LIEU ISSUE NO 7
CHANGING THE GAME The young guns are breaking ground, breaking bounds, and breaking rules.
7
ISSUE NO
LIEU
noun stead; place (esp in the phrases in lieu, in lieu of) Behind LIEU Online Magazine are young people who are passionate about photography, music, literature, film, fashion, travel, graphic design — anything that stirs the soul and inspires expression. By offering LIEU as a space for budding artists to share their craft, we hope to influence more people to get out, get inspired and start creating. WWW.LIEUMAGAZINE.COM @LIEUMAGAZINE | FB.COM/LIEUMAGAZINE Double exposure art by Kler Mari
ROLL CALL CREATIVE DIRECTOR Aidx Paredes ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR Janna Moya CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Michael Lu FEATURES EDITOR Chit Lacson MUSIC WRITER Amelia Baird STYLE WRITER Pat Bacaltos YOUTH CULTURE WRITER Ramon Erum PHOTOGRAPHER AT LARGE JM Santillan FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER Nikko Zamora ONLINE HEAD Mo Jaravelo
EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Cheekie Albay, Jad Montenegro, Kristine Serrano
ISSUE NO 7
in LIEU
POOF + South Tunes + Look Out for Lucas + See Green, Eat Green + Quezong Puti Salad Recipe + Going the Green Mile + 9th Mindanao Film Festival + Tekanyear, Tekanplor + Carte Blanche 2013
HASHTAG + Have Net, Will Shop + Innovation Invasion + Working With Seams
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS + Changing the Game: Anju De Vera Carine Cabebe Kat Dalisay
FILM ROLL + Double Exposure + The Lonely Travelwhore + A Realism + Landscape
poof
Double exposure art by Kler Mari
MIXTAPE
SOUTH TUNES
Mixtape by Amelia Baird Photos from the musicians’ personal accounts
Lost Tribe – Himig ft. Kamaggong Anne Mendoza – Hourglass Thea Pitogo – HumForLove Remember that time when you had Ever just want to listen to someand Bogz Flores that thing with that person and you thing that makes you feel like you’re December should be filled with songs about snow and Christmas, but who are we kidding—here in Davao, it’s summer all the time! This month, get the beer, your beach chair, and your bestest buds and let Lost Tribe’s “Himig” harmonize with the waves and the popping of the wood in your campfire.
were never really sure what the both of you had, but before you knew it, that thing was no more? Let Anne Mendoza remind you with her song “Hourglass”, and reminisce about that fleeting moment of romantic uncertainty in your life.
WeRideDynamite – Different
The Sound of Go – Sycore Sonnet Tramonto – St. Gordon’s Street
This song will make you want to drive down a long, winding road into the sunset, a pair of Ray-Bans perched on your nose and a surfboard in the back of a pickup truck. Let this tune grow on you, and you’ll find yourself humming the sparkly melodies of “Different” even if it’s been days since you last heard the song.
Take a break from all the indie action that thrives in Davao and turn your head to the pop-punk section. The Sound of Go will bring you to that period post-breakup when you’ve just seen your ex-flame with someone else and your feels are all over the place: you realize that there’s a reason why things ended, but despite all your rationalizing against it, you still miss your ex.
jumping on cotton candy clouds and floating in bubbles of gum? Thea Pitogo’s “HumForLove” will definitely make you want to do that and more, as she spins a melody that is sure to lift your spirits up and make you smile.
Heavy with a dark and lustful desire, Tramonto’s “St. Gordon’s Street” compels you to submit yourself to the band’s sonic audacity. Be extra careful when you’re watching Tramonto live—these guys are known to blow audiences away by putting on a hell of a show.
MUSIC
LOOK OUT
FOR LUCAS Text and Photography by Amelia Baird
In the black hole of infinite images, videos, and music that is the internet, it is not impossible to find artists that will immediately tickle your fancy. Heading on to the Davao side of the internet, you will come across a band called Lucas, who can either create an emotional atmosphere of emptiness with songs like “Red Velvet”, or encourage you to finally flirt with the person you’ve been eyeing for some time with songs like “Hide and Seek”. We got to sit down with the men behind Lucas’s laidback rock n’ roll sound, and frontman Pedro Perez tell us about their soon-to-be-released first EP Nostalgia as well as their adoration of penguins.
The men of LUCAS — (L - R) RJ Tan, Mic Fernandez, Pedro Perez, JR de Castro, and Jickong Demafeliz
So we’ve heard that Lucas is launching an EP this January. I love how there is a hint of Blur and Morrissey in your Mind giving us a scoop? singing. Who are the greatest influences for the sound of Nostalgia? Yes! It will be on the 25th of January at Tekanplor of Sales Bar and Moozika. Party starts at 8pm I really didn’t give a thought to certain influences til 2am. It’ll be a night of great music with talents musically when the songs were made. We just tried from all over Davao and a guest beatsmith all the to make all of the songs different from each other, way from Cagayan de Oro. but in retrospect, the songs I wrote could mirror anything, even those little bits of everyday life. What led you to produce an EP? And why “Nostalgia”? So 2014 is coming up. Aside from the EP launch, what’s in Well, the EP is a collection of songs I’ve written store for the band? or started writing before, a long time ago; I’m just bringing them all back really. That’s why the title is This 2014, we’re going to release the EP, do more “Nostalgia”. Basically, the songs are more than a gigs, hopefully make some videos and an album decade past their due, so I guess it’s time to release hopefully. Maybe holidays in Antarctica, see some an EP. penguins.
FOOD
SEE GREEN, EAT GREEN Text by Chit Lacson
It’s impossible to drive around the city without being ambushed by different diners and restaurants that would surely ruin anyone’s commitment to a strict diet. But for vegans, vegetarians, and pescetarians (people who consume only fish and vegetables), it’s still a struggle to find a diner that would cater to the kind of lifestyle they keep. That’s why it comes as a pleasant surprise that, in Davao’s ruthless wilderness of fast food choices and meat-heavy fare, a cozy little restaurant called Sea Green Café exists.
A few years back, he passed away. After that, we really started to have a healthier diet.”
Sea Green, unlike any other restaurant you can find in the city, serves only seafood and vegetables. It has become the extension of the eating lifestyle of owner Camille Porras and her family. When asked why she decided to put up an eatery that serves only seafood and vegetables, Camille revealed her dedication to healthy eating.
Aside from the food that they serve, Sea Green Café also advocates the use of locally made products such as organic lotions, eco-friendly bags, and more.
Sea Green boasts an inventive menu that even meat-eaters will love. For diners who are not exactly fans of greens, Camille recommends one of their bestsellers, Thai Fish Cakes, as well as other scrumptious seafood dishes. “We also have pasta like Smoked Salmon Linguini and Shrimp and Lime Spaghettini. For lighter options, the Shrimp Burger is a must-try,” she adds.
Amidst all the indulgent food choices Davao diners are faced with, Sea Green’s mission is to give people a healthier option. “I would love to encourage people to have a balanced diet. Sea Green advocates that you can “When I was living in Manila, I put up a juice business eat healthy and still enjoy your meal.” called Liquid Sunshine,” Camille says. “It’s an organic vegetable juice and a juice delivery business. When my Follow Sea Green on Instagram at @sea_green_cafe and like family and I moved here, we started switching to healththem on Facebook, http://fb.com/seagreencafe ier options when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. For deliveries and other inquiries, call 305-4765
RECIPE
QUEZONG PUTI SALAD WHAT YOU NEED
Mix of greens Quezong Puti sticks Cherry Tomatoes Bread crumbs Flour
Egg Dalandan vinaigrette Sliced oranges
WHAT TO DO
Slice the Quezong Puti Bread using flour, eggs, and bread crumbs Fry Mix it with all the other ingredients Plate, then serve
GOING THE GREEN MILE Text by Chit Lacson / Photography by Nikko Zamora
Healthy food options are slowly but steadily becoming more popular these days, and among these are beverages that boast benefits you can’t find in your regular bottle of soda. Here in Davao, a new player in the all-natural market is The Greene Dare, a brand that makes fresh vegetable and fruit juices that promise to help keep you healthy and fit. The Greene Dare offers five flavors of cold-pressed juices: bestsellers Citrus Morning (apples, cucumber, orange, spinach, and lemon), Sweet Romaine (apples and romaine lettuce), and Beet It (beets, spinach, and apples), as well as Mean Greene (apples, spinach, cucumber, celery, ginger, and lemon) and Greene Load (apples, spinach, cucumber, ginger, celery, carrot, and lemon). LIEU sat down with The Green Dare’s Chiqk Ybanez, who reveals the challenges she faced in putting up such a business in Davao, and how it’s been growing ever since.
What made you decide to put up The Greene Dare? Actually, I got inspired by my fitspiration, Aubrey Miles. Yes, the hot mom Aubrey! She is actually promoting Detoxify Bar which is in Manila. And so I tried juicing at home with just a centrifugal juicer. I tried experimenting and searching for some juice recipes on the internet to try its taste and how it would affect my body. But I didn’t stop there. I thought of a business like selling healthy and organic juices for detox; specifically, cold-pressed juices. I did research through the internet, and I also had to look for juice bottles, without any luck here in Davao. Luckily, I found a supplier in Luzon. Second, I had to look for a cold-pressed juicer or slow juicer. It took me days to decide if I would pursue this business because the juicer was too expensive! Once I got all that I needed, I started juicing vegetables and fruits. It took me a lot of trials to end up
with a balanced “veggie-and-fruit” juice, making it sweet and tasty, and of course, healthy. Why did you choose the internet as a platform for selling your products? I started selling my cold-pressed juices through the internet because most people nowadays get more updated through Facebook or Instagram. For my first batch, I sold 41 bottles in three days after posting a photo of my products online. Not bad for the first time, right? In three weeks, I sold hundreds of juices, my clients including well-known personalities, lifestyle editors, even ABSCBN hosts here in Davao who ordered and promoted my products. Social networking makes business easier and more effective these days.
HEALTH
What makes The Greene Dare different from any other juices sold online? Three words: healthy and effective. I always make sure that I am giving my customers what they are paying for, not just convincing them to buy my juices yet disappointing them with the results. Not all can afford P160 or P180 just for a juice, but I tell you, this is not just a simple juice. These juices give you the same nutrients that your body needs for every meal. With Greene Dare you don’t just cleanse; you lose weight and you stay healthy at the same time.
other preservatives. I make sure that the veggies and fruits are balanced. As nutritionists suggest, a combination of 40% vegetables and 60% fruits is more effective than any other combination with lesser veggies. What makes it effective for detox? Once you try drinking my juices, it’s only you who can say how effective it is. Because even if you drink bottles of Greene Dare yet you don’t have control and discipline, you won’t get what you aim for.
For orders and inquiries, you can order through their What makes The Greene Dare effective for detox? Instagram @thegreenedare or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thegreenedare. I produce the juices hours before the deliv- Or you can just simply text or Viber them at 0943 ery time. Plus, I don’t use water, sugar or any 443 1658.
FILM
9 MINDANAO FILM FESTIVAL TH
Text by Ramon Erum / Photography by Aidx Paredes
The Mindanao Film Festival (MFF) is one of the longest-running indie film festivals in the country. It started out as a competition and public screening of the Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop participants’ films, but now it is open to all interested and aspiring indie filmmakers in Mindanao.
Nineteen awards were given away at the awards night last December 9. The members of the jury were Davao’s McRobert Nacario, award-winning cinematographer; Remton Zuasola, award-winning director from Cebu, and film blogger and cinephile Jay Rosas. Six out of the 19 awards were scored by Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw by Glenmark Doromal; namely, Best Director, The commemoration of its ninth anniversary of pro- Best Actor (Eliz Razo), Best Actress (Phoebe Fernanmoting, showcasing, and setting the stage for local dez), Best Production Design, Best Musical Score (Pepe filmmakers in Mindanao happened on December 4-10, Manikan), and Best Film. Halin, a film by Davao’s Gary 2013 at the Gaisano Mall of Davao Cinema 3. Bautista, won Best Cinematography (for Bagane Fiola and Rafael Meting) and Best Production Value. Last year’s number of entries, 34, was topped by this year’s record-breaking 57 entries consisting of one full- But not a single entrant went home disappointed as they length film, nine animated films, and 47 short films. The all got their fair share of the spotlight when their films staff of Gaisano Mall’s theater had their hands full as were showcased on the big screen. For these filmmakCinema 3 was jam-packed with people from all around ers, their craft is not about acknowledgment or compeMindanao showing support for local indie filmmaking. tition; it is about bringing the audience into the world of the film and immersing them in its message.
Here’s the complete list of award winners in the 9th Mindanao Film Festival (MFF): Best Actress Phoebe Fernandez (Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw) Best Actor Eliz Razo (Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw)
Best Student Film Karakterwrayter by Jamir Mallari
Best Editing Diskonek by Samantha Solidum
Best Sound Xeph Suarez and Vanessa Fate Morata (Con Enfermedad y Buen Salud)
Best Production Design Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw by Glenmark Doromal
Best Guerilla Workshop Film Panalipod Onlyn by Step Films Production
Best Musical Store Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw by Glenmark Doromal
Best Guerilla Film Diskonek by Samantha Solidum
Best Cinematography Bagane Fiola and Rafael Meting (Halin)
Best Animated Film Timora Talli Apuera Ramil by Roberto J. Oquias Jr. Best Documentary Film Allaisah by Orvil Bantayan
Best Production Value Gary Bautista (Halin) Best Screenplay Roberto J. Oquias Jr. (Timora Talli Apuera si Ramil)
Best Soundtrack Katulad ng Iba by Aristotle “Gloc 9” Pollisco (Sugat) Best Shout Out Albert Egot Jr. (Wig ni Happiness) Best Director Glenmark Doromal (Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw) Best Film Ang Walay Kahumanang Adlaw by Glenmark Doromal
EVENTS
TEKANYEAR, TEKANPLOR Second year anniversary of Sales Bar Tekanplor Photography by Sam Ortiz
CARTE BLANCHE 2013 Tbe biggest rave party Davao has ever had with more than 10,000 attendees Photography by Gary Bautista
EVENTS
hashtag
Double exposure art by Kler Mari
On Miguel: Floral top and blue jeans from Rainbow Project On Lexi: White top and sky skirt from Rainbow Project
HAVE NET, WILL SHOP LIEU’s style editor Pat Bacaltos and fashion photographer Nikko Zamora gather the owners of Davao’s growing online shops. Get to know these cyber entrepreneurs and learn their retail philosophies through a fashion editorial. Modeled by Alexandrea Ignacio and Miguel Competente
METANOIA CLOTHING
RAINBOW PROJECT
HTTP://WWW.SHOPMETANOIA.COM/
HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RAINBOWPROJECTSHOP
Metanoia (meaning change of heart) officially launched just last August, but their clothes have been appearing in LIEU since summer. Metanoia started as a project for Entrepreneurship student, fashion blogger, and writer Pat Bacaltos. Together with FIDA graduate and budding fashion designer Wilson Limon, they design youthful and whimsical clothes for the fearless generation.
Starting off as a Philippine-based online seller of imported fashion apparel and accessories, Rainbow Project has been gaining loyal customers from all over the country since 2007. It was in 2010 that proprietor Stephen Yap Roxas decided to put up Rainbow Project’s first flagship store in a mall.
Metanoia’s online collection boasts bold pieces with risk-taking details, as well as versatile numbers for style chameleons. The owners plan to launch their winter collection in January with sweaters and thicker clothes, plus a slew of summer dresses once April rolls round. Pat’s advice for future entrepreneurs is to always know your target market, do lots and lots of promotions, and maintain a good relationship with your customers—if you do, they will keep coming back. She adds that once your sales are doing good, remember to innovate and keep quality at par. And be humble while you’re at it.
Having an eye for fashion and an interest in the industry, Stephen keeps luring fashion enthusiasts with pieces he especially picks, fresh pieces that are sure to grab attention and spark conversation. Celebrity fashion updates in the social media also help him upgrade his taste in fashion. He believes that “along with the changing fashion trends comes the consumers’ fashion taste,” which explains the constant update of products in both the flagship and online stores. Most of Rainbow Project’s products are from abroad: Asian and European apparel, American cosmetics, and Korean contact lenses. But besides its wide array of imported products, it’s the commitment to providing the freshest in fashion that makes the brand’s reputation. With Stephen constantly keeping an eye on what the industry has to offer, Rainbow Project will continue to provide new, hot, and fun fashion to local stylistas.
SHOPPING
RIPTIDE APPAREL AND CO.
VANILLA CLOTHING
HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RIPTIDEFOURWAY
HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/VANILLACLOTHINGDVO
Starting off a business in an online platform is hassle-free—no rent, no electricity bills, no business certificates. All you have to do is post beautiful product shots, write a creative caption, lay down the price, and give the shipping details, and all that’s left to do is wait for orders and ship them to customers.
Lately, Vanilla Clothing has been garnering a lot of fans. Owned by budding entrepreneur Eliza Dayanghirang, Vanilla Clothing promises stylish, trendy, made-to-order, yet affordable pieces.
The Riptide boys fuse their entrepreneurial background with their understanding of athletic culture to sell products that are a hit among their market. For instance, knowing that their fellow basketball players have a picky attitude when it comes to the socks they wear, they started selling Strideline socks. Since growing online hype for the brand, they have also decided to sell not just socks, but also tank tops, 5-panel caps, and by the start of 2014, their own brand of apparel.
Social media has made marketing easier for the brand. Vanilla Clothing, having spent minimal cost online, has increased its client base to 7,834 followers on Instagram and 1,353 fans on Facebook. These online platforms, in the words of the owner, are “cost-effective, with unfathomable potential.”
Visit their website and you’ll see an array of fashion eye candy—from colorful cutaway tops to candy-colored skater skirts, from studded clutch bags These are a few reasons Miggy Competente, Jomel to fringe messengers. Some photo albums contain mini-collections that are also inspired by seasons or Herrera, Said Ali, and Ron Chan, the names behind urban street wear online store Riptide Ap- iconic television shows. Vanilla Clothing also has parel & Co., made the change from amateur basket- a knack for thanking its customers by posting an album solely dedicated for the patrons. ball players to online entrepreneurs.
Vanilla Clothing satisfies its customers through active product updating and extensive product research. The brand values right timing, proper research, and apt pricing—factors that have also deTaking business risks, one Instagram photo at a termined its continuing success. time, this new online store is definitely one to watch.
FASHION
On Miguel: stylist’s own jacket, top and ripped jeans from Rainbow Project On Lexi: sunglasses, top, leather leggings all from Rainbow Project
On Miguel: stylist’s own jacket and cap, ripped jeans and Mickey Mouse top from Rainbow Project
On Lexi: denim polo from Rainbow Project, skater skirt from Vanilla Clothing, and cap from Riptide Apparel & Co.
FASHION
On Miguel: Tank top, military jacket, ripped jeans all from Rainbow Project, camo socks from Riptide Apparel & Co.
TECHNOLOGY
INNOVATION INVASION Text by Janna Moya / Photography by Aidx Paredes
Gene Kogan defies stereotypical branding. Armed with a five-year background in Math and Engineering, the New York-based experimental artist discovered a way of ingeniously expressing art through unconventional media, including live projection and theatrics, creative software, and Leap Motion.
artists bold enough to explore various forms of experimental art. Assisted by Angely Chi, a hardcore advocate for all things beautifully unconventional, Gene participated in Fete dela WSK, the country’s first experimental contemporary media fest, and put up a show alongside local artists in Sales Bar Tekanplor. Throughout the show, His most recent trip to the Philippines was in between acoustic sets and spoken word poetry made possible by The Unifiedfield Nomadic readings, Gene would project visuals at stage right. Artist-in-Residence Program, which aims to aid
Gene Kogan using the device called Leap Motion, entertaining guests at a show he held at Saless Bar, Tekanplor.
Gene’s visuals can be described as synthetic, abstract, and “generative.” He relates an experience during one of his shows abroad, where his software crashed and no one seemed to notice, thanks to the out-of-the-box spontaneity that characterizes his work.
the way we handle technology. Typically, it’s used for research, but dozens of innovators worldwide have used the device for music and other artistic efforts.
When asked for his advice for all the kids out there who are in their rooms breathing life into paint In one segment of the show, he demonstrated his in- canvases, digital tablets, programming software, or what genuity using software that he programmed himself have you, he says that the best way to stay inspired is to and a device known as Leap Motion, which at the go out, play, and constantly inspire yourself with life. time of the interview had been released only a few months prior. At a glance, the device looks like an Spoken like a true visionary. external fingerprint detector, but closely enough, it tracks hand movements using parameters that transmit and translate themselves into software—seen by Know more about Gene Kogan, visit critics as carrying the revolutionary potential to change http://genekogan.com
DESIGN
WORKING WITH SEAMS Three up-and-coming designers from the Fashion Institute of Design and Arts are all set to prove that being young can’t stop you from living the sartorial dream. Text and Photography by Aidx Paredes Make up by Ron Santos Modeled by Tsim Valencia Special thanks to Christine Munda of FIDA Davao
PROFILE
DIANE CORPUS, 24 “I was a big fan of my mother’s wardrobe,” Dianne Corpus muses when asked if she had always been inclined to fashion. It would have been the cliché fashion film scene: young daughter plays dress-up with mama’s clothes. In Dianne’s case though, this scene played out for real. When she was young, she used to alter her mother’s clothes, “using hair ties or hair clamps to make [them fit].” It was then that Dianne discovered her love for fashion. Being a graduate of Psychology was not enough; instead, she let her gut for fashion run her decisions in life. The interest she had in fashion helped her to focus on, she says, “working with my hands in creating way more than just art.” Inspired by Alexandre Vauthier and Helmut Lang and the entirety of French fashion design, she had her five-piece collection debut in the local fashion scene earlier this year. Inspired by the “slinky, structured, and minimalistic,” she strives for her design aesthetics to remain “simple and tailored but fashion-forward.” The personal style benchmarks she has in making flawless looks that could be worn on the runway and on the streets are practicality, muted color schemes, and fearless design. In an industry where nothing is as constant as change, Dianne says that all she needs is to “always…be hungry for new projects and challenges.” It may be a long way away, but she sees her future as an “atelier—directing and coordinating patterns and samples, examining garments on and off models, sketching rough and detailed drawings of clothes, conferring with sales and management executives, and attending fashion shows and reviewing trade magazines.”
PROFILE
RON SANTOS, 23 Imagine him at the mall, sporting an all-black outfit and looking like a character from the Addams Family or a 90’s music video. With cut-outs on his pencil skirt, worn-out combat boots, safety pins on the back of his shirt, and John Lennon-inspired sunglasses, Ron Santos, wearing his own design, steals the scene under a makeshift limelight. As he tries to look back on his younger years, he says he was more inclined to the generality of art, not just fashion. Throwing away a few years of architecture, he decided to pursue his own sartorial project that would accentuate personalities and fashion statements. Dropping names that shook the fashion scene like Alexander McQueen, Karl Lagerfeld, and Anna Wintour as his major fashion inspirations, this self-proclaimed grunge kid knows what he is doing. His designs are the mirrors to the inside of his artistic mind: 70’s punk, 90’s grunge, provocative fashion. The black, see-through ensemble in soft tulle and charmeuse would most likely be the précis of his 12-piece collection to be showcased this coming April. Exuding sexiness and mystery at the same time, all while showing off a little skin, his designs are set to make any wearer a stellar scene-stealer. In a dog-eat-dog world, Ron Santos stands his ground, pushing the boundaries of fashion in his trademark full black ensemble. “If you don’t have something to offer,” he says finally, “you’ll be eaten alive.”
PROFILE
WILSON LIMON, 21 A grandson to a dressmaker and a nephew to one of Davao’s homegrown fashion designers, fashion truly runs in the blood of Wilson Limon. His fascination for fashion and design escalated to the climactic peak when he decided to throw away his future plans of becoming an architect, and went on to become a fashion designer instead. In him is a little boy amazed by how his uncle turns sketches into clothes. But now that he has his own line, Niñofranco, and a partnership with friend and co-blogger Pat Bacaltos in the RTW line Metanoia, he is set to make that little boy become a full-blown fashion designer. Inspired by the intricate and technical details of Stephane Rolland and Basil Soda, Wilson says that this kind would make every model a living sculpture. Admitting that inspiration is everywhere and disagreeing with the notion of sticking to a single fashion era as a major inspiration, his imagination is fired up by the randomness of things. It would be his sleek, chic, and architectural pieces that made him stand out in his school’s graduation fashion show. His seven-piece collection entitled Prism showed off his elegant designs of dresses and gowns, made precious with finesse satin, lace, beads, and embroidery. Like every young designer, a few years from now he is looking forward to working in his own atelier. For a boy who has always known that fashion would be his family’s bread and butter, he dreams to lure a clientele with simple yet sophisticated pieces, one design at a time.
close encounters
CHANGING THE GAME Text by Janna Moya Photography by JM Santillan Make up by Faina Feleo and Ron Santos Styling by Aidx Paredes Special thanks to TrimLab Pole Dancing Studio, Belle Roque, and Mae Ann Cortez
One late afternoon in an otherwise empty pole dancing studio, three of Davao’s bright, young scene shakers find themselves sharing a room together. Casting shadows and reflections as they stand in one corner of the studio, with the city’s skyline as their background, Anju de Vera, Carine Cabebe, and Kat Dalisay bring life to the space as they take their place in the spotlight.
ANJU DE VERA, FILMMAKER For someone who hasn’t reached the threshold of his 20’s yet, promising young filmmaker Anju de Vera has been producing works with stunning cinematography, intelligent storylines, and gripping narratives that seem well beyond his age. The young filmmaker was last year’s winner of the Metro Manila Film Fest CinePhone Competition, snagging no less than first prize. Admitting that his short films do not necessarily possess a similar theme, he prefers audiences to look for his own distinct style, panning and still shots, rather than the content. The topic of the recently concluded Mindanao Film Festival (MFF) is opened, to which Anju replies with a hearty laugh. “Luckily, I didn’t [win],” he jokes. His film entitled Kinsugi carries the same visual style that he pushes for; in fact, it was one of MMF’s nominees for Best Cinematography. But since failing to bag a prize at the MFF, he has realized that further exploration in his artistic craft is something he needs to work on; particularly, the importance of having a solid team behind you. He worked on Kintsugi: The Art of Breaking with a team that included only his best friend and the film’s actor, while this year’s winners mostly had many people in their teams, certainly more than three. When asked about his inspirations, his family comes first. “[My family]…inspires me to be who I am,” Anju says. He then becomes silent and lets out a sly laugh; he momentarily forgets the names of his favorite directors. One name surfaces, and it’s Christopher Nolan, director of the acclaimed hit Inception. He also reminisces how Disney movies, specifically Meet the Robinsons, inspired him to be a writer and a filmmaker. Finally, he cites Thy Womb by celebrated Filipino director Brillante Mendoza as another major inspiration. The future certainly does not look bleak for Anju de Vera. With a contract from Viva Films awaiting him after graduation as part of last year’s CinePhone prize and big names in the film industry like the Mowelfund Institute helping him out, he treads lightly on the matter and says he doesn’t have fixed plans. As of now, dreaming of a steady career in filmmaking is not his priority. “I just go with the flow,” he says matter-of-factly. If this young filmmaker hasn’t set his sights on a filmmaking career with the exemplary output already under his belt, we are left to wonder what more we can expect from him when and if he does finally decide to make films for a living.
KINTSUGI: THE ART OF BREAKING —
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kintsugi-The-Art-of-Breaking/397724637025538
CARINE CABEBE, ENTREPRENEUR The whirlwind of events that brought to life the local fashion shop House of Glamorosa is quite a glamorous one. After Carine Cabebe’s brief showbiz stint as winner of the ABS-CBN model search program Close-Up to Fame back in 2005, things took a turn for the unexpected when she had an idea to sell clothes online—an ingenious and unheard-of idea in the distant era of Friendster, a now-extinct social media site. The clothes that were too impractical to wear to daily engagements were posted online; these were the same clothes that she had accumulated for her public and TV appearances. To her pleasant surprise, these clothes quickly flew off the virtual shelves. She decided to sell brand-new clothes not long after. When asked about the success of selling online at a time before the explosion of social media sites, she says one big factor was her winning in Close-Up to Fame. She would upload photos of her pre-owned clothes alongside photos of her wearing the exact same items on TV. Some, she says, were probably just fans who wanted to see her personally in meet-ups. It seemed the perfect harmony of marketing, perseverance, and a great idea. Carine has come a long way. She began her story when she was in college trying to save up every week to buy a new outfit to wear each wash day. Years later, her untiring spirit and magnetic personality make her one of Davao City’s noted fashion entrepreneurs, with a Facebook fan page over 7,000 likes strong. But behind the scenes, Carine irons clothes, fits hundreds of pieces on mannequins, measures each item, oversees all transactions, sets appointments, and markets her brand—all the non-glamorous business tasks that are not for those who tire or quit easily. Besides maintaining her shop’s online presence, she is currently actively waiting for that perfect location that would become home to her business. Some of her items, however, are already being consigned in Gaisano Mall’s Sunlab, and most are currently displayed in a garage in their home that is open by appointment—proof that her business has evolved from a purely online endeavour to cater to customers’ needs. “I have something for everyone,” Carine declares confidently. The evolution of the House of Glamorosa is still underway, and with the prospect of a boutique in the future, the future looks very glamorous indeed.
HOUSE OF GLAMOROSA —
https://www.facebook.com/houseofglamorosa2008
KAT DALISAY, EVENT ORGANIZER It took a week after Carte Blanche before event organizer Kat Dalisay finally felt ready to look at all the photos from the event scattered across social media. The numbers are overwhelmingly impressive: 7,000 square meters of land area in Davao Crocodile Park, 6,000 free drinks served, and a total of 10, 033 people in attendance. Carte Blanche’s success couldn’t even be dampened by the rain that hit late in the night, with a staggering crowd of people from Manila, Cebu, Kidapawan, Digos, Tagum, Surigao, and, of course, Davao City still staying to savor the scene. The major event held last November 16, 2013 started out as a vision. In her belief that “Davao…was ready for [a] big event,” Kat began to plan extensively for it to become a reality. Kat wanted Davao to “experience something new,” but given the strict implementation of the liquor ban in the city, it was becoming increasingly more challenging to bring Davao’s party scene back to life. Given all this, Kat jumped in and took on the challenge. Kat’s previous events had been way back in 2006, and it had been some time since she last organized an event. But from Carte Blanche’s concept to the event’s layout, as well as all necessities in between, Kat did it all with the help of her partners. Unknown to many, her parties aren’t all about having a great time. As an avid fan of all music genres, her company’s aim is to educate the Davaoeños about present music genres that many might overlook. There are still a lot of underappreciated genres out there that need to be recognized, and she promises that her events aren’t just parties—they are sonic experiences as well. Kat describes how it was onstage when she finally saw Carte Blanche’s turnout: she felt an overwhelming, inexplicable feeling that almost brought her to tears. Everybody was so into it that, “when you tell everybody to jump, everybody will jump from front to back—that’s 7,000 square meters of area.” Carte Blanche’s record looks to be the one to beat in Davao, but Kat isn’t resting on her laurels. A month after its culmination, she’s already preparing for another party entitled Soul Sensations. For Kat Dalisay, who has just stepped back in the scene, the party has just begun.
MANIC NIGHTNINGS PRODUCTIONS —
https://www.facebook.com/MANICNIGHTNINGSPRODS
film roll
Double exposure art by Kler Mari
#THEDAVAOWESEE
DOUBLE EXPOSURE We let the love for the grain grow as analog photographer Kler Mari takes us to a Davao we haven’t seen.
#THEDAVAOWESEE
#THEDAVAOWESEE
A collection of photographed sunsets from the girl who has a serious case of wanderlust, Yam Otara Follow her blog — thelonelytravelwhore.com
Sunset-watch from West New York New Jersey, USA
TRAVEL
Canals and Sunsets Venice, Italy
Sunset-watch from Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls, USA
TRAVEL
The Wellington Harbour and Cable Car Kelburn, Wellington, New Zealand
Sunset-watch from Pier 81 New York, USA
POETRY
The Realist
By Witchbaby Photo from #THEDAVAOWESEE by @LIEUMAGAZINE Going in To this, upfront and uncluttered Like thoughts and emotions of a realist “None of this shall see the light of day.” Out of your lips, and into my ears I am here. You are, too. No one will know the difference, love. You are here. I am, too. Real as real can be My heart upfront, head uncluttered Leaping into those lips Leaping into the light of day This unrequited state, like footsteps fading, potent yet unconvincing “A realist, indeed,” says the romantic As I pick up the pieces all over again
FICTION
MAPAGBIRONG MUMO A short story by Kevin Caro
Tatlong taon na kaming hindi nagkikita ng kaibigan kong si Pards at balita ko na mahirap ang kalagayan niya ngayon. Sinadya ko siyang bisitahin dahil timing na rin para sa bisita ko kela Ama at Ina ngayong Pasko. Papasok na ako ng ospital nang biglang nagring cellphone ko. “Hello, Pards, andito na ako sa ibaba, paakyat….”, bigla akong binara ng tao sa kabilang linya. “Hindi to’ si Pards, Ama niya ito…”, paiyak na sinabi ng tao sa kabilang linya. “Hello po, saan po si Pards?”, ang tanong ko. “Pumanaw na….”, ang sabi ng ama ni Pards bago umiyak ng todo sa kabilang linya. Tinakbo ko ang hagdan paakyat sa ika-walong palapag ng ospital at nuong pagdating ko sa kuwarto ng kaibigan ko, andun parin siya, nanonood ng TV pero wala ang kanyang Ama na kausap ko sa cellphone. Tinanong ko si Pards kung nasaan ang cellphone niya. “Mamaya na nga yan! Ang dami ko pang ikukuwento sayo at baka kulangin tayo sa oras..”, ang sagot ni Pards sabay ngiti. “Natatandaan mo pa ba yung babaeng brineakan ka?”, pahabol na tanong niya sa akin. “Oo”, sagot ko. “Bakit ka nga niya iniwanan?”, ang tanong ng may-sakit sa akin. “May….”, nahirapan akong sagutin ang tanong niya, masakit parin ang nangyari noon kahit tatlong taon ang lumipas. “May iba raw siya.”, pahirap kong ipinagpatuloy ang aking sagot.
“May aaminin ako sayo”, pangiting sinabi ni Pards sa akin. “Ano? Ngiti ka ng ngiti…di ka talaga nagbago kahit nariyan ka na sa kama at di na nga makalakad.”, ang sagot ko. “Ako yung kabit ng girlfriend mo…”, di ako matingnan ni Pards noong sinabi niya sa akin yun. Di rin sakop ng emosyon ko ang mga lumabas sa bibig niya. Biglaan akong lumabas ng kuwarto niy para bumili ng kape at noong nalampasan ko ang nurse’s station nakita ko ang ama ni Pard’s. “Tito, akala ko wala na si Pard’s. Kausap ko lang nga siya bago lang.”, ang sabi ko sa Amang namamaga na ang mata sa kakaiyak. Bigla akong nakaramdam ng sakit sa kanang parte ng aking mukha. Sinuntok na pala ako ng ama ni Pard’s bago ko namalayan. “PATAY NA ANG ANAK KO! WAG KANG MAG-BIRO NG GANYAN!”, ang sigaw ng ama habang inaawat siya ng mga Nurse. “BUTI KA PA NGA, INIWAN PA SAYO KAIBIGAN MO NA SULAT! SA AMIN, WALA! ETO!”, tinapon sa akin ng ama ang isang sobreng nakapangalan sa akin. Pauwi, nakita ko na walang tao sa kuwarto ni Pard’s. Ang TV naka off at kahit nga pundan at unan wala sa kama. Noong kakarating ko lang sa bahay binuksan ko ang sulat ng kaibigan kong si Pard’s. “Chineck mo kuwarto ko? Wala na ako doon. Huling bilin ko lang yun sa iyo, kaibigan. Di ko kayang sumakabilang buhay ako na hindi mo nalalaman na may HIV kami ng girlfriend mo at ikaw ata ang taya.”
LANDSCAPE
“When I’m out taking photos, it feels like I’m in my own world and nothing else seems to matter; I am at one with the scenery that surrounds me. I feel excited yet tranquil at the same time, as weird as that may be. “ — Paolo Nacpil, Landscape Photographer http://capturedphotos.tumblr.com/
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY
Storm Clouds The night sky over Calatagan, Batangas is filled with storm clouds which are illuminated by the flashing lightning within which was captured with the use of a 25 second exposure. This was taken at 6:15pm.
Constant Motion Surrounds Us This is what you see on the view deck when going to Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan. That’s the sea and those boats are what you ride to get to Coron Island. I chose to shoot the place this way as I wanted to incorporate a sense of motion into the image.
The Pinatubo Crater Lake The scenery heading to the crater was very much different from a normal tropical landscape as it was composed of wide lahar tracks surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and cliffs.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Star Gazing It was such a clear night out on the shore of Calatagan, Batangas which meant it was perfect for lying down, looking at the stars, and taking in the immensity of the Universe that is out there.
LIVE TO CREATE.
LIEUMAGAZINE.COM HTTP://WWW.FB.COM/LIEUMAGAZINE @LIEUMAGAZINE