Too Many Walls

Baroque.  Loving the term and everything that comes with it.  Was recently assigned to do a bridal editorial for Metro weddings with the theme in mind and couldn't help but get an overload of ideas. The venue for the shoot was held at Illustrado restaurant in Intramuros, Manila.  The "walled city" was the perfect backdrop for this wonderful concept. The idea of preserving structures that remind us of history is significantly noble.  Both interiors and exteriors of the place were well kept and glad to still having a structures of the like still around.  The huge old house was transformed into an establishment that had a coffee shop, fine dining resto and a ballroom for events. We had an early call time at the walled city, with 10 gowns from the best designer's, jewelry and shoes in the country--this shoot was bound to be a great one.  From one layout to another, the feeling was like being transported in a glorious era as we tried to impart through the concept and pieces a part of history.  It was a super fun shoot where we could constantly all tease each other while dripping in sweat.  Laughter echoed through the walls and hallways as if there was nothing but the stillness of air.  The shoot went quick and fast as usual as the team moved in organized chaos.  Loving how everything flowed out well through and through.  If only the walls could talk, am sure whatever was there celebrated with us as we became part of Illustrados history.

For the man of the times by Salvatore Mann Black Label.

Holiday hues from Parisian.

Tanned by Salvatore Mann Black Label.

Step worthy by Parisian.

Precious delights made by Joyce Makitalo.

Bejeweled blitz by Joyce Makitalo.

Ornate masterpiece by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Nicole Whisenhunt.

Fantastic belt by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Pearl of a difference.

Makeup artist Bobby Carlos works on model Grace Tagle while assistant makeup artist Tintin Catalan Samaniego smiles on.

Max Factor's Bobby Carlos with Metro Weddings Krisa Tiongco.

Assistant makeup artist Tintin Catalan Samaniego works on model Pedro Mologni.

Tales from the South Sea from Jewelmer.

Masterpieces by Joyce Makitalo.

Let there be light.

Color combination.

Old world charm.

Pastel.

Set in stone.

Of flowers and vines.

Somewhere in time.

Golden.

On set.

Hairstylist Jim Geurrero works on model Pedro Mologni in a modern tux  by Joey Samson. .

Blast from the past.  Grace Tagle in a Jun EScario.

Under the shade.

A minute of waiting.

Welcome.

Far away.  Associate stylist Mikka Velasquez, Bobby Carlos, Mary Grace Caison and associate stylist Rudolph Leonor(far right).

The new guards.  Photographer Joan Bitagcol and Metro Weddings' Fashion Editor Ana Lloren.

There's no bird.

Surprise visit. Designer Frederick Peralta.

Never ending story. 

Ariba! Ariba!

Pampanga is known for their great cuisine and variety of restaurants.  Foodies from Manila would actually take an hour and thirty minutes road trip to pig out and take a bite of the city known for their yummy treats.  While taking a break from Style Origins, the team was off to explore for some fun and adventure.  Upon recommendation of a very good friend, Jenny Valdez (who's family hails from Pampanga), we ended up hanging out in this famous Mexican resto called Zapatas.  From the outside, the entrance seemed liked a gateway to some dungeon of sorts but when the doors opened--it was a sight to behold.  The team was welcomed by a wonderful display of brights and bold colors.  The ambiance felt like we were transported to Mexico.  Loving the big area and the festive feeling with all the greens, reds and yellows!!! Your eyes wander endlessly with interesting details all around you.  The Mexican music was the perfect ambiance to complete the entire look and feel of the place. We were so famished and decided to order almost everything on the menu--ooops!  Food kept on coming pitas, chips, Jalapenos, quesadillas, nachos, beans, fajitas with all sorts of dips--name it we had it!  And of course we had the perfect drink to match it with--frozen margarita (strawberry and lemon)!      

Lights on.

No Miss Universe here.

A bar filled with a variety of tequila-no kidding!

Dessert with no sand.

Silly chili.

Where is margarita?

Plate of plenty!

The flag is up!(literally)

Haven't had a drink in ages, this was the perfect time to get the buzz which the author has long forgotten.  No doubt Zapatas serves one of the best Margaritas in the country.  Food and drinks are super cheap you can actually have a feast and be surprised how your bill will turn out.  A must go place one shouldn't miss out on in Pampanga.  

Oh no!

The fun begins.

Another oh no!

Three's company.

Power of three.

Our hostess of the mostess,virtual Mae with all smiles!

Sparkling eyes..bzzzzzzzz!

And just when you thought we stopped at Margaritas, think again--TEQUILA!!!!!

This is it!

Happy Birthday Erin!  We love you :-)

Miss Mexico?

Phallic oh phallic...3 in 1.

Shall we dance?

This is so cute ha ha ha!

Madeleine in Mexico!

Mad hatter.

It's closing time, oh no Mae!  We'll be back!!!

We had so much fun at Zapatas and was sad to find out that they close at 10pm waaaaahh!!!  The staff was so considerate they extended thirty minutes more for us--yey!  Quite a fun and memorable night just drinking and laughing our hearts out so we vowed to return.  And two nights after we came back and here are snaps of the almost complete cast...cheers!!!

Sanya Smith and Poli Laurito.

Ornussa Cadness and Mia Ayesa.

Jairus, Mikka Velasquez and Donna Gonzales Lim.

Marx Topacio, Erin Zuluaga and Grace Tagle.

Grace Tagle, Girlie Benitez, Reg Rodriguez and Rudolph Leonor.

Marita Ganse with Sanya Smith.

Emer, the author and designer Pablo Cabahug.

Jackie Aquino with Peter Nordell.

BJ Santos with birthday girl Erin Zuluaga.

Robby Mananquil and Val de los Santos.

Donna Gonzales Lim, Dindi de Leon, Melissa Frye and Georgia.