Unfurgivable

STRIP (Ministry of Waxing is the world’s first concept wax shop, with salons in Singapore, London, New York, Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and now n Manila) recently collaborated with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) to tell the world to just say no to fur. The bold campaign entitled  “UNFURGIVABLE” promotes to stop the usage of humanized fur- be it on bare skin, bags, coats or shoes- is absolutely unforgivable!  The well-loved by media, internationally acclaimed brand known for the “best Brazilian wax” and “fastest waxer” awards, prides itself on its strict devotion to the holy trinity of waxing: hygiene, speed and quality.
Championing a passion for innovation, STRIP: Ministry of Waxing has undeniablyrocked the world of waxing. This 2012, the waxing giant has decided to spread their influence even further by taking a serious stand against fur. Talented young photographer Miguel Miranda captures Manila's dazzling personalities fashioned artistically under his lens. Arresting fashion photos celebrate the human anatomy in subtle sophistication. In line with this campaign, from January 13 until March 31,2012, STRIP will donate Php50 to PETA for every Brazilian wax treatment done.

Young actress Jasmine Curtis Smith.

PETA Ambassador Isabel Roces.

PMAP president and TV Host Phoemela Barranda.

Ubermodel and DJ Ornusa Cadness.

 

Iconic

When a fashion brand's logo becomes a national trademark, it becomes an icon.  With the endless brand names in the Philippines, one has risen above the rest by imprinting and reinventing the country's map as the mark in local retail fashion--Collezione.  The brand in recent years made a glorious comeback through the brilliant design incantations by designer Rhett Eala as he redefined the look of modern sportwear.  Undoubtedly, the successful comeback has created a platform exploring new territories and covering vast borders in the world of retail. 
The author and his style team recently had the greatest of pleasure working with Rhett Eala and Collezione/Due in a recent fashion show unfolding their Holiday 2011 collection held at The Peninsula Manila.  The whole theme for the show worked around the inspiration of travel to the cold weather mountains and global landmarks.  A jetsetting appeal of fashion for the modern traveller in trendsetting style. The look was to channel the current feel of glamour fused with one of the biggest trends of the season-grunge.  For women, the take on grunge was uber  stylized in an all glammed up look with precious one of a kind pieces by accessories designer's Nicole Whisenhunt and Joanique's Malour Romero.  For men, layering was channeled in a play of modern fabrication and the season's best hues such as green, blues, purple, charcoal, grays and modern neutrals.  Menswear took a new spin with unique detailing, forward designs and form.
The oustanding experience was unforgettable and the cohesive fashion narrative was a product of overflowing creativity and synergy.  One of the best show's the author and his team has ever done, it was a playground of delight with good energy and a whole lot of fun.  Something for the books, a noteworthy moment in time and a lifetime memory of work with an icon in Philippine fashion.

Isn't it iconic?

Precious pieces by Nicole Whisenhunt.

Bejeweled skull caps by Rhett Eala.

Fancy footwear sponsor.

The author takes a photo.

Azkals rack.

In the mood.

Rehearsal in the mountains.

Raise your hands.  Director Jackie Aquino.

Take a cue.  Director Jackie Aquino and the Azkals' Anton de Rosario, James Younghusband, Phil Younghusband and Nate Burkey.

Behind the seams. Director Jackie Aquino and designer Rhett Eala.

Scene to be scene.

Azkals' Anton del Rosario.

Azkals' Nate Burkey.

Two of my favorite models:  Fatima Rabago and Nat Keifer.

Zaydan Timpani strikes a pose.

Under the table.

Model Michelle Panemanglor's crowning glory.

Sleek chic.

Look up Vanessa Matsunaga.

Close your eyes Valerie Weigenmann.

Joanique's Malou Romero prepares the jewelry.

Young husband materials Phil and James.

Designer Rhett Eala an hour before the show.

The Younghusbands instructed by backstage princess Poly Laurito.

Azkals' Phil Younghusband takes the cue from  Poly Laurito.

Designer Pablo Cabahug in translation.

Erin Zulueta behind the curtain wall.

Giggles here and there with Pablo Cabahug, Ornussa Cadness, Ria Bolivar and Grace Tagle.

A moment of laughter. The author with Jasmin Meierhofer, Pauline Prieto and Ria Bolivar.

Break a leg!

Final touch on Jasmin Meierhofer.

Glam grunge in full gear with Melanie Angeles, Ria Bolivar and Michelle Panemanglor.

Orange fever with John Spainhour.

Final stand.

All smiles.

Awaiting curtain call..

Final walk.

A walk to remember.

Designer Rhett Eala with the Azkals.

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.