Is he clad from head to toe with Saudi Arabia’s gold reserves? The ever-so-stylish plain white T-shirt from Fruit of the Loom or Hanes. Jeans, you say? Gotta be 501s or Wranglers. Ray-Ban Aviators to protect the eyes from glare — well, with all that welding experience, he certainly knows a thing or two about quintessential Tito eyewear. Proudly flaunting his Power Ranger–spec Nikes he got on sale at a mall in Jeddah or wherever? Hang on a minute — this is not the Tito I’d like to dissect here. Oh no!

Given that readers of DAILY TRIBUNE are men and women of distinct literary taste, I would like to discuss and hopefully dissect the “Moda” Tito of today. Let’s not bother Tito Rene, please. He’s deeply ensconced with Tita Vangie, so we’ll leave them to it.

So what exactly is the “Moda” Tito? I would imagine he’s 43 rather than 63 and is happily married. He lives in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by well-manicured greenery, with like-minded neighbors where the wives trade recipes and the husbands sit al fresco to discuss their poor yet improving golf games (mind you, their golf games have been “poor yet improving” for the past six years).

He’s not one to drive a practical yet not-so-modern Mitsubishi Adventure. A Land Cruiser would suffice on weekdays, but on weekends, he and his darling wife are driven around by trusty old Hernan in their Lexus — in typical “Moda” Tito understatement. He despises all things FLASH!

He and his better half could’ve opted for the newest BMW to hit the showroom floor, but they both decided it’s a little nouveau riche, so Lexus it is. The “Moda” Tito, as I’ve said, loves a game of golf. In his mid-twenties, his handicap was a high single digit. But at 43 years old, and with regular trips to the chiropractor, he’s happy with it being a modest yet age-appropriate 13.

The “Moda” Tito is unfazed by the thinning patch on the top of his head either — he plays golf, so of course he wears a cap! He also knows that he is an arbiter of charm — the kind of charm that could snap lingerie elastic from a mile away. Needless to say, the moms love him just as much as their daughters… especially his own mother-in-law!

He too is a man of the kitchen! Dinner for family and friends is a regular thing in the “Moda” Tito household — an apron and a pair of tongs are what he appreciates, and he is more than happy to show off his self-taught culinary prowess. The “Moda” Tito loves to feed those around him!

The “Moda” Tito is balanced, confident, well-rounded, level-headed, humble, aware and in control of himself. He is exposed to all manners of folk and gets along with all of them — no yabang, no arte, no pride nor prejudice. Just good old-fashioned kinship and camaraderie. He is a man who knows his place in society, yet gives everyone an open-armed welcome.

The “Moda” Tito is also no stranger to philanthropic endeavors. Whether or not it’s been a good year, giving back is always a must — a “Moda” Tito is one who observes the needs of the nation.

When you step outside and observe the world around you, you realize that there are many wannabe “Moda” Titos. But being a “Moda” Tito, I feel, is no joke — certainly not as cheerful and jovial as one might describe. The “Moda” Tito is human, like you and me. With him, there is no façade and no pretense. Strip away all the non-essentials, and what you’re left with is a man who bears the weight of the world just like you and me.

The “Moda” Tito is not afraid to show his vulnerable side to those he trusts. He is far from perfect and deals with his own personal demons. Yet despite this, the “Moda” Tito is never downcast and always sees the glass — even that of others — as half full rather than half empty.

The “Moda” Tito is a kind man, a considerate man, and a man so likable that even without him being “Moda,” you’d like him just as much. He is a man so secure in himself that it is, frankly, enviable. He is a friend to all and an enemy to none.

To be a “Moda” Tito means that balance is ever-present in everything he does. He laughs with you but is quick to rebuke when a friend is up to no good. The tug of the heart is equaled by the wisdom of the brain. Being a “Moda” Tito is a way of life where style and authenticity come together to shape and form the ideal man — the man who loves and is loved, appreciates and is appreciated, welcomes and is welcomed, laughs with and is laughed at, and looks out for others and is looked after in return.

So who is a “Moda” Tito? I think it’s any man who wears his heart on his sleeve, because that, in his very essence, is a “Moda” Tito.

So, is your Tito “Moda?”