Prior to our site crash last year we were excited to feature a new segment on the website along with the website relaunch. We reached out to our fitted community and gather some great content from a few fitted cap collectors, but then the server crashed. These interviews remained dormant as we tried to figure out how we were going to recover and rebuild once again.
Fast-forward to last night when we began reaching out to the fitted community once again but for a different series we are about to post. One by one we reached out with great response. However, one was unable to give us the green light himself. The last time I personally spoke to this person was regarding the site. I just finished telling him what happened to the site, but instead of being bummed, he reminded me that “nothing satisfies more than a bounce back”.
Its so true, however, this morning I was greeted with a message from his grieving wife. For those that know of M. Ortega, know he had a sick collection. For those that know him, know he is a great dude that will be missed. While this is sad news to report, its our honor to represent him as the first in this segment of the “Collectors Edition” and give him credit for finally launching this. Respect due to M. Ortega and a huge hug for his family. Rest in Paradise my friend.
Location: Quezon City, Philippines
Fitted Cap Size: 7 ¾
# Of Caps: 326
Years Collecting: 18 and counting!
How did you begin your fitted cap collection?
I’ve always loved caps, regardless of whether it’s a fitted or a snapback. My first ever cap was a Chicago Bulls Logo Athletics snapback. A gift from an aunt in Illinois. My first fitted was a navy blue Yankees 59Fifty, also gifted to me during the 90’s, 1999 if my memory serves me right. That was a really special fitted for me, because at the time one would rarely see fitteds here in Manila! Peeps usually had to have relatives in America so they could cop some for them! It was hard to be a cap collector from Asia back in the days!
What is your favorite brand and why?
New Era! Always was, is and will be! They’ve held the throne for DECADES! Quality. Style. Value. And ability to adapt through different eras. They’re the Nike of the cap world, in my humble opinion!
Is there a local store you support?
Can’t thank the heavens enough because the Philippines has now been blessed with a healthy number of New Era stores! My go to branch is the one located the SM Megamall. Shoutouts to the peeps there by the way!
What is your favorite fitted in your collection?
It changes from time to time. But right now I’m crazy about a recent release from Just Fitteds, the ‘Sticker Crew’ 59Fifty! It was a challenge trying to cop one, but my connect came through big time! This will get rocked often, no doubt!
Any recommendations you have for headwear manufacturers?
To the other manufacturers who want to try and catch up with New Era, I offer two recommendations. First, get the quality up to par! Specifically, the embroidery part! Finally, proper collaborations/ would do wonders for their cause, I really believe that.
This is hella dope. I’m glad ya’ll are bringing something like this back. I participated in the last iteration of showing off your collection wwwaaayyy back in 2010. I had all of my fitteds at the time in a kitchen…some in the freezer and cabinets. Tried to style it…..I’d love to participate again, the collection has grown and diversified. Great job and glad you guys are back to doing what you did so well.