One of my favorite watches growing up was my G-Shock, which lit up with the push of a button and had a tiny stick figure dancing to an 8-bit tune. Whenever I think about it, I am transported to my childhood where I’ll just light it up and watch the figure dance what I thought were the coolest moves. However, like everything in my childhood, I grew up and forgot all about it.
I recently took another trip down memory lane because Casio G-Shock revealed the design of the first-ever National G-Shock watch, which was selected after a contest that was announced last January. Over 1,200 entries were submitted, following the theme of nationalism and the Filipino’s indomitable spirit. Out of nine finalists, one design emerged the winner.
The winning entry, called Habi, was designed by the curiously-named Dylan Dylanco, who was inspired by the northern Ifugaos to the southern tribes of the Moros, where the use of ethnic patterns is seen as a symbol of bravery. Elaborate tattoos, voluntary cicatrices (scarification), and intricate traditional weaves alluded to the wearer’s toughness, courage, and status in ancestral warrior society.
These were then tied to the elements of the Philippine flag, including the three stars and the sun.
Of course, the first national G-Shock carries the brand’s Triple 10 science: it has a 10-meter free-fall endurance, 10-bar water resistance, 10-year battery life, and it’s forged to withstand mechanical shock and vibration of sports, military, and high impact outdoor activities.
The National G-Shock is the first limited edition Philippine-designed watch and will only be available locally. Only 200 watches were produced and they are available in G-Shock stores in Ayala Vertis North, SM City North Edsa, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 5, SM City Clark, SM City Santa Rosa, SM Lanang Premier, and SM CDO Downtown Premier.
Now I’ll have a new memory of G-Shock, wearing it with pride and reminding me how beautiful our local culture is.
This story is in partnership with Casio Philippines. For more information, follow Casio Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram pages.