The standouts at Fashion Forte XVIII
After more than two decades in the United States, the enterprising fashion designer Nardie Presa came back to the Philippines. Though he had a lucrative practice in California, home is where his heart is. But then Presa saw that budding designers were relegated to showcasing their creations at malls or clubs. He thought that a hotel was a more proper venue for rising talents to present their collections. The idea not only became a clever business venture; it also became the irrepressible Presa’s advocacy. Together with his longtime friend Audie Espino as director and the Crowne Plaza Galleria as the host, more and more design upstarts are getting their breaks at Presa’s Fashion Forte series held at least four times a year. The lineup is usually composed of neophyte talents but established designers such as Presa also participate to show the newbies how it’s done. At the 17th staging, it was barong Tagalog designer Barge Ramos who gave a master class. At Fashion Forte XVIII, Albert Andrada displayed his universally loved designs of romantic and dreamy confections. Mikaela Rose Fowler, Miss Grand Australia 2023, gushed on her Instagram: “What an honor to not only walk for Sir Albert Andrada during the latest Fashion Forte runway show. I had the privilege of closing the show as the grand finale.” Here are some of the standouts and their thoughts: [caption id="attachment_188837" align="aligncenter" width="525"] TONI Kimpo recommends using local fabrics to promote the country to the fashion world. | photograph courtesy of Bert Briones[/caption] TONI KIMPO “The title of my collection is Rise of the Phoenix. My inspirations are the mystical bird phoenix while the emotion behind my creations is the power to rise again like a phoenix. “My materials are sourced locally. I used some indigenous material like pearls and shells. I recommend using local fabrics to promote the country to the fashion world. “I said yes to Nardie and Audie because of their integrity, and the high fashion production that only Fashion Forte can make. [caption id="attachment_188833" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Albert Andrada displayed his universally loved designs of romantic and dreamy confections. | photograph courtesy of Mike Zuniga[/caption] “When I was a child, I grew up being influenced by the works of Tito Albert Andrada. His first shop was in my grandmother’s building. I studied fashion at Slim’s Fashion School and worked at the Carolina’s fabric store.” [caption id="attachment_188834" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CARL Acusa’s latest collection speaks of political movement through fashion. | photograph courtesy of Bert Briones[/caption] CARL ARCUSA “Luncheon At The Palace is a political movement through fashion. A collection that is intended to raise awareness to the historical past and to not forget the mistreatment, injustices, killings and power abuse during the… regime. “The materials I used are silk, organdy, piña cloth, tulle, red Swarovski crystals, beads and metal religious emblems. [The challenge of procuring the materials] is their availability to suppliers because some are sourced out abroad and the piña cloth’s availability to the market. ‘My recommended remedy] is fast supplier-to-market transport and communications. “[I said yes to Nardie and Audie] because they are both professional and friendly. Their taste and professionalism established a good foundation of trust to us designers. “I’m a self-taught. I was mentored by Rocky Gathercole and Olé Morabe. My inspirations are Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Joey Samson, Ivarluski Aseron and various Filipino veteran designers. My celebrity clients include Andrea Brillantes, Kim Chiu, Vice Ganda, Sanya Lopez, Lea Salonga and Miss Glenda.” JEZELLE AMORADO “My collection is entitled Imprint. As a fashion designer, one of my primary roles is to create pieces for clients that reflect their identity and persona. It is very seldom that I get to create something that would reflect who I am as an artist. Thus, the ‘Imprint’ collection was born. “For this collection. I wanted to do away with traditional floral and lace details. Instead I focused on the idea of how I can imprint my own DNA as a designer into each piece. The hand-beaded details of each piece were carefully crafted to show my personal way of sketching, yarn and beadwork to mimic my fingerprints and the waves in various colors were created to represent my sound waves when speaking. The Jezelle Hautea Amorado signature book folded details can also be seen in the collection as a representation of my unfolding fashion design story. “The emotions that I wanted the collection to evoke is a sense of identity and self-love for who I am as an artist. I wanted the audience to see who I truly was as an artist and experience the same level of love and admiration I felt when I was allowed to be myself and create what my heart wanted. “I wanted to present a collection that would let people realize and feel that it is OK to be themselves, to love who they are and to not let society dictate who they should be. Imprint is a collection that focuses on the idea of ‘self’ and that no person could ever alter who you are as a person. “I wanted people, women in particular, to have that profound sense of acceptance despite what society would expect of us in terms of how we dress, talk and present ourselves. Hopefully, ‘Imprint’ was able to do that. “The materials that were used were a mixture of silk gazaar, fine crepe, organza and tulle. The finer details were crafted using multicolored yarns, crystals and multi-cut beads. All of my materials were sourced from both local and international vendors that I have worked with in the course of my career. “The main challenge that I face when procuring fabrics was the fear that another designer would be using the same thing as me. My solution for this is that I stay away from already pre-beaded or pre-printed textiles. “Instead of purchasing such textiles I have my team of skilled beaders craft custom prints or details that would guarantee me a unique piece every single time. At times, it is an unavoidable circumstance that I would have to use pre-detailed fabrics such as lace, so to address this situation I would deconstruct the said fabric and have my team rework it by creating new textures, or beading details to give my clients that unique look. “I have a Bachelor’s degree in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and an Associate’s degree in Fashion Design at Raffles Design Institute Singapore. I apprenticed under Albert Andrada, who is also my mentor and design influence along with Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Iris Van Herpen.” [caption id="attachment_188836" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ‘Fashion Forte’ expresses Nardie Presa’s specialty and strength in conceptualizing clothes and designs. | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MIKE ZUNIGA[/caption] “To be invited back by Nardie Presa and Audie Espino was a wonderful experience and great honor. I had my first show with them back in 2020 before the pandemic and this would have given me another opportunity to work alongside two of the most-sought after personalities in the fashion industry. “Another reason for me to say yes was that Tita Nardie had informed me that this would be a wonderful opportunity for me to continue the Mentor-Protegee story that was unfolding between me and my beloved mentor and fashion father, Albert Andrada. “The period that I got the invite for Fashion Forte was when Sir Albert and I were preparing for our ‘Marry Me at Marriott’ show and it just felt like the perfect fit. Any chance I would get to work alongside Sir Albert and share the runway with him is an opportunity that I would never want to miss.” The post The standouts at Fashion Forte XVIII appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fine body jewelry evoking a sense of freedom and expression
Mikaela Lagdameo sought a change......»»
Over the Moon at The Gardens by The Bay
Filipino couple Abbie Caram and JM Tiongco celebrated their nuptials in style with a Crazy Rich Asian-themed wedding party that took over Silver Garden-Silver Leaf at the world-famous Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, no less, on 18 June 2023. The couple spared no expense in creating a lavish and extravagant affair that transported guests to the opulent world created by Kevin Kwan. The event was a true spectacle, with most guests arriving in their finest attire, ladies in formal tea-length dresses and the men in barong. The venue was transformed into a glamorous paradise with Asian-inspired accents, orchids, red roses, sunflowers and birds of paradise — the bride’s favorite flowers. The radiant bride wore a stunning gown from Vera Wang, while the groom was in a custom-made suit by AJ Aldeguer Javier. [caption id="attachment_151738" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THE groom Abbie with parents Cora Buffa and Juan Fermin Caram.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151732" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DENESSE Cajulis, Bettina Tiongco, Mary Golez, bride JM Tiongco, Maria Cecilia Tiongco, Sharmine Salarda, Nicole Golez and Seym Caram.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151731" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ERNEST Corpuz, Jesnin Ponsaran, Giorgi Borres, groom Abbie Caram, Nino Caram, Ghed Caram and Andre Zaldarriaga.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151729" align="aligncenter" width="525"] SOFIA and Judy Abalos.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151725" align="aligncenter" width="682"] NAPOLEON Tiongco III[/caption] The party was complete with full-service bar, overflowing wines and a groaning buffet table filled with over-the-top cuisine prepared by one of Singapore’s top caterers. The entertainment included a live band and a DJ, as well as the traditional Chinese Lion Dance and Ribbon Dance. The couple’s wedding was attended by family members, close friends coming from different parts of the world, including several prominent figures in the business world. Guests were treated to a night they will never forget, with the event being hailed as one of the most extravagant and exclusive parties of the year — immediately trending on social media. Abbie Caram is the son of Juan Fermin Tan Caram and Cora Buffa, while JM is the daughter of Dr. Napoleon Tiongco Jr. and Sheilla Marie Golez- Tiongco, who all belong to prominent families of Iloilo. [caption id="attachment_151737" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CORA Buffa in a Michael Leyva creation with Tina Ita-as.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151736" align="aligncenter" width="525"] CONG. Mikaela Suancing, COng. Horacio Suancing Jr. and Ging Suancing.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151733" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Mary May Golez and Maria Cecilia Tiongco.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151730" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BRIDE’S parents Sheilla and Dr. Napoleon Tiongco Jr.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151734" align="aligncenter" width="525"] JESSIE Golez, Ian Golez, Cristina Golez, Joy Golez and Gerald Golez.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_151735" align="aligncenter" width="525"] JOHN Deza, Kristine Dez, Leo Daza, Kiks Castelo, Joanne Castelo, Erik and John Castelo.[/caption] Abbie and JM left no stone unturned in creating a wedding party that truly embodied the Crazy Rich Asian lifestyle, from the luxurious decor to the gourmet food and topnotch entertainment, giving their guests an unforgettable evening that they will be talking about for years to come! Congratulations to the happy couple. The post Over the Moon at The Gardens by The Bay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Scammer na mala-’Anna Delvey’ ng Pinas arestado sa Taguig
INARESTO sa isang condominium sa Taguig City ang 26-year-old na scammer umano na si Mikaela Veronica Cabrera. Ayon sa police report, karamihan sa mga nabiktima ni Cabrera ay mga lalaking nakilala niya sa online dating application na nagpapakilala bilang founder ng fashion company na AUMA Fashion Styling Firm. Ang pag-scam umano ng suspek ay para […] The post Scammer na mala-’Anna Delvey’ ng Pinas arestado sa Taguig appeared first on Bandera......»»
Mikaela Gloria “Mika” Arroyo: Grandma’s girl
We’ve seen her as a bubbly toddler growing up at Malacañang Palace......»»
Shiffrin lets World Cup lead slip as Gisin prevails
Semmering---American Mikaela Shiffrin failed to capitalise on her first-run lead in the World Cup slalom at Semmering on Tuesday, finishing third after a floodlit second run......»»
Former Lady Spiker Esperanza finishes med school
Former De La Salle University women’s volleyball team standout Mika Esperanza obtained her medical degree on Tuesday. The four-time UAAP champion announced her milestone on her Twitter and Instagram accounts. Hi, I officially got my medical degree today. ???????????? We'll have our (virtual) graduation on July 29!!! ? Congrats Batch 2020!!! ???????? — mika esperanza (@mikaaa01) July 14, 2020 Esperanza, the UAAP Season 73 Rookie of the Year, finished med school at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM). Her virtual graduation is scheduled on July 29. View this post on Instagram when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." - Paulo Coelho Indeed, the universe has its ways. ? I knew what I wanted to be since grade 1. The goal didn't change even if I became an athlete along the way. ???? First I want to thank Tito Perry and Tito Bomboy for helping me out when they knew I was looking for a scholarship for med school. They made calls, talked to people and made sure my story was heard. I cannot thank you enough for helping me realize my dream. ? To Sir Fred, thank you. You didn't know me and you just knew I needed financial support. You have helped countless students like me without asking anything in return except to study well. Words will not be enough to truly express my gratitude to you. 4 years walang binayaran magulang ko because of you. I wish people knew more about you and your kind heart. ? To UERM as a whole. Thank you for the education. You made me a better student and a grounded individual after 4 years. I will always look back to the journey that shaped me. ? To my groupmates, professors, residents, nurses, PGIs and staff, thank you. ? You made each day bearable. I learned alot through our time together may it be for a short while or for a whole year. To my friends outside med school, thank you. Sorry for the missed dinners and get together. You stayed with me and cheered me on for 4 years. ? To the Moreno family, thank you. Especially during my clerkship where I didn't have time to go home. You all made me feel welcome all the time. I will be forever grateful. ? To my Lasallian education, thank you. ? Through La Salle, so many doors opened for me. I was a scholar in college and I met wonderful alumni that still helps me to this day. I cannot emphasize enough how lucky I was that I was given the opportunity to play and study for and in La Salle. ? Lastly, to my family. Mama and Papa may doktor na kayo. ? Ate Anna, Ate Lexa and MJ, thank you for the unwavering support while I was in med school. All I have done and I have achieved is for my family. I hope I made you all proud. ? MARIA MIKAELA S. ESPERANZA Doctor of Medicine Batch 2020 A post shared by Mika Esperanza (@mikaesperanza) on Jul 14, 2020 at 3:25am PDT A consistent Dean’s Lister, Esperanza took up Biology in DLSU as her pre-med course before shifting to Psychology. As a student-athlete, Esperanza was a vital cog for the Ramil De Jesus-mentored Lady Spikers, winning a three-peat from Season 73 to 75 before closing her collegiate career with another title in Season 78. She last played for Cocolife in the Philippine Superliga back in 2017. .....»»