^ buti na lang hindi kinakalawang ang copper. :lol:

Daddy ko, copper wire, pinipi ng pliers ang isang dulo, tapos kiniskis ang edges para rounded at hindi matalas.. binigay sa akin, yon, gamit ko pag nangangati ang tenga ko, siguro 20 years na sa akin, kahit saan ako tumira daladala ko... LMAO

:eek: Damn! I'm amazed you didn't get tetanus after 20 years of using that thing. :lol:

^^^ Can ya beat that???LMAO I always make sure I kept it clean and sterile ya knaw??LMAO

:eek: Damn! I'm amazed you didn't get tetanus after 20 years of using that thing. :lol:

He was immune :lol:

Weird-- my friend asked for bunot and Johnson floor wax.

^^^ That's a good exercise, maybe that's why he or she asked for it if they have wood floor.

Daddy ko, copper wire, pinipi ng pliers ang isang dulo, tapos kiniskis ang edges para rounded at hindi matalas.. binigay sa akin, yon, gamit ko pag nangangati ang tenga ko, siguro 20 years na sa akin, kahit saan ako tumira daladala ko... LMAO

@ lili>>>Yuon pangtutule, pero may nabibili niyan sa mga vietnamese stores, bamboo yata, may design pa na feather sa handle side LMAO

I hate that itch.

But now I prefer the method used by my ear doctor. She uses a syringe and injects liquid into the ear canal and fills it up, then she pulls the syringe, draining all the liquid out of the ear, and carrying all the bits of ear wax. That way you get whole nuggets of ear wax to keep as souvenir and you don't crush the ear wax by making kutkot the ear (Ai, how conyo my talk).

^^ I really use cottontips after shower since your ears are wet inside after shower. Sometimes I use the "pantutule", just once in awhile. But I also use it to scratch my head at times...LMAO I just kept the copper pangtutule, for sentimental reason since I don't get to see my dad nor talk to him. He is just too busy with his young 28 y/o gf.. LOL damn she is even younger than my sister.. Yeah, that's right, my dad is a DOM..LMAO pabling talaga yuon kahit nuong bata pa, may suspetya nga ako na may kapatid pa akong isa na half white, seen pictures and letter, he would of been 24 by now. My other half pootie brother uses my pangtutuli to as a mini screwdriver and it pisses me off when he do that...LMAO

DOM DO DOM DOM DOM.... :lol:

yeah you're point??LMAO I'd be a DOM myself someday probably LMAO

you mean you aren't now? :rofl::guns1:

Sending OFWs bits of home in a can (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090111-182665/Sending-OFWs-bits-of-home-in-a-can)

A pioneering enterprise, which introduced the first canned “laing” to the ready-to-eat food market, is coming up with another Filipino native dish to boost its product line—the canned “pinakbet.”

The traditional concoction of mixed vegetables and shrimp fry is MoonDish Foods Corp.’s (MFC) second acquisition from the Department of Science and Technology.

“[We were able to acquire it] during the first quarter of 2008,” said Ana Manrique, the company’s co-founder.

Just like MFC’s other products, the canned pinakbet’s main market is the Filipino working population abroad. “OFWs are under-served of local products, so that’s our edge [in having them as our main market],” Manrique, 51, said.

With the help of Rufino, her husband and business partner, and Julia, her daughter and export manager, the company has already delivered several shipments to the United States and the United Kingdom on trial orders.

World food market

“I’m happy that we were able to penetrate the US, Australia and Japan markets,” said Manrique. “They have very strict regulations.”

MoonDish currently exports as much as 70 percent of its products to Europe, Canada and the Middle East. These include canned “laing” (taro leaves cooked in coconut), “puso ng saging” (banana heart), Bicol Express, “camansi” (breadfruit), “ginataang ampalaya (bitter gourd cooked in coconut),” “tuyo (dried fish)” and “bagoong sa gata (shrimp paste cooked in coconut).”

Local consumers, however, were treated to an early sampling of the canned “pinakbet” during the product’s “soft launch” at the International Food Exhibit held at the World Trade Center last May.

The introduction had worked to the Manriques’ advantage. “There was some feedback on the bitterness of the ampalaya,” Manrique said, “so we have improved on that.”

No chemical additives

And just like the other canned products, the canned “pinakbet” has no chemical or artificial preservatives. “There are no chemical additives; I want the food to be safe,” Manrique said. The family’s concern is not only for the product’s taste but also for the health benefits that go with it.

With its canning technology, MoonDish has been able to keep the canned “pinakbet’s” shelf life at two years. Its “laing,” on the other hand, can be stored for 21 months at most.

A fisheries graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City, Manrique was first involved in the food industry through baking, not canned goods. She and her husband, a mechanical engineer, sold goodies like crinkles, brownies and cupcakes in their bakery, Moonbake Breadhouse, named after the Moonwalk Village in Las Piñas City where they reside.

In 1997, the Asian financial crisis hit them hard, forcing them to look for other sources of livelihood. “We were just looking for fallback products for our crinkles,” Manrique said.

Their search led them to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, a DOST attached agency, which encouraged them to try commercializing the “laing.” Now, almost 10 years later, the same institute still helps the couple with their newest canned venture.

Helping small farmers

In return, the Manriques are helping small farmers and other people. “We’ve helped many farmers, from [those making] rice to taro,” Manrique said.

So far, MFC has been tapping a farmers’ cooperative in Quezon for their supply of raw materials. “Now we are developing another cooperative in Bicol,” Manrique said.

Even with the high and steady demand for their products, the Manriques believe they still have a long way to go before hitting it big. “Maliit lang ito (This is just small),” Julia said, referring to their 1,000-square-meter factory in Taguig City.

Although they tried to advertise two years ago in print and radio, the Manriques have stuck mostly to trade shows and food samplings for publicity. “We’re still a small enterprise,” Manrique reiterated.

Still, with not much competition and “more compliments than complaints,” MFC dominates the local production of canned vegetables. For now, the family business concentrates on making affordable and conveniently packed traditional Filipino vegetable dishes that anyone can eat—anytime, anywhere.

Pasalubong ko sayo galing Taipei...:D

Halos lahat ng napuntahan ko supermarket dito sa Taipei, may CEBU dried mangoes... Truely worldclass :okay::okay:

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/DSC00735.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/DSC00736.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/Slerz/DSC00737.jpg

the sweet smell of golden yellow cebuano mangoes which is all year round make it an ideal variety for dried mangoes and preserves. one of the research projects of the university of san carlos is dried mangoes, mango preserves and mango juice. they have a pilot plant inside the talamban campus itself. the original brands were primarily intended for export to japan and europe.

Buwad danggit and nokus (pusit) are famous delicacies in Cebu which come from Bantayan Island.

Babalik na yung barkada ko dito, dami daw niyang dalang Boy Bawang for me: :lol:

http://boybawang.com/adobo_label.jpg http://boybawang.com/chilicheese_label.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/150/418778150_5f5a2977db.jpg?v=0
photo from flickr.

i remember i bought this delicacy in vigan, ilocos.i forgot it's name.ok naman,masarap.

nakita ko yan nung nasa vigan ako. ano ba yan?

Lechon baboy :D

Skyscrapercity.com Philippines t-shirt.

Ako pagkain gaya ng sinigang na maya-maya (order ko lagi ito kapag dumadaan akong Megamall), sisig sa Dencios and sizzling squid sa Something Fishy...at madami pang iba.

Hanap ko din yung mahabang Pasko sa Pilipinas...

sharks pin sa SM, meron pa ba nuon diyan sa filipinas? Nilupak/kinabog din miss ko na...

^^nagtapos ako ng kolehiyo na busog sa shark's pin ng pao tsin:D

bagoong at alamang

tsaka yung tinatawag na "Lipstick ng Intsik" ba yun? yung menthol stick

bagoong at alamang

^^
marami naghahanap nito :)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/876752659_7d6cb0b091.jpg?v=0

:cheers::lol:

^^ They're allowed to show that in public? :shocked:

^^ That's how morally corrupt those public officials are! :lol:
The payola must be good to let those billboards standout.

^^ayos ah...:lol::lol::lol:

That's how morally corrupt those public officials are! :lol:

The payola must be good to let those billboards standout.

You know what? At first glance, I thought that was Beyonce Knowles in all her bootyliciousness. :lol:

Damn, I should quit watching her "Single Ladies" vidclip on YouTube. :bash:

^^ They're allowed to show that in public? :shocked:
well we are a consevative predominantly Catholic country.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/876752659_7d6cb0b091.jpg?v=0



^^
kakaiba talaga ang bilboard, bakit indi binaklas yan? ang laswa kasi :lol:

mga pinsan ko sa estets hinahanap nila mga Filipina ..lol

mga pinsan ko sa estets hinahanap nila mga Filipina ..lol

^^
bakit hanap nila Filipina?

kasi nagsawa na sila sa Filipino :lol:

i don't know if meron ganito sa states

Lechon-Bread....:lol:
P20
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V4soucedYQA/SWlgZBUwC4I/AAAAAAAAB3k/EHo_BmvZ9cE/s400/IMG_0002Lechon+Baboy+3.JPG

kasi nagsawa na sila sa Filipino :lol:

^^
ganun pala :lol: :lol:

i don't know if meron ganito sa states

Lechon-Bread....:lol:
P20
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V4soucedYQA/SWlgZBUwC4I/AAAAAAAAB3k/EHo_BmvZ9cE/s400/IMG_0002Lechon+Baboy+3.JPG

^^
ikaw gumawa nyan @GearX? :D

^^ naging barok ka ata lol syempers wala silang katulong ....joke....syempre mas malagkit maglambing tulad ng kalamay at sing tamis ng mangga ang pagmamahal nila ;)

malagkit at matamis ka bang magmahal @tonight ;)

^^
bakit hanap nila Filipina?

kasi nagsawa na sila sa Filipino :lol:

:lol:

i don't know if meron ganito sa states

Lechon-Bread....:lol:
P20
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V4soucedYQA/SWlgZBUwC4I/AAAAAAAAB3k/EHo_BmvZ9cE/s400/IMG_0002Lechon+Baboy+3.JPG

^^ :lol:
Dapat yan sa pagkain thread. Para sa nauumay sa taba pero gusto pa rin kumain ng lechon.

kasi nagsawa na sila sa Filipino :lol:

:hahano:

well we are a consevative predominantly Catholic country.

Uhmm....I think you got it the other way around, if the Philippines is a conservative nation, then that billboard should have been torn down a long time ago.

i don't know if meron ganito sa states

Lechon-Bread....:lol:
P20
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V4soucedYQA/SWlgZBUwC4I/AAAAAAAAB3k/EHo_BmvZ9cE/s400/IMG_0002Lechon+Baboy+3.JPG

PETA will have a cow! (no pun intended) :lol:

But seriously, that's kinda scary looking, even though it's just only bread. :runaway:

^^yeah i meant that sarcastically. :lol:

But seriously, that's kinda scary looking, even though it's just only bread. :runaway:

here's a croc bread for you...:lol::cheers:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/451326691_82bd5dbf3d_d.jpg

^^ I like my pastries to be pastry looking, thank you very much. :colgate:

^^ isn't it cute..??:D that bread is designed to accompany your avatar...:lol: :nocrook:

^^ I like my gators to be menacing, not cute. :lol:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/876752659_7d6cb0b091.jpg?v=0

:cheers::lol:

...gwen garcia ba to???

here's a croc bread for you...:lol::cheers:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/451326691_82bd5dbf3d_d.jpg

^^
i like this bread :)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1244/876752659_7d6cb0b091.jpg?v=0

:cheers::lol:

Aba! This looks like a billboard for the girly joint Airforce One. Even the more popularly known "KTV-men's-spa-daw" in Manila before were much more discreet than this! Pwede na pala ito...imagine nyo na lang kung yung "RB-bar" yan :lol:

^^ uuuy Airforce 1,....ang Pegasus bakit walang billboard...

...gwen garcia ba to???

hindi! hello garci! :lol:

^^
san na kaya ngaun si hello garci :lol:

^^
san na kaya ngaun si hello garci :lol:

...Nag pose sa billboard...:D

^^
ng telepono? :lol: :lol: :lol:

^^
...Telecommunication Company...
...May plano din atang tumakbo pagka presidente...
...:lol:

Hindi ko na miss yung "Purefoods Sisig" at "Boy Bawang" ~ dinala na ng barkada ko yung pasalubong niya. Yung ibang munchies galing daw sa Wowowee, mga cheese curls at chips.

http://www.buhaykorea.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/PICT2241.jpg http://home.flash.net/~philfood/images/boybawang.jpg

i don't know if meron ganito sa states

Lechon-Bread....:lol:
P20
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V4soucedYQA/SWlgZBUwC4I/AAAAAAAAB3k/EHo_BmvZ9cE/s400/IMG_0002Lechon+Baboy+3.JPG

hmmm.. just wondering kung pwede ba to dito sa middle east. :lol:

^^
try to introduce that to the king :lol: :lol:

^ baka maputulan siya ng ulo. :lol:

Mga bagay sa Pinas na hinahanap-hanap kapag nasa ibang bansa

wala akong makitang butiki :lol:


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/253677791_8ed704ca43.jpg?v=0

hindi ba tuko iyan ?

mkhang Geko yeta..

I miss champoy at dikiam

^ baka maputulan siya ng ulo. :lol:

^^
kaya niya yan mag explain :lol:

A true original (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife1_mar6_2009)

They are the hottest imports from Brazil and we’re not talking about that country’s models, who have taken Philippine runways by storm.

Havaianas flip flops have changed the way Filipinos look at and wear flip flops, which were traditionally donned at home or the beach. These days, Havaianas, a brand name used for practically every brand of rubber slippers like the way we refer to toothpaste as Colgate and refrigerator as Frigidaire, is donned everywhere—from the office to the mall.

Havaianas was created in 1962 for the beach-loving, easy-going and confident mindset of a tropical culture. Combining the carefree aesthetic of Hawaii and the minimalist look of Japan, Sao Paulo Alpargatas reinvented the Japanese straw slipper called Zori using a secret 100-percent rubber formula.

By 1965, 1,000 pairs of Havaianas flip flops were being sold in Brazil everyday. Today, the numbers are even more staggering and not just in Brazil. Havaianas are worn by celebrities, students, mothers and even toddlers from Los Angeles to Manila. To date, over 1 billion pairs of Havaianas flip flops have been sold worldwide.

Havaianas Top is a monochromatic style anchored on the brand’s heritage of simplicity, quality and durability. This was introduced to the public in eight colors and years later, it would revolutionize footwear from the beach to the street to the catwalk.

With celebrities like David Beckham, Nicole Richie and Jennifer Aniston; designers like Michael Kors and Christian Loubutin and even royalty like Queen Silvia of Sweden wearing Havaianas, the brand is now an international symbol of bohemian chic and fashion diversity.

Havaianas is available in over 80 countries but every pair is still produced in a single factory in Brazil using the same closely-guarded secret rubber formula.

Of course, when you are a globally popular brand, imitators and copycats cannot be far behind. In the Philippines, we see Havana and Hawaiianas flip flops on the streets alongside the original. But those who love Havaianas for combining substance and style will always go for the original.

“Havaianas is a brand that prides itself on its integrity and originality,” says Anne Gonzales, managing director for Terry S.A., the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in the Philippines, during the launch of the brand’s partnership with Rock Ed, a youth-oriented, non-profit organization that encourages and supports alternative education, at North Court of Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

“We are making a stand for the same values that allowed Havaianas to become what it is today,” says Gonzalez.

Terry S.A. asked the guests during the launch, “Are You Original?” and donated P470 for every pledge made for originality in support of Rock Ed’s Original Project, which aims to encourage socio-civic support from the youth.

Event hosts Iya Villania and DJ Mo, who wore Havaianas Original footwear, went around the venue asking guests why they thought they were original. The invitees had their pictures taken and the images with captions on the individual’s originality were posted on a wall.

Havaianas brand manager Amiel de Leon says the amount of P470 is based on the age of Havaianas.

“The campaign was launched to support the value of being original in the midst of posers and copycats. We want the public embrace their originality and shun counterfeits,” he says.

“Rock Ed is an organization that nurtures original thinkers and empowers the youth to make a difference, which is why we wanted to support this particular initiative that basically gives kids a blank canvas to think of original ways on how to make a difference,” says Gonzalez.

Rock Ed founder Gang Badoy says there are many socio-civic initiatives but art is a universal language especially appreciated by young people.

“We wanted to empower them to make a difference within a sphere that they love, like music, film and art, and the more original they are with it, the better,” she adds.

There will be multiple recipients of the grants from the high school, college and professional divisions. The amount to be granted will be determined by the number of people who pledged their originality during the launch.

A true original (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife1_mar6_2009)

They are the hottest imports from Brazil and we’re not talking about that country’s models, who have taken Philippine runways by storm.

Havaianas flip flops have changed the way Filipinos look at and wear flip flops, which were traditionally donned at home or the beach. These days, Havaianas, a brand name used for practically every brand of rubber slippers like the way we refer to toothpaste as Colgate and refrigerator as Frigidaire, is donned everywhere—from the office to the mall.

Havaianas was created in 1962 for the beach-loving, easy-going and confident mindset of a tropical culture. Combining the carefree aesthetic of Hawaii and the minimalist look of Japan, Sao Paulo Alpargatas reinvented the Japanese straw slipper called Zori using a secret 100-percent rubber formula.

By 1965, 1,000 pairs of Havaianas flip flops were being sold in Brazil everyday. Today, the numbers are even more staggering and not just in Brazil. Havaianas are worn by celebrities, students, mothers and even toddlers from Los Angeles to Manila. To date, over 1 billion pairs of Havaianas flip flops have been sold worldwide.

Havaianas Top is a monochromatic style anchored on the brand’s heritage of simplicity, quality and durability. This was introduced to the public in eight colors and years later, it would revolutionize footwear from the beach to the street to the catwalk.

With celebrities like David Beckham, Nicole Richie and Jennifer Aniston; designers like Michael Kors and Christian Loubutin and even royalty like Queen Silvia of Sweden wearing Havaianas, the brand is now an international symbol of bohemian chic and fashion diversity.

Havaianas is available in over 80 countries but every pair is still produced in a single factory in Brazil using the same closely-guarded secret rubber formula.

Of course, when you are a globally popular brand, imitators and copycats cannot be far behind. In the Philippines, we see Havana and Hawaiianas flip flops on the streets alongside the original. But those who love Havaianas for combining substance and style will always go for the original.

“Havaianas is a brand that prides itself on its integrity and originality,” says Anne Gonzales, managing director for Terry S.A., the exclusive distributor of Havaianas in the Philippines, during the launch of the brand’s partnership with Rock Ed, a youth-oriented, non-profit organization that encourages and supports alternative education, at North Court of Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

“We are making a stand for the same values that allowed Havaianas to become what it is today,” says Gonzalez.

Terry S.A. asked the guests during the launch, “Are You Original?” and donated P470 for every pledge made for originality in support of Rock Ed’s Original Project, which aims to encourage socio-civic support from the youth.

Event hosts Iya Villania and DJ Mo, who wore Havaianas Original footwear, went around the venue asking guests why they thought they were original. The invitees had their pictures taken and the images with captions on the individual’s originality were posted on a wall.

Havaianas brand manager Amiel de Leon says the amount of P470 is based on the age of Havaianas.

“The campaign was launched to support the value of being original in the midst of posers and copycats. We want the public embrace their originality and shun counterfeits,” he says.

“Rock Ed is an organization that nurtures original thinkers and empowers the youth to make a difference, which is why we wanted to support this particular initiative that basically gives kids a blank canvas to think of original ways on how to make a difference,” says Gonzalez.

Rock Ed founder Gang Badoy says there are many socio-civic initiatives but art is a universal language especially appreciated by young people.

“We wanted to empower them to make a difference within a sphere that they love, like music, film and art, and the more original they are with it, the better,” she adds.

There will be multiple recipients of the grants from the high school, college and professional divisions. The amount to be granted will be determined by the number of people who pledged their originality during the launch.

The national footwear "bakya" revisited (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/sosy/sosy/view/20090313-194002/The-national-footwear-bakya-revisited)

The wooden clogs called ‘bakya’ is the national footwear in the Philippines and the most popular footwear in the 50’s till ‘70’s that is until the introduction of rubber slippers. So popular even, that there is a folk song and movie inspired by it ‘Bakya Mo Neneng.’

Today, this open airy casual sandals makes a comeback as it gives a new twist to fashion, comfort and health.

‘Bakya’ as we know it is simple wooden clogs with plastic strap. Mostly remembered as the traditional footwear worn with our national costume the baro’t saya. But the other connotation of the word refer to poor taste and eventually to a more general term of ‘pang-masa.’ But come to think of it, the word ‘bakya’ is simply a fond reference to humble beginnings.

Through the years, the ‘bakya’ has evolved thanks to the ingenuity of a company called Happy Feet -which since the 70’s have continually given new twist to this classic, traditional and very ‘Pinoy’ footwear.

Owned and managed by the Fausto family, Happy Feet not only transformed but also elevated the basic, functional look of the ‘bakya’ to conform to the market. Says, VP for Marketing Oogie Fausto, “We wanted our company Happy Feet to make a classic footwear like ‘bakya’ a hot, stylish fashion item whilst incorporating one’s health and well-being into making it. We take prime importance in proper foot support, hygiene and walking right.”

To make ‘bakya’ stylish the wood base was not just shaven it was painted, varnished and at times carved. The strap was changed to leather, a softer and more hygienic material. The footbeds with heel gel cup and triple-layer sole features are also made orthopedic and breathable for utmost comfort and wellness. Oogie even adds that the toe grip design enables foot exercise which helps strengthen the feet and used properly will give wearer shapely legs!

And because of its wood material the ‘Bakya’ is very sturdy, does not get deform and can be worn for all seasons.

The product lines of Happy Feet have broadened to cater to the needs of the market. The thong slippers that help center the foot to help the wearer walk properly; For those with health considerations Happy Feet offers the Orthopedic footbed series:Regina sandals (replaceable straps) Glide Sandals (unisex models) Fixed Strap models (Marizza, Abby, Betsy, Gabby, etc.); for casual sporty it offer the sneakers line available for toddlers, kids, ladies and men’s; and its premium HF Collections; for ladies –the high heeled models- ballet flats; for Men -casual leather shoes with gel heel cup for extra comfort and support; for Kids -wooden sandals with orthopedic footbeds-kids school shoes Sole-lites.

But more than anything, Oogie says his family finds success in bannering a Philippine footwear and Pinoy brand internationally. “Happy Feet are proudly made in the Philippines. The raw materials, craftsmanship and manufacturing are all sourced and done here. We are specially proud too of our very talented pool of Filipino craftsmen who have made making, carving and painting this traditional footwear ‘bakya’ an art.”

Happy Feet is exported to many countries in Europe and Oogie hopes that they can expand and find distributorship in Asia and the US in the future.

There are a few instances when both tradition and fashion are mixed together and for a country which values culture and style…revisiting ‘bakya’ is a testament of how customary footwear can evolve with changing times and yet remain endearing to what is very Filipino.

The national footwear "bakya" revisited (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/sosy/sosy/view/20090313-194002/The-national-footwear-bakya-revisited)

The wooden clogs called ‘bakya’ is the national footwear in the Philippines and the most popular footwear in the 50’s till ‘70’s that is until the introduction of rubber slippers. So popular even, that there is a folk song and movie inspired by it ‘Bakya Mo Neneng.’

Today, this open airy casual sandals makes a comeback as it gives a new twist to fashion, comfort and health.

‘Bakya’ as we know it is simple wooden clogs with plastic strap. Mostly remembered as the traditional footwear worn with our national costume the baro’t saya. But the other connotation of the word refer to poor taste and eventually to a more general term of ‘pang-masa.’ But come to think of it, the word ‘bakya’ is simply a fond reference to humble beginnings.

Through the years, the ‘bakya’ has evolved thanks to the ingenuity of a company called Happy Feet -which since the 70’s have continually given new twist to this classic, traditional and very ‘Pinoy’ footwear.

Owned and managed by the Fausto family, Happy Feet not only transformed but also elevated the basic, functional look of the ‘bakya’ to conform to the market. Says, VP for Marketing Oogie Fausto, “We wanted our company Happy Feet to make a classic footwear like ‘bakya’ a hot, stylish fashion item whilst incorporating one’s health and well-being into making it. We take prime importance in proper foot support, hygiene and walking right.”

To make ‘bakya’ stylish the wood base was not just shaven it was painted, varnished and at times carved. The strap was changed to leather, a softer and more hygienic material. The footbeds with heel gel cup and triple-layer sole features are also made orthopedic and breathable for utmost comfort and wellness. Oogie even adds that the toe grip design enables foot exercise which helps strengthen the feet and used properly will give wearer shapely legs!

And because of its wood material the ‘Bakya’ is very sturdy, does not get deform and can be worn for all seasons.

The product lines of Happy Feet have broadened to cater to the needs of the market. The thong slippers that help center the foot to help the wearer walk properly; For those with health considerations Happy Feet offers the Orthopedic footbed series:Regina sandals (replaceable straps) Glide Sandals (unisex models) Fixed Strap models (Marizza, Abby, Betsy, Gabby, etc.); for casual sporty it offer the sneakers line available for toddlers, kids, ladies and men’s; and its premium HF Collections; for ladies –the high heeled models- ballet flats; for Men -casual leather shoes with gel heel cup for extra comfort and support; for Kids -wooden sandals with orthopedic footbeds-kids school shoes Sole-lites.

But more than anything, Oogie says his family finds success in bannering a Philippine footwear and Pinoy brand internationally. “Happy Feet are proudly made in the Philippines. The raw materials, craftsmanship and manufacturing are all sourced and done here. We are specially proud too of our very talented pool of Filipino craftsmen who have made making, carving and painting this traditional footwear ‘bakya’ an art.”

Happy Feet is exported to many countries in Europe and Oogie hopes that they can expand and find distributorship in Asia and the US in the future.

There are a few instances when both tradition and fashion are mixed together and for a country which values culture and style…revisiting ‘bakya’ is a testament of how customary footwear can evolve with changing times and yet remain endearing to what is very Filipino.

Asia’s first online fashion store opens (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090315-194206/Asias-first-online-fashion-store-opens)

Asia's first on-line multibrand fashion and lifestyle retail outlet begins business this month, and it’s based in the Philippines.

A venture of 27-year-old Bianca Cristina Zobel, www.im-hm.com carries internationally known and under-the-radar labels – including some Filipino designers – for apparel, accessories and other lifestyle products.

IM-HM.com (or “I Am High Maintenance”) aims to sell to countries like Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

“The potential of an online shopping business in Asia is huge,” Zobel says in an e-mail interview. She is president of Intelligent Movement, the company behind the project.

“Reports show there is a slight deceleration in the growth rate of yearly Internet sales in the US and Europe. Growth, however, is poised to accelerate in the Asia Pacific region. E-commerce sales in countries like Japan, China and Korea are booming and other countries in the region are following suit. Where fashion and retail are concerned, Asian countries account for around 10 percent of worldwide online sales, and these three countries are consistently in the top five countries that shop for fashion online.”

Awful timing?

Despite this bright picture, some may say it’s an awful time to launch a business – a new platform at that – when global economy is wobbly. But Zobel – whose father is businessman Iñigo Zobel, son of the late industrialist Enrique Zobel, who’s credited for turning Makati into what it is today – just may be on the right track.

Late last year, various media began reporting about affluent shoppers either cutting down on their spending or turning to covert buying, so as not to appear insensitive to the plight of the majority who have been hit hard by the financial crisis.

One form of covert spending happens on the Internet.

Challenge

“Women are not about to give up on being fashionable and stylish just yet,” Zobel notes. “While before, some women would go for the most expensive items, they now show a marked tendency toward thinking twice, or will check other retailers for better prices...Women have always used fashion as a feel-good way of expressing themselves, and no credit crunch is going to change that.”

What she foresees to be a challenge is establishing a secure and efficient online structure that would earn Asian consumers’ trust. In Asia, she says, “immature online payment systems, poor delivery networks and distrust between buyers and sellers” have been hampering the growth of e-commerce.

“Consumers continue to have issues with the security of online retailers, and the convenience of the payment methods,” she adds.

“The lack of a nationwide credit information system or an efficient delivery network also limits the ability of many Asia-Pacific markets to expand rapidly in this sector. So the important question is, even if online shoppers in the region are at an increasing rate, would they rather purchase from an online store based in the US and Europe than in Asia?

“This makes it extremely important for us to do this right. We not only have to think about getting the right merchandise online, but we should also prioritize building the right system that will make potential buyers trust that our site is secure, and deliveries with go smoothly.”

Zobel, who trained in London and credits the successful Net-a-porter.com as her business model, says IM-HM.com will be patterned after the UK-based website’s “simplicity” and “great selection... of the best labels.”

She adds, “It is also one of the... sites not driven by opportunistic purchases . This means that they make the sale simply because their products are extremely sought after.”

[b]Australian brands

Targeting the age 21-and-up market, IM-HM.com’s initial list of brands is dominated by Australian names, some of which Zobel discovered at last year’s Australian Fashion Week: Sass & Bide, Ksubi [formerly known as Tsubi], Azzollini, Kirrily Johnston, Madame Marie, Skin and Threads, Nevenka, Mor Cosmetics.

The Sydney-based Filipino-Australian designer Leonardo Salinas also headlines the offerings, alongside brands such as Junk Food, Joe’s Jeans, Melissa Odabash and the high-end Ego Laptops. Price points average $250-$500, with delivery charges from $5-$20. IM-HM.com has exclusive Asian distribution rights to some of these brands.

Zobel also attended the recent London Fashion Week to scout for additional brands to add to her site’s catalog. A few local designers have also agreed to make special collections for international distribution through the website.

She says, “We believe in the talent of the Filipino designer and think this will be a great opportunity to give them international acclaim.”

Asia’s first online fashion store opens (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090315-194206/Asias-first-online-fashion-store-opens)

Asia's first on-line multibrand fashion and lifestyle retail outlet begins business this month, and it’s based in the Philippines.

A venture of 27-year-old Bianca Cristina Zobel, www.im-hm.com carries internationally known and under-the-radar labels – including some Filipino designers – for apparel, accessories and other lifestyle products.

IM-HM.com (or “I Am High Maintenance”) aims to sell to countries like Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

“The potential of an online shopping business in Asia is huge,” Zobel says in an e-mail interview. She is president of Intelligent Movement, the company behind the project.

“Reports show there is a slight deceleration in the growth rate of yearly Internet sales in the US and Europe. Growth, however, is poised to accelerate in the Asia Pacific region. E-commerce sales in countries like Japan, China and Korea are booming and other countries in the region are following suit. Where fashion and retail are concerned, Asian countries account for around 10 percent of worldwide online sales, and these three countries are consistently in the top five countries that shop for fashion online.”

Awful timing?

Despite this bright picture, some may say it’s an awful time to launch a business – a new platform at that – when global economy is wobbly. But Zobel – whose father is businessman Iñigo Zobel, son of the late industrialist Enrique Zobel, who’s credited for turning Makati into what it is today – just may be on the right track.

Late last year, various media began reporting about affluent shoppers either cutting down on their spending or turning to covert buying, so as not to appear insensitive to the plight of the majority who have been hit hard by the financial crisis.

One form of covert spending happens on the Internet.

Challenge

“Women are not about to give up on being fashionable and stylish just yet,” Zobel notes. “While before, some women would go for the most expensive items, they now show a marked tendency toward thinking twice, or will check other retailers for better prices...Women have always used fashion as a feel-good way of expressing themselves, and no credit crunch is going to change that.”

What she foresees to be a challenge is establishing a secure and efficient online structure that would earn Asian consumers’ trust. In Asia, she says, “immature online payment systems, poor delivery networks and distrust between buyers and sellers” have been hampering the growth of e-commerce.

“Consumers continue to have issues with the security of online retailers, and the convenience of the payment methods,” she adds.

“The lack of a nationwide credit information system or an efficient delivery network also limits the ability of many Asia-Pacific markets to expand rapidly in this sector. So the important question is, even if online shoppers in the region are at an increasing rate, would they rather purchase from an online store based in the US and Europe than in Asia?

“This makes it extremely important for us to do this right. We not only have to think about getting the right merchandise online, but we should also prioritize building the right system that will make potential buyers trust that our site is secure, and deliveries with go smoothly.”

Zobel, who trained in London and credits the successful Net-a-porter.com as her business model, says IM-HM.com will be patterned after the UK-based website’s “simplicity” and “great selection... of the best labels.”

She adds, “It is also one of the... sites not driven by opportunistic purchases . This means that they make the sale simply because their products are extremely sought after.”

[b]Australian brands

Targeting the age 21-and-up market, IM-HM.com’s initial list of brands is dominated by Australian names, some of which Zobel discovered at last year’s Australian Fashion Week: Sass & Bide, Ksubi [formerly known as Tsubi], Azzollini, Kirrily Johnston, Madame Marie, Skin and Threads, Nevenka, Mor Cosmetics.

The Sydney-based Filipino-Australian designer Leonardo Salinas also headlines the offerings, alongside brands such as Junk Food, Joe’s Jeans, Melissa Odabash and the high-end Ego Laptops. Price points average $250-$500, with delivery charges from $5-$20. IM-HM.com has exclusive Asian distribution rights to some of these brands.

Zobel also attended the recent London Fashion Week to scout for additional brands to add to her site’s catalog. A few local designers have also agreed to make special collections for international distribution through the website.

She says, “We believe in the talent of the Filipino designer and think this will be a great opportunity to give them international acclaim.”

Native Albay Products
by Gabby Canonizado (http://www.flickr.com/photos/31204782@N08/)

Knives and Cutlery
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3358702527_70deacbb2e_b.jpg

Abaca bags
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/3359515540_c5bc02d6f5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3432/3358690047_703a0cc93a_b.jpg

Kind of OT: but i wanna know the name of the male model of the envidia green tea commercial? anyone? thanx

Take a walk in Imelda's shoes: The Philippine capital is fast becoming a global centre of style (http://www.theage.com.au/travel/take-a-walk-in-imeldas-shoes-20090409-a1ja.html)

Long before the world had heard of Sex And The City's Carrie Bradshaw, Imelda Marcos was considered the world's reigning shoe fanatic. The Philippines' former first lady's collection numbered 3000 pairs, according to some reports. However, only about 1500 pairs were found in the presidential palace after she fled the country in 1986 with her husband, the corrupt president Ferdinand Marcos.

Marcos's expensive tastes didn't end with a glittering pair of heels. They extended to art, clothes, jewellery and homes. The excuse she gave for her extravagant lifestyle was a confessed allergy to ugliness.

"I have to look beautiful so that the poor Filipinos will have a star to look at from their slums," the former beauty queen, who was later acquitted of corruption charges, once reasoned.

While the divide between the haves and have-nots on this tropical south-east Asian archipelago of 7000 islands continues to widen, Marcos's desire for beautiful things has rubbed off on Manila's wealthy and burgeoning middle classes.

International brands Gucci, Bally and Chanel see a bright future here and are opening stores in salubrious surrounds, such as at Greenbelt in the popular Ayala Center. Set within exotic gardens, the Ayala Center mall is a few blocks from Imelda Marcos's Pacific Plaza address in Makati City - Metro Manila's prime business and entertainment hub, and the location of choice for five-star hotels like The Peninsula Manila.

Sharing precious space beside the luxury international brands are a growing number of local designers, including 51-year-old Burmese-born jeweller Wynn Wynn Ong, whose eye-catching accessories are worn by Manila's elite and are grabbing the attention of Hollywood's A-listers.

Crocodile, leather, titanium, gold, wood, semi-precious stones and even black-lip oysters feature in her unique and chunky pieces.

Bea Valdes is another local name making international waves. The 35-year-old designer's intricately beaded teardrop-shaped evening bags, which sell for about $US2000 ($2800) each, have become the envy of fashion-conscious women around the world.

Antonio Layug, or Budji as he is locally known, is a home furnishings tsar. The former hairdresser turned furniture designer is in demand across the globe and he has furnished the interiors of some of the world's finest hotels. Two of his stores can be found in Makati City.

Travellers keen to scratch below the city's surface can now enjoy access to the work of Budji and other celebrated local names as part of The Peninsula hotel's Peninsula Academy series of day programs. Available exclusively to hotel guests, a highlight of the academy's In Design tour is a trip to a 1940s compound in Pasay City, where seven historic residences have been turned into creative spaces. Guests can experience three of them: Albert Avellana's avant-garde Avellana Art Gallery; the A-11 Gallery, featuring limited-edition furniture and lifestyle pieces designed by Eric Paras; and the showroom of award-winning fashion designer Jesus Lloren. The trip includes a chance to meet the artists over a traditional Philippine lunch.

This meal is also one of several opportunities for guests to sample the best in Pinoy cuisine. The academy's culinary experiences include The Peninsula Hopper, a chance to dine in the hotel's four top restaurants in the one evening.

Not part of the academy's exclusive list, but highly recommended, is dinner at Bistro Filipino - where chef Rolando Laudico conjures a more modern version of Philippine street food - tapas-style. While Philippine food has yet to enjoy the popularity of Thai and Chinese food, Laudico's talents could change that. His restaurant in the newly revived Fort Bonifacio district of Metro Manila wouldn't be out of place in New York, London or Sydney. With a first-class meal ranging from $25 to $50 a person, including wine, this is one stylish price tag even the budget-conscious, sandal-footed tourist can afford.

Can shoes be political? (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090416-199792/Can-shoes-be-political)

I was in a cab in Berlin once with the taxi driver trying to guess where I was from. After listening to him speculate if I was Japanese, Chinese or even Singaporean, I said I was from Manila. He then suddenly looked very interested and sighed, “Aaaah, the Abu Sayyaf!?” And in the same breath he asked, “So how is the beautiful Imelda Marcos? (smiles) ... And her shoes?”

We’ve seen recently how an Iraqi journalist threw his shoes at the former US President. Now we don’t have his statement if he had really meant to throw his pair, or if he didn’t have anything else to hurl at the world’s most powerful leader. The cultural context of this gesture can’t be ignored though. Putting the sole of your shoe before someone is a major insult in the Arab world. Also, in some Asian cultures, shoes refer to the lowest and least significant part of the human body. One then should never give shoes as gifts.

However, the opposite is true in the Philippines—just see the balikbayans (or overseas Filipino workers returning home) bringing home shoes for their loved ones. The image of a balikbayan box being opened in a living room in Manila would always include a white pair of sneakers (fondly called “rubber shoes” in our country).

Can shoes be political? I think so.

Yamamoto vs Prada

Inspired designer Yohji Yamamoto disagrees with my premise while adding valuable insight when he answered “Fashion Now’s” (2005, published by Taschen) inquiry if fashion can be political: “I don’t see it in fashion. But if fashion does have such ambition, I would describe it as ‘freedom.’”

Now you can take his quote and place it across contexts, but freedom can be from or of so many things. But when more relevant realities are discussed, “freedom” from economic hardship that is brought about by improving purchasing trends is a somewhat universally agreed-on objective.

In the same book, however, Miuccia Prada defends well-designed pieces, saying: “ … but anything you do is political. The way you treat women, you have respect for them or not—this is a political choice. I don’t think that if you are interested in politics, you have to have bad clothing.”

So what’s the price tag of “looking it?” Conversely, when was the last time “Made in Italy” mattered and “Made in China” made a difference? When was the last time you bought a Philippine-made pair? Is GMA still wearing Philippine-made shoes besides the Milani pairs she used to wear? (Milani, although Italian-sounding, is a Filipino retail label.) Which of the 2010 presidential aspirants wear Philippine-made footwear?

While the Chinese make the biggest number of shoes in the world and the Italians arguably the best lines, and the Japanese wear the most expensive styles, I think that Filipinos own another relevant superlative: we know our shoes, and among cultures, we love our shoes the most. That is our place in the global market and consciousness.

Sadly, though, I do not think we have used that to our advantage, as our footwear industry has been losing buyers, manufacturers and skilled shoemakers in the last few decades.

Dying shoe industry

According to the 2009 position paper of the Movement for Export Survival (MES) composed of industry associations (including the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. or PFFI), of the $77-billion world demand for footwear, the Philippines produces for only 0.04 percent of that demand. Also, more than 20,000 Filipino employees work for that manufacturing sector. In the same report, it states that almost half of the members of the PFFI had closed their companies by 2007.

Regarding world demand for shoes, in her book, “Shoes: a Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers and More” (New York: Workman, 1996), Linda O’Keefe says: “The charismatic qualities of shoes have more to do with possession than use.”

While this may be true for women, I feel that men, on the other hand, are more about use than consumption when it comes to footwear. Look at the Barack Obama picture of Callie Shell for Time, where the American president exposes the thinned-out soles of his pair—those are the shoes of a working man.

So the message is: In times like this, there is no shame in having worn-out soles.

The follow-up question then: Is Obama’s pair made in the US? To Huffington Post blog reader Territc (an online nickname, we are sure), this may not matter as she thinks that “those shoes have a story to tell. They have walked the road from the announcement to the election.”

Shoe and memory

Shoes also help us remember. They tell a story and sometimes they represent their wearers. Shoes are synecdoches of sorts, and in the book “Footnotes on Shoes” (edited by Shari Benstock and Suzanne Ferriss, published by Rutgers University Press in 2001), a particular chapter title effectively captures the essence of this idea: “Empty Shoes.” Discussed in the chapter is the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., which has an artistic installation of old shoes gathered from Holocaust victims.

Shoes symbolize one’s condition. “If I were in his/her shoes” is a line about empathy, thinking and acting like you were in another person’s situation. It is an attempt to do things according to one’s beliefs and unique way of existence.

So how would it feel to be in the shoes of “Sex in the City’s” Carrie Bradshaw? She is arguably one of the most famous pop culture references for footwear. A female friend once noted how Carrie would wear a new pair in every scene. That would have been totally believable and familiar to any New Yorker except that, as a shoe designer myself, I don’t think it would be so glamorous to break in a new pair of heels every week walking around New York City.

Shoes describe our condition, project our ideas and beliefs, help us remember, immortalize personalities, improve economies—all these while making us walk taller, lifting our behinds and filling our closets. I think that the main and more relevant realization should not be about fashion and looking good at all, but about this challenge: Shouldn’t we demand for beauty, equality, an improving economy, good governance and happiness in life?

Don’t we all want to have nicer shoes?

A fashionable love affair (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/april/26/yehey/weekend/20090426week1.html)

He has always been a romantic—an artist smitten by the bravura of the creative world. And while it has been over a decade since he first came to mesmerize the fashion industry, Rajo Laurel, could still remember the “birth” of his very first lovechild.

“It was a dress made for my sister’s Barbie,” he shared with The Manila Times. “And, it was made using my father’s discarded tie”—a “rag” turned to a treasure like the numerous fabrics he has touched over the years.

Born Ramon Jose Teves Laurel, this internationally acclaimed Filipino designer first realized his affinity for fashion at the age of 11. And since that “epiphany,” as he so fondly calls it, he has been steadfast and almost unyielding not even to the wishes of a father who wanted him to become a lawyer.

“I remember it because that was actually the first time when I tried to save money to get my very first Vogue Magazine,” Laurel related. “I remember looking over those pages late at night. I even kept it under my mattress and I would put it out and read it. Everything was so mesmerizing. The colors, the fantasy, the romanticism, the elegance, the luxury of that particular world that I was drawn to was addictive. It made my imagination flutter . . . And I was very lucky that I was able to decide on that at a very young age because I was very focused from that point onward.”

In pursuit of his dream, Laurel went to the United States to study at the famed Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. During his stay, a time he claims to be at his “poorest” and “happiest,” he learned a lot before being asked by his father to return to the Philippines to take up a business course in La Salle. After satisfying that request, he went back to chasing his future at the famed Central Saint Martin College of Art and Design in London.

Nowadays, Laurel stands as an authority in the world of fashion. Garnering various awards both here and abroad, he has been an institution designing for celebrities like Ruffa Gutierrez and major personas like President Gloria Arroyo and former President Corazon Aquino. He has also formed Laurel Et Ross, a garment company that specializes in corporate attires and The House of Laurel, a boutique that carries his ready to wear clothes and accessories.

But even after all his accomplishments, Laurel has not forgone his potency to create beauties out of discarded materials. He continues to do that up to this day with his on-going support for the advocacy Rags2Riches Inc.

Turing rags to riches

Conceived in 2007, Rags2Riches Inc. is a social business enterprise that was created by a number of young professionals to help the women of Payatas.

Being that it is one of the largest dumpsites in the Philippines, and ironically, a place called “home” by over thousands of families, Payatas was populated by numerous mothers who stayed at home to take care of their children. Their time at home, and the garbage pile surrounded them presented several opportunities for extra income. Capitalizing on such opportunities, some of the women gathered scraps of cloth amidst the dumpsite and they started weaving foot rugs and rags out of them. Not long after, the trend grew into an informal cottage industry of rug-weavers.

Coming to their aid, Rags2Riches helped the women improve the quality and style of the rugs and transformed them from unattractive multicoloured garments to appealing monochromatic fabrics. The market’s response to the elegant and stylish rugs was remarkable. The first few bazaars of Rags2Riches were sold-out and it garnered a lot of positive feedback.

Nearing the end of 2007, the Rags2Riches team decided to add more value to the current products by integrating a designer angle. Two of the team members, Angeline Benavides Bulan and Timothy Agulto, got in touch with Laurel, and the team sat down with him in an informal dinner. There, they shared the ideals of Rags2Riches to Laurel, and on that very same night, he transformed ordinary rugs into elegant fashion pieces. The very next day, he also provided prototypes and in less than four months, Rags2Riches was able to grow the initial capital by almost 400 percent. The overwhelming response of the market, especially during the Christmas season and the launch of RIIR by Rajo Laurel at the EDSA Shangri-La Garden Ballroom, inspired the team to grow the social business enterprise into a formal corporation.

“It was one of those things that came to me as a surprise,” Laurel told The Times. “I was just invited to a dinner by a friend and all of a sudden there was this group who had a lot of these [rags] on the table. They asked me how I could use those [rags] beyond the ordinary, you know, like wiping the floors and stuff like that. All of a sudden I had this idea: why not use these rags and transform them to objects that were more empowered. I thought that instead of using them as cleaning materials, why not transform them into bags? From there on, the idea just took on a life of its own. We visited the nanays of the Payatas and then they eventually learned how to do the products and so far, it has garnered so many prestigious awards.”

Now utilizing the designs of Amina Aranaz-Alunan, and the consultancy of Laurel, Rags2Riches Inc continues to prosper. According to Laurel, from 20 nanays it is now helping about 400.

“It’s a very simple story of how a good idea with good intentions can become life changing, life altering procedures,” Laurel told The Times. “I love being surrounded by the nanays of Payatas. It’s so heart warming, their stories. I met one of them and she told me ‘you know, before, we could only afford to eat meager meals. Now we can eat heartily.’ Or as one of them said, ‘before we only earn about P100 in a week. Now we earn about P1,500. I love the fact that in the smallest way, we were able to have an effect not only in their pockets but in their mindset as well. It’s really wonderful how the name we chose has changed their lives not only in the most mundane way but also their way of thinking.”

A deeper shade of red

Besides his involvement in Rags2Riches, Laurel has also been active when it comes to helping out a number of institutions. One of these is the premier humanitarian organization Philippine National Red Cross.

On November 13, 2007, a bomb exploded at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The explosion, which killed a number of people also injured Laurel’s cousin, Congressman Pryde Henry Teves.

“He almost died,” Laurel told The Times. “And his entire staff was wiped out.”

During those difficult times, he shared the first people who helped his cousin was the Red Cross. And as a way of giving back, Laurel celebrated his 15th year anniversary as a designer through a gala that was held for the benefit of the said organization.

Held at the Rizal ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Laurel chose women from different age covering a broad spectrum of businesses and personal expertise. Dubbed as the “Rajo Red Ladies,” the 26 women all agreed to help Rajo raise funds for in the benefit gala entitled Rajo Red.

“I decided to celebrate by giving back,” he told The Times. “And, when Red Cross approached us through Tessa Valdez and asked us if we can help I decided to do a benefit gala for Red Cross. It was an institution that I was not afraid to help.”

The hemline of the future

These days, Laurel still busies his self with the restlessness of the fashion industry. Besides continuously solidifying his position as one of the top designers in the country, he also tries to pave the way for future artists through his work in the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) and more prominently Project Runway.

Under the prominent philanthropic organization, Rockefeller Foundation, the ACC is a foundation supporting cultural exchange in the visual and performing arts between the United States and Asia.

Fellowships to individuals constitute the central feature of the ACC’s grant program, the emphasis being on awards to artists, scholars and specialists from Asia for research, study and creative work in the United States. Some grants are also made to Americans pursuing similar activities in Asia and to educational and cultural institutions engaged in projects of special significance to Asian-American exchange.

In addition, the Asian Cultural Council awards a small number of grants in support of regional exchange activities within Asia.

“What we do is we look for money and we send it to the United States,” Laurel shared with The Times. “There, the board of the Rockefeller Foundation would choose who among our artists they are willing to help.”

Laurel believes that the financial realities that artists face these days are not the only difficulties that they encounter. Gaining recognition and respect for their work is also a challenge. However, he stated that this problem has an easy remedy.

“We live in the advent of the computer age,” said Laurel. “With the art blogs, with the internet, this is changing already and the smallest artists in the Mountain Province of Benguet can have critical acclaim. It’s just really a matter of giving them the resources, giving them the spotlight. I see these things just as challenges. And it’s up to us to really grab the opportunity out there. There’s nothing that’s impossible nowadays. Every time I open the computer I see the most amazing things in terms of creative people around the world.”

In line with this, Laurel believes that their work in the television program Project Runway Philippines is very important. Based on the popular American show, Project Runway Philippines is a reality series, which aims to find “the next big Filipino fashion designer.” In this program, Laurel is one of the judges.

“Project Runway is for me a platform for young designers to push themselves forward,” said Laurel. “This is something that’s closer to my field so we are encouraging more attention, more, perhaps, respect for the craft of fashion design.”

Returning this May, Laurel believes that the show offers a more humanized take on a once glamorous world.

“I love the fact that it has given a different face for fashion design,” he said. “Because of it, a lot of people don’t see this craft merely for the runway display. They also see behind the scene and it allows them to grasp the hard work that goes behind the beautiful clothes . . . It’s not anymore a very glamorized idea but essentially it is a. hard work, b. an art form and c. it’s a business.”

And he believes that Filipino artists deserve no less given their immense talent and the daunting challenges that they bravely face in pursuit of their craft.

“In my point of view, we have a very refined sense of taste primarily because we are mongrels,” said Laurel. “We are a product of so many cultures into one. I think that’s our beautiful shape. We are good at adapting, we are good at assimilating [and] we are good at drawing inspiration. This amalgamation of these different cultures a truly global citizen.”

Laurel, however, cannot help but give an important piece of knowledge to the young designers of the Philippines.

“I think that the young designers these days are very promising,” said Laurel. “In fact, I just came from the graduation of the College of Saint Benilde fashion show so I’m impressed with a lot of their work . . . I [also] recently judged the Mega Young Designers Awards wherein I saw these young designers and it’s very inspiring. But I would like to give them a piece of advice: you have to be able to run a business because if you don’t your flame might just run out. Be professional and work hard. There’s no other possible formula for success.”

“[Plus] the worst thing that could happen for a designer is to be stuck with a certain look,” Laurel added. “So try to open your eyes and learn how to appreciate other things.”

Regardless of him being in the pinnacle of the industry for over a decade, Laurel still believes that even he is in the continuous process of learning. He, too, is still trying to keep things “fresh.”

“I’m glad that I have a nice team to help look at things in a different way,” said Laurel. “I’ve noticed that I’m attracted to certain colors constantly and my team, thankfully, is always there to tell me, ‘sir, we already have too much of that.’ I like the fact that they help me look at things differently. And I have grown quite well. For instance, I used to not like things that don’t look finished. I’m not so much attracted to deconstructed materials. But now, I appreciate the rawness of it. You will see elements of that in my upcoming collection which is inspired by the beauty and the elegance of the ballet.”

But despite his growth, Laurel admits that a lot of things remain the same. He still believes that fashion is a business (he even credits his father for making him take up a business course since it allowed him to propel as far as he did.) He is still turning “rags” to riches. And, more importantly, he is still a romantic.

“I always surround myself with the things that I love because it’s like gasoline to me. It’s like my fuel.” Laurel told The Times. “I always need to be in love with something or I will cease to function.”

Given that statement and with his unyielding love affair with fashion that remains fiery for the last 16 years, it is, perhaps, safe to say that he will be around for a very long time.

Fashion in Technicolor (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW051809/content.php?id=165)

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The hallmark of Muslim-inspired fashion, as seen from the works of fashion design veteran Ben Farrales, is a vibrant color palette — classic ebony, ivory and silver, bold purple and fuchsia, earthy green and brown, blue, yellow, a veritable rainbow in crochet, colors which he describes as "unapologetically vibrant and saturated as those followed in the malong and vinta" — of richly embellished fabric modestly draped around the female figure while rather austerely tailored with minimal bold touches for the male.

"I always find that quantity of different styles and influence makes a lot of difference, especially if you have an exhibition [where you’re obliged] to make it more [showy], because variety is the spice of life I like to please my customers, make them happy, and they come back to me after so many years," Mr. Farrales told BusinessWorld.

"To make clothes is an investment, for fabric that you want to use for something that will last longer than just an overnight style of dressing I grew up in Cotabato and when I saw all these beautiful fabrics, beautiful designs, the way they dress up, ganda (beautiful). From then on, mostly my collections have always been Muslim-touched. That’s my signature."

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Since May 13, 30 of Mr. Farrales’ designs from his 55 years in fashion are displayed in Gayak Mindanao: Fashioning a Rich Heritage, an exhibit mounted by the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in time for the Filipino Heritage Festival. The six iconic pieces shown in the tribute concert Mga Ginintuang Ala-ala ni Conching Sunico at ng MET on May 14 will be integrated into the existing collection this week. The exhibit will run until June 13 at the Tall Galleries of the museum, which charges an entrance fee of P100 (with discounts for senior citizens and groups).

Going through the exhibit space is a lesson in how traditional dress is tweaked. At the "entrance hall" to the exhibit, one finds the Barong Tagalog face-to-face with a black suit with a draped malong in sultan gold plus cap with gold braid (Mr. Farrales wore it for one of the 200 shows he’s mounted), and a haute couture interpretation of the baro’t saya put adjacent to a Muslim-inspired dress which cleverly gives the impression of a malong via hanging strings of pearls.

"How do you define Filipiniana? It’s really the dialogue between the traditionally inspired Filipiniana [the more familiar marriage of the original native dress of skirt and "hanging blouse" with formal Spanish colonial attire] as compared to the Muslim-inspired Filipiniana. This is his answer to the traditional Filipiniana," said Metropolitan Museum of Manila director Eric Babar Zerrudo in an interview with BusinessWorld.

Entering the arched gateway, a series of all-white Muslim wedding dresses ease the tradition into the exhibit proper where one is able to see the various motifs, colors, patterns that the designer has used to define his Muslim-inspired style, arranged in thematic groupings (e.g. floral pattern in silver metallic thread inspired by the Indian sari vs. three-piece suits vs. the crochet dresses) rather than by date.

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"It’s more of the juxtaposition to what inspiration was he trying to take out: the violets and the pattern of the malong, the ikat and the abaca and the browns, the crochets and yakat patterning and the Bagobo Gayak Mindanao is really [about] getting inspiration, you are not exactly following the tenets or the orthodoxy of the Muslim faith or the Islam faith, but you get elements or inspirations of how to integrate it and how you become comfortable with it," said Mr. Zerrudo.

The third phase of the exhibit features the innovations of younger Filipino designers like Dita Sandico Ong, Danilo Franco, Tippi Ocampo, Finnina Tugade and Edwin Tan. These tend to be less conservative in cut and some more trendy-casual.

"We decided to ask the young designers to participate, because of the initiative of Ben Farrales. He opened the floodgates for all these Filipinos to get inspiration — whether [from] his color pattern motif or maybe indigenous materials. The younger Filipino designers — directly or indirectly — were able to refer to that movement of Ben Farrales that this is Filipiniana — it’s not really in form, but you can get inspiration from so many aspects," Mr. Zerrudo explained.

While the museum usually features the work of National Artists, they deemed it past due to pay tribute to Mr. Farrales, particularly as the exhibit is about his introduction of the Muslim aesthetic into the fashion industry, how the designs have been taken out of their original context and inserted into the context of high fashion, and how this has trickled down to free interpretation.

"This is just eking out inspiration from the Muslim context and eventually the other designers have moved further and gotten inspiration from different contexts, not just the Muslim — from the material context, from the indigenous context, it has become multidimensional. So in fact that approach is very global, they tend to mix-match everything, it’s very postmodern, it gets so disjointed, but actually, in the end, it comes out very nice. So the context there is very forward-looking, it’s something that is very contemporary. If you compare these two rooms to the last part, this is actually still a bit conservative; the young generation has moved farther they are trying to redefine it," said Mr. Zerrudo.

Fashion Week 1960: The way they wore (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=472611&publicationSubCategoryId=85)

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High fashion: Models pose beside an American chopper for the “Fashion on Wings” tour.

For those of you who don’t know, it is Manila Fashion Week. Now, just to make it clear, I’m not a fashionista. My sartorial inclinations are limited in style to Kuya Kim-jungle wear with a general palette (as my better half always says) that is always the color of dirt. This is because of my bachelor days when I bought khakis, green or earth-toned slacks and shirts, even underwear in beige or similar colors, so that you could throw all of the stuff into the washing machine without any fear.

I latched on to this week’s theme because of an old article that shows us how we started on this road to the annual Fashion Week and because it involved Philippine cities.

Haute couture and the seasonal spectacle of fashion shows started in the late Fifties. We had by then recovered from the war enough to get back to luxuries and high society was able to indulge once more in ostentatious displays. This was the time when designers like Pitoy Moreno, Ben Farrales, and Aureo Alonso started to make waves and little shows, mostly in Manila, were held in restaurants and hotels.

The nascent fashion movement reached a tipping point when at the end of 1959, an organizer made plans for a fashion show intended to travel to major cities all around the Philippines. With the help of Philippine Airlines, the show, called “Fashion on Wings,” was launched in the summer of 1960. It was a stunning success.

The tour was featured in a weekly magazine with an article by Nati Nuguid (I love this name, given that I am a sucker for alliteration). Her piece “How Fashion Conscious Are The Filipinos? “made clear the fact that Filipinos were aware and appreciative of Filipino fashion design.

The tour, Nuguid reported, brought high fashion for the first time to cities such as Davao, Butuan, Zamboanga, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio. The troupe was composed of Aureo Alonso, Nomer Pabilona (hairstylist), Ben Farrales, Bert Hernandez, Arturo Cruz, Karlos, Casimiro Nuguid and Pitoy Moreno. There were eight models whose ranks were made up of “a national beauty and several popular society figures.” Modeling was not a full profession then.

The tour also started the trend for these shows to be held as “charity events.” It also served to “put the national spotlight on the cities in the itinerary of the traveling fashion show.”

The shows were mounted in several types of venues. In Davao, it was the CYO Center where the “bleachers were filled to the rafters.” In Zamboanga, it was held at the Ateneo gymnasium. In Tacloban, they converted a huge aircraft hangar for the show.

Nuguid commented: “In most of the cities visited, the crowds were composed of men and women in almost the same proportions, and it is a toss-up whether the men came to gape at the gowns or at the models. One Cagayan de Oro male confessed: “First, I looked at the face, then at the dress, then I looked at the legs, and boy, it was legs, legs, legs until they disappeared from the stage.” Whether this particular male was in the minority or not, it is a fact that one of the most frequently applauded items in the show was not a model but a gown — a Bert Hernandez confection called the Rose and modeled by one-time Miss Luzon Encarnita Biera.”

The highlight was reported as follows: “Encarnita, first appearing onstage draped in a deep strawberry cape, would draw a round of applause. The applause would fade off as she walked down the ramp. At the foot of the ramp, Encarnita would pause, slowly unfold her cape, turn around, and the goose-flesh-raising round of oohs, followed by thunderous clapping of hands would start and spread as Encarnita would expose into full view of the hall — a form-fitting fluted strapless dress of organza with a row of intricately worked roses at the hipline, really a thing of beauty, a joy to behold.”

The show and the joyous beholding started in Cebu. The largest audience was in the then new Araneta Coliseum with a reported 25,000 people in attendance! The favorite creations included “one debutante’s frock into the sleeves of which had gone 20 yards of tulle cleverly cut and sewn together to undulate like leaves of an open book…a cocktail dress of saguran beaded and embroidered lavishly …Aureo Alonso’s interpretation of the wood rose, got for the model Norma Serafica much applause …a ball gown by Pitoy Moreno that had called for 500 yards of stiffened lace and looked it, drew prolonged clapping every time Jojo Kierulf appeared in it …a Ben Faralles creation — a stunning indigo blue formal evening gown inspired by the Mindanao woman’s malong was well admired.”

Nuguid’s conclusion was: “The almost uniform reception accorded the outstanding items in the collection was certainly indicative of the fact the Filipino is fashion-conscious...” She also highlighted the use of native motifs and materials in innovative ways, including the modern terno and abaca “that shimmers like lame.”

Philippine fashion has grown by leaps and bounds since the ’60s. It is a billion-peso industry. Whole sections of broadsheets like The Philippine STAR support it and glossy magazines like the pioneering Mega (flagship fashion publication of the MMPI group whose BluPrint magazine I edit) define a modern Filipino culture and taste for seasonal change.

This change has included the elevation of fashion design and its designers to the rank of National Artist. This has been controversial mainly because the award has been grouped with architecture and its allied arts. Fashion design, I believe, deserves its own category. Its scale and scope, materials and processes differ enough from the art of creating buildings, landscapes, and cities to justify separate recognition.

It must be recognized that all design nowadays is fashion or subject to the whims and globalized consumerism engendered by fashion. To mitigate the “fashionable” trend of planned obsolescence, Philippine architecture and its allied arts, along with Philippine fashion, too, should take stock of where it is and where it is going.

We, in the creative fields should answer the questions: Have we truly created a Filipino fashion? A Filipino architecture? A Filipino identity? Have we evolved enough to stop copying western styles and looks for fashion (or architecture)? Have we abandoned the practice of deifying foreign designers and looking down on our own by constantly comparing them to couturiers (or architects) of Paris and New York? If the answer is no, then what we have is Fashion Weak (or weak architecture), and a decade more of fashion (or architecture) weeks or more National Artists will not make a difference.

Fil-Canadian designer’s fashion homecoming (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090528-207665/Fil-Canadian-designers-fashion-homecoming)

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The local fashion scene may have lost some of its best designers to careers abroad, but in recent years, it has also gained world-class Filipino talents who have honed their skills abroad and are now giving something back to their country. One of them is Filipino-Canadian Noel Crisostomo from Toronto.

After almost 20 years spent in stints at Club Monaco, Sunny Choi and Ports 1961, among others, the Ryerson University-educated Crisostomo (he was one of the Canadian students who competed at Paris’ Concours de Jeunes Creaturs de Mode in the early ’90s) has trained in ready-to-wear and couture industries.

“I’d like to believe that my design aesthetic is generally polished and restrained because of my initial training as a men’s wear designer,” says Crisostomo, who was barely 20 when he immigrated with his family to Canada in the late ’80s.

This can be seen in his smart, tailored separates that are elegant yet wearable, but far from boring. The trained eye won’t miss the ingenious cuts and fabric manipulations.

But its impeccable construction, which Crisostomo takes pride in, is the tailored collection’s biggest come-on.

Having joined Toronto’s Fashion Incubator, a prestigious government project set up by the city to boost careers of fledgling designers, Crisostomo became a well-rounded designer early on.

Crisostomo also cut his chops doing red carpet numbers for more mature women while working for fellow Canadian Sunny Choi. The stint, he says, helped soften his approach to certain looks that didn’t require as much tailoring.

He also has eye-catching gowns in various materials, exquisite silk and chiffon tops, and long, billowing cotton skirts in his Makati shop.

“Since labor was expensive in Canada, you have no choice but to learn how to cut and sew to achieve your vision,” he talks of those lean years at Fashion Incubator.

Patience

Dealing with Canada’s retail establishment, he says, instilled in him the patience of Job. Apart from their demands, stores during Crisostomo’s time didn’t pay on time.

Despite being a critical success (he won two awards as a newbie), Crisostomo felt drained.

Before the situation could take its toll on his health, Crisostomo closed shop and joined Club Monaco as a consultant.

“Viewed positively, the stint taught me how the retail industry works and what appeals to a broader market,” he says. “Along the way, I established contacts with fabric suppliers in Europe and China.”

Apart from opening his eyes to various possibilities, the exposure strengthened his resolve to strike out on his own when he later became senior designer at Ports, which was then beefing up its Asian presence in Shanghai. Manila was now a mere four hours away by plane.

It was to be his first and last posting outside Canada before two successive deaths in the family ultimately lured him back to the Philippines. Less than two years after Crisostomo’s mother died of cancer in Calgary, it was his father who succumbed to the Big C. He felt it was time to leave Shanghai and return home.

“One of the reasons I quit Ports was I wanted to spend as much time with my ailing father in Canada,” he says. “I wasn’t able to do that when my mother got sick. I wanted to make up for that.”

After he and his siblings laid their father to rest, Crisostomo couldn’t imagine himself working again in Canada. As he himself admits, the Toronto fashion scene no longer excites him.

Fresh start

“I wanted a fresh start,” he says. “I wanted to do couture and export RTW. It was a choice between China and the Philippines, where skilled labor is relatively affordable.”

Since Crisostomo knows the language and how the Filipino mind works, he ultimately decided to establish his overseas business in the Philippines.

“I’ve also seen how fashionable Filipinos have become,” he says. “They make an effort to look good for much less. With so many good designers out there, the same excitement is palpable in the local fashion scene.”

While cooling his heels in Manila and assembling his team, Crisostomo found the time to share his knowledge with aspiring designers at De La Salle College of St. Benilde. Teaching comes naturally to him, as he also taught fashion for five years at Ryerson University.

“Just the other day, I came across a client who found my pieces expensive,” he says, amused. “She equated a dress’ price tag with the amount of beadwork it has.”

Just when he thought he has seen it all, now comes a different animal called the Philippine market. But having been through worse times, Crisostomo’s latest involvement seems cut out for him.

Get your Pinoy on! (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife3_june12_2009)

Happy June 12th, everyone! The Independence Day edition of The Daily 10 is all about patriotism: love of country, a celebration of the Filipino’s creativity and pride, “tangkilikin ang sariling atin,”—the complete package. And there is one effective way to show that you’re getting your Pinoy on, that is to wear it loud and proud. Here are some clothing brands to start you off:

1. Pinoy Apparel (www.pinoy-apparel.com) —With the tagline, “Isang Lahi, Isang Bayan, Ipagmalaki Mo!” Pinoy Apparel offers Pinoy shirts with stylized Three Stars & a Sun designs and even caps and car decals. Another cool product from them is the “I Heart PI” shirt, patterned after the famous New York original (I Heart NY).

2. P™ (thorvu.multiply.com)—Among its many pop culture-oriented designs, including the Eheads shirt, this independent brand has patriotic designs like the I Ninoy PH, Makabayan Flags, and Sun & Stars.

3. Analog Soul (www.analog-soul.com)—Officially part of the I Am Ninoy campaign, they have graphic Ninoy tees and Ninoy-emblem collared shirts. They are physically located at Archaeology (Power Plant), The Ramp (Glorietta), Trinoma, and SM Department Store (Megamall).

4. Team Manila (www.teammanila.com)—Another member of I Am Ninoy, Team Manila has the Ninoy Specs shirt, totes, and pins. Their designs also include the Philippine map and other related themes.

5. KYR Apparel (www.kyrapparel.com)—This United States-based brand takes inspiration from everything historically Filipino: the year 1898 (which is boldly printed on one of their designs), the Philippine eagle and even Manny Pacquiao. One of their best-selling garments is the graphic tee with the logolized Know Your Roots print.

6. My Philippines (mynationalshirt.multiply.com)—Calling themselves the country’s national shirt, My Philippines has branches in many SM Supermalls. Aside from their I Am Ninoy, San Miguel, and souvenir Pilipinas shirts, they also have head-turning Philippine flag-inspired jackets.

7. Sinigangster (www.zazzle.com/juanted)—There are many prints to choose from Sinigangster, but a favorite is the Philippine map smacked right in the middle, with the “SG” logo stamped on the Mindanao area.

8. Archipelago (www.archipelago-inc.com)—The brand’s Pinoy line incorporates retro elements and the groovy results include prints in stylized fonts, Alibata, and Jose Rizal images.

9. Tempera70 (www.zazzle.com/tempera70)—Specializing in patriotic shirts for different nations, two Philippine designs stand out. These are the TGIF (Thank God I’m Filipino/a) and Pusong Pinoy shirts.

10. Collezione C2 (collezione-c2.com)—The RTW brand’s My Pilipinas series comprises of many designs with the Philippine map embossed on tees, polos, tops, dresses, and shirtdresses. They have branches in many malls throughout the city and the rest of the country.

Of Weaves and Patterns: To promote natural fibers is to preserve one’s cultural tapestry (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/219342/of-weaves-and-patterns)

The art and process of weaving is as laborious and intricate as it gets, but it seems that not many realize how much of a revered craft it really is. In fact, it is alarmingly becoming a dying craft. What is ironic, however, in this perilous situation is that this ancient art of hand-weaving and loom-weaving that majority of Filipinos tend to overlook is the very same craft that the indigenous peoples in this country anchor upon for their livelihood. It is what historians seek for narratives of our cultural past. It is what researchers hunt to define an ethnic group’s lifestyle and aesthetics. And each thread and fiber that goes into creating a piece is a tangible example of how hard-working and meticulous weavers are.

It is good to know however that there have been efforts, no matter how small they may seem to be for others, to revive interest and awareness in the importance of arts and crafts, particularly weaving, in the country’s holistic development. One step to this revitalization process is the use of indigenous fabrics and natural fibers in some of the contemporary ensembles that treaded down the runway for the Holiday Collection of the Philippine Fashion Week.

Veteran designer Gerry Katigbak, for one, used Manila hemp and pineapple fabric for his creations that deconstructed the celebrated Barong Tagalog into sleek modern pieces and silhouettes for men and women alike. Couture designer Estien Quijano, on the other hand, transformed classic menswear into unorthodox and street pieces using organic Sebina fabric from bamboo shoots.

Now, as the United Nations (UN) declared this year ‘International Year of Natural Fibers,’ efforts of encouraging the use of these displaced fibers are well underway. In the country, the Asean Handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA) is at the forefront of said efforts along with the Department of Agriculture.

Established in 1981 as a result of a workshop on handicrafts for export in Bangkok, the AHPADA is a forum for both government and private sectors in the promotion and development of various arts and crafts activities in Southeast Asian nations. It was created to “preserve and improve the status of craftspeople within and outside the Asia-Pacific region.” It also supports crafts through training initiatives, building businesses that will enhance cultural tourism, and vocational training of the youth and the physically challenged.

Of late, as answer to the UN’s call of recognizing the diverse range of natural fibers the world over and its aims at raising global awareness of the significance of natural fibers not only to the fiber industry and its producers but also to consumers and to the environment, the AHPADA has adopted a theme billed ‘Weaves of the World’ for its second offering of the AHPADA International Arts and Crafts Expo come October 26-29 at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

Understanding that over the past half century, natural fibers have been displaced in clothing, household furnishings, industries, and agriculture by man-made and synthetic threads, the AHPADA expo, led by its president and former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor, aims to provide ample space for the Philippines, neighboring Asian countries, and other nations such as the United States and South Africa to name a few to show woven fabrics indigenous to them and to help people in the appreciation of said fabrics.

Testament to the diversity and dynamic uses of these fabrics is Dr. Dave Baradas. A noted anthropologist, museum curator, and member of the committee on intangible heritage of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Baradas gave us a sneak preview of things to be expected at the international expo. Baradas showed us his personal collection of traditional and modern textiles made by weavers throughout the archipelago. He specifically touched upon one of the goals of the expo to fashion a well-rounded promotion of natural fabrics by way of marketing them not just only actual symbols of national pride but as functional pieces for home and for fashion.

A smorgasbord of national fabrics donned by models was presented by Baradas during the preview. Some of fabrics showcased were a Bagobo striped cloth, a Jolo piece that weavers create without blueprints, an authentic fuchsia Maranao malong made of pure silk that took about three months to finish, an ancient silk sash from Tawi-Tawi, a red Ilocano blanket whose color came from the organic dye of the Narra tree, a cross-stitched Tibolo garment, a Tausug bodice, and a yellow Abra vest dyed using wild ginger. The models wore the fabrics in a stylish and up-to-date manner—evoking a bohemian, laidback, and elegant style that is timeless and effervescent.

And since there is now a global pressure to foster cultural enterprises, Gabor also stressed that along with the expo, there will also be a conference for business opportunities for natural fibers.

She also mentioned that there will be seminars tackling production and marketing of Philippine fibers and their roles in providing income and assuaging poverty in the farm and industrial sectors.

The expo will also see crafts demonstrations and cultural events and performances.

Nationalism hits RP fashion (http://newsbreak.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6748&Itemid=88889150)

Brian Dy started his clothing company with a simple vision: for everyone, especially the youth, to wear nationalism on their sleeves.

Dy, who heads MyPhilippines Lifestyle Inc., recently led a fashion show titled "Nasyonalismo", which showcased the company's latest line of signature t-shirts printed with nationalistic messages.

The 14-piece collection of round-necked tees were printed with statements like "Aalagaan Ko Ang Bayan (I will take care of the country)" or "Mag-aaral Ako Para Sa Ikauunlad Ng Bayang Ito (I will study for the good of the nation)" in colorful, bold letters.

"We wanted to target nationalism on a more personal level. Meaning, we made shirts specifically for different fields of society. There are shirts for students, mothers, activists, doctors, athletes - anyone who wants to change the country and anyone we can be proud of," Dy said in an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak.

The shirts were modeled by celebrities and public figures who have made a mark in their chosen fields, from tourism to entrepreneurship to being an overseas Filipino worker (OFW).

Models

ASEAN paralympics gold medalist swimmer Arnold Balais, for example, modeled a shirt intended for athletes called "Lalaban Ako Para Sa Bayan Ko (I will fight for my country)."

Doctors Israel and Alice Chavez, who serve in remote barrios, sported shirts stating "Gagamutin Ko Ang Sakit Ng Ating Bansa (I will heal the sickness of this country)."

Other noted personalities include former Congressman Gilbert Remulla, filmmakers Aissa Peñafiel and Raymond Red, My Shelter Foundation's Ilac Diaz, the UP Mountaineers, photographer Niccolo Cosme, and others.

The show also featured a Cory Aquino tribute through the shirt "Ilaw ng Tahanan" meant for mothers. The company also has a special line of Cory shirts marked with a silhouette of the former president.

Proceeds from t-shirt sales of the "Nasyonalismo" line will benefit the models' chosen charities. "Whatever we produce, sold or not, it will go to the foundation," Dy said.

The shirts are available at SM department stories and Kultura branches nationwide, as well as through dealers in Singapore, Qatar, Iran, Canada, Dubai, and the United States.

MyPhilippines also has bags, caps, jackets, and other apparel.

Shirts for a cause

Dy started the company in 2003, and pioneered "Pinoy lifestyle shirts" that went beyond simple souvenier designs like tourist locations.

He said the company's lifestyle shirts are meant to depict Filipino culture and to inspire patriotic feelings in both wearers and onlookers.

"It's like a walking billboard. People see what you wear. It's a direct message to yourself and to the people who see these shirts. It's a reminder for everyone," Dy said.

The brand has had several high-profile endorsers like "Trip na Trip" host Uma Khouny (who ran a MyPhilippines shirt collection last August), as well as Jinkee Pacquiao and her children in 2007.

The company also ran a yellow "I Am Ninoy" t-shirt line for the I Am Ninoy campaign, a youth power advocacy by the Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation.

Proceeds went to war-torn children in Mindanao via ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya, a disaster response agency.

Election matters

With the 2010 elections around the corner, Dy said it is crucial to inspire nationalism in Filipinos, even if it is through a fashion statement.

"This is a proactive stance for the youth to use their brains. When you want change, you have to make a stand," Dy said.

He likened the subliminal effect of wearing a "nationalistic shirt" to planting seeds of nationalism in pride in people's heads, so they learn to love their country. The prime targets are the youth, who are bursting with idealism.

"If you love something, you won't do anything bad to it. If the youth learn that, then it's like you're investing in creating good leaders and followers," he said. "You hope this generation rises up to clean up the whole corrupt system. I can't wait."

The company's earliest statement shirt this year was "Gusto Ko Po Ng Pagbabago (I want change)", which spawned the entire "Nasyonalismo" line later on.

With their overtly political stance on certain national issues, Dy said the company is wary of politicians who want to ride on the brand's popularity.

He said they refused inquiries and orders for election campaign t-shirts, despite the opportunity for marketing mileage.

"Let's just say I'm not too happy with the political scene. I want a clean-up. I want people who are really good and true, and [those who] deserve to wear the shirts," Dy said.

Showing the love

Through their eye-catching and thought-provoking lifestyle shirts, Dy said their company was able to clinch more customers from the local market spanning people from all walks of life.

MyPhilippines customers were primarily made up of foreigners, OFWs, and "balikbayans" when they started out 6 years ago.

He's also seen a lot of customers sending messages of support and love for the Philippines through its official website, Multiply, and Facebook.

Dy sees this as a gauge that more people are loving the country, and expressing it by wearing their shirts.

Dubbed the "number 1 Pinoy lifestyle brand" in the Philippines, Dy said they sell tens of thousands of shirts every month, and that "sales have doubled every year" despite rampant imitation or piracy of their designs.

"There's intense competition, but no one loses here. All the brands promote nationalism, give jobs to people, and promote the country. We work hand in hand, and the country wins," he said in Filipino.

Though discontented, Dy remains optimistic about the nation's future. As one of the company's shirts proudly states: "May Pag-Asa Pa Ang Bayan."

Aww, thanks kimber. Kinda have different theme as to what I had in mind but this one would work just fine.

Pinoy designer makes it to Project Runway (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/02/05/10/pinoy-designer-makes-it-project-runway)

A Filipino designer is on top of the pack of the new season of the hit reality television show, “Project Runway”.

Jay Sario, 31, is the first Philippine-born designer to ever make it to the show. Sario said representing Filipinos was his goal when he auditioned for Season 7 of the popular reality show.

“I'm proud to be able to represent and be part of history. I am history!” Sario said.

Sario was born and raised in Laoag, Ilocos Norte. He and his family moved to the US when he was 17.

He developed his design skills at the Honolulu Community College and the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.

Sario said when he found out he made it to Project Runway, he was more than ready.

“The very first time I saw all 15 other designers I said to myself, ‘This is it! Bring it on!’" he said.

On the second episode, Sario won over other contestants when he created a little black dress out of burlap --- a fabric used as potato sacks.

“They're just amazed about the fact that I made burlap look like feathers and that kind of sold it," he said.

Sario gives his impression of Project Runway's host, supermodel Heidi Klum.

“She's just gorgeous. She doesn't have to do so much to look good," he said.

As for the contestants' mentor, fashion consultant Tim Gunn, Sario said, “I adore him. I respect his feedback."

He likewise revealed his favorite judges in the show. "I have to say I'm torn between Nina [Garcia] and Michael Kors."

Sario added the show pushed him to acquire new skills.

"To be able to see myself grow from the day I tried out for the show, and now...it's insane," said the Pinoy designer.

Whether he wins the coveted Project Runway title or not, Sario says he knows he will make it big as a designer.

"I need to find ways to accomplish this dream of mine. This is what I want to do. This is my calling," said Sario, who plans to launch his own line both in the US and the Philippines.

Mga bagay sa Pinas na hinahanap-hanap kapag nasa ibang bansa

wala akong makitang butiki :lol:


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/85/253677791_8ed704ca43.jpg?v=0

nope that's not a gecko or tuko - that's an Iguana - notice yong parang tapay sa ulo niya

wow ganda ng mga products.. wanna have kahit isa man lang dyan hehe

somewhere in the highway along Pangasinan

http://i877.photobucket.com/albums/ab335/kin_toy/P2070109_1.jpg

piaya story...

http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/15524066575/1/tumblr_lxhi0k3GzA1qcbca4
Freshly made artisan piaya available at Fresh Start Organic and Natural Store

http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/15538045609/1/tumblr_lxhi460NfN1qcbca4
Watching them make piaya at Fresh Start Organic and Natural Store

http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/15550712275/1/tumblr_lxhi8gHFHP1qcbca4
Artisan Piaya, Organic Native Robusta Brewed Coffee and Mascovado Sugar at Fresh Start Organic and Natural Store


source: (http://discovernegros.tumblr.com/)

piaya....

http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/15559365647/1/tumblr_lxhid46EMQ1qcbca4
Fresh Start Organic Artisan Piaya—upclose and personal


source: (http://discovernegros.tumblr.com/)

Vigan, Ilocos Sur
P h i l i p p i n e s

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/680432190.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/294185153.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/526875641.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/793764528.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/406529181.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/145986708.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/882943510.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/521332234.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/987221402.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/707388306.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/214605480.jpg

http://www.jersandel.com/uploads/1/0/6/2/10622474/552594315.jpg


all credits to the owner
www.jersandel.com (http://www.jersandel.com/1/previous/2.html)

Sugar Boy ang galing mo naman mag Paint hehehe :)

That looks good.:)
piaya....

http://www.tumblr.com/photo/1280/15559365647/1/tumblr_lxhid46EMQ1qcbca4
Fresh Start Organic Artisan Piaya—upclose and personal


source: (http://discovernegros.tumblr.com/)

EXPORT QUALITY NEGROS PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY IN DTI-MAKATI

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/303405_350797821657931_580809810_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/544636_356846857719694_1202105581_n.jpg

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http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/487327_363304963740550_693042223_n.jpg

VITO MASKS OF BACOLOD

(photos courtesy by Jojo Vito (http://www.facebook.com/vito.masks))

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/378282_441929735829954_2023219175_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/553586_441929389163322_1099122822_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/558157_441929882496606_1882930279_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/553463_441930259163235_1087069519_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/561397_441930295829898_209860468_n.jpg
originally posted by christendom