Ooohhh La La ..... Parties Manila: FilAmStar

My photos grace the pages of FilAmStar on the October 16-31, 2008 Vol. 1 Issue 20. The article entitled "Ooohhh La La ..... Parties Manila" was written by sir Ernest Gonzaga. The photos I took are the from Women's Today Asia Fashion Show and Technomarine Launch. Many thanks Sir Ernest. Also in this issue is the photo by Ibarra Siapno who is also from Images Asia.
Below is the article:

The 'C' Word: Business Mirror, Life

My photos grace today's (10/06/2008) edition of Business Mirror. It is on the "Life" section in the article "The 'C' Word" by C. Mendez Legaspi.
I was invited by Sir Ernest Gonzaga to photographed the fashion show presented by Women's Today. It was also the first time we met. It was an honor meeting him and he was easy to talk with. I'm looking forward to meet Sir Ernest again. Thanks you Sir Ernest.
The fashion designers who participated the fashion show are Fanny Serano, Danilo Franco, Edwin Uy, Eddie Badeo, Barge Ramos, Arielle Agasang, and Oskar Peralta. Oskar Peralta was introduced to me by Sir Ernest while Eddie Badeo was introduced to me by C. Mendez Legaspi. It was really nice meeting them all.
Below is the article (click here for the link):

FANNY SERRANO(left). A breast-cancer survivor wears the passionate supporter’s elegant confection. OSKAR PERALTA(right) Precious Lara Quigaman in a silver and pink strapless gown with floral accents.

By C. Mendez Legaspi

‘I AM doing fantastic! I am great! I’m clear. Absolutely 100-percent clear and clean. It did not spread. They got everything out, so I’m definitely not going to die from breast cancer.” We can only wish that any woman suffering from such a dreaded disease be as fortunate as Christina Applegate, the Samantha Who? star who was declared cancer-free after a double mastectomy.

The situation is especially heartbreaking for the Philippines. Mostly indigent women comprise 70 percent of those with breast cancer, the highest incidence of the disease in Asia alongside Pakistan.

In May Sen. Pia Cayetano, chairman of the health committee, said: “More women are manifesting the disease at an early age, from their 30s to 40s. Generally, the disease is still diagnosed late in its course, hence the survival rate of breast cancer in the Philippines is below 50 percent.”

ARIELLE AGASANG

In the US, where about 250,000 women below 40 are breast-cancer survivors, early detection is still key. Applegate, 36, started Right Action for Women, which aids women who otherwise cannot afford tests such as the breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that saved the star’s life. Survivor Sheryl Crow, 45, supports Feel Your Boobies, a foundation started by young breast-cancer survivor Leigh Hurst in the hopes of getting women talking and self-checking.

Elizabeth Hurley, 42, is carrying the flag for the Estee Lauder Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. The proceeds from the beauty label’s Pink Ribbon Collection will raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Meanwhile, the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade has a strong voice in 21-year-old The Hills starlet Lauren Conrad.

EDDIE BADDEO.

Ria Bolivar in fuchsia asymmetric neckline gown with leather cummerbund.

Hereabouts, being uneducated, unaware and uninformed about breast cancer will certainly lead to death. Woman Today Asia magazine celebrated its silver anniversary via a lively show of fashion, music and discussions to create mass awareness with regard to the disease. In one segment, publisher Monica Aveo and editor in chief Marita Nuque invited noted fashion designers to showcase pocket collections featuring pink, the color of the breast-cancer awareness campaign.

Catwalk divas and beauty queens shared the stage with real women who are cancer survivors wearing couture creations, from Fanny Serrano, Danilo Franco, Edwin Uy, Eddie Baddeo, Barge Ramos, Arielle Agasang and Oskar Peralta.

When the survivors took the stage, in sure steps and with evident pride on their faces, the audience heartily applauded them, blessed in the knowledge that a disease as devastating as breast cancer can be conquered with grace and determination.

Opulent Fashion Shows, Electric Parties: FilAmStar, Lifestyle&Entertainment

I received an email from sir Ernest Gonzaga regarding my photos that graced the latest issue of FilAmStar (September 16-30, 2008 Vol. 1 Issue 18). It's in the "Lifestyle & Entertainment" section. I was so happy to hear the news. Thank you sir Ernest for the opportunity to work with you. Below is the article:

My photos below are the photos of Rajo Laurel, Randy Ortiz with Bea Alonzo, and Dingdong Dantes.

Thank you for the credits sir Ernest. Looking forward to work with you again.

Romance According To Rajo: Business Mirror, Life

My photos graced today's (09/15/2008) edition of Business Mirror in the "Life" section entitled "Romance According To Rajo" by C. Mendez Legaspi. I received an SMS from the author (C. Mendez Legaspi) about the article. I'm still waiting for my copy and check the photos in print myself.
During the Rajo Red! fashion show, I finally got the chance to meet the fabulous C. Mendez Legaspi. However brief, I was happy to finally put a face to a colleague who help me published some of my photos in newspaper. Much to my surprise he's also from Mindanao (Cagayan De Oro)! Small world indeed. Daghang salamat jud kaayo sa imoha. Thanks also to sir Dong Omaga-Diaz for introducing me to him.
Below is the article (click here for the link):

By C. Mendez Legaspi

‘I live for fashion! It is like air or water for me,” Rajo Laurel says with palpable passion. “Without fashion, I would cease to exist! I study it very closely. It is already part of me.” This assertion by the prolific designer was proven in an astonishing show at the Makati Shangri-La when he celebrated 15 fruitful years in fashion in a gala called Rajo Red! The fund-raising event, spearheaded by Laurel’s sister Venisse and his best friend and muse Tessa Prieto-Valdes, was for the benefit of the Makati Chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross. Directed by Robby Carmona, the show was presented by Globe Platinum, Sony Ericsson and the Makati Shang. Laurel’s 65-piece collection, varied and vainglorious, were heavily inspired by his archived journals painstakingly kept all these years. Romance and luxury—his avowed aesthetic—are the keywords that informed his accomplished collection, with exquisite fabrics like Italian silk, crepe de Chine, Bisque taffeta, beaded tulle, silk organza, silk gazaar all adorning his creations. “I have always been a disciple of Cristobal Balenciaga. Ever since I was a young designer, I was already in awe of his work. I have also been influenced by the great designing minds such as Geoffrey Beene, Azzedine Alaia, Gianfranco Ferre and Valentino,” Laurel says of his fashion heroes that he paid tribute to in his show. “I am also influenced by architects like Geoffrey Bawa and Tadao Ando.” To help him raise the needed funds for disaster management, Laurel selected 25 women special to him. Those that particularly inspire him? “I have always been attracted to women with character. I would have to say that Mrs. Imelda Cojuangco’s style is a big influence on me. My friends have a big impact in my designs as well, like Leica Carpo, Tina Maristela-Ocampo and Mandy Santos. However, it is my sisters that test-drive the designs and give me honest and grounded feedback with the work that I do.” The gentle designer demurs when asked how much was raised during the glittering evening. “Tessa and Venisse are in charge of the funds. I only did the show,” he says with a laugh. “Why so few red dresses? I did not want the show to be too literal! I wanted to tell a story, and I thought that I did not have to inundate everyone with red dresses. That would have been trivial and expected.” What lessons and insights has he learned after 15 years in a cutthroat business? “Humility and perseverance are very important in this line of work. I am blessed with a good team and this has taught me to take care of my people. Discipline is also a very important factor, as it is not always about art but a balance between art and commerce.” Besides his well-entrenched name among the country’s most sought-after designers, what is he most proud of? “I think winning the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. It’s a very prestigious award!” “I want to be in Vogue!” Laurel says with wishful glee. “I want the world to know how extremely talented we are in the Philippines! It is about time that they see more of our work. There is still so much that I want to do, and everyday I feel as if it is the first day of a fantastic voyage into fashion!” To keep his ideas fresh, current and modern, he “travels a lot, and I read a lot of books! I also recently discovered the computer and its powers, and this has been really occupying my time. I am a guest blogger in stylebible.ph. My blog is in the ‘Insider’s Fashion’ section. The Internet is really amazing!” So what’s next for the “phenomenal designer,” as he is introduced as a judge in Project Runway Philippines? “I really want to rest first; I feel like I did a fashion marathon, with the Fashion Watch Quartet show and the Red Ribbon cakes , followed by a collection for Plains and Prints, then Project Runway, then the Rajo Red! gala. I need to take a breather. Just like an athlete, I need to recharge and rest.” And what the fashion world can do is wait with bated breath.

Falling for Randy Ortiz: Business Mirror, Life

I received an SMS from C. M. Legaspi (writer of Business Mirror) that the photos I took during the fashion show presented by Samsung and Metrowear for Mr. Randy Ortiz entitled "Aspirer" graces the pages of Business Mirror today (09/08/2008). Please grab a copy of Business Mirror today (09/08/2008). Though there was no credit on the web version, I was told that the paper version does have my name on in. I have yet to check it because I haven't got a copy yet.

BTW, below is the article (Falling for Randy Ortiz) where my photos are shown:

By C. Mendez Legaspi

TWO decades ago, a discerning fashionable few fell for the neoromantic aesthetic of Randy Ortiz. Since then, the soft-spoken designer has attracted a larger following and remains well-loved in an “industry” notorious for its catfights, copycats and charlatans. To celebrate 20 years of a still-burgeoning business, his name firmly entrenched in the company of the country’s most admired designers, Ortiz unleashed his Samsung Metrowear “Aspirer” holiday collection recently at the Edsa Shangri-La to rapturous applause, A-list attendance and some unforgettable falls, and even more graceful rise from the ramp. “I’m relieved. I’m very happy. It was the culmination of my dream. It was my first major gala after 12 years,” Ortiz said a day after his talked-about showing. His last one, “Uncovered,” was directed by former supermodel Annette Coronel because his best friend, the director Jackie Aquino, was in New York at that time. After that, it was a series of small shows and group outings for Ortiz. But Aquino was on hand for “Aspirer,” the concept of which—from the inspiration, music and staging—was the brainchild of Ortiz. “We know that a fashion show is the call of the designer. But Jackie embraced my concept,” and the best buddies of 30 years presented a seamless blending of ideas to produce a show that evoked a nostalgic feeling long before it was over. “Aspirer is Latin for ‘aspire,’ which means to want or to desire for something,” Ortiz explained. What he aspires for is for his clients to be like his idols in cinema, to approximate their glitz, glamour and elegance. “We are so awed by the beautiful men and women of cinema who have captured our hearts,” he said. “With the red carpet as the canvas for my collection, I then took my references from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.” Ortiz derived heavy inspiration from The Valley of the Dolls, Twiggy, Jackie O, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, and from modern-day, red-carpet divas Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie. When conceptualizing his menswear, he brushed up on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Beatles and American Gigolo. The look was achieved by the Patrick Rosas Team for Makeup Forever and L’Oreal Professionel, with accessories by Arnel Papa, and shoes by Pedro and Nicolo Junsay. A recurring symbol of his clothes was the rosette. “My fascination for the neoromantic can be interpreted through a flower, and the rose expresses a lot of emotions and it captures the romantic in a person,” Ortiz said. On the bodice, on the skirt, on the stage backdrop, the rosette was everywhere. John Estrada and Richard Gomez, who both gained fame and acclaim at the same time as Ortiz, lent their leading-men presence on the runway as they donned the designer’s formal ensembles. As proof of his appeal to the younger set, upcoming actors Rayver Cruz and Bea Alonzo also worked the ramp. In a subtle entrance, Alonzo came as the bride, radiant in off-shoulder silk organdy, patterned rosette in silk and pleated organdy texturized with embroideries. Why her? “Well, Claudine Barretto is married already, and Bea is the next It Girl. She has the height and a beautiful face. All the elements are there. She is such a darling.” This touching quality also endeared her to Ortiz even more, when during the curtain call, Alonzo slipped onstage. Shocked and mortified, Ortiz can only manage to murmur, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” To which the gracious celluloid star replied: “Randy, this is for you.” If the ABS-CBN camera crew were there, that could make for fabulous footage for the star’s Betty La Fea show. Early on, the overly gleaming ramp claimed victims from even the fiercest catwalkers. When Jo Ann Bitagcol and Ria Bolivar, the reigning queens, couldn’t keep their strides in sync with the music for fear of sliding unceremoniously in front of a well-heeled crowd, everyone knew it was a matter of time before someone fell flat. Then the always resplendent Marina Benipayo (in fiery red serpentina with electro-pleating detail and bodice in rosette-pattern embroidery) came gliding like the glamourpuss that she is, the audience thought the unforgiving ramp was conquered. Annette Coronel nearly slipped, but regained her footing quite beautifully. When her contemporary, Suyen Chi, the queen of the catwalk at their prime, came in a V-neck plunging neckline serpentina, energy was at an all-time high. There’s nothing like a señora who can give justice to a couture creation, after all. Then what was feared the most happened. The magnificent Ms. Chi stumbled and fell in a heap of silk taffeta. On reflex, she recovered in a split second, laughed at herself, posed for the cameras and played to the gallery amid raucous cheers and shrieks of delight. “Suyen, she’s a trooper and a diva! She is the reincarnated Miriam Quiambao of the ramp! I never knew there was a fashionable way of falling and rising,” Ortiz said admiringly. “I watched the show live. I didn’t want to be near the models because that would only make me tense. I have the manang to dress the girls and [designer friends] Anthony Nocom and Vittorio Barba helped with the boys, so I was already kampante,” Ortiz related. “There was great momentum. Everyone tried to really emote. Palaban lahat. I told the models before the show, ‘We should all have our moment. Savor it. This is not just my night. This is also your evening.’” Somehow, Randy Ortiz’s words came true. Despite the falls, Ortiz remains unfazed. “It was a live show. Things happen. [The falls] didn’t bother me in a negative way. I think the show was close to perfection.”

Out of Africa: Business Mirror, Life

Another set of the photos I took at the recently concluded Samsung Metrowear with the FDCP Trend Show were featured at the front page of the Life section of Business Mirror yesterday. I received a late SMS from the writer regarding the feature and went out to look for a copy. I've been sending SMS to my friends asking them if they've got a copy but to no avail. So I went out and look for one. I got my copy from a ministop in Aurora Blvd. (took me hours to get one because all copies were sold out already from other stores).

Again thanks to Sir Dong Omaga-Diaz for making this happen (thanks for the SMS too - informing me about it, even it's late you care to congratulate me). Thanks to God, my family, friends and colleagues.

The photos can also be seen online at the Business Mirror website. So if you fail to grab a copy just check it out online.

BTW, they give me credit for the photos this time. Below is the article:

By C. Mendez Legaspi

Photographed by Henry Anima II

Dong Omaga-Diaz feels like the morning calm. As the newly minted president of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines (FDCP), which counts among its members the most productive and influential creative minds in fashion design, he is basking in the successful staging of the group’s recent gala. “I’m elated with all the compliments I’ve been getting from friends and, most importantly, from the FDCP membership. This inspires me to continue weaving new dreams for the group,” Omaga-Diaz says. Much will truly be expected from him and the progressive group as last year its forecasts and inspired ideas were sorely missed on the runway. At the Jackie Aquino-directed Metrowear series show at the Rockwell Tent, with Bedouin-like tents placed distractingly in the middle of the runway, 24 FDCP members posited their “fashion innovations.” As is my practice, I pick only the 10 most interesting pieces from the pocket collections. To achieve a unified look, members worked on themes also reverberating across the globe today: Club Arab (think Casablanca, The English Patient,Morocco, Lawrence of Arabia, Queen Rania, Yasmine Aga Khan), Cold Africa (think Mogambo, Out of Africa, The African Queen, Ernest Hemingway, Charlize Theron) and Gaea, the goddess of the earth who bore and married Uranus, and became the mother of the Titans and the Cyclops (guess who the designers were thinking of when they crafted their clothes). But if you ask me, they could have worked on any of the assigned themes and we wouldn’t have been able to tell which was which. Ivar Aseron created for Bianca Valerio an oversized tweed jacket with gray pique top and pants. Vittorio Barba made a black hand-pintucked tulle sheath dress accessorized with stainless-steel bangles and red-patent gladiators, giving the fragile Grace Tagle a dominatrix edginess. Rocky Salumbides, fresh from signing up with the Ford Models agency, was a virile vision in Joey Samson’s gray wool and knit coverall with zipper details, utilitarian pockets and glove sleeves. The jacket gave a funky formal feel. I wondered where the showstoppers were—Dennis Lustico, Nono Palmos, Larry Espinosa. The three designers had resigned from the group. Still, the most theatrical of them all—Frederick Peralta—delivered the fabulous goods: silver sensations that Marlene Dietrich would have loved to be seen and photographed in. Gerry Katigbak dressed Lotus van Heddegem in two layers of silk chiffon in ecru and lilac, with emphasis on the kimona sleeves and geometric embroidery beaded bib, and brocade pants in beige. Randy Ortiz made Ria Bolivar a splendid peplum jacket with palazzo pants in plaid brown and taupe combination in linen wool with a detachable capelet. Two ravishing variations of the suit were created by Ramon Esteban (for the sizzling-hot Akihiro Sato) and PJ Aranador (for the half-Italian stallion Joe Ozbot). Inspired by the landscape and colors of the Sahara, Arcy Gayatin clothed Grace Tagle in a handpleated caramel jersey embellished with suede that she cut into honeycomb patterns with metal-watch components. It was fitting that Omaga-Diaz closed the gala on a high-flying note, with a fantastic safari-inspired tweed jacket paired with a lace ballskirt embellished with beads and feathers. After a rousing start, here’s hoping that the FDCP under Omaga-Diaz will regain its preeminence in the fashion front.

Me In Inquirer On my 6th Month As A Photographer

Today I celebrate my 6th month in photography and what a great gift to receive is to have the photos I took (at the recently concluded Samsung Metrowear with the FDCP Trend Show) gracing the pages of The Philippine Daily Inquirer (D4 section 07/11/2008 edition). It really made my day. Thanks to Sir Dong Omaga-Diaz for making this happen. Thanks to God, my family, friends and colleagues.