My Refrigerator Door

Silver And Lace

2012-01-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

I always cry at weddings, maybe because I develop a certain bond with the bride during the months of wedding preparations and jitters. It is much more so, when the bride has been my client and friend since her prom or debut. I would go on and make her first suits for work, her gown when she becomes a bride's maid and then the trousseau for her big day.

I met Angela ten years ago, she with the toothsome smile, our fittings would go on for hours because of the hilarious banter that goes in between. When she messaged me her happy news last year, we met up and she brought her mother's well preserved wedding gown. It was to be our inspiration for her unique design, a simple gored gown in silk Gazar with a hood fashioned from French lace.

I was filled with joy looking at her as I was fixing her lace hood before her bridal march. And as I saw her hug her father at the other end of the aisle, I could already feel warm happy tears streaming down my cheeks.

Angela's beautiful family

Angela's Matrons of Honor and Bride's Maids

Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Little flowers make lovely bouquets

Cutest flower girls sang the Lord's Prayer

Chickoy and Angela with the wedding entourage

Best wishes to the happy couple!

Made In GK

2012-01-20T21:38:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of blocks from C-5 Road in Taguig, beside the Maria Reyna de los Apostoles Church, you'll find this cute pastel-colored building that houses the GKonomics Fashion Lab and Showroom. Immediately as you get in, you'll fall in love with very useful items made from recycled materials by the Gawad Kalinga communities. I'm recommending these beautiful products as wedding souvenirs or birthday giveaways. You can even make your own design. Truly, there's so much we can do for our country.

Gawad Kalinga Pinagsama, Taguig

GKonomics Design Lab and Showroom

A true optimist, Tony Meloto

Totes and clutches made from used tetra packs.

Totes made from used tarpulins.

Rosary beads made from old magazines.

Theo-Philo Chocolates from the GK Enchanted Farm.

Bags by The Invisible Sisters made from used plastic bags.

The Invisible Sisters team.

My little contribution.

Basic pocket tees.

Amina Aranaz-Alunan and Tonichi Nocom

With Weaving The Future apparel grand prize winner, Roland Alzate.

Weaving The Future accessories grand prize winner, Adante Leyesa and his sister.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

2012-01-16T10:40:00.000-08:00

After two weeks of New Year asthma and bad coughing, I went out on a date with two of my dearest gal pals, them with the most infectious laughter, Jenny and Pat. Pat wanted us to try the new restaurant in Burgos Circle, 1521. Named after the year Magellan discovered our islands, it serves Pinoy comfort food with the most amusing names. We ate and chuckled heartily, and I felt totally recovered.

1521, Burgos Circle, The Fort, Taguig

Kamias Cooler

AmpalaYummy

Pinakbet-Ter Than Best

Sinful Crispy Pata!

Through sick and sin, two of my dearest fiends, Jenny and Pat.

Hot And Meaty

2011-12-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

Monday after Christmas, work was light, my friends Dinny, John and I were convincing each other to go on a serious diet in 2012. Our little talk ended with a head-splitting craving for Ilocos Empanada. In the next ten minutes, we found ourselves in Katipunan, wolfing down the best empanadas this side of town. Burp!

Ilocos Empanada, Katipunan Road, Quezon City

Dinny and John

Perfect match! Empanada and Coca Cola

Hot and meaty! Ilocos Empanada!

The Brave And The Beautiful

2011-12-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

Indeed, technology has brought the world closer. I've been friends with these women and men for more than a decade already, but two years ago, after forming a Blackberry Messenger chat group called Harrots, we became family. The very exclusive group consists of the most talented actresses, the wittiest directors, geniuses Deo Endrinal and Biboy Arboleda, Olive Isidro, Joel Mercado, Juan Sarte and Liz Uy. Lino Cayetano is an honorary member. We wake up knowing what Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo is cooking for breakfast. The latest news is broadcast a week before it becomes tv news headline. We virtually group hug when one is having love problems. We turn into prayer warriors when one has a sick sibling or parent.
For our second Christmas, we dined in Zuchinni's. It was non-stop banter from the soup to the glorious mud pie. To cap our dinner, Biboy asked each of us to say what we are thankful for in 2011 and what we are wishing for in 2012. We were all smiling, not few teary-eyed, thankful for the gift of each other's friendship.

Beautiful and brave, clockwise; Bing, Amy, Agot, Mylene and Jodi

Agot's now famous peanuts!

Olives by Ira, Tomas, Lucas and Mylene

Worth the calories, Chocolate Mud Pie by Gay Vasquez

Harrots 2011

Hearty Cooking

2011-12-23T12:27:00.000-08:00

I first met Joshua Aquino when he was a cute chubby five. Still cute and chubby at 6'2", Josh, along with five other students of Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco prepared a Christmas meal of roast chicken, breaded fish fillet, beef stew, pesto pasta and the yummiest blueberry panna cota.

Not wanting to miss Joshua's triumphs, big or small, I braved the holiday traffic early and made it right on time. Hearty cooking, hearty recipes, hearty eating in this heartiest of seasons.

Joshua setting up the buffet table.

Roast Chicken

Breaded Fish Fillet

Blueberry Panna Cota

Joshua Aquino and Tito JC

When I Grow Up, I Want To Be Like Lucy

2011-12-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

Early December, the weather was as fair as birthday celebrator Lucy Torres-Gomez. We all trooped to Ben Chan's beautiful home to celebrate Christmas, Michael Carandang's homecoming and Lucy's big day.
Snow White, Kris Aquino lovingly calls Lucy. Beautiful, gentle, kind, cheerful and hardworking. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.

My favorite corner in Ben Chan's home.

Robby Carmona and Liz Uy

Suyen and Benny Yap

Tetta Ortiz-Matera, the very first model I've worked with!

Nenita Lim and Rica Tinga

Miguel Pastor and Juan Sarte

Never a dull moment with Bea Ledesma!

Maurice Arcache and Anton Barretto

Trishan Cuaso, Randy Ortiz, Ben Chan, moi, Rey Lanada and Arnel Quiambao

Happy birthday Lucy!!

Richard and Lucy Gomez

Miguel Pastor, Michael Carandang, moi, Rey Lanada and Ben Chan

Love Is All Around Us

2011-12-13T00:44:00.000-08:00

The Fashion & Design Council of the Philippines celebrated Christmas this year with an intimate little dinner at The White Space Commissary. We really loved the exquisite buffet they prepared for us and the fabulous 'looooong' table setting. As usual, I had to go back for seconds.

It's always guaranteed fun when fashion people get together, but it was also a night of thanksgiving for a year of beautiful fashion and friendships.

Ever efficient and friendly Cibo waiters preparing the long table.

Table for fifty!

Amina, Joel and Dong

Olivier and Ivar

Amina and our dear friend Jackie Aquino.

Weaving The Future accessories division winner Adante Leyesa with Sandy

Tonichi and model Jonathan

Melo and Bryan

Bianca and Mark

With one of my dearest friends, Randy O.

Last men standing, after last bottle of wine was consumed.

That Miss Universe Moment!

2011-12-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

My good friend, designer James Reyes, brought a Miss Universe tiara to the Fashion Watch Christmas party. It was passed on from one head to another, giving us a minute each of camera flashes and beauty queen glory!

Bella Tagle, beautiful Grace!

Beautiful soul, maquillage genius, Eric Maningat!

Ravishing Grace Molina!

Model beauty, Jessica Yang.

Ageless Beauty, Lulu Tan Gan with Patrick Uy.

Cleopatra! Lou Munoz!

A beautiful gem, Emerald!

Sultry Sirene!

Gwyneth!

Fashion Watch dude, Jessie!

Miss Universe Barbie, Justine!

Pins please! ~ James Reyes

Ria Bolivar's crowning moment!

OMG! My crowning moment!

My Favorite Black Tee

2011-12-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

As I aged and chocolate cake crept around my middle, the black tee-shirt became my best friend. I like it slightly fitted and slightly short, meant to be untucked. It goes with shorts, Chinos, jeans, and even with kilts (think Axel Rose). It can take me from the beach to the mountains, from the runway to the streets. Oh yes, dressing up has never been this easy.

Pensive..

On top of a hill..

On a cliff..

Walking on backstreets..

With friends..

Rock Star..

Taking a bow..

My perfect fit!

Happy Hour, Happy Talk

2011-11-28T08:59:00.000-08:00

In my line of work, November and December get so busy, I'm left with no time for friends and family. Lately, I've learned to use my mobile phone calendar and plan little dinners with old friends, or get to watch a play or a movie.

Today, I had an early meal with a dear friend and fellow Francophile, Lian. She's one of those few friends who lean and listen. We had our fill of grilled beef and fish, and sake toasts to our life's little triumphs.

Until our next Umu happy hour, ma chere!

My lovely friend and fellow Francophile Lian

Umu, Dusit Thani, Manila. Buffet from 5:00pm to 7:30pm

Silent Night

2011-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

One night, I had the privilege of being invited to a dinner party for the British vocal quartet Blake. Very thankful of Filipino hospitality, Stephen, Jules, Ollie and Humphrey sang for us a capella, Moonriver and Silent Night.

That night, it felt like Christmas eve, indeed.

Leah Puyat interviewing Humphrey

Humphrey Berney and Rey Lanada

Host with the big heart, Mr. Ben Chan

Ben Chan's elegant sister, Nenita Lim

Blake - Stephen Bowman, Jules Knight, Ollie Baines and Humphrey Berney

Fabric Flowers

2011-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Back when I was a young apprentice to fashion designer Cesar Gaupo, when Christian Lacroix and Gianfranco Ferre ruled the runways with poetic creations pinned with the most delicate silk flowers on a cinched waist or on a fichu collar - I frequented El Arte Filipino in Cubao to have fabric blooms especially made to match pouf cocktail dresses and bridal gowns.

Today, I still go to their little quaint looking store for pretty Camelias or Orchids that I so love using for my pantsuits and day dresses.

El Arte Filipino, house of flowers

Peonies made from Silk Gazar

Cabbage Roses in Organza and Taffeta

Orchids in Silk Gazar

Black orchids add whimsy to a sedate pantsuit!

Gingham Camelia for a jeunne fille look!

El Arte Filipino is located at 24 Banahaw St., Cubao, Quezon City. Telephone 3922903

One Fine Day

2011-10-25T08:39:00.000-07:00

I was invited to be a judge for Bb. Catandungan the second time in the Southern city of Virac, Catanduanes. And like the previous year, I looked forward to the day after the pageant, away from deadlines, dress-up events and writing checks.
Thank you Lord for this lovely day.

An hour drive from the capital city Virac is Baras.

HUGE crabs!

The waves of Baras has lured surfers from around the world.

I Love Coffee

2011-10-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love coffee, I love coffee breaks, I love coffee talk, I love the smell of coffee, I love the color of coffee and I even love saying it - kaw-fee, like Brooklynites do. Now, I have a new way of loving coffee.

Jiggy Cruz and Tim Tayag talking about the new coffee machine.

Awesome launch of an awesome coffee machine!

Aahhh.. my perfect cup!

Fabric Of Love

2011-10-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

T'nalak is made from Abaca and dyed with natural vegetable dyes in red and black. The red is said to represent bravery, commitment and love, while the black stands for struggles, hardships and perseverance. The geometric patterns vary from piece to piece, with no two pieces of T'nalak being exactly alike. The fabric has become the best-known product of the province of South Cotabato.

For spring summer 2012, Fashion designer Randy Ortiz created T'nalak pieces you'll fall in love with at first sight.

Leather and Tinalak obi

Tinalak Clutch

Tinalak iPad Case

Tinalak Origami Top

Randy Ortiz and his Tinalak Collection.

Summer In Shanghai

2011-10-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

What I loved most about Shanghai aside from its rich history are its maple tree lined avenues, I could imagine how beautiful it will be in October.

A slaughter house that has been converted into a mall.

What used to be the house of the Soong Sisters is now a restaurant called Sasha's.

Pine cones

Weeping willows

Eating Without The Guilt

2011-10-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

The non-stop rain has given me and my friend Kat weeks of craving for ramen. It brought us to this noodle house that serves one of the best tasting gyoza, tofu chicharon that is as good as the real thing and ramen that will rank number two in my best list.

Five artists worked on this graffiti on the walls of this art hub.

Tofu Chicharon

Gyoza

Oh men! Ramen!

With Luis and Kat

Ramen fans versus pho fans!

Wabi-Sabi Noodle House & Vegetarian Grocery is located at 7274 Malugay St. Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City

Belle du Jour

2011-09-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

My Fashion Watch Spring-Summer Collection 2012 was inspired by First Ladies, Carla Bruni Sarkozy and Jackie Kennedy in particular. I've been watching The Kennedys on History Channel and so I travelled back to the early 60s for inspiration.

I used cotton and linen, pique, broderie anglais and silk abaca from Catanduanes. I experimented with bias insertions and peek-a-boos. Having used mostly black and white in my previous collections, I opted for color this time. I mixed beige and periwinkle blue and added a third color, Kelly green.

For the fashion show, I chose my own music for the first time. I got some tracks from Breakfast At Tiffany's but I refrained from using Moonriver. I wanted to complete the feel of the pre-Mod years, when families went to picnics, when ladies dressed up for lunch and shopping.

Many thanks to Eulalio Eguia for the photographs.

A Happy Commune

2011-09-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Gawad Kalinga's Enchanted Farm reminded me that life can be simple and uncomplicated. I want to go back again.

Herbs and wildflowers grow along the pathways.

Flowers of my childhood, Cosmos.

Organic Pigs

Yellow instead of red, Salted Golden Eggs

Eggplant Salad and Golden Eggs

Tinolang 'organic' Manok

With Randy Ortiz, Tony Meloto, the man behind GK and Memey Mendoza

A garden in honor of President Cory.

Sunflowers

Fashion Watch Spring Summer 2012

2011-09-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Show Schedules

08 September 2011 Jun Escario and James Reyes

15 September 2011 Joel Escober and Jojie Lloren

22 September 2011 JC Buendia and Patrice Diaz

29 September 2011 Francis Libiran and Dennis Lustico

06 October 2011 Oj Hofer and Jerome Lorico

13 October 2011 Joey Samson and Len Nepumoceno

20 October 2011 Ferdi Abuel and Norman Noriega

24 October 2011 Lulu Tan-Gan and Ito Curata

27 October 2011 Ivar Aseron and Philip Rodriguez

For reservations, call the Lobby Lounge of Makati ShangriLa, Manila (63 2) 8400884

Diet Break

2011-09-09T21:45:00.000-07:00

The past two months of dress up events has forced me to go dieting. Last night, I went on a break and feasted on an eight-course dinner hosted by a friend who requests for anonymity. No people photos here.

Yellowtail Sashimi, Ginger Garlic Soy

Salmon Carpaccio, Truffle Ponzu, Arugula

Toro Tartare, Oscetra Caviar, Ponzu

Lobster and Scallops, Uni-butter Sauce

Braised Wagyu Short Ribs, Foie Gras

Roast Duck Breast, Snow Peas, Pommery Mustard

Mixed Nigiri and Sashimi

Chilled Chawan Mushi

An extra treat, Nathaniel's Buko Pandan Salad!

Little Mrs. Sunshine

2011-09-06T11:17:00.000-07:00

Tessa Valdes once again brought sunshine back to Manila with her yellow themed birthday lunch at the spiffy new Midas Hotel. She introduced us to Fr. Gerard who celebrated a healing Mass. Feeling healed, I headed for the crispy roast pork and spicy 'laing'.

There were parlor games and lots of yummy treats - bonbons, cookies, cupcakes and male models!

Tessa chocolate bars

The Midas Hotel Cafe

Fashion designers Michelle Sison and Patrice Diaz

Susan Joven, Millet Mananquil, Tessa, Fr. Gerard and Joanne Ramirez

The Underwear Fashion Show

Clockwise from top, Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, Millet Mananquil and Keren Pascual

Our little Mrs. Sunshine, Tessa

Billboards Build Classrooms

2011-08-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

I take so much joy in seeing happy children and I take so much pride in having friends who wholeheartedly share their time, talent and blessings.

Instead of asking for a talent fee for endorsing Bench's Freedom scents, Kris asked for classrooms to be built in Ormoc, Leyte, Lucy Gomez's hometown.

Lucy Gomez, Kris Aquino and Ben Chan inaugurate the new classrooms.

Brightly painted schoolhouses.

Happy with the turnout of the classrooms, Ben Chan pledged more classrooms for Ormoc.

La Isla Bonita

2011-07-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

An hour by plane from Manila to Busuanga and another two hours by boat is Mangenguey, an exquisite 13 hectare virgin island located in Northern Palawan. The resort can only accept twelve visitors at a time, if you're the type who just want to curl up and read a book, eat good food and go walking barefoot by the beach, this is the place to go.

Bruschetta and Kangkong Salad, yummy and healthy lunch

Lady of island, fashion designer Helena Mander

The Main Salon

Homemade Chicken Liver Pate

Chicken Paella with Artichokes

Pink Skies

The Happy Bunch!

She Prayed For Sunshine

2011-07-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

She prayed for sunshine.

Every time she came to my atelier for the fittings of the male entourage, bride Shereen would go to the nearby Sta. Clara Monastery to bring eggs for the nuns and pray for good weather.

After more than three weeks of rain, the sun came out on her wedding day.

Hamilo Coast, the wedding venue

Patrice Diaz made the beautiful bridal gown.

Patrice and I rode a golf cart to the wedding chapel.

She prayed for sunshine.

Prayer For Tough Times

2011-07-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

In tough times, Lord, let me stay motivated and calm.

Let me look at how far I have come, rather than how far I still have to go.
Let me continue counting my blessings, not what I have been missing.
Make everyday bring new chances to grow, new beautiful things to see, new plans to do, new goals to pursue.
As every new day is God's miracle day. Amen.

Vampire Diaries

2011-06-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

My Holiday Collection 2011 was inspired by Vampires, thus the black and white color scheme and subtle romantic details like bias ruffles and lace insertions. Since Vampires are suppose to be asexual creatures, I worked on androgynous looks both for the men and women.

Sleeveless Men's Suit

Trompe L'Oeil Dress Shirt

Tent Coat

Curtain Call

The Peninsula Designer Wedding Show

2011-04-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

A hundred models walked down Peninsula Manila's grand staircase in the most beautiful designer wedding gowns as a string ensemble played Filipino love songs. After the bridal parade, the trousseaus were put on exhibit at the hotel lobby.

Flower girl Adrienne Yabut

Francis Libiran

Aranaz

Designer James Reyes

The Peninsula Lobby

Kojak

2011-03-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

He follows me like an acolyte all day, wobbling from the house to the atelier. Unsmiling yet kind to strangers. His name is Kojak.

Old-Fashioned Friendship

2011-03-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

We first worked together ten years ago at the beautiful Baguio wedding of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales. Rita and I became instant friends, she with the husky comforting voice and I, with my happy tales of love. Our busy routines has allowed us quiet little dinners and old-fashioned strolls in the park.

Ayala Triangle Park

Healthy Pomelo Salad

Pho Ga

She with the comforting husky voice, Rita Neri.

Do You Know The Way To San Jose?

2011-03-04T12:46:00.000-08:00

A little less than three hours road travel from Manila is the town of San Jose, Tarlac. On its highest hill, you will find the Monasterio de Tarlac where monks are guarding a relic of the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is the only Shrine of its kind in Asia.

The arqueta containing the Relic of the Holy Cross

My Refrigerator Door

2011-03-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

Once in a while, you come across a book or a film that really hits you to the core and changes how you look at life forever. When I was a child, my aunt brought me downtown to watch Oliver. I became an Anglophile ever since. In high school, I finished the Judith Krantz novel- Scruples overnight and decided from then on that I'll be fashion designer.

A few days ago, before a weekend trip, I chanced upon a bright pink-colored book entitled Life On The Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers. I brought it for the one hour flight knowing I could finish the book in thirty minutes. Told entirely in a series of notes left on the kitchen fridge-it is the story of nine months in the life of 15-year-old Claire and her single mother. Preoccupied with their busy separate lives, rarely in the same room at the same time, they talk to each other in a series of short snippets that reflect the daily drama of school, boyfriends, work and chores that make up their days. Yet the mundane soon becomes extraordinary when a crisis overtakes their lives- a momentous change that will redefine their relationship and unfold in their exchanges on the refrigerator door. Indeed, it was my kind of read. I could already taste my tears as the captain was announcing our final descent.

Often, I'm reminded that life is short but this little pink book has made me realize even more how precious each happy moment is. It has inspired me to finally start my own blog where I can share little notes and photos of my wonderful life journey.

I hope to inspire as well.