SO FEELIN' BLU

After a week of no-blogging, I am soooo back in Manila, and soooo friggin' back in front of my computer! During those days while we were away and working like forever, looking forward to even a single holiday in the bustling Cebu City was left to wishful thinking. Our minds and bodies were solely dedicated in preparation of the grand media launch of SM ACCESSORIES in the eponymous Queen City of the South (that I hardly had the time to even compose a single entry - sigh!).

For those in the know, I have already featured a blog article about the successful event held by SM ACCESSORIES at the One Esplanade in Pasay City last June. Still having the ecstatic feeling even months after, SM ACCESSORIES aimed at Cebu this time in more invasive fashion, aggressively promoting itself as the best one-stop accessory brand - whether you're in the north, in the center or in the south.

With much pride, our MGP team once again headed the styling of all the models, with my partner George Palmiano doing dual roles as the show director while styling for the girls at the same time.

This big event was held recently at the posh RADISSON BLU HOTEL's Nina Ballrooms 1 & 2 last Friday (Sept. 16, 2011) with attendance from Cebu's who's who. Tagged as Cebu's best business hotel, Radisson Blu is situated just across SM City Cebu, and is owned by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, and managed by Carlson Hotels. Where else should SM ACCESSORIES have their launch, but in another SM-owned property, right?

STANDING TALL. The facade of Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu shown here (where SM Accessories held its media launch recently), as it towers along the Reclamation Area of Cebu.

Let me tweak myself a bit - I was very amazed with this hotel's unbelievable interior and exterior designs - it's not your typical SM architecture! RADISSON BLU HOTEL CEBU features a strong use of local, natural elements such as woodwork carvings, weavings and pearls. All 400-rooms are equipped with 37-inch flat screen televisions and iPod docking stations. Hotel guests are provided with complimentary high-speed Internet access available throughout all public areas and guest rooms.

CENTER OF ATTRACTION. The hotel lobby welcomes guests with a center table full of fresh white flowers and cut green shrubs.

GRAND SHOWCASE. Make an alluring presence while you walk up or down this awesome stairway of Radisson Blu Hotel.

GREAT WALL. Chill out and unwind in this bar located at the lobby. Take notice of the high ceiling and the artsy wall design - truly breathtaking!

FULL CIRCLES. For dining, the hotel’s main restaurant FERIA serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets featuring Asian, Japanese, Mediterranean, cold seafood, and dessert sections, set in a contemporary, interactive style food market.

BRIDGE THE GAP. Guests seeking for fun and recreation under the sun can swim by the 800-meter free-form swimming pool while they get cozy with cocktails and an assortment of local and international cuisine at THE POOL restaurant.  

ANGULAR PERSPECTIVE. Can't help but notice this modern textured walls with cascading water leading to the Nina Ballrooms.

HARD ROCK. Outdoor highlight at The Radisson Blu Hotel with plants, grass floor and man-made rock formation.

Moving on with the SM ACCESSORIES event, I would like to share some behind-the-scene snapshots while I had the time to do it before the show begun. Piles of necklaces and cuffs, assorted jewelries and other tons of accessories, model rehearsals & preparations, stolen moments, candid shots, backstage pass - name it, this what we call grace under pressure!

WONDERWALL. Model Lineup with pictures and how-to instructions - kinarir!

ROCK ESSENTIALS. An assortment of rockstar accessories for men.

PEARL OF THE ORIENT. Pearl and gold jewelries for the grown-up women.

CHILD'S PLAY. These kiddie accessories are so cute.

PLAY BY EAR. Earrings in different designs, colors and sizes.

ARMED STRUGGLE. Bangles and cuffs for the armed and dangerous.

HANG MAN. These clothes for men are ready for action.

MAKING UP. The hair and makeup room goes crazy.

CRY BABY. We soooo love this cute little girl named Summer.

KODAK MOMENT. Our helpers gang it up backstage - led by our Gracie & Adfolio's Tenten.

FACE-OFF. Adfolio's Joyce Bendana vs. our style assistant Sheila Danipog battle it out for the best headdress wearer with the more kaartehan factor.

MODEL PLATOON. Models rehearse their opening segment while being choreographed by production manager Sylvia.

APPLE OF THE EYE. Hello Gino according to your backstage dressers, fans and assistants! :-)

DIRECTOR'S CUE. Director/stylist/my partner George Palmiano in action.

THREE'S A COMPANY. SM Accessories display officers Rocky and Paolo with Adfolio's head honcho Lora Gabuna-Antenor while watching the rehearsals.

DOUBLE TROUBLE. SM Accessories Marketing Officer Diane Aquinde and PR consultant Ryan Calmante in busy-busyhan mode.

RAINMAKERS. Models with umbrellas during the final stages of rehearsals.

GET THE LOOK. Fierce runway makeup by Cebu-based MUA Romero & his team.

GEEK ATTACK. Nice to know that this Cebu-based male model named Miguel happened to be the brother of our very good friend and emerging young fashion designer, Jian Lasala.

CATWOMAN. This young Cebuana named Naomie is a deadringer for Manila's model of the moment, Pauline Prieto.

BLACK & FABULOUS. Dark model Apreal is the show's commander-in-chief, and our answer to Ms. Angola who was recently crowned as the new Ms. Universe.

Please watch out for my next blog entry about the actual event that happened at Radisson Blu Hotel. See how SM Accessories launched its best arsenals and conquered the hearts of fashionable Cebuanos.