The Promise

Wedding Belle.

Late last year two of my daughters got married, one was in Boracay and the other in Tagaytay.  The Boracay wedding came first while the Tagaytay came the day after.  A day before the beach wedding we were informed that my flight back to Manila was canceled and this would mean I won't be able to attend the wedding in the highlands.  The thought was quite upsetting so I tried my best to find an earlier flight and scrambled for numbers to make the necessary changes.  Luckily, there was an early flight that day (leaving the beach was quite saddening) so we were initially wait listed.  By early evening I received a confirmation call from SEAIR and everything just fell into place.  After all, I wouldn't want to miss my daughter's wedding.  Besides, I made a promise.

All made up.  Makeup and hairstyling by Lourd Ramos.

Arriving in Manila on the day of the wedding made me, frantic.  After traveling an hour and a half from the airport to Tagaytay I felt relieved.  We finally made it(with me were Reg and Rudolph--two of my other kids).  We realized we didn't have a place to dress up so Reg and Rudolph went to Starbucks while I changed inside the ever dependable van.  Time flew quickly and we rushed to Taal Vista Hotel (prepping up venue) to get a glimpse of the bride before she walks down the aisle.  The sight of my little girl in her beautiful vintage inspired gown holding a bouquet of blush pink peonies almost brought tears to my eyes.  I was overjoyed to see her and witness her one moment in time about to happen.  All the stress we went through just to get to this wedding vanished into the cold mountain breeze.  I was more than grateful to the universe and couldn't even ask for more.  There was an unforgettable glorious sunset at Caleruega (church) that day.  Wonderful hues filled the skies and unconditional love was all around us to celebrate the union of both Donna and Carlito.  As the church doors opened and the wedding march was about to start, a realization came to mind.  This is a day when two become one and promises are made not for the moment but to last a lifetime.

Picture Perfect. Wedding gown by Francis Libiran.  Photos by Pat Dy.

Family Ties(From left to right):  The author wearing an ivory dinner jacket, black bow, white long sleeved polo and tuxedo pants all by Joey Samson and sunglasses by Balmain; the bride in Francis Libiran; Reg in a white pleated dress by Blanc et Noir from SM, black shrug from Willow and sunglasses by Ray Ban; Rudolph in dark long sleeve polo and  trousers by Topman, checkered blazer by Mondo and sunglasses by Ray Ban.

Check out Donna's wedding at missdonata.blogspot.com

Valentine's Lush

 Valentine's Day is coming up and with a thousand and one gift items out there it's a bit hard to decide on what would be the best one.  If you're thinking of simple, inexpensive and sweet then why don't you try something to LUSH for.  These special romantic products are effective and at the same time economical all wrapped up in a cute special package called Knot-Wrap scarves at only P375.  The print reminds me so much of the bags of  Marc by Marc Jacobs seasons ago and mind you they are washable and reusable so nothing is wasted.    Add a personal touch to the package with their special massage bar and moisturizer for that unforgettable Lush feeling. Special things come in small packages.  Make it all worthwhile by Lush-ing it all up in this season of love love love.

Soft Coeur massage bar.

She loves me knot.

Can anything be more gorgeous?

In the Philippines, Lush is exclusively distributed by  Stores Specialist Inc. and is located at Glorietta 4, Powerplant Mall, Shagri-La Mall, Greenbelt 3, Mall of Asia and Bonifacio High Street.

Pattern Play

Two days ago was an easy pullout day and by mid-afternoon we decided to treat ourselves to ice cream at our favorite Ice Cream Bar( posted in an earlier entry) in Rockwell.  Decided to take pictures of the area around us to try to capture linear perspectives of the surrounding buildings.  Leading lines and vanishing points have always fascinated me with their play of symmetry.  So much inspiration can be drawn from these towering man-made monuments.

All boxed up.

Acute angles.

High rise.

Perfect cone.

A puzzlement.

In the middle of my random point and shoot we were stopped by security.  Unfortunately, shooting of structures is no longer allowed-weird!  Tried to steal several shots but the security guard was keeping an eye on us.  So we decided to continue the fun and started taking picture of ourselves.  Geometry to many may just be Math but as I reviewed the pictures in my camera I found our defining lines up close and personal.

Rudolph wearing a blue and white striped long sleeve polo with red buttons and white
pants both by H & M, suede boat shoes by Payless shoe source, watch by Kenneth
 Cole and leather sling bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Red, white and blue.

Donna wearing a white top by Topshop, black crochet vest by zoo.com.ph, printed
pants by Cotton On, sandals by Shuz, peacock ring and necklace from a bazaar
and bag by Gucci.

Go figure.

Reg wearing a sleeveless white top by Topshop, blush vest and gray cotton skirt
both by Forever 21, fringe necklace from Sm, woooden bangles from Bohol, brown
sling bag from Bangkok and woven platform wedges from Parisian.

All in the detail.

The author wearing white tee by Topshop, red and white checkered long sleeve polo
and khakis both by Zara, beige leather sneakers from Adora and plaid printed leather
bag by Vivienne Westwood. 

My little Japan

Irashaimase.

I love Japanese food.  From the sushi, sashimi, ramen and gyozas, more often than not I could eat a lot of it. I was recently invited by my good friend Danelle Palang for lunch at the popular UMU at Dusit Thani in Makati and knew it was going to be a yummy treat. UMU is one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  The famous food haven  boasts of beautiful and spacious interiors, five-star service, privacy  and most importantly a good menu with a wide range of Japanese specialties.  You can come fashionably comfortable because there's no strict dress code (but no slippers please) and its a nice place where one can eat and at the same time relax with friends.  

Lost in space.

Mellow yellow.

Light and Easy.

One of Umu's must-try signature special is their Teppanyaki Lunch Buffet (available from Monday-Friday).  An overflowing assortment of fresh seafoods, vegetables, chicken, pork and prime beef.  You can stuff yourself as much as you want until you get a delightful food coma.  You can always ask for hot tea to aid you in your digestion.  The perfect indulgence for those Japanese foodies out there.

Jap-setting.

Fish without tail.

Veggie delight.

Under the sea.

The lunch turned out to be an entire moment of catching up as usual. With us was up and coming young designer Pablo Cabahug ( Danelle's schoolmate in college) who recently won Most Promising Designer Look of Style Awards By Look Magazine and Phil.Daily Inquirer in cooperation with the British Council Manila. As part of his prize, the designer will be going to Central St. Martins in London this coming April to study a short course in design.  Could barely get up from my chair from the hearty meal. Excused myself for a smoke and when i got to the veranda facing the Japanese Garden (one of the "spots" where smoking is allowed) I was delighted to see schools of Koi.  Call me loonie tooney but the sight gave me a moment to embrace silence. A good insight after a wonderful meal and pleasant time with friends. Looking forward to my next visit to this wonderful place i call my little Japan.

Dusit Thani Senior PR and Events Manager Danelle Palang with Most Promising
Designer Look of Style awards designer Pablo Cabahug.



Koi spotting.

Umu is  open at 1130am-230pm and 530pm-10pm located at the ground floor of Dusit Thani hotel, Makati city.  For reservations  call 238 8888 or email dtmnfb@dusit.com

Feel Bright



Saffiano Satchel

Thinking of something spot on the trend to give your loved one or yourself this coming Valentine's day?  Time to think bold and beautiful in the season's brights with the latest offering from Tory Burch.  The hottest accessories in fierce colours of lava and poppy red will carry over your up to date style from the love month into the heart of summer.  No need to worry about the steep pricetag. Time to celebrate the modern lifestyle with these affordable luxuries.  Don't hold back because the new chic is definitely within reach.



Saffiano zip continental wallet.



Lava Red Brag Book Key



Lava Red Jewelry Zip Case

In the Philippines, Tory Burch is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialist, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati city.

Stepping Up

Clutch of Colour.

The long wait is over.  I was in a pre-production meeting in SM this morning that lasted for almost three hours. We were planning, organizing and finalizing details for one of their department's major summer campaign.  With me was makeup artist Bobby Carlos and we were welcomed in a room full of crates filled with bags and lines of shoes.  It was no surprise the latest collections of local brand Parisian are must-have eye candy for the new season.  The buzzworthy pieces come in an array of fashionable styles, modern shapes, and bold colors in all sizes.  Even the most discerning of taste will agree these chic pieces score high on the style meter. 



Bobby wearing a black v-neck tee by Bench, trousers by Topman, belt by Alexander McQueen,
 black  patent lace ups by Opening Ceremony and Damier graphite keepall 45 by Louis Vuitton.

The author wearing a white v-neck top by Uniqlo, blue slim fit denims by Zara,
brown boots byCarbon, sunglasses by Tom Ford and brown Marlow bag by Chloe.

On insight, the local shoe industry is stepping up and coming out with designs currently on the radar.  Satisfying the shoe fetish of the modern Filipina, the fashion forward take brings so much optimism in local retail. Step by step we are slowly envisioning a bigger goal, which is to strive for excellence and achieve global competence.  Nowadays, whether designer or retail, shoe brands are multiplying by the minute.  There is a big market out there whose wants need to be satisfied by practicality.  Although sky-high brands are very much appreciated, the margins or so called economies of scale are small compared to the multitude seeking chic affordable fashion.  Could it be that cosmopolitan Manila is catching up with the international trend pace by changing their wardrobes or looks by the season?  Either way, don’t you think it works well for the economy?  Well whatever it is, taking in all the factors to consider, it makes me wonder in excitement how locally made shoes will look like in the future.  

Shoestoppers.

Bold steps.

 It seems like we're stepping into the bright side for this chic campaign and ready to go all out under the fun sunny summer sun. Here's a sneak peak on what's coming and the hottest must-buy food for the sole.  All shoes and bags by Parisian will be coming out this February-April.

Summer's  Sole.

Proud to be Filipino

Supermodel of the World 2011(from left to right) Lithuania(runner-up), Philippines (winner), Poland (runner-up). Photo from twitpic.com.

Today the Philippines made history in the global fashion world.  Model Danica Flores Magpantay becomes the first Filipina to win the Ford Supermodel of the World 2011 Competition held in NYC.  Daughter of supermodel turned top makeup artist Lala Flores  ( who also represented the country in the same competition in 1990 and won a special award for "Best Smile"), the seventeen year old stunner marked a milestone by besting among aspiring contestants from all over the world.  

Exotic Stunner.

 A Visual Communications Freshman in UP's prestigious College of Fine Arts, the Philippines pride boasts of a body with perfect modeling proportions and standing 5'9 tall with long limbs that can walk the endless runways.  Her symmetrical facial features and astounding exotic beauty calls to mind 90's Asian supermodels' Navia Nguyen and Ling Tan who both made it in the international modeling scene.  Their distinct beauty and presence were seen walking the runways of top designers, gracing the pages of fashion magazines and endorsing numerous campaigns for retail and cosmetics.

Strike a pose.

Towering proportions.

Calcarrie's Philippines is the official franchise holder of the Ford Supermodel of the World Competition in the country since 1987 with its first winner Tweety de Leon-Gonzales.  Note that from 1994-1998 there was no local search.  The reputable agency has consistently produced some of the best in the local industry.  The following are the list of winners: 

1986: Melanie Marquez - 1st runner up & Clairol Awardee
1987: Tweety de Leon
1988: Marilen Espino
1989: Adele Go - semi-finalist, Ford Supermodel of the World
1990: Lala Flores - Crest Smile Award, Ford Supermodel of the World 
1991: Cara Subijano
1992: Abbygale Arenas
1993: Lorena Pangan - semi-finalist, Ford Supermodel of the World
1999: Nina Naval
2000: Mary Joan Santos de Mesa - semi-finalist, Ford Supermodel of the World
2001: Marjay Ramirez - semi-finalist, Ford Supermodel of the World
2002: Verns Buckley
2003: Meki Saldaña
2004: Daphne Galvan
2005: Charo Ronquillo - 2nd runner up, Ford Supermodel of the World
2006: Michelle Panemanglor
2007: Emerald Villahermosa
2008: Gisselle Pacqueo - semi-finalist, Ford Supermodel of the World
2009: Charlene Almarvez- Ist runner up, Ford Supermodel of the World
2010: Danica Magpantay- Winner Ford Supermodel of the World 

The new sexy.

The face of the Future. Black and white photos from CalCarries
by BJ Pascual, styling by Patrick Galang.

The future is bright for Danica as the dawning of the Filipina beauty unfolds.  She has re-opened the doors of opportunity for local models to aspire in the global scene and for  the international market to look into the Philippines as a breeding ground for the next supermodels.   Once again, we are back in the map and truly proud to be a Filipino.

The Versatile Blogger

Hey guys i received this award from Reg ( visit her blog heyrocketgirl.blogspot.com) and am quite honored to get something out of my blogging.  With this award comes a few sweet things and they are the following:


Please accept the award simply by:
1. Thanking and linking back to who gave you the award.
2. Sharing 7 things about yourself.
3. Passing it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy.
4. Leaving your recipients a note, telling them about the award.

7 things about me:
1.   I love the sun so much and I really don't care even if it hurts.
2.   Fashion and food is a passion I cannot live without.
3.   The true essence of being stylish is having a personal distinct look that's not a mimic or     clone from a glossy magazine.
4.  Comfort dressing is an imperative style essential.
5.  Trash can never look class.
6.  I'm a firm believer of  the man wearing the clothes and NEVER the clothes wearing the man.
7.  Life is so much fun in everything crazy beautiful.

Passing the award to these 7 bloggers:


thesoultrain.net
gourmet kitschen
tanyaescaler
TRY.Believe.LOVE
Passports and Prada
Mrs. Eggplant's Chronicles
http://thekabog.blogspot.com/

Thank you my dearest!!! 

New Beginnings

Thank you to my good friend, former boss, sister for life  Katrina Holigores for featuring me on her blog.  One of the handful who kept on pushing me since about a year ago to start writing online. She is one of my inspirations and driving force in life that keeps me grounded and has helped me understand my creative insanity.  I truly appreciate her kind gesture.  Check out her site thesoultrain.net, a window into understanding the world and definitely worthwhile soul food for everyone. Happy reading!!!

Style Narratives-New (chic) kid on the Blog! soulintraining | January 16, 2011 at 4:15 pm | Tags: design blog, luis espiritu, style blog, style narratives | Categories: Living a Life Off-Center | URL: http://wp.me/pYMpA-b0

I love discovering new blogs to follow, but nothing makes me love a blog more when written by a good friend; especially one who I feel should have started this kind of "design denizen" write up years ago!

Luis Espiritu, finally online!

Premiere stylist, designer discoverer, personal shopper and dearest friend, Luis Espiritu has FINALLY embarked on a virtual compendium of all-that-is-aesthetic around him. From documenting people, places and plates (of food) Espiritu has definitely got an eye for what gives our lives an extra spin on chic.
Stylenarratives.blogspot.com is full of clean, crisp images, accompanied by concise and sincere storytelling that allows the reader a "view" into Espiritu's design drenched world.
Not quite the sartorialist but certainly far away from the usual fluff and puff pieces that evolve around the author as sun in a small Manila Universe, Espiritu being the former Creative Director of Metro Magazine as well as the incumbent Creative Director for the Philippine Star's Allure section (where he has a bi-weekly column on trends and trendsetters) stays within design lines by "captioning" those he deems fashionable with full-on editorial credits.
I could keep on going with why I find this blog  an ideal place for a little online heel-(or stiletto) cooling, but best if you experience it for yourself!
http://stylenarratives.blogspot.com/

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In the Mood

Weather weather weather.  What ever it is, it definitely sets the mood for the day.  Today, Manila was gloomy with a bit of rain here and there.  The darkness enveloping  the endless skies made me feel blah and sluggish.  Blame it on the weather as they say but it really dampened my spirits.  As the hours passed the weathered feeling wasn't getting any better.  I wasn't feeling ill or sick, neither was it negative, its just so pfffffffffftttttt (am sure you've had your days as well).  Day was slowly turining into night but had to make a quick stop to Poweplant Mall to meet up with a good friend before heading home. When I got to the mall, lo and behold a fascinating display of lights.

Light and Shade.

 

Orange and lemons.

 Spherical paper lanterns hanging in symmetrical patterns brought light at the end of my seemingly dark tunnel.  Bold oranges and yellows ( immediately brought to mind the Spring-Summer collection of Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander and Gucci) transformed my colored gray mood into bright.  Chinese New Year is coming up in a couple of weeks (February 3) and am quite excited to welcome the year of the Metal Rabbit. 



Luck luster.

  And with the new calendar here's goodbye to gloom doom mood swings and wishing a lot of optimism, joy and luck to all.