Blnc No. 2: Anti Fashion Issue by BLNC MAGAZINE

contents

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editor's note UNDERCOVER CONTRIBUTORS

cover story

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NEW PHASE AVE MARIA COMING CLEAN WARM GUN SOUND OF DENTAGE

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fashion TRENDS MUST HAVES OH LOOK! BLNC FOURCAST STYLEFILE

lifesyle SIARGAO HIGHLIGHTS H&M MNL PH BANG BANG

E D I TO R I N C H I E F

JOSEI CUIZON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

mike yapching

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

matt pingkian

FASHION EDITOR ART DIRECTOR

vandale dela bajan nicky roa On the Cover liga jankova

ASSOCIATE FASHION EDITOR

rockel dela merced

STYLE DIRECTOR

john matthew jusay

BEAUTY DIRECTOR BEAUTY DIRECTOR AT LARGE PHOTOGRAPHER AT LARGE LIFESTYLE EDITOR lifestyle editor at large ART AND CULTURE EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR

Executive director account manager marketing

PUBLISHERs publisher

Photography : Koji Arboleda Assistants : Bardo Wu and Jake Jereza Styling :Vince Crisostomo Assistant: Jessie Abarcar Hair and Makeup : Gene Ginno Alducente

little bvck tatz agustin jay sanciangco yuno bastareche jaynard basiga jessy pearl yoanna james marvis sanchez jason sia VK vencilao Emma Villarente Amy Undaloc frnak francis

AP MEDIA:ALL PEOPLE MEDIA A.C Cortes Ave., Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines www.allpeoplemedia.com email: allpeoplemedia@gmail.com alexander osmena email: alexanosmena@yahoo.com 0922 857 9168

ALEXANDER OSMENA peter lim glendon lim

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. BLNC MAGAZINE reserves the right to shorten and or edit received articles and letters. BLNC Magazine does not accept responsibility on articles written by various columnists and writers.

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the editor's note

josei cuizon E D I T O R

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I N

C H I E F

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undercover The Anti-Fashion cover story is the very first cover shoot done outside Cebu. BLNC formed a Manila production team composed of the most promising and highly appreciated experts in their fields and the exchanged of ideas was done through online messaging. Its one of the most exciting shoots as it took awhile to understand and analyze how the interpretation would be of antifashion. Basically the look was simply about going back to simple and basic, ironically. The styling, by budding Manila â&#x20AC;&#x201C;based fashion stylist, Vince Crisostomo, takes cue from odd minimalism to normcoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bland anti-style ensembles.

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Ginno Alducente used MAC Cosmetics and did playful looks on Liga – from barely there make-up to full on highfashion transformation. While one of Manila’s most promising young photographers, Koji Arboleda, translates it all through visual images. Covergirl, Liga Jankova, is always a delight to work with on set - very charming and highly professional. We just can’t wait what’s next for Liga. No wonder she’s this months covergirl.

t h e t e am Koji Arboleda is a fashion photographer from Manila. He is currently a film student in the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Expresses himself best through visuals and believes that every image must give you a feeling. 22 year old fashion stylist by day, and a lazy tea junkie the rest of the time. He recently graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of Santo Tomas. Aside from fashion styling, He usually spends his time illustrating different portraits, doing digital collages and googling designers with his friends. Some of his works were published on Fucking Young, UNO magazine, Bench blog and ADHD magazine.

Genne Ginno ALducente is Manila base International Hair and make up Artist with clients such as Inez Dela Fressange , Elisa Sednaoui , Rita Ora ,Maricel Soriano and worked with Germany’s Next Top model with Heidi Klum , Jean Paul Gaultier for World luxury fashion week . Roberto Cavalli and more W

the contributors

Aglaja Brix and Florian Maas are two young photographers from Germany. They met while studying photography in Hamburg. While also working in portrait, reportage and architecture photography they soon found out that fashion photography is their common passion. As a couple in love and at work they’re inspiring each other to create great fashion stories.

Juan Carlos Miguel Alomajan, not the typical average Romeo that you’ll meet in the freeway, He is into fashion photography, filming and blogging. He is a law student with green hair who loves the citly lights and the midnight sun. He wants to see the whole world someday

Anna Ósk is like her home country Iceland - vibrant, colourful and one of a kind. Being from a small isolated island up north has given Anna the ability to see things from a different perspective. Having this background has helped her create odd but fascinating images and the ability to control the process from concept to completion. This is what ultimately gives Anna her signature stamp and her photos a rare quality.

Joseph Dazo is a teacher in Philippine Literature, and Language. He writes poems, novels and short stories. Most of his time is spent on reading books of Paulo Coelho or Joseph Campbell. He is taking his Master in Arts in Literature degree in Cebu Normal University. Although born Catholic, he practices Hinduism.

Richard John Pozon is an introvert who has a passion to always be creative in his endeavors. He channels his creativity through sketching, and through both film and digital photography. Most of his works are of portraits and concepts exploring the themes: solitude, freedom and hope.

Charles Sanchez is an editor, procrastinating creative writer, and self-proclaimed aesthete from Cebu, Philippines. In his spare time, he Wiki-surfs and writes stuff. He also enjoys watching movies and series, as well as reading novels, short stories, and news articles— basically anything with a fascinating story. Some of his favorite storytellers include Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino.

Jamie Tongco She’s is a nurse and chef. She loves to write essay and articles, watching movie series, and reading novels, etc.... She also enjoys watching movies and series, as well as reading novels, short stories, and news articles— basically anything with a fascinating story

A striving Freelance Fashion Designer/Stylist in CEBU and seldom--the world wide web. An idiosyncratic warlord. a Devastating human. Artistically unstupid and horridly unfashionable. a great aesthetic appreciator. a lovah of the QUIRKY HIGHFALUTIN TURN STYLES Fashions AND WAM./WAMbymaw is my brawling Brand.

contributing writers Micah Almazan

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trend

BLNC TREND REPORT BLNC reports on the most wearable fashion trends for Spring 2015 and verifies that trends know no gender, color, race . and size

Photographer: MATT PINGKIAN hmua: JESSY PEARL model: PIERRE, JACQUELINE, KIM OF STACYS ESCLUSIVE JESSY PEARL, GABIE BALJAK

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check issued Plaid is here to stay as small checks, tartans and gingham continue to reign as the most popular prints for spring. A plaid piece of item is definitely a must-have for the season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; evident in the runways of Diane Von Furstenberg, Altuzarra and Ocar Dela Renta

SAVANAH HUSTO NANGARAH The toned-down minimalist version of the military trend meets African safari trend. Brands such as Marc Jacobs, Marissa Webb and L.A.M.B took a subtle take in this exciting spring trend. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to go green, after all its spring.

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PRINTY PRATTLER Spring sprouts brighter, bolder and messier prints for the season. Alice + Olivia, Michael Kors and DKNY prove that prints are on point for spring. Don’t be afraid to put on a bold printed dress or perhaps mix abstract prints to Miami stripes or graphic halftones – This trend calls you to be bold and daring…in a stylish way.

PARKA LOT The outerwear staple of winter has been carried out to spring 2015. As seen on the runways of Jay Crew, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Rag & Bone, The Parka has evolved from being a thick and heavy must-have to being a lightweight and slouchy spring staple and now has a range of new iterations. It is a stylish and practical good-to-go outerwear perfect for that model-off-duty look or Kate-Moss-outand-about look youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going for.

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m u s t h av e s

SNOW WHITE SNEAKERS The era of killer heels is (temporarily) dead. Bid goodbye to aching arches and cramped toes, as you need not RATHER to make a statement having white sneakers as this years biggest shoe trend. White chucks, high-tops and kicks it’s all about clean cuts and clear lines. Gone are the days where white sneakers are only paired with sportyesque outfits. This year, the most nonsensical combos work correspondingly well with the clean pair. From girly floral dresses to formal office wear, white kicks bring a sartorial kind of sophistication to any outfit. It completes a whole look without being too overpowering. It’s like relaying a message of looking away from the feet and let the rest of the outfit do the talking instead. Over the past few years the trend with footwear has always been about “more is more” or “the higher the better” which is why the clean white kicks feel so new and current right now – a fresh addition to the eclectic wardrobe. This trend has been pooping up on the feet of the fashion world’s who’s who – from Rihanna to the Olsen twins; this shoe trend has raided both the runways and the streets – No frills, all function and style.

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o h ! lo o k

tilda swinton The easy dressing philosophy is taken to new heights as this British actress and fashion muse interprets her bold and futuristic style effortlessly. The roles she has taken in movies always go against convention and so does her androgynous style. BLNC dissects the style of modern style icon and the original normcore queen, Tilda Swinton.

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4. 3.

6. 8.

1. philip lim grey pants // 2. jil sander boxy zip shirt // 3. acne leather boots // 4. alexanderwang boxy sweater 5. haider aikerman cover all // 6. MAC nude lipstick angel kiss // 7. pacorabainek boots // 8. mcqueen martin leather

#58 Zone 1 | H. Abellana St. | Canduman Mandaue City | Cebu | Philippines 6014 +63922 280 5384 manggastudio@gmail.com www.manggastudio.net

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BLNC FOURCAST Get to know the four new breeds of artisans that are set to conquer Cebuano fashion industry by storm in 2015 as they come clean in an interview and production by Vandale Dela Bajan, photographed by Jay Sanciangco with model Leslie Jean Booc of Stacyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exclusive

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style file

Lea Ann A 24 year old entrepreneur and self confessed beach lass is certainly an expert to the kind of subtle that matters. B Y rockellangelo dela merced

ue to a lot of trends especially in the internet today, we tend to think that style has to do with the amount of piled up fads in one look. Most of the time, what we think of as basic is even essentially more efficient in a look composition. Most minimalism devotees find it more sensible to apply it to fashion since it translates an effortless approach, a certain punch that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require a piece of garment to scream but rather grab attention in a subtle way. Lea Ann Is no stranger to casual chic minimalism. With her sun kissed tan and her ombrĂŠ locks, this 24 year old entrepreneur and self confessed beach lass is certainly an expert to the kind of subtle that matters. May it be her crisp cropped leather top or her tattered denim trousers, to her love for Topshop petite basic staples, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely one of the girls in the metro that gives sense to less is more.

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What is style to you? Style is how you express yourself Describe your personal style? My personal style is very unpredictable. Just like the weather. I believe that we must always dress up for no one but the weather. What do you think is your signature look? I have no particular style to consider as a signature look but people always recognize me with my skin color. So, I guess it’s my sun tanned skin. I have no complaints with my burns. I am even comfortable with it. Any particular style you can’t live without? Cropped tops! Any particular style you never see yourself wearing? • I am open to anything as long as they’re comfortable. I believe that fashion is timeless. Most comfortable piece for you is (.......)? Bikinis! Favorite brand: Free People, Topshop Favorite designer: Cary Santiago Style icon: No one in particular Who do you wanna be in a day? Beyonce Favorite model: Cara Delevingne Do you like a fashionable guy? Someone who knows how to look presentable would be enough.

m u s t w at c h

Waves: A Gentle Tide BY MICAH ALMAZAN

he opening credits begin and immediately we know that this was going to be a slow-paced movie primarily driven by the emotional baggage that the two lead characters, Ross and Sofia, carry throughout the entire 88 minutes of the story.

Baron Geisler, who, in almost every scene, resembled an anxious serial killer actively seeking his next victim, played Ross. Sofia, on the other hand, was given life, or the lack thereof, by Ilona Struzik, a professional model from New York, whose contrived performance highlighted by her constant lip biting, rendered me uncomfortable. Considering that the whole film was conversational, the dialogue between Ross and Sofia should have been the bullet to the brain and heart, and not the aimless arrow that it was. Investing yourself in the characters was extremely challenging since there wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much of a backstory to empathize with. The flow of the movie drew out yawns from most of the audience. But then again, one could think that the element of serenity that encompassed the movie was intended by director and cinematographer Don Frasco to pay homage to a poignant cinematic style that he is clearly inspired by. The whole film would have been hollow if not for the beautiful cinematography that served

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as the true raconteur that granted Waves the redemption it needed. Considering this, one may choose to dig deeper into the sand to find something worth keeping to bring home. Having said that, the monotony of the sequences, I believe, was the defining representation of the relationship between the two old friends. In almost every scene, Sofia, who seems to be in perpetual want, is never still and constantly walks around like a restless child, as Ross follows suit, waiting and wanting for this gypsy to be finally his. To label it as a tale of unrequited love would be a cheap cop out. They both had love for each other, but not just the ideal kind that romantics would normally swoon over. Every shot was willed to be intimate, almost forcing the viewer to be embarrassed for hovering over the tether between Ross and Sofia. It was their world and we were merely spectators, questioning our own choices as we witness them make theirs. However, as much as the visual prowess of the film saved it from drowning – pun intended –please allow me to point this out: the usage of waves asa metaphor for orgasm could have been reduced. Once would have been enough, really. On a personal note, I liked how the film reinforced the reality that nothing is definite; that love really is a choice with more collateral damage than we can ever imagine. The consequences of which, we feel every waking moment like a stab in the gut as every muscle in our fragile body resists the undertow of the memory we tried so hard to leave behind. Overall, Waves is definitely not for everyone. It requires a considerate and patient viewer who is willing enough to look for stars in an otherwise polluted night sky. Although form overruled substance this time, Waves is nevertheless a feat for local cinema and a commendable effort in light of the Philippine film industrywith its tasteful imagery and visual elegance.

‘‘Waves is definitely not for everyone. It requires a considerate and patient viewer who is willing enough to look for stars in an otherwise polluted night sky..’’

a r t & c u lt u r e

GOD // fashion B Y seph dazo

s I leafed through the pages of the Bible (which is I rarely do), I noticed a line from the book of Genesis 3:21, it states ‘The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.’ Such a peculiar thing to do by God who made garment and clothe his creation where in fact before that he cast Adam and Eve away from the garden because they ate the forbidden fruit. Thus, basically, God might be the first fashion designer! Since then, God’s creation of garment evolved from skin to wool to cotton and different forms of fabrics having different prints. The evolution and dynamism of dresses are still evident because of competition in the market and suiting the needs of consumers. Moreover, my assumption of God as the first fashion designer leads to another assumption of the fabulous power that God bestowed on the garments He made just to protect his beloved creation when they are away from the Eden.

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The powers of different forms of garment are enumerated and explained as respectively: 1. It courts attention We couldn’t deny that there is an inevitable double take given to those who wear bold and fancy dress. Whether you wear basic garment or dresses in different length, style, or color as long as you carry them properly and it’s in the list of the trend their eyes will be on you. 2. A boost of self confidence Dresses are like fabulous armor made by Aphrodite that gives you an unexplainable feeling of confidence especially if you’re carrying a famous brand. It will be as if you’re wearing diamonds you know how to pick what’s fit for you, know the effects of color, and most of all you’re comfortable with the dress you’re in. Now, it’s time to shine bright! 3. The contagious effect So, what’s new? They all follow. Dress sets standards. It is a disease that carries a spotlight to be iconic, popular, and it boosts your level of confidence. Fashion conscious people get easily influenced by such disease and there’s not cure in it. The evolution and influence of fashion always affect every individual for it reflects the society and the creative soul of us.

a r t & c u lt u r e

A Glimpse of Tekni kolor B Y j essy pearl picture and screen capture by teknikolor

ebu’s local film industry has started to become saturated with many young and aspiring visual storytellers. Among these groups is Studio Teknikolor which has formally started earlier this year. Founding members Philip Lapinid IV and Jake Illustrisimo were involved in school projects back when they were in college and have worked on several personal and corporate projects after graduation. Now the group has ventured into film-making and has partaken into the recent Motion Picture Society of Cebu’s 48 Hour Shootout, Sinulog Short Film Festival, and Sinekultura. Ilustrisimo is the group’s cinematographer and editor while Lapinid is the producer and director. Studio TK also has Nestle Semilla for sound production and JulitJainar as the production manager. In this online interview, Illustrisimo and Lapinid talk about working in the local film industry and their future plans as a group. What are you up to right now? Jake: Right now, I am employed as a cameraman and editor for the marketing division of a local TV station, doing product features, event coverages, TV segments, and commercials. Since it’s not an 8-hour job and doesn’t require me to be at the office a lot, I get to do freelance work on graphic design, video production and editing. Philip: I just got off from a job for marketing in the TV station where Jake is currently working. We were a team in that station before. As for now, I am training in a BPO company while growing Studio TK’s reach.

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Who or what inspires your craft? J: I started dabbling in amateur video production back in high school only for academic requirements. But I started to fall in love with cinema when I shifted to Mass Communication in college. I am constantly inspired by talented filmmakers I look up to, always enlightened and in awe of the stories they tell and how they tell them; Emmanuel Lubezki, Alfonso Cuaron, Wes Anderson, Hayao Miyazaki, Christopher Nolan, Jerrold Tarog,RemtonZuasola, among others. P: Same with Jake, I got interested in film-making and video production when I was in college. Jake and I were classmates. I am fascinated by Wong Kar-Wai, Spike Jonze, BelaTarr, Kim Ki-duk, Peter Jackson, Nicola Formichetti, Brilliante Mendoza, and Lav Diaz. I am also inspired by simple sightings when I go to places. There’s an interesting story in empty alleys, dripping water in a building, or two men in one table of a coffee shop. What was the most important lesson you had to learn that has had a positive effect on your craft? J: That all of us are continuously struggling for a standard. Good, better, best: I would always tell myself. You’re only as good as your next project.. P: You are your own craft. People may get that award, but it feels good that you’ve made something new to you. What is/are your best achievements or projects so far as a group? J: Probably being able to close projects and work with identified brands in the market. Somehow, it gives me confidence in what we are able to do and how “big” names [trust] us with telling their story. P: [Back in] September, when we made it as a finalist in MPSC’s 48 Hour Shootout. We wrote, shot, and edited everything in two, crazy days. What are your future plans? J: The big dream is to work on projects full-time. I can do that now, sure, but there’s a necessity to keep a stable flow of income because ‘mahalkaayoniamoangbisyo’ (this is a very expensive vice). We definitely want to have a fully-equipped production studio, make at least one feature-length film in the next five years (fingers crossed), and establish Studio Teknikolor as a choice for having stories told. P: We are currently gathering all our resources so that we can do full-time in film-making and video production in the future. We want to make more films, tell more stories, and hear more soundbites. Do you have a dream project or collaboration? Who would you like to work with in the future? J: I would love to work on one of sir RemtonZuasola’s feature films someday as well as get to work again with my mentors RuelAntipuesto, KaloyUypuanco from Above the Line Productions. I am mainly the lens-man of Studio TK but I would also want to write and direct a feature of my own, too. P: A dream project would be a film by Studio Teknikolor in big film festivals abroad. [And] a collaboration with Steven Klein or PepeDiokno. What’s the best thing about your craft? J: As self-serving as it may sound, I am in love with what I do because it nourishes me as a person. Philip has been generous in trusting me with his vision and it is so fulfilling when you are able to translate it into moving picture. I’ve had two jobs before this, working as an office-man, and I’ve hated both those jobs. I belong with my camera. P: I always say this to Jake and the team that when we all agree and feel good about something, then that’s the best thing this bisyo (vice) has given me. This craft may not feed a family of five as of the moment. But, when I feel that this is the right story, this is the right shot, this is the right music bed, or the right soundbite, then it’s all good for me. When I fail in this craft, I always feel good about the next project because I’ve learned from the previous one. W

NEW PHASE

What is it like to be fashions newest favorite? Latvian model, Liga Jankova, makes her Philippine magazine debut in an upclose and personal interview with Blnc.

Photography : Koji Arboleda Assistants : Bardo Wu and Jake Jereza Styling :Vince Crisostomo Assistant: Jessie Abarcar Hair and Makeup : Gene Ginno Alducente using mac cosmetics Model : Liga Jankova words by: Charles Sanchez

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Top: Breed Pants: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own

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Top: Breed Skirt: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Shoes: Vans

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atvia is a small European country situated along the Baltic coast which very few Filipinos are well acquainted with. It is a land with an entirely different climate—the four seasons of refreshing spring, hot summer, dreamlike fall, and white winter—and comprised mostly of land from its hills, meadows, lakes, and forests right out of a fairytale. So when one of their own travels all the way to the Philippines only to end up furthering her modeling career, we can’t help but ask what it is that compelled her to come here in the first place. “It wasn’t easy to leave everything back home, but at the same time…I was following my love,” Liga Jankova, a twenty-six-year-old, five-foot-eleven freelance model currently in Manila, says of her move. “My boyfriend was offered a job in Cebu, and when he asked if I would want to go with him—I immediately said yes.” This was, unfortunately, around the same time as last year’s earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda, both calamities happening in a span of less than a month. “After the earthquake and the typhoon, we even thought about going back to Europe, but eventually didn’t give up.”

And it’s a good thing they didn’t too. While residing in the Queen City, Liga—who, at the age of twelve, was already the tallest in her class—decided not to stay idle and, after being discovered, continued on her modeling path. She owes a great deal of gratitude to Stephan from Expose Salon, who she says, helped her get her first shoot with shoe designer Monica Figueroa and photographer Jan Gonzales. From there, the ball just kept rolling. So far, the model (who has been active in the industry for four and a half years now) is enjoying what she’s going through. From the moment she enrolled at a modeling school at the age of sixteen in the Latvian capital of Riga, to the present as she walks on the stage with music pumping across the airwaves, Liga looks at every job as an opportunity to challenge herself. “I have done almost everything starting from haute couture runways and magazine editorials [to] acting in commercials,” she raises, which isn’t surprising for someone who isn’t ashamed to admit that she’s good with numbers, or that she even tutored math back home in her native country. “But still, I think, I have a lot to explore,” she adds. W

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Top: Gelo Fernandez Dual-Skirt: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Shoes: Adidas

One of these things she likes to delve into is designing. “I have [a] folder full of cutouts from magazines—pictures and titles—which I regularly update. And when I have inspiration, I make drawings and collages in my sketch book.” Fashion, according to her, has always been her passions, and she remembers how, even in her youth, she and her cousin would pretend to be designers and present their collections to each other. She has even considered herself to be her mother’s personal stylist “ever since.” When asked about her beauty secrets, Liga says it’s all about the basics—eating healthy, exercising regularly, and getting eight hours of sleep a day. She also likes to keep things clean and orderly (“Actually I’m kind of the perfect housewife,” she muses), and she even compares keeping clean to meditation or running, which contribute greatly to her well-being. Other pastimes she enjoys include pilates, yoga, reading books, and cooking. So what’s next for this promising Latvian beauty? “For now I have a lot [of] things in my mind what I would love to explore more,” she says. She cites a newly kindled interest in raw vegan lifestyle and a plant-based diet to complement her already healthy routine. She also says she wishes to design clothes some day, which was her first foray into fashion way before she was bitten by the modeling bug. Despite being at the cusp of a promising modeling career, Liga admits, however, that she is still looking for that job that will take all her “heart and soul.” Not to say that she isn’t satisfied with where she’s at now. She revels in the outfits, the catwalks, the blaring music during shows, the healthy living, among several other things—but she also finds excitement in working hard, positive thinking, and always reminding herself to “dream bigger and dare more.” Spoken like a true individual who has found herself a career far from home, yet enjoys pushing herself constantly.

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Hard work, believe in the positive, always remind myself to dream bigger and to dare more. I think this is more than exciting

Top: Gelo Fernandez Apron: Breed Pants and Shoes: Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own

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ave maria photography: Anna Ă&#x201C;sk Model: Christine and Elsa Make up: Hanna Wikloff Hat design: Richard Scholz Assistant Alexandra Elizabeth

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C O M I N G C L E A N

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT PINGKIAN STYLING : MIKE YAPCHING CLOTHES: EDWIN AO AND MIKE YAPCHING HMUA: LITTLE BVCK MODEL: ANGEL OF MODELS ASSOCIATION OF CEBU

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warm gun PHOTOGRAPHY: Richard John Pozon STYLING : JOYCE MAW HMUA: LOVE YAP NUNEZ HAIR: RJ DELMAR MODEL: Angelica Dela Pe単a OF STACYS EXCLUSIVE

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sound of dentage Photography by Florian Maas & Aglaja Brix (www. brixandmaas.com) Fashion by Irene Grasm端ck Hair&Make-up by Aglaja Brix Model was Sara // Core Management

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Suddenly Siargao BY JOSEI CUIZON

“When life gives you rough waves, surf ‘em!” This quotation was taken literally and I fortunately had one of my best trips to date. When needing to get away for a breather or perhaps looking for an exciting adventure, Siargao Island is the best among the many off the beaten path destination in the Philippines. Situated in the northeastern tip of Mindanao in the province of Surigao Del Norte, it is known to be the “Surfing Capital” of the country. However, this hidden gem doesn’t only brag on riding waves alone – this island offers so much more beyond just surfing. I arrived in Siargao through a direct flight from Cebu via Cebu Pacific Airlines as its the fastest and only direct connection to the island though there are ferries that travel to Siargao from Surigao del Norte. According to a friend I met in the island who travelled 3 days via boat trip from Manila to get there, it’s quite exhausting and stressful. I was suffering a very stressful week. Though cheaper, I thought I made the best decision of taking a plane. It was an hour of scenic drive from Sayak airport to General Luna – the delightful beach town with an array of restaurants and resorts. I settled in three different resorts during my stay. First I stayed in Patrick’s on the Beach where I went beach bumming the whole day since they have a beautiful white sand beachfront. Then I explored the town walking around the

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boulevard late afternoon. This is one of those times when I wished I knew how to drive, as unfortunately motorbikes are the only means of transportation. The good news is though I met Manong Willy, a very nice driver who drove me around the island during my stay. So nice that he would let me decide the compensation I should give him and of course I was generous. ;) During the night, the people of the town gathered in one place called The Jungle - popularly known by the locals as tattoo. It is the place-to-be during Thursday nights and I was lucky enough to be there to enjoy good island music with awesome people around. On my second day I moved to Villa Solaria. The room was very impressive – clean and huge and I liked how they have windows all over, as I love it when sunlight comes in especially to wake me up. The place was tranquil and peaceful and the people from the resort were very nice and also, there’s a good pizza place right outside the resort. I rented a boat for 1000 pesos for the whole day so I can go island hopping. The first stop was naked island – it’s a huge sandbar with no trees or plants hence it’s called naked and fortunately people had clothes on. Then I went to Dako Island – a long strip of white sand beach and gazillion palm trees. I walk around the island and couldn’t help but take shameless self-timer selfies. On my way to Guyam Island it was awe-inspiring to see the clear seawater and the coral forms below. If I had the license to dive, it would’ve been amazing to see the beauty below as diving is one of the top things to do as well in Siargao. During the afternoon, I went surfing.

Siargao is a destination that reminds you of the beauty of simply existing and appreciating the things that go with it. W

On my last night, I spent it at Boardwalk resort, which is situated right in front of cloud9 where everybody goes to surf. It felt like home as everybody from the resort were so friendly especially the staff. It was very delightful to make friends and chat with everyone at the resort’s bar with the staff very accommodating as always. I did more surfing and at night I went to dinner at the very chill and laid-back, Nine Bar where I went earlier together with the guys from Villa Solaria to watch the predictable Pacquiao-Algieri fight. Of course I didn’t miss it, as it has always been a tradition at Grandpa’s place to watch a Sunday boxing match. Though I know he was watching it at a different heavenly paradise, he would agree that fight was unsurprisingly boring. Its true that Siargao is very addicting and the days there are never enough. I wanted to stay longer as there are still a lot of things to do and see in this island but unfortunately I had to go back to my reality of meetings and photoshoots. What I like about Siargao the most is its simplicity. It’s a paradise of life and joy – an escape from reality (going to a better reality that is)where there are no high-end hotels, fancy restaurants and most definitely no endless traffic and early call times (not unless if you’re a surfer). Truly, its one of those rare places that remains to be authentically Filipino. Siargao is a destination that reminds you of the beauty of simply existing and appreciating the things that go with it.

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Gastro nomic High lights BY JAIMIE LUZ TONGCO P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y: J I R I O T H E L L O D I N S AY

ost patrons frequent rooftop bars for their chill vibe and killer cocktails whilst basking in a gorgeous view of the city. All these could be expected at the Harolds Hotel’s Highlights Lounge but with a one up – food you actually enjoy devouring! The rooftop lounge’s menu presents a wide array of familiar comfort food as well as wildly concocted yet innovative Asian-Fusion dishes. The menu and drink list will surely have something for everybody, no matter what type of food you’re in the mood for. In addition to the main stays in the menu, they keep things interesting with monthly specials. As for this month’s special, Executive Chef Ernest Taberos presents a dish he calls the Dynamic Duo. This is a massive main of succulent pork and beef bacon-wrapped medallions over truffled mashed potatoes, vegetable macedoine with a shitake mushroom glaze and nestled by a bleu cheese paint that adds a touch of tang. For such an opulently sounding, looking, and tasting dish, this special surprisingly comes at such an affordable price! The same goes for the rest of the menu. Affordable prices and top-notch hospitality makes Highlights Lounge a definite hotspot for foodies and end-of-day drinking sessions!

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Harolds Hotel Highlights Lounge at the roof deck and savor top-of-the-line Asian Fusion cuisines. Enjoy live music and unwind with a drink uniquely concocted for the free-spirited. Relaxing music and a view of the city after dusk make Highlights the perfect place to be after a long day. Sundays - Thursdays: 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 m.n. Fridays - Saturdays: 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Musical entertainment available on selected days.

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H&M OPENS IN MANILA, PH PHOTO BY MIGUEL ALOMAJAN

MANILA - Swedish fast fashion giant H&M formally launched its first store in the Philippines last October 17, 2014. Located at SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, the three-level store spans 3,000 square meters and boasts a prime spot facing EDSA. When H&M Megamall finally opens its door. Shoppers will get to choose from the Autumn/Winter collection, as well as the limited-edition H&M Studio line. Welcoming customers on the ground floor is the women’s collection, which includes trends and modern classics. The second floor is divided into two sections -- ladies’ and teens’. The men’s section is located on the third floor, along with items for kids and babies. Accessories for men, women and children can be found on all three floors.

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cole haan and bric are now in cebu

ric, a high quality Italian brand with an array of classic and modern bags and luggages, has arrived in Cebu together with American brand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cole Haan, most popularly known for its timeless styles and comfort in men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes, bags and accessories. The arrival of these two international brands in Cebu was attended by the whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who and the stylish crowd of Cebu. Truly it was an exciting event worth remembering. Expect to see old favorites as well as lots of new exciting styles for both Cole Haan and Brics, making shopping for your love ones - as well as for yourself, this holiday season, much easier. Visit the newly opened international brands, Cole Haan and Bric at the new wing of Ayala Center Cebu.

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Cole Haan opened in Ayala Center Cebu. Photo shows during the ceremonial cutting of ribbon: Mr. Pawlo Misolas, Marketing Manager of 128 Dream Fountain Corporation and Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

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BLNC pre-launching party

BLNC held a pre-launching party and the most notorious people in fashion came out to play. The gathering of style happened at the hippest party place in Cebu - The Den. As music got turned up and drinks continued to pour, BLNC gave the guests an exclusive first look of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside the new issue. As well as the cover girl, Mia Arcenas, was revealed. BLNC also revealed its new home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the newest publishing company in Cebu, AP Media. AP together with BLNC will continue to be the platform in showcasing new and celebrated Cebuano artists and fashion enthusiasts. BLNC promises more exciting ventures and issues for 2015.

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