January 2012 Magazine Covers in the Philippines

2012 welcomes new beginnings as ideas, concepts and creativity forms optimistic visuals for the months ahead.  Fashion and lifestyle looks back to last years news and a perspective of the things to come.  On the covers are the hottest celebrities and 2011's personalities who have made the Philippine proud such as Manny Pacquiao, Miss World first runner-up Gwendoline Ruais and Miss Universe third runner-up Shamsey Supsup.

The new sexy with television's primetime superstars Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo.

Gorgeous actress Bea Alonzo.

Hearthrob Sam Milby.

Ferocious sophistication of Ellen Adarna.

Queen of all media Kris Aquino.

Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao with Miss Universe third runner up
Shamsey Supsup.

Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao with Miss World 1st Runner Up Gwendoline Ruais.

International superstar and Penshoppe endorser Mauro Maurer.

The next matinee idol, actor Xian Lim.

Spotting Vantage

A moon ago I dropped by the exhibit of one of the most celebrated photographer in the country--Mark Nicdao for the launch of his first book entitled Vantage.  Displayed in the heart of Greenbelt 5, was a sleek visual presentation of more than a handful of the artist's favorite works.  The arresting photos of the hottest celebrities from simple to the most stylized, presented each picture capturing a mood, feeling and even a story to tell.  Congratulated Mark but had to leave early for another engagement.  Heard the day after the place was packed with celebrities, colleagues, fashion and advertising personalties etc.  Truly an important event one shouldn't have missed.  Beyond all the pictures and the book, it was really all about the exceptional eye that made a forever "mark" in our hearts. 

Shooting stars.

Style in narratives.

Branding and multiplicity.

Fashion moments.

The joy of emotion.

Pretty boy gangster and In The Mood for Love.

Iconic and modern portraiture.

Close up and movement.

My favorite is this chiaroscuro(charcoal painting)-like black and white photo of Richard Gutierrez that semiotically translated a certain mood of calmness.

Advantage!

Early birds from left to right:  Fashion designer Patrice Ramos Diaz, the author, Mark Nicdao, photographer Joan Bitagcol, fashion stylist Corine Alegre, fashion designer's Louis Claparols and Joey Samson. (Photographer Sara Black, People Asia's Tatum Ancheta and Homme et Femme's Tadi de Leon not in photo)

Women of Allure 2011

Every March of the year is special because the Allure section of the Philippine Star celebrates Women's month.  Each year, the popular section picks a list of prestigious names narrowed down from the handful extraordinary who have created an impact and mark in their profession--thus they are proclaimed  Women of Allure.  The Allure section pays tribute to notable individuals from different industries who's success have made a difference.  These exemplary women are living testaments of brilliance and excellence in their respective fields. They are the exceptional and outstanding who's identitities represent and symobolize empowerment in the 21st century.  This year's list include the following:

1)  Kris Aquino
2)  Charice Pempengco
3)  Grace Poe Llamanzares
4)  Jasmine Maeierhofer
5)  Nikki Luna
6)  Celeste Tuviera Querido
7)  Nicole Whisenhunt
8)  Danelle Palang
9)  Julia Abad
10) Ria Domingo
11)  Charina Sarte
12)  Shiela Romero
13)  Rachelle Gerodias
14)  Mariz Umali
15)  Atty. Mela Bengzon

Driven by a vision, their determination, perseverance and dedication to their passion have led these remarkable women to who and what they are today.   Beyond their achievements and hard work, these living icons are leading the path to pave way for more women to step up in their profession.  Their humbling experiences and roads to success are eye openers that hopefully inspire the future generation to strive in making their dreams come true and build a better Philippines.


check out Women of Allure 2011 at www.philstar.com

February 2011 Magazine Covers in the Philippines

The battle of the glossies continues in their quest to shine and take a prime post on the shelves. Here is an incomplete round up of magazine covers for February 2011 in the Philippines out in the newsstands.  

Mega magazine celebrates their 19th year in the industry this month and In line with this
are four covers featuring the alluringly sophisticated Nanette Medved Po.

Nanette Medved Po with fashion designer Jun Escario.

Nanette Medved Po with supermodel turned  top makeup artist Lala Flores.

Nanette Medved Po with ace photographer Mark Nicdao.

La Greta is style iconic in old Hollywood glam.

Model icon Tweety de Leon Gonzales is the woman of the times. 

Kris Aquino's simplicity of beauty. 

Capturing the spring-summer fever in Sense and Style.

Girl of the moment Solenn Huesaff is Cosmopolitan personified.

Aljur Abrenica is the new Machete.

AJ Perez and Enrique Gil are the next boy wonders.

Jasmine Curtis Smith is an IT girl in the making.

Super sexy ubermodel Tweety's first in Rogue.

Philippine Tatler is all set for the Ball.

FHM Philippines is net crazy with Misa Campo.

Style Icon Cecile Zamora Van Staten adds Spark to Philippine fashion.