Project Runway Season 4 Davao Auditions

The search is on for Project Runway Season 4 which is going to be aired early next year. The author has been lucky to be guest mentor/judge of the auditions screening committee which will be held in key cities in the Philippines.  Recently concluded the second leg which was held at the Abreeza Mall in Davao. More than a handful aspiring designers came to present their creations as they dream of becoming one of the final 15.  The finalists will then be housed in Manila for 3-4 months and will face challenges for the competition until a winner is proclaimed.  Not an easy task to judge the applicants for all of them are brilliantly talented, creative and passionate artists.  From on the spot illustration, interviews, portfolios and masterpieces, it is no doubt that the Philippines is a treasure trove of amazing designers. Each has a distinct point of view, aesthetic and  vision as they showcase their design perspective. Here are some of the pieces at the auditions and hopefully some of them make the cut.  

The venue at Abreeza.

The set up.

The form.

Gilded hoodie.

Middle East inspiration.

Texturize.

Cohesive direction.

Clearly sheer.

Shuttle cock reworked.

I want some more!

It's a wrap! The author with ETC's Georgette Tengco, Saling and Katrina Holigores.

Mövenpick Cebu

Traveling is a luxury.  If you're thinking of getting away from Manila and looking into 

the islands for your next vacay destination, why not check out a remote luxury culture located in Cebu - Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island.

A jet-set playground from the madness of the concrete jungle, this remote paradise offers a style-setting lifestyle with a unique luxurious experience.  A ten minute drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport, one is welcomed by the grandeur of the lobby's Mediterranean inspired attraction highlighted by unique local handmade furnishings developed by world-class Filipino designers Manny Samson, Cynthia and Ivy Almario and Fred and Butch Valdes of i5(design consultancy group).  Chic immaculate whites attractively complimented with cool hues create a relaxed mood channeling the beauty of hotel island living. 

Design and style work nature. Overlooking the breathtaking Hilutungan Channel, the hotel boasts of 245 luxury guestrooms and suites wherein each room has a variety of amenities which include  a flat screen television, minibar, hair dryer, safety deposit box, tea and coffee-making equipment, Chopard luxury bathroom amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi and more. Luxe is at its finest with this must-go to getaway. Five star facilities unfold as guests enjoy the hotels irresistible trappings such as its own pristine stretch of private, white reef sand beach(comes with a marine sanctuary), state-of-the-art fitness center ( which offers endless lifestyle activities such as Yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, Zumba dance classes, mixology and culinary classes, among others), Spa( which offers premium treatments, massages, packages and other pampering services), The Monte Carlo Ballroom(356 square meters events and social gatherings space), Portofino and Cannes(109 square meters venue for smaller events),The Game Room and Kids Day Care center, where children can have fun and play with a variety of toys and games.

Dining at the Mövenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu is a gastronomic celebration as it offers indulgent out-of-the-box dining concepts and parties. With three major outlets.The Sails is the main all-day dining restaurant featuring intercontinental cuisine where one can savor the taste of both East and West. The Forum features both indoor and al fresco lounge areas where they offer a hard to find list of branded alcoholic drinks, mouth-watering concoctions and snacks.  The major attraction in this haven of luxury is the Ibiza Beach Club.  Inspired from one of the legendary party places in the world, ones stay in Mövenpick will never be complete without the ultimate beach experience.

A fusion of nature and lifestyle, this modern habitue brings world-class entertainment, eclectic DJs and unique dining treat that serves authentic Balearic-style Churrasco( Brazilian all-you-can-eat barbecue offering nine types of meat and four kinds of seafood). 

Mövenpick Mactan island Cebu is an extraordinary masterpiece where luxury is at its finest.  Outstanding service and hospitality reigns in this great escape where one eyes can feast on sparkling blues and amazing ocean views. One of  the best in Philippines, this perfect vacation destination is a threshold of postcard perfect memories to last a lifetime.

The view from Ibiza Beach Club.

The lobby.

Reception.

Lobby fixtures.

Point of view.

Afternoon delight at the lobby.

The Forum.

Lounge.

Take a dip.

Chic corners.

Day package pampering.

In the shade.

Beach lounge.

Sun kissed.

Relax.

Ibiza Beach Club's ocean view.

Dining in Ibiza Beach Club.

Take a break.

Sun-setting.

Fine dining at night in Ibiza.

Afternoon hue.

Luxe trappings.

Suite sensation.

It takes two.

For Inquiries:

Email: hotel.cebu@moevenpick.com

Telephone Number: 02799 1111, 032 492 7777

Website: http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/asia/philippines/cebu/hotel-mactan-island-cebu/overview/

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A. Gordon: Manila's latest modeling agency

Manila is becoming one of the key modeling arenas in Asia.  Models from all over the world are trying out the market as it has gained the reputation of producing great tear sheets, good pictures and is an in-transit work destination before moving into the bigger cities in the region.  A. Gordon is the first all male -model agency to open in the Philippines. Boasting of a roster of models sourced from all over the world, the new player in the game is set to establish a platform throughout Asia. Under their wings are faces who have constantly worked the European, U.S and Japan circuit who've landed international campaigns, graced renowned glossies and walked the runways of Paris, Milan and New York but haven't set foot in Southeast Asia.    With its high standard of qualifications, they are targeting to service a whole range of clientele that will hopefully create a mark in Asia. Aside from models, they are currently rounding up a list of industry professionals( photographers, stylists, makeup artists) as part of their exclusive representation.  In the pipeline is the women's division which is definitely something to look forward too. The brains behind the agency is composed of Filipino fashion insiders who have extensively worked in the local and international industries who simply wants to establish a highly professional system that will link Manila to the world.  The Philippines is ready as it strategically positions as the first stopover to the region.

Aside from the work and all that flash, our country offers an endless number of must-go vacation destinations that equal some of the best in the world. The gastronomic adventure, culture and heritage is noteworthy as well aside from the great party scene either in the city or on the shores of the islands.  The laid back lifestyle in the Philippines embraces and welcomes its guests with the warmest of hearts and unforgettable hospitality. Beyond the jobs, it has become a fact that most of these models who've seen and been in Manila keep coming back because of their wonderful and amazing experiences. Beyond the careers, the country leaves an imprint as it becomes a landscape work on life.

Kate Spade Fall 2014 Collection

Fashion and travel is a great fusion where inspiration brews new creations.  The diversity of culture, tradition, landscapes, gastronomy and the passion of adventure   shapes and molds amazing ideas in the world of design and style.  

In the Philippines, Kate Spade New York introduces their Fall 2014 Collection with Raffles Makati's launch of their Pret-A-Portea series held at the Writers Bar. A style setting journey to Asia such Tokyo, Shanghai and the Transcontinental Express(old world train travel) brings to life an amazing presentation of beautiful hues and prints, metallic details and relaxed silhouettes. Modernities of the first world as seen in colossal skyscrapers and cityscapes inspires anew in the collection with a chic spin on orientalia. The secrets of the orient reveal hints of Art Deco, graphics and color blocks giving a refreshing take on prints for any occasion.  Cheeky chic brings Tokyo's Harujuku district to the world with quirky but noteworthy handbags and clutches that adds a punch to any ensemble.  

Kate Spade's successful fashion statement of global fusion brings to life fun without going overboard.  The modern tale of more than two cities reveal an amazing collage of wearable tapestry.

Travel cross country with style with Tod's train clutch from the "All Abroad" collection.

Enter the wild side with cheetah printed accesories in the concrete jungle.

Fashion east meets west with Kate Spade's tale of two cities.

Fashion fun with mixed prints with a statement clutch.

Kate Spade 2014 Fall Collection

High Tea at the Kate Spade event in Raffles Makati with (L-R) Top Blogger Rica de Jesus of "Heart to Heart", Preview EIC Pauline Juan, SSI's Malu Francisco, Style Weekend and Manila Bulletin's Liza Ilarde-Cuenca and the author.

In the Philippines, Kate Spade New York is exclusively distributed by Store Specialists, Inc. and is located at The Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, Rustan's Makati, Newport Mall, Shangrila Mall and Bonifacio High Street Central Square.