THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE by BLANC magazine

BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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Josei Cuizon Editor in Chief

Mike yapching associate Editor

van delabajan Fashion Editor

matt aesthetic Creative DIrector

nicky roa

Art Director

Rockell dela Merced Style Director

JM Jusay

Editorial Assistant

little bvck

Beauty Editor

tatz agustin

Associate Beauty Editor

Michiko Nina Gandionco Lifestyle Editor yuno bastareche

Associate Lifestyle Editor

jessy pearl

Art & Culture Editor

Anne “Indy” Noval

Assocaite Art & Culture Editor

marc abuan

Music Correspondent

Jay Sanciangco

Senior Photographer

Yoanna James

Managing Editor

James Cañete

Management & Promotions

Paulo Gealogo Online Editor

DISCLAIMER

Blanc Magazine, its staff, the creators and contributors, do not claim the rights of the magazine contents posted. All material received and used on this magazine is considered original and submitted by its original owner. All materials on this magazine is under copyright to each individual author and may not be republished without permission from that author The views expressed on this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Shandii J, 29, manila stylist

Kevin Cayuca, manila

photographer

Mj Castillo, barcelona

What you did for the issue: Fashion Editorial: Wild Light, Dark City. I did some long exposure experiments at night. How was the experience: It was such a great experience Favorite Asian Model: Jessica Yang and Jackie Milner Favorite Asian Designer: Gerry Katigbak Favorite Asian Destination: Vitenam, Cambodia and Philippines Describe Asian Fashion: Simple and Clean

photographer

What you did for the issue: Opium is a project that has been in my mind for months. How was the experience: The Opium team was built around a group of girls involved in different ways in fashion industry and who had very similar visions of this world. Favorite Asian model: I really love Devon Aoki. Favourite Asian designer: Moon Young Hee patterns and textures are amazing Favourite Asian destination: I would love to visit Shanghai!

What you did for the issue: Unknowable Objects.Our goal is to take high fashion to the socalled ‘depressed’ areas, How was the experience: We were a bit scared especially the models. Favorite Asian Model: I heart Devon Aoki. Favorite Asian Designer: Frederick Peralta, Jerome Ang, Harvey Cenit, Mitch Desunia and Yayoi Kusama

, ce z e u q i

, ce e n o d ar Bea Ev

Student

What you did for the issue: CMYK: Where Food Meets Art How was the experience: It was AWESOME! Aside from being able to get free food, *insert evil grin here* I was inspired to consider starting business at a young age. Favorite Asian Model: Danica Magpantay Favorite Asian Designer: Cary Santiago Favorite Asian Destination: THE PHILIPPINES, CEBU ESPECIALLY! 6

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En l i e n Jay

Student What you did for the issue: wrote “Welcome Back To Home”, a feature about THE NEW OUTPOST How was the experience: Writing the issue bore a lot of pressure since there were so much good things to write about. Favorite Asian Model: Kim Encarma Favorite Asian Designer: Cary Santiago Favorite Asian Destination: Indonesia (Blame Eat Pray Love) Describe Asian Fashion: Cunning, innovative, unstoppable

Dan ong, cebu

photographer

joseph ong, cebu

Francesca Secolonovo, London

photographer

What you did for the issue: Shoot the Beauty editorial “Imelda” How was the experience: Fun working with Blanc team again. Favorite Asian Model: Liu Wen Favorite Asian Designer: Furne One, Cary Santiago Favorite Asian Destination: Macao, Hong Kong Describe Asian Fashion: Best in the world

photographer

What you did for the issue: Shanghai Nights. How was the experience: Was a great experience working with people I have not worked with before. Always very Inspiring and exciting Favorite Asian Model: Devon Aoki Favorite Asian Designer: i really like Huishan Zhang’s designs. very cool Favorite Asian Destination: I have only been to the Philippines years ago when i visited family which I LOVE. But im still wanting to go Japan, Thailand and Cambodia!!

What you did for the issue: Shoot the editorial “Wild Heart” How was the experience: Great experience as always. Favorite Asian Model: AR Duenas, Angel Luzano Favorite Asian Designer: Cary Santiago Favorite Asian Destination: Hong Kong Describe Asian Fashion: Thriving and better

ond l , n o l

hil D r e nd or Kulvi

, illino

sev L E Z A l & H her

illustrat

el p wendtogra Pho

What you did for the issue: Illustrating a series of iconic pieces from a few of the most popular Asian designers. Favorite Asian Model: Liu Wen and Fei Fei-Sun are beautiful. Favorite Asian Designer: Boy in demand - Alexander Wang Favorite Asian Destination: A combination of cutting edge avant-garde sometimes mixed with playful styling or the most simplistic looks. It just works.

What you did for the issue: Exclusive shoot for Nessha Marjuni How was the experience: First time working with Blanc, it was fun Favorite Asian Model: Danica Magpintay Favorite Asian Designer: Furne One Favorite Asian Destination: China

BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

fashionfeed nike sneaker-wedge revolution Isabel Marant may have launched a sneaker-wedge revolution, but Nike is taking the pumped-up look to new heights with its limited release of the Dunk Sky Hi City Pack, priced at $225 each. Inspired by five stylish metropolises from around the world — including New York, Milan, and Tokyo — you get the classic old-school streetwear silhouette of a Dunk high-top with all the luxe details of each city’s iconic “personality” attached.

monique lhuilier shoe line Beloved bridal and gown designer Monique Lhuillier is launching her first shoe line. The 15 piece capsule collection was launched for S/S 2012 before expanding into a full line for the A/W 12-13 season “I wanted them to be sexy, feminine and glamorous,” Lhuillier, who also has ready-to-wear and evening gown lines, told WWD. The shoe line will be stocked in the designer’s own stores, with other retail partners yet to be confirmed.

beyonce for h&m? BEYONCÉ KNOWLES is rumoured to be the new face of H&M. Last week, the singer was photographed in the Bahamas wearing tropical-printed swimwear on what is thought to be a photoshoot - reportedly for the high street store. One of the star’s dancers, Kimberley Gipson, then Tweeted: “First day of trial in the Bahamas! H&M all set … go.” The post was quickly deleted.

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marc jacobs x diet coke Fashion designer Marc Jacobs has created three can designs for Diet Coke, one to celebrate each decade since the drink was launched 30 years ago. Following the unveiling of Marc Jacobs as Diet Coke’s new creative director - - the fizzy drinks company has now unveiled the three limited edition cans created by the designer.

Tom Ford Collaborates With Justin Timberlake TOM FORD has collaborated with Justin Timberlake on the “refined style” seen on his new album artwork and in his latest music video. The singer’s upcoming album, The 20/20 Experience, is due out later this year. “I adore Justin,” said Ford. “He has innate style and enormous talent. It has been such a pleasure and honour to work with him throughout this entire creative process.”

rihanna x mac Rihanna will release an entire collection of MAC products including lipstick, eyeshadow, brushes and more with new products launching as the year goes on! Ri announced the news on Twitter on Feb. 20, her 25th birthday!

Gaspard Ulliel is Yves Saint Laurent First look at Gaspard Ulliel as Yves Saint Laurent The production company behind the YSL biopic ‘Saint Laurent’ has released the first image of French actor Gaspard Ulliel as the iconic designer. A promotional image from the upcoming Yves Saint Laurent biopic, Saint Laurent , has been released showing actor Gaspard Ulliel channelling the late designer.

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HARVEY CENIT What do you do when you’re not designing and what is your educational and professional background and how do you feel it prepared you for a career in design? Actually I graduated from the University of the Philippines major in studio arts, so basically I spend my time making artworks or doodles if I’m not designing clothes. Studio art or visual art really helped a lot - from shapes, lines, shades, texture, and right or unique combinations of colors.

Tell us about your first collection (When did you decide to start your line, how was the process like, the inspiration behind it, do you have a favorite piece) I had my first collection back when I joined the Cebu Young Designers Competition last 2008. As a graduate of the University of the Philippines, my collection was inspired by the song of Joey Ayala, “Karaniwang Tao”. The collection was a tribute to hardworking Filipinas such as the labandera, magsasaka, kusinera, dalaga and the beata. My favorite piece from the collection is the labandera, because it’s very comfortable, and it suits the climate of the Philippines. 18

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“

Photo by Dierrek Crisostomo

I am so blessed that the field that I’m working in right now is my passion, so it doesn’t feel like work at all.

“

What drew you to fashion and specifically to starting your own line? Have you always wanted to be a designer? I’m always fascinated with clothes since I was a kid and drawing has always been my hobby. One member of our family is also a designer and since I was little I always wanted to be like him - I grew up idolizing him. Since then I always wanted to see beautiful people with their beautiful clothes. I love seeing them very confident with it.

What’s your vice of choice when you are super stressed? When I’m stressed out, I go out and visit somewhere with a body of water because I think it’s the strongest of the elements. It can destroy fire and wash away earth. Who do you consider as your muse? A.R. Dueñas, because we both started our careers together, she as a model and me as a designer. Mercedes Cabral is also my muse because she brought my design into the international limelight.

What advice would you give a fashion newbie or student, looking to become a designer? You have to protect your name, keep a lot of friends because they will be your support system, be open-minded when listening to critiques because that will help you grow as a designer, you should never stop learning, be dedicated to your craft, save up because you’ll need it to promote yourself and you got to have the talent.

What would you say is your style of design like? I always prioritize the comfort of my clients and my design aesthetic is very feminine, figure f lattering and classical yet with a touch of contemporary. Hand painting and printing is mostly present in my designs. What is a normal day for you like ever since you get into designing clothes? I work double, so that’s pretty much normal for me. I am so blessed that the field that I’m working in right now is my passion, so it doesn’t feel like work at all. What is your design process like? I always start with research and forecasting. Then I look for my design inspiration which is usually about nature (such as butterf lies, birds, fishes, etc). After I got everything I start sketching my rough drafts and then edit them to finalize my pieces. Lastly I search for the materials to achieve my vision. What are you currently working on and projects you’re excited about? Yes, I am currently working on a collection to be included in my portfolio because I will be trying my luck abroad. I am considering that option because I want to learn more about this job. I want travel and go beyond my comfort zone to learn more about different fashion cultures. How is designing menswear different from making womenswear? Which do you like better? They’re totally different; designing for menswear requires more restraint to maintain the masculinity of the design. You also need to consider the uniqueness of the design which makes it more difficult. I like womenswear, because I can express myself more. Menswear is equally interesting as well and I would love to master it because it’s more challenging. 19

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For Immediate Release: IMELDA13 SOLESTRUCK X GOLD DOT LIVE FROM MANILA PR@SOLESTRUCK.COM GOLD DOT PARTNERS WITH US BASED SOLESTRUCK.COM FOR MANILA INSPIRED SHOEGASM Based in Portland Oregon, SOLESTRUCK has established itself as the international go-to website for the shoe addicted. Sky-high wedges, over-the-top embellishments, and a men’s offering that is globally recognized by fashionistas and a sea of cult like followers has made the 8 year old company a favorite among those in the know. It is only natural that Solestruck was the first US retailer of the Philippine based brand GOLD DOT; a collection of well priced and well executed shoes. The shoe-mance has been going strong since 2011 when the first collection of GOLD DOT blew off the site stateside. Team Solestruck descended on Manila just after Christmas with a supply of SS/13 shoes from top brands off their site, and met the crew from GOLD DOT in person for the first time. The two companies came together to shoot IMELDA13—a high volume, 90’s inspired lookbook that couples coveted pieces from GOLD DOT’s SS/13 collection, with key footwear pieces selected by Solestruck’s team of stylists. Model Ria Bolivar served as the muse to Solestruck creative director Ty McBride and leading Manila stylists Karl Leuterio (GOLD DOT) and Paul Jatayna (OS ACCESSORIES). The IMELDA13 video, created by Judd Figgueres, was leaked on Solestruck as a sneak peak January 3---a precursor to the lookbook which launched January 11. All GOLD DOT shoes featured in the campaign will be making their way to Solestruck by February---giving the sea of fans stateside another dose of the highly coveted shoe insanity that is GOLD DOT. Stay tuned to each company’s blog for further updates on not only this project but future collaborations.

Now, if you will, I would like to introduce you to IMELDA13.

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beauty

The latest beauty trends, hottest products, tips and tricks you need to know about – BLANC Magazine revamps the U in beauty. napoleon The cult-favourite Australian make-up label will join the world’s most luxurious cosmetics brands in America’s highend retailers.

marc jacobs make-up line Marc Jacobs’ make-up line has been all but a far-off concept that we’ve dreamt of, but heard virtually nada about. Almost a year after news broke of the upcoming line, we’ve now got (a slightly ambiguous) confirmation from the man himself that the make-up range will be unveiled later this year.

Chanel: Rouge Allure A lipstick is never innocent and is much more than just a beauty step. Elegant or provocative, lips dress up to reveal their intentions, marking a presence, a difference and an attitude. Intense and radical, each ROUGE ALLURE shade sparks the imagination, expressing the personalities of all women. 23

Old school glamour with winged eyeliner and bold red lips as seen at Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2013. BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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the Iron Butterfly 3 of Cebu’s most promising new make-up artists in Cebu reinterpret Philippine’s icon of beauty and style – Imelda Marcos.

Photographed by: Joseph Ong Creative Director: Matt Aesthetic Produced by: Little Bvck Models: Jacqueline Pedotti and Nadine Go of Stacy’s Exclusive

BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

the devil wears PLUM Leave the glitters and bright shadows to Nicki Minaj and opt for a classic look with a clean face, groomed brows, f lushed cheeks and plum lipstick. Apply a (James Cooper foundation primer) to create a smooth foundation and then put on a (Laura Mercier translucent loose powder) to create a f lawless skin. Pat a minimal eyeshadow by (lorac ) on the lids and blend up and out â&#x20AC;&#x201D; use (aqua creamliner by makeup forever) draw a line across the upper lid on the lash line. This creates the desired illusion of having thicker lashes. Grab a blush brush and apply the (Ben-Nye powder cheek rouge blush) to the center of the apple and blend the color along the cheekbone. Gently wipe a light concealer on the lips, use a lip liner around the edge of the lips and blend it with a (MAC plum lipstick). 26

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makeup by raisa bercede 27

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The martial look A smoky eye look is bold enough, so keep everything light and dewey, fresh and dark lips makes this vintage look work. Prep the skin with moisturizer and (primer by Smashbox). Apply a (Mitsuyoshi cake foundation) and mix it with (Loreal true match in n5 true beige foundation) as a substitute for cream foundation application, set it up with (MAC studio fix pressed powder) to create a velvety and f lawless look. Apply a (matte brown eye shadow by Dollface cosmetics) and finish it with a darker shade on the crease and blend it with a brush to create a smoky look. Pat a sheer layer of blush by (Smashbox baked stardust) over the apples of the cheeks. Mix two different shades of (red lippies by Dollface cosmetics) and finish it up with ( Loreal grande pencil in plum) to 28 BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE create a matte dark pout.

makeup by erica diaz

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The first lady When paired with a contoured cheeks and bright lipstick, it can doll up the look â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tone it up with a gold eyeshadow for a Kardashian vibe. Cover the face with (Embryolisse moisturizer) to keep the skin hydrated, apply (Revlon colorstay foundation) and set it up with a (MAC studio fix powder in NC30) in a minimal coverage, blend it with a (MAC Studio careblend pressed in light) to emphasize the highlights, then contour the cheeks with a (MAC pressed powder nc50) to look slender and sexier. Prep the eyelids with a primer or concealer before putting eyeshadow to make the pigments last longer, Pat a gold eyeshadow of (MAC pressed pigment) and blend it with a brush, use an (Aqua creamliner by makeup forever) and draw a wing tip along the upper lashline. Apply primer and powder on the puckers before covering them with (Dollface orange lipstick). Use a red lip liner to draw the outline of the Cupidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bow and the middle area 30 MAGAZINE THEshape. ANNIVERSARY ISSUE of theBLANC lower lip to create a- heart

makeup by love yap nunez

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MAKEUPMAN

Cover the face and neck with a full coverage liquid foundation by using a stippling brush, or you can just use your hands for an even coverage, but make sure to wash your hands first for a hygienic application (putting a moisturizer or a primer prior to this procedure would help your foundation stay longer)

Choose a dark brown eyeshadow and mix it with a black eyeshadow using your small eye make-up brush, and gently apply it under your waterline.

Set your foundation with a loose powder of your skin color. You can use a large powder brush for a lighter coverage or a valor puff for a full and f lawless skin finish.

To achieve gorgeous eyebrows, get a medium colored eyebrow pencil and draw a perfect arch just below and above your perfectly shaved or plucked eyebrows and blend it with a small angled eyebrow brush.

BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Base the eyelid with an eyeshadow primer and fill it with a soft peach-pink as base color. In contouring the eye bone, use a darker shade on the lash line to the crease. Add the darkest shadow into the crease then gently blend the colors so that it won’t look like a stark line. (Put a light loose powder under the eyes so the dark pigments won’t stick directly to the skin. It’ll be easy for you to dust it off.)

For the cheeks choose a sun-kissed color blush and apply it on your cheeks up to your temple to add contour.

NUAL

Blanc Magazine Online Associate Beauty Editor, Tatz Agustin brings you a step - by - step tutorial on how to get the perfect asian night out look.

For a sexier look, put eyeliner above your lash line.

Curl your eyelashes by gently using an eyelash curler and set it with water-proof volumizing mascara. Gently put the falsies on (make sure it is not longer than the length of your eyelids, if so, you can just always cut it) and set it again with a mascara for it makes the falsies look natural.

Lastly, who can ever resist Raiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexy full lips? Her secret, outline the lips with a dark pink lip liner and put the lighter lippie (NYX soft matte lip cream in Istanbul works perfectly.) And gloss it up.

Make-up by: Tatz Agustin Model: Zendy of Lines Models 33

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VALENTINO FALL 2013

MCQUEEN FALL 2013

LAVIN FALL 2013

blancBOY Menswear is at an all-time high, with Blanc Magazine’s newest section, we celebrate the latest and hottest trends in men’s fashion and everything masculine.

BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

blancboy fashionfeed Motorola RAZR i White Smartphone This is a smartphone that feels and looks premium as soon as you take it out of the box. Although there has clearly been a focus on producing a ‘fashionable’ design, the overall aesthetic is masculine yet timeless and sophisticated at the same time.

Lacoste 80th Birthday Limited Edition Watch To mark Lacoste’s 80th birthday, the sport and fashion brand are releasing a limited edition watch to commemorate the milestone. Launching in the UK in March, the timepiece will boast a unique design that echoes all of the brand’s signature traits.

Sennheiser Momentum Headphones Sennheiser have long been associated with producing high quality headphones that boast best in class sound quality. These same headphones have also long been the reserve of true ‘techies’ and hardcore audiophiles… until now.

Chuck Taylor X DC Comics Utilising the signature hi-top design with a canvas body and rubber sole, the Converse Chuck Taylor x DC Comics sneakers were originally only available in The Joker and Batman designs. The collection now boasts over ten variations, including Catwoman, Killer Croc, Superman and The Riddler amongst others.

Cdg Cobalt Luxury Corner Zip Wallet In one of this season’s most hotly-tipped hues, this lean and elegant cash receptacle is crafted from a beautifully textured leather and features a double compartment design that will keep your both your precious plastic and coppers in order.

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BRIGHTS

TONED

Whoever said suits and trousers can never have a reinvention especially for men. For a quirkier take on menswear, channel brights through a tailored silhouette balanced with minimal basics. However if you wanna retain the dapper essentials from neutrals, have a dull pallette on the number but pair it with leather mandals to have the laidback feel.

MARK MCNAIRY Contrast-Sole Suede Tasselled Loafers RAY-BAN Original Wayfarer Sunglasses

CUTLER AND GROSS Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

BOTTEGA VENETA SIDE-ZIP CREW NECK COTTON SWEATER LUIS MORAIS Diamond, Gold and Sandalwood

THOM BROWNE Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt

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CANALI Shell Bomber JacketISSUE ANNIVERSARY

DOLCE & GABBANA Leather Sandals

stripes

prints

Menswear always being minimal can get away with this season physchedelic prints. With stripes in alternates, both vertical and horizontal, channeling either a prison bird or a sexy sailor. Pairing of prints isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gonna clash if its on the same print. Have of - art prints of minute splashes from head to toe but in unison.

ILLESTEVA Leonard Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses

GIVENCHY Airplane-Print LeatherTrimmed Backpack

PAUL SMITH SHOES & ACCESSORIES Stripe Woven silk tie

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Dragonf ly-Print Wool and SilkBlend Bomber Jacket

J.CREW Porter Striped CottonJersey T-Shirt GUCCI Patterned Woven-Silk Tie

GIVENCHY Printed Loopback-Cotton Shorts WHITE MOUNTAINEERING Striped Cotton Shorts BOTTEGA VENETA Intrecciato Leather High Top Sneakers

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN 37 BLANC MAGAZINE Jacquard-Woven Slippers

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FashionTrend Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Tailored Shorts & Shorts Suits True fashion followers always attempt to stay ahead of the seasons in order to be one step ahead of the trends – so although your body might currently be craving woollens and layers, your head should be thinking about what might be when the sun pops his hat back on. And based on the collections showcased at various fashion weeks across the globe, one of the key pieces for SS13 are tailored shorts, and the notion of shorts suits. It may not be particularly groundbreaking to report that shorts are going to become an inf luential piece of menswear come spring/summer. Nevertheless, what you should be aware of is the style of shorts that are likely to become popular and the items you choose to pair them with. It is clear from my research that a more traditionally tailored style will be favoured by the majority of the high street come SS13, and as Shortlist magazine writes: “It’s all about the slim cut – from hip to hem.” The high fashion designers also demonstrated a penchant for shorts paired with blazers. The concept of the shorts suit (aka a suit jacket worn with matching shorts) has been simmering within spring/summer collections for several years now – could SS13 be the season that this trend comes to the forefront? Source: http://www.fashionbeans.com 38

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Victor Villanueva

The Charming Raconteur

Written and Photographed by Jessy Pearl 40

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Being recognized as a director is what Victor never

envisioned himself to be. The self-proclaimed special child is more than special as you see a lot of special awards and recognitions in his name. There was a time during our Film and Video Arts class when previous projects by the Advertising Arts alumnus of the University of San Carlos were shown. In one of the many music videos and short films showcased by our teacher, the young Victor was seen. When we met for the interview, I told him about the film viewing and he started sharing about everything being so different back then with regards to the technicalities in film making. Falling in love with film was an accident as Victor was originally into cartooning, anime and video games. Well of course, these are still some of his interests close to his heart, but sometime at his later college years was when he realized he wanted to get up-close with film. While taking up the aforementioned subject, there was an on-going film festival at the time and took his chance by submitting one of his class projects. Unexpectedly, he won and thought about pursuing comics and cartooning to be quite difficult so he gave film making a shot. “Mao nay nindot sa Advertising, pwede ka mag “Jack-of-all-trades” so pwede ra bisag unsa na raket ang pwede nimo sudlon.(There’s an advantage when you’re taking up Advertising, with a lot of options laid before you, you can become the Jack-ofall-trades and bag gigs.)” He jokingly adds, “I also wanted to be a rock star.” Sometime after graduating back in 2005, he involved himself with short courses held at The International Academy of Film and Television. “It came to a point when I realized that the industry is in Manila; it’s where the action is happening. I f lew there back in 2008. I just realized one day that I had to go. “ Like any other yuppie building his career path, one had to start somewhere. He accepted “rakets” like video editing and graphic design. “Bisag unsa nalang akong sudlon na raket (I would take any raket just to make ends meet and at the same time enrich my experience). There was even a time I had to babysit for child stars. Aside from that, mo apil sad ko og mga video contests (I would join video contests).” He also shares, “there’s this problem after college, it would be difficult to have an output on film making or anything in general if you don’t have the will power, the pressure you get when you’re driven by academics.” Joining video contests and being involved with rakets was a form of training for him, as he would dis-

cipline himself with time management. He made it a point despite time constraint to deliver good outputs. “In film making, it’s all about the feel. It wouldn’t matter where and how you’ve trained, all that matters is how you’re going to deliver.” Aside from making ends meet, he had to battle with homesickness and self-doubt. For him, it was hard looking for a stable job, and as a freelance worker for the time being, there were months wherein he had no projects at all . “So, nag Hunger Games gyud og maayo! (a pun based on the movie The Hunger Games, used when someone is broke and hungry)” He jokingly adds. “There was also a time when I told myself, “maypa nag call center nalang ko (I should’ve worked in a call center instead)!” After being involved with more rakets here and there, he became a part of the online promotional producers of Kimmy Dora. He was then content with being a producer but sometimes he felt that he had no voice. It came to him: “What if I’ll try directing? So I tried and auditioned for Cinema One Originals back in 2010. I almost made it but didn’t make the cut because I didn’t have a film that defined my narrative style. It was fair and took it as a challenge, so I decided to make a short film in order to know what best defines my style. I experimented with my theories and gave them a test drive since I didn’t know what my strengths were yet. So I collaborated with Diem Judilla (a known writer in Cebu) in Saranghe, My Tutor (which later won a Special Mention Award for Young Cinemanila Int’l Film Festival 2011 and became one of the official selections for Cinema Rehiyon Film Festival 2012). Another time when I had to test my theories was when a batch mate of mine back in college, Mary Ty (a well-known fashion designer based in Cebu who owns a line called Very Mary) wanted a pre-nuptial video that showed how she and her then fiance’ Guido Apares weaved their love story. “The challenge here was that Mary and Guido are not actors so I thought of ways to direct them to effectively show their chemistry. It involved a process of really getting to know and to see what works for them both. So it worked. At the same time I got finished with Saranghe, My Tutor. (After these projects I realized,) it’s about finding your voice and style in terms of film-making. In order for people to notice you, you need to have your distinct 41

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tivity due to lack of rest), shooting while being tired would compromise tthe quality of your work. You’re not in the right state of mind.” He also shares a frustration when it comes to cinema and to Cebu’s art scene in general. “For me there is so much creative talent from Cebu; we can become a creative hotspot and we can contribute to the economy. Unfortunately, we’re being ignored. That’s why people go abroad instead. What’s needed most is support. Are we that jaded that we’re so driven by money?” Driven by passion, Victor still plans to venture further into the cut-throat industry of film making, as he wants to get in touch with the online aspects of it such as creating a web series. Aside from that, he wants to do drama. “I want the audience to cry!” he says. A project with Star Cinema is currently being worked out and he wishes to do commercials soon. With all the challenges he’s faced and all the victories won, he still does what he does best every single time; putting his heart into a story and making sure his growing audience enjoys it. Check out and get a sneak peek at Victor’s works at: http://exgangleader.brushd.com/

“When making

a film, I would first consider what I’m good at, and what the audience might enjoy

“

style. It makes me feel proud to know that people see it after the projects I’ve had so far.” 2011 came and Victor pitched for My Paranormal Romance. It was his first time to direct a full-feature film. Again, he collaborated with Diem. He shared that it was supposed to be a high school comedy but with the small budget given by Cinema One, they had to revise and cut it down in order for the budget to fit. It was supposed to be a comedyslash-drama with horror elements. “And when you say “horror”, dapat hadlok gyud siya (it should be scary). And I wasn’t confident in that aspect.” He followed his instinct and so they’ve opted for pure comedy instead and it worked. He adds, “if you have something in your gut instinct, bring up your apprehensions because once you start shooting, there’s no turning back.” He also added, “I was never into horror. After the first five minutes I would turn it off. (Doing) horror for me is very much mathematical. You really have to calculate the tension... and bogo baya ko sa math (and I’m really bad in Math)!” Cinema One saw something in it and decided to produce it. And they were right to do so, as it bagged awards in Best Production Design, Best Editing and Special Citation Award for directing for Cinema One Originals 2011. After the success of My Paranormal Romance, Victor was approached by Star Cinema’s Head, Malou Santos. The next thing he knew, he was recommended to her sister, ABS-CBN’s President Charo SantosConcio and became a part of the Market Segment Department. Dressed casually in shorts and with his candid, “bulingit” (scruffy) self, unknown to him he was being interviewed, as he charmed his way into becoming ABS-CBN’s Market Segment Creative consultant. Victor also confides on some aspects in the film industry: “Film Festivals from around the world already associate the Philippines with poverty. They would be shocked to see something glossy in our films from our country. Poverty porn is like an exotic f lavor they want to see in their film festivals. But it really depends on the film maker. No judgement. When making a film, I would first consider what I’m good at, and what the audience might enjoy.” Victor is also a firm believer of taking a rest. “Kani jung mga Pinoy, pug-on og tilukon jud ang oras, e-sulit jud ang shoot, ma abot nag 24 hours. Dili naman gud ma creative ang tao if wala ka nakapahuway (Filipinos have this bad habit of consuming all the time provided for doing your shoots to the point that it affects your crea-

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STRONG ON ITS SEVENTH Sonic Boom’s Sinulog Blast Off 2013 Words by Marc Abuan Photographs by Archell Vergarra

With most of the partygoing crowd in Cebu for the Sinulog weekend withdrawn to their beds after a long friday night of lights and beats, the time and occasion was right for the countdown to hit ground zero. Sonic Boom never faces failure to launch. For the unacquainted, Sonic Boom’s Sinulog Blast Off is the annual mecca for people who celebrate and support culture, Music and Apparel, Acquaintances and booze - it does not exclude. The annual Blast Off is proud and strong on its seventh year of making noise as the biggest rock music event in Cebu. With a huge backing (and growing) supporters of the music scene, plus the third installment of Thread!Fest, the boiling pot of the hottest and the best of the best local brands (Holla Nick Automatic, Scars, Black Bile, Killapinas, Strawberry, Joints and Cookies, Product of Uranus) and their latest releases make Sonic Boom’s Sinulog Blast Off something one Sinulog hound should not miss. As the slow and constant trickle of the crowd begin to pour up at the entrance of the Grand Convention Center, gates were open at 5pm. Thread!Fest booths were set 44

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up ready for business as people came in droves to look after their favorite brands. The night started off with the first-timer rap-rock ensemble Dymphna, closing their set with their latest single Nasupatak. Pain-in-the-Neck followed up and rocked the set with Iceberg in hard-hitting rap in cold steel dialect as the crowd builds up to waves. Sonic Boom’s brand manager Kaloy Uypuanco managed to mention that the Cebuano crowd is like a microwave oven- it takes time to heat up. Pop-punk freshmen Drop Decay raced their way into their first time playing for Blast Off, opening their set with an electro-trance, their track for their newest and unreleased Pretty Little Liar. Heads banged as the crowd sang to the tunes of I Wanna Touch You and the most recent single, Charades. Shuff led fished out the air out of the buiding crowd’s lungs with their harmonic choruses from the heartwrenching The Existence. The power-pop group recently released the music video last December (you might want to check it out.) The Quibranza brothers (plus Rhui Ricacho of Foc Fashion filling in on bass) of Bethany delivered a sweet saccharine twist to the crowd favorite

Waiting, soliciting a slew of sighs from amazement from the crowd. Xane Castillo from March the Sky shared the stage for Can’t Say. “Confidence” might be the loudest word of the night. Manila-based acts didn’t let their performance down at all. In fact, they kicked serious sick ass- Earthmover, a full-on experimental and instrumental group displayed proud feathers of technicality and sheer genius in their mathematical and calculated pieces. At the end of their set, we were mind blown. Jejaview pulled off one of the strongest performances of the night - it might be that vocalist, Christian Tomacruz, who reached the highest vocal notes that evening, performing their well known entries: Summer 2011 and Paperskin. Josh Alipe of Sirens charmed the audience with his evident swagger and elaborate compositions, verses of guitars singing back and forth in a chorus of hauntingly beautiful riffs. Paramita indeed was a surprise because everyone had to figure out who did the singing- not until the lights came down to focus the lady drummer and vocalist. Pretty amazing.

the crowd’s socks off as the biggest pits were formed at the middle of the crowd, sending a handful of kids to utter demise. Chad Manzo (of Scars) shared the stage with Migs and the rest of the band. It was pure sweat and swearing but nonetheless it blew a final wind out of most of the audience; and at last but not the least, representatives of Manila, hard knocks and a hundred percent pure solid music, Greyhoundz, was front and center. Only the biggest act of the night. The Sinulog Blast Off’s 7th installment was a thousand and one percent Houston Positive. The Bands and Brands, and most of all those who came, the community, made the night as it is. It is but the biggest one Cebu has seen so far and I bet Sonic Boom will always, and I mean always outdo themselves next year. It has been always an experience to spend an evening with the the best of the best in the Philippines. Congratulations to the bands and the brands who made preparations to the impending countdown. We’re hoping to see more familiar faces next year. But until then, ground zero is set to 365 again.

Three lovely ladies joined the crowd as hosts for the night, the beautiful Joyce Pring sharing the stage and entertaining the crowd in-between sets. And as usual, just like every SB Blast Off tradition, the “Hubo” chants weren’t absent this year. It wasn’t a surprise at all. The Ambassadors were entertaining, as always. Bai Nunez sang a part of their old song, Gugmang Giatay, in the middle of Rescue the World, and probably he was also as caught up as the crowd. He forgot the song wasn’t over yet. The crowd burst into laughter from a joke from the band’s bassist - “Bati kag joke, wala sila ningkatawa. Sonic Boo” The crowd went euphoric as Powerspoonz went up onstage. Vocalist Akit Po was walking across the crowd, singing crowd-favorites as pits formed across the full crowd at that point of the night. Probably the most breathtaking moment during that evening was when Host VJ Joyce brought in Urbandub with the description; ‘This band doesn’t need any introductions.’ Jon Dinopol with a full-grown goatee went up onstage. Front and center was Gabby Alipe, and after the first few notes were played during the soundcheck he said to the mic with calm composure; ‘This man doesn’t need any introductions.’ And came in Franco Reyes in the f lesh. The crowd goes wild and Urbandub was there, raining harmony and hardcore in both of our ears. Franco shared the stage with the band for Soul Searching, and went off right after, unassuming as ever. The crowd sang along the band’s favorites; Gravity, Alert the Armory and First of Summer. Next up was for the hardcore; Curbside rocked 45

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Girlaloo

Written and Photographed by Jessy Pearl

I tried Googling the words “most famous graphic artists in the world” and a lot of pages had enlisted websites that have their lists, something like the “Top 10 Famous Graphic Designers for Design Dreamers” or “20 Graphic Designers You Should Know”. I took a quick scan of several lists I’ve come across with and saw the usual iconic names pop out: Milton Glaser, Jonathan Ive, David Carson... see the common denominator of the following? The feild is dominated by men- or atleast that’s one of the demographic biases of the masses. Is there any difference between men and women graphic artists? Though the personal style of an artist comes into play, basically there’s none at all. Like the current music scene here in Cebu, the art scene is also on the rise with it’s transition to the digital age. Sharing these digital artworks with people around the globe is easy nowadays and Cebu is on the process of Glocalization. After a long while being under the mentorship of Cheryl “Tambolbee Toting” Villarino, I found out about a design group of which she belonged to called Girlaloo. Girly, huh? That’s right, all of them are women- and not just that, they are the first all-girl group of graphic designers aiming to change the social stigma of women incapable of making it in the field of digital illustration. That’s not all, their works have received awards and recognition from abroad respectively. Back in 2009 the group organized their first self-titled illustration exhibit tour. Their works were shown at the University of San Carlos, the University of the Philippines-Cebu and Benedicto College. BLANC had the chance to sit down with the Girlaloos, and when all the 5 of them were finally complete and seeing how ex-

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cited they were, that’s when we realized that it had been a long time since they’ve been together after a long hiatus due to their day jobs (and also because Lucille Umali and Kristy Ligones are based in the Middle East). Looking at each of them, Girlaloo reminds me of jar of jellybeans- diverse with different kinds of f lavors: Lucille in her ensemble of clashing prints and colors or the boyish Kristy and her many tattoos, Govinda Trazo in lace and stylish boots, then there’s the beautiful Johanna Velasco-Deutsch (Part of the Cebu-based design group Happy Garaje) in her long hair and reserved personality. Looking at her was like a picture show. And of course, my teacher, Toting, in her usual relaxed demeanor consisting of a t-shirt and Chucks. And like their different ways of how to express themselves , each has a distinct style seen in their illustrations. Toting and Govinda’s work show a blissful and innocent mindset that of a child’s, while Joanna’s is more of the rustier and darker side of things, yet interpreted in a dreamy and whimsical way. The way Lucille works is an exact ref lection of the way you see her: feminine, bold, and very much confident with her sexuality. Kristy is into what’s creepy and grotesque interpreted in a vibrant way. Seeing how far the members of Girlaloo have gone in their career paths is a perfect example of how women are just as talented as male digital illustrators, and that somehow, any other girl who’s driven and passionate can make it into a serious career choice. Expect something big this 2013 as the group has something in store not only for the Cebuanos but for the rest of the world to see. It’s not just about embracing the digital age of art, but the start of the weakening boundaries that make one’s gender hold themselves back.

Humming-Anna by Lucille Umali

Internal Escapade by Kristy Anne Ligones

Illustration by Tambolbee

Dance Dance Dance by JohannaVelascoDeutsch

Dream Constellations by Govinda Trazo

Check out more of their works at: http://cargocollective.com/girlaloo Govinda: http://iamgovinda.com Toting: http://tambolbee.com Lucille: http://lucilleumali.blogspot.com Joanna: http://www.johannavelasco.com Happy Garaje site: happygaraje.com Kristy: kdlig.com 47

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foc fashion Written and Photographed by Anne “Indy” Noval

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ost people usually say “What?” the first time they hear the band’s name. And then they’d laugh and say “Oh, I thought you said f*ck.” We’ll, according to sources deep in the band’s circle, the name is derived from that. Who the Foc? Foc Fashion is an indie rock band that started out in 2007. The founding members, Mark Sy, Miguel Saballa, and Mic Ang, started the band out as a joke. However, after turning heads and making waves, the band became more serious and driven to make a name and “RULE THE WORLD”. Using MYspace, Friendster, Multiply and Istorya.net (sorry kids, we didn’t use Facebook that much back then) and demo recordings, they began to attract more attention in the local scene. The band even landed a spot during the Nescafe Soundskool 2007 Visayas as a finalist and the 1st Cebu Guitar Festival at 2008 as the opener. They were supported by Ian Zafra & Midweek Sessions and frequently played at the The Outpost Restobar together with bands like Rescue a Hero & The Line Divides. 2009 On February 2009 the band played at “The Best of Midweek Sessions 2008” but lost their momentum after. Five months later, they welcomed their current guitarist, J Martino “Bobby” Olvido of Anagram (now Sunday Sunday) and Roy Junior “Rhui” Ricacho of Open Haze for Bass. Armed with new members, the band got back on its feet and started recording songs for radio play and a future EP. They found numerous opportunities as they kept the momentum f lowing, just like their tie-up with then NU107 Cebu, Sonicpop Group, Cebuhour Productions, & Sonic Boom Philippines. The Now More challenges came as Miguel was scheduled to leave the country for corporate growth and Rhui deciding to go on hiatus for personal reasons during 2011. The band still continued to play with friends from the local music scene as session members. Performing was difficult without the other two members, but the band managed. After Rhui came back from hiatus, they heard from a friend that their current drummer, Jeriel Laraño, was interested to session drums. After a few gigs together, they asked him to join as the official drummer and he agreed, and the rest is history. As of the moment, the band is linked with Timbre Headphones, a proudly Pinoy product who can go up against other imported brand of headphones. According to Mark, the technology behind Timbre Headphones lets you “hear the bass of our song “Vega vs. Dhalsim” booming tightly and it makes you want to dance! I can’t help bobbing my head to the sound treatment and it just blows me away that this is made under Filipino ingenuity.” Timbre Headphones are available at Mobile 1 in

Ayala Center Cebu and you can check them out at https://www.facebook.com/timbreheadphones. The band is also sponsored by Turbohectic Clothing, a local indie tee brand, who just released their latest line a few weeks ago. Their shop is located in between P. del Rosario and Jakosalem St. Cebu City. Like them in Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TURBOHECTIC. Future Plans The band is planning to launch their music video this February, along with their new t-shirt design. They also have plans to tour around the Philippines and even South East Asia this year. Basically, sticking to their original plans of showcasing Cebuano made music to the rest of the world and WORLD DOMNATION. Bit more info Band profile: Indie Rock Band from Cebu City. Loves to PARTY Members: Mark Oliver Sy J Martino “Bobby” Olvido Roy Junior “Rhui” Ricacho Jeriel Laraño Miguel Saballa (Former) Mic Ang (Former) Parttime: Bass: Jud Sala, Boss Joey, Robbie D, Jeremy R Guitars: Cortz Cortez Drums: Ricky Florez, Paolo Quibranza, Yamik Mateo, Saddam Like them in Facebook http://www.facebook.com/focers OFFICIAL SITE http://focfashion.tumblr.com/ LISTEN HERE: http://www.myspace.com/focfashion WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/focfashiontv FOLLOW THEM ON: Twitter: https://twitter.com/focfashionmusic Multiply: http://focfashion.multiply.com/ 49

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the asian pack Blanc brings together the most iconic creations of celebrated asian designers as illustrated by Kulvinder Dhillon.

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Yohji Yamamoto SS13 55

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Comme Des Garcons aw12

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Kenzo SS09 58

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Alexander Wang SS09

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Photographed by Matt Aesthetic Words by: Mike Yapching Hair and Make-up by: Little Bvck and Tatz Agustin Styling by: The Blanc Team

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Dress, necklace and earrings stylist’s own

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It’s not everyday that you get to meet a celebrity, and a famous one at that. Celebrities mostly get stereotyped as to being snobbish and high maintenance. I met Mercedes Cabral on the second Sunday of December last year and I stereotyped her immediately. The night before, I was doing research about our anniversary cover girl. Found out that she is an art student of the University of the Philippines (major in Sculpture), she starred in a Korean film, Thirst, and she was voted as the Most Beautiful Woman in Cannes Filmfest. Surely, with these credentials up her sleeve, one couldn’t help but think that she’s just another actress.

time as “Ligo na U, Lapit na Me” but was pulled out by the director last minute. The movie was about old Mang Sergio who trained two dogs for which he did dog shows in Roxas Boulevard to earn a living. For her, playing as a 37-year-old mentally challenged person and the process of forming the character was difficult and fulfilling at the same time. “I immersed myself and studied the character religiously. We went to their house everyday for two weeks. She was like a child. She was really shy. I found out that she was into different colors of nail polish so I bought her a full set and that’s how we started talking.” One of her more recent roles was Aisha, a Badjao (Sea Gypsy) bride in the critically acclaimed film “Thy Womb” by Brillante Mendoza. “I stayed in Tawi-Tawi for a week. For three days, I learned their native dance. And in that short amount of time, I learned so much about the culture of the Badjaos and Tawi-Tawi is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to, here in the Philippines.” Mercedes also talked about her experience working with the legendary actress, Nora Aunor. “I didn’t know we had three pregnant women on standby. At first, they were pretty hesitant on giving birth in front of the camera but

Maria Mercedes Cabral is the opposite of everything I thought of her to be. The moment she walked out of the car to meet us, in her white printed shirt, shorts, and slippers, a strange feeling of familiarity embraced the whole room. She wasn’t different, in anyway, from the rest of the team. She may have reached great heights in her blossoming career but she is still the simple, rad woman she started out to be. She warmed up to us faster than a coin under a hot April sun. Mercedes sits in the makeup chair, looking beautiful and radiant, and that is still without makeup. I slowly approached her, immediately noticing her glowing tan. I later found out that she enjoys the beach and surfing very much. She finds the beach as on outlet for her to let go of her roles. “That’s one of my problems until now. The characters get emotionally heavy and I find a hard time letting go and getting it out of my system. She has played Cecille and Merly, both as Coco Martin’s wife in Kinatay and Serbis, respectively, directed by Brillante “Dante” Mendoza, her favorite director. After her risqué performance in Serbis, she states, “I didn’t tell my parents that I had a bed scene with Coco. And the time when we were in Cannes, my dad saw the movie and he got angry and he didn’t talk to me for a month. But soon they accepted the fact that there are going to be projects that involved those kinds of scenes in order to tell a genuine story. Now, they support me a hundred percent!” So far, her favorite character was the mentally challenged daughter of Sergio Redoloza. “Dog Show,” originally a documentary of Howie Severino of I-Witness, was in the works at the same 63

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Lace Swimsuit Theodore & Fred Neclace and cape, John Arellano 65 BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Jacket Hanz Coquilla Accesories, top and pants stylist’s own

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Vintage dress, earrings and cuffs stylist’s own Necklace Steph Tirado Opposite page: top stylist’s own skirt Harvey Cenit

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I first started acting for independent films because I’m a storyteller. I want to tell what’s really going on around us. when they were told that Nora was helping them deliver the child, they got excited! Every time we were shooting, whenever somebody called that a woman was in labor, the crew would immediately leave the set and rush to the hospital. “Even though I only had one scene with Nora, I saw how good she really was. She wasn’t delivering any lines but you could really see in her eyes what emotion she wants to convey just by looking at them. Her eyes are really powerful.” Mercedes commends Coco Martin actingwise. “It’s always a delight working with him. He is very good in his craft that he helps me during takes. It’s a give-and-take relationship. He doesn’t try to take away the entire spotlight to himself. “I think Coco and I share the same path. He worked in indie Films for six, seven years while I worked for three before getting mainstream projects. The Coco I knew before is still the same person now, even with all the awards under his belt.”

acting. “I first started acting for independent films because I’m a storyteller. I want to tell what’s really going on around us. Most of the materials I have worked with were based on a true story. Acting-wise, compared to mainstream TV, indie films seem more genuine and true. TV, for me is more technical. You have to be conscious about the blocking, lighting and how you have to keep your face beautiful even when you’re crying. They give more importance to what the masses want and what the masses dictates. From Mercedes’ earlier years, modeling for different ads and magazines, to what she is now -- a mature, successful artist and actress, she has managed to stay true to her psyche. For many years to come, Mercedes may or may not continue telling stories of people that matter or don’t matter. She may reach different heights, break molds or defy odds, but one thing is for sure, Mercedes will never be boxed in.

Several independent films have been recognized internationally; Thy Womb and Serbis, to name a few, have been invited to different Film Festivals around the world. These films have created a big buzz abroad but have poorly gathered the masses’ appreciation and recognition. “It frustrates me and makes me sad that I am one of the people who represent our country, one of the storytellers who inform other nationalities about what we have here in our country, and we get recognition abroad, but we don’t get that here. “I think it needs a push? I think the people need to know what independent film really is all about. Although, we have a broader audience now compared to when I was still starting. Cinema One Originals and Cinemalaya have a very big contributing factor to the awareness of the people.” Coming from the raw lenses of independent films, Mercedes slowly moved into mainstream 69

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Dress: Oz Go

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Dress: Mark Tamayo

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Blazer and dress: Oz Go

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Dress: Oz Go

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78 BLANC MAGAZINE - THE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE Blazer and dress: Oz Go

Dress: Oz Go

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OPIUM Photographed by: Maria JosĂŠ Castillo Assistant Photography: Nancy Thompson Styled by: Clara Li Make Up and Hair: Maria Perez Model: Anneke Necrophyle

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Unknowabl Objects Photography: Miguel Alomajan Fashion: Mitch Desunia Styling: Mitch Desunia and Shandii J Hair and Make Up: Abby Maglaya Creative Director: Shandii J Models: Rodina Luspo(CalCarries), Jasmine Baker, Crystal Kraefting, Dan Yousefi, Will Garcia and Francis Lopez Assisted by Nash Leeho and Jules Atienza Special Thanks to: MSB Talent Management, Joco Comendador, Ally Guijaro, Novie Lappay, YanYan Garcia, Chichi Cardona, Alou Malicdem, Rona Leny- THE Pasco-Glivano and the people of Barangay Libis 88 Domingo,Mrs. BLANC MAGAZINE ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

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Buko Juice

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Chicken Isaw

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Tuhog-Tuhog

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Shanghai Nights Photographer: Francesca Secolonovo Photographer Asistant: Johanna Issekya Model: Isis @ Leniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Model Management Hair Stylist: Luca Gallina Giglio Make Up: Siena Powloski Stylist: Emma Breden Stylist Assistant: Kristie Gott Clothing: Lesley de Freitas Jewellery: E.A.Burns Headpiece: Mary Franck Shoes: Joanne Stoker

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heart Photographed by: Dan Doughlas Ong / Styling by: Matt Aesthetic / Art Direction by: Nicky Roa Hair by: Little Bvck / Make-up by: Tatz Agustin / Clothes by: Mike Yapching / Model: Jonii Alburo of Mac 105

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lifestyle The Chillage Experience By Michiko Nina Gandionco

new year inevitably brings new experiences, and at Chillage Urban Living, what you see isn’t even half of what you get. A store to shop at, a place to eat, a room to play in—Chillage offers more than just your average garden variety chill spot, but more than that,owner BeatrizAmanda Borja has transformed a blank space into a nirvana for people to be able to relax and come together without beer fear or the blare of unnecessary noise. Noticing the lack for such a venue in the city that would give the same energy as Chillage, she started out with a dream and an empty patch of concrete where she and her friends would hang out, converse and play out their interests in graffiti and skateboarding. From Bea’s own vocabulary, she combined the words “chill” and “village” and just like that, Chillage was at its inception.Growing up in Cebu has made her passionate about manifesting the most out of Filipino talent, which is why almost every bit of Chillage has a spike of Filipino. From the interior of the place, to the products that they sell, to the food that they serve, even the music they play (custom tracks by Filipino DJ Nix Damn P), Chillage is evidence of so much Filipino f lair. The inspirationfor Chillagecomes a lot from Bea’s childhood and many travels, yet of all places it is set in Cebu because as she puts it, “you can’t take the island out of the girl.”When you enter Chillage, it’s a store; go up the stairs, it’s a restaurant; and head to the back, it’s the fun room. Much of the design was taken from the logo—black and edgy but still incorporating nature with hints of wood and colors. While a lot of the interior was Bea’s own input, she collaborated with Luigi Lacsamana of Tokwart to design the place and the cherry to top it off,

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a geometrical piece by award-winning designer Clayton Tugonon. Chillage sells a bunch of stuff, and all of which are hand picked.“I don’t sell merch that is not somehow linked to a Filipino,” says Bea about the products they have. A few of the brands sold at Chillage are from Bea’s friends, like MISTER from San Francisco, a men’s clothing line based in San Francisco but designed by Dee Jae Pa’este who is half Samoan, half Filipino. Another is Cast Clothing by Kate Castueras, which makes kimono dresses that are perfect for the year-round island look in Cebu. Aside from those, Chillage also sells products that incorporate social advocacy like Leyende beauty products, a Filipino brand that supports the Messy Bessy Foundation, which provides medical assistance to pregnant women. Other brands sold at Chillage are We Wood Wooden watches, Shirt Selector tees, Viva La Manika rings and Noreen Tseng jewelry. At the restaurant,Chillagealso serves light bites and dishes that hint Filipino, like the Beef Steak Tagalog Wrap and Guava Cheesecake. Also sold at Chillage are Theo & Philo artisan chocolates, which have very Filipino f lavors like Calamansi, Green Mango and Labuyo. Location-wise, Chillage may seem far for some people but the destination is absolutely worth the journey. When you get to Chillage, it’ll be worth your while.Chillage is located at the Ground Floor of the Adnama Building, Larrazabal Avenue, North Reclamation Area. Like all other major endeavors, Chillage started out as a dream, and through her passion and her parents’ support, Bea made it happen. Chillage officially opened last December, and since then it’s been making its way up the list. Either an alternative to those lazy afternoons or a course starter to those long Saturday nights, Chillage does not disappoint.

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The Outpost Welcome’s you Back to Home By: Jayneil Louise Enriquez Photos credits to the Outpost FB As inventive hangouts, fancy bistros, and swank joints (regardless the size) sprout in just about every corner in the metro, there will always be a part in every person that gives eyeteeth for something close to home. To most laid-back folks, gastronomes, aesthetic youngsters and music junkies, an old house sitting at the bottom of 976-A Gorordo Ave., may be home’s very archetype, which is why its sudden “curtain call” on September of last year drew a hoard of both young and old, disheartened to bid it “Good bye.” Due to the demand to bring back what is deemed as the staple of local music, The Outpost returns the day after the “end of the world” to where it was last seen standing, proudly carrying with it a sleeker look, and braced for the new year. Now with Pages Holding Inc. (the same company that owns and manages Thirsty? Fruit Juices & Shakes, Mooon Café, and Lantaw Floating Native Restaurant), The Outpost boasts an elevation in sound, food, service and ambiance. “The goal is to improve what was already there so that everyone (the performers, the owners and the

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costumers) will be in a ‘win-win’ situation,” says one representative from the new management. The holistic upgrade is evident from the moment guests arrive as they are welcomed without ado by the warm staff and the newly-paved paths. Securing a table (or at least a spot) would no longer be a problem too since a few arrangements were made with the pieces of furniture both inside and out of the house making it more commodious, hence a better atmosphere.

The stage has been repositioned at the opposite corner, relocating both the male and female restrooms outside, adding more cubicles in it. The band room is made more exclusive since a passage connecting the interior to the other exit is already provided for all visitors. For the patrons, the preserved spot inside the house is the bar where the good ol’kayak remains hanging. A variety of dishes is also showcased in the Outpost’s new menu: from rice meals inspired by all-time favourites (Bistek, Shawarma, etc.) that serve at least one to two people, down to “appeteasers” that go well with hard liquor or beer. All belong to a price range good for both working and non-working customers.

On top of the visible modifications in The Outpost is its environment-friendliness. Its fine guise is actually a canny effort to repurpose materials such as bicycles adapted as mirrors, bass drums and album covers converted into tables, skate boards turned into chairs, skim boards recycled into “toilet cubicle dividers” and VECO electric shields used as soup and rice bowls. Furthermore, the house still preserves its earth toned colors, summing the “pro eco” touch.

The old man (even on its soft opening) may have an apparent change of wardrobe, yet it still carries a clear goal: to raise the level of not only Cebuano music but of the entire Cebuano art scene through allowing exhibitions of varying local artists and local productions---one of the prime reasons With its newly purchased equipment and top of why we have come to find a home in The Outpost. the line sound provider Sound Balloon as its consultant, an acme in the music hub’s comeback is • Operating hours: Everyday, 5 PM - 2 AM its better sound. It has been up and running for • For more info, visit http:facebook.com/Thebarely a month but some of Cebu and Manila’s Outpost or follow them on Twitter: “@TheOutpostBar” popular acts have already graced its new stage: Eve’s Garden, Shuff led, The Ambassadors, Si- BRACE YOURSELVES FOR THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH. rens, Paramita and Razorback to name a few. +

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don papa rum Now in Cebu Don Papa Rum, the locally produced, small batch premium rum is finally available in select bars and stores in the Queen City of the South. To be launched during the world-famous Sinulog festival, Don Papa Rum will be hosting a party to announce its arrival and boast its pure local origins. What makes a premium rum? The process by which Don Papa is made begins with the selection of some of the finest and sweetest sugar cane in the world, grown on the rich volcanic soils of Negros. The resultant molasses are then distilled before being aged for over 7 years in American oak in the foothills of Mount Kanlaon. The rum is then charcoal filtered to remove any tannins and impurities before being blended to perfection. Don Papa is crafted with great precision and substantially amplifies the liquor experience. Best of all, it is 100% made in the Philippines. You can only expect a rich, smooth taste every time you drink Don Papa Rum. It’s light and fruity on the nose, smooth and delicate in the mouth with a long textured finish. The art and precision in the process of making this rum make it so good that you can even drink it neat. Whether mixed with cola or in a daiquiri, Don Papa is superb. To stretch what Don Papa can do for mixes, the Bleeding Heart Rum Company worked with Kathryn Eckstein, a young, creative mixologist, to produce a range of cocktails made uniquely from local ingredients. “Kapag Serious Ka,” her take on the fa-

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mous Caprioska is particularly delicious. The precise recipe remains a secret but does include a shot of Don Papa, some crushed calamansi, a little muscovado sugar and a splash of soda. The packaging alone is an eye-catcher with its design inspired by Philippine wildlife, the Carabao and the Tarsier, as well as sugarcane fields of Negros, and an illustration of Papa Isio. The bottle and the taste have set an unrelenting new standard in Philippine luxury. “This country is the second largest rum market in the world, yet does not have a genuinely premium rum. With Don Papa, we wanted to rectify that: beautiful packaging, a great story and of course, a delicious rum. A rum so good, we think you can even drink it neat!” says Andrew Garcia, local market head for Don Papa small batch rum. The name of the rum itself was inspired by the story of a man widely known as Papa Isio, one of the lesser known figures of the Philippine revolution against the Spanish. Island patriot, nationalist, leader of a group of babaylanes and fighter for social justice, Papa Isio brief ly led his island to independence before joining the main revolutionary movement. Don Papa small batch rum can be found in Cebu at the following bars: Vudu Lounge, Formo, Gilt, Scrapyard, Penthouse, Loft, Pump, Alchology, Juliana, Yo Latino 1 & 2, Arena, Club Mermaid, Jokers Arm, and in the following retail stores : Kawin and Angel Axerces

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CMYK: Where Food Meets Art By: Beatrice Claudine Evardone

Acronyms can mean different things to different people, but for the geniuses behind the newest chill place in the metro, acronyms are not just a way of remembering company names or government agencies, but a brand that carries an inviting message --- CMYK: Chocolates Make You Kiss. Located right at the heart Cebu, the CMYK Dessert House is definitely the place to be for food lovers and art enthusiasts. The very second you set foot in CMYK, you almost instantly forget that you are in the city because of the warm and cozy vibe that the colors cyan, magenta, yellow and black bring to its interior, which the owners conceptualized themselves. Lea Duhaylungsod, 22 years old, co-owner of CMYK and also a photographer, wanted to make sure that everything in the dessert house was ‘picture perfect’, as she added a touch of art in every aspect. From the tastes-asgood-as-it-looks food, to the photo album menu, to the cute uniforms of their staff, down to the slightest details of their ‘L-O-VE’ shelves and ladle table numbers, CMYK absolutely carries a sense of uniqueness and creativity that Cebuanos absolutely love. “Right now, people love to take pictures of the food they are eating and the place they are in. Because of that, we made sure that everything in CMYK would be ‘Instagram-worthy’,” Lea explained. Aside from the homey ambiance that CMYK offers, what keeps Cebuanos coming back is the food they serve. With student-friendly prices, customers are given a first-class dining experience. Having cooked and baked in the kitchens of some of Cebu’s five-star resorts and hotels, Vanessa Maliao, 23 years old, co-owner and chef of CMYK, wanted to re-invent food, elevating the experience that every customer gets while dining at their dessert house. “I love inventing food. Most of the food in our menu are original, if not, modified or innovated,” said Vanessa. 126

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The Sizzling Brownana Scotch, a house specialty, is one of the innovations that Vanessa concocted. From the familiar warm brownie cup that other dessert parlors offer, this unique dessert is a party in the mouth. Resting on a sizzling plate filled with hot, thick butterscotch syrup, is a slice of moist chocolate brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream and sliced fresh bananas. This treat is definitely a must-try! With CMYK, Cebuanos need not invade the fairs and carnivals of North America because the famous funnel cake is finally served in Cebu! The bread fried to golden perfection topped with rich vanilla ice cream is absolutely to die for. For caffeine-breathing monsters, CMYK also serves blended coffee. The Banana-Coffee Cooler and the Caramel Espresso create the perfect bittersweet symphony that would surely perk up any boring afternoon. Being a newbie in the food business starting only on November 2012, CMYK instantly became any Cebuano’s one-stop shop for ultimate customer satisfaction. Last December, CMYK started expanding their menu from desserts to rice meals. “After a month of serving desserts, we noticed that customers always asked for rice meals. That is why we decided to start adding rice meals to the menu,” Vanessa added. The Hamburice and the Pork Barbeque Rice are two of the dishes that are uniquely CMYK. The Hamburice isn’t just aesthetically pleasing to the eye, it being a rice sandwich, but it is also satisfying and worth every peso. Topped with the delicious mushroom gravy, the Hamburice is hands-down one of CMYK’s best dishes. The Pork Barbeque Rice, on the other hand, offers that distinct, sweet, Cebuano barbeque taste that would certainly cause foodgasm in the mouth of whoever is going to feast on this dish. Acronyms indeed mean different things to different people, but if you are a person who’s got a sweet tooth and an eye for art, CMYK is the only acronym you need to remember!

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#blancsinulog Cebu came together as one, dancing to one beat, in the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest and grandest festival: Sinulog 2013. See you all again next year.

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plasmin the blood clot dissolver

prevent blood clot that causes stroke & heart attack

People who have problems with strokes and heart attacks may wary no more. The use of medication alongside natural health processes like eating a balanced diet and exercising is increasing. PLASMIN Capsules -the only dietary supplement proven to dissolve blood clots - was launched during an intimate gathering at Laguna Garden Cafe last Feb 11. Plasmin contains natural enzymes that dissolve blood clots. Clinical studies have proven the benefits of Plasmin in patients wth stroke, diabetes, and heart diseases. Plasmin is BFAD-approved, 100% natural, free from side effects and can b safely combined with medicatios for post-stroke, hypertension and heart disease. Plasmin is exclusively distributed by Sea Pharmacom Inc. Plasmin capsules are now available at Mercury Drug Cebu branches and drugstores and nationwide 133

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