Iloilo Wedding Rituals Show

From the Robinsons  Iloilo’s nine-day bridal fair entitled “Wedding Rituals Bridal Show”, award-winning fashion designer Jojie Lloren graced the bridal catwalk through her reputed designs as the finale of the event. The show was held at the Fountain Area of Robinsons Place Iloilo last May 28, 2010 at five ‘o’clock in the afternoon.

Lloren, a former president of Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines, is one of the country’s well-known designers, undisputed with his genuine creations and inspirations to his fashion subordinates. He is also a former president of Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines and is popularly known as the adviser of the contestants on “Project Runway Philippines.”

Six Lloren’s personal handpicked designs were most represented in the bridal show. These were worn by two of his Manila muses, catwalk superstar Jo Ann Bitagcol and Filipina-German newcomer Marita Fe Ganse.

Aside from this highlight, the event also gathered Iloilo’s homegrown talents and Manila-based imports. Part one was made up of “Design Lab” graduates. This was distinguished through the province’s pool of creative neophytes, primarily to discover new talents and fashion/business makers in the Robinsons Mall. The second part was the showcased works of the established Iloilo designers, Bo Parcon and Jaki Peñalosa, who are also tenants in the mall. The models of this part two ramps were products of the “Campus Fashionista” which is just one of Robinsons Iloilo’s unique and longstanding marketing efforts that has won them awards within the Robinsons group. Finally, the walk of Lloren’s creations culminated the event.

For further information, contact Robinsons Iloilo group at telephone number (+63) 33-336-3836.

Celebrations 2010 - A Bridal Show and Events Expo

Soon-to-wed couples, debutants, and other individuals can start planning their parties by meeting up with local wedding and events suppliers during Celebrations! A Bridal Show and Events Expo to be held on May 22 – 23, 2010 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Celebrations! is created with the idea that all of life’s big events deserve a special celebration. Hence, Celebrations! covers it all: venues and facilities, catering, entertainment, event styling and decoration, photo and video services, invitations, souvenirs, wedding rings, cakes, flowers and balloons, lighting and sound facilities, audio visual equipment, special effects and more.

Celebrations! aims to make your special event exactly what you have hoped for – perfect weddings, successful corporate events and fun private parties. With this goal, Celebrations! will showcase only the best and most credible in the industry to help save time in the process of selecting the right suppliers for your every event need.

Numerous activities have been lined up for attending guests. Admission is free for pre-registered couples, debutants and guests. P100.00 will be charged for walk-in and non-registered guests.

Celebrations! A Bridal Show and Events Expo is partnership with Eloquente Catering Service, Goldilocks Bakeshop, 4th Wall Designs, BDO, Fotoloco, Great Image Photography, Mr. Hardinero Landscaping and Flower Shop, Weddings at Work, Tambayan 101.9, Lifestyle Network, and Metro Weddings Magazine.

For more information, contact Chu-U-Yen Events at (632) 456-2104, (63919) 681-0600, fax (632) 361-7670, e-mail chu_u_yen@yahoo.com or visit their website at http://www.celebrations.com.ph.

Manila F.A.M.E. International 2010 Unfolds New Beginning

Re-inventing and transforming, Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange (Manila F.A.M.E.) International begins a new chapter in its 27-year history, as it evolves into Asia’s Boutique Show on April 22-25, 2010 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

More than just an exhibition for home and fashion lifestyle products, Manila F.A.M.E. provides its visitors and buyers a unique experience with more than the usual product selections.

This bi-annual trade show, organized by Center For International Trade Expositions And Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, expands into 4 co-located shows featuring Home Living for design-driven furniture and houseware; FashioNation for fashion forward collections of inspired fashion complements, garments, and textile; BIO-Search, a promotion of health and wellness that offers natural personal care and spa products; and ART:MNL, a sampling of Filipino contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Sticking to the show’s tradition of excellence, Manila F.A.M.E. boasts of top-notch craftsmanship with premium quality and design innovations unique to the country. As Asia’s Boutique Show, buyers are given further personalized customer service that is an extension of the world-renowned Filipino warmth and hospitality where both buyers and exhibitors are provided a venue to conduct business and build lasting relationships

In the Philippines, Manila F.A.M.E. International raises the bar for international exhibitions by being the only trade fair accredited by Union des Foires Internationales (UFI), a Paris-based association of trade fair organizers. And, as one of the longest-running trade shows for home lifestyle products in the Asia Pacific, it is a favorite sourcing destination of well-known brands such as Neiman Marcus, Jonathan Adler, Armani Casa, Ralph Lauren, Harrods, and Gucci among others.

“Through the years, Manila F.A.M.E. has never failed to give our buyers only the best that the Philippines can offer as we continuously seek new ways, new styles, and new approaches for a seamless buying experience. As we welcome our guests this April, we hope to inspire them with our expanded product offerings under 4 co-located shows: Home Living, FashioNation, BIO-Search, and ART:MNL, as I personally extend this invitation to our buyers and exhibitors alike. Be part of the evolution. See you this April,” said CITEM Deputy Executive Director and Manila F.A.M.E. Over-all Project Director, Thelma Dumpit-Murillo.

In its October 2009 edition, close to 2,000 buyers from Japan, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States, visited the show where 439 world-class companies exhibited.

“We keep visiting Manila whenever Manila F.A.M.E. International is there because we like the originality; the designs are nice, there are new concepts and the standard is high. We come here for Christmas items and pottery. It is extraordinary all the time here,” enthused a buyer from Belgium.

A first time visitor from India says, “…The handicraft [in the show] is good. The quality and design are nice.”

Likewise, a buyer from Australia had good words for the show saying, “We import from all over the world and the products you have here seem to be of better quality than all the other products we have seen. We are quite impressed with it.”

This April 2010, visitors can likewise look forward to new show components such as Switch, which highlights designers’ crossing over design disciplines to show versatility, Icons, which features forerunners of Philippine design who have made it big internationally as well as daily fashion shows and design competitions.

For more information about the event, contact the Manila F.A.M.E. International Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-2201 Local 240/243 (Home Lifestyle), 831.1265, 8312201 Local 203 / 226 (Fashion Lifestyle) e-mail manilafame@citem.com.ph or visit the event website at http://www.manilafame.com

JFM Stages 2010 Nihongo Fiesta at Mall of Asia

Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of Japanese culture on February 27, 2010, as the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and SM Mall of Asia, hold the 2010 Nihongo Fiesta at the SM Mall of Asia Cinema and Main Mall Atrium.

The annual festival, which promotes international cultural and arts exchange between Japan and the Philippines, will include a highly-anticipated Nihongo speech contest, a fun and hip Japanese and Filipino Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest, and an exciting J-Rock (Japanese rock) Concert.

Filipino students and professionals who want to show off their linguistic skills in Nihongo are invited to join the 37th Nihongo Speech Contest and get a chance to win an all-expense paid week-long study tour in Japan. In line with JFM’s objective of promoting cultural exchange through Japanese Language Education, participants are required to deliver their own original compositions on a subject of their choice. High School Nihongo beginners, on the other hand, can participate in the 2nd Nihongo Quiz Bee for High School Students to showcase their knowledge in Japanese language and culture. Both contests will be held in Cinema 2 of Mall of Asia; from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Aside from showcasing the Japanese language, the Nihongo Fiesta will also put on display the stylish and edgy characters that descend the streets of Tokyo in the Japanese and Filipino Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest. The trendy Tokyoites are captured in a photo exhibition along with Manila’s very own interpretation of street fashion through the watchful eyes of Filipino fashion designer and style blogger Cecile Zamora Van Straten, and curated by Team Manila. Guests are invited to express their individuality, dress up in their street style best, and turn the hallways of Mall of Asia into urban center catwalks on February 27. Roving “style scouts” will choose the best dressed and the winner will take home a cash prize and Japanese fashion products. The Japanese and Filipino Street Fashion Exhibit and Contest will run from February 22 to 28 in the Main Mall Atrium of SM Mall of Asia.

Finally, cap off the Nihongo Fiesta festivities in the evening with fantastic music and dancing at the J-Rock Concert featuring the influential Japanese punk-pop-rock band Shonen Knife. Fresh from their US tour, the all-female group, which has gained a worldwide cult following, will rock out with the country’s all-male dunk (dance and punk) band, Pedicab in a one-night only free concert at Mall of Asia’s San Miguel by the Bay from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

The 2010 Nihongo Fiesta is supported by the following media partners: Manila Bulletin, NU 107 and ClicktheCity.com.

Admission is free to all 2010 Nihongo Fiesta events. For inquiries, contact the JFM at (632) 811-6155 or email email@jfmo.org.ph or visit their website at www.jfmo.org.ph.

Philippine Beauty Experts Shine at Cosmetologie 2010

The Philippine International Cosmetologists Association (PICA), the leading organization of beauty and wellness professionals and the only association accredited by TESDA, proudly presents Cosmetologie 2010: Beauty, Wellness, and Trends Expo at the SMX Convention Center from February 23-24, 2010.

Cosmétologie 2010: Beauty, Wellness & Trends is the biggest and most prestigious gathering of industry professionals in the country today. With the leading names in the beauty, wellness and fashion industries taking part in this grand occasion, Cosmétologie 2010 will set trends in a country that appreciates beauty inside and out.

Organized by PICA together with Premier Events Plus Group, Inc. (PEPGroup, Inc.), Cosmétologie 2010 is assured of being an effective platform to promoting the latest products and services. The event will provide the most rewarding educational experience to all its participants with different activities conducted by professionals and experts in various disciplines of cosmetology. Interactive workshops on Classic cutting, Comprehensive coloring, Seasonal and trendy styling, Specialty make-up, Nail enhancement, Hair enhancement, Aromatherapy and reflexology will be staged throughout the two-day affair. There will also be live demonstrations where visitors can watch and learn from the best in the industry as international and celebrity experts conduct demonstrations on-stage.

To highlight Cosmétologie 2010, the organizers will stage a fashion fair and runway show where visitors will see total looks come together with fabulous fashion, amazing accessories, spectacular hair and make-up all set to vibrant music and expert commentary.

New to the expo is the complete integration of the “Touch of Excellence”, touted as the most prestigious and most credible competition for the beauty professionals and budding stylists who will take part in a unique competition to showcase their skills and creativity in the following categories: Urban Chic Cut and Color (Ladies and Gents), Red Carpet Glamour Hairstyle and Make-Up, and Bridal Bliss Make-up.

For more inquiries, contact Premier Events Plus Group, Inc., at (632) 4269603, 9280931, 4354790, 9291576, 9297993, email, info@pepgroup.com or the Philippine International Cosmetologists Association at (632) 437-3734. Visit the event website at http://www.cosmetologiefair.com/.

Fashion Icons Took Over Runway at Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010

Models, artists, and bench-markers in the Fashion Industry took over the runway to showcase their various collections and ramping prowess on the catwalk at the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 that opened at SMX Convention Centre, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City last October 21 to 28, 2009.

The Fashion Week was officially started by the GRAND ALLURE COLLECTION by Ben Farrales, Bo Parcon, Boying Eustaquio, Christian Narvadez, Jaz Cerezo, Jontie Martinez, Marc Rancy, Martin Bautista, Melvin Lachca, Nicky Martinez, Philip Tampus, Popo Go, Richard Papa, Veejay Floresca. It was then followed by the Indigenous Collection from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) , the SM Department Store, and M BARRETO Bag Collections.

For the second day of the week-long celebration, the second batch that ramped on-stage were the LUXEWEAR COLLECTION by Alex Pigao, Anthony Cesar Ramirez, Dave Ocampo, Gil Macaibay, Herbert Custodio, Kat Corpus, Kat Sy, Kermit Tesoro, Manelle Chamian, Maricar Kobayashi, Pablo Kabahug, Raoul Ramirez, Ricky Abad, Roel Rosal, Ronaldo Arnaldo. This was together with the fashion shows of Lee Jeans, FREEGO, and PUEY QUIÑONES.

The third day started the batch of Premier Collection. PRIMIER A Collection by Arnel Zulueta, Catherine Cavilte, Dax Bayani, Ramon Favila, Yako Reyes together with CRISSA, PENSHOPPE, and the presentation of the FORD MODELS SUPERMODEL of the WORLD PHILIPPINES.

The fourth day was the previous day’s continuation of Primier Collections which was the PRIMIER B Collection by Delby Bragais, Edwin Uy, Jaki Penalosa, John Guarnes, Nolie Vineza. PROJECT RUNWAY Philippines took its spotlight this time together with EDGAR SAN DIEGO, Jerome Lorico, Eric Delos Santos, DICKIES, LYLE IBAÑEZ. HEAVEN by Nestle Ice Cream presented PREMIERE C Collection by Arnold Galang, Dita Sandico Ong, Enrico Carado, Happy Andrada, Tina Daniac, Raoul Ramirez for EsAc, Lyle Ibañez for EsAc plus the same day already.

PRIMIER D Collection by Anthony Nocom, Jun Jun Cambe, Marc Tana, Odelon Simpao, Simon Ariel Vasquez, Ziggy Savella, Joel Escober, Twinkle Ferraren, Jerom Salaya Ang, Jorge Palmos dressed up the catwalk for the fifth day. SM RESIDENCES also presented Chris Diaz and Michelle Lim. Bench, HUMAN, and Kashieca also followed together with WHISPER’s Sassa Jimenez, and lastly, MARLON RIVERA.

Cream Silk Treatment RUNWAY READY featuring READY TO WEAR - VISIONS and TRENDS Collection by Alodia Cecilia, Anna Lean Salvador, Ava Paguyo, Ciege Cagalawan, Dimple Lim, Don Protasio, Jian Lasala, Kristel Yulo, Lizanna Cua, Pier Lim, Reian Mata, Tippi Ocampo were presented for the sixth day of the Fashion Week.

For the second to the last day and finale, POND’S presents Red Dress Collection and f’g were presented respectively.

The Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2010 was sponsored by the Runaway Productions, EsAc, [Mode:]+L, Cal-carries , Creamsilk , POND’S, Nestle, Sense&Style , Garage, IMAGIN, MOD, View, SM Residences (SMDC), San Marino Corned Tuna, Whisper, Sofitel, ASAP ’09, SNN, The BUZZ, Entertainment Live, MAX, NU 107, X-FM 92.3, Jam 88.3, Weekend(Style), ABS-CBN, etc, F, SanMig Light, Runway2Reality, Islands, Creative Juice , ANC, and the official venue, SMX, SM Mall Of Asia.

13th APHCA Hair Olympics Returned To Manila

The Asia Pacific Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (APHCA) took full circle as its annual competition, the APHCA Hair Olympics, returned to where it all started: Manila.

The 13th APHCA Hair Olympics was hosted by the Filipino hairdressers’ association, Fil-Hair Coop, in celebration of its 25th anniversary, last October 21, 2009 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, in Roxas Blvd., Pasay City.

Established by Ricky Reyes in 1997, APHCA has now built a prestigious membership that includes Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.

Featuring the best and the brightest hair and beauty professionals in the region, the APHCA Hair Olympics showcased the latest trends in hair and makeup and other new discoveries on beauty and wellness.

Representatives from member countries competed in various categories, including Men’s Cut and Blow, Ladies’ Cut and Blow, Bridal Makeup, and Commercial Makeup. Winners of the regional competitions held all over the country competed with participants from 12 APHCA member-countries. Categories are Men’s Cut, Ladies’ Cut, Bridal Makeup, Fantasy Makeup and Evening Makeup. The judging was done by foreign delegates from participating countries.

In the end, Jackie Rivera of the Philippines was hailed as the over-all champion. Rivera was also second runner-up in the Commercial Makeup category, first place in the Men’s Cut and Blow Dry Category and third runner-up in the Bridal Makeup Category. He went home with the champ’s crown, trophy, various salon equipment and supplies and the Php 50,000 prize courtesy of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Aside from the competition, beauty practitioners and salon owners were also invited to participate in seminars and demonstrations conducted by top professional hairdressers and cosmetologists from various beauty companies. There was also an exhibition of beauty and wellness products, cosmetics, food supplements, natural herbs and aromatherapy, as well as fashion and cosmetology schools.

For more information about the events, call 7268218, e-mail gandangrrpdm@yahoo.com and aphcaasssociation@yahoo.com.ph or visit their website at http://www.aphcaonline.com.

Manansala To Represent RP in Mister International 2009

Mister International Philippines 2009 winner Michael Manansala will represent the country in the upcoming Mister International 2009 to be held tomorrow, December 19, 2009 at the Plaza International Hotel in Taichung, Taiwan ROC (Republic of China).

Mr. Manansala, a 23-year-old freelanced model from Quezon City, was crowned Mister International Philippines 2009 last October 14, 2009 at the A. Venue Events Mall in Makati City. He bested 16 other contenders who competed for the chance to represent the country in the upcoming Mister International 2009 and Php. 50,000.00 and a round-trip ticket to Taiwan.

Other winners in the contest were Mr. Thomas Anthony Malko (1st runner up), Mr. Farzam Nasirian (2nd runner up) and Mr. Abdul Wallace (3rd runner up). Special awards were also handed out during the event. People’s Choice Award went to Mr. Alvin de Joya while Mr. Personality was given to Mr. Manansala.

Mr. Manansala was actually a last-minute substitute to another contestant, Mr. Francis Soo, who had to withdraw from the competition due to a personal family emergency.

The event doubled as a menswear fashion show featuring the collection of M (Manuel Soler) Barretto, Mr. Jerome Lorico and Mr. Jeffrey Rogador The contestants showed off their physique in swimwear made by off their physique in swimwear by Mr. Ricky Abad. The contestants wore intricately designed Barong Tagalogs made by Mr. Barge Ramos during the question and answer portion.

Part of the proceeds of the pageant was donated to the Philippine National Red Cross Makati City Branch.

Mister International Philippines 2009 is presented by The Peacock Garden Luxury Resort and Spa and sponsored by Three Sixty Resto Bar, Freego Jeans, Uno Pizzeria, Graffi TEE, Maxcore Technologies, and Philosophy For Men.

For more information about the event, contact Mr. Mike Lim at (63917) 828-2588, email mikesylim@yahoo.com or visit the event website at http://www.misterphilippines.net.

Three New Shows Co-locate at 50th Manila F.A.M.E. International

On its 50th edition, Asia’s Best Design Destination, the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers Exchange International (Manila F.A.M.E.) will be held October 15-18, 2009 in two venues— SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center— offering three new shows that put the spotlight on Filipino creativity with its design and quality-driven products that meet global standards.

Ever growing and ever expanding, the bi-annual trade show for home and lifestyle products has always been at the forefront of innovation. Attuned to the international market trends as well as consumer demands, the show continues to evolve in order to meet these demands and open doors to more local manufacturers further strengthening the Philippines’ position as a source of high-quality products and services.

“This Golden Edition of Manila F.A.M.E. International is extra special. It opens in two venues to accommodate [our growing number of] exhibitors and to answer the clamor of our buyers asking for more of the unique and new products from the Philippines,” said Ms. Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, Over-all Project Director of Manila F.A.M.E. and Deputy Executive Director of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. Aside from holding the 50th Manila F.A.M.E. in two separate venues, three new shows have been created within the said event.

Fashion revolution at FashioNation
Philippine fashion has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade with young designers armed with fresh ideas and diverse design aesthetic leading the revolution.

Manila F.A.M.E., in its bid to invigorate and fortify the fashion industry, is launching a new show. Dubbed FashioNation, the show will house manufacturers of garments, textile, footwear, and fashion complements such as accessories and bags all export products with exceptional design and craftsmanship.

Also among the highlights of FashioNation include the daily fashion shows that will feature, among others, designer collections and eco-chic apparel. See new collections of established as well as up-and-coming local fashion designers that have wowed international design communities worldwide in the show’s Designer Lane.

Students of fashion schools and colleges will have a chance to show off their talents as well in a design competition with a theme, “The Green Scene: Eco-Pinoy Fashion.” The contest requires a modern yet timeless interpretation of the Philippines— it’s culture, heritage, and people— using recycled, natural, and indigenous materials.

Art and Soul at ART:MNL
ART:MNL is the first-ever venue to internationally showcase the artworks of Filipino contemporary artists. Leading art galleries as well as renowned and emerging artists come together to make available masterful pieces to interested local and foreign buyers.

Aside from this stimulating visual display, the show will also hold seminars and workshops that aim to expand participants’ knowledge on the arts, cultivate an eye for beauty, gather information on art conservation, and serve as a venue to meet the masters. Chosen artists will also get the chance to participate in a close door nude sketching session; their masterpieces put up for sale afterwards.

ART:MNL is a preview to the Philippine International Art Fair 2010. The show is done in collaboration with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines, National Museum, Intellectual Property Office, Bonafide Art Galleries Association, Contemporary Art Philippines, and Art Association of the Philippines.

Go Natural at the Philippine Health and Wellness Show
Wellness has been among almost everyone’s priority list, and Manila F.A.M.E. answers this demand for the body’s well being with the Philippine Health and Wellness Show which offers natural, herbal, and organic personal care products. Lemon grass essences and massage oils, VCO-based soaps and balms, and soy-based aromatherapy candles are only some of the all-natural, eco-lifestyle products offered in the show. Also featured are spa services, alternative healing modalities, centers for specialized healthcare, and retirement destinations.

For more information on Manila F.A.M.E. International, visit www.manilafame.com, or contact Manila F.A.M.E. Secretariat at (632) 833-1258, 831-1265 or email manilafame@citem.com.ph.

Biggest In-mall Casting and Fashion Show Staged at Festival Supermall

The First Model and Fashion Congress, the biggest in-mall casting and fashion show, opened last September 26, 2009 at the Carousel Court of Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntilupa City

Presented by Festival Supermall, My Fame and Fortune Modeling Community and CreatiVlla, the event aims to close the gap between brands, models, talents and agencies and provide a secured and safe environment where models and talents can meet with the modeling industry leaders. Furthermore, the event offer opportunities to learn and be discovered by providing models and talents direct exposure to the top agencies and industry experts and provide a positive, healthy and secured environment for personal development.

Mr. Antonio Valdez of My Fame and Fortune Modeling Community; Ms. Rose Nuqui, Marketing Head of Festival Supermall; Mr. Dan Villa, Chairman and Event Managing and Creative Director of CreatiVilla graced the opening ceremony held last September 26.

Thirty talent agencies started conducting open casting and VTR auditions for aspiring models from all age group. Casting days will be held every Saturday of October and November until November 28. Highlighting the event is a fashion show featuring seventeen of the country’s premier fashion designers. The fashion show will be held every Sunday of November.

The First Model and Fashion Congress is in partnership with Talent Agents Organization, GMA Artist Center, Fabtrix Promotions, Fashion Designers Alliance Manila, L’Oreal Professionel, Digiprint, RJ Bar, and RJ Guitar, with the following media partners: Chalk Magazine, Business Mirror, The Manila Times, Metro Magazine, MXY, RJ 100.3, Jam 88.3, Wave 891, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM, NU 107, and Underground Radio 105.9.

For more information, contact Creativilla at (632) 387-2391, (63918) 304-5075, (63922) 403-1242 email danvilla2004@yahoo.com, or visit their website at http://modelcongress.multiply.com/