JANUARY 2011 COVER OF THE MONTH: A Fierce Melai Cantiveros for Mega Magazine

How we love great transformations!

MEGA Magazine starts the new year right with a metamorphosed MELAI CANTIVEROS donning fur and animal print for its January 2011 cover. It was a delight to see the comedienne, who was a Pinoy Big Brother grand winner last year, looking meow-wow and high-fasyon. Kudos to our friend Bobby Carlos who did the makeup of Melai, and as Geo told me, she channeled foreign supermodel Chanel Iman!

Photography: Xander Angeles (Edge of Light)
Art Direction: Suki Salvador
Styling: Teej Nepomuceno
Makeup: Bobby Carlos
Hair: Bren Sales


On the other hand, I cannot let this pass by without mentioning PREVIEW Magazine's equally interesting cover with fashion editor and stylist to celebrities, LIZ UY. One of the few style mavens I look up to, Liz steps from the background and poses in front of the lens in a multi-patterned robe dress (by Marlon Rivera), looking like a model herself in this issue.

Photography: Marc Nicdao
Makeup: Gela laurel-Stehmeier
Hair: Raymond Santiago

A NEW BEGINNING

I know, all the fireworks have gone kaboom already. The chill-to-the-bone weather and the post-holiday syndrome made me feeling lazy that it took me days to gather enough inspiration and urge to write again. Nevertheless, I deserve the rest after all the hardwork for 2010.

And what spectacular year it was! George and I are so inspeakably blessed that we don't know how to thank God for everything. It was certainly a year full of growth, achievements and success. For a duo trying to make their mark in the fashion industry, MGP is more humbly attuned to doing very good visuals, producing effective campaigns, satisfying clients and making the styling work. Although I would have love to buy my first LV now, I thank God we have projects - for at the end of the day, more to flashing expensive labels or signature brands to create sudden statement, it's the effort and output that matter most!

Thanks to all those people who have been part of this blessed year. Thanks to our clients who have trusted their brands to us. Thanks to the editors, MUAs, hairstylists, photographers we've worked with in coming up with kabugan editorials. Thanks to our friends for always being there, as well as new people who have become dear to us. Thanks Geo for having stood by me. Thanks to my family - my ultimate source of inspiration!

With the new year already here, I wish everybody good health, success, peace and prosperity (sounds like a pageant line). Seriously, hurray to 2011 and let's all pray for another fabulous year! Bawal ang mga nega-star!

Noche Buena: We'll miss Cate again!

Santa Geo and I while giving away Xmas gifts :-)

Oh my, kawawang piglet!

Our lovely Xmas tree! (Photo courtesy of Ryan Mach)

New Year's Eve: My beloved family together with Steffi (Golden Retriever) and our newest addition, Vivienne (Toy Poodle)

My sister Bea and her torotot!

Me and my tiny lucis!

Sabugan na!

My pamangkin Kenneth makes his presence heard (photo courtesy of Ryan Mach)

My mom signals prosperity in bright red on a bed of hundred peso bills

Prosperity candles - someone took away the purple one. Grrrrr!!! (photo from Ryan Mach)

A kiat-kiat lies on the floor for wealth and abundance (photo from Ryan Mach)

One of the many reasons for being overweight! (photo from Ryan Mach)

Jump for joy: My Tita Lyn, Bea and Kenneth

A reason to celebrate: Jan. 1 reunion @ Cavite

NO EXCESS BAGGAGE FOR PARISIAN SHOES & BAGS

It's all about making a strong statement afterall...

We've witnessed the successful fashion facelift and relaunch of the PARISIAN shoe line the seasons past, as females went all agog with sexier, trendier and meaner footwear that can walk the ramp on to the streets. 

And since SM Department Store has it all for you, now comes a collection of bags to match your lovely shoes.  As you mingle your way to merriment this Yuletide season, let other girls look at you in envy as you flash your killer heels that go perfectly well with your no-ordinary PARISIAN bag.

Check out PARISIAN Shoes and Bags in all SM Department Stores nationwide.

Meg Bag, available in Nude, Black, Red and White.

Drew bag, available in Black, Taupe and Wine Red; Madge shoes, availabe in Brown and Black.

Yasmeen clutch, available in Black, pink and Champagne; Kristen pumps available in black, wine red and gold. 



Photography: Pat Dy
Styling: Luis Espiritu
Makeup: Bobby Carlos

DOING THE RIGHT MOVE

If most people are prejudged from head to foot at first glance, allow WADE to show the steps to stand out rightfully – and fashionably – this season.

And that will require heels tall enough to create a lasting impression! In a galaxy of parties and seemingly endless Yuletide frenzy, WADE encourages women to rock their frocks with strappy metallics, studded platforms or ultra-glossy pumps as soon as the stars are out. Or better yet, unleash your wild side and amplified sexuality with feline-printed shoes for added meow factor. Finish off with piled-on chain belts, a bombardment of assorted bangles, a patent clutch, a growling stare, and so much more!

On Luda: Black high gloss pumps with warmers (P1499.99); Black patent clutch (P899.00); Metallic chrome slim belts (P299.00 each); Assorted bangles (P299.00 per set).

On Luda: Snow leopard-spotted pumps (1299.00); Assorted bangles (P299.00 per set); Black handbag with snakeskin print (P899.00); Chain belt with leopard-printed trim (P169.00).

On Luda: Metallic silver sandals (P1099.00); Mustard yellow bag (P999.00); Assorted bangles (P299.00 per set); Slim belts (P199.00 each).

As the revelry continues, WADE’s collection for men cannot be outdone. Get in to the groove with streamlined, part-sporty, part-utilitarian high-cut sneakers (in suede, matte rubber or shiny synthetics) that up dynamic sex appeal when you hit the dance floor. Or do it extra cool ala Coco Martin (the brand’s current endorser), whose footwear choices include sleek flats and casual laced-up sneakers that vary from checkered, metallic-trimmed, polished patent, anything from black, gray to midnight blue – then party on!

On Coco: Gray high-cut rubber sneakers (P2099.00)

 On Coco: Black patent sneakers with silver trim (P1899.00); Black bag (799.00)

 On Coco: Black polished high-cut sneakers (P2099.00); Black bag (P799.00).

On Coco: Dark blue patent hip shoes (P1799.00); On Luda: Leopard-printed pumps (P1299.00); Assorted bangles (P299.00 per set); Chain belt with leopard-printed trim (P169.00).

On Coco: Gray high-cut sneakers with ribbed opening (P2099.00); On Luda: Black and gold X-strapped heels (P1099.00); Bangles (P899.00per set); Belts (P199.00 each).
 

On Coco: Black suede high-cut sneakers (2099.00); On Luda: White studded platforms with wooden heels (1099.00); Lace shoulder bag (P899.00); White slim belts (P169.00each); Assorted bangles (P299.00per set).


To view WADE’s holiday collection, visit the stores at Trinoma, Marquee Mall Pampanga, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center Cebu, Market! Market!, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, The Block SM North EDSA, SM City Manila, SM City Cebu, SM City Clark, Robinsons Place Manila, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Metroeast, Eastwood Mall, The Shops Greenhills Shopping Center, Cash & Carry Mall Makati, Robinsons Department Store Manila, and The Landmark Trinoma. Also check out their website at http://www.wade.com.ph/.


Photography: Ken Go
Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Hair & Makeup: Archie Tolentino (Maybelline)
Models: Coco Martin & Luda Nikitina (Visage)

DECEMBER 2010 COVER OF THE MONTH: Amanda Griffin Strikes for more for Rogue Magazine

ROGUE Magazine definitely knows what December is all about - it's the season to be merry!

Bringing joy to the hearts of men, super-hot AMANDA GRIFFIN (model and former VJ) poses the second time for ROGUE for a tickling Yuletide cheer. While we envelop ourselves in the cold, chilly holiday weather, Amanda flaunts her good stuff and shows that she still has everything to sizzle and blaze on the cover, and leave men chanting gloria in exelcis deo for more.

Photography: Marc Nicdao

Styling: LA Consing-Lopez



WHEN VALENTINA GOES TO THE OPERA

MARGE ABAS, up and coming accessory designer, and her lucky stars read: her line ESTRELLAS MANILA will definitely shine.

As soon as the stars are out, dazzle a la red carpet drama with her slitherin' Valentina clutch collection. Drift away into the beauty of this wide array of arm candies handcrafted in a variety of authentic snakeskin leather in Fall colors. Skins, beads, stones, charms and sparkles are perfect templates for an evening accessory that leave others hissing in envy.

Glorianna - Brown snakeskin sequined clutch accentuated by charms & assorted beads/stones

Evania - Red snakeskin clutch accentuated by vintage gold firefly charms and assorted glass/stone beads

Mackenzie - Silver snakeskin oversized clutch accentuated with a silver dragon art deco

Roxanne - Gold clutch accentuated by vintage gold firefly charms and assorted glass/stone beads

Callie - Silver clutch accentuated by assorted beads/stones and art deco

Natalia - Grey snakeskin medium clutch accentuated with a silver art deco and detachable strap

 
Of course, the drama and spectacle wouldn't be complete without Marge's elegant neckpiece designs. Spark up the dark, cold winter nights with a cosmic explosion of stellar-glam jewelries. For Estrellas Manila, the bigger the impact, the better!
 
 

Bela - 23" beautiful blend of intertwining woven vintage gold chains with flower accents and yellow jade drop pendant.

Shillem - Layered body chain accentuated by a gun metal skeletal chain mail.

Serah - 43" Multifunctional braided chain choker neckpiece in vintage gold and black accentuated by ribbed agate stones and layered chains.

Tola - 27" Cork necklace accentuated by a vintage gold spring hinge and studs

Levi - 27" Intertwined chain neckpiece with faux pearls, glass beads/stones, silver filigree spacers accentuated by a ribbon art deco.

Shadrach - 19" Chrysocolla stone bib chain neckpiece.

Misha-el - One sided layered vintage gold chain neckpiece with studs.


For inquiries, contact Marge Abas at 0916-5731583 or search Estrellas Manila at Facebook.

PASKO IN THE CITY

We know it's coming - or haven't you felt it?

In a season of silver bells, jingle bells, tinkerbells and all other bells, Holiday 2010 seems lackluster. Hard times obviously took its toll as most people have no budgey to put a helluvah show. Not much lanterns on the streets... Less spectacular twinkling light displays... The Christmas trees and other decors are no longer selling... Who took away the stardust... my glamorous, bongga Yuletide spirit?

Nevertheless, there's no stopping to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year! As I went around Metro Manila, these familiar places put the groove back to my bewildered Christmas moment - and it seems like becoming a child all over again!

What a bright time, it's the right time... - We all know it's a yearly thing, but Ayala Ave. never fails to impress! This time, the color theme is white and gold - very sushal! Steady white rice bulbs covers the shrubs along the road with hanging cylindrical rods that animate with moving lights that seem to drip downward. Commuters, passersby, drivers and everybody on the go are hooked - nevermind the horrendous traffic in Makati!

Oh Christmas Tree! - A striking pink-lighted tree (that looks like cherry blossoms in winter) and snowy, butterfly-winged ballerina figures welcome shoppers upon entry at Greenbelt mall. If only I could take those home!

Best in show - Pure class! Rustan's Makati is such an attraction with its vivid Cirque-themed Christmas window display. Every window was well-thought of! Pang-rich talaga!

Carnival feat - Another wow window by Rustan's Makati. Carousel + reindeers + gifts = I wanna ride the sleigh with Santa Claus tonight!

Again and again! - I went to Makati the following day and can't get enought of taking pictures! Anuvah!!!

Toys R Us - Greenhills Shopping Center cannot be ignored with their North-Pole-kind-of-toy-factory-in-Santa-land concept. Too bad I didn't get to see it at night when I am sure it looks more candy-spectacular.

Up and Away - Dreams are surely made of these... If we all can fly and dance in the sky... at least in Trinoma's dreamland...


These are surely austere times. But every corner, every sign tell that Christmas is almost here! So long as family and loved ones are there, and dear friends to celebrate with (in my case, so long as there is ham and queso de bola on noche buena, hehehe), let's all be merry and thankful, and hope that next year will be better. So smile Pinoy, kahit bungi!