Forever Young

That illy feeling.

Started my day having three cups of black coffee at home and wondered why the sleepy feeling was haunting me.  It could be the semi-weird weather that was neither cloudy nor sunny, the food I had for breakfast (Bangus belly, two sunny ups and garlic fried rice-yum!) or maybe simply am just too lazy to move a bone.  Had to drag myself out of the house since today was a day of work, and some things had to be done.  We planned to pullout clothes from Greenbelt 5 mall in Makati for our shoot tomorrow and wanted to be early to avoid the maddening afternoon crowd.  Luckily traffic wasn't bad so we arrived earlier than expected (the mall was still closed) and decided to have a round of coffee M cafe to wake us up.

Natural Beauty.

After a few more cups of waker-uppers ( I had 3 more ha ha ha!) and waiting for the rest of the team to arrive, my eyes finally opened.  I immediately noticed this beautiful plant on our table and was mesmerized by the simplicity of its beauty. The green hues (think Dries Van Noten prints and palette), pattern-like leaves( ala ruffles of Valentino or Oscar de la Renta) and complimentary appeal with the wooden table was so Zen-like I couldn't help but take a picture of it.     

Rudolph Leonor wearing checkered long sleeve top by H & M, slim pants by
Pacific Summer, high cut shoes by H & M, khaki sling bag by Urban Outfitters
and zipper bracelets by Noelle Llave.

Reg Rodriguez wearing black motorcycle jacket by Dorothy Perkins,
striped tee by H & M, denim cut offs from Greenhills, silver rings by PeaceLoveFashion,
 white leather bag is a gift from a friend and wedges by Parisian. 

Fashion student Mikka Velasquez wearing a navy blue blouse by Forever 21, denim
shorts from a bazaar, necklace by Betsey Johnson, lucite cuff by Tori Burch, wedges
by Gold Dot and black Alexa bag by Mulberry.

Young fashion designer  Noelle Llave wearing a gray top by Luca, black skirt and
opaque stockings both by SM, wooden platform shoes by Schizo by Kaye Morales,
necklace by Avatar and polka dot sling bag by Zara.

Donna Gonzales-Lim wearing a black cotton cover up by Zara, animal printed top
by Topshop, military green skirt by Forever 21, black studded belt by Mango,beige
hobo  by Gucci and black booties by Soule Phenomenon.

The author wearing beige tee with prints by Marc by Marc Jacobs, gray denims
and black laced up driving shoes both by Zara, watch by Kenneth Cole, sunglasses
by Lanvin, and large black Marcie bag by Chloe.

My team and I started brainstorming on our shoot tomorrow and the shoots to come.  The exchange of ideas was waking me up and I could feel their youthful vibe flowing through my veins.  The sparkle in their eyes, cute giggles and heart-warming smiles was a moment to see.  Their excitement and eagerness to execute their visions and creativity has given me a purposeful energy to step forward.  They are my inspirations- to continue to be, move on and live life forever young.

These chic zipper bracelets by Paula come in black, gray, navy blue, olive green
and beige and cost only P150 while necklaces are at P450. Call  09175023617.

Shiny Happy People

In the Metro.

Loving lunch today with friends slash former officemates.  After weeks of planning we decided to have brunch at Sala Bistro in Greenbelt 3( beside People's Palace). I've been hearing good reviews of their brunch menu and true enough it exceeded beyond expectation.  The place was sleek with glass decorations all over, well lit atmosphere with interesting lighting fixtures, and  it was impeccably clean and quiet(obviously for brunch).

Class of glass.

Leading lights.

Metallica.

Loving this flower arrangement.

A room with a view.

My diet tried to hold me back but couldn't resist having the English Fry Up dish( bacon, sausages, two sunny side ups and tomatoes and mushroom on the side) and for dessert was the ricotta pancakes with caramelized banana and maple syrup (super to die for).

My breakfast favorites.

Yummy Bananita.

Seeing everyone looking good and well was food for my spirit. I can still recall our editorial meetings, closing at the office, shootings but more importantly the kwentos, bondings and all the laughing...and gossiping ha ha ha.  Seems like nothing has changed, and the moment felt like how it was back then and still is now-family. 

 Beauty and Food blogger Erica Paredes wearing a top by Forever 21, blazer and skirt by
Cotton On, shoes and headband by Sportsgirl in Australia and bag from H & M.

Town and Country's Jacs Sampayan in a short sleeve polo shirt and pants
by Wharton, black shoes by Hush Puppies and watch by Fossil. 

Educator/Writer Andrea de Guzman in a printed top by Banana Republic,white shorts by Zara,
embellished sandals by Aldo,  bag by Balenciaga, earrings by H & M, sunglasses by Prada. 

Phil Star Columnist Audrey Carpio in Uniqlo denim shirt, white camisole by Marks and Spencer, black
 trousers by Zara wedges from Hongkong and floral printed bag from a bazaar in Singapore.

Fashion designer Tippie Ocampo in a striped tee by Forever 21, jeans by Levi's, red ballet flats by
Sam Edelman, silver Indian hoop earrings,  sunglasses and saddle bag both by YSL.

The Author wearing top by Banana Republic, khakis by Joey Samson, sunglasses by Oliver Peoples for Balmain, blue convertible tote by Celine and leather sneakers by Dior Homme.  Phil Star columnist Katrina Holigores in printed maxi dress by H & M, sunglasses by Gucci, necklace by Accessory Lab, ring by Laura de Guzman, sandals by Naturalizer, bag by Calvin Klein and printed bandana from Banana Republic .

Today, most of us have moved on with our lives doing the things we wanna do that makes us happy.  Whether writing, teaching, cooking, traveling, styling and eating, we've found our little corners in the sky making our own wonderful rainbows.  

Boho Chic.

Bluer than blue.

Love locks.

Stepping in suede and leather.

Andrea's big B.

The bunch for lunch.

Pieces of You

 

Bejeweled.



Jewelry is a reflection of one's taste and personal style.  So fascinating, so alluring and mesmerizing its dazzling display in various settings, cuts and colors is nothing less than precious. These pieces of refinement go beyond their material aesthetic value and become the extensions of oneself.  Good friend Malou Araneta Romero recently launched Joanique Co.- a line of fine jewelry for the bold and the brave.  Her statement pieces are for those who's personal style is beyond the traditional.  Fearless and captivating, one can't help be noticed in these standout jewels.  


Gold Fever.

 

Set in stone.

 

Midas touch.

  A couple of years back, Malou ( a former Close-Up model) graced the pages of Manila's top glossies and was a known face in local advertising.  Am so proud of her and the business she got herself into-still in fashion but this time in the field of design.  I always knew her as a very creative person even during her modeling days and now am quite happy to see the celebration of the artist within. 

From ear to ear.

Luxe trappings.

These fine creations of startling appeal mimic the personality and style of this designer who's vision is to make fine jewelry affordable.  Distinctly chic, these statement pieces are investments to have and to hold for a lifetime.  An excellent addition to the handful of local jewelry brands with world-class standards and we can proudly say it's Made in the Philippines.

Check out their website at http://www.joanique.com/

People of the Year

Grand entrance.

Every year, Stargate Media Publishing honors extraordinary individuals who have achieved monumental success in an industry and  making a difference in the lives of Filipinos. This tribute is culminated via an event called People Asia's People of the Year (something like Time magazine) Last Monday, the People of the Year event was held at the grand ballroom of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel (The former Westin Philippine Plaza) in Pasay city..  People Asia is the only magazine in the Philippines that was able to gather all at the same time the four highest ranking heads of state namely President Noynoy Aquino, Vice- President Jojomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Head of the House of Representatives Speaker Sonny Belmonte.  The strictly invitational grand occasion was well-graced by Manila's diplomatic, business, society, fashion and lifestyle sector.  

Faces.Faces.Faces.

The 2010 “People of the Year” awardees are:

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile 

Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj

Globally renowned fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori

Broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez

Acclaimed furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue

Floral architect Rachy Cuna

Collezione's fashion designer Rhett Eala.

Actor and YES Pinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes

Musician Ryan Cayabyab

Architect Felino Palafox Jr.

Fr. Rocky Evangelista of the Tuloy Foundation.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and CEO Jaime Bautista.

People Asia's special recognitions:

Mr.Thierry Tea, president and CEO of Eurocopter Philippines, who mobilized 

helicopter rescue missions during typhoon Ondoy and Ms.Raissa Dawn Laurel, 

bar blast victim who exemplified optimism in life.

The first big event of the year was a night of blinding flashes as everyone came in their best fashion.  It was a parade of both local and foreign designer wear that created a feast for the eyes.  

Photographer Joan Bitagcol in a black long sleeved turtleneck top by Margiela, black dress worn as
a skirt by Industria, black lapel by Joey Samson, shoes by Costume National and vintage bag by Romeo Gigli.

Ivar wearing gray coat and black tapered pants both designed by him,  black long 
sleeved polo by Tween and black leather shoes by Rachel Comey. 

Photographer Sara Black in a black dress and stocking both by
H & M and peeptoe heels given by a friend.

Fashion stylist Corine Alegre in a black dress by Alexander Wang, printed
 heels by Emilio Pucci, wine colored clutch by Gucci.

The author in a navy suit by Joey Samson, long sleeve pinstripe polo
by Zegna and viscose bowtie by Lanvin.

The formal dress code, the fine table setting, excellent food and special performances of entertainers made the event special. I had a brief moment when i almost broke into tears when Raissa Laurel was being awarded.  She is truly a survivor and great example of optimism to the many.  Her positive outlook in life has touched a nation by giving her this all deserving moment in time 

Seeing double.

Flora

Shining through.

From left to right:  Allure's Associate Editor Bum Tenorio, Ivar Aseron,
the author, Corine Alegre and Joan Bitagcol.

And on a high note after saying all our goodbyes and just when we were about to get into our cars  to leave Sofitel, this flashy moment was just waiting to happen.

Freeze Frame (from left to right):  Jerome B. Smoothe, People Asia's Tatum Ancheta, photographer Niccolo Cosme, Ria Reyes, Tom Yeung, Marie France's  NJ Torres, photographer Sara Black, fashion stylists Bea Constantino and Pam Quinones, fashion designer Ivar Aseron, photographer Joan Bitagcol, the author, fashion stylist Corine Alegre and photographer Mark Nicdao.

First Day High

My first official day at work!!!  Dressed up for a meeting all the way at the SM main office in MOA (Mall of Asia) for a pre- production meeting for a shoot.  The meet didn't take long but it felt good since the team is off  to a great start. Everyone was just glad to see each other and is switching work mode back to GAME ON...but  it seemed like there was a lingering feeling we're still on vacation.

Associate stylist Reg Rodriguez in top from Bangkok, printed legging and metal rings bought from
a bazaar, black combat boots and sling bag given by a friend and sunglasses by Ray Ban.

Junior Associate stylist Donna Gonzales Lim in a white top and coral chiffon blazer  from
Hongkong, denims by TRF, nude strappy  heels by Guess, tan bag by Gucci and
accessories bought from a bazaar.

Millimeter's Arnel Murillo in a polo by Marks and Spencer, pants by Banana Republic, belt by Zara,
denim cap by Calvin Klein, tote by Cole Haan, suede laced up shoes by Fred Perry, glasses by Lanvin
and watch by Bulgari.

SM's Revo Naval in a bespoke navy blazer, long sleeved polo by Mainstreet, slim tie
by Springfield, carrot pants by Topman, and shoes by Generic Surplus.

Stylist Gio Palmiano (left) in a white polo by Oxygen, gray knit poncho by Forever 21, black
pants by Terranova Men, white leather sandals by 5cm and black bag by SM.  Associate stylist Belle
Camarsi in a mocha knit top, woven slim belt and animal printed bag all bought from a bazaar, black
skirt by TRF, platforms by Gold Dot, sunglasses by Ray Ban and gold earrings by Forever 21.

The author in a white v neck top by Banana Republic, chambray long sleeved polo by
Massimo Dutti, denim pants by GAP, snakeskin shoes from Adora, sunglasses by Mango
and red antigona bag by Givenchy.