He spins for parties like Panty Monsters and showcases his collections at Philippine Fashion Week. Now designer and DJ Mike Lavarez teach us how to plan a kick-ass Christmas dinner and how to survive the 2012 apocalypse.

With just twenty days left till the year ends, we couldn’t help but wonder what others are stashing in their day-of-reckoning survival kits. Self proclaimed fan of 2012 conspiracy theories Mike Lavarez helps us with getting our stash ready for continued existence. The former chief designer for local brand Mental has had a lot on his plate for the past few months having just recently showcasing his RTW collection at Philippine Fashion Week. We were fortunate enough to tag along the making of his video campaign for last fashion week and even got a sneak peak at his collection before they came out on the runway. This time around we get more candid with him with a quick interview on a few random things about the end of the year. -LADYZAZA

If someone were to go in your room, what would it say about you?

Tidy and weird! My room is only filled with stuff I regularly use. I rarely keep souvenirs or memorabilia (except for my Gundam and Tamia collection, haha!) However, last year’s Christmas lights found their way to my head board. They’re my only room decoration & everything else is functional.

Describe your perfect Christmas dinner.

I’d like to spend one Christmas dinner with my friends back in I Love You store when it was still fully operational. All three “mums” would be there; Sharon Atillo, Corinne Ching, and Mimi Sanson. A lot of times after a long day at the studio, artist and good friend Alex Botelho would invite us to her wonderful Paco mansion where we would feast on really good organic stuff, a few I’m not very familiar with but my favorite was this veggie-meat dish which actually tasted like real, sumptuous beef! Rose water was on the side. If it was a Thursday night, we would normally dress up for Fluxxe.

Who would you like to see on the cover of STATUS in 2012 and why?

Andrej Pejic. Why the hell not? Its 2012, Philippines!

What items would you have in your survival kit if the apocalypse were to come when the clock strikes 12 on 2012?

Oh wow. I’m such a big fan of all these 2012 conspiracy theories. I’d even stay up until 4 am watching relevant videos. I’d probably pack a Swiss knife, a map of the Philippines, water, a rosary, and a radio. I tell you I can take this seriously! And can I include Spam?

Five tracks you’re listening to now.

It’s normally Latin house, Progressive and Dirty Dutch when I DJ. But during most times I’d like to listen to more laid-back stuff. In no specific order: right this very minute I’m listening to:

• City of Prague Philharmonic – “Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Main Title – Resolution and Finale)” - Because every now and then I remember how amazing and nostalgic this movie can get. I’d like to hear a remix of this soon!
• Ennio Morricone – “Cinema Paradiso Main Title” - Because my love life wishes to live again. What? Haha!
• Buraka Som Sistema feat. Blaya & Roses Gabor - “We Stay Up All Night” – Because I do, too. This is Buraka’s latest release. I’ve always been a fan of music with a Latin-Afro flair and these guys from Portugal are just the best when it comes to that. Although this song sounds a little too mainstream compared to their usual releases, it has never failed to make my head bop when I listen to it.
• Onra – “The Anthem (Flume Remix)” - Not very new but still genius. Onra is a French hip hop producer who’s tracks are always fresh & creative. He inspires me.
• Dustin O’Halloran – “Opus 28″ - His music is always heartfelt & unpretentious.