Audrey Mika& rsquo;s & lsquo;Excuses& rsquo;
Rising American singer-songwriter Audrey Mika kicks off 2021 by releasing a new track along with an eye popping new music video......»»
Linamon’s Coconut Festival
Linamon in Lanao del Norte commemorates its 64th foundation day with the vibrant Hudyaka sa Lubi (Coconut Festival), a celebration showcasing the town's thriving coconut industry, on 23 January 2024. This annual event serves as a testament to the community's deep-rooted connection to the coconut, an essential element of their cultural and economic identity. MindaNews photo by AUDREY LLAMAS.....»»
Fil-Am Hailee Steinfeld channels Audrey Hepburn, dodges engagement question at Golden Globes 2024
Hailee Steinfeld was a revelation at the 2024 Golden Globes as she wore a customized Prada gown with a high neckline, a fitted skirt, an open back with a bow, and a dainty train......»»
Kaila Estrada channels Audrey Hepburn in red at ABS-CBN Ball 2023
Kapamilya actress Kaila Estrada was a stunning lady in red at the 2023 ABS-CBN Ball as she embodied in her own personal way the late Oscar-winning actress Audrey Hepburn......»»
Army, Air Force launch interoperability exercise
At least 836 personnel from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force will participate in a joint exercise that will enhance the interoperability, combat readiness and effectiveness of the two service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The ceremonial opening was held Monday at the PA’s 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela. 5ID commander MGen. Audrey Pasia, who graced the event, reminded the soldiers “to give their best in the entirety of the exercise.” The PA and PAF personnel will train side-by-side from 25 to 30 September in this year’s Interoperability Exercise. Meantime, PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said several drills will cover command post exercises, subject matter expert exchanges and field training exercises. The subject matter expert exchanges will cover a series of topics, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Air-to-Ground Operations, Close Air Support, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System Military Free Fall, Hoist, Communication and Support System and Sustainment Operations. Battle Staff Exercises, on the other hand, will focus on problem-action scenarios, which will all be applied to the field training exercises, which will be done as a culmination activity. During the drills, Castilo said that the PAF and PA personnel are expected to showcase their capabilities, strengthen working relations, as well as evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations. The post Army, Air Force launch interoperability exercise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army, Air Force begin joint exercise
Some 836 personnel from the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force will participate in a joint exercise that will enhance the interoperability, combat readiness, and effectiveness of the two service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The ceremonial opening was held Monday at the PA’s 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on Monday, 25 September. 5ID commander MGen. Audrey Pasia, who graced the event, reminded the soldiers “to give their best in the entirety of the exercise.” The PA and PAF personnel will train side-by-side from 25 to 30 September in this year's Interoperability Exercise. PAF spokesperson Col. Consuelo Castillo said several drills will cover command post exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, and field training exercises. The subject matter expert exchanges will cover a series of topics, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Air-to-Ground Operations, Close Air Support, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES) Military Free Fall, Hoist, Communication and Support System, and Sustainment Operations. The Battle Staff Exercise will focus on problem-action scenarios, which will all be applied to the field training exercises, which will be done as a culmination activity. During the drills, Castilo said that the PAF and PA personnel are expected to showcase their capabilities, strengthen working relations, as well as evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations. The post Army, Air Force begin joint exercise appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visiting the quiet town where Audrey Hepburn once lived
One cold and rainy winter morning while on a visit to Switzerland, Peter and Badette Navarette got me inside their car for a trip to Vaud somewhere north of Lake Geneva to visit his aunt. “Pete’s Tita” lived in Tolochenaz, a small, quiet town where fenced-in chateaus alternate with quaint cottages and with small farms......»»
Oh, Napoli!
NAPLES, Italy — This is a city you won’t expect to be in Europe... especially in Italy. Many tourists shy away from this gritty area of the country situated on the Gulf of Naples simply because it does not boast of Rome’s romantic allure. Instead, wandering around Naples — especially in the Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarters) — would make you wonder if you’re really in Europe or in some not-so-picturesque section of Manila or Jakarta. [caption id="attachment_178845" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Naples’ Quartieri Spagnoli or Spanish Quarters.[/caption] A colleague who went ahead of me for a few weeks didn’t enjoy the visit so much. “Tondo vibes,” she warned me, laughing, referring to that depressed and dirty part of Manila. Still, it didn’t deter me from going, knowing that there are treasures hidden somewhere and my gut telling me Naples is simply misunderstood. Besides, I used the city as my base for exploring Pompeii, which is just a short train ride away. Well, she was right about saying that Naples is, you know, not your usual Italian city oozing with pomp and pageantry. To feel the pulse of the city, I stayed at the Spanish Quarters, an 800,000-square meter-neighborhood that had a reputation for being a bad area to find yourself in regardless of the time of day. Having grown up in Manila and going to places even hardcore individuals try to avoid, what I saw here didn’t compare to the squalor back in my homeland. It looked like Forbes Park compared to what I have seen in the Philippines and Indonesia. So, I stayed up a bit late, drank quite a number of tasty Italian beers and walked around the “bad neighborhood.” In the morning and in the evening, I took a walk and dined and shopped. There were no troublemakers to be concerned about and my daily strolls took me to the city’s jaw-dropping sites and majestic churches. For three days, Naples brought a smile to my face. Tondo vibes? Nah. While the Eternal City is head and shoulders above in terms of well-known attractions and must-see spots, it does not mean travelers have all the reason not to experience what it has to offer. Finest pizzas Oftentimes tagged as the jump-off point to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a mere 24 kilometers by rail, Naples is a haven for food lovers. It was here that pizza was invented while being watched over by the once-violent Mount Vesuvius in the backdrop. But don’t get me wrong. If you think that you have tasted the finest pizza in the world by sampling the bestsellers being peddled by premium fast-food outlets, then you should be more than willing to try the original pizza that is being sold here. [caption id="attachment_178847" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Pizza Margherita cooked the old-fashioned way.[/caption] It’s not the usual thin and crispy crust you often wolf down whenever somebody’s celebrating his or her birthday at the office. It’s more than that. [caption id="attachment_178846" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Napoli staples. Pizza Napoletana, a cold brew and your favorite cola.[/caption] The pizza being baked here — known as Pizza Napoletana — is of a different kind and usually has two flavors: Margherita and Marinara. And they’re almost identical. Margherita has pomodoro, fior di latte, olio, basilico (tomato, fior di latte cheese, oil and basil) and Marinara has pomodoro, origano, aglio, olio (tomato, oregano, garlic, oil). After devouring one huge serving of the €5 Margherita at the renowned L’ Antica Pizzeria da Michele, where Julia Roberts dined and shot Eat, Pray, Love, I took a walk once again and ran into the Bulso di Pulcinella (Bust of Pulcinella). [caption id="attachment_178843" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Julia Roberts took a bite of the renowned Pizza Napoletana during the filming of ‘Eat, Pray, Love.’[/caption] According to legend, one has to rub the statue’s nose for good luck and that’s exactly what I did. [caption id="attachment_178848" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Rub his nose for good luck. | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF AUDREY GIONGCO[/caption] Medieval structures If you love old — and ancient churches —there’s a lot within this lovely area. At almost every corner, there’s a medieval church that is very Instagrammable. But what stood out was the one I visited one balmy morning when residents were either still soundly asleep or just about getting ready to start another day. The Chiesa del Gesu Nuovo (New Jesus) completed in the late-1700s, is undoubtedly the city’s most beautiful church despite its sober facade. [caption id="attachment_178849" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] The main altar of Gesu Nuovo, said to be Naples’ most beautiful church.[/caption] Aside from the Gesu Nuovo, worth visiting as well are the Naples Cathedral (Cattidrale di San Gennaro), Basilica di Santa Chiara and the Girolamini. Definitely, by the time you are done, you will be famished. Head to the nearest pizzeria and get the Margherita and pair it with a small bottle of cola zero zuccheri or the ubiquitous Nastro Azzurro in the green bottle. Salute! Would I make a return trip? You bet! The post Oh, Napoli! appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No public money spent for fashion show — Palace
The government did not cover the expenses for the “Isang Pilipinas” fashion show at Malacañang for fashion designer Michael Leyva, a Palace official clarified Monday. In a statement sent to Palace reporters, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco said the designers and private organizations with which they collaborated covered the expenses for the Goldenberg Fashion Series, a First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos project to rehabilitate the Goldenberg Mansion. Arroyo-Tantoco added that the output is a joint effort among different creatives in the industry. “The objective of the series is to provide a platform for Filipino artists to show their work in a historical setting relevant to our Cultural Identity,” Tantoco said. “The government did not spend anything on the event because it is paid for by the designers and private institutions they partnered with,” the official added. The recent fashion presentation held on 8 August showcased a lineup of personalities. These people include Heart Evangelista, who is married to Senator Chiz Escudero; Audrey Tan-Zubiri, the spouse of Senator Migz Zubiri; Tootsy Angara, wed to Senator Sonny Angara; Em Aglipay-Villar, the partner of Senator Mark Villar; Lani Mercado, the representative of Cavite and the wife of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.; Kathryna Pimentel, who is married to Senator Koko Pimentel; Gladys Villanueva, the wife of Senator Joel Villanueva; and Mariel Padilla, the wife of Senator Robin Padilla. The post No public money spent for fashion show — Palace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palace: No gov’t money spent on First Lady’s fashion show
The government did not cover the expenses for the "Isang Pilipinas" fashion show at Malacañang for fashion designer Michael Leyva, a Palace official clarified Monday. In a statement sent to Palace reporters, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco said the designers and private organizations with whom they collaborated covered the expenses for the Goldenberg Fashion Series, a project by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos to rehabilitate the Goldenberg Mansion. Arroyo-Tantoco added that the output was a joint effort among different creatives in the industry. “The objective of the series is to provide a platform for Filipino artists to show their work in a historical setting relevant to our cultural identity,” Tantoco said. “The government does not spend anything on the event because it is paid for by the designers and private institutions they partner with," the official added. The fashion presentation held on 8 August showcased a lineup of congressional wives, among them Heart Evangelista, married to Senator Chiz Escudero; Audrey Tan-Zubiri, the spouse of Senator Migz Zubiri; Tootsy Angara, wife of Senator Sonny Angara; Em Aglipay-Villar, wife of Senator Mark Villar; Lani Mercado, the representative of Cavite and wife of Senator Bong Revilla Jr.; Kathryna Pimentel, who is married to Senator Koko Pimentel; Gladys Villanueva, wife of Senator Joel Villanueva; and Mariel Padilla, wife of Senator Robin Padilla. The post Palace: No gov’t money spent on First Lady’s fashion show appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Intimate Audrey:’ An up-close and personal look at a Hollywood and fashion icon
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ribbon cutting ceremony on 31 July to formally open the first Asian stop of Intimate Audrey, the bespoke exhibition on the life of the late Hollywood and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn that was created by her son Sean Hepburn Ferrer. Ferrer himself attended the ceremony, with his daughter Emma in tow, held at The Museum at S Maison, located at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City, where the exhibition will run until 29 October 2023. The exhibition was brought to the Philippines through the partnership of FashX, a fashion trade and licensing company, and SM Supermalls, as represented at the opening by Hans Sy and Teresita Sy-Coson. [caption id="attachment_169574" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Hans Sy, chairman of the executive committee of SM Prime.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_169575" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos with SM Investments Corporation vice chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_169573" align="aligncenter" width="730"] Irene Marcos-Araneta, Joanne De Asis-Benitez and Anna Sobrepeña. | Photographs Courtesy of Sm Supermalls[/caption] Intimate Audrey is the third exhibition Ferrer has created for his mother in the last 30 years. It first opened on 4 May 2019 in time for Hepburn’s 90th birth anniversary and held in her birthplace in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. It then made a stop in what she considered her home country, Netherlands, specifically in its capital, Amsterdam, where she spent much of her youth during the war years. The exhibition features over 800 photographs, memorabilia, fashion items, drawings, writings, movie posters and trophies that were thoughtfully curated and laid out around the 730-square meter space at The Museum at S Maison. There are also videos playing in strategic spots to highlight specific chapters in her life and at the screening room to show clips from her timeless movies Roman Holiday, Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to name a few. At the end of the exhibition — which covers Hepburn’s life from childhood to ballet training to conquering Hollywood, getting married, becoming a mother and finally doing humanitarian work as UNICEF ambassador — there’s a fashion tribute put up especially for the Manila stop. Titled Audrey: An Homage from Filipino Fashion, this section highlights the works of celebrated Filipino designers who got inspiration from Hepburn’s films and documentaries on her life. The participating designers include Pepito Albert, Ivar Aseron, Vic Barba, Mike Dela Rosa, JC Buendia, Len Cabili, Auggie Cordero, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Ben Farrales, Cesar Gaupo, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lustico, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Puey Quiñones, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Philip Rodriguez, Cary Santiago and National Artists Salvacion Lim-Higgins and Ramon Valera. Tickets to Intimate Audrey are available online via SM Tickets and at all SM Tickets offline locations, such as SM Department Stores and SM Cinemas. Regular price is P850. There’s a special rate of P450 for students, senior citizens, PWDs, national athletes and medal of valor awardees. The post ‘Intimate Audrey:’ An up-close and personal look at a Hollywood and fashion icon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anne Hepburn : Anne Curtis emotional meeting with idol Audrey Hepburn s son, Manila exhibit visit
Kapamilya actress Anne Curtis turned emotional upon visiting Audrey Hepburn's Manila exhibit. .....»»
Michael Leyva to showcase the best of Philippine textiles at Goldenberg Mansion
The staidly grand Goldenberg Mansion, one of the three Malacanang heritage houses recently reopened to the public, once again comes alive tonight with “Isang Pilipinas,” a showcase of Philippine indigenous and traditional textiles as interpreted by fashion designer du jour Michael Leyva. The third in the "Fashion at Goldenberg" series, a project of the First Lady, Liza Marcos Araneta, tonight’s expectedly dazzling show is Michael’s tribute to Filipino ingenuity, where “I am highlighting the Philippines’ rich heritage, culture, and history, especially through its textiles,” he explained to the Daily Tribune when we recently visited him at his Manila Peninsula showroom where he receives his clients, mostly prominent ladies of the country's social, political and economic firmaments. [caption id="attachment_168345" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Michael with Daily Tribune Social Set editor Jojo G. Silvestre[/caption] For this event, he traveled to Davao, Sultan Kudarat, Cebu, Albay, and Sorsogon to document the lives of the weavers and craftsmen. Tonight’s audience can thus expect a delightful and informative visual spectacle as one of the highlights of the show, which, weather hopefully permitting, will be held in the front garden of the heritage mansion. With Roby Carmona directing, as he had done in initial Goldenberg presentations, the show will surely be another excellent tribute to Filipino talent and craftsmanship, which the First Lady has been promoting through her many cultural heritage development projects. The powerhouse audience can look forward to witnessing Michael’s muses show off his creations, among them, senatorial wives, mayors, legislators, businesswomen, and outstanding personalities in various spheres of Philippine society. The list, a veritable who’s who includes senatorial wives Audrey Zubiri, Tootsy Angara, Kath Pimentel and Gladys Villanueva; Senator Nancy Binay; and Mayors Lani Revilla, Honey Lacuna, Imelda Calixto, Wes Gatchalian, and Dale Malapitan. Of his clients who are modeling his designs, Michael claims, “I am fortunate it is not difficult to design for them. It’s always a pleasure for me to dress them up. I believe it is because of the trust they give me, and I am grateful to them. This much-awaited event marks the latest milestone in Michael’s 10-year old career, which has seen him present his creations in various parts of the world including Los Angeles, Dubai, and Moscow, while just as busily dressing up the country’s movers and achievers. (He is off to the Paris fashion week soon.) The recent State of the Nation Address red carpet might have been his show, having been responsible for the outfits of some 100 legislators and their ladies, among them, Senator Grace Poe, Senator Nancy Binay and family, Senator Allan Cayetano, Senator Koko Pimentel and his wife Kath, Senator Raffy Tulfo and Congresswoman Jocelyn Tulfo, and easily the day’s most photographed lady, actress and fashion icon Heart Evangelista. A first for the National Museum When Michael Leyva celebrated his tenth anniversary in the world of fashion as a designer, he presented a show at the National Museum, a first in the history of the venerable institution, the foremost repository of the nation’s cultural treasures. While he was celebrating a milestone, the "momentous event, to me, was also my way of commemorating the memory of my brother, Brian, my childhood roommate and playmate, who has remained to be my angel, my guide, my mentor and my teacher all throughout. "He’s always been my inspiration in everything that I do. I know he’s there, he’s always part of it. He’s always beside me. Front, back, and side by side." Michael was first enamored with the cavernous halls of the National Museum when he did a shoot in 2018. " I told myself that this is where I will celebrate my 10th year. If it wasn't going to be here, I would rather not celebrate na lang. I wanted to be the first to showcase my creations in this historically significant building." Earlier, restriction pertaining to Covid were lifted, paving the way for the October 10, 2022 spectacle. "I presented a 55-piece collection,” he proudly shared. His muses, Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Pia Wurtzbach, led the list of models. Regine Velasquez sang at the finale. Eric Santos performed as well. He was elated that Inno Sotto, the foremost designer of his generation and the leading heir to the masters of the postwar era, had given his imprimatur through his presence. "I felt that his coming to my milestone show proves that I had already made it." A different look for the First Lady But to Michael, the biggest honor and affirmation came from the First Lady of the Philippines, Liza Araneta Marcos. "I missed meeting her when a number of us designers were invited to Malacanang to discuss her Likha project. I happened to be in Paris for a wedding. But I really wanted to meet her." [caption id="attachment_168346" align="aligncenter" width="525"] First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and designer Michael Leyva viewing a fashion exhibit.[/caption] Finally, in September 2022, he was introduced to the First Lady in her Presidential Management Staff office. He invited her to his National Museum show, and she came. She wore a Michael Leyva Filipiniana, his first-ever creation for her. In time, they would develop a friendly collaboration based on trust and respect, anchored on her admiration for his talent. The next few months saw him designing many of her outfits worn on special occasions. Just recently, she wore her Michael Leyva outfits in Cebu and in the presidential visits to Kualalmpur, Malaysia, and Bangkok, Thailand. For the First Lady’s get-ups, which he posted on his FB wall, he received a lot of praises, mostly commenting on how he had been able to zero in on what would look best on the First Lady. [caption id="attachment_168349" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The First Lady in a Michael Leyva creation at the Audrey Hepburn exhibit, with Tessie Sy Coson and SM officials.[/caption] From day one, he has wanted a different look on her. “Being a designer, I had to explore possibilities. What was basic in my mind was I wanted her to look differently, and that people would notice once she wore my first dress. I wanted them to say, “she had changed in her fashion and grooming preferences.” And Michael did achieve his intention. [caption id="attachment_168351" align="aligncenter" width="525"] President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and FL Liza Araneta Marcos, in a Michael Leyva modern terno, with the King and Queen of Thailand[/caption] [caption id="attachment_168352" align="aligncenter" width="525"] President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Marcos Araneta during the president's state visit to Malaysia. The First Lady is in a Michael Leyva creation.[/caption] When people found out he had been responsible for the First Lady’s new look, they told him, “No wonder she now looks different.” An obvious change was in the length of her dresses, which originally was above the knee. “I felt that it would be more becoming for her to wear below-the-knee dresses,” he pointed out. The First Lady, he said, “wants comfortability. She doesn’t like corsets. And then, as much as possible, she wants to make use of Philippine textiles that we have here like calado, piña, and abel. She is the number one promoter of Philippine textile.” Of course, the First Lady will be his guest of honor in tonight’s fashion show, once again proving Michael’s eminence and popularity in his field, and the First Lady’s commitment to the uplift of weavers and embroiders of this beautiful country, the Philippines. The post Michael Leyva to showcase the best of Philippine textiles at Goldenberg Mansion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Intimate Audrey’ in Manila
'Intimate Audrey' is a bespoke exhibition on the life of Audrey Hepburn created by her son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, to celebrate her 90th birthday anniversary. Originally launched in her birth town of Brussels, Belgium, the exhibition made a stop in her home country of the Netherlands (Amsterdam) where she spent the war year. The exhibition includes over 800 photographs, memorabilia, dresses, and accessories, as well as her never before seen fashion drawings and humanitarian writings. A series of poignant videos bring each of its chapters to life. [caption id="attachment_167063" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Sean Hepburn Ferrer[/caption] Part of the Intimate Audrey experience in Manila and a unique addition to the execution that was last on display in Amsterdam is an exclusive tribute called “AUDREY: An Homage from Filipino Fashion.” This section highlights the works of some of the Philippines’ most celebrated designers and how each one of them took inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s films to the documentation of her personal life. It includes works and pieces from Pepito Albert, Ivar Aseron, Vic Barba, Mike Dela Rosa, JC Buendia, Len Cabili, Auggie Cordero, Rhett Eala, Jun Escario, Ben Farrales, Cesar Gaupo, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Dennis Lustico, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Puey Quiñones, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Philip Rodriguez, Cary Santiago and National Artists Salvacion Lim-Higgins, and Ramon Valera. Attending the vernissage in Manila are Audrey’s own son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, and her granddaughter, Emma Hepburn Ferrer. [caption id="attachment_167064" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Emma Kathleen Ferrer[/caption] FashX, a fashion trade and licensing company in the Philippines, has partnered with the country’s leading retail chain SM Supermalls, to hold this first-in-Asia exhibition of “Intimate Audrey” at The Museum at S Maison at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City from 1 August 2023 to 29 October 2023. The event's official partners include SMDC, Vogue Philippines, Furla Eyewear, Hardys, Gallery by Chele, The Henry Hotel Manila, and The Diarist. Exhibition tickets will be available online via SM Tickets and at all SM Ticket offline locations such as SM Department Stores and SM Cinemas. Exhibition access is priced at P850 with a special rate of P450 for students, senior citizens, PWDs, national athletes, and medal of valor awardees, and allows access to the 730-square-meter space for one hour and a half per visit. The post ‘Intimate Audrey’ in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Katya Angara – The journey of a woman and artist
The promising artist that Katya is today is the latest phase in a lifelong journey that began at an early age when she began drawing characters from cartoon comics. All the while she was growing up in a home that nurtured her interest in the arts, as much as it prepared her for rigorous academic training. She read early in life, in a house filled with books. In this second part of our interview, Katya shares with us how she made a number of choices that would lead to where she is today. But once upon a time, for all that had been given to her on a silver platter, she was in a quandary as to what to do with her life. But when she finally decided on what she wanted, there was no stopping the talented and smart girl who, it turned out, possessed an intellectual prowess not unlike those of her parents, the lawyer, and senator Edgardo Angara, whose affinity for the land had been impressed on his daughter, and the lady educator Gloria Manalang Angara, who opened up her daughter’s eyes and minds to the wonders of world literature and the other arts. And it was in art that the young girl did not only find solace but also healing. Here is the final part of our interview: DT: After high school, did you immediately leave for London? KA: To be honest, and I don’t want filters here, I had mental health issues at that time. I was severely depressed. Before I went to London, I went through a tumultuous period of deciding where to go with my education. So, after Poveda, I went to Woldingham (boarding school). then I did half of my BA Psychology degree at UP Diliman from late 2000 to 2002. I loved my time at Diliman but it was a tumultuous transitional period for me, so I decided to revisit pursuing university in London. Central Saint Martins, to be precise, is one of the most prestigious and distinguished art and design schools in the world DT: Around what time was this? KA: It was in 2002. I was bouncing around like I couldn’t anchor myself to one thing. Like, okay, I’m here in London already. And then, okay I’m going to study Psychology in UP. So, what’s with the leap, the sudden jump, the sudden shift? I couldn’t make up my mind. And I think that frustrated my parents for the longest time. I was also being hard on myself because I ended up causing a lot of frustration for myself. And I think that depressed me. So, you know, I’ve been diagnosed with different things. I’m bipolar. And then, I had the hallmarks of ADHD. Let’s just say that my brain works differently DT: Well, one can never be sure about oneself. KA: No, you can never be sure about yourself. And I was questioning myself. For the longest time, all those years I thought, what’s wrong with me? Why am I making all these strange decisions? Why am I behaving this way? Why do I react to people this way?”. You know, parang I shouldn’t be talking or reacting to people like this in this kind of situation. And I’m not just saying with family or what. But with my classmates in school. What drew me to art was it being a place that has its own language e. It’s a place where I can express myself. Art is also a way of healing your own wounds. It’s also a way of revealing those aspects of yourself that you wouldn’t be able to otherwise. It really was a way of healing for me. And I didn’t even know that I needed it. Because again, I was a very quiet and introverted kid. I don’t know why. I couldn’t rely on people, talk to people the way I thought, or maybe people thought I should. So, you know, I kept to myself. I’d hide away in the library every recess or lunch. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. So, that carried on until my university years. Daily Tribune (DT): What did you finally take up in college? Katya Angara: Well, first I just wanted to do a purely art course. So, my foundation course to get me a degree was an Art and Design course. My first choice for this was Central Saint Martins, which continues to be ranked as one of the best art and design schools in the world. I was over the moon when I made it in. DT: What did you have to show to qualify? KA: I needed to show my work. I had some already since I was drawing a lot in my childhood and teenage years. DT: Your works are not the usual ones that use oil, watercolor, acrylic, and all that. KA: I was drawing mostly. And for some reason, I have always been more of a draftsman eh. I’m always more into drawing. I have more illustrating tendencies. DT: Like pen and paper? KA: Yes, pen and paper. Pencil, charcoal. I’ve always had a thing for dry media and pen and ink. It’s more about the control and the precision. That’s my personality. DT: That’s not easy ah. KA: It’s not easy. But you have an affinity for it. And your hands have to be steady. Which is unlikely for someone with pasmado hands like me. But that’s where I find my control eh. That’s why I like it so much. DT: So, what was it like when you showed your drawings at Central Saint Martin? KA: So, I showed my drawings because that was required during the interview. And so I went through the ropes. They asked questions like, "why do you want to do this course here?" DT: Your work must have been good to get you accepted. KA: They were fine. I think it was good enough. But there was a lot I had to improve on. I only knew that once I got into the school. Then, you told yourself, Ah, oo nga pala. There was so much I had to learn. That I could be taught. DT: How was your learning experience? KA: From the beginning, as a child, I always copied from cartoons. And they didn’t like that. They didn’t want to see any cartoons or anything like that. They wanted to see me. They wanted to see my work. My drawing from life. DT: So, how did you do that? It must have been challenging KA: So, I gave them the best of my life drawings. But when I showed them my other works, they weren’t happy with them. So, I learned from that. Being young, you got a bit crushed. But then, you realize it’s a different way of thinking. It’s a different way of doing things. Okay, there’s still so much to learn in terms of art. And it’s not the be-all and end of it all. And then, they said, “This is where you should be learning from.” And they showed me art books. They said, “Go to this gallery or this museum.” DT: How was it like living abroad? Back home, you were the daughter of a senator. KA: Which means nothing when you’re abroad. It meant nothing. Which I actually loved. It was something that I was looking for. Because I lived in a bubble back home. To my parents’ credit naman there’s a reason for that. I was very protected. They wanted to keep me safe and secure given my father’s position. So, I’d always lived in a bubble. I’d always have bodyguards and drivers and all that. And it just felt at times a little restrictive. DT: So, it was a welcome thing? KA: It was a welcome thing. Really, I felt different. I felt normal na parang my family name didn’t mean a thing. And that was refreshing. I could be anything I wanted to be. I could experiment and nobody would judge. Because in schools like that and abroad, especially in Europe, they’re so open-minded. They’re so liberal. DT: How were the teachers? KA: Oh, wonderful. Of course, you always have your favorites, right? Very varied. Depending also on what course you were taking up, whether industrial design or sculpture which I was horrible at when I tried it. I didn’t really get close to my tutors until I moved on to my actual degree. Funny enough, instead of ending up in a practical course. Which would have been like Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or even Illustration because I love drawing. You would think that I would end up in a more practical course like Fine Arts, Graphic Design, or even Illustration, I did a complete shift and I did a theoretical course. I did Curation, Art Criticism, and Art History. So, my training is as a curator and an art critic. DT: Wow, that was very intellectual. It’s good that you always read a lot. KA: Yes, I think that helped because you have to read a lot. You have to love reading. You have to like doing the research. And that served me well. Who would have known, right? But if you think about it, as long as you follow what you want to do in life, it just opens up even if you don’t intentionally seek it. Somehow it just finds you It just fell into place for me in that sense. This is not what I initially set out to do. But I think you have to allow yourself to change your mind. Parang whatever happens at the time, you change with it. You adjust to it. And it worked out beautifully for me. DT: So, were the teachers terrors? KA: Mabait naman sila. But they have very different personalities. My course leader was a lovely older lady who was really into Victorian arts and culture. As in, Victoriana lahat. She would tell you everything about English Victorian history. And she was very passionate about it. And you know, it involved a lot of writing and research. But my favorite tutor was someone who was writing about comic books. Comic books and Pop culture. So, for me, that was a revelation because I didn’t think you could take comics books and put them in the academe. You know, academic level like intellectual. Pwede pala e. Because he showed me a way. He took me under his wing and he showed me his work and from there I learned to write. And because I love comic books. I’m actually a huge geek. I’m a nerd, I’m a dork. DT: What was your thesis? [caption id="attachment_165427" align="aligncenter" width="463"] Roger Sabin was Katya's pop culture mentor at Central Saint Martins in London.[/caption] KA: Because I wanted Roger Sabin, my pop culture tutor, as my professor for my thesis, it was about a 1990s Japanese animated film called Ghost in the Shell 101. It was an animated film based on a very heavy graphic novel, a manga or Japanese comics, by Masamune Shirow. And for me, his work is revelatory. It wasn’t just the style of the Ghost in the Shell. And to think just one man could draw like this. I mean it was a very thick graphic novel. He could draw like that. And he wrote the story too. And to think you had the mental stamina to be able to write something like that and to draw. DT: You must enjoy doing comics. KA: Since I was a kid, I’ve made my own comic books. You know, I would sell my own comic books and people would actually buy them. I taught myself to draw in the comic book style. I learned them all. You know, there’s like Stan Lee of Marvel. DT: You really had it in you. KA: I had it in me. My love for comic books started by reading the ones my brother had collected over the years. He had a stash of them, so, I just devoured them. It was all very amazing to me. Kasi the drawings, the stories, these are worlds written by someone else. So, you have Marvel comics, DC comics, Dark Horse comics. [caption id="attachment_165417" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] With brother, Senator Sonny Angara, whose comic books she devoured for their cartoon figures.[/caption] Q: You didn’t idolize anybody? A: Well, I wasn’t particularly huge on the American comics. I think it was until I stumbled upon the Japanese comics or manga. That really piqued my interest to a degree I never felt before. Kasi it wasn’t just the style, which at first for me was very girly. I mean, I love the romantic comics. But I also felt myself leaning toward the darker stuff. DT: What did you like about Ghost in the Shell? KA: It’s a cyberpunk graphic novel. So, ang galing, ang ganda ng style. It was like, wow. You know, the sheer amount of detail that he puts into the drawings. I said I want to draw like this. I want to tell a story like this. But I don’t know if I was capable of telling if I had the stamina to tell something so intricate and complex. DT: When did you graduate? KA: In 2008. The BA in the UK is only three years. That’s why you take a foundation course. There’s a BA in Curation, and Communication, and criticism in Arts and Design. DT: I am told that you graduated at the top of your class. But you’re not telling me. KA: It sounds so funny kasi eh. Anyway, I graduated with first-class honors for my degree. So, basically, I was Suma Cum Laude in my batch in my year. So, that was what sealed the deal for me and my dad. Kasi for the longest time, I was kind of meandering. I was kind of flip-flopping. My mom knows this eh She goes, “You know Katya you have a tendency to be whimsical.” I am an artist eh, what can I do? Besides, I was young and I wasn’t sure. I knew what I wanted to do, which was to be in the arts but not where I wanted to go. I was asking myself if I had the stamina, the commitment, the fortitude to see it through. [caption id="attachment_165415" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Katya and mom Gloria Angara, who first ignited her interest in the arts.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_165419" align="aligncenter" width="854"] Katya with her dad, the late Senate President Edgardo Angara from whom she learned to apply the principles of nature to her art[/caption] DT: College made you really bloom. KA: Yes. It was the environment. it was the people I was with. Because I was able to go into something I really enjoyed. I wasn’t just doing homework because I was told to do homework. I loved what I was doing. I was invested in it. DT: What did you do after you graduated? KA: Apart from community work, I also worked for some small galleries. I did some work for the Victoria and Albert Museum. I tried to have experiences in bigger institutions, bigger museums, and small independent galleries. I thought that experience would hone me and make me well-rounded. With the smaller galleries, I was able to practice my curatorial background. I was able to help a lot of young artists. They don’t know how to talk about their work or they’re not confident enough to do so. So anyhow, apart from helping them put together shows, I help them speak about their work. Or offer them a perspective they have never seen or thought about. And I feel that that was helping them and I think that’s where I have been able to engage with them. It was fulfilling to help them find their voice as an artist. DT: All the while, you were all alone in London? KA: I was married actually. To a Filipino who was born in the UK, in London. He’s an Englishman, for all purposes. It didn’t work out. We have a daughter. I had a beautiful little girl with him. She lives in London with her father. She’s been here. She lived here in her early years. After she was born in 2010, I decided to move back here. Then, after four years, we went back to London because it was what my husband wanted. He and my dad had a falling out. DT: When was your first exhibit? KA: Last year. Earlier, I did a group show at the Lethaby Gallery at Central Saint Martins. So, I did it with other emerging artists. My next group show was at The Crucible. But it was for a book that Sari Ortiga had commissioned me to do. He wanted to do a series of children’s books about Philippine artists. I did mine. Mine was about Anita Magsaysay-Ho. I did the illustration. It wasn’t new to me because I had been making my own books. I would staple them myself. Although up until that point I didn’t know how to really do it professionally. I found out it could be lucrative and fulfilling. This was in 2008 when I didn’t have a daughter yet. DT: Tell me about your forthcoming show. (The current show had yet to be opened). What paintings are you showing? KA: They’re not paintings, they’re not just drawings. They’re an amalgamation. They’re what you call a compendium of everything I’ve ever done as an artist. The book illustration, and then I dabbled a bit in black-and-white photography. I like the look of black and white photography. So, I do it with my phone or a simple camera. It’s also good for taking reference photos for my work. Because if you can’t sit in the park drawing people or objects, or subjects, the next best thing is you take pictures. And you can draw from those pictures. Kaya maganda siya for reference. So, my work is that, actually. DT: So, what about your subjects? KA: Well, I’m a very central person. We live in a very conservative culture. And I have subjects that would make people say ay, you know, you shouldn’t talk about that. So, there’s no filter, it’s very raw, very natural. In London, I was able to talk to people about things like BDSM or Bondage Sado-Masochism. And you know, that can get a bad rap. Because if you do it wrong, it would look strange to anyone who is not familiar with it. Among the Japanese, there is a subculture that does that. DT: Do they consider BDSM an art form? KA: There’s a particular Japanese artist whose work I used to admire. He’s a photographer. And his subject is BDSM. There were pictures of women tied up and then there were flowers and reptiles. So it was very sexual. I found myself drawn to that because there’s the element of the dark side. Carl Jung, the psychoanalyst, talked about how we have to make our unconscious conscious. The darkness in us is unconscious. And if you don’t make your darkness conscious, it’s going to come out in other ways at some point. Meaning to say, you shouldn’t repress those sides of you. I think it is a side that’s intertwined with the creative side of me. I can’t be an artist without being sensual. Without that aspect, all that would be macabre. Which brings me to my mom again. She used to chide me for reading Stephen King when I was a kid. I’m a huge Stephen King fan. She was like, “It’s so macabre, so dark.” And I’m like, “I like it, I like his work.” He’s such a skilled writer. And I like how he could take something so mundane and make it terrifying and frightening on all levels. Stephen King said that he writes two thousand words every morning. I’m not sure if I can do that. I wanted to write na rin eh because the natural partner of my art is my writing. Because as a curator, I didn’t just read. I had to write a lot. And that’s where I honed my skills. Kasi siyempre, it’s a sword that you have to sharpen every now and then. So, for the show. I did a lot of writing. I did my own writing. DT: While we're on the talk of artists, what about the Filipino artists? Who among them do you admire? Do you have any mentors and idols? KA: Among Philippine artists, Junyee is my second father and my first artistic mentor. He is my OG sage and shaman of Philippine art, the Father of Philippine Installation Art. I'm actively lobbying for him to become National Artist soon, as no one deserves it more than he does, with his magnificent oeuvre. I'll always remember how, in a fleeing moment of impostor syndrome, he consoled me by saying that making art for myself always comes first. Love the process and the rest follows. The maverick attitude is very Junyee! And yet, he lives a modest life in the forest-like setting of his home in Los Banos, echoing the nature-loving ethos of our favorite Japanese animator, Hayao Miyazaki, creator of Toroto, Nausicaa, Spirited Away, among many other magical films. Since I was a child, Junyee saw my potential and continued to push me to have my own gallery shows, as did his longtime friend and one of my other mentors, Sari Ortiga. Sari's daughter Yasmin is a good friend and batchmate of mine from Poveda. Sari owns and runs the distinguished Crucible Gallery, and he hired me to illustrate one of the children's books for his series "Growing up with Philippine art" in 2009. It's thanks to Sari that I pushed myself to evolve as an artist, to grow outside of my comfort zone. The acclaimed visual artist and sculptor Jinggoy Buensuceso is something of a bad boy du jour of the Philippine art scene, and his dissident attitude is something I can identify with. I love the unorthodox, the sensual, the macabre, the dark stuff that delves deep into the psyche. I'm so bored of the "covers" or "riffs" of the countless Amorsolo, Basquiat, Picasso, or Rothko-type artworks that I see so much of in the local art scene. As wtih Junyee and Sari, Jinggoy has taught me how to navigate the perilous seas of art and life, echoing Junyee's advice to remain myself, in a world that often pushes us to be someone else. My three mentors, by example, taught me how to be original. DT: How many are you exhibiting? How many works? KA: Now, I have 9 complete pieces. I’d like to add another one. Honestly, medyo cramming ito because I only had two months to do the show. Normally for this kind of work - especially with the big piece I am doing - it’s a seven-foot piece. I would need, preferably to be comfortable, at least four to six months to do all this work. Kasi, there is so much nicer when you give it time to compost. To come together, to become fertile. DT: Is there enough time for one more work? A: Yes. I have one more work that I want. Because I feel that it rounds it up eh. If I do ten, I love the work that I’ve already done. Again, it’s not a painting, it’s a collage. So, I’d call it a photographic collage with paper cuttings on canvas. I wanted to treat canvas in a way that is not painting DT: Shouldn’t someone curate for you? KA: For now, I’m happy to have to do it myself. Because I feel that I’m the only one who can portray myself in a way that I feel I should be portrayed. Kasi it’s art eh. You’re trying not so much to explain yourself as you’re trying to convey who you are to somebody without being obvious. That’s art. DT: Where does Stephen, your partner, come in? [caption id="attachment_165418" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] With her partner and anchor, Stephen Lu.[/caption] KA: Stephen is somewhat of an anchor for me. So, I feel comfortable, I feel more confident when he’s around. But I guess I’m okay. DT: Now, as we wind up, let’s talk about how you are like your parents and not like them. You said that your interest in the arts came from the exposure that you received from your mother, and of course, the presence of books at home. Tell me more about your father’s role in your becoming the person that you are. KA: One of my fondest memories of my father was his love of nature, gardening, and farming, which I learned from him. He was at his best and calmest when he was at his farm in Nasugbu and Baler. Whilst my father was a “man of the soil”, I learned to be an “artist of the soil”, a gardener who applies the principles of nature to my art. Hence the overlying themes of nature in my oeuvre of artwork. And the most resonant themes of philosophy (which my father also studied and applied in his life) are the themes relating to lessons learned from nature: patience, fortitude, temperance. From this I’ve become more acutely aware of life’s transience, making our time all the more precious, being grateful for small and simple pleasures, and the opportunities that come my way. The naïveté of my younger years meant that I didn’t have a complete grasp of the opportunities presented to me by my father, I took much for granted. Now I see why he did what he did, he gave me the tools to be able to achieve my full potential. Only now that I’m embracing that fire and heading in a direction that makes the most of my talents. I had impostor syndrome for the longest time. Always questioning and doubting myself. Now I can fully embrace who I am and it is cathartic. DT: In what way are you like them? KA: I have the different strengths of my parents. I’ve inherited their academic minds and cultured tastes, with an eye for detail and beauty. I have many mannerisms and behavious in common with my mum, in terms of poise and self-possession. But, she is like Audrey Hepburn and I am infinitely more of a Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn was also a very private person and something of a poet and writer. I guess it’s no surprise that I am drawn to art and writing; I am highly introspective, painfully self-aware and attuned to my moods and to the moods of others; like my Dad, I’m intuitive and know how to read people. DT: My last question is, how has art influenced you in your direction in life? And where are you going from here? KA: Being an introvert, I don’t always translate into easy social interactions with most people. So I channel it all into my art. It’s a language that best expresses my psyche, thoughts, and emotions. Working with my hands is healing and consolation for the isolation, depression, and anxiety attacks that grip me on bad days. That’s why as an artist of the soil, gardening and art go hand in hand. In the future, I can see myself tending to the land and becoming a farmer as my father was. It’s like coming home. The post Katya Angara – The journey of a woman and artist appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Audrey Hepburn s son, granddaughter; Marcoses open Manila exhibit
Audrey Hepburn’s son with “War and Peace” co-star Mel Ferrer, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, and Sean’s daughter and Audrey’s granddaughter, Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer, along with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Presidential sister Irene Marcos-Araneta, were among the special guests at the opening of “Intimate Audrey,” an exhibit dedicated to the fashion icon and Oscar winner, yesterday in S Maison, Pasay City......»»
GMA GALA 2023: TOP STUNNERS
The GMA GALA 2023 took the fashion world by storm last weekend, becoming the most talked-about event in town. Fashionistas and trendsetters alike were eagerly fixated on their Instagram newsfeeds, waiting for glimpses of the celebs’ classic “elegant formal” evening ensembles and stunning attire. This year marked the GMA Gala’s sophomore edition, and it was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the great design vision of event stylist Gideon Hermosa. The event was held on Saturday, 22 July, in Pasay City’s opulent Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom. The occasion saw the attendance of top artists from GMA’s roster of talents, and to everyone’s delight, it was the first time that both Kapuso and Kapamilya stars came together under one roof to celebrate new milestones. Among the glitz and glamor, Daily Tribune compiled a list of the most stylish individuals who truly shone with their remarkable outfits, deserving special recognition for their impeccable fashion choices: Marian Rivera dazzled in a pure white Danielle Frankel gown with a tulle train and beautiful plissé embellishments. Her husband, Dingdong Dantes, complimented her look with a burgundy tuxedo, making them the night’s most eye-catching couple. [caption id="attachment_163212" align="aligncenter" width="1692"] Marian Rivera, And Dingdong Dantes[/caption] Heart Evangelista, a global fashion icon, radiated sass in her ‘60s-inspired Schiaparelli dress adorned with paillettes and the label’s signature nipple design, as well as in her sparkling Bulgari jewelry. [caption id="attachment_163196" align="aligncenter" width="716"] Heart Evangelista | PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/HEART EVANGELISTA[/caption] Bea Alonzo, the recently engaged maven, looked chic and alluring in a corset dress from AZ Factory that expertly emphasized her proportions. Along with her fiancé Dominic Roque, she carried out the appearance with a beaded clutch and Bulgari jewelry. [caption id="attachment_163209" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Bea Alonzo[/caption] Barbie Forteza reimagined the modern Maria Clara, looking at once mature, young, and refined in a form-fitting mint green silk gown by Ehrann Montoya, [caption id="attachment_163210" align="aligncenter" width="1809"] Barbie Forteza[/caption] Gabbi Garcia embraced a sleek and sultry island-inspired fashion in her skin-flattering dress by Martin Bautista, featuring a tiered fringe skirt and mesh overlay. [caption id="attachment_163211" align="aligncenter" width="1771"] Gabbi Garcia, and Martin Bautista[/caption] Sanya Lopez wowed as a golden goddess in a lavish serpentina gown designed by Michael Leyva that highlighted her curvy form with complex drapery. [caption id="attachment_163207" align="aligncenter" width="1779"] SANYA Lopez[/caption] Kylie Padilla evoked her memorable performance as Amihan in Encantadia. The look included a dramatic off-the-shoulder garment with pleats and beautiful patterns in a Chrysalis red carpet costume by Ehrran Montoya. [caption id="attachment_163198" align="aligncenter" width="759"] Kylie Padilla[/caption] Anne Curtis exuded classic elegance in a white column gown by Saint Laurent with Tiffany jewels and a Holly Golightly-inspired updo modeled after Audrey Hepburn’s character in Sabrina. [caption id="attachment_163208" align="aligncenter" width="1507"] Anne Curtis[/caption] Vice Ganda stole the spotlight in a showstopping hyper glam look, featuring a crystal-encrusted gown by Neric Beltran, complemented by a white feather boa and vavavoom blonde hair. [caption id="attachment_163202" align="aligncenter" width="1831"] Vice Ganda | PHOTOGRAPHS BY SONNY ESPIRITUFOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] Vice Ganda stole the spotlight in a show stopping hyper glam look, featuring a crystal-encrusted gown by Neric Beltran, complemented by a white feather boa and vavavoom blonde hair. Rhian Ramos embodied subtle sexiness in her black tube gown with asymmetrical details, strategic cut-outs, and a see-through corset bodice. [caption id="attachment_163219" align="aligncenter" width="1770"] Rhian Ramos[/caption] Michelle Dee, our current Miss Universe, shone in a Mark Bumgarner creation with a dramatic figure-hugging skirt and beaded accents. [caption id="attachment_163220" align="aligncenter" width="1608"] Michelle Dee | PHOTOGRAPH BY SONNY ESPIRITU FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] Julie Anne San Jose was a true princess in Mak Tumang’s fanciful muted lavender gown, where dreams turned into reality, and elegance sparkled with an ethereal brilliance. [caption id="attachment_163221" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Julie Anne San Jose[/caption] Kyline Alcantara stood out in fashion thanks to her bold Jacquemus gown with its mermaid silhouette, peplum waist, and sweetheart neckline. [caption id="attachment_163199" align="aligncenter" width="779"] Kyline Alcantara[/caption] Now, the question remains: Which GMA Gala 2023 look was your favorite? The post GMA GALA 2023: TOP STUNNERS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kapamilya stars dazzle at GMA Gala 2023
The GMA Gala 2023, held at Manila Marriott Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in Pasay City on Saturday, 22 July, was nothing short of spectacular, a star-studded affair that saw the attendance of the brightest personalities in showbiz, each making their unique fashion statements. For the very first time, ABS-CBN stars graced the event, joining a sea of Kapuso celebrities and marking a historic moment of unity between the two networks, which have collaborated on projects like It’s Showtime and Unbreak My Heart. Vice Ganda dazzled in a striking Neric Beltran ensemble, while Anne Curtis exuded sophistication with a Saint Laurent dress complemented by Tiffany & Co. jewelry and an Audrey Hepburn-inspired hairstyle. Jhong Hilario made a stylish statement in a blue outfit by Jaggy Clarino, while Vhong Navarro looked sharp in a white suit accented with hints of black and gold. The It’s Showtime mainstays expressed their delight at the show finding a new home on GMA Network’s GTV and extended their gratitude to the GMA family for their unwavering support. They were eager to meet Kapuso stars and reunite with friends in the entertainment industry as they encouraged everyone to continue watching It’s Showtime on GTV. “We are very happy that we have a new home, GTV, and the GMA family has been very supportive. We are very grateful for the support they have been giving our Showtime family and the madlang people,” Vice Ganda said at the red carpet. [caption id="attachment_161913" align="aligncenter" width="768"] JOSHUA Garcia. | Photograph courtesy of GMA[/caption] Also in attendance was Joshua Garcia, who is currently starring in the TV series Unbreak My Heart, a collaboration between GMA-7 and ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Productions, alongside co-stars Gabbi Garcia, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap. The Kapamilya heartthrob looked effortlessly chic in his black and white ensemble, leaving an indelible impression on his first GMA Gala appearance. Among other notable guests were ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak and Cory Vidanes. [caption id="attachment_161914" align="aligncenter" width="778"] ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes and Carlo Katigbak. | Photograph courtesy of GMA[/caption] The convergence of both Kapamilya and Kapuso talents at this event heralded greater camaraderie and collaboration within the entertainment industry, celebrating talent and artistry without boundaries or limitations. The post Kapamilya stars dazzle at GMA Gala 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Filipino fashion brilliance at SONA 2023
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) turned into a spectacular fashion extravaganza as politicians, their significant others and esteemed guests graced the red carpet in stunning ensembles, capturing the attention of the nation. Behind the sparkle and splendor of this grand affair were the brilliant minds and artistic souls of Filipino designers who brought their enchantment to life, turning the SONA fashion into an absolute triumph. The Batasang Pambansa was transformed into a runway of style expressions, a welcome sight amidst the gravity and solemnity of the political event where the President will present his first-year report to Filipinos. [caption id="attachment_161835" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ALBERT Raqueno’s hand-painted barong inspired by Andres Bonifacio.[/caption] Leading the pack of top designers who dressed the powerful and influential was Michael Leyva, whose about 100 ensembles garnered attention from the moment they hit the red carpet. Among the notable personalities who donned his creations were Senator Mark Villar’s wife, Atty. Emmeline Aglipay, in a white draped modern Filipiniana; Congresswoman Len Alonte, exuding elegance in a French lace white tasseled couture Filipiniana gown; Angelica Alita Revilla, the wife of Jolo Revilla, draped in a Filipiniana gown with floral applique details; and Senator Nancy Binay, who stunned in a vision in white gown, accentuated with her mother’s jewelry and organza sheer details. Senator Koko Pimentel’s wife, Ma. Anna Kathryna Pimentel, also made heads turn with her elegant appearance. In addition to the roster, Heart Evangelista, an actress and fashion influencer, was in a breathtaking cutout white column gown with embellished pearls and crystals. Ivar Aseron unveiled a stunning banig terno jumpsuit that was exquisitely embellished by Senator Chiz Escudero’s wife Heart Evangelista, deviating from the norm during the opening ceremonies of the Senate. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="161837,161838,161839,161840,161841"] Puey Quiñones displayed his expertise with Sandro Marcos, the representative of Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, who stood out thanks to his simple yet attractive barong outfit. The talented designer’s modern floral Filipiniana made for Marga Nograles, wife of Civil Service Commission chair Karlo Nograles, looked stunning. The event’s centerpieces included Jhobes Estrella’s works, but Senator Koko Pimentel’s wife once again stole the show in a stunning emerald Filipiniana gown. Ladylyn Riva, the wife of Congressman Irwin Tieng, made a fashion statement with her choice of blue Filipiniana, while Congresswoman Ruth Marian Hernandez of Laguna dazzled in a white Filipiniana attire. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="161842,161843,161844,161845,161846"] The next in the fashion line-up was Rajo Laurel, who gave the Philippine Senate’s opening a graceful air by dressing Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s wife, Audrey Tan Zubiri, in an embroidered garden terno. Randy Ortiz showcased his talent as Senator Nancy Binay donned a fully embroidered Filipiniana terno in pale powder blue, adorned with dove gray geometric senepa abstract patterns and gilded calado/lubid accents all over. Completing her ensemble was a cerulean Beatrice clutch bag, adding a touch of elegance to her overall look. [caption id="attachment_161882" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Senator Loren Legarda in a Patis Tesoro ensemble. | PHOTOGRAPH BY DIANNE BACELONIA FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE[/caption] Joel Acebuche drew inspiration from the Philippine weaving tradition, translating it into a modern baro’t saya for Senator Risa Hontiveros. The senator looked stunning in a hand-embroidered piña calado, woven by the skilled women weavers of Lumban, with the bodice made of piña fabric intricately woven into a banig-like pattern. [gallery columns="5" size="full" ids="161848,161849,161850,161851,161847"] Even student-artists left a mark on the red carpet as Albert Raqueno’s hand-painted barong, inspired by Katipunan founder Andres Bonifacio, turned heads. The mural on the barong depicted a katipunero handkerchief with a heart at the center and a multitude of youth at the back, symbolizing the spirit of unity and patriotism. The post Filipino fashion brilliance at SONA 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia strikes Odesa cathedral, Putin dismisses counteroffensive
Russia's latest strike on Odesa on Sunday killed two people and severely damaged a historic Orthodox cathedral, drawing a vow of retaliation from Ukraine's leader. The attack came as President Vladimir Putin met his Belarusian counterpart for talks in Russia and claimed Kyiv's counteroffensive had "failed". Russia has pounded the Ukrainian port city of Odesa since quitting the Black Sea grain deal last week. Locals watched in disbelief as the Transfiguration Cathedral -- originally built in 1794 under imperial Russian rule -- was hit. The biggest Orthodox church in Odesa lies within the UNESCO-protected historic city center. UNESCO condemned the "brazen" attack, which hit several sites in the World Heritage area, marking "an escalation of violence against (the) cultural heritage of Ukraine", according to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay. Clergymen rescued icons from rubble inside the badly damaged shrine, which was demolished under Stalin in 1936 and rebuilt in the 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The culture ministry said it had so far identified damage to 29 monuments of important cultural heritage. The Ukrainian government condemned the cathedral strike as a "war crime", saying it had been "destroyed twice: by Stalin and Putin". President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation: "They will definitely feel this," he said. "We cannot allow people around the world to get used to terrorist attacks," Zelensky added in his evening speech late on Sunday. "The target of all these missiles is not just cities, villages or people. Their target is humanity and the foundations of our entire European culture." Icons pulled from rubble Images showed smashed mosaics on the cathedral floor as workers cleared the rubble. The outside of the building appeared intact. "There was a direct hit to the cathedral," said Father Myroslav, the assistant rector, adding that three altars were ruined. Icons were pulled out from under the rubble and the shrine was "very badly damaged inside", with "only the bell tower intact", he added. Clergymen said a security guard and a priest getting ready for a morning liturgy were inside during the attack but both survived. Russia blamed the cathedral damage on Ukrainian air defense. It said it had hit all its intended targets in the Odesa strike, claiming the sites were being used to prepare "terrorist acts" against Russia. But local people said Russia had hit residential areas. "We have ordinary residential buildings here, where people live," a woman who owns a beauty salon nearby, Tetiana, told AFP. "There are no military facilities here. Just simple beauty salons, a marine agency, a groomer. Nothing military here at all." Russia launched a wave of attacks on the Black Sea port this week, after exiting a deal between Moscow, Kyiv, Istanbul and the UN allowing the safe passage of cargo ships. Ukraine has vowed to find a way to continue exports from the ports and said Sunday repeated Russian strikes on Odesa this week were an attempt to "prevent and neutralise international efforts to restore the functioning of the "grain corridor." Putin meets Lukashenko As Odesa cleared rubble from the Russian strikes, Putin hosted his closest ally, Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko, in his native city of Saint Petersburg -- their first meeting since Minsk helped end a revolt by Russia's Wagner force. Both leaders were dismissive of the Ukrainian counteroffensive to take back land captured by Russia. "There is no counteroffensive," Lukashenko said at the meeting, before being interrupted by Putin: "There is one, but it has failed." The Belarus strongman now hosts Wagner fighters on his territory, after brokering a deal that convinced its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to end a march on Moscow and exile himself to Belarus. "We are controlling what is happening (with Wagner)," he said, thanking Putin for vowing to defend Belarus should it be attacked. Wagner's presence in Belarus has rattled EU and NATO member Poland, which has strengthened its border. On Sunday, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said a new battalion of sappers would be formed in the country's northeast. Polish, US, British, Romanian and Croatian soldiers were training "shoulder to shoulder", he said, during a visit to the northeastern city of Augustow. The comments came two days after Putin said western Poland was a "gift" from Stalin at the end of World War II, when victorious allies decided on the contours of post-war Europe. Warsaw summoned the Russian ambassador over the remarks. Both Putin and Lukashenko also accused Warsaw of having territorial ambitions on Ukraine and Belarus. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded quickly on Twitter. "Putin's attempts to drive a wedge between Kyiv and Warsaw are as futile as his failing invasion of Ukraine," he wrote. "Unlike Russia, Poland and Ukraine have learned from history and will always stand united against Russian imperialism and disrespect for international law." Fighting in Ukraine continued Sunday, with Russia launching 17 cruise missiles and two ballistic missiles, according to the Ukraine army. The post Russia strikes Odesa cathedral, Putin dismisses counteroffensive appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Who were your best dressed stars at the GMA Gala 2023?
“Hello madlang kapuso!” Yelled Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda. They were just two of the more improbable people to walk the GMA Gala carpet until the network war was deemed over when their show made the improbable jump to GTV. Vice Ganda wore a Neric Beltran creation, the highlight of which was a voluminous cape, consisting of 770 yards of white ostrich feathers, applied by hand. Anne Curtis looked like a nod to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s except she was a vision in white Yves Saint Laurent, but her jewelry—of course—Tiffany and Co. She made quite the splash there when she made an appearance at the iconic New York shop months earlier. Jennylyn Mercado was one of the few who wore jeweled tones in a low-cut emerald green bustier from Anthony Ramirez. Husband Dennis Trillo wore a classic tux from Rodel Briñas. There were seemingly a lot of pairs that walked that night and belonged to a category all their own, such as the freshly engaged couple Bea Alonzo in a custom-made AZ Factory gown (from Design Director Alber Elbaz) and Dominic Roque who wore Mark Bumgarner. Alonzo said her AZ Factory gown was made by Filipino designer Norman Rene de Vera. One of the hottest young stars of today, Barbie Forteza, wore a custom mint ball gown from Ehrran Montoya. Her hairstyle pulled back in a ponytail, was a nod to the Barbie logo. The other half of her ka-love team, David Licauco, dressed in a classic Tom Ford. Kyline Alcantara and Mavy Legaspi, both real-life sweethearts and co-stars of their GMA series “Love at First Read”, played up their young vibe in a coordinating lemon yellow sorbet hue by Jacquemus. Heart Evangelista wore a Schiaparelli from their Spring 2023 collection and the most “couture” for the night. Marian Rivera’s dreamy white pleated silk gown with chantilly lace was from Danielle Frankel Studio in New York, where husband Dingdong could only say,” I’m wearing an overspill of my wife’s ethereal beauty.” The post Who were your best dressed stars at the GMA Gala 2023? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»