While in college, Jowee and Raymund dreamt of putting up their own graphic design studio since there were no established names yet in that field in Manila.

"We were dreamers that time. In fact, we already had prospective clients in mind. Raymund and I thought Sari-Sari would be the perfect brand for our designs since we both share a passion for everything Pinoy," Jowee recalled.

In 1993, the enterprising buddies felt it was time to execute that dream. Thus, Team Manila was born.

Starting out only with Jowee and Raymund, the artistic family grew to include Leah Bonzo, Randy Evasco, Nathan Dalud, Rosmen Cura, Ramon Vizmonte and Lindon Justo.

"Team Manila was formed to educate the eye of the public through its output and work. We want to make a lasting mark in visual culture and to contribute to the graphic design landscape, both locally and internationally," explained Raymund.

Team Manila does web designs, develops high-impact logos and promo materials for various companies.

Each logo represents the individual characteristics and ideas that reinforce the brand.

Right now, Joey and his team are working on the web site of magician Eric Mana and plan to do one for eventologist Tim Yap.

According to Jowee, one of the biggest challenges Team Manila faced involved modifying Ben Chan’s Human clothings.

"We redesigned Human’s website and created a modular dynamic symbol, an image that can be transposed in various positions and angles and still retain its identity," enthused Jowee.

Some of the more prominent logos that Team Manila has created include premiere production outfit Big Fish and a modernized logo for the Asia Pacific College.

In addition to being a design firm, Team Manila is a stand-alone production company. It has earned raves for its work on music videos for local artists.

It produced Slapshock’s music video for "Numb," which won the team the Best Director Award at MTV Pilipinas 2003.

"That music video served as our launch pad. It was three months in the making... definitely, a labor of love. We really put our hearts and minds on that project. Well, it paid off! That project opened many doors for the team," noted Jowee.

Not resting on its laurels, Team Manila ventured on yet another successful project — fashion!

In 2003, the team launched the Graphic Designed Lifestyle store which offers limited edition tees, bags, wallets, pouches, atbp., which team members designed themselves.

"Graphic Designed Lifestyle draws inspiration from the urban lifestyle, culture and imagery of the city of Manila," explained Raymund.

On the racks, we checked the jazzed up pants and tees with calesa prints, jeepneys, tricycles, "barberyas" (barber shops), patriotic slogans and national icons such as Dr. Jose Rizal.

"Our clients love our products because they find them funky and unique. Everything that we offer stand as stylish reminders of the truly unique qualities of what many consider mundane, elevating all too familiar items (such as the jeepneys, streetfoods) beyond iconic status," added Raymund.

The store doubles as an art gallery for Team Manila’s artist friends.

It recently mounted the "Sari-Sari Store" exhibit featuring the works of InkSurge, Jason Moss, Everywhere we Shoot and Guadakomeda.

The prices of the artworks aren’t that high. The most expensive item on exhibit sells for only R10,000.

"Team Manila is slowly but surely realizing its dream not just to be the leading graphic design firm in the land but more importantly, to make our country proud. We want to help promote our country through our products," enthused Jowee.

Well, who needs designer fashion when there are wallet-friendly alternatives out in the market today?

Visit Team Manila’s Graphic Designed Lifestyle store at Unit 2, Ecoville Executive Townhouses, Metropolitan Ave., Makati City.