The Romantic, The Technician And The Modernist: Business Mirror, Life

Another set of photos I took grace today's (10/29/2008) edition of business mirror. These photos were taken during the final runway of the last three remaining contestants of Project Runway Philippines season 1 last October 23, 2008 at the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer '09. The article is entitled "The Romantic, The Technician And The Modernist" by C. Mendez Legaspi. Thanks Charles.

Who do you think will win? Is it Ariel, Philipp, or Veejay?

Below is the complete article (click here for the web version):

The Romantic, The Technician And The Modernist

By C. Mendez Legaspi

THOUGH not aired on the two biggest networks in the land, the runaway television hit of the season is Project Runway Philippines (PRP) on ETC/SBN 21. Well, at least among fashionistas and similar crowds. A Filipinized adaptation of the Peabody Award-winning show, PRP had Teresa Herrera, Rajo Laurel, Apples Aberin-Sadhwani and Jojie Lloren as our approximations of, respectively, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn.

Unlike the vapid The Philippines Next Top Model, also produced by Solar Entertainment, Runway has all the ingredients that made the original a compelling television treat: smart editing, melodramas, minibreakdowns and genuine skill. Though I may not agree with the oft-times not-so-judicious choice of guest judges, the put-on cattiness of certain contestants, and the lame attempts at colegiala accents, the show is a certified hit that a second season is already in the works.

From 14 designers from around the country, the show whittled down the contestants to a final three representing the major geographical points: Veejay Floresca, 23, of Luzon (Makati), Philipp Tampus, 36, of the Visayas (Lapu-Lapu), and Aries Lagat, 25, of Mindanao (Iligan City). The final runway show was held recently at the SMX Convention Center as part of the ongoing Philippine Fashion Week, where each of the three showed a 13-piece collection to a jam-packed venue. The final runway judges included Cesar Gaupo and Rafe Totengco.

Tampus showcased his romantic streak with a beautiful collection dominated by his deft manipulation of crochet and lace. This was an offshoot of his piece from the Wedding Challenge (Episode 6). Lagat brandished his mastery of tailoring with his “More Than a Woman” line of precise, well-constructed, stupendous clothes. That was a progression from his 2006 Mega Young Designers Competition entry of technically superior work.

Floresca, in a sharp departure from his acclaimed aesthetic as a glamourpuss (remember his View cover with Kristine Hermosa?), presented “practical clothes for the modern woman.” In satin, chiffon and charmeuse, the excitable designer’s “Her Life After Tomorrow” collection is his wardrobe vision for the woman after the global crisis is over. Much like how Dior clothed women after the Second World War, Floresca’s new austerity is one of “subdued elegance.”

“The clothes look simple from afar but upclose, one can see that they were constructed in a different way, with some degree of difficulty,” Floresca explained. “I wanted the clothes to have a global outlook because this is a reality show that’s also seen abroad via YouTube.” The show is such a hit among Pinoys that a countryman, Jasper Gavinda, won London’s version Project Catwalk Season 3, and Mark Antonio is one of the designers on Project Runway Australia.

It was a risk that Floresca, characteristically, was all too willing to take. “I wanted to show my range as a designer. This will prove my versatility that I can do avant-garde and couture. With my final collection, I showed something wearable and something commercial. It is not easy to do something simple and subdued.”

Each finalist was allotted three months and were given a six-figure budget to make their collections. “I knew Philipp’s strength is couture and Aries will do avant-garde, and since the challenge that I won was about retail [Cinderella RTW Challenge, Episode 9], I opted to go in that direction,” Floresca related.

The divine feud of Project Runway Philippines was between Floresca (almost timid) and De La Salle College of St. Benilde drawing professor Eli Gonzales (ranting and raving). Was the feud real? “Oo. Inaaway niya ako eh,” Floresca admitted. But it was the combative Gonzales whom the fans voted as their favorite.

Are you encouraging your friends to join the second season? “I can only say to them, ‘Good luck.’ With a smile.”

The most intriguing figure on the show, however, was Jaz Cerezo, 25, of Dagupan City, an advertising graduate of FEU. I caught up with the contestant, whose marked advantage was her refined taste and sophisticated aesthetic, outside the SMX hanging out with her friends after the Renée Salud show.

Were you portrayed fairly on Project Runway? “Yes. There wasn’t anything that was not me,” Cerezo said, sweetly. What’s her next career move? “Dagupan’s fashion scene is not as vibrant as Manila’s, so I will be setting up shop here. I will be staying with some friends and, as soon as my finances are OK, I will tansfer my business here.”

Now that she has attracted a modicum of fame, will she be charging a higher rate for her highly coveted occasion dresses? The modelesque designer gave a wide smile: “Not really. The price range for my clothes will be competitive and on a par with other young designers here.”

As we said our goodbyes, the theme from The Crying Game curiously filled the air.

The winning designer will be revealed in a two-part season finale of Project Runway Philippines, which will be aired on ETC on November 5 and 12.

You Must Love Me: Business Mirror, Life

My photos grace today's edition of Business Mirror. You can find it at the Life section of the newspaper and was entitled "You Must Love Me" by the fab C. Mendez Legaspi. It was taken on the 25th Anniversary of Sir Frederick Peralta and was part of the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2009.
Below is the article (click a href=http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=32:life&id=984:you-must-love-me>here
for the online version):
You Must Love Me
by C. Mendez Legaspi

Frederick Peralta, who has been making unforgettable bridal wear since the 1980s, has devoted himself—possibly more than any other fashion designer working today—to the tender notion that love should be steadfast, unbending and unconditional. This belief was evident in all its splendor when he showed a 50-piece wedding collection at the ongoing Philippine Fashion Week, illustrating his love for his craft, dedication to his brides and grooms and fidelity to his family.

Peralta’s 25th anniversary gala, directed by Audie Espino, at the SMX Convention Center is the tour de force collection of the biggest Philippine Fashion Week, serving as the highlight of the biggest edition yet of Runway Productions and CalCarrie’s International’s weeklong celebration of the country’s deep fashion creative pool.

“I am so proud of this show,” the placid designer said a day after his fantastic showcase. Still misty eyed with the overwhelming reception he got from an adoring crowd, that included his brides for the coming months, Peralta related how even during the fittings his models couldn’t contain their excitement in wearing his creations. After all, to wear a Frederick Peralta is a badge of honor in itself.

A darling of the press as well of celebrities, a Peralta show wouldn’t be complete without the participation of some famous faces. Though both childless after years of marital bliss, a stunning Assunta de Rossi and a tense Agot Isidro still looked as radiant as new bride Joyce Jimenez. Young mom Valerie Concepcion and hopelessly in love Mariel Rodriguez also donned wedding ensembles.

“I asked them if they can be part of my 25th anniversary show and they readily said yes,” Peralta said of his name-droppable friends. Hayden Kho, with lady love Vicky Belo in the audience, led the dashing pack of grooms in cashmere, taffeta silk and brocade. Never one to keep his brides unadorned, Peralta accented each ensemble with gorgeous jewelry by Gery Sunga, bouquets by Ted Manuel, shoes by Ben Santos, and hair and makeup by Jingky Ilusorio, Koala and Rudy Adriatico.

To make his gala more memorable, Peralta created 50 looks worn by 50 models (no changes!), and for 23 kids as flower girls (with FJ, his seamstress’s daughter, stealing the show with her cute antics) and ring bearers. Like his flamboyant outfits, Peralta hardly pulled any punches for this production, and you can expect the multiawarded designer to mount another extraordinary show in the not-too-distant future.

Was it all worth it? “Yes,” the designer said without missing a beat. “Nowadays, a bridal show is the most practical thing to do because the return on investments is immediate.” In fact, the gown worn by Charo Ronquillo, an organza wonder embroidered with rosettes that took three weeks to finish, and Assunta de Rossi’s off-white and gold gown with caviar beadwork, are already spoken for.

In an embellished bouffant tulle, Gilmarie Pacamara gave the show a rousing start. Returning über model Manette Mercado glided in a texturized and pleated duchesse satin gown with glittered tulle cape. Binibining Pilipinas Jennifer Barrientos looked lovely in soft duchesse satin serpentine, Charisse Ocrisma was exquisite in a panel A-line slit gown with cenepa embroidery, Liezl Verses was divine in a gown of circular cutouts and embossed flowerettes.

With her beauty, stature and style, a Peralta bride is a woman who knows her mind and is unselfish and supportive of her partner’s pursuit of success and happiness. These are the same traits that have sustained the gifted and giving designer’s remarkable career. Here’s hoping that he will continue to weave his own brand of drama, imagination and enhancement.

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.”