Sporting Ascot

2012 is the year for the Olympics. The once every four years event has greatly influenced global fashion brands in their Spring Summer 2012 and with this is the major comeback of sportswear into our wardrobes. This season, BOSS Green Menswear draws inspiration from the famed British Royal Ascot horse races with their unique tradition, color and style. Presenting a parade of hues, it features a mix of stripes and checks in bright, energized color combinations paired with white. The palette is dominated by olive green and yellows, along with a spectrum of blues including navy, turquoise and sky blue. A trio of reds – from tango red through chimney to rhododendron – send a strong message and duo with white for high impact. Fabrication is game on the stripe theme in shirts and jackets. Matte/shiny contrast is a hallmark of this richly varied collection, as is the hand-drawn BOSS Green lettering of the logo.
The BOSS Green is a premium sportswear line for men and women with a relaxed, casual focus and functional performance wear for golf enthusiasts. With its aesthetically appealing, signature design, BOSS Green has discovered the ideal niche between lifestyle and sports.

In the Philippines, BOSS Green is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc. (SSI) and is located at Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and Newport Mall Resorts World.

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.

 

Angels in Stone

One of the great reminders of Spanish colonization in the Philippines are the beautiful churches scattered all over the country.  A symbolic mark of Christanity, these monumental "Angels in Stone" are gloriously built and now landmarks of Filipino heritage.  One of the historical masterpiece is the Cathedral of Lipa in Batangas city. Originally located at the shore of Bonbon, the church was destroyed by an eruption of Taal Volcano and was relocated to where it stands today.  High ceilings and massive pillars define the towering structure completed in 1894.  Aside from the beauty of its massive appeal, one can't help but be overwhelmed by the artwork covering the entire ceiling area and the stunning dome in guilded splendor.  The breathtaking painting will leave one in awe as it reminds you of one of the great churches in the world.  The richness of hues and marvelously interesting combinations makes one think this masterpiece is an outcome of a lot of time and meticulous hard work.  A two hour drive away from Manila, the Lipa Cathedral is located in the heart of Lipa City in Batangas. An overwhelming experience, the church is a highly recommended must-go for everyone who's up for a cultural adventure.  And if you do decide to go, don't miss out on Casa Segunda ( a century old ancestral house) as well and visit their famous Cafe de Lipa!

Testament of Faith.

History.

Lo and Behold.

Dome.

The main altar.

Angel of music.

Pillars of strength.

The mysteries painted on the way.

Mater Dolorosa.

In the company of angels.



The gaurdians of the gates.



Preservation

This author had a recent road trip to Lipa city and at the neart of it all was an interesting discovery--a more than a century-old ancestral home of the Luz- Katigbak family called Casa Segunda.  Built in 1880, the sight was a glimpse of what it was like to live back then and the past was simple unfolding in front of your eyes.  Casa de Segunda relfects a certain sense of richness and history that echoes through its architecture, interiors and even in interesting design elements in almost every space and corner.  In 1996, it was proclaimed a heritage house by the National Historical Institute of the Republic of the Philippines crossing over seasons of change.  Loving how these preserved landmarks remind us of our culture and how it glorifies the uniqueness of Filipino heritage.

The art of preservation.

The grand view.

Welcome.

Going up.  Loving the wooden staircase.

The best technology back then was the art of conversation.

In the light of beauty.

Mirror, mirror.

Master's bedroom.

Designing corners.

Lighting and Design.

Retablo.

Design at your step.

Modern Satyr

New York based Filipino artist Paolo Vinluan is currently in the Philippines showcasing his latest works at the Finale Gallery with fellow artist Maria Taniguchi.  Briliiant three dimensional masterpieces unfolds the astounding visuals of this remarkable artist.  Oil drawings mounted in between glass presents an oustanding exhibition of contemporary Filipino art. Vinluan's trademark satyrical perspectives fused with a hint of humor are well-thought of and has given the artist a dinstinctive mark in the local art landscape. The almost sold out 25 piece exhibit is still running at the Finale Gallery along Pasong Tamo, Makati.