My Refrigerator Door

It was my first time to see Albay, I was invited to be one of the judges for Daragang Magayon (beautiful lady), a summer festival named after the heroine of the legend of Mount Mayon. The celebration culminates with the coronation of the fairest maidens of Bicol. As soon as I arrived at the capital city Legazpi, I was brought to the hotel with co-judges Maggie Wilson and Benjoe Leoncio to have lunch and meet the candidates of Daragang Magayon. I was also tasked to choose the best design for Philippine Terno worn by the ladies, which will be awarded to the respective designer at the pageant. We had a very warm reception at the astrodome filled with beauty enthusiasts. They take their beauty pageants seriously and why not? A great number of beauty title holders, both international and local have come from Bicol, the Venezuela of the Philippines as they proudly claim. Clockwise: The pageant opening number, backstage with Maggie Wilson , Megan Young and Gretchen Full...

I was invited to represent the Philippines at the recent Stylo Mercedes Benz Asia Fashion Week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was held at the new, hip hotel Aloft  right at the heart of KL Sentral. The Aloft lobby. Lobby is a delight for us who can't live without internet. Wifi had the speed of lightning anywhere. Lobby walls. Mini 'Mini Coopers'. The bedroom was spacious enough to be my atelier for three days. Simple and clean. I was always looking forward to breakfast at 'Nook'. The breakfast buffet. Power breakfast. Pool with a view of the city on the top floor. I was very happy with the very warm reception of my Asian counterparts and their high esteem for Filipino design and music. I was truly proud to be Filipino. My pearl encrusted coat dress at the Stylo exhibit. My Barong and Tuxedo inspired collection.