Manila Wears A Smile

We called it Manila Night. To celebrate our new optimism and renewed patriotism, twenty Filipino designers presented fashion accessories and resort wear at the SMDC showroom in the Mall of Asia complex by the bay. Gino Gonzales transformed the humongous place into to a modern tropical rainforest with a huge block of tropical foliage as centerpiece. A band played festive music as models moved from one platform to another. Waiters went around with trays of wine and Manila Mojito. Cebu lechon, roast beef and Tinola rice by Chef Laudico was hard to resist even for many of those denizens maintaining size zeros.

Manila Wear is a baby in the world's fashion stage, one born of love and promise. And like a baby, it brings a smile at first sight.

The SMDC showroom was given a tropical forest feel by Gino Gonzales.

Five lamp-like installations were used as settings for the fashion tableaux.

My collection of citrus colored Cotton Abaca from Catanduanes.

Jojie Lloren's cool palette of Pina Silk from Aklan.

Inno Sotto's Mindanao silk mixed with French lace.

Cesar Gaupo's Pina and chiffon resort line.

Beautiful table setting for the fashion accessories.

Necklace by Gerry Sunga.

'Fairy wings' earrings by Patrice Ramos-Diaz.

Shoe designer Maco Custodio.

Mons Romulo and Patrice Diaz.

Kenneth Cobonpue and Josie Natori.

Vic Barba, Tonichi Nocom and James Reyes.

Jay Khan and Randy Ortiz.

Tonichi Nocom, Mike de la Rosa, Rusty Lopez and Royal Pineda.

Ageless Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales.

Model Ralph Joseph.

Michelle Tomacruz and Len Lopez.

Always a joy to see, James Reyes.

Jia Estrella and I enjoying the white wine.

Michelle Tomacruz and I enjoying more white wine.

And more for Jojie Lloren, Inno Sotto, Gia Estrella, Dennis Lustico, Michelle Tomacruz and me.

Fashion Family!

Bong & Lumen Teves, moi, John Cuenco, Eve Maduma, Dinny Lazo and Dayang Teves.

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