Philippine Fashion Week 2011: Human-Kashieca-Bench

Monday, May 09, 2011

Hi guys and gals! I'm back! I promised you "Fashion Overload" last week right?! Well, let me just tell you first that IT was just the tip of the iceberg when I said that! I'd like to show you the collection from the premier brands Human, Kashieca and Bench (yes they did it all in one night) from last Sunday (First day of Philippine Fashion Week). It was one gorgeous stage; we all thought it was going to be plain and classic but I was shocked right from the get go.

HUMAN

Human is a known alternative-lifestyle brand in the Philippines and with the recent changes in the fashion landscape and taste of the Filipino consumer it has continued to evolve. This collection showed just how abrupt their design aesthetic has changed. They wanted to go back with COLOR and that's what we got. This is HUMAN.



Key piece: (1) Red Hoodie- perfect for the weather and should be a classic staple for any guy's closet. (2) Printed Venus cut shirt - easy and still fashionable. Something that would not require you anything to even wear at work should be considered "easy clothing". If you opt for something not too formal but very presentable/something to wear while out at night this is perfect!



Key pieces: (1) Red Printed Pants - It'll be yours if its something "out of the ordinary" that you want to wear aside from the usual blue or black pants you have hanging on your closets. Earth tones to earth tone shades still works this season. No frills clothing for the guy. The female model carried it so well on this shot (2) is the MC Hammer like pants and the leopard print top staying still classy even on new times. I felt the 80's vibe but this is probably their own take on it.



The pants they both wore are printed with hands in different color/shades. I love the shirt on (1) because even if you go black it shouldn't be a reason why you are boring. (2) you probably would need a better body to fit in these two.

Structured yet clean lines on this set.

It was like bringing Africa/The Lion King theme on the runway... or maybe this is their take on what they call the "Urban Jungle". They kept the classic ones and added a couple of colorful pieces. The red hoodie was mostly noticed on my Facebook page and I think I know why. The season is perfect for that now. It can also be layered with shirts from them too. I like the painted pants which would be easy to match with existing clothes and maybe on black or white shirts that can be a staple for any individual. The ladies wore animal prints together with their urban pieces. I also love the structured ones that the men came out of on the last bit.

They played around with prints and jazzed up the classic ones. They didn't stay on plain jane as expected and this one will surely be a hit on teenagers and neo-yuppies who are in the mood for that grungy-urban jungle mix this exudes.


KASHIECA

Lights went out and suddenly the stage was filled with flowers of different colors and hues. It was time for KASHEICA, the brand known for dressing up the country's most gorgeous and elegant women!

Voila! And this chic stage was going to be witness to this awesome collection. Let me start off with these pieces:



Japanese inspired but they made them with clean lines and again, one thing you can't go wrong with as a day dress/skirt is plaid! I like (2) for the patchwork and gray textile overcoat. It wouldn't be too heavy to carry around if you want to just stay using the inner blouse.



Key piece: Short shorts! (1) There's nothing perfect to show those great assets than these shorts. Something very light or in this case white plus the kashmir feel top would be nice on windy - cool - not so sunny weather. (2) Classic lines that would be great for work clothes. I would definitely recommend this over other heavy coats as it stays breathable. With the tropical weather we have it does make sense! It would also work for thin framed women of course! Darker shades would be used otherwise.




For a quick stroll in the park or options for outdoor day dresses these are two options you can do. (1) Printed floral with gray embellished edges and long sleeves with an earth tone base (shades of gray or brown) day dress can be used for outdoor parties/Sunday events. (2) Long oversized shirt can be worn with a belt to cut off attention and show waistlines. I'm sure your man would want this one for you!

Randy Ortiz for Kashieca - HOMAGE

This great scent was strong and woodsy - musky but still very feminine. I bet this would be a nice addition to their line as they embark on a new "designer perfume" from Randy Ortiz called HOMAGE. This was the best thing I got to witness in that show. You know how I love shooting women on this setting right?! It was both HIGH FASHION and GLAMOROUS... I admit, I had goosebumps witnessing how those models came up one by one on the platform and staying so chica on poses that you'd probably witness in Vogue or some of those high fashion magazines. I thought I was dreaming, just look at this!

Stage changes to a more floral red - Japanese theme

Everything darkens... then with suspenseful music these ladies came out! So chic! So Fashown!

One by one they came on the platform
High Fashion pose then *HOLD* !

They fill up the whole thing with these gorgeous gowns and models... just the way I like it!
And then at the end this happens in the frame!

This is my favorite shot of the evening... and if that wasn't enough they do this!

Perfect! (Not just smoke, but the actual perfume was sprayed throughout the venue!)
So go get your HOMAGE bottles now!


BENCH

I've been using everything that they have in the store since time in memorial. Yes; I know you probably used their scents, towels and whatnot in high school - and those little knickknacks or accessories you can't live without. It's like a common thing for me every now and then to hoard things while in the store. I usually get around 2-4 jeans and probably 2-4 shirts in one go (have the cards to prove it hehe!). This collection was to show off what's in store for this season with BENCH and BENCH BODY. Are you ready?!

They played again with the lights! OMGWTFBBQ!



Now you know who's next...




Key piece: (1) Black long sleeved shirt and ankle ended pants. It's Carlo Guevarra that's wearing that and it has been a trend for most this year to wear pants til your ankle. Looks good with plain shoes/topsider/cloth like designs and if you would like to be current this is the way to go. (2) Preppy yet it can be the things you can use to go out with. Again, emphasis on wearing the pants/slacks above the ankle. It works!


Key Pieces: I hope I'm not mistaken but I think that is (1) Johan Santos of PBB fame and he's wearing something very nice that works. The white shorts and Maroon top makes him a very classy man. Something I think should be worn on Yachts and travels. (2) Kris Bernal wears a solid white top limiting the assets in the same location and made the lower part a little busy with folds and angled non linear pleats. The unevenness of the skirt works wonders and can be worn on cocktails etc.


Rocco Nacino works a Western style red plaid printed top and baggy MC Hammer inspired pants which is one of the top worn things for men in shows abroad. It cuts off also right before the ankle by the boots he wore on this bit.


They were the most applauded people in the show. I'm not surprised but I am quite impressed about how Melai walked the runway. Her walk was very strong compared to some of the veteran models there. She exuded confidence and it showed on stage.


Melai and Jason sweetens things up! Melai's dress was so chic, Jason had that western vibe too!

Girls almost fainted at the sight of him.
He's Coco Martin... and plaid is as good as he is.. they did say that!
This plaid cape coat worn by Angelica Panganiban was a sight to behold.
It's something explosive indeed!
BOOOOM!
Rayver Cruz still stayed preppie with this number. His clothes stayed on earth tones much like the ones we saw with the Human line earlier.
Carla Abellana looked cute on this one. The belt and the poofy skirt is the key item here.
Enchong Dee wearing a black and white strapped hoodie and earth toned jeans. This would be perfect for teens like me. (okay I know, not so teens! =) )

For the Finale and Closing that part for BENCH was no other than the beautiful Kim Chiu!

The dress was simple, constructed shirt with this fabric shown as her skirt. She actually has shorts underneath that and you could probably jazz that up with other things. It was really nice from my view!

That was BENCH! =)

BENCH BODY

For BENCH BODY, it was so nice to see this grand showcase of skin and inner wear. They have been the premier go to store for everything, from basics to sensual their designs have been at par with the best in the world!

Jake Cuenca opens this one!
Then he does that signature pose he did when he opened the show in Araneta Coliseum!




Briefs, Pink or Blue Suits or Boxers, name it they have it all!



Zanjoe Marudo wearing a great leather chain top and Jon Mullaly wears one of the boxers I like!

Lovie Poe comes so sensual in this earth toned number and Rafael Rosell on showy boxers+short pants. She showed great confidence and the latter as expected showed off his lean Capoeira build body.

The gorgeous Georgina Wilson! She sports a black undergarment, perfect for those special moments.
Gerald Anderson shows his physique in this shirt from Bench. You don't need to strip down to be called sexy as he shows it.
Christian Bautista didn't show those abs but he was quite nice looking in this ensemble.
Karylle wore that corset women want these days. It made her look so voluptuous.

Wearing a black shirt is Diether Ocampo. Those guns are continually growing!


Dingdong Dantes wears a simple black shirt for Bench Body.

Closing the show was no surprise! It's Piolo Pascual!


He wore a white shirt underneath a chaleco still with the intention of showing his arms.






It was so nice to see the finale! It was so grand and confetti filled the whole venue. It's the perfect way to start Philippine Fashion Week! Congratulations Ben Chan and the kind people from BENCH for taking care of me. I forgot the press kit but I think I remembered everything vividly right?! If I missed anything let me know! =)



Thank you so much to Philippine Fashion Week and http://www.philippinefashionweeklive.com for hooking me up on this momentous event! I can't thank you enough!

See you at the next show! =)

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http://www.kashieca.com

http://www.benchtm.com

http://www.be-human.com/

http://philippinefashionweeklive.com



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No to Injustice!


I had a friend who got into a huge fight a couple of months ago and it was not the usual run of the mill altercation. It was huge and dangerous. They had thrown defamatory words, accused each other of lying and thrown glass bottles. I knew if someone got hit it'll be the hospital story next. I didn't want to get in the way because I might get involved. Sure enough the rest of the neighborhood heard the commotion. Some called the cops and they got them to stop. The story didn't end there though because they probably answered back too much that the officers wanted to get them to the station. They got arrested. Without any warrant of arrest or lawyers they just got them inside the cell. They wanted to hold them that weekend because they wouldn't be able to post bail. Courts open on Monday. If they had the chance to do that they already would be spending almost 72 ours in incarceration. Imagine an Engineer in that place together with criminals who probably committed robbery, theft or even murder. It was one of the worst things that can happen to anyone and we desperately tried to get him out by reasoning with the policemen. They didn't even offer us legal assistance and this was the time I wished we had Beverly Hills Attorneys to help us out on this ordeal. I knew then that he needed all the help he can get.

There are unscrupulous individuals here and abroad. Justice should always be served to anyone; even to those wrongly accused. Police brutality or injustice should never happen. This should also apply to anyone, anywhere in the world! I wouldn't want a loved one or a friend to suffer the consequences of an intolerable justice system and I wouldn't hesitate to seek help of experts in criminal defense. I know my rights and I'll fight for it no matter how long it takes if I'm in the same situation. I'll make sure my family gets the same predicament too.

Why would you settle for anything less? If this happens to you would you be willing to spend time in jail just to get justice? Let me know!





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In The Name of Love



What would you do for love?

How far would you go to get it?

It's extremely hard to answer these questions yet a lot of us can relate to this story. Would you be willing to die just for the sake of it? Would you risk your life just for love?

Star Cinema in it's 18th year Anniversary presents a film by acclaimed Director Ms. Olivia Lamasan. Starring the sexiest woman in the country Angel Locsin, certified hunk Jake Cuenca and the one and only Aga Mulach... promptly titled "In the name of Love".

This has been one whole year in the making and everyone's excited that they finished filming it. I was so glad to have been invited to their press conference last Thursday and it was so nice to see Aga in a different light. In this film I felt he was stripped of his youthful looks. He was purposely aged and fattened up to look the part and the movie was more of a learning experience for him even though he was already a veteran actor. He did so many things in this movie that he hasn't done before and the actual scenes in the movie shows how he felt it was so challenging. Aga playes the role of a Dance instructor who in the movie falls in love with Cedes Fernandez (played by Angel Locsin).

Angel Locsin even got bruised all over but it did not hamper her drive to still perform her role as Cedes Fernandez. She has been with Aga and Jake's character; Cedes couldn't get out of Dylan (the role of Jake Cuenca) and his family the "Evelinos". Out of indebtedness and respect for the political family she offered herself and her love but couldn't get out of it for dear life. She knows it is so dangerous be in it but she never knew it was doubly hard to get out of it. It might cost her and Emman Toledo's life which is played by Aga Mulach. All she wanted was to be accepted even with all her flaws in life. She needed LOVE.

Jake Cuenca as Dylan Evelino; was tasked to carry on the family's political dynasty and run as vice-mayor of Tabang, Lambatan. He had good political intentions but he might just use his family's political prowess to get what he always wanted; the love of Angel Locsin's character Cedes Fernandez. It was obsessive love with her though that might just push him to the edge.

This is one for the books! I'm sure this will be another blockbuster film from Star Cinema!

Make sure you watch the Premier Night on May 10 7:30PM at SM Megamall and regular showing on May 11 on theaters nationwide!

Here are some of my shots from the press conference!

Angel Locsin and Aga Mulach stars on this movie.
With hunky actor Jake Cuenca.

I hate seeing her play mother roles because she's still so beautiful after so many years in showbusiness. Ms. Carmi Martin!
Did I forget to say Angel Locsin was gorgeous?! ^_^

The cast sat just right beside me. :)
This was when they were hounded by reporters.
Did I forget to say it again? LOL She was so beautiful!

Jake Cuenca, Aga Mulach and Angel Locsin was so game in answering questions.
Director Olivia Lamasan on another masterpiece!

Direk Olivia M. Lamasan, Aga, Angel and Jake laugh it off on some of the questions by the press.

Enrico C. Santos (photo above - a great writer!) and Ms. Olivia M. Lamasan explained that you should watch the movie right from the very beginning since it is what you call a non linear story. You wouldn't figure out the story just from watching the trailer itself. There are lots of twists and turns and you'll only know and find out the actual characters if you watch the movie. Need I say more? Go ahead and watch it huh?! =)



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Photo stills with movie logo/credits go to http://inthenameoflove.starcinema.com.ph

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Awesome Citizen Services and Fast Five Movie Night

Saturday, May 07, 2011

When you need something from NSO, DFA or POEA in the past you have to brave the throng of people lining up these public offices and suffer under the sweltering heat of them before you can get the document you need. I've been witness to several horror stories because obviously they can't handle the number of people going there and if you talk about the number of people they employ the cost outweighs what they were able to do. Today there's a remarkable improvement on their system because everything can be done online. Have you been to http://www.citizenservices.com.ph ? It's where you can get these same documents or schedule your appointments without going through those long lines you used to go to in the past years. There has been a lot of improvements as far as logistics go but if you compare it to what was happening before IT'S A WHOLE LOT BETTER!

National Statistics Office

For your certified true copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and certificates of no marriage (CENOMAR) you don't have to go to your local registrar or the NSO office anymore. Just pick up the phone and call them and you'll get your certificates delivered to your doorstep in just 3-4 days. There are various payment options available like credit card, bancnet or local bank facilities. Pay them and when confirmed you just have to wait at home or the office; and you'll get it sooner than you think.

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

For Overseas Filipino Workers that need the Overseas Exit Clearance (OEC) which you have to secure through POEA this is great news! You can still continue to enjoy your needed vacation rather than do the whole brouhaha at POEA. Just go to the site and apply for one. Fill up the forms and get it delivered right through your doorstep. Fill up the OFW Information Sheet online and place in a signed brown envelope. Drop at any Aboitiz offices and pay the necessary fees then you'll get it after processing. It's way easier right?

Department of Foreign Affairs

The dreadful lines and waiting time just for a passport and a simple digital photo would remind you that you are in the Philippines. Honestly I don't like doing that and you have to spend the whole day just for it. Today, there's an appointment scheduling facility on the site where you can simply fill up information sheets and indicate what time or day you can go. If there are slots available for the specific date you indicated, just go and line up with your forms, get your photo and biometrics captured then pay for the postage fees and wait in the comfort of your home for your passports. You do not need to go back to DFA just for that!

For all these things you can simply call these numbers!



Or simply go to http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/ for other support channels. They even have friendly agents through CHAT to assist you! There's no excuse to make life easy!

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I attended the Fast Five Movie Night Event that the good people from Pilipinas Teleserv Inc. hosted. They are the people behind the http://www.citizenservices.com.ph/ website. Yes, my idol Vin Diesel is back in another great installment of Fast and the Furious called Fast Five. It was the best movie ever! I didn't know it was THIS GOOD! I was in a few words I was so OVERWHELMED! I want to watch that movie again and pay for it a couple of times because it is indeed action packed and the people added up to the cast was by far the greatest thing that you could ever see. I have seen the previous one but they have outdone themselves! It was also a great time to bond with other bloggers. I even won a DVD Player! Hell for what it's worth I never won anything in raffles like these so this is one great thing to break that curse LOL!

Check out these photos from last night!

Bloggers!







The good people from Pilipinas Teleserv Inc.



The Raffle Promo Winners!




The DVD Player that I won!

I want to take this bit to thank each and everyone who made this movie night possible! Thank you I had so much fun!