a (re)purpose and reason behind everything the brand has created, which is the reason The Co. is extremely proud to present our first collaborative project. The three piece bag collection showcases Jyumoku’s repurposing expertise and blends perfectly with the LWRCO. no-nonsense design aesthetic. The Reclaimed Collection is mixes 13oz Japanese selvage denim and reclaimed US military grade shelter canvas and nylon webbing. So we took some good old stuff, combined it with some good new stuff and made something that will probably out last our kids.
Special thanks to Ted at Jyumoku, be sure to check the new Craftsman Vol.2 section of the site for some more insight into what Ted is all about. He’s definitely one of SoCals’ best kept secrets.
This one might have snuck in under your radar, but we were recently able to acquire a limited supply of the new Fall colorways of the Etnies Plus x The Lovewright Co. Califas Boot. Perfect for the up coming cold months, these have been a cold weather staple for The Co. since the original release last winter. Premium leather upper, Vibram sole, and Ortholite food bed (my personal favorite part, just try’em and you’ll see why), these will not disappoint. Available at The Co. Store now while supplies last. Get to it!
THE GROWN MAN’S MIXTAPE IS THE FIRST OF MANY MUSICAL INTERPRETATIONS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE LOVEWRIGHT CO. THIS ECLECTIC MASH OF SOUL/FUNK RARITIES IS BEST SERVED WITH A PROPER WHISKEY AND A WELL-ROUNDED FEMALE WAISTLINE. THE LOVEWRIGHT CO. COMISSIONED THE SAN DIEGO STAPLE, QUESTION TO HANDLE THE DETAILS. AN OBVIOUS DECISION THAT IS PROVEN AT THE DROP OF THE NEEDLE. THE GROWN MAN’S MIXTAPE IS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE…
“I first met QUESTION on a Thursday night while trying to hustle my first job at the now legendary Bar Dynamite in San Diego. I spent months at the bar and I was able to witness more than a few of his Thursday night sets. I would describe them as nothing less than masterful, on time and “in the pocket”. I remember vividly, simply standing back and watching 100 or so people in the small living room that was Bar D, lose their minds and give up their bodies to the man behind the glass. When Question was on the set, he was sure to bring the cure for what ailed you.
With an uncanny ear (and eye) for detail, and a brain that really doesn’t shut off, it’s no wonder he has been able to build an amazing catalog of work both locally and overseas. The man knows his shit and handles his handle.”
You are what you actually do, you are what you own (like it or not). I’m guessing just by the look of this guy, he’s probably pretty cool and a little crazy. I think we all have the need to drop out sometimes, Mr. Coffer seems to have it down to a science. If anyone out trying to build a log cabin, hit me up!
Boxing used to be a sport. Head-butts and handshakes? Pseudo sucker punches? The current class of professional boxer’s are in fact, classless. In the worst showing I’ve seen in a long time (ear-chopping Mike Tyson), both the current “champ” and the new “champ” showed us all exactly how shitty the once proud sport has become. If we didn’t have Manny, where would our sweet science be? Small soapbox, sorry…but this whole deal is upsetting to me. Mayweather, please man up and take a real fight. Maybe that might clear your name as an asshole and you could leave the sport with something bigger then the memory of your ego.
If you have one of these (my wife and I call them “short room mates”), you might understand the lack of post lately. Between work, other work, and more work, I’ve been spending more of my blogging time with a crayon in my hand instead of a camera. Yes, most folks trying to run clothing brand will tell you (and have told me) that you won’t get anywhere without a constant stream of social media updates. Well that may be the case, but The Co. hasn’t really done anything by the book at this point so why start now? They happen when they happen, until then we’ll be drawing dinosaurs.
