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CONTENTS /////////
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electric buglas model : jose “ buglas” carreon concept + art direction : ginoe ojoy bodypaint + grooming : jeraldine reyes photography : faye abantao
We just want to say thank you to everyone who made this issue possible. The designers, photographers, writers, editors and contributors who helped shape this issue. We would also like to thank the hospitable people of bacolod for allowing us to shoot fashion campaigns in the unlikeliest places. I will not mention any names anymore because I might miss out on some, but if you helped, even in your own little way, our team would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The volunteer models, the helpers and assistants. None of this was possible if it weren’t for you. THANK YOU!
CREW ///////////// GINOE OJOY
confused art student who loves to make stuff up. accidental founder of this magazine lol
remus pediengco
ako ang batas. stylist/manager/ nagger of the group.
BENCENT GOHING
FAYE ABANTAO
18 year old foodie,shutterbug and aspiring 3d artist (lol) who loves sitting on the couch all day playing video games
is a creative bubble at heart. When she approached high school, she took interest in photography and graphic design, specifically with pop art and lomography. She then decided to take fine arts as her degree, majoring in advertising arts.
jeraldine reyes
mas kilala as “Botbot”. Diseotso ka tuig kag sa skwela sa La Consolacion College-Bacolod sa kurso nga Digital Media Arts.
quosyne san miguel
everyone calls me Linay. I am a 20 year old aspiring, caffeine fueled photographer slash “artist.” I’m a sucker for art stuff and I see art in almost everything but I don’t get inspired easily. I am complicated and weird. Sorry for confusing you.
WE ALWAYS WELCOME VOLUNTEERS/CONTRIBUTORS. JUST HIT US UP! :)
/////
CONTRIBUTORS patrick james antonio juplo
Roger Mikaelo L. Lamata Jr., is a graduate of Nursing in La Salle, data specialist/development trainer by profession, writer, backpacker, and street blogger. He has been blogging about Fashion, Music, Art, Lifestyle and the LGBTQ Community since 2008. He is currently maintaining his latest blog The Street Monk and finishing his first novel titled “Condom Avenue”. When he is not blogging or writing, he is either busy in event planning, honing his skills in photography both behind and in front of the lenses, or just hanging out with his close friends.
+ wuv san anne acaso
Andreo Bongco can be measured in halves, wholes, parts and pieces. He is half freelance photographer, half farm boy; he is whole heartedly a Bacolodnon. He is one part entrepreneur, one part artist; he is made up of pieces of nerd and pieces of jock. He is a part time adventurer, but a full time dreamer; and he loves Negros Island with every single part and piece of his being. Oh he also has a cat in Baguio which he cares for very much.
Ash Mago started dabbling in photography around 2011 but it was only in 2013, after enrolling in commercial portraiture, fashion and wedding photography classes at the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging, when she began to seriously appreciate photography. A double-degree holder (Operations Management and Business Economics) from the University of St. La Salle where she graduated in 2012, Ash has chosen to pursue photography as a career.
Moimoi is a freelance artist making a name slowly for himself as a stylist and caricature artist. When his fun shoots started to gain attention and people started to commission him for their portfolio, he was both pleased and surprised at the same time. He never considered himself as a professional photographer but as a hobbyist. He never once thought to make money out of something he loved. He was once quoted saying, “It’s the Indian, not the arrow”.
elora lapore
PHOTOGRAPHY : WUV SAN FACE PAINT : GINOE OJOY GROOMING : JERALDINE REYES
NOTE Negros Occidental, or ‘Buglas’ during the precolonial era, has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The province has progresses exponentially on terms of infrastructure, technology, economy and most especially, ART. And in the City of Smiles, a quiescent industry is gradually taking the spotlight in the past years. The issue No. 2 of HUBIN Magazine directs its full spotlight to the growing fashion scene in Bacolod City. HUBIN also seeks to inspire young minds to make the city streets their ramp ans the world their stage to express art through passion for fashion. The succeeding pages will run down the elements that can set the Bacolod scene apart from any other fashion hub in the Philippines. Along with these elements are the photographs of this issue’s cover model who’s coincidentally named Buglas, a quite perfect representation of Negros Occidental and what it has to offer.
ECLECTIC With the internet at our fingertips, Bacolodnons are able to scoop up style inspirations from various sources and cultures. Bacolodnons are also well aware of their indigenous roots and local industries. We are able to churn out stellar style choices by marrying foreign aesthetics and inspirations with our distinct flavor and charisma. One of the best examples of eccentricity and ingenuity of Bacolodnons is our very own MassKara Festival, blending European influences with Filipino exuberance.
PHOTOGRAPHY : FAYE ABANTAO GLITCH ART : GINOE OJOY
PASSIONATE Bacolodnons are passionate for their art, and fashion is of no exception. We practice it religiously, utilizing it everyday. Style is incorporated in everything we do and presentation is always crucial. With our relentless drive for style, we managed to gradually build up fashion-focused events and establishments, further cementing our status as one of the upcoming fashion spots in the philippines.
PHOTOGRAPHY : FAYE ABANTAO
SUBLIME enough said.
PHOTOGRAPHY : BENCENT GOHING
moda strata
a look on Bacolod street fashion & style
by: roger mikaelo lamata http://thestreetmonk.blogspot.com
Bacolod City has always had that unique identity and a flavor all of its own that is dominantly reflected not only in its lifestyle but also in fashion. The city has been dubbed as one of the most laidback cities here in the Philippines. With its harmonious fuse of high and
low, it’s a striving metropolitan bursting with urbanize culture in a relaxed, rural backdrop. So it will not come as a surprise if the dynamic people who inhabit this amazing city reflect the same irony as well
BACOLOD STYLE IS ALIVE AND BURNING
Street fashion and style in Bacolod has evolved all throughout the years, and is especially evident in today’s youth. The “Bacolod Style” is an eclectic mix of international influences and local styles. Younger generations are starting to be front-runners in molding and shaping the city’s lax lifestyle, bringing energy and fire to rev up the passion of each and every one of us. I must admit, their enthusiasm in almost anything is so contagious they inspire me to do more out of my life. Although, despite the dynamic changes in fashion trends and the electrifying vigor of today’s generation there is one prevalent element that us Bacolodnons have in common. We all seem to channel that “La Boheme” type of characteristic - that effortless, slightly lazy yet stylishly chic or cool demeanor in the way we clothe ourselves make up the
genetics of how Bacolodnons express oneself through fashion. It seems here in Bacolod, no matter what season of the year it is, it’s always summer and upbeat. People dress up like their always on the go or at the beach even if “bikini” season has long passed. Don’t get me wrong, I have no qualms about it because I too, dress up like its summer all year round. I did some little research to validate my statement and somehow, I have gotten quite a number of responses to add weight on my word. I did interviews personally and over the internet, on random people who I think, in their own creative way showcase amazing sense of style. Majority of them described their style as laidback, comfy, and effortless yet in a way, functional and fashion forward.
BACOLOD STYLE IS ALIVE AND BURNING
For us, it has always been comfort over fashion, though style is never ever compromised. Over the years, I have observed that we dread dressingup for anything, especially on various occasions, even at work. You know, that polished, dressed-up look, complete with all things binding and uncomfortable like uptight ties, suits, corsets and panty hoses for women. We tend to flee from the thought of having to wear such excruciating pieces not because we’re devoid of elegance and sophistication but because we prefer to have the freedom of movement. It’s who we are. We’re a freespirited bunch, the kind that dances when we’re merry and drinks whenever we’re happy. I believe we’re like gypsies with degrees, breeding, and bank accounts. Our youth these days even take it a notch higher by making our laid-back style seem more appropriate and fashionable. Before when I was in college, our civilian day was during
Wednesdays and we look forward to it because it’s the day where we can strut in our most fashionable-looking outfits. But we were only allowed limited options to wear. Like me, I like wearing shorts all the time and I believe they are very chic and comfortable at the same time. But the school won’t allow us to wear shorts even if it’s worn appropriately. Last time I visited my alma mater, it was a Wednesday. Much to my surprise, I saw students strutting in colorful shorts in varying lengths and washes. I didn’t know if I should be jealous or proud of the school for being so fashionably open and flexible this time. But it felt good to see all the positive changes. If I had my way, I’ll wear shorts every day, even at work. This is one of the reasons why I love Bacolod; I can pull off wearing shorts practically anywhere.
BACOLOD STYLE IN INTERNATIONAL SETTINGS
I remembered when I was back in Dubai, my friends asked me to go clubbing with them and I came wearing a vintage Rolling Stone t-shirt, cropped denim shorts and slip-ons. They said that the club had a strict dress code. We had to wear jeans or pants and stuff like that for us to get inside. So they drove me home, made me change into a more appropriate-looking ensemble and went back to the club. I had the worst time of my life. It was not the club‘s or my friends’ fault, it was mine. I forgot about the dress code because here in Bacolod there is no such thing as dress code as long as you’re decent-looking and not wearing slippers in the club or casino. We loathe having to really dress-up because somehow, we feel like it’ll only slow us down and hinder us from doing
the things we intend to do or express. The way we dress up speaks highly of who we are. As a community, we work hard to strive as a budding city; we want diversity and flexibility; we conform in a way that is comfortable to us and we show our passion through our freedom of expression. As an individual, though we’re bound by our respective principles, we are still uninhibited. We want to be more fluid and free from the norms that binds us. Having a laid-back yet stylish fashion sense is our way of telling the world that we may seem to look like we care less on what we put on our backs but we definitely do and we do it with flare – Bacolod City style.
BACOLOD STYLE, A GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S NEXT TO COME
I can see a bright future ahead. With the city on its way to metropolitan status, it won’t be long for us to kick start our artistic endeavors and bring it a notch higher. I have already seen a lot of thriving young fashion designers, fashion bloggers, graphic designers, models, fabulous entrepreneurs and talented writers and directors. They hold the key
to our success in the art and fashion scene. No doubt, soon, we’ll be hosting our very own fashion week and not just a fashion night; or maybe a week-long art festival? That sounds quite endearing. The choices are endless. From where I stand, I’d say we have nowhere else to go but to move forward. And I’m so proud of what we all have achieved.
werqin’ the streets Here’s what Stylish Bacolodnons have to say about their style.
“I go for classic vintage. “ - Abby
“I’m witty & OC in almost everything.” - Miguel
“I like it free & fresh. I love being an escapist in dressing up.” – Rose Ann
“I always wear confidence whenever I pick an outfit. I stay fun and a little daring at times but mostly laid back.” Clarisse
“It’s comfort over style. I’d like to describe my style as your average guy next door.” - Keene
“I’m always lazy to dress up. So my wardrobe is full of effortless/ lazy but cute pieces. I wear simple pieces and just make up with my hair. My hair is my favorite accessory.” Muni
“My style is on nontraditionalist but still within the context of formality.” Steve
“Sweet but comfy enough to kick some ass!” - Jean
“Spontaneous & unpredictable” - Pierre Alf Goza
“My secret to styling is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.” - Xian
i n
f o c u s
DIAMONDS in the rough ART DIRECTION : GINOE OJOY HMU : JERALDINE REYES STYLING+ACCESORIES : KYM CHESNEY SHOOT MANAGER : REMUS ABELLA
BG : FAYE ABANTAO
The debut collection of Kym Chesney entitled “Wicked Glamour” takes on the gritty streets of bacolod city central market.
PHOTOGRAPHY : FAYE ABANTAO
PHOTOGRAPHY : QUOSYNE SAN MIGUEL
PHOTOGRAPHY : JERALDINE REYES MODEL : JUSTINE GUMACAL
PHOTOGRAPHY : QUOSYNE SAN MIGUEL MODEL : JUSTINE GUMACAL
PHOTOGRAPHY : QUOSYNE SAN MIGUEL MODEL : AGIE PABLITO
PHOTOGRAPHY : QUOSYNE SAN MIGUEL MODEL : AGIE PABLITO
photography : bencent gohing hmua + styling : nickXthea model : zahara nica ojoy location : kikai beach
Rhapsody in
onyx Nick Villar & Thea Manayon of nickXthea reveal the darker, sexier aspects of a woman transcending through various sceneries.
art direction : ginoe ojoy photography : bencent gohing hmua + styling : jeraldine reyes model : alexandria mesias location : lccb clinic
delicate insanity garments from The Asylum collection of Kat Padilla Atelier will haunt you with their fragility and association to all things crazy.
photography : faye abantao
photography : faye abantao
photography : bencent gohing
photography : bencent gohing
photography : bencent gohing
photography : faye abantao
photography : faye abantao
bg : bencent gohing hmua + styling : chino ledesma model : karla marie java location : ionic columns | lupit church
fabrics of
medea Chino Ledesma’s “Skin and Lace” collection gives off an aura comparable to Greek Royalty when juxtaposed to the ionic columns near Lupit Church.
photography : quosyne san miguel
photography : faye abantao
photography : faye abantao
photography : faye abantao
photography : bencent gohing
photography : faye abantao
THE AGE OF
FOLIAGE steve genzola’s summer collection tackles floral prints + solid colors resulting into a new kind of fresh and masculine sophistication.
art direction : ginoe ojoy hmua + styling : jeraldine reyes shoot manager : kira alunan
photography : faye abantao model : jarreth scott libo-on
photography : quosyne san miguel model : cyril hofilena
photography : faye abantao model : cyril hofilena
photography : quosyne san miguel model : andy serrano
photography : faye abantao model : jarreth scott libo-on
photography : bencent gohing model : jarreth scott libo-on
LITTLE MISS
sunshine the amber tones of the setting sun illuminates Heavenly Love San miguel’s Golden Midnight collection. bg : faye abantao model + hmua : jeraldine reyes styling : remus pediengco location : bacolod reclamation area
photography : faye abantao
photography : faye abantao
photography : faye abantao
photography : quosyne san miguel
photography : faye abantao
her nam e is
ANDIE
HUBIN interviewed a young and talented Bacolodnon who’s making waves in the Philippine Fashion Scene. She is a 21-yearold Fashion Design Graduate, artist, photographer & stylist to the stars. Her name is Andie Yulo Javelosa and she is HUBIN.
Plaid Top | Stradivarius Leather Skirt | Zara Heels | Zara Bag | Forever 21 Sunglasses | Rayban
http://hernameisandie.tumblr.com
Knit Top | Stradivarius Woven Skort | Stradivarius Heels | Forever 21 Necklace | Stradivarius
HUBIN : You started to sketch fashion illustrations at age 13, what inspired your first few sketches? ANDIE : Barbie; I loved Barbie too much that I would do illustrations by copying her gowns on paper. The vintage/ collector’s items that I saw in catalogues were the ones I drew; they were just so pretty and princesslike, naturally I grew very fond of them because I was a young
girl who loved flowers and pink. I began sketching from my own mind two years later, when my friends in St. Scho and I had this imaginary story book of ourselves as characters with different personalities- it was exciting to illustrate the glamorous girl, the emo kid, the sporty chic , the preppy one, the girly girl‌ etc ! etc! My sketches seemed like the bomb then, now they just look like
stick figures. haha H : Have you always considered pursuing fashion as a career? A : Not quite. I wanted to be a vet, or be into Culinary. Even in the middle of studying Fashion Design, I just wanted to be a photographer and write about Music & Local Bands that I even managed a few artists for a while.
B.NIU Cropped Top & Pencil Skirt Forever 21 Heels
photo by: Zoe Laurente
H : What gives you the drive to do what you are doing? A : I just love what I do; there’s no secret to it. H : What aspects of your career do you revile the most? A : It’s the constant need to keep up with this fast paced life-as much as I don’t want to, I still have to. H : How do you describe your personal style? A : Minimal with an edge. Feminine but not girly. I love clean basic pieces; I’d rather wear a white V Neck Shirt and Skinny Jeans to a party than wear a peplum skirt and a tube top. H : Who / what are your influences in your craft? A : I love Aimee Song, she’s my ultimate fashion icon. (songofstyle.blogspot.com)
Photo by Liz Dumdum, The Style Diplomat on http://lizdumdum.com
H : The fashion world is growing immensely competitive as we speak; what do you think makes you stand out? A : I’m most thankful to be working very close with Liz Uy. It definitely gives me a platform among all others although I don’t really try to stand out, but I do know that I am different because I just am -and that’s enough for me now. H : You are a fashion design graduate. Did you ever, maybe once or twice in your life have a fashion mishap? A : ALL THE TIME. I don’t think I have ever looked 100% perfect anytime. The most recent was during my Tita’s wedding in Tagaytay, I brought my Suit Dress, but totally forgot my heels, my make-up, my accessories and clutch back in Manila. I had to make do with wearing my sandals for the entire night, good thing I killed it- or atleast I think I did. Haha H : what are the most memorable moment(s) of your fashion career so far? A : I definitely won’t forget the crazy projects we did in CSB, such as making a dress out of metal
with moving compartments and using industrial machines! That was insane but our graduation fashion show will still be the most memorable though, nothing compares to that big breath of accomplishment. It felt so good afterwards, like I won an Oscar. The recent ones I’ll remember are how it feels to see a part of my hard work on Billboards along EDSA or commercials on ABS-CBN and most especially reading my name printed on magazines for contributing to the cover shoot. I’m glad I’ve sort of accomplished something like that at this age. H : What would be your top 5 fashion must haves during the course summer 2014? A : A pair of Sunnies by Charlie, tattered denim shorts, a minimal but stylish one-piece swimsuit, one-strap sandals and a white V Neck shirt. H : How will you take over the world? A : I don’t really plan on taking over the world, yet. For now, I’m still in the process of conquering myself for a start.
To the youth who are eyeing a career in the fashion world, know where you stand to begin with. Just because you think fashion is fun or you love clothes and “fashion” is not definitely enough of a reason why you should pursue a career in that field; those are just the shallow surfaces. There’s a difference between if you are really passionate about it or if you just like it. For those who are certain and decided; everything will just fall into place- with added hard work and sincere drive of course. -Andie Yulo Javelosa
Photo by: Liz Dumdum The Style Diplomat
SCHOLASTIC STYLE students from some of the colleges & universities in bacolod flaunt their sense of style during their civilian day.
university of negros occidental-recoletos photographed by maye katherine ilalto
Joland Abraham, 22 BS MassCom
Rydross John Viva, 19 BS Psychology
Danielle Keith Balceda 20 BS MassCom
Christian Alfred Young, 18 BS Mechanical Engineering
Paula May Sayon, 17 BS MassCom
Laurice Dagcutan 22 BS Medical Technology
la conslacion college bacolod photographed by bencent gohing angeline san miguel
Kaka Sy, 22 BFA-DMA
Erika Mayo, 20 BFA-ADV
Botbot Reyes, 19 BFA-DMA
Carl Anthony Gonzaga, 18 BS Architecture
Emil Pajares, 18 BFA-ADV
Jude Villadolid, 19 BS Interior Design
Schyller Kira Alunan, 19 BFA ADV
Lexi Locsin 21 BFA-ADV
Mel Libarnes 18 BFA-ADV
remus pediengco, 23, Culinary Arts
Germund Jake Villacastin, 18 BS Architecture
Samantha Trance 19 BFA-ADV
riverside college photographed by rose ann quebrado
Jay-r Escala, 20, BS MedTech
John Guarino, 18, BS Psychology
Kisjha Erodias, 18, BS Pharmacy
Lorraine Rojas, 17, BS Psychology
Krisnell Acot, 17, BS Physical Therapy
Lyra Lyn Vergara, 18, BS Physical Therapy
Anthony Caratay, 17, BS Physical Therapy
Aaron Doubouzet, 17, BS Physical Therapy
Rienzi Encarnacion, 18, BS Physical therapy
Aubrey Dusaran, 17, BS Physical Therapy
colegio san agustin bacolod photographed by reegin acosta
Alex bravo, 18, BMLS
Antoinette P. Tangente, 19, BMLS
Sembellir Villaestiva,19, BSTM
Bhea anne de sales, 19, bstm
Louise Lian Enumerable, 17, BSTM
Lexi Dosono, 18, BMLS
Cate antonette pirote, 19, BSHM
Krizza Nil Rose Alba, 19, bmls
Kristhyl Ann G. Ulgasan, 18, BMLS
JODILLY! jodilly pendre of asia’s next top model photography
hmua
ash mago
styling pol tapia melu jean apostol & guillano valenzuela designers noel crisostomo roland alzate ronaldo arnaldo
arrianah
SHARDS photography/styling : moimoi de asis models & grooming : aikara eri & ryo tupas shoot assistant : el wah
we are all sheep We think our sheep herders will bring us to safety but it’s the slaughterhouse for every one of us because we are weak, we are powerless and we are just vessels of meat for the hungry wolves waiting for the kill. We don’t have to take this shit. We don’t want to be in this pre-destined fiasco. We are the wolves united for the hunt. Very few as we may be in this failure of a world, we will tear down the weak and feed on their entrails to nourish our sense of enlightenment in this wretched system that castrates our attachment to freedom. We are the shards unswept from the murder scene, taken for granted and deemed as rubbish but once we gather into a travesty of a picture we will prevail and be remembered as the villains who wanted to destroy liberty.
-ryo tupas
++++++++
on eri : top|the surplus shop; skirt|brandless; stockings bought online; boots|doc martens; mask & accessories|diy’d
on ryo : jacket|the surplus shop; top|giordano; slacks|onesimus; boots|doc martens; mask|diy’d; sunnies|brandless
+
L O V E L Y
B O N E S hypemonster.ph by hannah tan photographed by andie javelosa make-up by make-up doc accessories by paul jatayna (OS)
#BTS
Patrick James Juplo captures what lies beyond the polished picutres of photoshoots -- candid moments before facing the shutter.
AltaCostura m m x i v by elora lapore
Alta Costura is an annual culminating activity for the students in Fashion and Costume Design of La Consolacion College – Bacolod : School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Interior Design. This competition and fashion presentation is a continuing search for the most creative and talented student designers in the art of costume and headdress design. This year’s Alta Costura was headed by Mr. Bamboo Tonogbanua, a renowned artist, costume designer and alumni of ARFIEN. He is famous for his Christmas Village here in Bacolod City.
After months of preparation, the designers had to face the inevitable – the day of the competition. Alta Costura 2014 was held at Robinson’s Place Bacolod on February 22, 2014. The program started around 4:00pm and was hosted by Mr. Rodjhun Navarro. The opening remarks were given by the Fine Arts Program Head, Dr. Antonio Tejado, Ph.D. Following the introduction of the judges and a few acknowledgements, the competition finally began with the first category – Muslim Avengers. Inspired by the cultural richness, colors and wares of this Filipino regional group, these hard edged Transformers are visually stunning as images and motifs related to vintas, agongs, sari manok, kris and ikat come to life in futuristic android heroes armors to fight the Western Avengers. Contestants were Faye Aleya Abantao, Jofel Gamuyao, Gian Carlo Yambot and Paul Angelo Labrador.
Next category was the Jammin’ de Saya sa Semana Santa. Attire inspired from the pages of Noli and Fili, all jammed-up, dugin and extremely steampunked and painted with religious icons as an art to wear. Competed by Paula Romaine Ongsuco, Schyller Kira Alunan and Mariko Hama. The third category to stride the ramp was Starry Trashy Android Knights. It’s the future fantastically featured in this fabulous fusion of fact and fiction fashion feast. Fun and feverishly fiery, designers frame their focus to this fully freaky recycled trash and frocks form flimflam flux Android Knights. Designers were Elora May Lapore, Therese Samantha Trance and Mariz Eloisa Hechanova. Second to the last category was AswangAwoo! Philippine Folklore and mythology are full of bizarre characters which triggered the folks with hallucinating fantasy. Manananggal, Kapri, Tikbalang relived. This category is a fusion of nightmare and fashion which scared the audience out of their seats . Creators were Albert Ian Lapuz, Rolando Ganchoon and Philip Muleta. And lastly, the traditional category – Kasal de Papel. A fitting climax, of course. Elegant, sophisticated and timeless brides, all dressed in paper whites of Japanese tissues, tracing and crepe papers, even to the bouquets and veil for pizzazz and panache. Designers were John Kevin Cauntoy, Armin Christopher Abello, Carolyn Perez and Tessie Desuyo.
It was difficult for the judges for in fact everybody had already won for their time and efforts but eventually they’ve chosen the winners for in every competition there should only be one. The places of the winners are as follows: Muslim Avengers: 1st Place – Faye AleyaAbantao 2nd Place – JofelGamuyao 3rd Place – Gian Carlo Yambot Special Prize – Paul Angelo Labrador
Jammin’ de SayasaSemana Santa 1st Place – Paula Romaine Ongsuco 2nd Place – SchyllerKiraAlunan 3rd Place – Mariko Hama Starry Trashy Android Knights 1st Place – Mariz Eloisa Hechanova 2nd Place – Elora May Lapore and Theres Samantha Trance AswangAwoo! 1st Place – Albert Ian Lapuz 2nd Place – Rolando Ganchoon 3rd Place – Philip Muleta Kasal de Papel 1st Place – Carolyn Perez 2nd Place – Armin Christopher Abello 3rd Place – TessieDesuyo Special Prize – John Kevin Cauntoy Special Awards: Best Costume Designer and Best Headdress Design: Schyller Kira Alunan Most Promising Student Designer: Paula Romaine Ongsuco Best Model: Dominique Abayon (of Elora May Lapore)
MARIZ model + hmua : mariz javellana concept/photography : moimoi de asis
model : tia lacson photography : anne acaso
Sparks Shadows and
flora+persona intimate photographs by Patrick James Antonio Juplo depicting harmony and oneness between man and nature.
inhale
exhale
kikai beach, silay city
The Secrets of My Home words and photographs by andreo resurreccion bongco
Where is home? Home can be many places, can mean many things and is called by many names. It is ambiguous and fluid, shaping itself to fit the definition of the person who calls it by its name. To most, home may be a nice tidy house tucked away in a quiet subdivision. To many, home is a lofty condominium over-looking the vast city sky line. To me, home is the fields. Home is the sugarcane, and dazzling yellow sunsets, and mountains and rivers, and farmers with their beasts of burden in tow. Home is a lush green landscape filled with a patchwork of brown and green fields as seen from above. Home is a city of smiles, a festival of masks, a place where everyone knows everyone and a land where life is sweet. Home is Negros. Home is Bacolod. Home is where my heart is. Can a Home Have a Secret? Every home has a secret, something they keep away from prying eyes. Something hidden under cupboards, or stacked away in trunks tightly locked. Though some of these secrets may be dark and horrid, most are simply treasures. Treasures that the owners would steal away from humanity, hiding them from eyes and hands that may seek to besmirch the saintliness of the thing. My home has many of these secrets‌ but it is not selfish. It does not care to hide these secrets, rather it shares them on one condition. You must seek; only then you shall find. Bacolod is beautiful. Negros is divine. We are lucky spirits to have been so readily summoned into paradise. Though many may contest this statement, it is true. We need only stray from the beaten path to find the gems that our home has hidden from us. Like a newborn fresh from the womb, we must open our eyes and allow our feet to take us where they will for it is not the destination, but the journey that is our reward.
The Secrets Our home holds many secrets, and I honestly believe that these were meant to be shared rather than kept. Although I know that I have only scratched the surface of this treasure trove, let me share with you a few of what I know. We begin close to home, with what we most commonly over-look.
“Ships come and go as sunset envelopes the BREDCO port.�
bredco port bacolod city Who would have thought that this bustling port by day could transform into a playground for the daring come twilight and evening? Aside from playing host to beautiful sunsets and serene boat watchers, the BREDCO Port in Bacolod offers explorers the right mix of adventure and seclusion. With a lot of deserted places to scamper off to, one can easily get lost in his own little world whether it be having a few drinks from the back of a pickup truck with some friends to spending a moment alone with a few people. Be warned though, you can get your adrenaline pumping at a moment’s notice with the number of reported muggers or vandals that roam the shadowy parts of the port.
“Farmers and their carabaos form a tidy line as they plow the fields of Talisay City.�
fields of talisay
Another sight we tend to simply give a quick pass-over are the fields of Talisay. The landscapes just five minutes from the north of Bacolod are mostly over-looked as simple ‘fields beside the highway’. Although many of us may not spare a second glance at these green pastures, at times all it takes is for someone to stop and open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them.
the ruins at night, talisay Though many of us have visited this majestic structure by day, I truly believe that people have to see this beauty at night. During the evening hours, this ‘Taj Mahal of Negros’ literraly glows with golden light. With sweet classical music playing in the background and people strolling about hand in hand, this sugar baron’s mansion truly makes for a romantic setting under the cover of the night.
“The famous Ruins in Talisay City take on a different glow at night”.
shoreline of talisay Contrary to what most people believe, Talisay does have a beautiful coastline that’s filled with mangroves and fish pens. The only problem is gaining access to it. One secret I’ve learned here is to ask, and you shall receive. As I was driving by the road next to the shore, I was constantly on the look out for an unfenced portion of the land where I could get a clear view of the shore. I chanced upon the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM) Retreat House in Miramar Subdivision. Knowing it was private land, but seeing that it had an unimpeeded view of the shore, I quickly dashed into the retreat house’s administration office and asked them if I could take a picture from their beautiful garden facing the sea. They happily agreed and I was able to experience a sunset without obstructions.
“Fishermen in Talisay take in a fresh catch of shrimp which they will use for dinner as the sun sets behind them.�
“Children play by the shore and enjoy a lazy summer sunset among the ruins of the Old Port of Silay.”
Probably one of Silay’s best kept secrets, the Old Port of Silay or pantalan in the local dialect was once the longest wharf in Asia. This grand structure can be seen stretching out into the horizon from a little known barangay called Mambulac which is a five minute drive from the city center. The old port was once the gateway for international commerce into Negros Occidental. Its 1.7 kilometer wharf allowing large galleons to dock off of the so called ‘Paris of Negros’ and bring in foreign performers & imported goods to Silay which was considered to be the hub of art and culture in Negros at that time.
old port of silay
Now, the ruins of the old port stand as an eternal reminder of a blissful yet by-gone era. Luckily, these local kids still make use of the old port as a place for them to play, fly kites and fish during the idle summer months. A little warning though, the streets leading to the beachfront of the old port are a bit narrow, muddy and sometimes filled with trash. But aside from that, the locals are very friendly and are used to local adventurers who want to spend a moment in awe in front of this landmark.
“The mighty inlets of the Bago River rush and swirl past hardy adventurers who strike a pose for the camera.�
bago river Yes, we may have all seen the Bago River from a passing car, or from atop an over looking bridge, but have we actually tried diving into it to experience its true power? The Bago River starts a little ways down south of Bacolod and flows into many inlets and streams which find their way all over Negros. Some of these inlets (like the one pictured here) are hidden away in quiet stretches of land where a picnic by the cool river-side and hopping from rock to rock will keep many an explorer entertained for an afternoon.
valladolid sunsets
“A dazzling sunset ends the day over the municipality of Valladolid where sea shore scenes such as these are bountiful especially when overlooking the Guimaras Strait.”
A nice secret located a little bit down south is in the municipality of Valladolid. Valladolid is a quiet sea side town fronting the Guimaras Strait. Aside from being the ‘rice granary’ of Negros with the majority of lands dedicated to rice production, this little town offers some of the best views of the sunset for those willing to take a short 40 minute drive from Bacolod to their tidy little boulevard aptly called ‘Sunset Boulevard’.
One of the secrets that almost everybody in Bacolod knows about are the pristine white sand beaches of Sipalay City in Negros Occidental. These beaches are a far cry from the overly commercialized ‘sandbars’ that other provinces tout. The key here is preservation and conservation which the government of Sipalay and neighboring municipalities seem so apt to uphold. Throw in the many staunch defenders of marine conservation like the good people over at the Danjugan Island Sanctuary, and you’ve got yourself a paradise protected by angels. In this picture, you can see the little bumps of Turtle Island in the right hand side of the background which is another untouched little island to explore. At a 4 hour ride from Bacolod City, the beaches of Sipalay are a lengthy yet worthwile adventure to undertake.
“Sun sets over paradise in Sipalay, Negros Occidental.�
beaches of sipalay
The Foothills of Alangilan and Granada
At a 20 minute drive east from Bacolod City, the foothills and fields of Alangilan and Granada offer explorers a cooler climate to tread in. Popular with mountain bikers for its off road trails, these barangays in the foothills of Negros also play host to horse ranches and farm resorts and most recently the newly opened Campuestohan Highland Resort. But aside from these activities, I personally enjoy chasing sun sets and moon rises from these hills with the Mt. Mandalagan mountain range as my back drop.
“The moon rises over the sugarcane fields of Alangilan in Negros Occidental.�
“As if in salute of a hard day’s work, the sun sends one last fiery shaft of light towards the fields of Granada before disappearing under the horizon.”
Don
“Late afternoon sunlight transforms a field of sugarcane into a golden carpet as the mountains of Don Salvador Benedicto stand tall in the background.”
Salvador Benedicto
Probably one of my favorite secrets are the mountains of Don Salvador Benedicto. On many an afternoon, I find myself on a winding road up to the ‘Little Baguio’ of Negros in search of rolling landscapes and sunsets over the mountains.
I find it quite satisfying that our home literally has a mountain in its backyard. At 45 minutes from the east of Bacolod, the road to DSB (as many people like to call it) is sparesely traversed by commercial vehicles and is more acquainted with mountain bikers, long boarders (heading downhill of course) and family cars all seeking to escape the heat of the lowlands.
“Numerous ridges and valleys add beautiful contours to the land in Don Salvador Benedicto.�
Slowly but surely, the mystique of DSB is being unravelled. Recently, there has been a feverish rush to occupy the remaning residential land on this mountain. Huge vacation houses and recreational facilities have seemingly sprouted up from the ground and now dot the mountainside. Although developing, there is still much to be disovered on this verdant mountain. It is my only hope that we remember that with much development must also come much conservation.
“The Malatan-og Falls of Don Salvador Benedicto spew a continuous stream of water downward to a tucked away pool. These falls can be reached via a steep 45 minute hike from the side of the mountain.�
“Mystery shrouds the mountains of Don Salvador Benedicto at twilight.�
It is my greatest joy to end my days among the wonders of the land. There is a different kind of satisfaction you receive when you lose yourself to adventure & exploration. Sometimes, the thrill really is in the fact that there is no road, except for the one that you make yourself.
Unfortunately enough, my secrets must come to an end for now. There are many more riddles of the land to solve and much more mysteries to unearth. If this writing has hopefully inspired one of you out there to seek the thrill of the chase, I beseech you to embrace it with all your heart. It doesn’t matter where you go or what you see, you must remember that the most important thing to do is get going. Get out there are create your own secrets‌ just remember to share them with me.
No.3 music issue
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photo by Moimoi