The Runway Atelier Stages MAGICAL ADVENTURE Fashion Show at Shangrila Makati

While the world is going back to normal, we've seen the fashion industry take a bullish stand despite the challenges of mounting runway shows in the country. The Runway Atelier recently mounted a fashion show at the well missed Shangri-la Makati. The agency supports not just models, but stylists and fashion designers as well. The theme this year is called "Magical Adventure", sort of a recital for the models they trained and a showcase for stylists and designers they tapped so they too would have experience in huge shows like these. This also means they'll be donning various designs based on mythical creatures, entities, much of which are fairies and gods/goddesses too. 

At the venue, we were greeted with tons of kids, teens, experienced ones, almost 300 of them who are raring to go on the catwalk, as part of The Runway Atelier's vision of nurturing every model's unique potential. We've seen several cute kids that would definitely fit commercials, some who would be best on runway shows too or for commercial campaigns.  

Check out some of the designers who are featured in the show in this video. While most of them have done this before, a few of them are just starting and were all so thankful about the opportunity to showcase their work through the Magical Adventure fashion show.

 

5 models from The Runway Atelier also showcased one of our favorite brands "Bela by Bela", they used the Bela Color Changing Lip Balm, the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint Cream, the Bela Bloom Soap Collection and Dani by Bela Scents quite extensively and need not much make up because the colors and lip care they have is already enough. Models Thalya, Sapphire, Archelle, Bea and Lizzie talked how much Bela products have given them the confidence they need to walk on the runway and make them feel extra pretty. They mentioned how much it has emphasized natural beauty, and how fun it was because it changes color as they use it. The Runway Atelier also teaches the models how to become empowered individuals, they use Bela to enhance their looks, even on regular days when they're just going around town with friends and family.

I could see how excited the parents of the kids were, surely, all of them were supporting their kids dreams and passion... and the show. They're not just their number 1 fan, they also made sure the kids would present themselves well on the runway, carried them where they need to go, but let go when they had to muster up courage to walk on the runway. It was sweet seeing that happen!

The Runway Atelier partnered up with various brands, designers and agencies to stage these runway shows twice a year to also create opportunities for their models, new and up and coming designers, and want to make sure they have a platform to showcase their skills. This is also a place where they could build confidence and do even bigger shows, and also be a venue to be discovered by brands, agencies, industry greats, and network so they too have opportunities and make their dreams come true. Some of them have pronounced wanting to do modeling in the international stage, which we hope would come into fruition because we've seen them work hard in the workshops and shows they participate in.

Congratulations to the hard working men, women, teens and kids who made this event possible! Can't wait to see you in future shows. It's been a while since I've covered Philippine Fashion Week and they're making a comeback in 2025, maybe you can have some of your talents be there too.

PS. Thank you to Ms. Lizze Aguinaldo also for taking care of us, sending us treats after the show.

Well Loved Tokyo Based BUTTER BUTLER Opens First Branch in Powerplant Mall in Rockwell

A renowned Japanese brand from Tokyo is coming to the tropical Philippine stores as Butter Butler is here courtesy of the iFoods chain of restaurants.

They are offering a unique dessert line that includes their mouth watering Butter Financier and their crunchy outside, buttery inside, Butter Galette. The Japanese has these products as gifts, on very special occasions and has grown exponentially over the years. Today, it's a 150 Million empire and is still opening stores in Asia. Manila has a special place in their heart because of the same culture of gifting/pasalubongs which they feel will also make this a hit. 

 

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Bryan Tiu of iFoods says "Thank you for joining us, we have a new brand and we've been planning this since last year. They believe in quality and for 2023 they are bringing the brand to other Asian countries, and Manila is an exclusive one."

If you don't know, they are also the same people behind Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory which is a hit in the country especially because of their ice cream and cheesecakes. They say "We hope the Filipino customers would enjoy our Butter Butler products as much as our other brand Tokyo Milk Cheese. We are introducing a Manila exclusive the Butter Cruffle which is a Butter Croissant toasted into waffle form."

The branch is at the R2 level of Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Makati. It's beside the escalator so you wouldn't miss it. Go get your friends, family some good EU butter and French salt based desserts to take along. It's sinful, yes, but it's worth it!

IP Community Gets Tech and Health Grant on National IP Month

No one is being left behind as DigiP|us Interactive and Bing0Plus Foundation served 1,800 elderly and IP scholars as part of their steadfast support for their community during National Indigenous Peoples Month. This includes a 2 day medical mission and donation of tablets for the benefit of the Carol-an Indigenous Community in Kabankalan in Negros Occidental (my home province).

This happened in November 20-22 and has benefited over 1,829 Senior Citizens coming from 12 Barangays, and concentrated on eye care, giving checkups, eye glasses and medication. Some cases needed more attention, so they referred them to specialists as well. The also worked with Kabankalan City IP Youth Organization, to say thanks for their elders and their help with their efforts on their culture. This is part of the foundations commitment and to be of service in far flung areas where medical attention is needed. It was also witnessed by Celeste Jovenir, the COO of Bing0Plus Foundation. 

They also gave 50 students brand new tablets to use specifically for their education. Beneficiaries were in different levels, all members of the Carol-an IP Community. Jeolina Largardo the President of KaCIPYO thanked the foundation for their generous support and for giving them tools to continue their education. This is just some of the work that the foundation is continuing to make sure the needed healthcare, education will be provided for different IP communities across the Philippines. 

FFCCCII Honors Christmas Icon JOSE MARI CHAN

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) recently held a luncheon for its members to signify their gratefulness to Filipino Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan. Their President Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro was there to officiate the event and addressed the media on why they are honoring the Filipino Singer, Songwriter and Businessman. For those who don't know, Mr. Jose Mari Chan has been supporting FFC VII's various charities and continue to do so til now.

He plays a huge part in socio-civic charitable endeavors that the organization does, including its 170 Filipino Chinese Chambers around the country. Recently, they also held advocacy, economic relief during the calamities in communities in the Bicol region, Metro Manila which was hit by typhoons. They did this with the Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation through their networks. They also held Medical Missions and supported different rural public schools among others. They also gave assistance to several Filipino Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigades that help and give assistance to different communities, no rich or poor.

Mr. Jose Mari Chan says "My songs have been part of Christmas, but it's the coming together, to come alive with care and love. We too are pinoys, let's continue to champion the spirit of bayanihan."

Dr. Pedro adds "It's all about Christ, whoever accepts him will have eternal life. Salamat throughout the year for your support, you are the ones giving services for the people. We have problems in the country but you also have to give people good news. Every Christmas celebration is about love, grace and forgiveness, then we can have Hapeeness."

Both Jose Mari Chan, Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro and the Filipino Chinese organizations pronounced their commitment in helping fellow Filipinos especially those who are in the underprivileged communities.