Secret’s Out: Manila Finally Gets Fine Bespoke Suits from Cebu

When Omerta first opened in Cebu City in 2023, it quickly gained a following for its high-quality tailoring and personalized service for discerning clientele. There were, of course, existing tailoring shops in the city that offered made-to-order suits and pants and all sorts of apparel, but Omerta took things a step further by enhancing the customer experience with personalized service and premium materials imported from fashion capitals like Italy and the United Kingdom. 

Founder Chase Cokaliong believed that the Cebu market was ready for an elevated tailoring experience, and he was right. It didnt take long for Omerta to become the go-to place for bespoke suits for Cebuano elite.

Omerta Bespoke owners and business partners (from left) Aiden Go, Chase Cokaliong and Brian Poe-Llamanzares

“It was extremely successful when it opened, because people were hungry for that kind of luxury experience,” says Brian Poe Llamanzares, Cokaliong’s business partner. “It had done so well that friends in Manila were asking, ‘Is it available here?’ To their surprise, it wasn’t. It was only available in Cebu. So people would actually come to Cebu to get tailored with us.” 

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The demand from Manila was so great that, less than two years later, Cokaliong, Llamanzares and their other business partner Aiden Go finally opened a second branch in the capital. Omerta, which is the Italian term that refers to the decision to keep silent when questioned by authorities, is now servicing clients at the second floor of the Shangri-La Plaza Mall Main Wing in Mandaluyong City. 

“Usually when it comes to luxury, you want to keep it quiet, discreet,” Llamazares explains. “But when someone asks you where you got your suit, or why you look so good, well, this is the secret.” 

In terms of what people are looking for, Llamanzares shares that it really depends on how deep into tailoring or bespoke suits the customers are.

“For the average person, the customer experience is the most important,” he says. “So  the questions they usually ask is whether they can get their suits on time? Are they tailored properly? Do they fit properly? Do I have to do three fittings, or is one fitting enough? Time is money, and a lot of people, let's face it, they rush their suits. So it's important that the quality of service doesn't diminish, even if we're quick in delivering the suit.”

Fabric swatches at Omerta

The next group of clients, he adds, is for those who have a bit more time. “You're not really rushing, and you're very particular about the suit. We can still accommodate you, because I believe we have one of the most expansive fabric selections, so you can really take your time and find the best fabrics from around the world. And not just that, even if it boils down to the accessories that you can pair with it, we definitely prepared everything so that those who appreciate the finer details would be able to experience that joy.” 

Omerta sources its fabrics from some of the world’s most premium suppliers. Customers can take a look at several fabric books and select the one they feel best matches the suit they want made. There’s one particular fabric brand, however, that the partners are most proud to carry: Loro Piana.

“Chase was able to convince Loro Piana to allow us to carry their fabrics,” Llamanzares explains. “Initially, what Laura does is give retailers like us a few fabrics, and then if you perform, they'll give you more. If your numbers are just average, they'll only allow you  only that selection. We're very proud to say that, although we were given an initial swatch of fabrics, it has sold so well here in the Philippines that they've given us additional swatches and have asked us to expand. So that's why, here in our Manila branch, we actually have made multiple swatches for Loro Piana.”

According to Llamanzares, the base price for a custom suit starts at around P45,000, although the shop does carry ready-to-wear clothes that start at around P30,000. As Omerta offers completely personalized service, clients are free to ask for any special requests to make their suit orders completely the way they want them. 

“I would highly suggest that people come here and set aside time to get the proper fit,” he says. “Most people, you only need one good suit, right? So if you're going to get one good suit, get it done right, and make your sure it's done properly. And for those who are just getting into the suit game, ultimately, I think you need three. You need a navy blue, a black and a gray. And then between the three of them, you can just switch it up, mix and match, wear the coat with different things, and that gives you multiple options.”

Customers can get their suits made-to-order at Omerta

In addition to made-to-measure suits for men, clients might be surprised to know that Omerta also makes suits and other clothes for women. Llamanzares says the shop carries ready-to-wear as well as bespoke apparel for women.

“What we noticed, especially in tailoring for women, it's actually difficult to get the right cut, because a lot of tailors are more used to cutting for men. So when they make the suits for women, it tends to be a bit boxier. But here in, we were able to find tailors with experience so we're able to give women the power suits that they're looking for.

The trio’s first venture in Manila is doing so well that just weeks after it opened, Llamanzares shares that it’s already hitting their sales targets, with barely any publicity or promotions. 

“We're hoping that it will continue,” he says, “and that more people will find out that we’re right here ready to make their suits.”