THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES

Lifestyle columnist, art patron and accessory designer JUNJUN ABLAZA truly knows how to throw a party in blazing style. He celebrated his birthday last October 24 with a headlining social event-cum-exhibit at The Manila Polo Club attended by Manila's elite, fashion denizens and art lovers.

Junjun's red-themed birthday party was highlighted with a photo exbihit that showcased his creations with Japanese and tribal-inspired artwear & artcessories that ranged from kimonos, obi wraps, feather capes, fur shrugs, chunky necklaces, spectacular headdresses, and other fabulous excesses that make these pieces all together an art form.

"The Emperor's New Clothes" gathered a multitude of visionary photographers and stylists that collaborated in different teams to produce unparalled, almost bizaare images with Ablaza's pieces interpreted in conceptual Japanese style - that included Raizel Dy x Louie Parinas; Ryuji Shiomitsu x Rxandy Capinpin; Jhay Layson x Arvin Cruz; Roko Arceo x Filbert Kung; Mike de Guzman + George Palmiano x Bethoven Filomeno; Rolee Umali x Mark Jacob; Edrick Paz x Sylvester Sy; Louis Gonzalez + John Damagan x Mark Ryan Alvarez; Rob Lim x Ram Mendoza + Arojo Santos; L.A. Feriols x Wesley Villarica; Mica Santos x Alvin John Adriano; Angelo de Cartagena x Christine Day Lorico; Argie Salango x Glenn Peter Perez; Michael Russell Lo Reyes x Michael Franks; Gio Gahol x Jav Velasco.

Unfortunately, my partner Geo and I were not able to personally greet Junjun and attend the event (due to prior work commitments), and lament the fact that we weren't able to see (in flesh) the actual images we worked hard for in larger-than-life print. Good thing though, our photographer Bethoven was there, and hearing from him that there were people who liked our exhibit entries was truly heartwarming enough.

Now, let me share with you all the end products of our labor, and hope you guys like these. We are genuinely proud of these images that may seem a bit controversial - and controversial is quite good. Since our team has limited resources, and wanted to deviate from the pack & create a bit of shock factor, we transformed our game male models into transgendered Japanese dowagers & Mongolian divas. We are thankful to everybody in the team - definitely an awesome job for all!

SNOW MOUNTAIN QUEEN. Model Adriel as a mystical snow goddess. Doesn't he look like actess Daryl Hannah here?

THE ART OF SEDUCTION. Model Jayjay looking like a Yakuza mistress with her tattoed man.

BARBARELLAS. Models Adriel & Jayjay as Mongolian warrior queens.

GENGHIS DIVAS. Another option layout.

Photography: Bethoven Filomeno

Art Direction, Styling & Post-production: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)

Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog & Darrell Justin Bautista

Hair & Makeup: Paul Refol

Models: Adriel Berwaldt & Jay Jackson (Elite Manila)

 

On the other hand, here are some fascinating visuals from several other teams:

Some exhibit sidelights...

The entralling exbihit hall.

 Photographer Betong poses with pride alongside one of our works.

 The celebrant and man of the hour, Junjun Ablaza, with one of our entries.

Congrats Junjun Ablaza and thanks again for inviting us to collaborate for this out-of-the-ordinary project that envisions fashion and art on a daring, upbeat scale.

Check out Ablaza Artwear & Artcessories at Ablaze, G/L Market Market Mall.



 

CHANGE THE GAME

It has been months since the 22nd PHILIPPINE AD CONGRESS, and this is the only time I am blogging about our (meaning, me and my partner George Palmiano) first ever CAMSUR experience. After a successful showing at the most recent Philippine Fashion Week, SM MEN'S FASHION (with co-sponsor SM MEN'S SHOES) brought the whole styling team to Southern Luzon to participate and make a good, fashionable impression during the well-attended AD CONGRESS last November 2011.

As everyone would know, it is never easy to put up a fashion show, much more in a distant province. As soon as we reached CAMSUR, everybody started working painstakingly with sweat dripping because of the terribly hot, humid weather - and that included carrying heavy boxes of clothes, shoes, racks and hangers, steaming and organizing everything. But no matter how hard the work seemed, it felt more like bonding with friends on an out-of-town trip because of the magnificent team spearheaded by Mader A. Marie V. Pascual (of MCG), and Ayen Florendo (of MFMC). Or better yet, it was like one, big, happy family making a fashionable adventure in the Bicol region (with lots of tall, handsome male models that you could rub elbows with all the time :-) ).

"CHANGE THE GAME" was the theme of the event, and SM MEN'S FASHION stepped up gamely with a segment fashion show that George directed, with styling by Mader Luis Espiritu (for Menswear) and moi (for Boys Teens). Here are some behind-the-scene tidbits that I wanted to share with you all - demonstrating that work definitely feels best when you're with an awesome group of people who share the same love and passion for fashion!

BIRTHDAY BOY. Model hottie Hideo Muraoka with his cute birthday cake the morning we arrived at CamSur.

THE VENUE. Brochures by SM Men's Fashion were lined on top of the chairs.

BUSY BUZZ. This was how it looked backstage while everybody was in full action mode.

DIRECTED BY. Fashion show director George Palmiano while working on his runway music.

BOYISH CHARM. Robson Guaragni of IM Models is such a cutie!

WATCHA LOOKIN' AT? Model Drew Rivera in candid moment with Revo Naval of MFMC in the background. 

THE WHO? Pedro M., izdatchu?

COUCH BEAUTIES. Makeup artist Bobby Carlos with hairstylist Jaime Sy.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Direk George Palmiano during the rehearsal with models Nat Kiefer, Hideo Muraoka and Zaydan Timpani.

MODEL BEHAVIOR. This picture proves that when big boys are together, expect them to bring the house down.

WORK IT! Model Hamed del Toro shows 'em how to walk.

SHADED APPEAL. Model Robbie Becroft in his version of cool.

MOVE TO THE GROOVE. Model Pedro Mologni wanted to show his moves like Jagger.

STAGE MOTHER. Welavshu Mader Marie Pascual (MCG)!

HAGGARDLY YOURS. Pagbigyan niyo na siya to take centerstage pleaseee!!!

KODAK MOMENT. Hideo Muraoka with Ricci del Rosario of SM Men's Shoes.

MAXIMUM FACTOR. Bobby Carlos while prepping up Drew Rivera.

PROUD CITIZEN. Model Zaydan Timpani is sexy and he knows it.

STYLE POWER. Supermodel/photographer Jo Ann Bitagcol (in SM Men's Fashion) with stylemaster Luis Espiritu.

BLUES CLUES. Nat Kiefer must be feeling blue.

HELPING HAND. Me and our assistant Ate Rossie while styling model Jhony just before the show.

BACK TO BACK TO BACK. Reg Rodriguez with MGP styling assistants Neri & Sheila are also having their behind-the-scene moments.

WELL SUITED. SM Boys Teens models Hamed del Toro (left) and Robbie Becroft (right) with Menswear Pedro Mologni (center) are all ready for action.

MUY GUAPO! Menswear models Drew Rivera, Zaydan Timpani & Hideo Muraoka with Boys Teens models Robson Guaragni & Jhony Monhol are all beaming at backstage.

PRICELESS MOMENT. SM Men's Fashion's queenbee, Ayen Florendo, is surrounded by all things beautiful.

FULL FASHION FORCE. Male models pose with event hosts Tim Yap and Tessa Prieto-Valdez.

GET SPORTY. These hotties went on wakeboarding after the show.

TOGETHER AGAIN. Ayen Florendo bumps with TV personality, sports buff and former SM Men's Fashion endorser, Marc Nelson.

Well, too bad we didn't get to explore CAMSUR that much. Nevertheless, Geo and I hope that we could come back and have some fun! Definitely, more adventures next time!




NOTE: All pictures by Ayen Florendo

RIZAL REMEMBERED

Last Friday, we had a dose of superhero adventure as our blood turned green when we saw Green Lantern in 3D at the Glorietta Cinema. My partner Geo's sister, Ghing, told me after the movie that Monday (today) would be a holiday, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of our National Hero, JOSE RIZAL. Suddenly, I was in a moment tackling the love for country and fellowmen - it's hero time!

Just like Rizal, Geo and Ghing hail from Calamba, Laguna (his birthplace). Yesterday was the actual birthday (June 19, 1861) of our patriotic hero, and a parade was done in Calamba to honor him, even if it rained cats and dogs.

Fashionably speaking, TEAM MANILA LIFESTYLE also goes back to the pages of Philippine history as it pays tribute to Jose Rizal with a new graphic tee collection that will make every Filipino proud. Be it for his wit, his intellect and his love for God and country, Rizal has remained an important historical and cultural icon among Filipinos of today.

For TeamManila, nationalism through graphic art is no easy field to tread on. It entails the responsibility of communicating a traditional message to a modern and often, skeptical audience. They are also celebrating its 10th anniversary as one of the most influential graphic design studios in the country. To commemorate the man's undeniable influence and legacy, TeamManila is holding an exhibit called "Balik sa Bayan Box: Travels of Rizal" at the Ayala Museum in Makati City on June 24, 2011.

Check out TeamManila Lifestyle Stores (Rockwell, TriNoma and SM Mall of Asia). For question or inquiries, kindly e-mail us at info@teammanila.com or through our website at http://www.teammanilalifestyle.com/shop/contact.php.

HE'S THE MAN. Rizal gets modernized for the youth of today.

I NEED A HERO. From history books to graphic tees, Rizal lives on!

PAST TO PRESENT. Pay homage to our national hero with this commemorative shirt.

THAT'S OUR RIZAL! The hero's short biography on shirt - from the list of Rizal monuments worldwide, to his ladies and to his never-ending list of professions.

NATIONAL ICON. Spread the love for country, spread the info about Rizal.

 NOTE: All pictures from www.teammanilalifestyle.com

FROM RUNWAY AND BEYOND

Gay Pride is no longer the most-attended homosexual event in the country. The just-concluded PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK provided a 7-day fiesta for all the gays, discreet or loud, short or tall, pretty or handsome, sexy or macho, or whatever in between.

But PFW is not just that. It's for everybody, girl or boy or something, who loves fashion, and for those who support our local design industry. For others, there's joy in getting all dressed up, see a runway show, and simply marvel at the creativity brought to us by different designers, as well as local brands. Others just go there tour de force with their best outfits or outrageous hair & makeup, in the hope that their pictures were taken just because of their you know, latest garbs.

Whatever these people's motives are, it's the diversity of style that makes the series of events one of the most celebrated in local fashion. I am glad that I was able to become a part of it, attend some shows of dear designer friends, and experience all the stylish things that went on.

With memories still intact, let me share my personal PFW accounts (backstage, sidelines, front, etc. at SM show) caught in pictures, from runway and beyond. Call it memoirs of a gay-sha!

THE WORLD IS A STAGE. The runway being prepped for SM Department Store's fashion show.

HANGMAN. Kuya, please be careful!

MEN'S CORNER. A look at SM Menswear's PFW statement.

THE COLLECTIVE. Clothes were lined-up and prepared for each model.

LET'S ACCESSORIZE. Shoes, socks caps and others laid on the floor.

FRONT ROW. VIP Treatment for the media.

MAKE ME UP! Maybelline's and L'Oreal's beauty station.

ENUMERATE. Final Listing of Models

TASK FORCE MGP. Each of us got a specific model assignment.

WORK! WORK! WORK! The kiddies of Mader Luis Espiritu in busy mode.

WAITING TO EXHALE. Sheila and Maan in busy-busyhan mode.

CHAOS AT THE MAKEUP ROOM. The L'Oreal team backstage.

HERE THEY COME. The male models have arrived.

QUEEN BEE. The boys must love Ayen Florendo of SM Menswear. Sorry Geo, you're just too heavy! :-)

BOY NEXT DOOR. We heart menswear model Nathaniel Kiefer!

SIGHT SEEING. These girls (Jesh, Mikka and Joanne) are sooo loving their work.

HAIR APPARENT. Me feeling hairstylist to Boys teens model Kyle Junior.

IKAW NA! Associate stylist Rudolph Leonor with menswear model Lance.

GAME BOY. Boys Teens model Don Luis must be ready for action.

KODAK MOMENT. Cutie model Duanne with the dependable Ate Rossie.

THE LIVING DEAD. Model Kyle Junior tries to goof around while wrinkling his clothes - not funny!

LA GRETA MIA! Mama Gretch and Ate dresser.

HIDDEN AGENDA. Our styling assistant Sheila fixing Boys teens model Marc Seifert's pants.

FIDELISSIMA. Associate stylist Reg Rodriguez (in hot pink) showing loyalty to the department store with a plastic bag by SM, while young designer Noelle Llave (in red) looks on.

ALL DRESSED UP. Our models lineup for the ultimate show.

P-POP. Model Brian Wilson looking cutie while wearing one of the colorful looks we created.

CHECK! Model Charlie S. is on our checklist.

THE VARSITARIAN. This particular look is one of my faves, in the same manner as model Robbie.

RED-HOT. Our Boys teens models walk the curtain call.

LIGHTS CAMERA! Photographers and press people in full swing.

BACKSTAGE SUPPORT. Thanks Wil O. of Boys Teens Wear!

SHOEHOLICS. Rina Lacia-Bugayong of SM-LTBG, Mau de Leon of Mercator & Lora Gabuna-Antenor of Adfolio pose beside a display of beautiful Parisian shoes.

GRAYS & STRIPES. Geo with our friends from Shapes, as well as cutiesome twosome bloggers/stylists Shai Lagarde & Seph Cham.

THE GENTLEMEN. Photographers Arnel Murillo and dashing Frank Hoefsmit.

I-M WHAT I-M. Sexy Clyde Rivera and sexier May Flores of IM Models.

MANA PO. Gorgeous foreign model Fatima Rabago with her pretty model-in-the-making, Dan-da.

CUTIE ALERT! Model Sameer of IM Models looks hot!

WE R FAMILY. Team Menswear during post-fashion show (L-R: Kyle, Mama Yeng, Geo, Renan, Hideo, Mader Ayen, Reg, Alex, Mikka, Rudolph, Donna, Noelle and moi).

FRESH TALENTS. Associate stylists Mikka Velasquez, Noelle llave, Rudoplh Leonor and Donna Gonzales-Lim for menswear segment with Emmanuel Natola of Boys Teens marketing in the background. Where's Reg?

THE BEST TEAM EVER. MGP thanks our dependable girls: Sheila Danipog, Abbie Bulaong, Joanne Rinos, Maan, Grace Tan-Boyles, Ate Rossie and Jesh.

MGP STYLE. Thanks for the partnership - from runway and beyond!

NOTE: Some photos from Reg Rodriguez, Grace Tan-Boyles, Joshua Mark and iamrhandzome.