ILLUSTRADO Magazine Sept 2012

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THE MAGAZINE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO

15 SEPT - 15 OCT

6

TH

ISSUE

66

RADIATE THE LUXE LIFE – PHILIPPINES STYLE BORN LEADER: LOIDA NICOLAS-LEWIS A LOOK AT FILIPINO SUPERMODELS FASHION: LIGHT & DARKNESS INTERNATIONAL FILIPINO DESIGNERS COUTURE GALLERY PROUDLY PINOY LUXURY BRANDS YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY NOT YOUR MOTHER’S SHOES MY PINOY LIFE IN KOBE, JAPAN

EDITOR’S NOTE

Photo by Eros Goze

Your gift on our birthday

Birthdays are usually for opening gifts

Along the way, we’ve also delved into

Delivering

goodness,

that

is

our

and indulging in other people’s special

worthwhile projects to further advance

continuing gift to you.

treatment. But not in our case. In true

our advocacy for the Filipino community,

Illustrado fashion, our birthday is all for

with projects like Women of Substance,

We take utmost pleasure in seeing that

YOU.

the coffee table book “The Gulf through

our labor of love has not been in vain.

the Eyes of a Filipino Photographer”, as

And that fulfillment is the gift we keep

We set out six years ago to do one

well as other collaborations, with the

for ourselves.

thing, and that is to contribute to the

creative fraternity and other groups in

upliftment of the Filipino community

our community, among others. We have

This time around, as we celebrate our 6th

by being a shining beacon that would

touch based with you, dear Illustrados

anniversary, we give you once again an

mirror the best of our people – our

through this magazine, during events, in

issue that is steeped in style and luxury,

achievements, our world-class talent,

Filipino schools, even electronically and

Philippine version.

brilliance, unstoppable potential and

online sharing Pinoy goodness with you

our joie de vivre. Illustrado Magazine

every single day.

We hope that you enjoy browsing through the pages of this magazine. After

was dedicated to celebrating and further creating “Taas Noo, Filipino!” moments,

We’ve been very fortunate to see these

providing our kababayans here and

efforts bear fruit and are proud that we

around the world inspiration and even

are part of the flourishing movement that

more reason to be proud.

has, since recent years, been providing much deserved recognition and feeding

We’ve put together a medium that’s

the aspirations of our people.

the direct opposite of the media fare

pleased to see the strengthening of Pinoy

that seemed quite typical within our

pride, the growing interest in worthwhile

community focused on gossip, bad

issues such as Filipina empowerment,

news and materialism. Instead, we have

entrepreneurship,

created a publication that has substance

the burgeoning of creativity in our

at its heart; one that is positive,

community and the recognition of

constructive, of global standards and

notable Filipinos as well as ordinary

style and has distinct appreciation of our

kababayans who are making us proud in

innate Filipino facets.

their own small way wherever they are in the world.

financial

We’re

literacy,

all, it is made just for you.

Taas Noo, Filipino!

LALAINE CHU-BENITEZ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS Alfred “Krip” A. Yuson

Krip has co-authored travel books (among these APA Insight Guide to the Philippines and Philippines: Islands of Enchantment). He has earned distinctions as a literary author of over 20 other books — from poetry, short stories, children’s stories, biographies, and translation. A Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall-of-Famer, he has also received the SEAWrite (SouthEast Asia Writer’s) Award from Thai royalty and the UMPIL or Writers’ Union of the Philippines’ Gawad Balagtas for lifetime achievement.

Bo Sanchez

An expert on the subject of all things spiritual, Bo Sanchez is a best-selling author, respected speaker, and Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardee.

Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

Career diplomat, doting mother of five and servant leader, Ambassador Grace Princesa is the first female Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Having spent over two decades in Philippine Foreign Services, she had previous postings in Chicago, Cairo, Geneva and Baghdad. Previously a Consul in the emirates’ capital, she has come back to Abu Dhabi in 2009 after 13 years. Every month, the good Ambassador shares with us her advocacies for the Filipino community.

Agnes Aquino StottBriggs

Illustrado Style and Image columnist, Woman of Substance 2011 Honoree and Philippine Business Council – Abu Dhabi Director of Trade and Tourism Agnes Aquino Stott-Briggs’ mission is to educate and empower men and women with confidence that comes with looking their best and believing in themselves to achieve their goals. This multi-talented lady who has a degree in Economics, and has successfully run businesses in real estate and interior design, is a Certified Image and Personal Consultant, armed with training from the Philippines’ prestigious Cora Doloroso Finishing School, and the Sterling Style Academy USA.

Lito Viriña

Manila-based former Dubai adman Lito Viriña works for a French company that helps business professionals in Western Europe with their English. He keeps his blood young by teaching Marketing, Advertising and Copywriting to the nubile maidens of St. Paul University Manila, something he recommends to all red-blooded males of a certain age. Every month, Lito shares his wicked take on things in his column “Just Saying” that’s as full of humor and mischief as himself.

Eros Goze

Bringing his brilliant brand of fashion photography to UAE-based Illustrado shoots is Eros Goze.

Known for his decidedly dark and dramatic photography style, Eros Goze captures to great effect, this month’s landmark September fashion editorial with the theme – “Light and Darkness”. Eros Goze, is a multi-talented artist, a photographer-fashion designer with an undeniably striking visual flair evident in his images.

Ginno Alducente

A Dubai based freelance hair and make-up artist, Ginno is known as the ‘McQueen of the MakeOver World’ in the tightly knit local fashion industry.

Described as edgy, he is one of the favorites of equally edgy and demanding fashion designers in the country.

Ginno delivers, restructures fierceness and resurfaces an eclectic canvas to compose a total look that is a picture perfect blend of modern colors. At the height of his career, he is into TV productions, magazine collaborations, runway and styling and has already done several cover shoots for Illustrado.

Nephele Kirong

Nephele Kirong is a Journalism graduate from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Once an intern to the business section of a national daily, she is currently an editorial assistant to the news desk of a government agency, which specializes in the production of developmental news.

She is also an occasional sports writer, covering mostly collegiate events for online sports lifestyle portal fullcourtfresh.com.

Anna Oposa

Anna Oposa is a freelance writer with a degree in English Studies from the University of the Philippines in Diliman. She is passionate about the environment, tourism, the Philippines, and most of all, learning. Anna is a health buff who runs, swims and does yoga. At 24, she has already defined herself as a writer by profession and environmental advocate by passion. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Mermaid

Publisher & Editor-in Chief Lalaine Chu-Benitez Associate Editor Ana Santos CONTRIBUTING WRITERS UAE, Philippines, USA Aby Yap Anna Lorraine Balita JR Bustamante Bernadette Reyes Jude Cartalaba Bo Sanchez Karen Galarpe Carlito Viriña KC Abalos David Poarch Krip Yuson Excel Dyquiangco Nikka Sathou Flordeliz Samonte Nina Terol- Zialcita Francisco Colayco Rache Hernandez Isabelo Samonte Rome Jorge Ivan Henares Toni Loyola Jack Catarata Sonny Guzman Jesse Edep Vic Lactaoen ART DIRECTORS Tom Bolivar Paula Lorenzo Ron Perez CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS UAE Eros Goze Mariyah Gaspacho Christina Linaza Illuminado Ong Donald Rosales CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHILIPPINES Enzo Mondejar Dr. Marlon Pecjo Alan Desiderio CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS & FASHION TEAM UAE Jessie Tabla Ginno Alducente Jojo Padua Frankie Melendez PUBLISHER - UAE Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2nd Floor, Building 2, P.O. Box 72280 Office 20C Dubai Media City, UAE Tel: +9714 365 4543, 365 4547 Fax:+9714 360 4771 E-mail: admin@illustrado.net, info@illustrado.net Web: www.illustrado.net, www.illustradolife.com PRINTERS PRINTWELL PRINTING LLC P.O. Box 18828 Dubai, UAE Copyright Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC 2006-2012. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Illustrado Communications FZ-LLC.

52 SEPT 2012

CONTENTS

Model Manette Mercado leads this month’s couture extravaganza featuring divine creations from some of the UAE’s best Filipino designers.

FEATURES Can the Philippines be Asia’s Next Luxury Hub? 10 The Luxe Life, Philippine Style 14 Illustrado Profile: Loida Nicolas-Lewis – Born Leader 20

REGULAR COLUMNS Editor’s Note 1 Contributors 2 Letters 4 Illuminati – Luxury’s Luscious Lap 8 Style Sense: Your Style Personality 100 Trippin’: 5 Things to Do 104 Illustrado Scrapbook 108 Spirituality: The Luxury I Can Now Afford 112 Bayanihan Corner 116 Onli in Da Pilipins: Needs vs. Wants vs. Luxury Just Sayin’: Lux Without the Bucks

FASHION International Filipino Designers 24 Not Your Mother’s Shoes 42 Model Figure: Pinoy Supermodels 48 Fashion Editorial: Light and Darkness Filipino Designers Par Excellence 84 Proudly Pinoy Luxury 90 Couture Gallery 94

PLACES My Pinoy Life in Kobe, Japan 118 Pinoy Planet: Girls’ Day Out in Amsterdam 124

14 118

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6 TALKING LOUD Write to us at: editor@illustrado.net or join the discussion at IIlustrado Magazine’s Facebook page

to Dubai just last June. It’s the first time they will be living out of the Philippines since the family had to finally relocate due to their dad’s new work contract in the emirates.

It was very hard for them to leave their old school (where they studied since nursery) as well as their friends back home. Lots of tears fell before this trip. But I’m hoping they will be able to adjust and make new friends when school starts for them this September. As a mother, it’s not easy for me to see them being “homesick”.

UAE Pinoy Art Showcase Hi there. I moved to Dubai just six months ago and currently work for a production company though I’m a weekend painter. I’ve had painting as my hobby since I was in high school.

Although my friends say that my work is quite good, I never had the chance to really pursue this love of mine. So, I was really ecstatic when I read your article “Brush your way into the Emirates art scene” with so many practical tips for aspiring artists like myself.

I’m a bit of the “shy type”, but I will definitely take Illustrado’s advice and get involved with the local groups. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to show my works here someday…

Lori Marayag Mabuhay ang Pinoy Artist! Ang galing galing talaga ng mga kababayan natin. Kahit dito sa ibayong dagat, nakaka-angat, bukod tangi at talagang maipagmamalaki! Lalong lalo na ang mga katulad ng kapatid nating “astig” na si Darwin Guevarra at iba pa. Tuloy-tuloy lang po sana ang mga magaganda ninyong proyekto, para maiangat lahat kapwa Pilipino natin dito sa UAE. Taas noo tayo!

Alex Abrantes

Expat Teen Acclimatization This refers to your article on Filipino teens in your August issue. My husband and I have two teenage daughters (13 and 16) who we moved

Just thought I’d share that. Perhaps a lot of parents have also gone through a similar situation.

Iza Galvez Dear Iza, Thanks for sharing about your daughter’s predicament right now. A lot of families have gone through what you are currently experiencing. Moving to a new country is definitely hard especially for teens that have to leave their friends back home. Having said that, most expats teens and families do however, manage to adjust. It will happen eventually.

They will find new friends while keeping in touch with the old ones. Just hang in there.

Editor

It’s What I Do Thanks for featuring the lesser mortal Pinoys for their hard work - real people, real life. I am fed up of other magazines full of faces of celebrities, full of lies. Illustrado inspires! Please continue inspiring Filipinos and promoting our country!

This is where and why Illustrado stands out!

Keep it up and more power!

Jonie Jose I love this section of Illustrado Magazine where you highlight kabayans working in the UAE...

Greg V. Aguilar Thank you Illustrado.. Keep inspiring people.. =) Ann Llagas

Skin-sanity Art & Fashion Collab I totally support original ideas by Filipinos designing for the Filipino face and the Filipino body! Bravo!

Tricia May Yruma Mori Major insanity! Love!

Rafael Pasiliao Went to Carrefour and grabbed a copy of Illustrado Magazine. The cover said “Create,” and the Editor’s Note talked about “Tapping Into Your Inner Crazy”. That, I indeed could relate to. Yup, I admit it Lalaine ChuBenitez, I do have my innermost craziness too . . . It’s inside a bubble. What a brilliant issue! Number 65 is art galore! I love Ginno Alducente’s Animated Assemblage and Dawn Almario’s Statement Skin . . . a total blast of creativity. Wow! Fretsyl Ching

Bloomberg Report on Philippine Economy Bangon na Pilipinas! Kababayan huwag sayangin ang chance of a better life for our children and family. Stop corruption!

Cecilia Batallones The only way we could ever recover is to educate ourselves over our rights, putting the right people in our government to stop corruption and stop fearing them! Making the right choices by family planning to stop over population to avoid the need to turn to crime because of poverty and avoid “crab mentality.”

Everyone else in Asia is doing well but we can’t get ahead because Filipinos amongst themselves ruin each other. We have the best islands, the best people in terms of hard work, work ethics, intelligence and determination but our downfall is corruption, maka-sarili tayo. Not understanding that the more we help others, the more we rise above. It’s never too late to start are you willing to work for others and have your time with loved ones stolen by being abroad, when you could be working in the Philippines?

PS. If asked, is Philippines a third world country?

Please note that we are a developing country!

Anna McBride

10 ILLUMINATI

Luxury’s

LUSCIOUS LAP

By Krip Yuson

Cock-eyed optimist of a visionary that I pride myself to be, I foresee a time when Earth will be in total peace, its humans in perfect harmony. Maybe it will happen long after a nearly apocalyptic conflagration that will minimize global stress, in terms of number of stakeholders. Maybe a unifying force, even dictatorial albeit benevolently rational, will see to the idealization of population. Or by that time, human technology would have allowed space colonization, and effective migration. crab stick — that passes muster even under the noses of the PC police.

in the form of souvenirs like refrigeratordoor magnets.

Oh, it won’t be a totally classless society.

The truly wealthy will have vacations on the moon and/or beyond. But those who stay on the planet do so without any or all of the previous levels of want that once characterized one end of the spectrum of human life and longing.

What is the purpose of life, anyway? Apart from decoding its possible meaning, and indulging in matters philosophical, cosmic, literary, cinematic, musical and artsyfartsy, everyone wants to have a stress-free environment in the company of loved ones, enjoying a lifestyle that allows for the least drudgery of work (exempted is creativity for its own sake, which is never drudgery, anyway) that in turn reaps as many of the perks and privileges as possible.

And everyone wants to eat well, drink well, gorge well, taste everything at least once, unless the philosophy purposively embraced is vegetarianism, veganism, fruitarianism… Or when one’s religious faith (would we still have that animal for much too long, I wonder) disallows intake of certain… well, animals, as purveyors of faith, should we suppose?

Each family will have a private villa with an infinity pool by a beach. Caviar may have gone through, and recovered from, a ban owing to once-decimated sources, and foie gras might already have found a replica — much like kani or the Japanese artificial

That means having frequent vacations, preferably in idyllic settings such as a paradise of sun and surf, or ski slopes and Alpine scenery, or rolling countryside a la Tuscany or Provence, or amidst ruins of ancient capitals, with history for the taking

Call me a wild fantasist, a dreamer with equal parts chewy romanticism and icecold cynicism. But I imagine a time when most, if not all, human beings live long and happily — sans disease or strife, absent economic deprivation.

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Everyone wants to have the best things in life, unless that faith (again!) decrees simplicity under a metaphorical Bodhi tree for a lifetime. But if we’re talking of the average Joe or Jose or Joao here, the sublimation of desire can only be a no-no, if not downright foolish.

ILLUMINATI 11

To live in the lap of luxury is a goal, an ambition, a dream, a fantasy cherished by many. By most of sentient beings, in fact.

To live in the lap of luxury is a goal, an ambition, a dream, a fantasy cherished by many. By most of sentient beings, in fact.

Thus, I believe (such is my faith in human genius) we’ll all get there somehow — or at least our descendants will.

Why, even now, artificial snow slopes have found a complement in artificial beaches: creatively designed and rigorously maintained environments where one pays a fee to get in, and enjoy, within a humongous dome, weather that is always great, electronically sunny and warm, with lush if artificial green tropical forests without rainfall and humidity but with parrots’ songs blaring from hidden speakers, and a very pretty white beach with crushed marble pebbles free of nasty bugs.

These ideal, idyllic, theme-park models of paradise replicated already exist in Japan and Hong Kong, Monaco and Paris. No sunburn possible. Incredible waves for surfers. In some of these virtual fantasy places, every 15 minutes the volcano becomes active, and every hour it belches photogenic fire.

Which can only tell us Filipinos that we already have that incipient lap of luxury in our archipelago. Well, the risk of sunburn remains, and bugs are still a-plenty since what we have are natural settings with all the puzzlements inherent to the ideology of creationism. And hardly any lifeguard, especially one in a bikini, to rescue you from incredible waves.

The Middle English origin of “luxury” denoted lechery. The Old French “luxurie / luxure” derive from the Latin luxuria, which in turn comes from luxus or “excess.”

Win some, lose some. But it’s luxury, as Omar Khayyam might have toasted with local rhum if he had vacay-ed under our very boughs of succulent mango, and perused a book titled Lasap.

Fly/cruise packages, five-star hotels, glitzy shops, IMAX theatres, posh revolving restaurants in sky-hugging urban needles, private jets, helicopter hops (such as what Manny Pacquiao now daily looks forward to, as part of his chops) — these are but some of the elements of luxe living.

In old Egypt is a city actually named Luxor, where ancient Thebes once lay. Presently it bids fair to up its already impressive tourism value (despite a terrible terrorist attack in 1997) by bidding fair to become the “world’s greatest open-air museum” — replete with the ruins of temples such as Karnak’s, by the River Nile. Ages ago, it became “a thriving city, renowned for its high social status and luxury, but also as a center for wisdom, art, religious and political supremacy.”

Today we’ve even shortened it to luxe, connoting “class” that’s not part of any education, but rather of economic emancipation.

Planet Luxor, anyone? Or do we already have it in our islands of Luzviminda — except that we have too many people, too few lifeguards?

Why, putting on the Ritz may just be our eventual birthright. And we may only need to start in Binondo to get to our versions of Biarritz.

Rich, isn’t it?

12 FEATURE

CAN THE PHILIPPINES BE No more the “sick man of Asia,” the Philippines is slowly but surely shaking off the title after decades of slow growth compared to neighbouring nations. Nephele Kirong takes a look at the sectors contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy and what might make it the next luxury hub of Asia.

The numbers look promising. Just this year the local stock market hit the 5,000 mark for the first time in history. In a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, Michael Spencer, Hong Kong-based Chief Economist for Asia at Deutsche Bank AG stated, “The strongest performing economy today in Asia is the Philippines.”

While HSBC’s research department also released a report, predicting that by 2050, the country will become the world’s 16th largest economy.

With these positive developments, the Philippines is strengthening other sectors

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to further buoy its economy traditionally anchored on OF remittances. One sector with a huge potential is tourism.

Leisure Industry Despite its favourable the geographic location, the Philippines as a promising vacation choice, still has a long way to go to match the number of tourists attracted by its Southeast East Asian neighbours. In 2011, the World Tourism Organization reported that the country had 3.9 million tourists, while ASEAN region’s top performer Malaysia had 24.7 million.

To help bridge the gap, the Department of Tourism (DOT) rebranded the tourism slogan to “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

The campaign launched January was supported by advertising in CNN, the UK, participation in travel markets across the globe, as well as a public relations campaign which went viral online.

According to DOT Assistant Secretary Domingo Enerio III, as of May this year, the country has seen a growth of 16% in tourist arrivals since the launch of the campaign.

FEATURE 13

ASIA’S NEXT LUXURY HUB? Finding a niche

Lux Shopping

The international tourism industry, at best, is very competitive with more than 190 countries offering its uniqueness to prospective tourists. Promoting the country with an identifiable consumer choice can perhaps increase the advantage. It will most likely be remembered like how Macao is associated with casinos and Hong Kong and Bangkok are to shopping.

No luxury hub is complete without grandiose outlets and boutiques of high-end brands to cater to the affluent members of society. In the Philippines, these stores are concentrated in the Metro Manila, particularly inside upscale malls.

Coupled with the improving financial position of the country and developments in this particular area, the Philippines may stand a chance in carving a niche as a luxury hub in Asia.

The highest number of designer brands is housed in Greenbelt in Makati City.

Greenbelt 4, in particular, is home to designer brands like Burberry, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo. Meanwhile, the lone salon of famed jeweller Harry Winston in the country can be found in Greenbelt 5. Other luxe boutiques, usually offering watches and jewellery, can also be found in Podium, Rockwell, and hotel-malls like Shangri-La and Newport.

14 FEATURE

These malls also offer fine dining restaurants to match the pricey taste of discerning consumers.

Posh Getaways Beyond the bustling metro are luxurious resorts and spas. Among these exclusive escapes are Amanpulo, Bellarocca, Eskaya and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort Spa. Amanpulo is part of the multinational Aman Resorts group, a name recognized for its luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service. An island-resort, in Palawan, it offers “intimate and discreet” vacations, with emphasis on privacy and luxurious service. Guests are whisked to the island via chartered flights and welcomed to the island by the staff.

Another emerging luxurious vacation choice is Eskaya Beach and Resort in Panglao, Bohol in the Visayas. Named after the only known indigenous people in Bohol, with a Filipino-themed architecture mixed with modernity, accommodations are in the form of villas (balai). Each villa offers either a private whirlpool bath or infinity pools for its guests. Butler service is also made available to some villa types.

Moving to the Western side of Visayas, prominent hotel chain Shangri-La has joined the fray to offer its unique and luxurious service in popular tourism spot Boracay. Shangri-La’s Boracay and Resort Spa has multitude of accommodation offerings – rooms, suites and villas – for soul-searching individuals, romance-

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seeking couples and vacationing families.

The international hotel chain brings its usual five-star hotel amenities to Boracay including CHI, the Spa.

Entertainment City Encompassing all these luxurious hotspots is one of the most promising luxury projects of all. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor)’s Entertainment City in Manila Bay combines luxe hotel suites, posh dining and shopping strips, and a remarkable gaming complex for people who have money to splurge. An integrated casino and tourism complex, funding is divided by foreign and local investors.

National daily Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that Pagcor’s “guidelines require a minimum of US$1-billion investment in each integrated resort. Each licensee is also required to build a minimum of 250,000 square meters of floor area and complete 800 hotel rooms with an average room area of 40 sq m.”

Upon completion, Entertainment City, which is a designated economic zone, could provide a new major tourist attraction this side of Southeast Asia.

Branded Living But for those not just seeking temporary enjoyment in a luxury hub, a permanent abode for visiting or living is usually a necessary option. And like how luxury is entering the scene, residential properties are also an emerging outlet for it.

Among the front runners in the real estate sector, Ayala Land, through its luxury arm Ayala Land Premier has developments such as Serendra, Montecito-Nuvali, Anvaya Cove, 1016 Residences, among others, located in Metro Manila, to Laguna, to Zambales and Cebu where property prices can reach up to PHP40M. Real estate developer Century Properties is starting a trend for luxurious “branded living,” with high-end projects associated with brand names Trump, Versace, and Missoni.

Possibilities and Downsides The growing interest in the Philippines for luxury brands to invest shows potential not only for boosting the economy but providing locals with jobs. Critics, skeptics – or perhaps, realists – say that the concept of luxury is ironic in the country where a significant percent of the population is living in poverty and that the emerging luxury hub is also a bit Manila-centric, minus the luxurious resorts mentioned.

But then again, no big project is really without issues and its potential cannot be tested without trying. And like they say, numbers don’t lie. With a growing economy, and healthy economic indicators, could prosperity – and yes, perhaps even luxury, be a claim that is within the reach of the Philippines? Time will definitely tell.

16 FEATURE

Living the

LUX LIFE in the Philippines “I want to be a billionaire so freaking bad Buy all of the things I never had I wanna be on the cover of Forbes Magazine Smiling next to Oprah and the Queen.”

Mary Ann Santos checks out what one can do with ‘money to burn’ in the Philippines.

What if you were a billionaire with more money than you could count? What luxurious things will you buy? Here are some ideas to ponder while singing along to Bruno Mars’ popular tune.

Shop in style Drop by Greenbelt 5 located at the heart of Makati’s Central Business District, a onestop shopping place where imported high end brands are elegantly displayed side-byside. It houses brands like Louis Vitton, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Laurel and Paul Smith, Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, all the names that any fashionista would know by heart.

Most importantly, Greenbelt 5 is also home to the best of local fashion designers

Illustrado Magazine

Ayala Land’s Two Serendro Masterplan

FEATURE 17

City, Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City, also known as MoMa (Modern Makati), this residential tower is the first project in Southeast Asia whose interior is designed by world-renowned Versace Home. From the grand lobby to the library, business center, swimming pool and juice bar, and furniture in common areas, Milano Residences let you experience living in luxury, Italian style. A bi-level penthouse of 280 sqm on the 48th floor currently costs a whopping US$1.4 million (AE5.1M).

Travel around the Philippines in style by land, air or sea Pre-order your own brand new Ferrari 458 Italia which will set you back between PHP18million – PHP30 million (AED1.5M to AED2.6M) and rev it up along EDSA and see just how fast you can go in 30 seconds. Let’s just hope you won’t have to wait until the wee hours of the morning or a holiday like Holy Week when everyone is out of the city so you can have the road to yourself. One thing’s for sure, when you take this baby out for a spin, cars would part like the Red Sea and make way for you, if there’s any space on the road, that is.

including Cesar Gaupo, Lulu Tan Gan, Randy Ortiz, Joey Samson, Michi Calica, and Patrice Ramos-Diaz among others.

Furniture pieces of globally known designers Budji Layug, Kenneth Cobonpue, and Ann Pamintuan can also be found in Greenbelt 5’s B Home Store.

Book your metro pad in a high rise Want to be part of the bustling city life in one of the metro’s most desired of lifestyle locations? Score a pad at Ayala Land’s prestigious Serendra community in premium Bonifacio Global City, which is

masterplanned with sprawling landscaped gardens, a central water park and an array of indoor and outdoor amenities, creating a refreshing suburban patch in the middle of the city with quick access to a vibrant night life -comparable to nothing else in Metro Manila. Better yet, book a 3 bedroom, 220+ sqm 60th floor penthouse at Sequioa at Two Serendra for a ‘bargain’ at PHP25M (AED2.2M).

Not shi-shi enough? Go for the Italian lifestyle at Milano Residences, a 53-storey luxury condominium being developed by Century Properties. Located in Century

If your idea of fun is exploring our more than 7,000 islands, then sailing around in your own yacht is the way to go. Owning your own floater in the likes of a luxury yacht similar to that of Manny Pacquiao’s costs a breezy PHP25million (AED2.2).

Or if you prefer to take flight, going commercial would simply be out of the question for a high roller who wants to chart his or her own flight path. Purchase your own jet like that of Willie Revillame’s PHP200M (AED17M) luxury airplane. It might allow you to rub elbows with others who have a penchant for flying their own plane like John Travolta or Harrison Ford.

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Live in style dipped in luxury Head off to Pamalican Island, Palawan where the fantasy island beach resort, Amanpulo is located. More than just the pristine luxury class experience in a secluded setting, Amanpulo also has, instead of rooms, ‘casitas’ designed by legendary Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa which are bigger than average condo units, which is probably why you should be prepared to shell out US$850 (AED3,121) for every night of your stay.

Amanpulo boasts a roster of A-lister celebrity guests in the past such as Robert de Niro, Jude Law and Sienna Miller,

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Michael Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson, Diana Ross, Claudia Schiffer , to name a few.

A ‘casitas’ in an exclusive resort too small for you? Perhaps you want to throw a luxury getaway for your family and friends?

Rent your own island resort then. Head of to Ariara Island in Palawan, a 125 acres private paradise to be shared with whom you choose and nobody else. The resort has 25,000 square feet of luxury accommodation for a minimum of six guests and a maximum of 18, and 30 staff to cater to your every whim. Fancy blowing up at least US$19,000 (AED70,000) in one week with a minimum of six guests?

This is the place to do it in.

Or why not buy an entire island to make really yours? Take your pick among the private islands in the Philippines that are for sale. One of these is Ambil Island, located in Occidental Mindoro, south of Batangas in Southern Luzon.

A picturesque attraction of this 2,000 hectares extinct volcanic island is the Besay Falls which features a series of waterfalls by the beach. Online sources publish that for roughly US$20 million, you can own Ambil Island which is also endowed with exquisite marine life and tropical shrubberies.

20 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

U.S. secretary of State Hillary Clintom discusses with DFA secretary Alberto del Rosario and Lioda NIcholas-Lewis, Chairman- US Pinoys for good governance.

Loida Nicolas Lewis:

BORN LEADER

By Ryan Songalia with reports from Carissa Villacorta

Among the most influential Filipinos in the world, Loida Nicolas Lewis is an advocate, connector, supporter, cheerleader, a mother and a daughter.

If you ever listen to Loida Nicolas Lewis give her perspective on a social ill that is plaguing the Philippines, you are almost certain to hear at least one “Kaya natin!”, an encouraging call to action for her compatriots to rise to the challenge they are collectively confronting. It is this spirit that has transformed the businesswoman/ philanthropist to become one of the leading influencers in the Filipino community at home and abroad.

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When China moved an oil rig into Philippine territory in efforts to illegally extract oil from the Spratlys Islands, Lewis, through the organization she chairs, US Pinoys for Good Governance, organized a series of simultaneous protests of China’s consular buildings in more than a dozen cities throughout the United States, Philippines, Canada and Australia.

Using social media as her platform, she brought the Spratlys conflict to the

consciousness of the global Filipino community for the first time. The unified and simultaneous protest that started online and led to the streets was called “e-People Power” and contributed largely to the Spratlys conflict becoming a hot button topic in political discussions for Filipinos around the world.

While Nicolas Lewis could easily be spending her time relaxing at one of her homes in Paris or the Hamptons,

ILLUSTRADO PROFILE 21 pride and achievements of the members of her community.

Nocolas Lewis leads 200 Filipinoes in the East Coast at a protest against China’sintrusions in the Philippines.

she chooses instead to devote her time to advocating for causes that often overlooked. Her philanthropic endeavors reach across economic, ethnic and social groups, connecting and endearing her to people of all backgrounds. Her admirers come in throngs, “I really admire your accomplishments and how you have made us Filipinos proud to be citizens of the Philippines,” said Wayne Evangelista, a resident of Laguna, Philippines.

Standing up for what is right and stepping up to the plate is nothing new for Nicolas Lewis, a native of Sorsogon, Philippines.

When her husband, the late business mogul Reginald F. Lewis, passed away in 1993, it was Lewis herself who stepped up as the CEO of her husband’s company TLC Beatrice, LLC. Lewis stepped down in 1999, but not before turning a hefty profit for the company’s investors.

Nicolas Lewis first graduated from law school at the University of the Philippines College of Law and became the first Asian American woman to pass the bar exam without having been educated in the United States in 1974.

Aside from her exploits in business, Lewis also enjoys the role of mentor, cheerleader, connecter and supporter to those in the community, such as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist/activist Jose Antonio Vargas

whom she advises and supports in his fight for the path for citizenship for the “Dreamers,” as well as award-winning Miguel Syjuco, for whom she threw a congratulatory dinner after he won the prestigious Man Asian Literary Prize for his book Ilustrado, in 2008.

“I enjoy supporting people who work hard and show skill. Whether in the beginning of their journeys or a highlight in their careers,” said Nicolas Lewis. “I always try to extend a hand, whether it’s to pull them up or shake their hand in success.”

Nicolas Lewis is also known as a patron of the arts. Apart from an extensive art collection at her home, with some works of Filipino visual artists, she also supports music and theater.

Michael Dadap, who is now a renowned orchestra conductor at the Lincoln Center, credits Lewis with starting his career.

She also supports the work of Filipino theater companies in New York, like Ma-Yi Theater Company and Diverse City Theater – she loves watching their productions, and sometimes helps put their shows on stage. Nicolas Lewis knows that sometimes the best present is presence in a show of support, so the Filipino community is thrilled to see her attend most book launchings, dinner fundraisers or movie premieres as she shares in the

Her support goes beyond the Filipino or Asian American community, as she has hosted numerous fundraisers for the African American community in honor of her husband’s legacy. Nicolas Lewis is often in Baltimore, Maryland, where stands the largest African museum on the east coast, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, named after her husband, who was the first self-made African American billionaire, and the pride of Baltimore. Her husband’s family, whom she’s very close to, especially her mother-in-law Carolyn E. Fugett, live nearby.

Nicolas Lewis is also a well-known figure in the New York and United States political scene. In 2008, Lewis hosted a special fundraiser at her own home in New York City for Hillary Clinton, who was then campaigning for the Democratic Party’s nomination, which Clinton attended.

Lewis has also been a firm supporter of New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, also hosting a number of fundraisers in her honor.

While Nicolas Lewis has stated that she has no plans on pursuing a political career, her supporters in the political forum have extolled her virtues on numerous occasions.

“Loida Nicolas Lewis is one of America’s leading Filipina women,” said New York Senator Charles Schumer last year at an event where Lewis was honored with the Eleanor Roosevelt’s Legacy Trailblazer of Democracy Award. “Fifteen years ago, when there was a desperate shortage of nurses in this country, and the talent of Filipina women to come here and be nurses was being blocked by the same kind of non-thinking approach to immigration that too many exhibit in Washington today. Loida led the charge to change.

There are now thousands of Filipina nurses in America, and particularly in New York.”

22 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Back in the home front, Nicolas Lewis was a firm supporter of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III’s candidacy for President, back in 2010. She went from state to state to campaign for overseas Filipinos to vote for “Noy-noy Mar.” Igniting her fellow Fil-Ams who are registered to vote for the Philippine elections as absentee voters, Filipino American leaders and groups across the U.S. joined “U.S. Pinoys for Noynoy Mar,” which later became “U.S. Pinoys for Good Governance” when Noynoy Aquino became president. When President Aquino made his first visit to New York in 2010, Lewis was there to congratulate and introduce him to the Filipino American community.

This year in May, Lewis called on and led a peaceful and global Filipino protest against China’s aggressions in the West Philippine Sea. With the escalating aggression from China at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, Lewis took to the streets of New York to protest China’s intrusions in Philippine waters, which she also campaigned against back in July 2011.

Nicolas Lewis’ compassion and supportive action has made tremendous impact in the political, social and economic

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environment. But in her personal time, she enjoys being a mother to her two Harvard graduate daughters, Leslie and Christina, who exceled not only in academics but also in the arts. Leslie is an accomplished theater actor, who has produced and performed in a one-woman play to all continents in the world (except Antartica).

She played ten roles in Miracle in Rwanda, which chronicles the story of Immaculée Ilibagiza, a Rwandan genocide survivor who, along with 7 other people, stayed alive by seeking refuge in a small undiscovered bathroom for 91 days.

Nicolas Lewis’ younger daughter, Christina, is a journalist and pianist, and was a columnist for the Wall Street Journal. Early this year, she released an e-book called “Lonely at the Top,” which chronicled her accounts and insights on being her father (and mother’s) daughter.

Both Leslie and Christina have since gotten married, Leslie to Gavin Sword ,and Christina to Daniel Halpern, and have given Loida her most precious grandchildren, Christian Roy and Savilla Joy (adopted by Leslie and Gavin from Rwanda) and Christina and Daniel’s Calvin Reginald, born in late 2011.

Nicolas Lewis is indeed living an extraordinary life. Yet, while she is still active and endeavors to create a better world around her, the prayerful and faithful Nicolas Lewis knows the power of silence and solitude.

Often asked about her secrets to success, the only Filipina honoree unabashedly shared them with a room full of Americans as she received the Eleanor Roosevelt Trailblazer of Democracy Award in October 2011.

The three secrets she shared were: goal setting, maintaining order in your life, and having determination in your endeavors.

When spelled out, she shared that, the key words to each tip spell out to whom she owes everything to. GOD. “Nasa tao ang gawa, nasa Diyos ang awa.” Nicolas Lewis said in Filipino. “God the Father has been so good to me. He has given me so many benefits and advantages.

He has given me a great father and mother, a great family, a great husband and a great life. We have been blessed. We have to give back, we have to share, and that’s what I’m doing.”

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24 ADVERTORIAL

Metal Couture from Naomi Naomi’s techniques in gold smiting have evolved through the times to produce items of jewelry of exquisite quality.

The Naomi Hammered Collection was inspired by the hand-beaten gold sheets in

Casio G-Shock’s ‘Shock the World’ to land in Dubai After making its way around the globe, Casio G-Shock “Shock the World” tour will touch down in Dubai on the 10th October 2012.

For the first time in the Middle East the event will see the worlds of media, technology,

metal. The collection also exemplifies the art of metal embroidery - as the hand hammered surface was appliquéd with different precious stones such as diamonds, tsavorites, rhodolite garnets and lemon citrine - as if they were sewn on the sheet.

the Philippines during the 10th-13th century and the modernization of architecture to these days. It was crafted with passion to achieve utmost perfection. Each piece was hammered to give it a unique rustic façade without compromising the brilliance of the

Naomi opened its new store at SM Megamall, 2/F, Bldg. B, Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

For inquiries, contact Naomi at (632) 6360446 or visit naomi.com.ph. You may also visit their sister company, Nero at SM North EDSA, Quezon City, Philippines.

fashion and music collide in a celebration of the iconic Casio G-Shock brand at Desert Fish in Al Quoz, with open access open to those passionate about these fields.

transformed into an inspiring showcase of the latest Casio G-Shock timepieces, plus limited editions and collaborative pieces. Local performers and artists, including beatboxer Hirabeat and B Boys Hamza and Omar will showcase their breakdancing talent alongside special guests including the “Father of G-Shock,” Kikuo Ibe, who created the legendary “shock-resistant” timepiece. Mr Ibe has been with the company for 37 years and has been instrumental in the commercial success of the brand.

“Shock The World” is renowned for hosting the biggest names on the planet and the Dubai event will see DJ Dany Neville perform while VJ Cold Fusion will blur the lines between VJing and DJing with a graphic show that sets visual elements to music.

“Shock the World” was started in 2008 to celebrate G-SHOCK’s 25th anniversary and has snowballed into a world tour that has sent shock waves through more than 15 cities globally with performances from Kanye West and Kesha in New York, Pixie Lott in London and Lady Sovereign in Berlin.

Shock The World Dubai will see Desert Fish

In addition, a host of activities and performances will take place during the event, while Virgin Radio’s Kris Fade will emcee an evening of audio and visual entertainment that includes break dancing, skateboarding tricks and free running displays.

Splash launches AW’12 collection

With the AW’12 blockbuster trends already at the top of every fashionistas shopping list, the Splash season collection is all set to offer high-voltage fashion trends that draw inspiration from the most popular catwalk trends, across the globe. Ranging from retro

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mix of the 19th century to tapestry and heritage classics and all the way to military alongside some Eastern futurism, the trends are given a spin to provide chic and elegant fashion. Beautifully married into the Fashion 365 campaign of this season, the looks are presented against a billowing background as florals and lace, bonded fabrics, fur and fabric combinations, felted wool and silk make the sartorial cut. So, the question is how will you play all this and more into your wardrobe this season?

So when it comes to the AW’12 wardrobe, be it safe separates, accessories to covet or the colors and fabrics to start injecting into your wardrobe, be sure to visit your nearest Splash store as they have the season sorted for you.

To further keep you on the cutting edge, they also put together a webisode on our very own Splash TV, interpreting the key looks with some gossip on what goes behind the scenes of our Fashion 365 campaign.

26 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Josie Natori NEW YORK

Photos Courtesy of Natori

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For the last 35 years since Josie Cruz Natori founded the lingerie company that bears her name, she’s been reaching for natori, which also the Japanese word for “highest form of art.”

In the more than three decades that she has been in the business, “Natori” has not just been her brand name but also her work ethic, a way by which she approaches everything she does. Whether it’s designing the many collections of The Natori Company or perfecting her skills as a concert pianist, Natori approaches it as if it were a work of art. “Natori is my husband’s name, but it’s very much my philosophy,” says the CEO and founder of the company. “I’m always trying to find the perfect note.”

The Natori Company has grown into a lifestyle brand that has come to include lingerie collections (Josie Natori, Natori, Josie and N Natori), the Josie Natori ready-to-wear collection, home, fragrance, eyewear and swim. In celebration of the brand’s 35th year anniversary this fall, Natori is presenting a fashion fairytale, entitled Josie and the Dragon. The illustrated book recounts her journey from starting Natori in her living room to establishing it as the global brand it is today. Josie and the Dragon is written by Jeffrey Podolsky and features one-of-a-kind artwork by Andrea Byrne.

Natori is also celebrating the company’s 35th anniversary by dedicating the Spring 2013 collections to her native Philippines. From lingerie to ready-to-wear to home, her collections are inspired by the beautiful landscapes and rich culture and traditions of the Philippines.

In the market, Natori has continued to define its presence in readyto-wear with the continued success of its shop-in-shop on Saks Fifth Avenue’s newly remodeled fourth floor in New York. The Fall 2011 launches of swim and home accents collections further establish Natori as a true lifestyle brand.

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28 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

GNTM

Katy Perry in Amato

Furne One DUBAI and Los Angeles

Furne One by Eros Goze Heidi Klum

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US Kurv magazine

He is one of the most talked about fashion designers, no doubt.

Furne’s design was worn by Tyra Banks for America’s Next Top Model Cycle 19 campaign.

From the Philippines, to the UAE, Germany, the USA, as well as Australia this year, Furne One has become one of the hottest and most anticipated of international fashion designers.

The Cebu-born talent, whose ladder to stardom began when he won MEGA Magazine’s Young Designer of the Philippines Award in 1994, has certainly gone a long way from being an intern at Josie Natorie’s atelier.

Now, Furne One with his Dubai-based fashion house Amato, established in 2002, has been amazing glamorous fashion crowds around the world with his own edgy and extravagant brand of couture.

A regular in international fashion weeks including London, Dubai, Los Angeles and Miami, Furne who added Perth to his runway conquests this year, is one of the most desirable rising talents in the fashion world.

Celebrities who count Amato Couture as one of their red carpet favorites include supermodel Heidi Klum, singing sensations Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Nicole Scherzinger, Neon Hitch, Kerli, Nikki Minaj as well as model/socialite Amber Rose. Furne has also scored some major exposure in recent years, among the most prominent are his five year collaboration with Heidi Klum for Germany’s Next Top Model, music video features with Katy Perry and Kerli, as well as ad campaign features with Smirnoff Vodka and Havaianas, not to mention magazine covers traversing the US, UAE and the Philippines. Just recently,

2012 is a monumental year for Furne and Amato Couture following the successful opening of the brand’s first boutique in Los Angeles. And although his upcoming projects are yet to be disclosed, it is certain that the One’s rise on the global fashion front is simply unstoppable.

Despite achieving great milestones in his career this year, the one and only Furne still has dreams that are yet to be reached. Ultimately, he wants to see his creations donned in beautiful physiques of world-renowned icons: Madonna, Angelina Jolie and Cate Blanchett.

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Tantalum magazine

Perta Fashion

Perta Fashion

Havianas Ad

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Tantalum Magazine

Tyra Banks in Amato

Tatalum Magazine

JasperLONDON Garvida

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Jasper Garvida is currently hard at work preparing for not one, but two collections. The first, the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, is scheduled to open to the public from mid-August. The collection, named “Revolutionnaire Situation de la Forme” is characterized by the influence of Russian constructivism. In particular, the creations of Popova and Rodchenko whose works exude the movement’s characteristic use of geometric lines and conceptual themes. The collection was inspired by the effortless appeal and style of movie actress-goddess Marlene Dietrtich. Ms. Dietrich, known for making masculine attire effortlessly glamorous, made her both a fashion icon and movie star back in the days when the combination of the two did not exist.

The color palette of the collection includes shades of camel, black, beige, khaki and rich greens that add a masculine and military note to the feminine shapes of the garments. This combination of structure and color creates a collection perfect for Autumn/Winter.

The second collection Garvida is currently working on is the highly anticipated Spring/Summer 2013 collection to be presented during London Fashion Week on September 15th. The preparation for the runway show involves countless hours in the studio, creating a collection that represents Jasper’s signature understating of the female shape and figure.

Immediately after London Fashion Week, Garvida will be presenting at the Atmosphere Trade Show in Paris, to a host of industry insiders and buyers. A regular on the Paris scene, this is sure to be a successful weekend for Garvida and the Filipino talent that the international fashion industry is taking notice of.

In the future, Garvida hopes to grow a fashion line that extend his incomparable talents to the design of accessories and a menswear range, dabbling in everything from shoes to suits.

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Michael Cinco DUBAI

32 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Illustrado Magazine

One of the hottest and most flamboyant personalities in the fashion industry – may it be in Dubai or Manila and Los Angeles – Michael Cinco shines brightly with his amazing collection of achievements, especially this 2012.

“It has been an awesome year. The Michael Cinco brand has achieved international acclaim. My fledgling pret-a-couture men’s line has been very well received, and halfway through the year I have launched my own perfume, Impalpable by Bench,” says the designer who has won the heart of supermodel-turned-host Tyra Banks.

Between his stints as Guest Designer on hit reality show America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) in 2010 and 2011, his runway shows at the Philippine Fashion week, Dubai Fashion Week (where he earned the People’s Choice Award in 2010) Miami Fashion Week and etc., and bagging the Breakthrough Designer award at the WGSN Global Fashion Awards in New York last year, Cinco, from his Dubai base, designs for royalty, supermodels, celebrities, beauty queens and socialites across the Gulf, US and the Philippines.

Papercut magazine NYC

Known to his friends as deeply romantic and spiritual, Michael Cinco shares in laughter, “I live by the mantra ‘work, pray, love and travel’. [Currently], I am on a romantic tryst in some undisclosed urban paradise with a special someone.”

Despite his busy schedule juggling his love life and clear-cut future, he knows his priorities as a fashion designer, and that would be his clients. He says, “I have been continuously invited to join prestigious international fashion exhibitions, and have consistently turned them down as I have an ever growing loyal clientele to (somehow) prioritize. But then again, it is a very highly competitive industry, so I always try to keep some aces up my sleeves.”

Being highly regarded in the fashion industry as a genius creative who produces ethereal gowns that are flatteringly feminine, Cinco who is slated to be a Guest Judge/Designer in the first Asia’s Next Top Model, the Pan Asian version of ANTM to be aired sometime in October 2012 says, “To say that it is a steady, unfettered climb to my goals is an understatement. I simply work hard, keep abreast and strive to be on top of my game. It is very challenging and yet, it certainly is a charmed life.”

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Photos by: Adam Browning Hill

OLIVERLosTOLENTINO Angeles

34 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Jessica Senchez

Anna Paquin in an Oliver Tolentino pink wool linen cocktail dress with peplum was a winning moment not just for the Academy Award winning actress famous for her role in the TV series True Blood, but also for Filipino designer Oliver Tolentino.

The gown, which Paquin wore for an alternative cover for ZOOEY magazine’s April-May 2012 issue, made Tolentino the third designer of Filipino descent ever to dress an Oscar winning actress. (The other two designers to have done so are Pitoy Moreno and Monique Lhuillier.)

Other celebrities joined the pack making Tolentino’s name a regular spoken word on the red carpet.

Oliver Tolentino with Emmy Rosum

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Photos courtesy of Oliver Tolentino

Golden Globe nominated actress Emmy Rossum wore an Oliver Tolentino piña cocktail dress worn to the Global Green USA’s 9th Annual Pre-Oscar Party last February in Hollywood. Tolentino was the first ever fashion designer to be featured at the pre-Oscar event with a dozen models wearing eco-Philippine fabric creations by the designer. The New York Post chose Rossum in the piña gown as its “Look of the Week” in its Oscars weekend Sunday issue.

Gossip Girl actress Michelle Trachtenberg wore an Oliver Tolentino printed cocktail dress at a Brian Atwood event in New York.

Tolentino has also designed clothes for musical talents like Kelly Price, Macy Gray, Patti Austin, and Cee Lo Green.

Not forgetting his roots, Tolentino has also dressed some of the best Filipino music talents including American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez in her purple Oliver Tolentino gown for the “top 3 finalists” show.

Journey singer Arnel Pineda is also a regular client and Kirby Asunto when performing the Philippine national anthem at the last Manny Pacquiao fight wore a red terno designed by Tolentino.

Recently, both the Tolentino name and face were part of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). Tolentino created 14 outfits exclusively for the British Invasion (Cycle 18) season premiere which aired earlier this year. Tolentino also appeared in that episode.

Oliver Tolentino for ANTM

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Joseph Domingo San Francisco

36 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Photos by: Warren Difranco

As a student of architecture, no one appreciates the importance of construction or the aesthetics of symmetry better than Joseph Domingo. It was his creative passion and understanding of the delicate balance between symmetry and structure that inevitably drew Domingo to the fashion industry.

Domingo worked for a variety of manufacturing companies and fashion houses throughout the West Coast, honing his abilities in design, cutting, pattern making and draping. Later, Domingo began working at an atelier in San Francisco with a French designer who impressed upon him the discipline in the revered traditions of the couture. The boutique ran very much like its old world counterparts with a respect for the needs of their clientele and pride in the craftsmanship of the work.

Since opening his own atelier on 808 Post Street in San Francisco in 1999, Domingo has catered to a diverse clientele of women and men in society and business. The majority of regular clients purchase complete wardrobes for the exquisite fit of made-tomeasure and the inimitable touch of custom design.

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The branding of Joseph Domingo initially debuted at Los Angeles Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in 2006.

After receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from the fashion industry’s major players, Domingo began to conquer fashion. Celebrities such as Miss USA, Miss Universe, Rebecca Romjin, Rosalyn Sanchez and singer songwriter Shakira are among those who have worn a Joseph Domingo original design.

In 2010 he founded San Francisco Bay Area Fashion Network to build a social networking group to promote awareness and bring focus to the fashion industry in the SF/Bay Area.

Currently, Domingo is working on a collection with Philippine fabric to be showcased in New York. He is also in the process of launching a RTW collection for men and women using denim and knitwear under the label Domingo.

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EZRA DUBAI

38 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Illustrado Magazine

Ezra by Eros Goze

Photos courtesy of Erza Santos

“I am living the dream”, Ezra Santos remarks about how his life has changed since he began designing 17 years ago for Middle East couture connoisseurs. He continues, “All I wanted then was to prove best that I could improve in my chosen craft and find maturity in creating beautiful fashion.” No doubt he says that he is realizing his dreams now – his outstanding milestones are evidences to his stellar achievements.

designs back home via the Philippine Fashion Week in 2011 and 2012, and hopes to start a new prêt-aporter line of wedding dresses for New York City.

From designing for a couple of the top fashion houses in Saudi Arabia and Dubai to finally establishing his very own atelier EZRA, now considered as one of the most coveted couture labels in the region, the designer has carved an illustrious name for himself in the luxury fashion industry. Unsurprisingly, Ezra has also become a constant fixture in society pages as well as featured in first-rate fashion magazines around the world.

Apart from his solo show in Dubai in 2009 attended by the region’s fashion elite, and his collaborations with Swarovski, Ezra also earned praises and a standing ovation, when he presented his Afrique D’Or collection at the highly acclaimed Couture Fashion Week in New York in 2010. Ezra is likewise proud at having been able to showcase his sumptuous

Yet despite the roster of achievements that make the man behind EZRA, the high profile couturier remains humble and grateful, his soft spoken humility quite the opposite of the elegantly luxurious creations that the region’s elite have come to love him for. Still, Ezra’s firm philosophy to his craft is to remain faithful to designing with respect to his clients personalities, and not merely according to his stylish whims and fancies.

Consistent in churning out amazing creations and steadfast in business, Ezra’s sheer talent, remarkable skills, tremendous experience, not to mention faith in the divine are enough to ensure enormous success in the waiting. And although fashion and style keep him passionate for life, it is decorating houses and traveling that continue to fuel his inspirations. He muses, “I wish I had time for painting.” He furthers that he loves going to Paris where museums and architecture stimulate his mind to come up with a design and start a collection.

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Robin Tomas New York - Manila

40 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Photos courtesy of Robin Tomas

After graduating from the Parsons School of Design in New York in 2002, Robin Tomas went right to work. And for this self-confessed lover of art and glamour, this meant getting his feet wet and his hands dirty during his simultaneous internships with Anna Sui and Valentino.

Later, Tomas became a menswear designer for J. Crew, Gap and Tommy Hilfiger.

Years later, putting together what he sums up as his “profound experience, a growing yearning and many design ideas”, Tomas created his own women’s wear line under his own label: “Tomas”.

His designs are recognized for their “refined yet wearable art” appeal to the cosmopolitan woman who he describes as “effortlessly chic and strikingly unapologetic for her confidence.”

Tomas, the brand, is where luxury meets wearability.

In September last year, Tomas launched his Fall 2011 Amish inspired Collection of Women’s wear at Anik Boutique on Madison Avenue. The collection also sold at INA Boutique in SoHo, and Souko No. 11 Boutique in the East Village, and also at Myth Boutique in Greenbelt Mall Manila.

In May this year, Tomas collaborated with Philippine retail giant, Penshoppe and launched New York inspired collection of men’s and women’s tops. The following month, Tomas created Lea Salonga’s gowns for her Cafe Carlyle performance in New York.

Tomas is currently in Asia designing costumes for the musical “NINE”, premiering in Manila on September. He is also working on his next collection for Fall 2012 which will be selling in New York, Manila and online in September 2012.

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Noubikko Prague

42 INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS

Photo by Lukas Maly

In his 28 years in the fashion industry, Noubiko Ulanday has about seen, done and been through pretty much everything, including surviving two US recessions, licensing his brand and earning leverage from endorsement and royalties and designing for other labels.

It is a rich and colorful fashion history that started when Ulanday migrated to the United States at the age of 19.

Like many migrants, the native from San Fabian, Pangasinan worked hard to fund his dreams. Ulanday worked in factories to go to college where he learned the rudiments of business and the technical aesthetics of design.

The hard work, the talent and sweat equity paid off, quite fashionably. In 1989,

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Photo by Eddie Cotillon

Ulanday was awarded San Francisco’s Most Outstanding Entrepreneur. Word of mouth and the fact that he was designing for Silicon Valley’s bigwigs made Ulanday a more recognized name and by 1991, Ulanday was listed among the “Who’s Who among Filipino-Americans living in California”.

Ulanday now shuffles between Prague, Czech Republic and California. He calls both home, but has a special affinity to Prague where he was commissioned by the Ms. Universe Czech Republic office to design all the candidates’ evening gowns.

He says of living in the Bohemian campital for the last 9 years, “I love Prague for its architecture and history. It’s a small city where I can take the tram and metro and be quiet with the beautiful 12th to 15th century architecture.”

He has clothed women from Silicon Valley and beauty queens and having done just about everything in between, Ulanday is setting his sights on retiring in 2012.

He is now focusing on his work with volunteer organizations like the Knights of Rizal, the Fashion Designers Association of Czech Republic and the Prague Art Support (Czech Artists Association). Ulanday also put together a youth scholarship program for deserving musicians in the Philippines, called the Bandurr Group.

After 28 years, Ulanday is now working on his legacy. His creative mark has already been long established.

INTERNATIONAL DESIGNERS 43 Czech thether Jana Stephankova, Photo by Lukas Maly

Miss Poland Universe- Maria Nowokowska, Photo by Lukas Maly

Photo by Eddie Cotillon

Photo by Eddie Cotillon

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Gold Dot Couture

Gold Dot Couture

NOT YOUR

MOTHER’S SHOES Warning: These shoes can kill!

Umbreon Wedge Booties- Joco Comendados

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Königin - Joco Comendador

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Cardio Pumps - Kermit Tesoro

Impaled Skull Heels- Kermit Tesoro

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Hot on the heels of Alexander McQueen’s 10-inch alien heels, and the towering heel less designs of Noritaka Tatehana both made famous by Lady Gaga, a couple of Filipino designers have been pushing the boundaries blurring the lines on what is and isn’t “footwear.”

Leading the pack is Kermit Tesoro, known for his definitively edgy designs, his association with Lady Gaga and penchant

Hypertrophy Heels - Kermit Tesoro

Hooves - Kermit Tesoro

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Zebra Shoes - Joco Comendador

for creating avant garde footwear. Tesoro’s impaled skull shoes, as well as his heelless and hoofed creations, are definitely only for the brave and extremely fashionforward.

Recently, up and coming designer Joco Comendador has also been gaining attention for his extremely playful pieces based on the whimsical inspirations of zebras, armadillos, corals and even Pokemon. One of his most memorable pieces is the 12 inch monster shoes.

Heel less Extreme Kermit Tesoro

Gold Dot Couture

Valkyrie Pumps - Joco Comendador

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Gold Dot Couture Gold Dot Couture

Bringing the taste for edgy footwear to a larger audience in the Philippines is shoe brand Gold Dot. Gold Dot, apart from their usual collection, creates custommade pieces under their Gold Dot Couture line.

Here are Illustrado’s picks on some of the fiercest and most extreme of shoes from back home.

Photo Credits: http://www.kermittesoro.com/#!store Joco Shoes courtesy of Joco Comendador www.golddot.com.ph

Gold Dot Couture

Silver Crusted Pumps - Kermit Tesoro

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MODEL FIGURE

In the world of high fashion, there are also glass ceilings that previously seemed impenetrable…until these Filipino models came along. Nephele Kibrong features five Filipino models who have sky rocketed and landed straight onto international catwalks and fashion spreads. up in the prestigious Supermodel of the World contest in 2006.

After securing a US$100,000 contract from Ford Models, she crossed the globe to make her debut in the New York Fashion Week. From being a business management freshman at the University of Perpertual Help in Biñan who was occasionally shooting hoops, Charo found herself walking the runway for the winter/ fall shows of Lacoste, Lela Rose, Nanette Lepore and Zero Maria Cornejo.

CHARLENE ALMARVEZ

CHARO RONQUILLO Playing hoops doesn’t make one an instant model. But if you’re 5’10” and radiant looking while doing so, chances are someone will notice. Charo Ronquillo, the first in in our list, was discovered by a local designer while playing basketball in a local arcade in her hometown of Laguna.

Charo had dreamt of becoming a model since she was 12. Her big break came when she was 17, when she won second runner

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Then, just a year after, Charo appeared in editorials for Teen Vogue and Marie Claire.

In 2009, Charo made it to British Vogue’s list of 10 Supermodel of the World finalists making it big – a list that included her friend and Victoria’s Secret Angel Chanel Iman.

Now New York-based, Charo has since scored the likes of BCBG, Tory Burch, Antonio Berardi, Kenneth Cole, Sisley and Benetton, among her clients. She has also appeared in the Elle Vietnam, Vogue India and the US editions of Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Seventeen.

Super long gams, sharp cheekbones and a stunning fresh look best characterize the next person on the list.

Another New York-based Lagunareared model, Charlene “Chat” Almarvez represented the Philippines in the Supermodel of the World 2010 competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The statuesque beauty proved to be a strong contender, finishing first runner up and receiving a US$150,000 contract from Ford Models.

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Chat never dreamt of becoming a model, but her physique prompted her parents to encourage her to try it out. Fashion Director Cata Figueroa discovered Chat during a Flores de Mayo parade.

Born to Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines 1990 winner and now, make-up artist Milagros “Lala” FloresMagpantay, Danica went on to win not only the country selection 20 years after her mother did, but she took home the first place in the world finals. Her older sister Danielle was also part of the country selection, making it to the Top 8.

Currently, she is represented by Ford Models in New York and Elite Models in Milan.

A few months after, Danica got to work with fellow Filipina models, Chat and Charo, in New York for the Levi’s fall/ winter collection preview. She then appeared in an April 2011 editorial of online magazine TheOnes2Watch.

While most of her work in magazines and other print publications are on local editions, Danica has also been able to grace the cover and editorial of the winter issue of the Elite Traveler Magazine Asia Edition.

The De La Salle – College of St. Benilde business student debuted in the fall shows of the New York Fashion Week, strutting on the catwalk wearing the creations of Cynthia Steffe, Lacoste, Peter Som, Diane Von Furstenberg and Sophie Theallet.

Chat’s not only a runway favorite, she is also fast becoming a regular in high profile editorials. The Filipina model has appeared on Glamour Italia – her recent one, British magazine Fiasco, Vogue China, and US editions of Glamour, Teen Vogue, and Town and Country.

Prior to her debut in the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, she appeared in Vogue.com, dressed in Organic by John Patrick.

The first Filipina to win the prestigious model search, Danica was studying as a freshman Fine Arts student, major in Visual Communication, when she won the contest. She has since expressed, in several publications, her plans to continue her studies in the United States.

PAOLO ROLDAN It is not only Filipina models who have started making waves in the international fashion industry. In this female-dominated field, Filipino-Canadian Paolo Roldan is a rising star.

DANICA MAGPANTAY Modelling and winning are definitely in Danica Magpantay’s genes, the third international model in our list.

Danica’s creamy complexion and what judges described as “exotic look” bagged her a US$250,000 modelling contract with Ford Models, where she is still currently signed with.

Paolo’s career skyrocketed in just a span of a year after signing on with Boss Models in 2009. According to NY Mag, during the last day of the fall 2010 castings, Roldan was sent to see Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci – a very pivotal point in his career.

In 2010, he closed both Givenchy’s spring and fall shows in Paris. His affiliation with the French luxury brand didn’t end on the catwalk; Paolo has gone on to become one of the faces and muses of Givenchy.

52 ILLUSTRADO PROFILE

Paolo appeared in a bare-all French Vogue editorial, shot by renowned fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, who have worked with the likes of Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Scarlett Johansson and Shakira.

He also walked for Michael Bastian and closed the spring 3.1 Phillip Lim show in New York for 2010.

The male Filipino model has since expanded his portfolio, becoming a fixture in the Milan, Paris and New York fashion weeks. Paolo has modelled for renowned brands Emporio Armani, Giorgo Armani, Hermes, Levi’s, Rynshu and Viviene Westwood.

Currently represented by Soul Artist, the New York-based sombre-looking hot Filipino model however is not only in demand in the runway.

Paolo has also been seen in various glossies around the world. He has appeared in the Chinese editions of GQ Style, Men’s Health and Numero Homme, as well as in various US and British magazines.

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BRENT CHUA The last, but definitely not the least, to round up our list is Filipino-Chinese Brent Chua.

Born in Manila to a family of four boys, Brent was discovered by a fashion show producer in a club in Singapore. Only a high school student then, Brent pursued the accidental opportunity and ended up becoming one of the few male Asian models in the fashion industry.

Tagged as the Asian Male Supermodel, Brent was first awarded Male Model of the Year during the Singapore Fashion Awards in 2004, before he was signed to Ford Models.

Gifted with a chiselled to die for body and a signature mohawk to complete his look, the New York-based model appears as a rebel who stumbled into haute couture.

His unique rock star look has landed him in the runways of the world’s fashion capitals of London, Milan, New York and Paris; modelling for some of the most recognizable names in the world of luxury like Boss, Gucci, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Versace.

Brent’s definitive Asian look has also been captured by highly acclaimed Vogue photographer Steven Meisel. Brent also appeared in the following glossies, namely Audrey, CarbonVi, New York magazine, Schön!, and Zone.

Proving to be multi-talented, the creative model has also branched out into photography, shooting photos for various fashion magazines and modelling agencies, including Homme Style and Manifesto magazines.

54 FASHION Photography: Eros Goze Post Processing: Tom Bolivare Hair and Make-up: Ginno Alducente assisted by Valentino Jasmin Models: Manette Mercado, Elena Postolachi and Algirda Katinaite Designers: Alberr Fontanilla, Aldwin Ornopia, Angelo Estera, Aris Pico, Jimi Buenconsejo, Ruben Santos and Tim Tejares Shot at The Lighthouse Studio, Al Quoz, Dubai Lighting courtesy of by Hensel - Al Anazi Studio Props by Ariel Designs

Yards upon yards of light yellow chiffon cut in full length bias pieces accented by shoulder pieces made of varying cuts of Swarovski crystals.

A swimsuit-cut inner piece features tassels of beads and crystals.

The ensemble is topped with a neckpiece of clear drop crystals.

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BY ALDWIN GUARDIANA

LIGHT& DARKNESS FASHION 55

The fine line between couture that’s divine and devilishly stylish

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Simple lines, creamy lace, crystals, and drapes twisted back skirt on a body conscious bodice make for beautiful angel.

BY ARIS PICO

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Soft tulle in dusty rose, with cascading beads accentuated with very light ostrich feathers.

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BY JIMI BENCONSEJO

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Shimmering gold hand-embroidered short dress with crystals and pearls and matte sequins and flowing cape chiffon back detail.

BY ANGELO ESTERA

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A hand-embroidered bodice encrusted with crystals and chalk pailletes and bead components, featuring an evian inspiration in a flight of fancy on meticulously diaphanous off-white silk chiffon.

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BY ANGELO ESTERA

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Haltered serpentine cut gown in soft and fine powder blue tulle embellished with handmade embroidery made of butter cream tulle, cut glass in acrylic.

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BY ALBERR FONTANILLA

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Crystallized corset with white silk chiffon overlay in Sabrina neckline with silk chiffon strips and detail on the hemline.

BY TIM TEJARES

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A romantic piece with an elongated silhouette constructed in sculptural drapes made of hand-dyed muslins fabric, combined with a macro-sequined body embellished with embossed metallic embroidery and crystals.

BY RUBEN SANTOS

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Emerald green dress with black cutouts and strategic folds that make up a natural silhouette.

BY ARIS PICO

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Ruby red silk chiffon in fitted bodice with asymmetrical cutting detail on the hemline, accented with skin tone tights adorned with crystals and horn mask with jewels.

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BY TIM TEJARES

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Fully sequined long sleeved jacket top with jet Swarovski crystals and thread embroidery on the neck area matched with voluminous layers of black soft tulle for the skirt, plus custom-made crystallized boots.

BY ALDWIN GUARDIANA

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Midnight blue dress in tulle with an oversized layered standing sleeve paired with pedal cut pants and a soft tulle train with fire inspired beadwork made of cut beads and crystals

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BY ALBERR FONTANILLA

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In this page: Neo-gothic allure dominated by shades of black and charcoal with voluminous curve short shirt velvet and billowy cape on top attached to vintage fur, hand-crafted detail on the body are made of crumpled patent fabric cascading in a twig pattern.

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BY RUBEN SANTOS

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Black stretch mesh material dress embellished with black pearls and accessorized with an enormous necklace made of onyx stone

BY JIMI BEUNCONSEJO

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Filipino Designers PAR EXCELLENCE

By Sherry Tenorio

Beyond the divine ‘fashion trinity’ of One-Cinco-Santos which dominate the style headlines this side of the globe with their local and international style conquests, the glitzy Middle East couture industry is teeming with Filipino designers who are known and acknowledged for their definitive edge in fashion design.

Illustrado reveals some of these brilliantly fabulous createurs de mode who, not only, have made a success out of feeding the region’s grandiose appetite for couture, but have also proven time and time again, the Filipino artists’ brilliance and cachet in an industry far from home.

ELI OABEL From studying BS Foreign Service and Fashion Design, Eli found a turning point in his passion and career when he was recommended by his school to join SOEN Garments in Manila. The stint paved the way for his learning the ropes of the fashion industry early on.

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From there he was head-hunted by Cinderella to handle three major in-house men’s lines including the labels Japs and Rusty Lopez. That did not last very long as he was offered a job in Bahrain and stayed there for almost six years. The opportunity even furthered his wings in the field of fashion design, which is a passion not only for him but his family as well.

Eli found himself progressing even back in the 90s when he was recruited by Balqis Fashions of Al Tayer Group from his job in Bahrain. The lucrative position allowed him to travel all over Europe, and in 1994 he was able to join his very first course at Central St. Martins London College of Fashion, where he studied every year.

FASHION 87 The fully blossomed fashion entrepreneur then saw a fitting post in Scalini as a Designer/Managing Partner up until 2003. He helped establish its couture department and made it to the forefront of the local fashion scene for 10 years. He also co-founded the flower shop, Fleurde-lis Flowers and Gifts, which opened in Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel a year after a very successful couture launch.

It has been an unbelievable journey for Eli, as he looks back in his fashion career. His loyal clients are mostly forward thinking local women who love and appreciate his designs. Currently, his fashion house Villa Sposa by Eli is expanding, moving towards retail with its own in-house prêt-a-porter collections of bridal, traditional, western and children’s wear. A proper launch - a garden event with a fashion show - is in planned for the fall season this year, though the business has been in operation for already a year.

Dubai Fashion Fiesta, the designer has showcased his “Showgirls” collection at the Miami International Fashion Week 2011 where he was called by the South Florida Chronicle “a powerful and dangerous presence.” That was followed by his participation at the Brooklyn Wave Fashion Show 2011. A recent trip to New York City saw the designer causing a scene at Times Square with models decked in his astonishing designs posing amidst the throng of pedestrians. Finally, this just in, the designer has scored a placement in Vogue’s Special Anniversary September 2012 issue via an advertising collaboration with Ne émah Perfumes.

While Eli sees that his career in Manila is beckoning, he also looks forward to starting his own men’s line someday. He also aims to mentor his two nephews, Tristan and Bunny, who have strong design inclinations being artists themselves.

Mentoring on fashion is something he sees as means of giving back the blessings he reaps.

ROCKY GATHERCOLE Rocky Gathercole is one name in the local fashion industry that’s synonymous to “causing a commotion.” Known for his sometimes extreme avant garde creations, Rocky Gathercole has shown his brand of unapologetic creativity on the runway in the UAE and the US. Apart from participating in local bride shows in the emirates, as well as the

Indeed, for the last two decades Gathercole has created more than just a passing impression with the fashion watchers he has come across. Even today, he remembers his mentor Vicente Arcania who was instrumental in landing his first ever fashion job in Saudi Arabia where he admits that it was more of a motivation to find a decent job that got him into this business in this first place. Now, the designer professes that more than anything, his driver is artistic expression.

From his former base in Saudi Arabia, and then Dubai, since the beginning, Rocky Gathercole’s fashion ethos has always been unconventional. This has actually given him the leverage to attract local Arabic women whose way of dressing veers

towards the dramatic, even eccentric. Over the years, he has been designing party dresses, engagement and wedding gowns for three generations of local women, allowing him to feel their patronage and trust throughout the years.

RUBEN SANTOS

Inspired by Hollywood and beauty queens, Ruben Santos recalls how he started out designing dioramas and creating miniature dresses in his youth and how that led him to studying at the Slims Fashion and Arts School in Manila. He worked as an assistant designer to Mike dela Rosa in the 80’s and has showcased his creations in various fashion shows and competitions in the Philippines until he finally found himself in the Middle East – living his dream.

In his early 20’s, he was given a chance to work with royalty in Saudi Arabia for half a decade. Thereafter, he moved to Abu Dhabi to launch Queen Palace Haute Couture, and has since worked with clients from the royal families, socialites, including to diplomats from the emirates and around the Gulf. A well-renowned designer, Ruben has received numerous recognitions and has also been awarded

88 FASHION as Designer of the Year at the Anyo 2000 Mini Fashion Show celebrating Philippine Independence Day. Currently, Ruben designs for J’Adore Couture in the emirates’ capital, and is busy doing ready to wear and custom made dresses. He is also looking forward to participating once again at the Philippine Fashion Week after his successful stint in 2011. For the future, he aspires to be able to showcase his designs in Paris Fashion Week someday. Furthermore, he shares that his ultimate goal is to go back to his homeland and build up his own atelier someday.

ALDWIN “JLO” ORNOPIA A hobby back in high school paved the way for the young Aldwin to pursue his creativity, and actually make a living off of it at the same time. With his innate talent and perseverance, Aldwin used to create prom dresses, evening wear and party frocks; a teacher of his, even became his very first client.

In pursuing his calling, his family’s support and influence played a pivotal role. In fact, his father even became the instrument for him to move to the UAE capital in 2005 to chase greater opportunities.

And like any new aspiring designer in the city, it was a challenge to find his own

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spot under the glamorous fashion sun.

His break came at Art Fashion Tailoring Company in Abu Dhabi, where he managed to impress a high profile client base which included royals, with his very feminine and romantic dresses. He hasn’t looked back since.

For the past six years, Aldwin has also been very active staging four fashion shows - one of which was with the signature fashion event of Dubai Summer Surprise, at the Dubai Fashion Fiesta, the others were presented in 2011 during a wedding

and beauty exhibitions in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah where he also showcased his bridal collection. His creations have also graced the pages of fashion magazines Lamasat (Arabic magazine) and Illustrado Couture.

At the moment, he is busy putting together a new collection for a fashion show this December, creating pieces for a wellknown Philippine actress and preparing for an editorial fashion shoot in the US. Indeed able to create a name for himself,

FASHION 89 he hopes to expand internationally, dress Hollywood celebrities one day and open his very own fashion house in his hometown of Cebu City.

ARIS PICO

Twenty two years after he made his initial steps in the emirates, Aris has gained the kind of success that was more than he hoped for - something that he wishes every fellow Pinoy who went abroad would experience. His exceptional designs earned him a set of loyal clients that he treats like family now. He does not need to market himself because most of these local women do the talking, recommending his work to friends, family and even royals.

Yet over the years, he still yearns to open his very own fashion house in the Philippines, and hopefully branch out to London. Though these dreams may appear to be in the pipeline as of the moment, his participation at the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012 in May this year was a big triumph for the designer. His joining of the PFW in October is also quite imminent.

Dreams do really come true, especially if the dreamer is as talented and as hardworking as Aris Pico. He swears not to have even imagined being where he is in right now, but he feels blessed with tremendous success in being able to create stunning dresses and get raves about it.

The young Aris has taken inspiration from his mother and six sisters whom he wanted to dress stylishly. Also, he would remember the sudden burst of happiness while watching ladies donned with beautiful gowns, often seen during the traditional Santacruzan in the Philippines. He then started dreaming of owning a shop and creating dresses perfect for the ladies of Santacruzan. That was the dream. And that was the reason why he took the risk of flying abroad - to get a job to save up to open his fashion house in his hometown.

Although filled with glamour, the dazzling world of fashion did not change the craving for simplicity that is innate in Aris.

He wants his four year old ARISteo design to expand with an abaya line so he can offer more jobs to fellow Filipinos. Indeed, with a golden talent and a pure heart, this fashion designer is a supporter of Bantay Bata Foundation. He knows that he has been utterly blessed, but he knows that he should not be the only one to receive such wonderful things.

with a visiting employer, he was hired on the spot. So in 1989, at 20 years of age, Ralph left for Al-Khobar, KSA and worked there for five years armed with a gift for fashion illustration and skills learned from the SLIMS School of Arts and Fashion.

In 1993, an employer invited him to work in Sharjah. The multicultural environment as well as the openness and tolerance of the emirates, beckoned to the young artist. After working for almost 12 in the same company, Ralph was finally able to buy Lafana Fashions from his employer in 2005.

With ample capital, well-trained staff and a very loyal local clientele, he was able to fulfill his dream of standing on his own as a fashion designer and entrepreneur.

Being independent opened doors for him to advance in his craft through research, travel and education especially through courses at Central St. Martins in London.

Through the years, he is proud to say that he has dressed three generations of women during their wedding celebrations – from the grandmother, mother and the bride herself, and whenever schedules permit, all the female members of an entire extended family.

RALPH CRUZ RAMIREZ They say that a true friend enriches your life. True enough for Ralph, his best friend back in Manila recognized his talent in fashion illustration and submitted his name to a recruiting agency. After an interview

Currently, Ralph is working on his vamp collection for the 2012 Autumn/Winter season. It is a dream for him to show at the Dubai Fashion Week but his immediate target now is to exhibit in the upcoming bride shows to reach and establish a wider client base.

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Albert Andrada to Launch Boutique in Greenbelt 5

YEN BARI Although Yen Bari, or Yen AB as he is known, has always been drawn to illustrations and beautiful things when he was young, it was only when he got tired of his chosen profession, Nuclear Medicine, that he realized his passion and talent in fashion design stumbling into his crossroad in 2008.

Despite his intent to eventually jump into the fabulous world of fashion, the entrepreneur in Yen was very careful to tread into the industry unprepared. He first had to consider his goals, brand aspirations and commercial targets, as well as the right people that would help him realize his goals.

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It seems that it was meant to be for the fledgling designer, as he was able to establish the House of Yen in no time, with the support of its sponsor Khamis Al Hameli. Now, the three year old fashion house serves mostly ladies from the GCC, as well as some from Europe, Russia and Africa. Yen’s high profile clients have become accustomed to his breathtaking designs in the form of ‘Arabic Contemporary’ pieces (modern versions of the Arabic jalabeya), wedding dresses and other haute couture creations.

The House of Yen has also garnered visibility with their creations being featured in music videos, as well as the movies of Arabic mega star Wiam, Gulf superstar singers Balqeez, Ranya and Aryam and Channel 5 TV host Shams Alsaabi.

Currently, Yen divides his time among his three branches in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. He is also ecstatic about signing his line with a renowned boutique chain in the UK. His busy schedule is also filled with preparations for an upcoming gala exhibit in Doha this September as well as a couple of fashion editorial and video shoots.

After three successful stints in the last two years at the Philippine Fashion Week which were met with much applause and enthusiasm by style critics and the media, Royal Designer Albert Andrada says he is ready for a different type of “homecoming.”

Andrada has been based in Fujairah, UAE for 15 years (25 years in the Middle East) and leads a design and production team of 29 at the palace’s haute couture atelier devoted to dressing the emirate’s Sheikha and her three daughters.

However, Andrada professes that he has always had this yearning to share his talent for creating sumptuous pieces of clothing back home. “I have always enjoyed designing for myself on top of the work that I do for the palace. Realizing my own ideas and seeing them transformed into dazzling pieces keeps me passionate about my chosen field. And of course, it’s a different feeling when you’re sharing your work in your own homeland.”

Albert says that his return to the Philippine fashion scene since 2010 is a dream 25 years in the making. He also sees it as a way for him to pay back his blessings by inspiring young designers to set their sights out into the world and explore creativity without limits and then bring all that rich learning back home.

Albert Andrada’s signature boutique is slated to open on the last week of September at the swanky Greenbelt 5 in Makati with the formal opening to be held on the 26th of October, and is slated to cater to Philippine based clients who appreciate his luxurious bespoke approach to style.

92 PROUDLY PINOY LUXURY

BEA VALDES - THE FOUNTAINHEAD This one-of-a-kind iconic showpiece commissioned by SWAROVSKI is currently on loan from the Swarovski Museum in Wattens, Austria. The piece took over 60 days to create, 500 hours to finish, and is encrusted with over 8,000 Swarovski crystals, with total hand-sewn component count of over 23, 000 individual pieces.

Photo by Isa Lorenzo

KENNETH COBONPUE – RAPUNZEL ARMCHAIR AND OTTOMAN Settle into Rapunzel and let a story emerge from beneath the fine wool braids or escape from the castle to the outdoors using acrylic fabric. Thick hand-coiled upholstered foam curves over a steel frame on this easy armchair - seat and back cushions are covered in smooth wool to create a soft plush feel.

BEA VALDES - RAPTURE BAG Handmade clutch embellished with crystals, metal alloy, satin, sequins and beads

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BEA VALDES - GALAXY NECKLACE Handmade with crystals, satin, metal alloy and Labradorite

BEA VALDES – MELUSINE IN BLACK Large patent leather bloom purse

KENNETH COBONPUE – ECLIPSE PEDICAB From the street of Shanghai to New York, the most friendly and a green alternative to the car. Kenneth conceptualized this minimalist high tech version of the humble three-wheeler using the bicycle spoke as a design metaphor.

PROUDLY PINOY LUXURY 93 KENNETH COBONPUE – WAVE TABLE A succession of wooden pieces in the likeness of a current, Wave is equally a sculpture as it is a table. The undulation of the ocean is captured and solidified into a rhythmic sculptural form, graceful and profound.

BEA VALDES - OLYMPUS CLUTCH Handmade with crystal beads, sequins and glass

SHOPPING GUIDE: Bea Valdes USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Frane, Czech Republic, Norway, Croatia, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, China & Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines & India; online: couture lab.com E-Mail: info@beavaldes.com www.beavaldes.com

BEA VALDES - LAWIN NECKLACE Handmade piece with crystals, metal alloy and satin resin

BEA VALDES - TUATARA CLUTCH Handmade with crystals, sequins, beads, metal alloy and satin with Neoprene, chain

KENNETH COBONPUE – PAPILLION EASY ARMCHAIR A cocoon for the outdoors - a sculptural oasis for one. Papillion, where hand-woven nylon rope provides the ease with which to nestle between the powder-coated steel frame. Matching ottoman available to assist with levity.

Kenneth Cobonpue Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Egypt, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, Canada, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Panama, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay E-mail: info@kennethcobonpue.com www.kennethcobonpue.com

94 PROUDLY PINOY LUXURY

RAFE TOTENGCO – LIZELLE MINAUDIERE The Lizelle is a combination of resin, stainless steel and kabibe cracked shells. This oval minaudiere is as unique as it is elegant.

1 PER DIEM - BANK CLUTCH IN PYTHON A nod to the classic zipper top clutch made with genuine shorttail white and grey python with 3 panels seamed together; beige moire lining.

ROCIO GAIA COLLECTION Hand carved acacia wood clutch in Rocio a half moon shape, hand painted in deep lush colors. Finished with luxe suede lining and Rocio signature gold lock and chain.

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1PER DIEM - LAIGHT TOTE The ultimate in tote bags. Big enough as a weekender and surpasses the chic standard for an everyday carry-all.

Made with premium nubuck leather and cobalt blue suede finished with signature leather corners.

RAFE TOTENGCO – MARYANN MINAUDIERE Inspired by the elements of modern architecture, the Maryann minaudiere is completely handcrafted with seashells from the Philippine islands.

RAFE TOTENGCO – DINA TOTE Crafted from calf hair, ostrich trim, patent leather and shiny gunmetal hardware, the Dina tote is a closet classic

PROUDLY PINOY LUXURY 95

ROCIO - CANDY COLLECTION Hand carved acacia wood clutch highlighted with hand painted color accented with wood top exposure and purple suede lining. Clutch is finished with Rocio signature lock and chain.

RAFE TOTENGCO – DAWN MINAUDIERE The Dawn minaudiere is a work of art! Each faceted Paua and mother-of-pearl shell is handapplied and bordered by water snake skin.

RAFE TOTENGCO – CHARLIZE HOBO The Charlize Hobo offers day time sparkle!

Crafted from metallic suede and shiny gunmetal hardware and fastened with a twist lock closure.

SHOPPING GUIDE: 1 per Diem by Vanessa Espinosa New York, Washington DC, Sydney, Melbourne & Manila http://www.1perdiem.com Rafe Totengco New York USA, Philippines, Indonesia, Kuwait, Russia www.rafe.com

ROCIO – CLEMENTINE COLLECTION Hand carved acacia wood clutch hand painted color accented with wood top exposure and luxe suede lining. Clutch is finished with ROCIO signature lock and chain.

Rocio Bags UK info@rocio.co.uk www.rociobags.com

96 COUTURE GALLERY

RALPH RAMIREZ

ROD BALINGIT

RICHARD TOJOS

YEN FASHION DESIGN

Email: ralphdelafana@yahoo.com Shop: Ralph de Lafana Haute Couture Location: Al Wahda St. Sharjah, UAE Contact details: +971 6 539 4595

Email: richard.tojos@gmail.com Shop: Lecci Fashion Design Location: Al Khan, Sharjah, U.A.E. Contact details: 06-5282787 050-6350060

Email: roddubai@yahoo.com Shop: Garasheeb Design & Tailoring Location: Al Arif Blgd. Karama, Dubai Contact details: + 971 4 3968900

P.O. Box 108889, Abu Dhabi, UAE • Tel: +971 2 4470222 Fax: 971 2 4470111 • Email: INFO@YEN.AE

COUTURE GALLERY 97

HENRY MANGAHAS

ARIS PICO

Email: henry_mangahas@yahoo.com Shop: La Reina Fashion Designs Location: Emirates Business Center, Karama, Dubai Contact details: +971 4 3360647/ 334 9441

Email: ariespico@yahoo.com Shop: ARISTEO DESIGN BY ARIS PICO Location: Al Wasl Rd., Dubai, UAE Contact details: +971 4 344 8753

LEO ALMODAL

TIM TEJARES

Email: leoalmodal@yahoo.com Shop: Meena Rose Haute Couture Location: Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE Contact details: +971 50 349 5729

Email: ttejares@yahoo.com Shop: Illustra fashion Location: Abu-dhabi U.A.E Contact details: +971 02-6665822

98 COUTURE GALLERY

ALDWIN “JLO” ORNOPIA

ALBERT BASMAYOR

CARLA FUENTES

ROCKY GATHERCOLE

Email: lovelyfeliza@yahoo.com Shop: Art Fashion Company Location: Khalidyah, Abu Dhabi Contact details: +971 2 6393340, Fax: +71 2 6316014, Mobile: +971 50 6991829 Website: www.artfashionuae.com

Company Name: Dubai Int’l Knitting Ltd. Location: Jebel Ali Freezone Mobile No: +971 56 6047460

Email: abet1029@yahoo.com Shop: Defile’ Fashion Central Market Location: Central Market, Abu Dhabi Contact details: +971 2 622 2616 / 050 672 5040

Email: ther2cole@yahoo.com Dar Sara Location: Al Hana Center, Dubai, UAE Contact details: +971 50 802 8713

COUTURE GALLERY 99

NELSON BUHAIN

JOEL VILLANUEVA

Email: n316cb@yahoo.com Shop: Nelson for TARBOOSHA Fashion Location: Al Mudaifi Corniche, Khorfakhan, Sharjah, UAE Contact details: +971 9 234 8188 / +971 50 785 4555

Email: jayvil430@yahoo.com Shop: Laswa Fashion Design Location: Abu Dhabi Central Market versus revolving gun, Abu Dhabi, UAE Contact details: +971-2-622-0944 / +971-50-311-6414

JULES QUIRANTE

JIMI BUENCONSEJO

Email: daralshaikha@gmail.com Shop: Dar Al Shaikha Location: 1st/Flr. Shop# 222, Al Hana Center, P.O. Box 25562, Dubai U.A.E Contact details: +971 50 880 8539

Email: la_bonita_fashion@hotmail.com Shop: La Bonita Location: Jumeirah rd, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai Contact details: +971 4 3944339

100 COUTURE GALLERY

REYNALDO GONZAGA

ANGELO ESTERA

Email: reypinggonzaga@yahoo.com Shop: SCALINI HAUTE COUTURE Location: Villa 941 Al Wasl Rd., Umm Suquim, Dubai, UAE Contact details: +971 50 6551291

Email: info@shivataba.com Shop: Angelo Estera for SPOSA SHIVA TABA HAUTE COUTURE Location: Villa# 1089 Al Wasl Rd., Dubai, UAE Contact details: +971 4 348 7800

JOEY BALUYOT

ALBERT ANDRADA

Email: joeybaluyot25@yahoo.com.ph Shop: Al Maraya Fashion Location: Mamzar,Deira, Dubai Contact details: +971 4 2692600

Email: albertdxb@yahoo.com Shop: Royal Fashion Designer & Stylist Location: P.O. Box 416, Fujairah, UAE Contact details: +971 50 675 2789

COUTURE GALLERY 101

ARIES CRUZ MAGLALANG Email: ariesmaglalang@yahoo.com Shop: Rahmanian Fashion L.L.C Location: P.O. Box 22637, Sharjah UAE Contact details: +971 6 533 4273

RUBEN “CHEN-CHEN” SANTOS

Email: benika27@yahoo.com Shop: J’Adore Couture Location: Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Bldg. Mez 03, Khalidaya St. Abu Dhabi.

Contact details: +971 2 666 9519 / +971 50 741 6966

TEL:+971 4 2659 490 www.letrousseaudubai.com

DAZE TAN

Email: daisytansario@yahoo.com Shop: WARDA Haute Couture Location: Al Wasl Rd., Dubai, UAE Contact details: +971 50 7374809 / +971 55 534 3227

ROMMEL MA. TUMULAK Email: mymel1434@gmail.com Shop: Bella Dona Location: Khalidiya st. Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Contact details: 02-6333288

102 STYLE SENSE

YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY

By Agnes Aquino-Briggs

Your personal style is a reflection of your attitude and personality. Our clothes are our outer image, an image that sends a signal to the world before we have a chance to speak.

Truth be told, it is our clothes, our body language and our grooming that people judge us on instantly. Surely, first impressions last. We should give a little more attention to how we dress and make sure our clothes are saying what we want to convey about us.

According to the book ‘Color Me Confident’ - “The color and styling of your clothes play an important part in your appearance but it is your personality that acts as a catalyst and pulls your whole look together. Your personality dictates your style, which is your own interpretation of fashion and how you like to wear your clothes. “ Once you know and understand your style personality, putting your wardrobe together is second to nature. If you ignore your personality and buy clothes simply because they are featured in all the glossy magazines or look great on a friend, you will not look comfortable and your wardrobe will be a muddle of styles. This in turn, will limit your flexibility in mixing and matching to create the perfect outfits for you. It also means that you will not get the best value from your investment purchases.

The clothes that you wear and how you wear them are governed by many factors: age, build, lifestyle, environment, budget, culture and personal preferences. The way you project yourself maybe influenced by your upbringing, the way others want to see you, or even by a misguided approach to how you see yourself. Knowing your style

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personality will give you the foundation on which to project yourself in a more organized, consistent and distinctive way and feel comfortable and confident in your outfit whatever the occasion is.

Identify your fashion style If you are unsure of your style personality, have a look at how famous personalities dress. Notice what they are wearing when they appear at their most comfortable and relaxed. Lady Gaga has a Dramatic Style personality wearing clothes that make a statement and sometimes even shock people. Nicole Kidman, with her soft wavy hair and delicate features and her choice of ultra-feminine clothing epitomizes a true Romantic Style personality. Hillary Clinton with the same style over the years, coordinated businesslike outfits, is a perfect Traditional Style personality. Julia Roberts with her natural look and minimal make up and stylish but comfortable clothes is a Relaxed Style personality. Cameron Diaz with her figure and broad shoulders in her most relaxed outfit is a Sportive style personality. With her dignified, timeless and expensive look, Kate Middleton is the epitome of elegance.

Can you relate to these styles? Does your

present style project your true personality?

If you are not sure of your Style Personality, you can take a personal style personality test by consulting a professional. In the meantime, here are some tips on how to determine your Style Personality and how to achieve that look from Sterling Style Academy, where I trained as an Image and Style Consultant.

Dramatic Style Dramatic style projects a bold and sophisticated image through the design lines, shapes and silhouettes, colours, textures, and patters associated with this type of clothing. This clothing style is structured and defined by its straight, angular and diagonal lines, elaborately textured fabrics, and large geometric patterns.

The entire look is striking and severe.

Clothes are typically of haute-couture designer brands representing high-fashion runway style. Hair and makeup are bold and severe. This style is appropriate for the entertainment industry, fashion, marketing and gala events where a strong impression and a memorable appearance are desired.

The style of clothing is usually exaggerated and extreme.

104 STYLE SENSE

Romantic Style Romantic style projects a soft and feminine image through lines, shapes and silhouettes, colors, textures, and patterns.

It is a non-classic, unstructured style, which has a graceful quality. The clothing are fluid, flowing loosely over the body resembling the clothing of the Victorian Era, English heroines, and Ralph Lauren’s “Lady of the Manor” look.

Lady Gaga

How to get the look • Assemble a core wardrobe in black (clothing, accessories, and undergarments) and wear contrasting colours mainly black and white.

• Maintain a fashion forward wardrobe and appearance.

• Select clothes and accessories with a sleek architectural shape.

• Notice contrast-clothing proportions and remember to accent outfits with bold accessories.

• Add shoulder pads, if necessary, and even taper the hemlines to carry yourself with more confidence and style.

• A severe sleek hairstyle with accents of a pulled back chignon or geometric cut can be complemented with high contrast make-up and high sculpted cheeks.

The entire look is gentle, pristine and delicate. Clothes and accessories are ladylike and dainty, worn to modestly cover the body and allow graceful movement.

Hair and makeup are soft and pretty. The style of clothing is detailed and demur. The limitation of this style is that it may appear too frilly and soft for traditional business.

How to get the look • Modesty in appearance, flowing fabrics and loose styles are a good start.

• Wear light neutrals and pastels combined with delicate prints present coordinated touches.

• Romantic touches include the use of

must be appropriate for every occasion.

This style of clothing is highly scrutinized since it may intimidate people as well as make them feel uncomfortable.

How to get the look:

Elegant Style Elegant style projects a refined and dignified image through the lines, shapes and silhouettes textures and patterns associated with this type of clothing. It is a classic style due to its restraint, formality, and simplicity. Elegant clothes are beautifully designed and fitted to express a soft, tailored look. It is the most feminine and formal of the classic styles.

The look is impeccably put together from

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laces, flowers, bows, and ruffles.

• Handmade pieces such as shawls, sweaters, vests, and fabric bags play important key roles while accessorizing with delicate shoes and purses.

• Popular trends such as small pieces of antique and romantic jewelry five a soft demeanor.

• Your hair should be softly curled and partially pulled with a bow or a hair ornament.

NIcole Kidman

top quality worn for status and prestige.

Hair and makeup are meticulous and symmetrically balanced. The style of clothing is formal and dignified. A great deal of thought goes into the look and

• Classic ensemble dressing • Use tone-on-tone, monochromatic color schemes • Invest in a fine quality, non-textured clothing and accessories, applying a refined and polished demeanor • No bulges in pockets • Coordinate clothes, shoes, and handbags to complement the outfit • Impeccably groomed skin and nails • Discreet jewelry – wedding ring, watch, or one of the already mentioned • Finish with a smooth, controlled hairstyle with balanced make-up

STYLE SENSE 105

Sportive Style

Traditional Style

Relaxed Style

Sportive style projects an assertive, commanding, independent and athletic image through the lines, shapes and silhouettes, colours, textures and patterns associated with this type of clothing. It is a classic style patterned after men’s English country-side attire. A semi-tailored manner in dressing, the clothing is semi-formal in that is has built in structure yet allows for comfort and ease of movement.

Traditional style projects a conservative and business like image through the lines, shapes, and silhouettes, colors, textures and patterns associated with

Relaxed style projects a friendly and casual image exemplifying leisure and fun.

The clothing is untailored and informal with unstructured lines and is loose and

Hillary Clinton

Julia Roberts

this type of clothing. It is a classic due to its timelessness, durability, and value.

Traditional clothing is tailored, structured, crisp and is patterned after classic American business attire due to its smooth and firm fit.

unfitted enough to allow for comfort and ease of movement if desired. The look is wholesome, carefree, and natural. It is considered youthful and typifies “Casual Chic Style.” Clothing and accessories are practical and playful, selected for function and fun. Hair and makeup are natural and easy. The look is always appropriate for leisure activities, relaxed sports, travel, informal entertainment, and everyday casual attire. This style of clothing is casual and informal therefore is inappropriate for formal occasions and conservative business events.

Cameron Diaz

The look resembles country club and outdoor activity attire. It is mature, aggressive, yet approachable. Clothing and accessories are practical and sturdy, selected for function and durability. Hair and makeup are natural and easy. The look is always appropriate for outdoor activities, travel, informal entertainment, and business casual. This style of clothing is semi-formal therefore is inappropriate for formal occasions and ultra-conservative business events.

How to get the look: • Herringbone jacket, Merino wool turtleneck or polo sweater, button down shirt in white or plaid, classic trousers • A gold watch with leather band can be added to textured accessories such as shoes, belts and handbags.

• Hair should be natural and carefree using minimal make-up.

The look is tasteful, well groomed, and neat. Clothes and accessories are functional, worn to serve a purpose and not excessive in ornamentation. Hair and makeup are simple, clean lines, and low key. The look is appropriate for business, politics, and community events that require conservative attire. The style of clothing is moderate, not too casual and not too dressy. This style of clothing may appear too formal and stiff for casual occasions and too rigid and businesslike for formal events.

How to get the look • Suits with matching jackets, skirts and pants, combined with a subtle print or solid blouse.

• Clothes should be neat and pressed, properly buttoned.

• Accessorize with a classic watch, matching hose, polished shoes, and handbags.

• Low key and moderate with hairstyle

How to get the look • Use layered clothing while pushing up sleeves. You may turn up collars and combine textures and prints.

• Add fun items, such a whimsical print while using 3-4 colors • A sport watch can be added to textured accessories such as shoes, belts, and handbags.

• Hair should be natural and carefree using minimal make-up.

5Month

106 TRIPPIN’

things To Do This

In a city filled with everything luxurious, being in Dubai can tempt anyone to live beyond their means. Yet there is no reason to break the bank in pursuit of posh aspirations. In fact, there are activities which appear intimidatingly extravagant that are actually quite affordable for everyone. In this issue, we give you five things Pinoys can do to live the luxe life without maxing out on their credit cards.

Fly over Dubai

1 Hop onboard a helicopter If a seaplane does not excite you, opt for a grander ride via helicopter tour taking you all over giving you fantastic views of the ever-changing city, the desert, shoreline, beaches, historical areas, the Dubai Creek, famous Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Khalifa, the sevenstar Burj Al Arab hotel and its many projects such as The Palm and Dubai Marina. The Atlantis Helicopter Service offers spectacular helicopter tours in cooperation with Alpha Tours. For more information, call 04 426 1500. Tours can also be booked with Aerogulf Services, Website: www.aerogulfservices. com. Phone: 04 2200331.

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Marvel at Dubai’s many architectural splendors while also getting panoramic city views by going on the Seawings’ seaplane tours on the world renowned Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian aircraft. From private charter and corporate events to daily Dubai City Tours and overnight tour packages, guests can view the World Islands, Palm Islands, Jumeirah Beach, Dubailand, Sports City, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Maritime City, Port Rashid and Festival City during the flight. The tours also provide additional services that will make you feel like a total VIP. Seawings provide promotions from time to time so better check out their discounted offers and experience something extraordinary that fits your normal budget. For more information, visit www.seawings.ae.

2

108 TRIPPIN’

Cruise in a yacht May it be for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays or engagements, cruising in a luxury yacht is certainly a swanky option. Don’t fret. If you have dreamt of your grand day, make it happen the recessionista way. Dubai has so much to offer especially to those seeking bespoke arrangements, even for those who are on a budget. A number of charter operators like Xclusive Yachts operating from the Dubai Marine Yacht Club can help plan your itinerary, select the best places to visit, provide great food and entertainment while on board the yacht. From exclusive parties to dinner cruise, they can offer you various choices and still provide discounts. Cruise along with your special someone, dine in style and travel Dubai via a yacht, all for approximately AED250 per person. For more information, visit their website www.xclusiveyachts.com.

4

Stroll in a limo Want the ultimate taste of a luxurious activity? Rent a limousine for a few hours, and roam around while partying inside like the posh brats in town. If you think it only happens in the movies or for celebrities, royals and the ultra rich, then you better think again. In Dubai, limousine services are available from different companies which offer reasonable packages. From AED300 to AED500 per hour, depending whether you’ll take a Hummer, a Cadillac, a Chrysler or whatever limo service that is you fancy, you can experience an extraordinary day with your friends and guests. For more information, you can visit www.dubaiexoticlimo.com, www. limousinerentaldubai.com, www.uae-limousine.com, or simply search on Google and seek the most suitable option for you.

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3

Experience the high life Bearing the distinctive shape of dhow sails, the world’s only seven-star luxury hotel Burj Al Arab, stands proudly offshore.

And few can remain unmoved by the incredible views from its summit. The restaurant Al Muntaha is on the 27th floor, and is one of the best places to get a view of Dubai’s skyline and those extraordinary man-made features, The World and Palm Jumeirah. If you want to linger, the adjacent Skyview bar is open afternoons and evenings. The acclaimed hotel also boasts of its famous authentic Far Eastern restaurant, Junsui. A favorite among expats, especially Asians, who crave for buffet, Junsui is as lavish as having 12 live stations in an open kitchen concept.

Try it for breakfast, lunch or dinner (all under AED400 except during special occasions), and savor the tastes of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian and Korean dishes together with the breathtaking views and opulent decors. For bookings, call 04 301 7777. UAE Toll Free: 800 5863 4724.

5

110 ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

Randy Martinez Legaspi Tarlac native Randy Martinez Legaspi is a Civil Engineer currently working for a consulting company in Dubai.

Happily married, with a two year old son, Randy originally bought his camera to document his son’s growth.

Eventually, he got smitten by the hobby and decided to take his photography further than just clicking his son’s first steps, leaning the intricacies of using his basic gear. Luckily, he says, the results didn’t turn out to be disappointing. Now Randy says he is a photo aficionado for life. create his own photobook.

Illustrado Magazine

A platform for budding Filipino creative talent

ILLUSTRADO SCRAPBOOK 111

Michael Ryan Borja Also known as “Wacky” to his friends, Michael Ryan Borja, is a 30 year old photographer and graphic artist.

Full of playful antics, Ryan is respected and recognized by his photography buddies in the Kingdom of Bahrain as a worthy critic, teacher and mentor He says of his craft, “I have a deep passion for arts. I love collecting people’s emotions through my pictures, and showing them to other people. We are all beautiful people.”

112 ADVERTORIAL

Dubai Outlet Mall’s Season’s Round-Up All too soon, the summer is approaching its end and the bright pop colors are slowly receding into the background, making way for yet another season full of fashion and drama. The pre-fall and fall collections have already made a splash across International catwalks, and fashionistas everywhere are ditching summer’s dizzying brightness for the more sombre palettes and elegant prints making their way to our shores and stores. Check out Dubai Outlet Mall’s roundup of the season’s hottest trends, as spotted on trendsetting celebs and the fashionable set across the globe.

Football star Bacary Sagna Visits Belhoul for Physio & Rehab

Dubai’s growing reputation as a destination for medical treatment and recovery has been bolstered by rehab visits from major sporting stars over the years. Arsenal FC and French international football player Bacary Sagna visited Belhoul European Hospital for physiotherapy and rehabilitation to get back to peak performance on the pitch for the Premier League. Sagna tweeted, “Hello, I’m just out of treatments from Belhoul European hospital in Dubai.

Huge thanks to you all.”Despite being ruled out of the Euro 2012 with a broken leg, he has managed to maintain focus and hopes to return to stronger from his injury.

Max’s Officially Launches in Abu Dhabi Max’s Restaurant’s newest branch is now officially open, after a busy opening event attended by Robert Trota, Chairman of the Board of Max’s Group of Companies in the Philippines and grace

by H.E. Grace Relucio Princesa, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Arab Emirates along with around 20 dignitaries from the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

around 100 well-wishers.

Guests were treated to music from a live band. A special highlight at the event was a dance performance by the Max’s mascot Chickie Boy with restaurant and kitchen staff. Everyone enjoyed a sitdown meal of Max’s favorites including the much celebrated fried chicken and pancit canton, which guests were thrilled to find tasted exactly like the offering at Max’s in Manila.

The ribbon to the restaurant was cut by H.E. Grace Relucio Princesa, Robert Trota and Landmark Group owner Renuka Jagtiani in front of a packed crowd of

The new restaurant is located at the Corniche Apartments, near Formal Park, Abu Dhabi.

Contact telephone number 02 6281234.

114 SPIRITUALITY

The luxury

I CAN NOW AFFORD

By Bo Sanchez

FIRST, let me greet Illustrado Happy Anniversary! Correction: I really should say, “Let me greet us, Happy Anniversary!”

Yes, since I’ve been privileged to be a contributor to this beautiful magazine, I like to think I am a part of it, and it’s a part of me already!

Illustrado connects Filipinos around the world. That’s a big, noble task. If we are going to be a great nation, we must communicate — what’s good and, okay, also what’s not-so-good about us — so that we will understand each other. By understanding each other, we then can live in harmony, even as we live apart, away from each other.

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SPIRITUALITY 115

Illustrado has bravely — creatively and beautifully — taken upon itself to fulfill this mission and so we do have a big reason to celebrate our anniversary.

But really, our belief coupled with our grateful heart will attract our muchawaited blessings.

So how do you go to the first step: Believe!

The theme for this Anniversary Issue is Luxury. In our vocabulary in the Charismatic Renewal, our word for luxury is blessing.

We call our very existence, our life, a luxury, a blessing. Why? Because life is a gift, isn’t it? Before we existed, nothing existed except God. And then out of His Great Love, He decided to create Man, give him the gift of life.

The first step is to change your belief.

Do you want to be free from financial worry?

Do you want to pay off your debts?

Do you want to send your kids to good schools?

My friend told me a funny story.

He said he was in the States, talking to a Fil-Am guy. The man was boasting about the technology in his country.

He said, “Here in the U.S., I have this gizmo in my car that gives me very accurate directions. When I hop in, all I have to do is type in where I want to go, and presto, that gadget will guide me. It’ll tell me whether I should turn right or to turn left, until I arrive at my destination. It’s really fantastic.”

Do you want to buy a car that doesn’t break down every two months?

The simple Do you want luxuries? formula, as I Friend, all this is possible.

How? You’ve got to learn a new system. often say, in my The legendary business guru, W. Edwards books and in Deming, said, “Your system is perfectly designed to give you the results you’re Well, then, you want to read my latest getting.” my talks is this: book, How To Be a Blessing Magnet. be grateful for Yes, like a magnet, you can attract blessings, What did he mean by that? you can afford luxury.

That if all the cars coming out of a car factory have inverted bumpers, then that what you have In my new book, I share 8 simple steps to factory’s system is perfectly designed to attract the miracles you need every day. Yes, produce cars with inverted bumpers. received and our other word for blessing and for luxury is miracle. And you can attract lots!

It’s the same with your finances. If you for those that have a mountain of debt, if you can’t make ends meet, if you’ve got more “month than Believe What You Can’t See you have yet to money”, it’s because your financial system The simple formula, as I often say, in my is perfectly designed to give you your books and in my talks is this: be grateful receive. financial struggles. for what you have received and for those But you say, Bo, what we want to talk about is luxury — something more, something in addition to our daily life, something extra - you know, something not everybody can afford to have. That’s what we want to have, to be able to afford.

Luxury. Luxurious living.

that you have yet to receive.

Now, it is easy to be thankful for what we already see. But it takes faith to express gratitude for something we have yet to see.

Admittedly, we are doubting Thomases.

We just got to see to believe.

Do you want to buy your own house?

By making changes in your financial system, you’ll be able to change the results you’re getting in your financial life.

Let me share with you about the power of belief.

My friend smiled and said, “I guess we’re not as lucky. In the Philippines, when I hop in the car, I say to my driver, ‘Jun, let’s go home.’ I close my eyes and sleep. When I wake up, I’m already home…”

116 SPIRITUALITY

We just don’t know how blessed we are to have house helpers and drivers and gardeners.

But with that blessing comes a responsibility: I believe our duty is to help them prosper.

Each week, I preach to thousands. I preach on TV, too.

I also lead a small group of very big businessmen — all multi-millionaires. We pray and study the Bible together.

But each week, I lead another small group in our home, composed of my driver and three helpers. In our small group, we do the same thing. We pray together, study the Bible, and share our concerns. Last year, I taught them how to save, invest, and tithe.

Of late, they’ve thanking me for teaching them how to prosper.

My driver said, “Sir, for the first time in my life, I now have savings. I’ve never saved before. Now, I have PHP20,000!” He said he has PHP5,000 in the bank, and another PHP15,000 invested in a business. My driver lives in the slum area. To him,

Illustrado Magazine

PHP20,000 was like a million pesos.

don’t have money.”

My helpers? Recently, the three of them opened an account in citiseconline, an online trading platform. Yes, my helpers are now investing in the stock market under my guidance. (A year ago, one of them already invested in a Euro Mutual Fund — and earned very well.)

I realized they weren’t just asking for prayers. They were asking for money. But I didn’t have any! So I called up a friend who I knew was rich. But no one was answering the phone. (It was 2 a.m.) I tried another friend. As I dialed, I remembered he was abroad. I called up a third person. And a fourth person. And a fifth person. All night, I was trying to call up my rich friends.

I shocked them. I told them, “If you’ll continue the investment program I taught you, you’ll retire as millionaires!”

You should have seen their faces. I wish I took their picture!

And then it hit me, “Why don’t I become rich myself?”

I was changing their beliefs.

And little by little, the wrong emotional link of money was replaced by new emotional links. I began to see money as God’s provision, God’s power, and God’s pleasure.

Once they prosper their mind, I knew their money will prosper too.

Soon, I was praying a new prayer: “Lord, prosper me so that I can prosper others.”

‘Why Don’t I Become Rich?’

Then, I went on to study about how to be an entrepreneur until I became one. And so now, I can afford the luxury I’ve always desired in my heart: the luxury of giving to others.

Awe. Joy. Disbelief. Most of all, it was hope shining through their eyes.

I remember a friend who called me in the middle of the night. He said, “Please pray for my baby, Bo. She can’t breathe. We’re in the emergency room of a hospital now. They’re asking for a deposit, but we

May your dreams come true,

118 BAYANIHAN CORNER

Kaya Natin Ito

By Ambassador Grace Relucio-Princesa

Mabrook Illustrado for having entered your 6th year anniversary as a world class Filipino magazine!

If we follow the intermediate school system, then you will be graduating this month. It’s a good time to look back at your vision and mission. See where you need to retain your advantages and improve on what needs to be strengthened.

From my vantage point, I can only commend the prime movers of Illustrado for having reached this far through the ups and downs of publishing.

I can only promise my whole-hearted support in the years ahead as you reach for further heights. This visionary magazine with the mission of empowering us

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Filipinos has caught the eyes of award giving bodies back home. Still, I know that Illustrado is not in the business of earning accolades, but exists for the sole satisfaction of seeing our beloved country and kababayans get the due recognition that we deserve.

is impossible in our country, he and his team members showed that together, they can do it and indeed, did it.

On your anniversary, I am inspired to write, with both a sad and proud heart, on the occasion of the untimely demise of my kahimanua, Jesse Robredo, a fellow Bicolano, the late Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Through the vision that I am espousing for all of us, practiced by this illustrious magazine’s indefatigable team, in the spirit of Bayanihan, kaya natin na itaas ang ating mga sarili bilang mga Pilipino. Together, we can do it, if we hold hands, focus on the same road to progress, then, our nation can be greater.

Why? Because he embodied the spirit of the Illustrado family, in what he cofounded with other pioneering local leaders of good governance, the Kaya Natin Ito (We Can Do It) Movement.

Undeterred by the challenges of swimming against the tide of perceptions that say the values of transparency and accountability

That is the spirit that I see in this august magazine, the “kaya natin ito spirit,” a ‘can do attitude.’

Let us move forward, mga taas noo Filipinos. God bless us all.

Mabuhay ang Illustrado. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

120 GLOBAL BARRIO

My Pinoy Life in

KOBE, JAPAN Ernieson Ganadores

A shy Geisha

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GLOBAL BARRIO 121

Himeji Castle

Since when have you been staying there?

Can you recount briefly why you moved there?

I’ve been travelling repeatedly here for short term business trips since 2006. But since May 2010, my employer (Fujitsu Ten) sent me to our head office as an intra-company transferee. Being able to stay here in Kobe for quite a long time, I have learned to embrace the Japanese way of living.

Tell us something about your place?

Kobe, Japan is a beautiful city. I think it is the perfect combination of city and nature. I can be in the middle of the city and then hiking in the mountain trails in no time. Living here, I feel like I’m on a tour every day. Having photography as my hobby, I never run out of subjects.

If anyone is looking for a different level of experience, this place is a “must” visit with its diverse culture, superb food, endless beauty and its great people.

Cherry blossoms by Ernieson Ganadores http://ganadoresphotography.lens.ph

122 GLOBAL BARRIO

Cherry Blossoms

Here is some trivia about Kobe city: Kobe City was completely destroyed in 1995 after an earthquake that shook the whole area. But now, the city has been completely transformed into a beautiful tourist destination.

The longest suspension bridge in the world, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge can be found here.

One of the world’s most expensive and amazingly delicious meat, Kobe beef, is from here.

This year, Kobe has been listed as No. 9 in the world’s most expensive cities to live in.

Even though I have been here for years, this city still surprises me in many different ways. Its rich culture, great food, polite people, clean surroundings - the good things are endless.

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Tell us about your life there?

But at the end of the day, of course I still miss the Philippines. My home.

What do you do for a living?

I’m a car audio electronics Hardware Design Engineer. My job is to design and develop car infotainment systems for most Japanese and American car manufacturers.

I work with a team of Filipino and Japanese Engineers.

Our designs are being manufactured and sold worldwide, so to all Filipinos out there, you can proudly say... that car’s audio system is designed by Filipinos!

Is there a Filipino community there?

Yes, our company sends many Engineers here on a regular basis. So I never feel alone when I am here.

Life here is simple, peaceful and enjoyable. The Japanese people work really hard during the weekdays, but they definitely know how to get a dose of fun during the weekends and holidays.

I have learned to embrace that kind of living. I work hard and play hard.

What cultural practices/ behaviors have you acquired from your host country?

One thing that amazes me the most is the discipline of the Japanese people. They do little things that make a big difference.

Like not crossing the street when the “don’t walk” signal is still up, or whenever they set foot on an escalator, they all stay only on one side so that people in a hurry can have enough space to run if they need to.

If there is one thing that I would really want to acquire, it’s that level of discipline.

Sometimes I wish I can see that kind of discipline in Philippines too. I wish.

GLOBAL BARRIO 123

Kobe Skyline Kaiko Bridge

124 GLOBAL BARRIO

Ikuta Shrine Shrine torii gate in Kobe City

Your greetings to Filipinos across the globe?

To all my fellow Filipino around the world, I hope you all continue to put your heart in everything that you do. That’s what makes a Filipino shine anywhere. When we do something, we do it well with utmost sincerity.

Also, whenever we bump into another Filipino anywhere, let’s not forget to greet each other and atleast smile. Whatever kind of job we have, whatever status in life.

Kudos to all the Filipinos out there!

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126 PINOY PLANET

Girls’ Day Out in

AMSTERDAM

By Anna Oposa

There are European cities known for their charm, known for their romance or their vibrance. Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands has a claim on all three.

Environmental activist and changemaker Anna Oposa shows us another side of Amsterdam, one that makes it just perfect to for a quiet celebration of friendship.

Amsterdam Panorama

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PINOY PLANET 127

Biking around town (or something like it) Ria and I were told many times by friends and strangers alike that riding a bike would be the best way to get to know the city. It seemed sensible enough; Amsterdam, after all, is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, with its flat terrain, wide bike lanes, and omnipresent bike racks. We observed that people from all ages and all socio-economic statuses were on two wheels.

“Everyone here rides a bike,” said my Dutch friend Aart. “It’s impractical to own a car because parking fees are expensive, and the government has car-sharing and carpooling programs anyway.”

Since Ria and I were troopers, we rented bikes for the weekend. Now, this is my cue to insert the disclaimer. Both of us hadn’t ridden bikes in years.

“But you can’t forget how to ride a bike, right?” Ria asked.

“Yeah! That’s impossible!” I reassured her.

Amsterdam Canal Parade

Ria and I arrived in Amsterdam via train from Arnhem on a Friday in March. My best friend and I were embarking on our second Eurotrip together. A month before that, we were in Italy. It was -6C° to -17C° and snowing in every city we went to, taking most of the fun out of outdoor activities.

In late March, winter was giving way to spring. The sun was shining, the flowers were beginning to bloom again, and the weather made us feel like the entire city had a gigantic air-conditioner on. Ria and I were determined to make our weekend in Amsterdam a trip of a lifetime.

We hopped on bright yellow bikes, which is the color specifically for tourists. In hindsight, we should’ve taken this as a hint that we wouldn’t be able to blend in, but we soldiered on. From the bike rental shop, we spent a few minutes wobbling and regaining our balance. We immediately felt confident enough to penetrate the city center.

We quickly learned that our canary-

128 PINOY PLANET

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PINOY PLANET 129

colored bikes weren’t what made us stand out, but our skills — or lack thereof. The Dutch do not appreciate tourists getting in their way. In a span of what felt like a lifetime (but was really just 20 minutes) we were yelled at and bullied for biking slowly and, apparently, dangerously. I wish I had a sign on my back that said, “Keep distance.

Student driver.”

Ria and I stopped at the Van Gogh Café overlooking the waterways to calm ourselves and binge eat from the stress induced by biking. Over coffee and sandwiches, we made the unanimous decision to return the emission-free mode of transportation. What was supposed to be a 3-day biking bonanza turned into a brief 3-hour rental.

Waterworld But ah, the most important thing to bring when traveling is humor. After we ditched the bikes, Ria and I made our way back to the city center by foot, laughing at our experience. Our next chosen mode of

transportation was a stress-free boat ride through the canal system of Amsterdam.

We sat at the back of the boat where we could inhale the cool fresh air and take pictures. The 17th century canals of Amsterdam are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A total of 165 canals create a beautiful maze in and around the city. Urban planning in Amsterdam was sophisticated even in the 17th century.

When immigration was at its peak, the canal system was carefully planned out to properly zone the city depending on purpose: residential, defense, water management, and business. The water world allowed trading to flourish. Before it was known for its Red Light District and coffee shops, the capital of the Netherlands was the wealthiest city in the world. Ships from Amsterdam reached the shores of Africa, South America, and Asia. In 1602, the first stock exchange opened in the city in the Amsterdam office of the Dutch East India Company

Meeting Anne Frank and Van Gogh On Saturday, Ria and I woke up at 7AM. Ria, who’s a whiz at reading maps, led us to Prinsengracht 263, now known as the Anne Frank House. The museum was scheduled to open at 9AM. When we arrived there a little past 8AM, there was already a long line to see the Secret Annex.

The front of the structure served as the office of her dad Otto, while the back was where Anne’s family hid for two years after they fled Germany during World War II. The rooms of the museum had quotes and memorabilia from The Diary of a Young Girl. Ria and I had read the book back in elementary school, when it was required reading. Looking at the historical icon’s story through college graduates’ eyes offered a different layer of meaning. As young girls ourselves, we couldn’t imagine not being able to leave our homes and live each day in fear.

130 PINOY PLANET

Joost van den Vondel, whose work on the life of John the Baptist is considered as the “greatest Dutch epic.” We found an empty bench and people-watched for the next hour, with a bag of potato chips and cold beers between us. The park was full of families, couples, and groups of friends.

We shook our heads in awe of the bikers who had babies with them, and those who could take photos of themselves while biking.

Right after the Anne Frank House, Ria and I walked to the other side of the city to explore the Van Gogh Museum. The most visited museum in the Netherlands injected us with color and vibrancy– exactly what we needed after a glimpse of the Second World War. We immediately recognized The Potato Eaters, done in 1885, and Sunflowers, finished in 1889.

To our disappointment, the famous Starry Starry Night found its home New York and

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Almond Blossoms was on tour in Canada.

The 200 other paintings and 700 letters from the acclaimed artist made up for it though.

“I want to live here,” Ria said in between sips.

“Really? How come?” I asked her.

A peace of mind

“I think it’s the most charming European city I’ve been to,” she mused.

After spending most of the day walking and standing, Ria and I headed to Vondelpark to have a picnic. The largest green space in the city is named after Dutch playwright

And from what I had seen, I couldn’t help but agree.

132 ONLI IN DA PILIPINS

Onli In Da Pilipins - 1. n. a phrase used to define anything or anyone that only exists anywhere in the 7,107 islands of the Philippines || 2. adj. a phrase used to describe a Pinas episode or a Pinoy persona so rare one would never find anywhere else in the WWW (whole, wide world). It merits a documentation of some sort.

NEED vs.WANT vs.LUXURY

By Aby Yap

So, how many times did you leave the shopping mall in anguish putting Anna Liza and Flor De Luna to shame because mommy and daddy refused to buy you stuff you wanted because you don’t need them anyway? What about that litany of wants vs. needs THE PARENTS kept shoving down to your throat? That was dreadfully walang haaanggaaan!

Now that we’re all mature adults and much more enlightened (Naman!) about the ways of the world, we hate to admit it but THE PARENTS were right all along (as is usually the case). In life, (1) we need just a few good things, (2) we usually want more than we can handle, and (3) we’d rather forget about luxury — sometimes.

The trick is knowing which is which, which Pinoys have grown to be very good at.

After Meldy’s 2,700 pairs of shoes, GMA’s US$20,000 dinner, Erap’s PHP3.2-billion bank account, and CJ’s US$12 million

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in 82 bank accounts, well, we should probably be experts by now.

ON EATING NEED: Three times a day i.e. breakfast, lunch, dinner.

WANT: Five times a day i.e. breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner.

LUXURY: Nine times a day i.e. breakfast, morning snack, lunch, Magnum, afternoon snack, Starbucks, dinner, midnight snack, balut and/or chicharon.

ON JOLLIBEE NEED: One-piece Chickenjoy meal.

WANT: One-piece Chickenjoy PLUS spaghetti meal.

LUXURY: One-piece Chickenjoy PLUS spaghetti meal with EXTRA rice, please!

ON CELL PHONES NEED: One to use for calling and texting.

ON BREAKFAST

WANT: A cheap-looking one to use for calling and texting in public to discourage the Magna (aka Magnanakaw) and another stylish one to be used only within the confines of security.

NEED: Starting the day on a full stomach with good ol’-fashioned lugaw (preferably with egg) from the nearby carinderia.

LUXURY: One to use for calling, texting, surfing, and speaking to/ordering around, i.e. Siri, when nobody can’t be bothered.

WANT: Starting a lucky day with noodles galore as you can’t help but be awed by the Nam Nam Boy’s dance moves.

ON PUV (PUBLIC UTILITY VEHICLE)

LUXURY: Tapsilog, Longsilog, Tosilog, Cornsilog, Longsilog, Embusilog, Spamsilog, and all the silogs in the country — nothing beats a complete meal of rice, meat, and egg.

NEED: The jeepney that stops whenever and wherever. Simply “full the string to stuff.”

WANT: The air-conditioned FX where you can catch a few winks. Just don’t snore.

ONLI IN DA PILIPINS 133 LUXURY: The taxi, all yours for the taking, with Manong Driver’s complimentary monologue about politics, religion, philosophy, and the life story of Willie Revillame.

ON TRAVEL NEED: Out-of-town vacation.

WANT: Piso airfare.

LUXURY: A plane that leaves and arrives on time.

ON BEAUTY NEED: Long hair and smooth skin.

ON THINKING

WANT: Long, shiny, black hair that looks as if you go to a salon every single day and smooth skin made whiter by Glutathione, Papaya soaps, or Chin Chun Su (depending on your budget).

NEED: Common sense (Sadly, it’s not too common.).

LUXURY: Angel Locsin hair and Anne Curtis skin

ON HEALTH

WANT: IQ of 140+. Hi, Einstein!

LUXURY: Critical thinking, which is very critical actually.

ON SOCIALIZING NEED: Friends. Real friends.

NEED: Physical activity.

WANT: EB (eyeball) with friends regularly.

WANT: Playing outdoors e.g. Patintero.

LUXURY: EB with friends non-virtually and laughing with them without using emoticons.

LUXURY: Exercising with Wii. Weh?!

ON STUDIES NEED: Education.

ON ENTERING SHOWBIZ

WANT: A diploma you can have framed and hang in the living room.

NEED: Winning the PBB (Pinoy Big Brother) or a singing contest

LUXURY: K-12. Ask THE PARENTS.

WANT: Guesting on The Buzz or Ellen/ Oprah

ON MONEY

LUXURY: Brandishing a diva attitude or dying your hair blonde and wearing a tattoo, and getting away with it

NEED: Cash WANT: Credit card (so you can bid 5-6 goodbye) LUXURY: Free everything (It’s free to fantasize, don’t worry)

ON MONEY MANAGEMENT NEED: Savings either in your alkansyang kawayan (so you’ll have a hard time stealing your own money) or in the real bank.

WANT: Investments in the form of properties, stocks, insurance, and/or wealthy friends.

LUXURY: Last will and testament (because there’s nothing to leave to your heirs, really)

ON PACMAN NEED: Watching the Pacman flaunt his killer fists in the ring despite the millions of TV ads after every round WANT: Watching the Pacman’s every epic technique real time on a giant screen while gorging on an eat-all-you-can buffet LUXURY: Flying to Las Vegas to listen if the one singing the national anthem is doing it properly, to rub elbows with Chavit and Paris, and to see Pacman fight in full flesh, of course

ON HEARTTHROBS NEED: Coco Martin.

WANT: Coco Martin PLUS John Lloyd Cruz.

LUXURY: Coco Martin PLUS John Lloyd Cruz PLUS Piolo Pascual.

ON GIRLFRIEND/ BOYFRIEND MATERIAL NEED: Either a bulalo (with brains) or a buko (pure in heart).

WANT: Either a shrimp (beautiful body = you’d rather throw the head away) or a lollipop (pretty face = you’d rather throw the stick body away) LUXURY: All of the above. Someone who won the lotto won’t be bad either, as long as there’s Belo.

ON SPOUSE MATERIAL NEED: Decent genes, or someone who’ll ensure at the very least that you’ll have healthy/normal children.

WANT: Good-looking genes, or someone who’ll give you artistahin children. Singing or boxing genius genes are also welcome.

LUXURY: Mixed genes, or 20% American + 17% Italian + 25% Japanese + 8% French + 13% German + 0.99% Filipino and you get the drift. Because “the mixing and matching of different nationalities with Filipino blood,” as the advertising debacle put it, “is almost a sure formula for someone beautiful and world-class.”

They forgot to mention that 50% hard work and 50% determination is the one true formula for luxury. Tomoh!

ON THE GREAT FILIPINO DREAM NEED: To have a high-paying job, so you join the call center trade. At least, you’re learning how to speak with a twang for free.

WANT: To work abroad, in the land of milk and honey or shawarmas and dates — wherever that is.

LUXURY: To reside in <insert sosyalsounding foreign country> for good and live life just like in the movies, preferably Hollywood. Aminin!

134 JUST SAYING Everybody wants to sit within close proximity to luxury. Our noses twitch to have a whiff of it. We want to touch and own even crumbs of it. It would be wonderful, I’m sure, if we didn’t feel this way but alas, society dictates our sufferings, and so we toil and sweat like pigs to be able to treat ourselves to a few items that screams “Lux!” every time we look at them.

I’m not talking about cars, yachts or private jets here. I’m just talking about clothes, bags and shoes.

Lux without the bucks

By Carlito Viriña

Luxury started off as a bad word. Back in the day, it used to mean “sinful selfindulgence.” This was when Europe was being ravaged by the Black Death. In the late 1700s, it somehow lost its opprobrious character and became “something enjoyable or comfortable beyond life’s necessities.”

It has evolved into how we define it today: something you will never be able to afford because you are dirt poor and you’re not Manny Pangilinan.

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And where else can we slake that thirst for the finer things without having to spend the big bucks but at a wagwagan, or ukayukay store. I’ve heard some peeps calling them vintage now. It has the same effect as calling used BMWs and Rolex watches pre-owned or pre-loved. Segunda mano just doesn’t give it the cachet some of us feel they rightly deserve. But segunda manos are what they are, so get off the high horse, George!

The ukay-ukays started in Baguio sometime during the late 80s. I read somewhere that it was the Kankanaeys, who lived in the upland areas of the Benguet province and belong to the tribal group called Igorots, who started this thriving economy. They were said to have imported used clothing from Hong Kong, the US and Europe to sell to the Baguio folks. I would surmise they were interested in the jackets and the sweaters.

But before there were ukays, there was Eloy’s in Sta. Cruz and later on in Kamuning.

Eloy’s was probably one of the first secondhand stores that sold good bargains back in the 70’s. I remember going there as a boy, not to buy, but, to sell some of my old clothes for a little cash. I never understood those squiggles Eloy’s helpers wrote on their little pads after pushing their abacus beads up and down as they inspect what you were selling. All I knew is that every time they did this, my prospects for a good sale would almost always diminish.

I started buying used items during the 70s and 80s. Original Levi’s 501s were the most coveted pairs that everybody hunted down to near extinction during the Martial Law

years, and there was only one place to get them – in Dau, a regular pit stop for those travelling to and from Baguio. Levi’s 501s distinguished you from others who were just wearing ordinary blah jeans.

And then there was the ukay-ukay. I remember a year, a decade or so ago, when going up to Baguio for ukay was very acceptable behavior. The barkada KKBs up to Baguio on a weekend, itching to claw their way through discarded items from the First World hoping to find the wagwagan mother lode that would lead them to Quality Alley. Sorry about that. That sounded a little Harry Potter-y, I think.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

I had brought home Armanis, Cerrutis, Ungaros and tees with witty prints from some of these excursions. I have not forgiven myself for leaving behind that gray-green van Laack because the collar size was a bit too small (Would I miss those three- hole buttons?), and that deep red Zegna that was a little too large.

Ukay finds are no different from hand-medowns from wealthy, privileged relatives. I was often nattily dressed at my high school parties because I was lucky to have had rich uncles and cousins growing up. So wearing used clothing was never something I abhorred.

Let’s admit it. We are all massively conscious of our image. We know we’re scrutinized everyday by the clothes we wear because we, too, are guilty of this.

Now we have ukay-ukays in Metro Manila.

Some of them claim to be branches of original Baguio outlets. Others were probably set up by enterprising wives and girlfriends of Japanese or Korean nationals looking for a quick buck. Venturing into some of them, I become skeptical when I look at the labels and see unfamiliar brands and realize that one man’s trash is sometimes just that - trash.

During a recent Baguio trip, I went to a favourite ukay-ukay store to check if the quality of offerings had gone down. And lo and behold, I found a mother lode.

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YA SALAAAAAM. Nissan. Innovation that excites.

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