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

June 2011 Covers of the Month: Retro PREVIEW, Vintage PEOPLE ASIA & Red-hot MEGA

The month of June marks the students' comeback to academics. How fitting, we're also seeing PREVIEW Magazine doing a return - not to school - but to temptation.

The remake of Joey Gosiengfiao's hit 70's movie, TEMPTATION ISLAND, is making enough fashionable noise as the female leads of the movie highlight the cover of PREVIEW this month as print-savvy disco divas. Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heusaff and Lovi Poe battle it all out for the 16th anniversary issue of the said magazine, clad head-to-toe in retro-inspired Marc Jacob's Spring/Summer 2011 collection matched with oversized floral head pieces. So who makes the best temptress, the most enigmatic bitch? Your guess may not be as good as mine.

Photography: Jeanne Young; Styling: Liz Uy and Darryl Chang; Art Direction: Vince Uy; Solenn’s Makeup: Jigs Mayuga, Hair: Vianney Guese; Heart’s Makeup: Albert Kurniawan, Hair: Vianney Guese; Lovi and Marian’s Makeup: Jake Galvez, Hair: Buern Rodriguez.

On the other hand, PEOPLE ASIA is also doing a classy revival with its MEN WHO MATTER 2011 issue, with sensational action star Robin Padilla on the forefront. The chosen men, who are making strong, fabulous statements in their respective fields (e.g. rock legend Pepe Smith, singer Jed Madela, top photographer Marc Nicdao, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, Rustan's Donnie Tantoco, etc.) were styled a la 50's mad men. In this issue, Geo and I were invited to style for most of them. Thanks People Asia!

Photography by Jun De Leon; Art Direction by Tatum Ancheta; Styling by Francis Libiran; Grooming by Jing Monis;  Assisted by Malou De Guzman.

Third place goes to MEGA Magazine with its streakin' red PINOY PRIDE issue, featuring the celebrated Supermodel of the World troika of Charo Ronquillo (2nd Runnerup 2006), Charlene Almarvez (1st Runnerup 2010) and Danica Magpantay (Winner 2011) - all stunning Pinays, of course. Aren't we glad to see them in our local cover, then also soar on the runways internationally?

Photography Seven Barretto; Styling Angela Alarcon; Art Direction Suki Salvador and Mica Santos; Makeup Owen Sarmiento and Pong Niu of MAC; Hair Jay Wee.

BO DEREK

Geez, is she still alive? I am sorry for asking! Instantly and for sure, the title of this blog article reminds you of Hollywood's Bo Derek from the 70's to 80's circa whose sexy body capulted her to a sex symbol. Unfortunately, this new entry isn't about her. This story focuses on another body beautiful - a perfect 10 - we soooo heart DEREK RAMSAY!

The hunky actor/celebrity/model flexes his muscles again, and adds another endorsement to his belt, this time being the face and body of BO ATHLETICS. It's a perfect fit for the new athletic brand of the immensely growing, fortified SM MEN'S FASHION, with Derek, as we all know, is a diehard sports enthusiast (he dabbles in frisby sports and regularly worksout in the gym).

BO ATHLETICS offers quality, high performance apparel that are great for weight training, running, cycling, marathon, triathlon, and other athletic activity. Live active in spandex body suits, cycling shorts, mesh tops, track pants, zippered jackets, sporty tanks and shirts. 

Generally, when my partner George and I were given a task to style for a certain project, we act foremost as stylists. But as soon as Derek arrived coming down from his BMW flashing his killer smile on us, we were like starstruck fans. At that time, it seemed that everything was in slow motion. Then Derek, without even knowing who we were, greeted us with "Hi!" - our hearts simply melted away!

What was really nice about working with Derek, aside from his amazing physique, yummy chocolate skin and incredible sex appeal, was his professionalism. He was a gentleman all throughout, never complaining about anything. And when he spoke his mind about certain aspects of the shoot, I swear to heavens Angelica Panganiban, you are one lucky bitch! Ikaw na talaga gurl!

BO ATHLETICS is exclusively available at SM Department Store's MEN'S FASHION nationwide. For more details, check out their Facebook account (SM Mens Fashion) and like their page.

BO'S DEREK: In the same breath as Nike, Puma and Adidas!

I WANNA BREAK FREE! Derek sweats it out in a black spandex muscle top with graphic print and a pair of black fitted pants.

RUN LIKE THE WIND. Test your speed and stamina in this graphic spandex shirt with neon green sleeves and B&W cycling shorts.

PUSH YOUR LIMITS. Build more muscles in this black and white tank top and track pants.

LIVE ACTIVE. Are you ready for some action?

Ad Agency: IXM
Photography: Lope Navo
Styling: Mike de Guzman & George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog, Abby Bulaong & Joanne Rinos
Model: Derek Ramsay

ON THE 5TH: FREEWAY x F. SIONIL JOSE

Now on its fifth installment, FREEWAY has gained immense recognition for being a creative innovator with its National Artist Collectors’ Series which started in 2009.  After paying tribute to artistic greats such as Nick Joaquin (Literature), Ang Kiukok (Visual Arts), Jose Garcia Villa (Literature) and Ramon Valera (Fashion Design), Freeway launches its National Artist Collectors' Series Fall 2011 Collection featuring the works of F. SIONIL JOSE.

F. Sionil José is one of the best and most active writers of contemporary Philippine literature in English. Throughout his career, Sionil José's writings espoused social justice and change to better the lives of average Filipino families. He is one of the most critically acclaimed Filipino authors internationally, although much underrated in his own country because of his authentic Filipino English and his anti-elite views. Sionil José was hailed as National Artist for Literature in 2001.

Freeway features some of his well known works as interpreted in a pocket collection which includes staple favorites graphic tees in trendy silhouettes, modern tailored woven tops and dresses and accessories. The brand is very much excited to feature its first living National Artist.

To view the entire collection, visit www.freeway.net.ph.  Plus get fresher updates at our Facebook Fan Page (search for “Freeway Online”) and Twitter http://twitter.com/FreewayOnline.

"FEBRUARY 25, 1986": Off shoulder foldable collared dress with floral embroidery.

"APHRODISIACS & AFFAIRS": Woven sweetheart neckline dress with striped top and graphic-printed bottom.

"THE INEVITABILITY OF CULTURE CHANGE": Sleeveless woven tailored dress with notched collar and printed bottom.

"APHRODISIACS & AFFAIRS": Halter-strapped woven short dress with print.

CMG BARES ITS HEART & SOLE

The famous old adage says that the eyes are the windows to the soul. For the eyes reveal what is on the inside. CMG’s new collection does exactly that. It speaks to women who look pass through the physical, and right in to the sole.

CMG introduces a collection that embodies women who wear them, women who got soul, as well as the heart for beautifully-made shoes. The collection ranges from versatile wooden clogs to lightweight wedges that were made for walking, and an interesting array of golden accessories to statement bags.

In an ad campaign that celebrates women and their choices, CMG understands that every feet is unique, every sole is different because every woman is her own. It understands that one size does not fit all because every woman is solely created to be set apart.

Whether she glides down the road in sandalwood sky-high heeled oxford to faded brown ankle boots with black lace or she walks in elevated peep-toe wedge heels, she continues to stride, strive and thrive because she knows she was made to do so.

She walks differently because she knows where she is going. And she takes her daily companion with her, the place where she puts all her tools – her bag. And there is plenty to choose from. She can opt for an ecru satchel with gold hardware that says she has a lady-like style or a cognac utilitarian hobo for the more practical gal.

She is a woman who is secure, a confident soul with a heart to make a stand. Accessories do not wear her, but she wears the accessories because she is not afraid to get noticed, especially when she is adorned with this season’s gold rush. From metallic gold double-chain necklace to golden encrusted cuffs, she fashionably carries them all.

For the women who look directly to the eyes, CMG invites every soul to look at the brand's window to find out more about its highly regarded shoes and other accessories that will take every woman to any soaring possibilities.

Visit CMG branches at SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta 4, SM Megamall, Robinsons Galleria, Shangri-la Mall, SM City North EDSA The Block, Trinoma, The Podium, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, Robinsons Place Manila, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Cebu, Gateway Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center. Or go to www.cmg.com.ph for more details.

       

LIVE ON THE EDGE, BRAVE A PAIR OF STUDDED PLATFORMS. Shoes, P2999.00; Bag, P1999.00

PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WITH SKYSCAPER OXFORDS. Shoes, P2999.00; Bag, P1299.00

STAND TALL AND PRETTY IN MODERN NEUTRALS. Shoes, P2999.00; Bag, P1999.00

WEAR YOUR HEART AND SOLE WITH LIGHTWEIGHT WOODEN HEELS. Shoes, P2999.00

MAKE A FABULOUS ENTRANCE WITH MARYJANE PLATFORMS. Shoes, P2799.00

STRIDE AND THRIVE IN YUMMY CHOCOLATE HUES. Shoes, P2999.00

EXUDE NATURAL CHARM IN BEIGES AND ECRUS. Shoes, P2999.00

Photographer: Mark Nicdao

Stylist: Rey Ilagan

Hair: Nante Alingasa

Make-up: Robbie Piñera

Model: Petra (Mercator)

CRAZY SEXY COOL

Women look at men in several skimming ways... You have nice set of clothes. Your gadgets are totally amazing. Your cologne lingers like morning fresh air. Your haircut basically updated. But are you wearing a pair of cool shoes?

At this point, WADE knows that your choice of footwear can make or break your entire wardrobe. In any given moment, the brand suggests that you allow your shoes to radiate that cool, almost hip-to-be-true kind of vibe. Unless they’re scruffy or dilapidated, your shoes say a lot about you, and expect girls to notice even that!

In a country with mostly temperate climate, even cuties like actor Coco Martin, WADE’s image endorser, need the cool factor. With a fresh, new collection of casual shoes that beat the heat, break the formality and get the type of kick you require to impress the chicks.

For WADE, sneakers are obviously the hippest choice of footwear, hands down. Day-in or day-out, opt for edgy mid-tops or the usual low-cuts for your everyday get-up, either in canvass or rubber materials, in subdued hues or vivid patterns. Some men also prefer driving flats and classic boat shoes for comfort. On the other hand, you may want to step out in full character by donning a pair of quirky-colored, utilitarian-inspired boots that come in suede or synthetic leather.

Equally, women ought to call for some attention, too. Bear in mind that men will die crazy for gorgeous, sexy legs – especially if you wear a pair of killer shoes. WADE’s ladies collection of wooden heels, clogs and wedges – in several styles to choose from – will have you striding in the right direction. Add a studded clutch or sling on a hardware bag, pile on some chic, assorted bangles, choose a dress that reveals your legs, and walk as if the wind is blowing on your hair – hey lady, you’ll be on every cute guy’s radar!

Visit WADE branches 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, 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 www.wade.com.ph, or search at Facebook and Twitter.

DAYS OF GRAYS. Gray mid-cut sneakers (P1999.00)

RE-BOOTED. Red combat boots (P2299.00); Camel brown belt (P299.00)

CHECKMATE. Checkered black & red sneakers (P1799.00); White belt (P299.00).

BOOT CAMP. Camel brown suede boots (P2099.00); Brown sling bag (P789.00).

LEGGY PROPORTION. White wooden wedges (P1099.00); Beige studded clutch bag (P599.0); Assorted bangles (P249.00 per set); Silver belt (P199.00).

GREEN WITH ENVY. Moss green laced-up boot-wedges (P1299.00); Military green tote bag (P1099.00); Bronze belt (P199.00); Assorted bangles (P249.00 per set).

SOLE ATTRACTION. Black studded laced-up flats (P799.00); Black sling hardware bag (P799.00); White studded belt (P229.00); Assorted bangles (P249.00 per set); Silver loop earrings (P149.00).

STAND BY ME. ON VALERIE: Tan and white canvass wedges (P999.00); Assorted bangles (P249.00 per set); Gold belt (P199.00).ON COCO: Off-white and black driving flats (P1599.00); Black belt (P349.00)

COOL UNDER FIRE. ON COCO: White sneakers with python print (P1699.00). ON VALERIE: White wooden clogs (P1299.00); Coffee brown chained bag with studs (P699.00); Assorted bangles (P249.00 per set); Silver belt (P199.00)

TWICE THE APPEAL. ON VALERIE: Black studded strappy heels (P1399.00); Assorted bangles (P249.00 per set); Necklace (P169.00); Silver loop earrings (P149.00). ON COCO: Tri-colored boat shoes (P1599.00); White belt (P299.00).

Photography: Ronnie Salvacion

Art Direction & Styling: Mike de Guzman and George Palmiano (MGP)

Hair & Makeup: Jing Monis & the Propaganda team

Models: Valerie Weigmann (Mercator) & Coco Martin

A BLACK BOOK AFFAIR

You read it - it's called the BLACK BOOK launch. And because of that event and the gloomy weather outside, I am feeling pitch black all over now. Welcome to the dark side!

It was raining hard last Tuesday (May 24), and I was running late to attend an event at The Republiq. Without Geo wanting to tag along, and me feeling sluggish under the weather, I convinced myself, oo na nga, to go and personally see the collaboration photos we did with Doc Marlon Pecjo and two upcoming GMA-7 talents. Baka sampalin kasi ako ni Doc pag di ako nagpakita! :-)

As you can see, the BLACK BOOK event was an exbihit that showcased Kapuso actors and actresses in stylish moments caught by Doc Marlon's camera. Different celebrities (photos of them below), different stylists (we saw Mickey See doing the makeup & Buern Rodriguez for hair, fellow stylists Teej Nepomuceno, Sidney Yap, Patrick Galang, Carlos Concepcion, Matt Gozun, etc.). We're thankful to Doc for inviting us to put some fashionable touch on two of his subjects.

Since I mentioned I am feeling black nga, here are the photos I took (exhibit pictures, celebrity pictures and some people I caught during the event) that I rendered in black and white (sorry for the poor quality, unwanted reflections, and incorrect angles of the few). Take note though, that some of the photos shot by Doc were actually in colors.

HEY CUTIE! Doesn't he look like a younger, fresher John Lloyd Cruz? I styled this picture, with clothes coming from my closet (necklace was Geo's though), hehe!

LITTLE PRINCESS. Jillian Ward was sooo adorable! She requested if she could take the little crown that Geo placed on her head during the shoot. Well, she did!

SINNER VS. SAINT. Love these photos of Jackie Rice!

ROCCO LOCO. Rocco Nacino in sartorial style.

BOOTYLICIOUS. Rhian Ramos shows her curves as a pop diva kuno. Is that Tado with her?

URBAN MACHETE. Hunky Aljur Albrenica looking clean and stark while fully clothed.

SMIZE! Carla Avellana gets greasy and dirty.

BEAUTY QUEEN. Iza Calzado is a daring Athenian goddess.

AMERICAN FLAG. Dion Ignacio reveals his stars and stripes.

BIKER CHICK. Isabel Oli is sexy either front or back.

WATCHALOOKINAT! Look straight in Mark Herras' eyes.

TOUGH GROUND. Kris Bernal in bondage.

FOURPLAY. A multitude of prints in Hippie-boho vibe.

SOLITARY MOMENT. Solenn Heusaff gets catty.

OHHHH BOY! The who? I would buy jeans from this guy anytime!

GREAT WALL. A plethora of Kapuso stars!

KRIS KROSS. I chanced upon Kris Bernal and she was nice enough to pose side by side her picture.

STAND BY ME. Dion Ignacio towers over his alter-ego.

BLACKOUT. Fellow collaborator Mickey See with John Pagaduan - both in monochrome.

DANCING MOOD. Lovely model Valerie Weigmann is all smile.

REAL MEN. Nice to bump on FHM big boss Allan Madrilejos with a pinstriped-suited friend.

OFF SHOULDER. Towering model Ann Casas in a cute alphabet-printed top.

PEOPLE WATCH. They came and they partied.

CHIKA CHIKA. I believe he is a Kapuso guy (on the right) and his name tag says Gino.

MAN OF THE MOMENT. We heart Doc Marlon Pecjo!